Realising Our Potential in Jesus

I get amazed every time I read about the battles God's people fought in the Bible.

Background: Gibeons who deceptively have made peace with the Israelites, are living near them. 5 other kings come to hear about it, now round up their forces to fight the Gibeonites for joining forces with the Israelites. Gibeonites asked the Israelites for help in this battle, since these 5 kings had joined forces. God gives them victory over all the kings who fought against the Gibeonites, through Joshua.

There is one thing I notice here, in Joshua 9:24 when Joshua asked the Gibeonites why they deceived them " They answered Joshua, "Your servants were clearly told how the LORD your God had commanded his servant Moses to give you the whole land and to wipe out all its inhabitants from before you. So we feared for our lives because of you, and that is why we did this."

Now in Joshua 10:1,2 we come to know more about these Gibeonites "Now Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem heard that Joshua had taken Ai and totally destroyed [a] it, doing to Ai and its king as he had done to Jericho and its king, and that the people of Gibeon had made a treaty of peace with Israel and were living near them. 2 He and his people were very much alarmed at this, because Gibeon was an important city, like one of the royal cities; it was larger than Ai, and all its men were good fighters." These were the people who were scared of the Israelites. Imagine that.

When God's with you, no one can stand before you. The Israelites had damaged only a small city compared to the Gibeon's yet the Gibeonites were afraid.

Lesson: We may not know the power we have through our obedience to God. The bible defines this power of a believer, in Ephesians 1:19-25 as ".. his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, 20which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,21far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way."
By ourselves, we are mere humans, but in the hands of God we become a mighty tool. Knees knelt down in prayer to the Almighty Living God has brought about many a revolution in the lives of people and turned their hearts to Jesus. People obeying the Word of God and living out their Christian Life as God intended them to live, have won many into the Kingdom of our Lord. If we read accounts of the greatest outreach ministries, we'll find that deep within, there would be someone who was praying, someone who knew God's power that was at work within them, someone who realised that power and decided to ask God to help them use it for God's glory.

No matter what the situation we're in, all that we will ever need to come out of it, is already within us, when you know Jesus you're Redeemer.Its up to us to realise our potential and use it for God's glory. Who knows that this realisation may bring about another spiritual revolution and so many we see lost, will turn to the Living God and we will see our Lord's mighty hand bring more and more of His children back to Him.So let's live like Victors and not as Victims.

Deception for the Dangerous

Background: After brilliant victory at Ai, Joshua and the Israelites got together and gave glory to the Lord with sacrifices and read the entire commandments God had given Moses(Joshua 8:30-34), thereby renewing their covenant with the Lord, kind of remembering what God had done. Soon after this, in Joshua 9 we see they encountered a strange situation. Deceived by the Gibeonites.
Gibeonites were their neighbours, who had heard about the marvelous things the Lord had done for the Israelites and were afraid(Joshua 9:24-25). Hence they decided to cheat them.

I was browsing through some blogs yesterday and came across one which said "Dear Lord protect me from your followers" I wondered why was a follower of God so feared.

I think its because of the amazing team God and His children, who listen to His voice and obey Him, make. The enemy never wants God's children to win for they are sure we will win if we obey our God's voice. Here's what went wrong with Joshua and the Israelites Joshua 9:14 (Amp Bible) says "So the [Israelite] men partook of their food and did not consult the Lord."

Lesson: How important it is for a believer to listen to the Lord in the midst of battle and enemy territory. We as Christians are in constant battle against the principalities and darkness. Ephesians 6:12 says "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" In the manner the Israelites battled their enemies, we are also in battle, only that our battle is spiritual. It makes it all the more difficult, because we cannot physically see our enemies. When we become absolutely obedient to God's plan for our life, we become dangerous to our enemies. The more dangerous we become to our enemies the more we should stick closer to God, to listen to every strategy, every plan God would have us fulfil so we will never be deceived or defeated. Let's become dangerous, spiritually. Let's become daring in prayer. Let's become daring in preaching the Word of our Living God. Let's become daring to live like Jesus.

Ai Destroyed

Background: Joshua and the Israelites had lost the battle with Ai the first time, but in Joshua 8 we see a totally different picture than the one we saw in Joshua 7. Joshua and the Israelites had repented of their sin and got themselves reconnected to God. They made sure no sin remained. What I mean by sin-as I have seen while reading upto this chapter, it is not "what you do", but its more of disobedience. Let me show you-- earlier, the Israelites had fallen in disobedience when they took the spoils of the battle, but its not about taking the spoils, because in Joshua 8:2 God tells the Israelites-"You shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king, except that you may carry off their plunder and livestock for yourselves. Set an ambush behind the city."
Many would have thought, right, God wants all the money for Himself (if they read the previous chapters in Joshua), but its not about that, what can we give God in gold and silver Haggai 2:8 "'The silver is mine and the gold is mine,' declares the LORD Almighty." God was showing them obedience. We've got to follow what our Lord says about the situations in our life very carefully.

What I see here is that, people have often misunderstood God, in what He was trying to show. God is not an unjust God. In my life, God had shown me a way to win my brother to the Lord and God blessed me in that. My brother now lives for Jesus (Praise God). I am now in another situation, very similar to the one I faced with my brother, I had been applying the same principles here, but it did not work. Its the same I see with Joshua, he sent out spies (like before), he sent his men for war(like before), but they were defeated. So Joshua asked God and won the battle in an amazing manner and so, I asked God too , then God showed me that this battle I am on , though similar from my point of view(winning a sould for Jesus), needs a different strategy to win. The strongholds here are different, the king of this new place is different, the city is different, the type of soldiers in this city are different. God showed Joshua that they needed to set an ambush behind the city this time, not go around it like they did in Jericho and Joshua won and so will I and you, if we learn the lesson here.

Lesson: Though the mission was the same-"Winning the battle"- the strategy was different. Joshua would not have won if he would not have called out to God. So , are we using a strategy from a previous battle or are we looking to God to show us the right way.God can see way beyond what we can, about anything in our life- Isaiah 55:9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. " So lets run to God for any situation we're facing, He is able. He is willing to help. He knows the strategy we need for any struggle we're in. He cares (1 Peter 5:7) "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you". Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

After Jericho- Ai

Background- Joshua and the Israelites have just won the battle of Jericho with a battle strategy, no one could have ever imagined. Now they move on to take Ai. Spies have been sent out.(Joshua 7:2)

I found it amazing, that soon after a valiant victory, Joshua and the Israelites face bitter defeat at the battle of Ai, such that they were totally shattered -"At this the hearts of the people melted and became like water. "(Joshua 7:5). The reason for their defeat was, disobedience. Achan had disobeyed and kept the spoils from the previous battle (Joshua 7:1). Joshua cried out to God after this defeat and God told him it was due to disobedience.

