Before I start today, I want to take a personal liberty to celebrate my precious friend and sister in Christ, Sharon Sloan. You have read her comments on my blog and many other of my P31 Sister's blogs. Sharon is a beautiful woman inside and out. Everything she does, she does as unto the Lord. Today's please help me celebrate Sharon's 100th blog post. (I hear she is giving some stuff away.) Hop over to Joy in the Truth.
These verses screamed at me today. Moses' sin did not destroy his relationship with the Lord. The Lord still spoke and Moses still obeyed. The Lord still trusted Moses to complete the assignment and Moses continued to lead. Is this comforting to anyone but me? I can mess up royally and God will not turn His back on me. He will still allow me be part of His great story. How humbling! Now, that is worth celebrating today. Thank you Lord Jesus for seeing beyond my faults and failures to find me useful in the story you are scripting today.
In Moses I see the type of leader I want to be. He has never argued with God about His punishment. He never let himself get down and wallow in the aftermath of his sin. He did not play the "I am unworthy to be used by God anymore" card. He continued to lead with authority, confidence, obedience, and reliance upon the Lord.
We are all leaders. We are all Ambassadors for Jesus Christ. Someone is always watching us. My desire is for those who watch me on daily basis to see me watching Jesus, waiting on a fresh word from Him.
What are your thoughts about today's reading?
"Then the Lord said to Moses..." (Numbers 34:1)
"Then Moses to the Israelites..." (Numbers 43:13)
"Then Moses to the Israelites..." (Numbers 43:13)
These verses screamed at me today. Moses' sin did not destroy his relationship with the Lord. The Lord still spoke and Moses still obeyed. The Lord still trusted Moses to complete the assignment and Moses continued to lead. Is this comforting to anyone but me? I can mess up royally and God will not turn His back on me. He will still allow me be part of His great story. How humbling! Now, that is worth celebrating today. Thank you Lord Jesus for seeing beyond my faults and failures to find me useful in the story you are scripting today.
In Moses I see the type of leader I want to be. He has never argued with God about His punishment. He never let himself get down and wallow in the aftermath of his sin. He did not play the "I am unworthy to be used by God anymore" card. He continued to lead with authority, confidence, obedience, and reliance upon the Lord.
We are all leaders. We are all Ambassadors for Jesus Christ. Someone is always watching us. My desire is for those who watch me on daily basis to see me watching Jesus, waiting on a fresh word from Him.
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. 2 Corinthians 5:20a
What are your thoughts about today's reading?
13 Comments:
After today's reading, I was stumped. What was God telling me through today's scriptures? I am thankful for your dedication, Wendy. I really had a hard time gleaming insight today. Yet, after looking at your blog notes, the thoughts started to roll.
You are right! Moses is God's chosen leader. God, who knows the past and future chose Moses regardless of the fact he would disappoint God and not be allowed to enter the Promised Land. This did not change the fact that Moses was God's chosen leader.
God gave the Isrealites boundaries and "instructions" to follow. As Wendy stated, we are all leaders and others are watching. Do we try to move the boundaries God has given us or try to alter his instructions to fit our own desires? God is specific with the boundaries and instructions. My life choices do not always reflect the right decision. Yet, God doesn't give up on me.
(Joy, you and your family are still deep in my thoughts and prayers.)
"My desire is for those who watch me on a daily basis to see me watching Jesus..."
Oh that is my prayer. Even as I go through all these struggles right now, may my reactions and actions speak to all who are watching that Christ is Lord of my life. May others see Jesus in me.
Three words grabbed my attention today: "city of refuge". I'm wanting to go hide out there right now. God's Word tells me in Hebrews 6:18-19 that Jesus is my "city of refuge" and those "who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls."
Hiding in Him again today.
Yesterday we received a call at 8am to come to the hospital. Another long day. We have found out that Daddy now has acute renal failure, or kidney failure. Two Dr's are now working with Dad. He is in a state of fitful sleep most of the day, and when he is awake he is angry. We know that is the meds, but it's so sad to see him like this. My Daddy is the most quiet, gentle man you would ever meet.
Going from strength to strength and trusting the Lord to carry me again today. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your love and prayers. God is near.
Blessings,
Joy
You are an inspiration to us all Wendy! I love your post this morning...I had underlined verses 34: 1 & 13 also...but the way you relayed it to life today...well, what can I say, but I love the insights you give us!
The Lord said to Moses...
Then Moses told the Israelites...
Moses had his act together. He truely had the joy of walking with God. Even when he made the one mistake, he carried on. He didn't go to someone nearby and "vent."
What an example for all of us to strive to be like!
I have many, many people around me that are not saved. My husband for one...many other extended family members and friends...One of my daily prayer requests is that God would shine out from me. I seek him for this everyday. It's been on my heart now for some time. To live a life, that those around me who are not saved would want the peace, joy, and happiness that I have. When we experience His sweet presence and the way he walks and talks to us, it's hard not to shout it from the mountaintops! But, to be able to walk the Godly life, so that others are not offended and turned away...it isn't easy...But as a Christian, we need to stand out. When we make the choice to follow God, he will bless us and save those that we are faithfully praying for, in His time.
I think I've said it before, but I love Moses! If I could just remember his words at times...God spoke...he followed through...Sometimes, it's not the folllowing through part that usually gets me, it's the "captive thougts!"
And, I know our thoughts are sin to God too! Just because we appear to be obedient, we may not be doing it out of love.
