A Word of Encouragement

November 25, 2025

FA157 - Fishing Break

Grace, Hope & Peace, Friend;

Exodus chapters 20-23 contain the law that God gave to Moses for the Children of Israel before they entered to land He had promised to Abraham. It begins with what we know as "The ten commandments" as well as numerous rules on how we are to treat each other.

In the last section, God said, "I am going to send an angel before you to guard you along the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared." Then He warned them to listen to and obey the angel's instructions because he was representing God. And, if they obey, God said, "I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries." (Exodus 23:20-22)

Then God gave a warning that still applies to us today:

You shall not worship their gods, nor serve them, nor do according to their deeds You shall serve the Lord your God If you serve their gods, it is certain to be a snare to you.
	Exodus 23:24ab, 25, & 33cd

"Don't get wrapped up in what the world is chasing after; it will draw you away from God."

Does it sometimes look like the world - as it chases after pleasure - seems to be enjoying life more than what God has planned for you? (Jeremiah 29:11) Psalm 37 addresses that illusion:

Do not get upset because of evildoers, do not be envious of wrongdoers. For they will wither quickly like the grass, and decay like the green plants.
	Psalm 37:1-2

Instead, David continues,

Trust in the Lord and do good; Live in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it. He will bring out your righteousness as the light, and your judgment as the noonday.
	Psalm 37:1-2

Focus on God's plans for YOU.

HaShem my Madrikh - Lord my Guide - Help me do what You have prepared for me to do.

The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in time of trouble. The Lord helps them and rescues them; He rescues them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in Him.
	Psalm 37:39-40

Rest secure in God,