InstaEncouragements Building a worldwide online community of encouragers encouraging others in the faith of Jesus Christ. Join the movement!
  • Home
    • About
    • Contact
    • Etsy Shop
    • Library >
      • Bible Emergency Numbers
      • LOVE Coupons
      • Christmas Songbook
      • Character Trait Worksheet
      • The Red Sea Rules
      • The Heart That Heals Printable Package
      • 12 Letters I Wrote
      • 16 Names of God
      • Praying Proverbs
      • Come and Gather
      • Bible Reading Plan
      • Disciple Me Program
    • Christianity
    • Bible Study >
      • 14 Things God’s Love Letter Says About You
      • A Journey of Worship
      • The ABCs of God's Love Letter
      • She Loves Truth
      • Hey Mama! PRAY
      • 52 Days in Psalms
      • 10 Weeks in the New Testament
      • 2 Months in The Pentateuch
      • 12 Minor Prophets
      • 3 Biblical Statements
      • 7 Books of Faith
      • 4 Major Prophets
  • Blog
    • Guest Bloggers
    • IE Link-up
    • Praying Proverbs
    • Jordan River Rules
    • Choosing Gratitude
    • Aging With Grace
    • Seeking Him
    • She Loves Truth
    • Red Sea Rules
  • Come & Dwell
  • The Heart That Heals
    • The Heart That Heals Media Package
  • Sweeter Than Honey
    • Sweeter Than Honey Media Package
  • 16 Names of God
    • 16 Names of God Media Package
TDGC shop the sale

Moses: Lifting the Hands of God’s Man

1/21/2020

22 Comments

 
Moses: Lifting the Hands of God’s Man
We are currently, on Tuesday mornings, looking at seven different characters from God's Word. We've looked at ​Abraham: God’s Powerful Promise to a Patriarch and ​​Joseph: He Obeyed Quickly & Completely. Today, we're looking at ​Moses: Lifting the Hands of God’s Man​.

These characters are also featured in (Part Three: Days 21-27 Men of God Character Study) our Come and Gather: Family Time With God 27-day devotional. Or, what we lovingly refer to as Gather. Today's theme is encouragement and our text is from Exodus 17:1-16.
“Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. ​
The Daily Grace Co. logo banner
The Daily Grace Co. Faithful Bible study banner
So, his hands were steady until the going down of the sun” (vs 11-12).
In this passage we see two separate incidents during the wilderness wandering. Moses had led the people through the wilderness of Sin (that's a place, not an action) and they camped at Rephidim. The rest was welcome, but there was no water to drink. The Bible tells us that the people “quarreled with Moses” to which he replied, “Why do you quarrel with me?” (Exodus 17:2). Moses reminded the people that while he was their human leader, God was their ultimate leader and their complaint was with Him. It is at this point that God demonstrates His grace and orders Moses to stand before the people and strike the rock in Horeb and water came forth to meet the need.
Shortly after this incident we are told “Then Amalek came and fought with Israel at Rephidim” (Exodus 17:8). As if it were not enough that there was inward strife, now there came attacks from without. Moses commanded Joshua to assemble the troops and fight. As the men went to battle Moses, Aaron, and Hur stood on the hill watching what was happening. We are told that while Moses held his hands up the Israelites prevailed. However, the burden was great and Moses began to tire. When his hand fell the Amalekites began to win. Upon seeing this, Aaron and Hur came to the assistance of their leader. Verse 12 shows clearly the blessing these men were to Moses. The first thing they did was to give him a place to rest or sit and then they came alongside him and steadied his hands. The result was, of course, a tremendous victory.

To lead the people of God is a great responsibility that comes with many blessings as well as burdens. There are difficulties within and attacks from without. The real danger is that often a battle is waged when the leader is exhausted and there is little energy left. It is during these times that there is a great opportunity to be a blessing and help. Moses was doing as God had commanded him, but the work was hard and he needed help. Aaron and Hur were ready and willing to lend a helping hand. What can you do to be a help to the leader God has given you? Are you ready to do what you can and what is needed? The work of the Lord is not for one person only. It is necessary for all of God’s children to do their part, and then victories can be won. 
Something that really spoke to me this week —> "Moses reminded the people that while he was their human leader, God was their ultimate leader and their complaint was with Him." How often do I complain to or against human leaders, when my complaint is actually towards my ultimate leader—God? When I consider my complaining in this light it changes my attitude.

To see how you can do your part helping the leader God has given you, check out our 8 Ways to Encourage Your Pastor post.
Come and Gather: Family Time With God published with permission
​Pastor Jeremy Sweatt, Farmington Avenue Baptist Church, West Hartford, Connecticut

Come and Gather: Family Time with God

Introducing Come and Gather: Family Time with God, or what we lovingly refer to as Gather.