You girls have a blessed Wednesday!
Praying for you sister's that need extra prayer's today! ox ox ox
Lori - Mesa, AZ
I highlighted Num. 35:34, You must not defile the land where you live, for I live there myself. I am the Lord, who lives among the people of Israel.
Because of the cross, Now Christ lives in each of us by his Holy Spirit. We have the same commandment not to defile the temple of God.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
What an awesome thought to know our Saviour abides with us forever!
Moses was a excellent example of a man who learned to obey God in the midst of his enemies.
Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
I desire to please the Lord in thought and deeds!
Blessings!
Debbie - North Carolina
Hi all....LOVED your comments...I noted how many times the word "boundary" was used in today's reading. We are God's children - He gives us boundaries like we are supposed to give our children.
Joy - "city of refuge" was my big nugget for today too. "Refuge" has always been one of my favorite words. Jesus is our place of refuge to go to. I went thru a period years ago when going to church was NOT a refuge for me - there was infighting and poor leadership in the church I was attending so I equate that feeling of not feeling refuge with now having it again in my church. "place of protection" "flee there for safety". Thank you Lord that you ARE my refuge. I LOVE that word!!
God bless you all today...He reigns!
BBBRRRRR in MN
Morgen
Hi Ladies,
I too was struck by the "city of refuge" and did you also notice that the "slayer" could only return to his homeland after the death of the high priest? In addition to being our city of refuge, Jesus is our High Priest (Hebrews 3:1, 4:14, 6:20) and He died for us to excuse us from our sin. We are free to return to our homeland through His death and resurrection. Noone can exact retribution on us for our sins as long as we are covered by Him.
Good thoughts today!
Karen, CA
I had written "city of refuge" with a question mark in my BIble. Thanks so much for your comments--Karen, thank you for your thoughts. I love-love-love the parallels between the old and new testaments/old and new covenants and how God weaves them all throughout the Bible.
After studying the Bible, I would find it impossible not to believe that is was written by God!
I'm still with you, even in my silence. A commitment that seemed like it would be a burden has turned into a act of worship - everyday I have to do my reading so I can marvel in God's greatness! Your insights simply magnify that greatness!
I was intrigued with the cities of refuge - a place of safety from those who wished to harm you. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could go some place to get away from all the evil of the world?... well on hold on, it's coming! We are on a journey to that place of eternal refuge, and when we get there we will be under the protection of the Lord’s arm forever! Are you worshiping yet?!?
Interesting to note, even in the city of refuge an unrepentant sinner will find bondage. He can never leave the city, or risk being killed. Those high walls that seemed like a refuge are suddenly suffocating and closing in... if you cannot repent of your sin, you will not find peace or contentment. Maybe the murder [sin] was not intentional; yet, as we studied earlier, “when you realize your sin…” Perhaps the sinner cannot get forgiveness from the person he has hurt, but he can go to God for forgiveness – that is how we enter a “city of refuge” today… through the way of the cross.
Another nugget:
“And never accept a ransom payment for someone who has fled to the city of refuge, allowing a slayer to return to his property before the death of the high priest. This will ensure that the land where you live will not be polluted.” Num 35:32-33
One sin is all it takes to keep us in bondage. One sin will pollute our environment, affect our relationships, and damage our testimony. No one can pay the ransom for our sins but the death of the High Priest, who died on the cross for us! Woo-hoo… I’m having another worship moment in God’s greatness…
Sisters,
I want to thank you for all the prayers and comments... what a comfort to know that prayers were interceded on my behalf when I had no words to utter. We are still trying to deal with all the "after" stuff, yet my heart wants to stop and grieve the loss of my dad. It will come, but God has given me the grace to accomplish the tasks that must me done - and the wisdom to know what can wait :)
Joy, I'm walking beside you in prayer. I've found peace in knowing that my dad loved me, and knew my love for him - there was nothing more I could do but be there to hold his hand. I want you to know I'm holding your hand... all the way from Virginia!
Diane, thank you for sharing your pain. Jesus tells us to share one another's burdens, so I hope you feel a bit lighter today! :)
I am blessed & highly favored of the Lord because of friends like you!
Susan
I am new to this blog and just thought I would jump in here…
In today’s reading, I was struck, once again, by the level of detailed instruction Moses received from God; from exact boundaries to the number of towns per tribe and even the size of the towns. Isn’t the relationship between Moses and God remarkable in that God spoke to Moses directly and frequently? In my own relationship with God, I do get inspired thoughts and can through prayer or meditation have ‘conversations’ with the Divine, but it certainly is not to this level of detail that Moses experienced. And I wonder why is that? Why only Moses? And is it possible for any one of us to have this direct connect with God today? Does anyone else here have a Moses-like connection with God? Would love to know what other's think is possible!
okay Karen...your post on the high priest....totally an "ah-ha" moment for me. Thank you for sharing what God spoke to you.
Morgen
This is some good stuff! I love it! It pleases the Lord that we are devouring His Word with such determination.
Thanks for sharing what God is revealing to you. He has secrets to tell us. Jeremiah 33:3 I love secrets, don't you?
Hi, Wendy!
I, too, was heart impressed that Moses did not complain about his discipline. He just kept in step. I loved that. What a lesson for us to learn from and model. Wow. But by His grace.
Thanks for the sweet shout out. I just love you! You know God has used you to keep my eyes fixed on Him, the author and finisher of my faith.
Much sincere gratitude and love!
Oh -- loved the message! :)
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