Lesson:I am assessing this in my own life, times of my defeat have been times when I was being disobedient to God. However , we have a forgiving God who takes away our sins the moment we confess them and refrain from repeating it. No matter how big the sin is, God is willing to forgive. He wants us to be continually under His protection and guidance and be forever victorious. Its like a mother telling her child, "don't play with the knife, you'll get hurt". If we don't listen and do get cut, a good mother will never throw her child away, but will lovingly bind up the wounds and put balms for healing the cut.

Our Father in Heaven says

in Isaiah 49:15

"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast

and have no compassion on the child she has borne?

Though she may forget, I will not forget you!"

Such is our Father, so lets go to Him and not run away from Him, in bitterness or rage over our own fruit of disobedience. Lets run to our Daddy and ask Him what to do. He waits to hear us.

Conquering Jericho

Joshua has now been able to spy the land that God has asked him to capture. (Joshua 6:2) Jericho is terrified, no one inside the city went out or came in. Now God has also given them instructions regarding the battle.

• The priests with trumpets went for the battle
• They carried the ark of the Lord
• The armed guard went ahead of the priest and the rear guard behind the ark.
• The army was to be very quiet.

Now those were some pretty weird rules for a battle, I'd say this must have taken real faith to obey. Who in their right mind send priest carrying trumpets to war? As human beings, we seldom do something we feel is not logical, not right as per our understanding though we might think of this as a great quality, it could be a hindrance when it comes to our relationship with God.

With God nothing is impossible, that word 'impossible' does not exist in God's dictionary, so how do we -limited, finite, with more possibilties to encounter impossibilities of various kinds, how do we know the impossible for us is possible with God, well as Joshua demonstrates it-its with "Obedience". When God's power over impossiblities, in our lives, meets an obedient heart to God...together it makes the impossible possible in what we might think, the most unusual way.

Lesson: Obedience to God's Word and trusting God in every situation can turn any impossible situation around. This Lesson when read backwards also means- disobedience to God's Word, prevents God's power over impossibilites from working in our lives. Mathematically rendered it would read as below

Obedience to God + God's power => Impossible == All things are possible

Disobedience to God + (no God's power : nothing to work on) =>Impossible == Failure and more impossibilities.

+ - Added to

=> - Applied to

== - Results in

Hope for Everyone-Lesson from Rahab's Life

In the account of Joshua's life, we come across a special person, when they won their famous war at Jericho.

Background(Joshua 2):Rahab an inhabitant of Jericho, had her house on the Jericho wall. She was prostitute and as per their customs, was not allowed to have a house among the common people of the country. She was made to live on the city wall.
In those days the city wall was not a feet or two thick like we have. They were walls to fortify the city from enemy attacks. Some were made in concentric circles around the city. Some were about 12feet wide. Thats the kind of wall Joshua and Israelites broke through with their praise and shouting.

Situation:(Joshua 2:1 [ Rahab and the Spies ] Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim. "Go, look over the land," he said, "especially Jericho." So they went and entered the house of a prostitute [ Or possibly an innkeeper ] named Rahab and stayed there.)When Joshua sent spies to Jericho, the easiest place they could sneak in without any suspicion was into Rahab's house. She was in the danger of being caught by her own authorities if they found out that the spies were there or otherwise if the Israelites attacked, her house would be the 1st to get hit.

Rahab's Action:

• She hid them on the roof (Joshua 2:4-6)
• Gave them place to stay (Joshua 2:8)
• Advised them on how to escape the Jericho soldiers (Joshua 2:16)

Why did she do all this? -The Bible says-Its because the whole city of Jericho had heard of the God of Israel and how He had rescued His people and the Red Sea crossing and about all that had happened to the kings who tried to attack the Israelites(Joshua 2:11). She knew that with a God like the One the Israelites had there was no winning against Israel. Indirectly, I find that she honoured the power of the Living God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. She had heard and now was her chance to act on what she believed, she took the side of the Living God.She wanted to take shelter with a group of people who believed and were guided by a Living God.

What she got in return? -Joshua 6:25 But Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her family and all who belonged to her, because she hid the men Joshua had sent as spies to Jericho—and she lives among the Israelites to this day. Not only was her family spared but now she got a chance to live among people, unlike the way she had been living on the wall in Jericho. Knowing society for the first time, knowing to be a part of a larger community, not being looked at as someone who deserves no respect, but as a hero I'd say. I imagine, the Israelites must have spoken about her as a woman of courage to have dared to keep the spies in her house which was probably surrounded most of the time with the soldiers in Jericho on account of it being on the city wall.

Her returns did not end there-

• Her name finds mention in the geneology of our Lord Jesus Christ-(Matthew 1:5 (Whole Chapter) Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse,6and Jesse the father of King David )
• Her name mentioned in the book of Hebrews, "Hall of Faith"(Hebrews 11:31 (Whole Chapter) By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient)

As I see it, she had an impact not only in the lives of the Israelites then but also on us who are children by faith, showing us an example of faith. From another angle, I see that those who run to the Living Lord Jesus for whatever it be, they are never turned down and reap eternal benefits.

Lesson: Rahab's life shows us the blessings, of a person willing to go with the Living God. Rahab shows us that she did not lose anything from trusting in the power of the Living God (which she heard about) but was blessed beyond what she could ever imagine. Many people have heard about Jesus, but do not want to have a relationship with God. Whatever situation we're in, maybe we're sitting on our own wall, not accepted by people we thought would accept us, Rahab's life teaches us God Cares not matter who you are. There is hope for everyone, if only we turned to the Lord.

Obedience to God is a Serious Thing

Its amazing how people try to defend themselves to try to stay away from God. They would even go to the extent of denying that God exists, so that they can have their own way. Some turn to disobedience, testing God's patience, harming other people and themselves.

The Bible says in Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in [ Or through] Christ Jesus our Lord".

While the Israelites were traveling in the wilderness, under the guidance of Moses, learning to obey God, learning to forget about their old ways and the Egyptian gods and their egyptian lifestyle, some learnt to obey God, some did not want to. The people who did not want to learn obedience to God, were lost in the wilderness and died and they never saw the Promised Land. (Joshua 5:6)"The Israelites had moved about in the desert forty years until all the men who were of military age when they left Egypt had died, since they had not obeyed the LORD. For the LORD had sworn to them that they would not see the land that he had solemnly promised their fathers to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey."

