March 9, 2014
Ten of the twelve spies that Moses sent into the Promised Land brought back a negative scouting report. Not negative in the sense that it wasn’t a land “flowing with milk and honey” as the Lord had promised. But negative in that they saw themselves and their God as too small to overcome the “giants” there. When we focus on life’s obstacles they appear as “giants,” overshadowing our view of God. We are overwhelmed by the size of the problem and we are tempted to turn back from God’s call as the Israelites did. Take care. Those who turn back miss God’s amazing adventure. They find themselves wandering the wilderness until they are ready to believe God. Or worse, they die in the desert, never knowing what God had in store. Is your God bigger than the obstacles that face you?
March 8, 2014
When Moses expressed doubt that God could keep them in meat for a month, God had a quick reply. I suppose Moses would have kept his doubts to himself, if God would have just offered to make a meat delivery without an announcement. But God wanted Moses to tell those grumbling Israelites that meat for a month was on the way. Having to stand up in front of those growling stomachs and promise that God would provide was overwhelming to Moses. It’s one thing to try and believe God’s Word and trust in His power for yourself. But when you have to stand up in front of a bunch of doubters and declare your faith… That connects your credibility to God’s! And God still does this. He still speaks through His Word and His “arm” is just as powerful as ever. The question is not whether God can do it. The question is who will so trust God that they will stand up and make the announcement!
March 7, 2014
The Israelites left Egypt as grumbling slaves, but in the wilderness they grew into an obedient army of God’s servants. Their time in the desert was preparation. They could not enter the Promised Land until they learned obedience and grew in faith. When God leads us into wilderness experiences, do not question His will. Learn to follow. The desert places can serve to teach us dependence on God alone. The school of suffering is for our sanctification, making us more like Jesus when we learn to “camp or travel at the Lord’s command.”
March 21, 2013
Moses kept a journal of their journey and all that the Lord had done for them. In this, their story was preserved for the generations. Keeping a spiritual journal is faith-building because we can see what God has done in our lives over time.
March 18, 2013
The continuity of leadership is an often overlooked step by the senior leader. But Moses prayed that the Lord would not leave the Israelites without a shepherd after his passing. The Lord answered Moses’ prayer and instructed him to lay hands on Joshua, setting him apart and investing him with authority. In this way, the people learned to follow Joshua as they had Moses and there was no breakdown in leadership nor unity. A great leader not only leads well himself, he also trains up and lays hands on the next generation of leaders.
March 9, 2013
How Moses responded to Joshua’s concern that two of the 70 elders were prophesying in the camp. This revealed Moses’ humble heart and also its alignment with God’s. For Moses’ desire was fulfilled when the Spirit came to abide in those who believed in Christ after His ascension. This event in the wilderness is a foreshadow of Pentecost.
March 7, 2013
From the time the tabernacle was set up, the presence of God came to rest upon it, appearing as a cloud by day and fire by night. Whenever the cloud lifted, the Israelites broke camp and followed. When it rested, they rested. When it moved, they did likewise. In this way, God taught them to depend on Him for daily direction. God was raising up a people for Himself. Today, we have the Spirit to guide us. When we are sensitive to Him, we know when to move and when to rest, when to go and when to stay.
March 4, 2013
The Lord instructed the Israelites to set up camp with the Tabernacle at the center. Their tents were to face inward toward the place of worship, not outward toward the world. Worship was to be the center of individual and community life. All of daily life was to revolve around worship of God. What’s at the center of your family’s life?
March 14, 2012
Grumbling is the opposite of gratitude. It is like poison, once bitten, it spreads throughout the body. Have you been “snake-bit” with an ungrateful attitude? Confess and be thankful, so God can heal.
March 9, 2012
How Moses responded to Joshua’s concern that others were prophesying. Moses wished God would put His Spirit on all His people. Through Christ, this is just what God has done. And the Spirit is not just on us, but in us! So, forth-tell His Word!