Hard Hearts
Read This Week: Exodus 9
Then Moses left Pharaoh and went out of the city. He spread out his hands toward the Lord; the thunder and hail stopped, and the rain no longer poured down on the land. When Pharaoh saw that the rain and hail and thunder had stopped, he sinned again: He and his officials hardened their hearts. So Pharaoh’s heart was hard and he would not let the Israelites go, just as the Lord had said through Moses. – Exodus 9:33-35 NIV
Exodus 9 continues the account of the plagues afflicting Egypt as God seeks to convince Pharaoh to release the Israelites from slavery. In this chapter, we witness the fifth and sixth plagues: the plague of the livestock and the plague of boils. At this juncture, it appears that nothing will sway him to end the oppression of God’s people. His heart seems so hardened by his ego and resistance to any authority apart from himself.
Yet, Exodus continues to reveal the theme of God’s sovereignty. The plagues are not haphazard; they are purposeful demonstrations of divine power over the natural and supernatural realms and figures. Each plague is a profound testament to the one true God’s authority over all creation, invoking a sense of awe and reverence that causes us to worship Him.
In verses 1-7, God announces that all Egyptian livestock will be struck with severe pestilence, but the Israelites’ animals will be spared. This plague is a direct attack on Egypt’s economy and agricultural base, emphasizing the power of God over the gods of the Egyptians, particularly Hathor, the goddess of fertility and protector of cattle. Then, in the following five verses, Moses and Aaron are instructed to take soot from a furnace and scatter it into the air. This soot turns into fine dust that causes painful boils to break out on the people and animals. This plague targets the health and hygiene of the Egyptians, further demonstrating God’s supremacy over their deities and conditions.
Pharaoh’s response to these plagues is significant. He and his officials continue to have hard hearts. Despite the devastation, he remains stubborn and refuses to let the Israelites go, although he starts to crack. He begins to show signs of distress, inconsistency, and mental fatigue. Despite witnessing these miracles and suffering, Pharaoh’s unbelievable obstinacy shows how difficult it is to overcome the depth of human pride and resistance to God. We all would like to believe that we are not capable of this type of disobedience, but we have to be mindful that our brokenness in the flesh is
In our study, we keep seeing that suffering is part of a larger narrative in the story of God and man. In our lives, adversity can bring about growth and transformation that reflect and cause us to reconsider our values and actions. It pushes us toward the heart of Father God and to the guidance of the Holy Spirit when we reach the limits of our capacity. But it shouldn’t take that long. We should avoid behaving like Pharoah and not harden our hearts during times of trial but be humble and submissive to what the Lord wants to teach us.
Pharaoh’s hardened heart demonstrates the impact of personal choices on the broader community. Just as his decisions led to widespread suffering, our choices can influence our lives and those around us. We don’t live in a vacuum, and the outflow of our hearts, whether hardened or open, can affect more than we think. That is why it is essential for us to be pliable and receptive to God’s leading in our behavior and decisions.
Whether viewed through a theological lens or a practical one, the story of Exodus 9 challenges us to consider the conditions of our hearts at all times and how we align our lives with biblical principles. To protect our hearts from the hardening that can happen from our struggles, frustrations, and issues this world brings. Proverbs 4:23 tells us to guard our hearts because from it, flows the wellsprings of life and we would be prudent to follow that wisdom.
Exodus Chapter 9 Verse 27
And Pharaoh sent for Moses and Aaron, and said to them, I have sinned this time; the Lord is in the right and I and my people are in the wrong.
Exodus Chapter 9 Verse 34
But when Pharaoh saw that the rain, the hail, and the thunder had ceased, he sinned yet more, and toughened and stiffened his heart, he and his servants.
~The Battle Is Won~
God Is Saying To Me:
My child, always remember that you are accountable to me, you’re thinking, your actions and your commitment to me is extremely important. I have called you for my own good pleasure. Don’t ever forget that! Serving me with your whole heart leaves no room for sin. You must worship me above all things because not doing so leaves you in darkness. I have called you to be a beacon of hope, a beacon of light and a beacon of life above all other sinners.