I see such a similarity here, with the way the world is going. God is being patient with all the people in the world that they may get a chance to hear and listen to His Word and come to Him. Matthew 24:14 "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. " God has given every nation in the whole world to have a chance to listen to the Word of God and then the end will come.Those who have listened and stay in God's Word will enter into the Promised Land (John 14:2 (Whole Chapter) In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.)

Why is it so critical to obey God-its because there is a continuous battle between God and Satan, for our lives. (I so like the way it is represented in the Chronicles of Narnia-The Lion the witch and the wardrobe).
God knows that all His children belong to Him, but then there are some who would not want to obey God, they'd rather do what they want and care less about their lives later.

Repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you and your household will be saved.(Acts 16:31 )

Crossing the Jordan

As I read the account of the crossing of Jordan river. I see God and Joshua working like partners. Joshua is no longer an assistant to Moses, he's now having his own experience with God. I have read in Joshua more than once now, God encouraging Joshua time and time again."Be strong and courageous...be strong and courageous". I was wondering what was it, that could have made Joshua feel weak or discouraged.

I wonder

• Was it because all this while he was having a mentor and now he's on his own
• Was it because he felt inadequate, since he had seen Moses work with God and perform amazing miracles and he might have thought, "I don't think I can be as good as Moses"
• Could it be that he was afraid that the Israelites would not listen to him.
• Or be overwhelmed by the number of people he had to lead

We all feel burdened by a lot of negatives when it comes to doing something for the Lord. However when I read Joshua's triumphs and how he worked, I find that he slowly learnt that when God chooses someone for His work, He also equips them with the power to do it.

In the crossing of Jordan, God demonstrates His mighty power while Joshua is leading the Israelites. It is written in Joshua 3:7 "And the LORD said to Joshua, "Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses." God encouraged Joshua.

Then I found something similar that we have received as a promise- When Jesus sent out the disciples to spread the gospel of Good News to all the world "Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."(Matthew 28:16-20)

Just as Jesus gave His disciples strength to spread the Good News, He is with us too when we live for Jesus. Let's find strength in our Lord Jesus as we go forth, live the life God called us to live, do what God called us to do and lets be a blessing and encouragement to someone through our lives.

We Belong

Psalm 24:1 says "The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it"

How we have been fooled to believe otherwise. You don't belong here, you don't fit here, you're out of fashion...etc etc etc.
The Bible says, you belong to God.

• God cares for you, when no one does. (1 Peter 5:7 )
• God wants you when no one else does.( Matthew 11:28)
• God has a plan for your life, even if you think there's nothing more to it.(Jeremiah 29:11)
• God wants you to be a blessing, even when you think you're capable of nothing.(Ephesians 1:3 )
• God wants you to prosper, even when you think you can't get there.(3 John 1:2)

There is more to it than I can write here. So get started by knowing God. Oh how I want my new family to know all of the above and more with my Lord Jesus in our lives together.I totally agree with the verse that David wrote and I believe whatever belongs to God should be His and I pray the same.

Joshua-Learning Courage from Life

"Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go" (Joshua 1:7).

When you look back over your past, do you see a single conglomeration of events, or do you notice a few clear, definable points of decision that make up the framework of your existence? Most likely, you immediately think of one or two key moments involving critical decisions that shaped your life into what it is now. When we consider the life of Joshua, whom God appointed to lead Israel into the Promised Land, two definite landmark moments are instantly prominent. To understand this man, we must first understand these two life-changing events.

(Excerpt copyright of InTouch Ministries)

Read the rest at Intouch

We can't go on like this

Background: Moses has now passed away(Exodus 34) and God has given Joshua charge of the Israelites(Joshua 1), to lead them into the Promised Land.

There is a beautiful thing I learnt, from reading the way in which God leads Joshua, after Moses is gone. It is amazing.The 2 things I learnt are below yet they both come down to the same meaning daily fellowship with God.

1. We cannot fight today's battles with yesterday's strength-Joshua was with Moses for most of Moses' meetings with God(Exodus 17:9,Exodus 24:13). It was not enough that Joshua be a part of the miracles he saw in Moses time. He had to work towards his own and "every day". I have experienced this in my life too. Many a times, I have tried to fight my battles with what I have known God work in my life in the past, but they haven't worked. Now I know its because, I need new spiritual strength for today. God commands Joshua "This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good [b]success."(Exodus 1:8). We read further in Joshua 3 the account of the Israelites crossing the Jordan (under Joshua's leadership). The method of this miracle is different from what God did with Moses even though the result is the same, crossing a river/sea. If Joshua would have thought -"Hey Ive been with Moses, I know, I just need to raise my staff, would that have worked???" I don't think so. God wanted Joshua to be connected to Him through this all the time. He would have completely missed his opportunity to see a miracle. So also, we should get connected to our Lord for our situations, "EVERY single DAY".
2. We cannot have a working faith in God, simply based on someone else's experience with God:Only our own Personal Experience and relationship with God can build up that kind of faith.-Another aspect I see here in the same passages as above is that, God is a personal God, He wanted Joshua to trust Him in all of his endeavours with the Lord. What God did for Moses, He did for Joshua too. However from Moses and Joshua's point of view, they are unique situations. Joshua could not have had faith in God based on Moses' faith on God. Joshua had to trust God on his own and God had different instructions for Joshua, even though the event(crossing a sea/river) was the same.This would be Joshua's own experience with God, his very own. A personal relationship costs time and effort. God appreciates meeting His children personally as well as in a group. He has a unique relationship with all His children.

Lesson from Life:If you were going through trouble and I say one of the following to you which one would "really" exhort you.

• Mrs X also had the same problem and God worked for her, so I guess God will work for you too.
• I have been through this in my life, and God did amazing things for me, during all that pain and suffering I went through, and I believe "There is no partiality with God" He will do for you what He did for me.

Which one of the above do you think would give you lasting encouragement and strengthen your faith in God? Making time to meet God, letting go of what we've used as a method from somewhere else. Meet God first so He can meet your needs in the best way suited to bless you "Entirely" not just in one aspect and not just for you but so that you can be a blessing to many.

Reviewing my Quest

I had posted a question and I am so glad for the responses I received

Dear tinywings, Beckie and uncommon1,
Thank you for taking time to respond and being an encouragement to me too. God Bless you all.

Now regarding the Quest
What is Ambition?-(a) An eager or strong desire to achieve something, such as fame or power.
(b) The object or goal desired (c) Desire for exertion or activity; energy: had no ambition to go dancing.

I think, just because you're a believer in Jesus, it does not mean you're lazy, relaxed and un-ambitious. I have ambitions, but they are of God. The Bible says in Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. " that looks like a God who has plans for me, God has ambitions for me to follow.A God given ambition.

