(CLICK THE TITLE) Good morning everyone. What a lesson and reprimand I got from reading the word this morning. I was studying in the book of Numbers when I saw some of my actions in a rebuke the Lord gave to Moses. I will share it with you, but first we will pray.
Today’s Prayer
Father, we know that the work of ministry will only go on as long as people participate. We want to always yield to You, and do Your will. Please give us knowledge and increase our desire to exercise the spiritual gifts You have given to us for daily life and ministry. Please work through us to support the work of ministry through our gifts, talents, and resources. We pray for wisdom and direction to do the right things, make the right decisions, when it comes to who, when, and how to support ministry. We pray for all BELIEVERS to wake up and do their part. We pray that all will give as they have been blessed. May we all give joyfully from our hearts and the resources You have blessed us with, that Your work may be fully supported and go forward as You desire in and through the church. Thank You for the privilege to be a part of what You are doing, Father. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Let’s Eat.
Will You Enter?
Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. – Numbers 20:11
I have read this scripture a number of times over the years but as I read it today, the following question popped into my spirit. Will you fulfill the destiny God has for your life? Maybe you have never thought about it. As you read this message, let it take you into a period of self reflection.
God had a perfect plan for Moses to lead the people out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. I will use a sports analogy here to illustrate clearly. It’s been said the hardest place to score a touchdown is from 2 yards from the goal line. You’re almost there. But there is something about crossing over that makes those last few yards the most difficult. Moses failed at the goal line and it prevented him from finishing well a glorious life of service for God.
The people of Israel were complaining that they didn’t have water to drink. It was another of many tests for Israel. Moses asked God for help and God said, “…Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water” (Num. 20:8). Moses, in his frustration and anger with the people, began to act on his own and made a huge mistake. Instead of speaking to the rock as God told him, he struck the rock twice with his staff. In spite of his disobedience, the rock poured forth water just as God said it would.
God was calling Moses to a different dimension. Moses was to use his words to speak the miracle. However, he not only lost his temper, but he also took credit and dishonored God. He used his staff, the symbol of his work life as a shepherd, to force the provision.
When we become callous, we can use our skills and abilities to force what we believe should happen. We take control. When we do this, we are in danger of failing to enter the Promised Land of blessing from God. Living in life’s spiritual dimension requires patience and obedience. Beware of solving problems in your own strength. God wants to bring you into the Promised Land of His blessing. But it will require walking in the spiritual dimension.
I hope that this message helps someone else as much as it has helped me.
Quote of the Day
Be awed that in our unrighteous anger God reveals the depth of His love on our behalf. It is a heart that is willing to feel angry enough to battle with God that will be surprised into praise. And nothing, but nothing, is the cure for anger like the wonder of grace. It is praise for His grace even in the light of our impotency to eradicate our unrighteous anger that leads, in time, to waiting for God’s wrath rather than seeking revenge today.
Dan Allender
WITH HOPE AND FAITH
REV. ELDER G E STERRETT
FOUNDER
GCKRS HELPING HAND FOUNDATION – THE RELATIONSHIP FACTORY