March 12, 2010
God's will. The cloud stayed above the tent. When the cloud moved, the Israelites moved. When the cloud stopped, the Israelites stopped. When the cloud stayed, the Israelites stayed. Numbers 9:22 - "The cloud might stay over the Tent for two days, a month, or a year. As long as it stayed, the people camped, but when it lifted they moved."
To know God's will requires waiting on the LORD. Obedience to God's will requires watching for the signs the LORD gives you and then doing what He says. Instead of being proactive and trying to push through our own agendas, we need to be reactive and listen to what God has to say and then carefully follow His direction. Like Numbers 9:22 says, it may be two days, a month, or a year. Or, as in the case of the difficult "storm" situation we are in, it may be three plus years and counting. Wait on Him!
God has clearly led us on this journey we are on. It has been as clear as it was for the Israelites watching the cloud lead them. Every step on this path has been directed by God. What an amazing thing to be on a path that is directed by God, even if it is a painful path. There is joy, contentment, and peace even in the midst of the storm.
The Israelites were to make trumpets from hammered silver. These trumpets were to be used to move the people and gather the people. During times of battle they were to be blown loudly and God would notice and save them. They were to be blown during happy times as well as solemn times, and at the times they were seeking forgiveness. Psalm 150:3 - "Praise him with the sound of trumpets." Praise should be a constant thing in our lives. Praise—when we are told to move forward. Praise—when we're stuck in the same spot. Praise—when we're in trouble. Praise—when we're happy. Praise—when we're sad. Praise—when we are confessing sins. Why? Why praise at all times? The answer is found in Numbers 10:10 - "(This) will help you remember your God. I am the LORD your God."
I've said it before, and I'm saying it again. The single most important thing Jane (Her Name Was Jane) taught us was the first thing she spoke to us. "Read Psalm 150." Every line begins with "Praise the LORD." While we appreciate and claim the promises of Psalm 140, it is the act of practicing Psalm 150 that has enabled us to claim Psalm 140. Because, when we remember who God is (which is what happens when you praise the LORD), then it puts everything else in the proper perspective and fear, anxiety, sadness, grief, etc. is replaced with joy, contentment, peace, and understanding that only God can give. Our eyes are no longer on ourselves. They are on the God of creation. We have no strength, but He does. We have no power, but He does. We choose to believe. "I AM THE LORD."
Next Entry: Numbers 10:11 – 11:35
God's will. The cloud stayed above the tent. When the cloud moved, the Israelites moved. When the cloud stopped, the Israelites stopped. When the cloud stayed, the Israelites stayed. Numbers 9:22 - "The cloud might stay over the Tent for two days, a month, or a year. As long as it stayed, the people camped, but when it lifted they moved."
To know God's will requires waiting on the LORD. Obedience to God's will requires watching for the signs the LORD gives you and then doing what He says. Instead of being proactive and trying to push through our own agendas, we need to be reactive and listen to what God has to say and then carefully follow His direction. Like Numbers 9:22 says, it may be two days, a month, or a year. Or, as in the case of the difficult "storm" situation we are in, it may be three plus years and counting. Wait on Him!
God has clearly led us on this journey we are on. It has been as clear as it was for the Israelites watching the cloud lead them. Every step on this path has been directed by God. What an amazing thing to be on a path that is directed by God, even if it is a painful path. There is joy, contentment, and peace even in the midst of the storm.
The Israelites were to make trumpets from hammered silver. These trumpets were to be used to move the people and gather the people. During times of battle they were to be blown loudly and God would notice and save them. They were to be blown during happy times as well as solemn times, and at the times they were seeking forgiveness. Psalm 150:3 - "Praise him with the sound of trumpets." Praise should be a constant thing in our lives. Praise—when we are told to move forward. Praise—when we're stuck in the same spot. Praise—when we're in trouble. Praise—when we're happy. Praise—when we're sad. Praise—when we are confessing sins. Why? Why praise at all times? The answer is found in Numbers 10:10 - "(This) will help you remember your God. I am the LORD your God."
I've said it before, and I'm saying it again. The single most important thing Jane (Her Name Was Jane) taught us was the first thing she spoke to us. "Read Psalm 150." Every line begins with "Praise the LORD." While we appreciate and claim the promises of Psalm 140, it is the act of practicing Psalm 150 that has enabled us to claim Psalm 140. Because, when we remember who God is (which is what happens when you praise the LORD), then it puts everything else in the proper perspective and fear, anxiety, sadness, grief, etc. is replaced with joy, contentment, peace, and understanding that only God can give. Our eyes are no longer on ourselves. They are on the God of creation. We have no strength, but He does. We have no power, but He does. We choose to believe. "I AM THE LORD."
Next Entry: Numbers 10:11 – 11:35
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