What I know from the world is that, contentment and ambition don't usually go together. I have not found someone, who is ambitious and is yet satisfied with their job. They always want more, better, higher, satisfying. Well I have known a Loving Father in heaven who is as much involved in my life as I am.

Let's have a look at what He has for me (in ambition and contentment)

• My ambition to be at the top- Deuteronomy 28:13 says "The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom. "
• What about will I earn more money?-We all know Abraham, the only thing he had as we read from his life story in the Bible, was a family and his faith in A Living God. His story doesn't sound like an ambitious man's story. Only an obedient man to God, and the Bible says in Genesis 24:35 "The LORD has blessed my master abundantly, and he has become wealthy. He has given him sheep and cattle, silver and gold, menservants and maidservants, and camels and donkeys. " I think thats an amazing testimony Abraham carried.Isn't that what people want? Well the God I know is able to grant that.
• What about my satisfaction? Will I be satisfied if I go after God's ambition for me. I think Yes. Here's what Ecclesiastes 5:19-20 says "Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God. 20 He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart."
  
  
  Wow!! so now I know,my God is able to give me the right ambitions, which will satisfy me totally in mind, material and soul. Isn't that, what all are looking for?
  
  Conclusion: I am expectant of God to know what He has planned for me(Like tinywings said). I am content where I am at(like Sister Beckie shared), knowing that when I have learnt my lesson on this chapter of my life, I will be moving on to higher ground and on my way there I am being blessed and being a blessing to many. I am ambitious and content because of the plans my Loving and Living God has for me. What more do I need?
  
  

I have a question.

I'm satisfied where I am at, does that make me un-ambitious?

What do you think?

Are there any more leaders like Moses?

In Moses, I find a very true leader

He always stayed connected to God- this showed that Moses acknowledged, the One (God) who was actually leading the Israelites to the Promised land.

He won the Israelites trust, because what he said, he would do, therefore proving that he had actually heard from God( Exodus 14:31)-this shows that he was honest in letting the people know exactly as God said, keeping nothing

• He interceded for the people (every time the Israelites came to him with a problem, he did not give his own suggestions, he went to God)-this shows that he cared for them, even though it does not say so, people who want to show u the way..if they really care about you walking the right way, they will pray for you.They will not assume, what God wants with them, but find out from God.
• Prepared a Leader who would finally take them to the promised land-did not want to leave the people stranded after he was gone, he planned for their future.

Bible sums up Moses' life like this " Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face, 11 who did all those miraculous signs and wonders the LORD sent him to do in Egypt—to Pharaoh and to all his officials and to his whole land. 12 For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel." (Exodus 34:10-12). That looks to me like a very successful life, being blessed and being a blessing to so many too.

Do we have any examples of leaders like this left or existing?

The Knee Tool- A Neat Tool

I've now continued reading on from the life of the Israelites in the desert, and how Moses deals with the situations he faces-leading a whole pack of people, who are so wavering in their faith. The day God rescues them..oh they praise and worship God..but the days they are facing troubles..they are even more quick to grumble.

We've seen how the Israelites went about their journey with the Lord in my previous posts.
Now here's something Moses' life teaches us.
Background:

• The Red Sea situation(Exodus 14:11-12)
• Bitter Water Problem (Exodus 15:23-24)
• Food Problem(Exodus 16)
• No Water Problem (Exodus 17:2-5)

Moses's responses to the above situations

• The Red Sea response-The Bible says-"Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. 14 The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." (Exodus 14:13-14). We even see God telling Moses why are you crying out to me? Thats because God has already revealed to Moses what He would do. We see Moses respond in faith.
• Bitter Water Problem-"Then Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water, and the water became sweet. ........."(Exodus 15:25)
• Food Problem-The Bible here does not say whether Moses cried out to God or not, but God Himself told Moses "12 "I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, 'At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God"(Exodus 16:12)
• Water Problem-"Moses replied, "Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the LORD to the test?" 3 But the people were thirsty for water there, and they grumbled against Moses. They said, "Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and livestock die of thirst?"
  4 Then Moses cried out to the LORD, "What am I to do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me.""(Exodus 17:2-4)

I admire Moses for the way he dealt with this situation, he did not lose sight of God ever.He did not listen to what they were saying, rather, every time someone came to him to put in doubt in his heart about God's saving nature for all of them, he went right back to God and clarified everything. Isn't it the same with our relationships? I wonder why we don't use the same principles with God.

Lesson:In our lives too, when you're on your way to victory, satan tries to talk you out of it. There might even be people to discourage you, to make you concentrate on your problems more than on the promises God has given you. Satan tries to suggest that God does not love you any more, does not listen to your prayers anymore or even tries to show you that, what you're believing will not work. Get your tools on the ground, kneel down in prayer, tell God and listen to His Word.What God did for Moses He is able to do for you. 2 Chronicles 19:7 says"for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery." Hebrews 13:8 says "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever". How much more our Lord Jesus is willing to work on behalf of His children, who seek His will and love and trust Him. Don't give up...you've got a neat tool, use it.

Learning Obedience can be Trying

I am just trying to learn the amount of time it took for the Israelites to realise that God can take care of "everything" in their life.

On the very first day they had problem believing that God could rescue them from the pharoah's army. Then on the 3rd day they had difficulty trusting God for water.Into the 15th day of their journey from Egypt, now they face an issue with food to eat and they grumble-God gave them Manna from heaven Exodus 16 mentions that account in detail. Grumbling for water-Exodus 17:3 God provided water from the rock (Exodus 17:5-6) .

Well, I see that the Israelites travelling from Egypt into their promised land were facing "issues" much like us believers who are travelling towards our promised land (heaven).
When I look at my life in comparison to the Israelites I find that I've done some of the grumbling myself...yeah I grumbled/upset when I got into trouble, or was in a difficult situation..however somehow God alwasy showed me that He could be trusted with every aspect of my life....my worries are not over, but I don't worry any more because over the years(11yrs with Jesus) I have now realised a few basic things which always work

• I cannot change anything about my future by worrying about it (Matthew 6:30-35)
• Worrying causes Relacore,a stubborn belly fat..I dont want that ...
• 3 times Jesus said "What is impossible with man is possible with God" well so if there is something impossible for me, when surrendered to God, He will make it possible.
• Above all the best lesson learnt from problems in life is mentioned in James1:2-4 says "Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patienceBut let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing.".
  
  So no matter where I am, what I am facing, I am learning to understand- that God works inside out...yeah the work God does, through the outside actually changes me on the inside and makes me a better person- a person who is blessed and is a blessing to all around them.
  

Problems Already!!