What This Means To Me:
1. God has set us apart from the darkness to represent the Kingdom for Him. It’s up to us to stay the course, spreading the word of salvation to others.
2. We can’t escape or be excused from sin. We serve and awesome God that is sovereign and righteous. He is the King of Kings and no other creature or object is greater. Sin has been conquered for us all.
3. Allowing perils of the world interfere with our walk with Father God causes sin. Repentance is key to correct our wrongs and return to the path of light. We must seek forgiveness with humility.
4. Just like the Egyptians are judged, we too are judged. May we always remember the grace and mercy of God set before us and strive to be great warriors in the battle against sin! ❤️
Exodus 9:27 Then Pharaoh sent for Moses and Aaron, and said to them, “I have sinned this time; the Lord is righteous, and I and my people are wicked. 28 Pray and entreat the Lord, for there has been enough of God’s [c]thunder and hail; I will let you go, and you shall stay here no longer.” 29 Moses said to him, “As soon as I leave the city, I will stretch out my hands to the Lord; the thunder will cease and there will be no more hail, so that you may know [without any doubt] and acknowledge that the earth is the Lord’s. 30 But as for you and your servants, I know that you do not yet fear the Lord God.”
Moses prayed for pharoah And the people.
Even when we may discern that someone isn’t listening and doesn’t have the fear of the Lord in their heart
It’s so important that we pray for people even when they don’t want to listen or it looks like they want to, and then they don’t.
Moses was on a journey with God. I don’t know how Moses felt, but I do know in my own life. It can be difficult to help someone that doesn’t want to listen to God through you. All we can do is to keep praying and growing in our walk with God, get stronger through what we’re going through and keep praying and doing as the Lord leads you in your situations and trust him and have hope.
The purpose of trials is for growth, repentance,
Reliance on God, knowing who he is, and what he can do, and knowing he is with you and wants to teach you what to do, and what to say to help someone in a difficult situation.
God is saying, I do know everything, I know who will respond to my love and who will not. Your job is to listen and then do as I say always remember that I’m always working you may not see it, but do you know I am with you and I want Good to come out of every situation because that’s my heart. .
What this means to me is in my walk with God if he brings me to a situation, even though it is difficult, it is up to me to see what God is doing through it listen and share what he puts on my heart. If the person doesn’t listen to God through me that’s between them and God unless he asks me to share more than it’s up to me to do it even though it may seem like they’re not going to listen, in the end, all we can do is hope that they will have a change of heart and do what God wants them to do because it’s gonna be good for them and the people around them
.
Thank You God that you are in control you know what’s happening
Please give us the strength to go through these situations with you and hopefully we can walk in peace and have joy in our hearts and be a blessing to those around us❤️
Have you ever wondered why some people respond to God and enjoy a life with Him, while others do not? Is it that they don’t know God, or are they truly rejecting Him—ignoring His presence and refusing to connect? Are they incapable of knowing God, or is it a matter of selfishness, preferring to do whatever they please, fearing that a life with God would restrict their desires?
In Romans 1:20-21, God gives us insight:
*”For ever since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through His workmanship [all His creation, the wonderful things that He has made], so that they [who fail to believe and trust in Him] are without excuse and without defense. For even though they knew God [as the Creator], they did not honor Him as God or give thanks [for His wondrous creation]. On the contrary, they became worthless in their thinking [godless, with pointless reasonings, and silly speculations], and their foolish heart was darkened.”* (Romans 1:20-21 AMP)
As for me, I longed to know the Creator and understand why I was created. Did He have plans for me? I sought answers, and for that, I am deeply grateful. Without that desire, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I often wonder if some people simply lack interest in our Creator.
1. God makes Himself known to everyone.
2. Some people care about the Creator, while others do not.
3. Those who respond properly to God’s call of love will be saved; those who do not, will not.
Father God is right here always
Sometimes we may not see it, but He is working because God loves us, He cares for us.
He is the light in the darkness. The Truth.
