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 Exodus 18-22

In these chapters, Jethro, Moses's father-in-law, comes and gives Moses advice on how to do what he's doing better, because if he doesn't, he may "wear away."

    1.    Moses is willing to accept the advice. He is humble and therefore is able to benefit from it.

    2.    Jethro gives advice but also encourages Moses to ask God if it is good advice. I need to do this more with the kids. Turn them to God even when I really like my advice and believe in it. It's good to get them counseling with God. Especially since I could be wrong and I need to be open to that.

These chapters also cover the Ten Commandments, which can also be seen as God giving us advice on living because if we keep living how we are, we may "wear away." He wants to help us live the best life we can and have the most happiness in it.

There are people who feel that a God who loves them wouldn't place any expectations on them in the way they should live. While it is true that God loves us no matter what--His love is "unfailing"--it is also true that all relationships are improved when we live up to certain expectations. Emily encouraged us to think of a marriage relationship. We love our spouse, but we expect certain things of them in order for the relationship to work. When we live inside these expectations, we enjoy privileges and benefits that wouldn't otherwise be ours.

Remember that the order is important. First God saves us, then we love Him, then we obey because we love Him. This helps change us to become like Him. We suffer unnecessarily when we think of it backwards--when we strive to obey so that God will save us. He already has.