3 days into their journey away from Egypt, the Pharoah's army drowned in the Red Sea, Israelites saw God's mighty work of splitting the Red Sea and making them walk on dry ground and they've forgotten ALL of that so easily. Here's what they say just 3 days into their journey "....When they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was bitter. (That is why the place is called Marah. [a] ) 24 So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, "What are we to drink?" (Exodus 15:23-24) I think they could have known better, they had seen God work right in front of their eyes. If God can part the Red Sea, wouldnt He be able to provide them with water....no but some people just don't want to believe God for everything. It can be difficult yes, I know,but not impossible.

I am so glad Moses was with them, he knew what to do-he called out to God and God helped him out. What if Moses had done what the others were doing? Would they have seen God work in this for them? I dont know, but I don't think so. If Moses wouldnt have found out from God that all they needed was stick to be put in the water;they might have had to work to set up a water filtration system or something and soon else they could die without water. Yes with God the solution to your problem could be so simple, if only you would ask God. So why don't you? He's got all the answers you'll need and is more than willing to help you, so ask Him and more than that, be sure to listen.

Conclusion: All I am saying is summed up in one verse from the Word of God- "He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"(Romans 8:32). God has done sooooo much for us, the least we can do is trust Him with our lives to make it better not only for us, but for all who are around us. I recommend reading my previous post on finding real Success!! .

Overcoming Difficulties-Working with God

When Moses and the Israelites were right in the middle of their difficulty..on their very first journey with God to the Promised Land,God told them something regarding how to tackle a situation where there seemed no way out

"The Lord said to Moses, Why do you cry to Me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward!
16Lift up your rod and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, and the Israelites shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea. 17And I, behold, I will harden (make stubborn and strong) the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall go [into the sea] after them; and I will gain honor over Pharaoh and all his host, his chariots, and horsemen. 18The Egyptians shall know and realize that I am the Lord when I have gained honor and glory over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen." (Exodus 14:14-18 )

1. Go forward- When God's with you, trust Him and go forward. Trust Him you will surely see your miracle.
2. Lift up your rod- God, earlier gave Moses the rod. To think that this was actually Moses' staff, but when it was laid down before God the staff was transformed(Refer: Exodus 4, Exodus 4:20 ). God has given us His Word (The Bible) with all the weapons you'll need to fight the enemy.
3. Stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it- It looks funny here to me that something impossible for man and God has Moses do it as if, Moses always knew what he was supposed to do upon reaching a sea.God commands Moses as if its an inherent quality in Moses to split the sea. We all know it is not. God here showed Moses that the answer to his problem was in his hands, his staff, and the action was Moses'. Moses had to take action. God did not speak to the sea. Moses did, with his faith in what God told him. Yeah! it works that way most of the time, we've got to speak to our problems, we've got to work through the situation, but the secret is, under God's direction. Yes, you have to know what God would have you do to your situation and DO IT.

Conclusion:Recently, God gave me directions regarding my life from His Word, I listened to it and aligned myself to the Word of God and it worked. God likes to work with His people not without them. Thats how families work, together, not individually. We're part of God's family.

Facing Difficulties

The Red Sea before them and the pharoah's army behind them, and here's what the Israelites had to say to Moses out on the first day of their journey to the Promised Land-"They said to Moses, "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? 12 Didn't we say to you in Egypt, 'Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians'? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!" (Exodus 14:11-12) And Moses replied-"Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. 14 The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." (Exodus 14:13-14).

Have you ever felt that you know for sure what God has promised you and there are people around who don't agree with you? You might feel frustrated because no one seems to understand the value of the promise you're holding on to.I do.

Well we needn't give up hope and start thinking like the people around.When we put our trust in God, He takes charge of everything that concerns you. He knows your concerns even before you do and is willing to help you out if you will let Him.

For the Israelites, even if Moses and maybe a few others were the only ones steadfast in their faith, God stood between them and the enemy. So does God do for you. When God has promised you regarding your situation, be strengthened that God will see that it comes to pass and if you allow (by faith) God to work, He stands right in between you and your enemies or tough situations. So if you're facing difficulties and are holding onto God's promise from His Word, know that God is right in the middle of it, protecting you.

Conclusion: I like what the Word of God says to confirm this-"We know [absolutely] that anyone born of God does not [deliberately and knowingly] practice committing sin, but the One Who was begotten of God carefully watches over and protects him [Christ's divine presence within him preserves him against the evil], and the wicked one does not lay hold (get a grip) on him or touch [him]." (1John 5:18 Amp)

God's Presence-Individuals

1. Impact of God's Presence on society-1Samuel 7:2 says "It was a long time, twenty years in all, that the ark remained at Kiriath Jearim, and all the people of Israel mourned and sought after the LORD." Sounds like a revival, without a meeting, or any special gathering, all because of the Presence of God.
   Isn't that amazing what God's Presence can do. There was no one preaching, no singers singing but because of God's presence, people were just turning to God. They were just getting reconciled to God.
2. Impact of God's Presence on individuals- (a) Moses' face shone-(Exodus 34:29) (b) Peter's Shadow brought healing-(Acts 5:15) (c) Paul's touching clothes brought healing and deliverance-(Acts 19 :11-12)
   They were in such a wonderful state of being a vessel of God's Presence through their lives that their life could impact people around them and do just like Jesus did. They were like a true branches of the True Vine Jesus.

Success !!

Its easy to loose focus when what you see becomes bigger than what you believe in. Throughout the Bible, we see God picking out people with problems and turning them into miracles, and changing failures into successes. Not just marginal success, but huge successes.
The good thing about this, getting successful thing, is not 1-2-3 but needs waiting, patience, building character too. While God ushers us into success, he also needs to build up our inner man, to be honest, of good and strong character, of good works, of love, of a sound mind, of perseverance, of patience and the likes.

We like the part about being successful, but we would not want to go through the building up of the inner man. Would we be able to wait like Abraham for 25 yrs for God's promise to be fulfilled in our lives? Sounds difficult right.Or like Joseph, to go through prison, and cheating and still staying honest and true to God AND waiting for 13 yrs for God's promise to complete. Or, like Moses, to be right in the middle of unbelief(Israelites not believing and grumbling about God) and yet keep believing God to guide them to the promised land. Or, like Joshua, trusting God's power to give them the promised land, in the midst of people who accompanied him to check out the promised land.

We can become successful the way we want, or the way God wants and make life beautiful, not only for us, but also be a blessing to all who come in contact with us.

• Abraham became a blessing to all who have faith in God
• Joseph became a blessing to Egypt as a country as well as to his family and other Israelites in a time of need
• Moses became a blessing and guided people upto the promised land, even training Joshua under his leadership
• Joshua became a wonderful leader and led Israelites into the promised land

There are more people mentioned in the Bible whom, God blessed in the inner man as well as in their material possessions.They had impact in the lives beyond their scope of life on earth. Imagine that.

