By Faith.

Hebrews 11:24 By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin,

I've been reading Hebrews during my morning quiet times this week. I've always thought Hebrews 11, aka "the hall of faith" has been neat. Today though, I was really struck by Hebrews 11:24 & 25.

For those of you that dont know the story of Moses. He was a Hebrew baby boy destined to be killed by Egyptians. His mama put him in a basket down the nile and he ended up at the king's house, where his daughter picked him up, then his mama got to be his nurse (aka feed him until he was probably 3 or so) and then Pharoh's daughter raised him as her son. I have no doubt in my mind that while Moses mom got to still care for him while he was nursing, that she spoke truth to him. She told him about Yahuah and His people. When Moses got to a certain age, he fled Egypt for a time to the land of Midian. You can read the rest of the sweet story in Exodus.

Moses true heritage was the Hebrew people, and their God.The God of Abrahan, Issac, and Jacob. Moses was adopted into royalty. He was a prince. He probably never had to work a day in his life and could have anything he desired. He lived a life of luxury. That isnt what Yah calls His people to do though, and that isnt the destiny He had planned for Moses. He wants His people to live for Him. No matter what the cost. No matter what the call. He calls us to pick up our cross.

I think this verse particularly struck a chord with me this morning because last night me and my ladies studied temptation.

Its so easy to get caught up in the things of this world; gossip, fornication, drunkenness, adultery, anger, pornography, lust, stealing, jealousy, fill in temptation here ______________. The pleasure that comes from sin though is not true pleasure and it is definitely passing! Think about the consequences that come from sin. Loss of marriages, families, trust, dignity, self-respect, health, etc. Is it worth it?! Is that impulse to fulfill our sinful desires worth it for those few minutes, that hour, however long of "pleasure"? Its passing and it sucks.

If you dont think it does now, just wait until our King returns.

Will we choose as Yah's people to suffer affliction, to be different, to stand out, to not give in to what is easy, to not be of this world? Or will we choose the passing pleasure of sin?


1 John 2:15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

What are things that you have done by faith to stand up for our God?

The Stand

So this week a couple ladies started studying spiritual warfare.

I learned so much just from the first study on Wednesday morning (complete with pancake puffs- Jenny is not only a wise and great teacher, but so hospitable)

Anyway, I am not going to share everything I learned but here is something that definitely sticks out and others should be aware of:

Ephesians 6:10-14
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, [fn] against spiritual [hosts] of wickedness in the heavenly [places]. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

Notice the 4x he talks about standing. That's what we are called to do as warriors of our faith- stand. When the blows come, temptations knock, the doubt and discouragement try to camp out, the depression turns lifes sunny skies gray, the baby wears on your last nerve, whatever war you fight... stand in His strength. We're all fighting the war, sometimes it looks like we are all fighting different battles of pride, lust, lies, lonliness, heartbreak, and suffering. We may be in different battles at different times, but as believers we are fighting the same war. I dont know why I am just starting to see it that way... every day as a disciple is an April Fool's day. Every day the enemy is looking to trick us, steal from us, destroy us, and take our lives. He may win some battles... but he must forget who has won the war. Stand strong brothers and sisters. Fight for your faith, fight for your Father, fight for forever with Him.

When you think about words to describe one sinning... what are some that come to mind?
backsliding, trapped, falling, wavering, etc- all the opposite of standing firm, having balanced footing.
I wrote about being balanced last time... apparently I need to be in way more ways than I realized.

I got a forward this week that said:
Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning the devil says, "OH CRAP, SHE'S UP"

cause we're gonna put on His armor
We wear His seal. Wear it proud.
We wear a breastplate of righteousness, we carry a shield of faith to dart the arrows of the wicked one, we are held up by truth, we are prepared with the gospel, our heads are covered by helmets of salvation, and last but not least... we've got swords. We carry the sword of the Spirit. We've got the word.


A- Recognize attacks from satan for what they are and stand firm. Are there areas that you know you struggle with, where you lose your balance, where you get caught even?
R- Where has your footing slid in the past? Do certain things/people/etc try and trap you? Are you willing to stand firm for everything you believe in?
M- Ephesians 6:10-14

The Stand- Hillsong
You stood before creation
Eternity within Your hand
You spoke the earth into motion
My soul now to stand

You stood before my failure
Carried the Cross for my shame
My sin weighed upon Your shoulders
My soul now to stand

So what can I say
What can I do
But offer this heart O God
Completely to You

So I'll walk upon salvation
Your Spirit alive in me
This life to declare Your promise
My soul now to stand

So what can I say
What can I do
But offer this heart O God
Completely to You

So I’ll stand
With arms high and heart abandoned
In awe of the One who gave it all

So I’ll stand
My soul Lord to You surrendered
All I am is Yours