TITLE: Spend time with FROGS
TEXT: Exodus 8:8-11
PROPOSITION: We often delay and procrastinate dealing with problems.
QUESTION: What?
KEY WORD: Effects

Introduction:

1. Background – Plagues in Egypt to let Israel go free.

2. Exodus 8:1-15 – plague of frogs – everywhere – bed, kitchen, dishes

3. Pharaoh wants them gone.

4. Moses says God will do it  when Pharaoh wants it done.  He says, TOMORROW!

5. Why did he not say – NOW? Right now, immediately, if not sooner!

Faith – We spend time neglecting our faith

1. Pharaoh had seen the power and work of God in the water to blood plague.

2. He CHOSE not to believe in the God of heaven.

3. In time of difficulty – I must choose what to believe, keep faith in.

Restless Worry – We spend time in restless worry

1. Verse 6 – frogs are everywhere

2. How can you sleep? Eat? Take a bath?

3. We worry, pray, seek help – Ask God to remove this burden.

4. But we keep frogs around – we bring more restlessness to ourselves.

5. 1 Peter 5:7 – Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. NOTE: casting = to throw (like a baseball) – When you throw – you don't have it any more.

Obstinate – We refuse to admit we are wrong

1. I dare say that Pharaoh had some explaining to do – advisers, family, wife, kids

2. I am sure that he was questioned about his sanity.

3. What was he thinking?

4. When we refuse to change – others will question our judgment.

5. If we get tired of their questions – it may be time to change.

God's Judgment – We don't want to admit God's Power and Justice

1. Pharaoh has seen God's power.

2. He knew what God COULD do.

3. If I do not get rid of the sin (frogs) in my life – I fear God's judgment.

Selfishness – We dig in and refuse to move

1. Over and over – Pharaoh hardened his heart (15)

2. We arch our back – dig in our claws – Nobody tells me what to do.

3. All of us want to think that WE are in control of our lives.

4. We don't want to relinquish control – turn our lives over to God.

Conclusion

1. What are your frogs (struggles, problems, sins)?

2. Have spent too much time there – already?

3. Don't spend MORE time with the frogs.

4. Get rid of them – starting today – NOW, ASAP, immediately, if not sooner.