Ponder on: "Proverbs 10:22 (Whole Chapter) The blessing of the Lord--it makes [truly] rich, and He adds no sorrow with it [neither does toiling increase it]. "

The Ark of God-Motives

Background:In 1Samuel 4 we read how the Israelites went out to fight the Philistines and were defeated. They then decided that they needed the Ark of God with them, while they were fighting. So they bring the Ark of God with them to the battlefield. However when you read on you'll find that in spite of having the Ark of God with them, the Israelites lost the battle and the Ark of God is captured.

In reading the chapter I found that the Israelites had the Ark of God (symbolic to the Presence of God) when they went for battle, but they still lost the battle. The Presence of God was there, then why did they lose the battle. I guess, the Israelites were trying to work out a formula instead of a relationship by taking the Ark with them. They remember God's power to their people in the olden times.

Its not that God's Presence was not powerful, God would never give His power to people who want to use it for their own gains and still live in disobedience.
Firstly-They did not seek God to know whether this was God's will for them or not. Its about seeking God's will.
Secondly-Following a religion-not the relationship. They did what the Israelites had usually done in the past when they went out to battle, the Ark was with them. Its about the relationship.

We do that many times, seeking for God's Presence for things He wouldn't even have us do. Let's seek God for His plans for our lives. We'll find success in our seeking Him only then.
Also, lets not seek God's presence for the fancy of it, for the show of it, but His Presence to dwell in it. To enjoy God's Presence and know God more and increase our Love for Him.

Conclusion:-The Presence is not sought so we can be successful in our plans but so that we can have fellowship with God and that God may make us successful in His masterplan for our lives.

For Crying Out Loud

Have you been crying? I have. Have you been hoping for a change but nothing seems to be happening? I have. Are you being pushed into the end of hope and not knowing what to do? Sometimes I am. Have you got the reassurance that all your crying has reached God? I have and I want to share it with you

God does not enjoy in the sorrow of His people. He cares. If you have been crying out to a person it may not help. You might get a response, you might not, it all depends on whether that person thinks your crying is worth his/her effort or not. In other words, they might check for your worth for them. If you are valuable to them, you're crying to them would work. If not, the crying continues. But not if you cry out to God. He cares. He is concerned about you.

God heard them cry-

• Ishmael-"God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven.."(Genesis 21:17) Ishmael, Abraham's slave son. God heard him. How much more he would hear you.
• Widow and Orphan-""Do not take advantage of a widow or an orphan. 23 If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry"(Exodus 22:22-23)
• Israelites in Egypt -"I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out .."(Exodus 3:7)
• Elijah's cry for life of the boy-"The LORD heard Elijah's cry, and the boy's life returned to him..."(1 Kings 17:22)
• There are more....you can find out who all.

Whether it be a cry of help, a cry of mercy, a cry of distress or intercession like Elijah did...God hears and answers. Oh for crying out loud!! Cry out to the one who's been waiting to listen to you.

Why we don't hear God's answer?

• Probably we're so busy crying out to others
• We're not listening-sitting quietly with the Lord in prayer and reading God's Word (The Bible)
• We're not bothered/not ready for God's answer maybe because we think God is wrong and cannot help us the way He plans out to help.

How to hear God's answers?

• When in the midst of distress, oppression, pain, suffering, sin, guilt, or anything else...get connected to God instead of disconnecting yourself. I have learnt that at times of adversity we should run to God and not away from Him or His people.
• Make sure you listen to the advise of people well connected to God not just some people. Well God will bring the right people in your life, to whom you will listen(Godly people-maybe a friend, a pastor or even someone you thought can't help) So pay attention.
• Wait on the Lord for His answers before jumping into wrong conclusions

Well these are some things I could think of. There may be more ways God can speak to you. But cry out loud to the right person..To God. He loves you. He wants to help you. Are we listening or still crying out loud that we can't hear anything at all?

God's Answers

When it is in God's mind to save His people, He will do anything. We have seen how Moses Questioned God and now lets see how God answered them.


Question 1.Who am I that I should go?(Exodus 3:11)
Answer. Exodus 3:12- "I will be with you.." Wow isn't that an amazing thing a person can have. Its almost like you've been given an assignment and its great that the CEO of the company is also coming with you. Imagine how important that assignment could be that the CEO had to go for it too. More than that, imagine how important it is for you to be on that assignment which is of so much value to the CEO.We may be nothing before the immense that God has prepared you for but the greatest thing is that He is going to be with you in it. God does not give you an assignment that He is not on too. He will never leave you. Know that if you're in something that is overwhelming you, some task that seems unbeatable, some person whom you've been praying for and it seems you've been working on a stone. Don't worry God is there right there with you in that task that He has assigned you to. Take courage.

Question 2. What's God's name? (Exodus 3:13)
Answer. "I AM who I AM......the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob" (Exodus 3:14-15) . What God said to Moses is amazing. I am who I am. If there is time, God is. There is love, God is.More than that to help Moses understand, God identifies Himself with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, people whom Moses would have known. People can know God by your life as well. What are you showing people? . Abraham,Isaac and Jacob trusted God in their lives and set an example for the people to follow so that the people would know that they too could have a personal relationship with this Living God.We saw God work through the faith Abraham, Isaac and Jacob had on him. They each had different problems, but God was God to all of them in their own unique situations.Similarly, when we trust God, we can know God as our God. One who becomes one with your situation, no matter how difficult it is. In the world not many people can understand what pain or suffering or anxiety you might be going through. You may not find a friend who knows you so well, that he/she gives you encouragement when you need, give you the right suggestions, helps you make the right choices and decisions, is with you through everything you go through.God is one who can understand you fully well, because He knows your very form.He is Who He is. Your salvation. Your redemption.Your God. Your protector. Your guide. Your security. Your strength.Your healing. Your wealth. Your family.

Question 3."What if they don't believe me?"(Exodus 4:1)
Answer. "Whats in your hand?"(Exodus 4:2) God showed Moses that he didn't have to look anything beyond to help him prove God to the Israelites. It would have been enough for Moses that God was going with him, but Moses wanted some tangible evidence and God gave that to him. So it is with us, we don't trust God when He says "Lo I am with you, now and forever." We need more proof to show that God is with us. Also, we see that God used something that Moses was having. Anything that you have can be an instrument for God's work. A person once shared this. We see here that Moses came to God (in the burning bush) with the staff he was shepherding his sheep and later on we read in Exodus 4:20 "...And he took the staff of God in his hand." I think it is wonderful to know that the staff that Moses once had has now become the staff of God. Its like we read in my previous post "Preparing the Leader", that Moses had a passion "freedom for the Israelites" which became the aim God wanted to achieve. It was Moses staff and God was going to use something which was once only used to herd sheep and scare off wild animals, but to now stand before the Pharoah and declare the work of God. We might have something in us, which we might think as an insignificant thing, but when laid down before the Almighty God, becomes a talent of God, not just for you but a huge blessing to all who see it. God can do that for you too. Are we willing to lay down all our talents before God and see God mould us and make us into an amazing person to be a blessing to many.