Gather is a lovely, 35-page, daily devotional centered around families enjoying time together with God and each other.
Gather layout

This 27-day devotional is divided into 3 parts: ​​

Part One: Days 1-5, is written specifically with husbands and wives in mind. In this part of Gather, husbands and wives will explore 5 Signs of a Functional Family.

5 Signs of a Functional Family includes:
  1. An Attitude of Service
  2. Intimacy Between the Husband and Wife
  3. Husbands Who Are Loving Leaders
  4. Parents Who Teach and Train
  5. Children Who Honor and Obey​

​Part Two: Days 6-20, is written with the whole family in mind. It's A Walk Through God’s Word. From Genesis to Revelation we will discuss subjects like God's mercy and protection, being humble, dealing with difficulties, having a teachable spirit, dependence on God, and much more.

Part Three: Days 21-27, is a Men of God Character Study. We'll learn character traits that every Christian should strive to demonstrate in their life straight from characters in God's Word. 

At the end of Gather, you'll find a place for your family to record specific prayer requests. I love being specific with my prayer request and seeing God answer in specific ways. Recording the answers, as well as the requests, is a great way to help your children see God working in your lives.
grab your copy of come and gather over in our little Etsy shop

Please Share
22 Comments
Michele Morin link
1/21/2020 09:17:44 am

Leaders are so vulnerable to criticism and discouragement. We need frequent reminders to uphold them in prayer and in our actions that support and assist.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
1/21/2020 09:26:06 am

It is an unbelievably difficult journey to be a pastor. We are blessed to have these people, willing to take this journey, to shepherd us! Let's support them daily in prayer.

Reply
Barbara Harper link
1/21/2020 09:23:47 am

A good reminder to see what we can do to help our leaders rather than always asking more of them or leaving them to cope alone.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
1/21/2020 01:34:19 pm

I need this reminder quite often, Barbara. I hear a great sermon on Sunday and then go about my week forgetting to pray for the shepherd of our little flock that is preparing another great sermon from the Word of God and dealing with all the crazies at our church. It takes a special person to be that man!

Reply
Debbie Wilson link
1/21/2020 09:32:12 am

I especially liked this: "The work of the Lord is not for one person only. It is necessary for all of God’s children to do their part, and then victories can be won." As one who has been in ministry my whole adult life I know the truth of this. The one up front is supported by many no one sees.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
1/21/2020 10:34:23 am

I love that, Debbie —> "The one up front is supported by many no one sees." It is so the truth! Praise God for the many no one sees, and may each good man of God have many no one sees behind him!

Reply
Boma link
1/21/2020 10:02:31 am

Most times, looking from outside, we might never know the burdens these leaders carry. The Church today truly can do better in this area. Thanks again for the studies. Many blessings to you!

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
1/21/2020 10:35:07 am

Yes, Boma, I think we have no idea!

Reply
Lisa notes link
1/21/2020 02:55:19 pm

I've been thinking a lot this month about how we are to use our bodies for the glory of God. God could have saved the Israelites even without Moses's arms being raised, but for whatever reason, that bodily posture was important for that situation. I want to be as faithful with my posture as well. I'm actually posting about that tomorrow so it is really on my mind. :)

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
1/21/2020 06:23:46 pm

Can't wait to read, Lisa! Posture is important. It says a lot about us—the right posture in church reveals our respect for God.

Reply
Jerralea link
1/21/2020 03:55:53 pm

This is so true: "The real danger is that often a battle is waged when the leader is exhausted and there is little energy left. It is during these times that there is a great opportunity to be a blessing and help."

We are a team. We need each other!

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
1/21/2020 06:25:36 pm

REST! Rest is so important, even (or especially) for the man of God! And yes, we DO need each other—a team, a body of Christ. Serving together. Striving together for the Kingdom.

Reply
Lauren Renee Sparks link
1/22/2020 10:12:05 am

I love the picture of these 2 men holding Moses up to accomplish God's will. So much to learn from this.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
1/22/2020 06:04:19 pm

Yes there is, Lauren. Lots of lessons for us here!

Reply
Laurie link
1/23/2020 07:06:34 am

"What can you do to be a help to the leader God has given you?" What a good question. One of the leaders in our church needs some assistance. I think I should raise my hand.Thank you for the gentle nudge.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
1/23/2020 07:58:58 am

It's a great, gentle nudge for all of us, Laurie! :)

Reply
Angela Johnson link
1/23/2020 11:51:30 am

We all need this assistance from time to time. As VBS director I have had to ask for help in order to get everything pulled together in time. At first I felt bad that I was not able to do it alone, but then I realized what a blessing it was to be able to ask for help. Now, I don't feel so bad asking for help.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
1/23/2020 05:48:44 pm

Bless your heart VBS director Angela!!! That's a tough job.Yes, asking for help helps you AND it gives people the opportunity to receive a blessing by helping! :) But I feel ya, I know it's difficult to ask for help.