He is turning lives around for those who want that in their hearts.
Let’s keep praying and speaking the truth
Because Jesus is the only!
If you believe that tell Him you believe and you’re going to be apart of what He is doing!!
Thank you Father God that we get to be apart of helping people to know who you are!
I love you❤️️
Way maker
You are here, moving in our midst
I worship You
I worship You
You are here, working in this place
I worship You
I worship You
You are here, moving in our midst
I worship You
I worship You
You are here, working in this place
I worship You
I worship You
You are
Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper
Light in the darkness
My God, that is who You are
You are
Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper
Light in the darkness
My God, that is who You are
You are here, touching every heart
I worship You
I worship You
You are here, healing every heart
Healing every heart
Oh, I worship You
Jesus, I worship You
You’re turning lives around
You are here, oh, turning lives around
I worship You
I worship You
You mended every heart
You are here, and You are mending every heart
I worship You, yeah
I worship You
And You are
Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper
Light in the darkness
My God, that is who You are
Yeah You’re the way maker
Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper
Light in the darkness
My God, that is who You are
Yeah sing it again You are, yeah
Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper
Light in the darkness
My God, that is who You are
Oh it’s who You are, Jesus, yeah
Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper
Light in the darkness
My God, that is who You are
Sing that is who You are
Oh, that is who You are
And that is who You are
Oh, and that is who You are
That is who You are
Lord Jesus, that is who You are
That is who You are (oh, He lifts you up)
That is who You are
That is who You are
My Jesus, yeah
Miracle worker, promise keeper
Light in the darkness
My God, that is who You are
Yes it is yeah, it’s who You are
Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper
Light in the darkness (hey)
My God, that is who You are
Let’s sing this together
Even when I don’t see it, come on, even when
Even when I don’t see it, You’re working
Even when I don’t feel it, You’re working
You never stop, You never stop working
You never stop, You never stop working (come on)
And even when I don’t see it, You’re working
Even when I don’t feel it, You’re working
You never stop, You never stop working
You never stop, You never stop working (oh)
Even when I don’t see it, You’re working
Even when I don’t feel it, You’re working
You never stop, You never stop working
You never stop (yeah, oh), You never stop working
Even when I don’t see it, You’re working
Even when I don’t feel it (yeah), You’re working
You never stop, You never stop working
You never stop, You never stop working (You’re the way maker, yeah-yeah)
Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper
Light in the darkness
My God, that is who You are
Yeah, yeah
Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper
Light in the darkness
My God, that is who You are
Sing that is who You are
Oh, that is who You are
That is who You are
Oh and, that is who You are
That is who You are
Yeah, and that is who You are, yeah
That is who You are
Oh, that is who You are
That is who You are
Oh it’s who You are, now Jesus
Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper
Light in the darkness
My God, that is who You are
You are
Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper
Light in the darkness
My God, that is who You are
Oh, His name is above
His name is above depression
His name is above loneliness
Oh, His name is above disease
His name is above cancer
His name is above every other name
Yes it is
That is who You are
(That is who You are)
That is who You are
(That is who You are) Jesus
And that is who You are
(That is who You are)
Oh, I know that is who You are
That is who You are
PODCAST
This Week in the Life: Exodus 9
For the best experience, we suggest you listen to the first song, the message, and then the second song.
1. Sunday Worship – First Song: https://reachchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240825-Worship1.wav
2. Sunday Message: https://reachchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240825-Message.wav
3. Sunday Worship – Second Song: https://reachchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240825-Worship2.wav
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This week in Exodus chapter 9 I got a song
Thankful
we praise you we praise you we are praising you our Lord being thankful. Yes being thankful for our Lord’s love we want to serve you. We want to serve you with the hearts wide-open being the light the light of our Lord showing others his love his patient his understanding what an awesome Lord we have let’s join together serving our Lord serving our Lord, helping others to know the truth the way yes we are thankful thankful for our Lord every day. Amen.
God loves when we share his love with others
being his light showing others his ways. We have an awesome Father so let’s go out and share him with others.