I am concerned about you

"I have observed you and what is being done to you in Egypt;
so I have decided to lead you up out of your affliction in Egypt into the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Girgashites, the Hivites and the Jebusites, a land flowing with milk and honey."  (Exodus 3: 16 - 17)

The Lord remembers His covenant.  Deliverance and salvation come from the Lord.

What does it take today to travel from Egypt to the land flowing with milk and honey?  The land flowing with milk and honey is the kingdom of God.  It is the Church, where the family of God lives and makes a home.  The milk and honey are the word of God and the Sacraments of the Church.  This land is the new creation where entrance is gained through Baptism.  The milk and honey nourish the life of God inside the citizens of the kingdom.  Everyone is welcomed in this kingdom.  But people may disqualify themselves through rejection of Jesus.

I will be with you

"But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”
God answered: I will be with you; and this will be your sign that I have sent you. When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will serve God at this mountain."  (Exodus 3: 11 - 12)

If God is with you, then it is accomplished.

"Do not fear: I am with you;
do not be anxious: I am your God.
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my victorious right hand."  (Isaiah 41: 10)

Awareness of the presence of God in you, with you and around you drives our fear, worry and doubt.  If this is true and it is, we must do everything to cultivate this awareness.  One of the ways to cultivate this constant awareness of the presence of God is Centering Prayer.

Below are two interesting comments on the promise of God to be with His elect in Exodus 3: 11 - 12:

"And he said, certainly I will be with theeTo encourage and strengthen him; to protect, defend, and preserve him, and to succeed and prosper him; to give him credit and respect with the people of Israel, and influence over Pharaoh to prevail upon him at length to let Israel go:"  Ex 3: 12 (John Gills Exposition)
" God answers this objection, v. 12. 1. He promises him his presence: Certainly I will be with thee, and that is enough. Note, Those that are weak in themselves may yet do wonders, being strong in the Lord and in the power of his might; and those that are most diffident of themselves may be most confident in God. God’s presence puts an honour upon the worthless, wisdom and strength into the weak and foolish, makes the greatest difficulties dwindle to nothing, and is enough to answer all objections."   Ex 3: 12 (Matthew Henry Commentary)

Turn to God in your need

"But here I am miserable and in pain;
let your saving help protect me, God,
That I may praise God’s name in song
and glorify it with thanksgiving.
That will please the LORD more than oxen,
more than bulls with horns and hooves:
“See, you lowly ones, and be glad;
you who seek God, take heart!s
For the LORD hears the poor,
and does not spurn those in bondage."  (Psalm 69 29 -34)

Turn to God in your need and you will live.  My God, as I turn to you today in my need, I come to realize again that my most profound need is not more money, more health, more house, more food, more toys, more job, more family.  My greatest need is to trust in your presence in me and with me.  Let the constant awareness of your presence drive out fear, worry and doubt.  I want to trust strongly your word and your promises.  Fill my heart and my lips always with constant praise and thanksgiving to you, O Lord my God.

"Offer praise as your sacrifice to God;
fulfill your vows to the Most High.
Then call on me on the day of distress;
I will rescue you, and you shall honor me.”  (Psalm 50: 14 - 15)

"Those who offer praise as a sacrifice honor me;
I will let him whose way is steadfast
look upon the salvation of God.”  (Psalm 50: 23)

A cup of cold water

"And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because he is a disciple—amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward.”  (Matthew 10: 42)

Lord Jesus, as I go about my work knocking on doors, I have been offered "a cup of cold water" several times.  I knew the kindness is from you.  I have also experienced many of your "little ones" knocking on my door trying to evangelize me.  Most often than not, I have forgotten to offer a cup of cold water to your missionaries.  Your words this morning have convicted me. I promise that I will from today offer "a cup of cold water" to your missionaries who come to share your word with me.

"Let some water be brought, that you may bathe your feet, and then rest under the tree.
Now that you have come to your servant, let me bring you a little food, that you may refresh yourselves; and afterward you may go on your way.” “Very well,” they replied, “do as you have said.”  (Genesis 18: 4 - 5)

With the above words, Abraham entertained angels.  God rewards hospitality.

Feeding on Jesus

"Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me."  (John 6: 57)

Dear Jesus, by your grace, I feed on you always.  Let me live because of you, according to your word.  You are the Evergreen Cypress Tree.  Because of you, I live.  Because of you, I come to your table constantly for nourishment.  Thank you Jesus.  I am what I am because of you.