Question 4. "I am not good at this"(Exodus 4:10)
Answer: "....Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." (Exodus 4:11-12) This time Moses had done it. He was saying God could not help him talk. He even says please send someone else to talk. It reminds me of myself, many times I am afraid to say something God would want me to share and have lost an opportunity of being a blessing. I have also seen, how God has asked me to say something and I have been amazed at the way what I said had been to that person.God gives you many chances in a day to be a blessing to someone, every single day of your life. We can either take it and rejuvenate our faith, or just let it go and waste time and effort on something not to be done. God is able to give us all the grace for the task that He assigns us too. Remember when Jesus was sending disciples to preach, he said not to take any stuff with them, for God would provide. Yeah, if you know for sure God has called you to a task, be more than sure that He has already equipped you with everything you would ever need for that task. So be bold in the Lord and in the strength of His might. For He is going with you.

Conclusion: With such a wonderful God at our side, who should you fear. Be the person that God has created you to be. A blessing to someone every single day of your life. An encourager to someone somewhere, maybe in prayer, maybe in sharing you wealth, maybe in preaching, maybe in loving and caring for the sick and weary, maybe in just being there without a word, maybe in crying in intercession, maybe in teaching the Word, maybe helping the children love God and find their strength in God the way you did. There is definitely something, a passion, God has put in your heart which you long to do, something which will bless many. Take strength in the Lord and go with Him.You will be blessed.

Questioning God

Exodus 3:10-21

Moses had a lot of questions to ask God when he was called by God for his assignment. I couldnt help but compare this to other calling, especially to one who is by far the most obedient and faithful. Yes the father of our "Faith on a Living God". Abraham.If you read Genesis 12:1-4 you'll find that Abraham did not have many questions when God asked him to leave his place and go to a land God promised. Now come to think of it, he didnt know where he was going and God promised him that he would become a great nation. I wonder if he would have thought, "this is ridiculous, wonder whether I can have kids when I am so old and stuff..." but he went, the Bible does not say he complained or questioned God's authority, but as you'll find in Moses' case he wasn't one without questions, he had questions, many of them.

1. Who am I that I should go?(Exodus 3:11) - I have been wondering about this aspect "Questioning God". Do we know any thing more than God, that we can question God. I feel as time went by, people questioned God more than the pioneer of Faith. No wonder we don't see people like Abraham any more, who was so faithful to God in everything God asked him to do that God was willing to share his heart with Abraham(Genesis 18:16-18). Imagine, you're such a good employee that your company's CEO wants to tell you his future plans, more than that because he has seen such commendable work from you that he even risks the chance of having to adjust his plans and take your suggestions as well. Oh that would make me so much proud. What would we do if God were to ask us of something we should go out and do? No matter how contrary it may be to what you've been doing all this while. Are we willing to let God be God and use our life to the fullest. I believe God can be restricted with questions as Moses asks. We'll see an example of this later. Its, how much faith you have in the Living God that, WHATEVER HE ASKS you are willing to do without questioning Him. Do I have an "ALL OUT" faith in Jesus? Moses' question almost seems like telling God "Lord you made a mistake, how can you choose me? I don't think you were looking for me".I know there could be many mistakes that we have made, feeling miserable about our past decisions/actions and probably hiding in one corner of our world from people. Like Moses was. But we see God has a plan for Moses, a position to lead and so, God has a plan for us too. Not to be a part of a crowd, but to lead. Imagine that. Don't hide, come out and go with the Lord, that He may lead you to be a leader in whatever He calls you to do and to be. Only you can be that.
2. What's God's name? (Exodus 3:13,) Moses asks "What if they ask the name of the God who called me, what should I say?".I wonder,probably Moses had to ask that question, because Moses was brought up with so many varieties of gods in the Egyptian cutoms he didn't know which one to go for. I think its a sad thing that people lost track of who is the real God. Noah knew God well,Abraham knew God well, Isaac knew God well,Jacob knew God well and here Moses wants to know who God is. Many times we start thinking like the world and lose our sight of the Lord. Soon we might even take time to recognise our Living Saviour. Isnt it sad when we lose our precious time with our Living Lord and hence we get deceived thinking there could be another. Maybe a leaf, a book, the sun, the moon or something else, or anything that is bigger than man. God had to break through that confusion and bring into light, that He is the God Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Also, its amazing that God would like to identify Himself as a God of a certain person and attach Himself to a person's name. God declares "I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me," Isaiah 45:5. There is no other God other than the Living God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God would like to be known as "your" God.
3. "What if they don't believe me?"- Moses wanted to be on the safer side of whatever he was getting into. Abraham did not ask any doubting questions.I have many times asked God questions of doubt and unbelief.Should we be one's to suggest to Someone who has created the entire Universe with His knowledge and even our brain which still baffles the scientists in its intelligence and working. God knows best for us. If He wanted, He could have done anything, without any of our intervention, but He wants to work with His children,us. I am reminded of a story I once read.y of 2 yrs old came along and wanted to help daddy out. The man was sooo happy to see his son wanting to help him. He held the table and let his son hold an end as if the kid was carrying the stuff, while the entire weight was borne by the father. The son felt happy to help his dad. Little did the kid know that his dad could have moved the furniture on his own if he wanted. So is with God, He works "with" His people not without them.Would you let God work with you. Let's not "what if" when God calls us for an assignment.We'll see amazing works from God in our life. Even if we have had doubts and feel like giving up. DON"T. If Moses would have stopped at asking questions and not gone with God, we might not have been we might be on our verge to see God make a way through the Red Sea, win many battles, set us free from oppression no matter who the oppressor and many more like Moses did. Don't doubt on God.
4. Finally an excuse- Its a final go that even we try, God I am not good at this. Many times when God calls us to do something we might think we're not good at. Its probably because we haven't seen ourselves the way God sees. He sees us as a miracle, as His masterpiece. As His loving child. As someone for whom God was willing to lay down His life. As someone who has the potential to become what God has made him/her for.

