All the More 1-26-08

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I'm hungry for more of You. ... "But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread, so that the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites" (Exodus 1:12). The king of Egypt feared the people of Israel, that they were growing "more numerous and more powerful" (v. 9). So he set out a strategy to enslave them and oppress them to discourage and defeat them (v. 10-11). But his schemes for their bondage only served to bond them more closely together. His plans to divide and conquer them only served to multiply and motivate them to resist him and hold on to their faith and their God all the more. "The people multiplied and became very strong" (v. 20). This was a foreshadow of things to come in Christ. "More than ever believers were added to the Lord, great numbers of both men and women" (Acts 5:14). As the people of Israel began to receive and embrace You as Messiah and Lord, the religious leaders feared the faith of Your people and envied the power of God displayed through them (v. 5:12-18). But the more they were persecuted, the more they grew in the boldness of faith. "They rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name. And every day at the temple and at home they did not cease to teach and proclaim Jesus as Messiah" (v. 5:41-42). As the enemy of our souls seeks to oppress us, discourage us, and defeat us, to bind us and break us out of jealousy and fear, let his attacks only bond us together and strengthen our faith. Let the Gospel of Your Kingdom multiply and spread all the more. Let the displays of Your power manifest the glory of Your Presence all the more. Let persecution make us all the more persistent and oppression make us all the more stronger and bolder in You. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Friends, I will be taking the School of Spiritual Ministry on the road to western Kentucky at Madisonville the first 3 weekends of February (Friday night and Saturday teaching, equipping, and ministry). Please contact Marilyn Walker, our Director of Ministries, to register if you're able to come. All are welcome! DirOfMinistries@aol.com Subscribe/unsubscribe by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" www.messiah-ministries.org 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Order our Resources On-Line: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org