Reply
Valerie Riese link
1/24/2020 07:37:26 pm

Moses is one of my favorite people in the Bible. I love this reminder that even one of the greatest heroes of faith needed help.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
1/2/2021 01:11:47 pm

Yes, Valerie, his life is a testament to how much you and I, and everyone else, need God's help.

Reply
Mandy Farmer link
1/28/2020 03:54:11 pm

My husband was in this place when I became sick and he was trying to pastor and care for me. The church failed him greatly. Oh, how we need to hold up the arms of our pastors.
Thanks for linking up at Legacy Linkup

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
1/2/2021 01:14:49 pm

I am so sorry to read this, Mandy. Yes, the church should be the first to hold up the hands of its pastors and leaders. However, the responsibility doesn't stop there. As Christians, we are all responsible for holding up the arms of each other. Thanks for linking up!

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Patsy
    Hi friend, welcome to InstaEncouragements. I am so glad you are here. You’re among friends. You belong here. 

    How would you like access to our online library of helpful eBooks, devotionals, printables, and more? You’re going to love this library, which has all kinds of exclusive content just for you!

    Join the movement by signing up below and I'll send you the link today. And no worries, We don’t spam. Promise! We don’t like spam either.

    After you've joined the movement, hop on over to our about page to learn more about us and then to our contact form and introduce yourself so we can be on a first-name basis. I'd like that! —Patsy

    Join the movement!

    * indicates required
    Come & Dwell
    16 Names of God
    Sweeter Than Honey
    The Heart That Heals cover

    Top Posts

    16 Names of God & What They Mean
    8 Ways God Spoke to People in the Past and How He Speaks to Us Today
    12 Things the Bible Says God Knows About Us
    3 Practical Points
    ​About Prayer
    A Lesson From King Jehoshaphat
    From a Proverbs 31 Woman to a Titus 2 Woman
    16 Names of God:
    ​El Olam
    David's Second Goliath
    Honoring God by Maintaining Our
    ​Physical Health
    12 Favorite
    ​Bible Study Tools
    Artza blog banner

    Featured

    Welcome Heart
    LaurenSparks.net
    beLydia.org
    Brave Women Series
    Grace & Truth
    WORTHY Bible Studies
    Money Wise Steward
    Woman of Noble Character
    The Best Bible Study Books For Women

    Categories

    All
    16 Names Of God
    7 Biblical Feasts
    7 Things God Is Not
    ABCs Of The Bible
    Amanda
    Bible Emergency Numbers
    Bible Study
    Books We Love
    Cami
    Cancer
    Christine
    Come And Gather
    Debbie
    Elisabeth
    Evidences Of Faith
    Family Life
    Guest Post
    Hey Mama! PRAY
    Journey To The Cross
    Julie
    Kathy
    Link Ups
    Our Words Matter
    Prayer
    Printables
    Stephanie
    Summer Book Club
    Sweeter Than Honey

    Archives

    June 2025
    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018

InstaEncouragements participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a
​means for this site to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. 
This site also contains affiliate links for The Daily Grace Company, Not Consumed, and Artza.
InstaEncouragements will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking one of these links or a link from one of our posts.
​​Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Terms & Conditions
InstaEncouragements logo
© InstaEncouragements |2025|  all rights reserved
IE blog footer image
  • Home
    • About
    • Contact
    • Etsy Shop
    • Library >
      • Bible Emergency Numbers
      • LOVE Coupons
      • Christmas Songbook
      • Character Trait Worksheet
      • The Red Sea Rules
      • The Heart That Heals Printable Package
      • 12 Letters I Wrote
      • 16 Names of God
      • Praying Proverbs
      • Come and Gather
      • Bible Reading Plan
      • Disciple Me Program
    • Christianity
    • Bible Study >
      • 14 Things God’s Love Letter Says About You
      • A Journey of Worship
      • The ABCs of God's Love Letter
      • She Loves Truth
      • Hey Mama! PRAY
      • 52 Days in Psalms
      • 10 Weeks in the New Testament
      • 2 Months in The Pentateuch
      • 12 Minor Prophets
      • 3 Biblical Statements
      • 7 Books of Faith
      • 4 Major Prophets
  • Blog
    • Guest Bloggers
    • IE Link-up
    • Praying Proverbs
    • Jordan River Rules
    • Choosing Gratitude
    • Aging With Grace
    • Seeking Him
    • She Loves Truth
    • Red Sea Rules
  • Come & Dwell
  • The Heart That Heals
    • The Heart That Heals Media Package
  • Sweeter Than Honey
    • Sweeter Than Honey Media Package
  • 16 Names of God
    • 16 Names of God Media Package