Conclusion:-People who don't want to believe will have a lot of questions. For me the question is am I willing to trust God without a shadow of a doubt, without any questions like God has shown in His Word. Or am I the one who will question, reason, weigh (between something little I knowand something magnificent God knows about me) and then turn down God. God wants to do amazing things for us in our lives. We cannot see the success of our lives without Him.

"What is success? It's remaining faithful to God's will. And what's God's will? To love one another. We are responsible for the effort not the outcome. The outcome is in God's hands." -Mary Jo Copeland

Many a people come to God with their own perception of what they can do with themselves and how God can help and get disappointed. I think we should want to know what else we can do with God. Discovering ourselves and how God can use us for His mighty work, even beyond our capabilities.Learning to trust God with our lives so He could bring out the best. Lives that will not only change our own perception of our lives, but be an impact to all the people.

Receiving God's Redemption Plan

As already seen how God saw the groanings of the Israelites in Egypt and how God was concerned for His people. We also saw how God had prepared the Leader for the Israelites and now that everything and everyone is ready God reveals His Redemption Plan for the Israelites to Moses. I feel that the giving of the Redemption Plan to Moses, just did not happen one fine day in Moses's life but that God had prepared Moses' heart and mind to a place he would listen to God and obey God so that God's plan would be appreciated by His people.



The Burning Bush Experience (Exodus 3:1)

Background:It has been a long time since Moses fled(Exodus 2:23) from Egypt after killing the Egyptian for flogging an Israelite(Exodus 2:11-15). He is now married to Zipporah and even has a baby from her named Gershom(Exodus 2:21-22). I'm thinking of writing about names a little later. Moses was out tending his father-in-law's sheep.

• Moses takes his sheep to the far side of the desert.(Exodus 3:1)

(My thoughts-When God has something important to say to you, He would have you come to a far side, mostly somewhere you've never been before.Don't be afraid of going onto the far side, it could be something you haven't done before. Trust God)

• A burning bush-a strange sight (Exodus 3:2,3)

(My thoughts-Look out for what God is trying to get your attention to. Sometimes when we are in a strange situation, we prefer not to look around,to hide ourselves from the strange when probably there is something God would like us to see. Pay attention to what God would have you see, no matter what situation you are in, that paying attention to what God has to show and say will be instructions regarding how God can use you in that situation. Its all in how attentive we are to God's voice and calling. If Moses wouldn't have gotten interested in the things of God (though they be strange)- the redemption for the Israelites would take another long time-also Moses' passion suppressed would have gone away with him and we wouldn't read about him and be blessed. So be careful to listen and pay attention to what God wants you to attend to.)

• Getting in position to receive God's Plan (Exodus 3:4-6)

1. Go closer to God- in Moses case he went to see the bush closely and God spoke to him. (My thoughts-If we want to hear anything from God, we've got to go nearer to Him and wait)
2. Respond correctly when God speaks -God called out to Moses by name and Moses responded. (My thoughts-God knows you by name, He is concerned about you. So when God wants to talk to you, respond. Most of the times , we are so bogged down by our own wonderings and musings, we might be too engrossed to respond. I wonder what if Moses was staring at the burning bush and so engrossed in it at the way it burns, that he wouldn't have heard God. Or could have said "Wait a minute Lord, I haven't seen anything like this. Lemme enjoy this view." The situation then would have turned out to be something else altogether. Many times I feel, we get so engrossed in the episode rather than in the God behind it, that we may not even hear God talk through it and we go one about it.I did that some time ago.I was so worried about a certain thing that was bothering me that I would sit to pray and go on and on and on and on about my situation and pray on and on. I thought I was doing the right thing and when I was done unloading my cares I would get up and go. Then I learnt to stay there and to BE STILL and KNOW THAT HE IS GOD.I am glad Moses responded the way he did and God introduced Himself to Moses for the first time and you know what's written later on in Exodus about Moses-The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. If only we had the patience to turn our attention to the right direction, and respond rightly instead of just saying what we feel we must say and wait to hear from God in His Presence, we would know what God would have for us. Even our redemption.)
3. Reverence-God taught Moses to rightly position himself before God. God asked Moses to take off his sandals because the place is holy and introduced Himself. (My thoughts-We know a lot about courtesy, to honour people, to respect our elders, our bosses and the likes but too often we leave our manners way behind when we come in the Presence of the Lord of lords and King of kings. How many of us would like to talk back to our bosses knowing that's the only job we can get or the only one which suits us? Not many I guess, I wouldn't. How much more should we be in respect when in the Presence of the Almighty God.Just because God would like to call us friends and treat us like one, it does not remove or cancel the fact that your FRIEND is the Living God, the Creator of the Universe, the Alpha and Omega, the Holy One of Israel and much more than who you are.Let's not just go into a time of prayer and go on and on about us, but listen to God and respect what He wants because after He is omniscient. All knowing and knows how we should respond. Let's learn from THE TEACHER.)
4. God Reveals his heart-Remember in the previous post about how God was concerned about His people and now we see, something which God was concerned about, He reveals to Moses. This is really glorious to grasp, knowing that an Almighty God would use a mere person to carry out His concern, also from the background of Moses we read earlier in the leader being prepared for Israel we know that Moses had realised his passion(freedom for the Israelites), the passion that God has put in his heart and now was ready to get on the plan.(My thoughts-God already has a plan for our lives, and when we get onto the same page as God, understanding what God would have us do, we position ourselves to use our potentials to the full. The key I found to receiving God's plan for our lives is to stay so close to God, long enough that our thoughts, our purposes become the same as God's.You also see here that the redemption was not for Moses, it wasn't for his benefit. He might have been OK with his new family and new place. Most of the times, the plan God has for your life is rightly for blessing someone else, but rest assured, as you seek to do God's plan for your life, you'll find a.) You get closer and closer to God through His plan b.) You become a blessing, not to one but many c.)Your situation automatically aligns itself to God's plan of blessing for you because God blesses you and this blessing overflows from your life into other people's lives)

Conclusion:I have been more blessed in times where in a prayer I have welcomed God and then sat down reading the Word of God in His Presence. It has helped me to understand God and what He can do about my situation. Makes me feel confident that God can and has done something about my situation already. Even before I even came across this point of my life. He knew it and has dealt with it. We need to just be rest assured and continue doing our work for the Kingdom of God. Don't let the pressures of life hamper your work for the Kingdom of God, for that's what those pressures can do, divert your attention to yourself, your own needs and while you're fighting for things which God has already taken care of, souls are being stolen away from the Kingdom of God because the one person who could be helped only by you was never attended to by you. For God indeed has taken care of everything and anyway, what can you do anything about your situation which could be for your good. Would you know to do the right thing for it on your own? So "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Mathew 6:33)