Love in the Wilderness

God sent Moses to free His people from Egypt's bondage. But they challenged his leadership when faced with freedom's obstacles. Did they recall the Red Sea miracle as they met other challenges? They did not. Instead, they complained about everything, telling Moses they should have stayed in Egypt.

God lovingly cared for His stubborn people and showed mercy repeatedly though they walked by sight and not faith in Him. Yet, His longsuffering was limited when ten of the twelve men returning from spying out the land flowing with milk and honey before them gave doubt-filled, undesirable reports, stirring fear among the skeptical people (Num 13–14). They paid dearly for negatively influencing God's people, and so did those who doubted God's ability. Even faithful Moses would catch only a glimpse of the Promise Land and not cross over because he disobeyed God's command in a moment of anger. God loved and cared for the Israelites as they wandered for forty years in the wilderness, but only the two spies who gave a faith-filled report, trusting God to go before them, and those under twenty years old would enter the land of promise.

Our words, actions, and reactions matter because they influence others; unbelief, distrust, complaints, and grumbling against God cause us, and others who follow our disobedience, to miss His best and undergo His discipline. We experience God's love and watchful care and have proof of His miracles. But we sometimes forget what He did only yesterday, doubting and whining, testing God's longsuffering when believers should be shining lights, pointing others to our Savior. Philippians 2:14–15 "Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world."

Stand or Fall

We chose a spot under the pines for a workshop. It was our duty to make sure the location of the building was on suitable, solid ground, not the builders. I watched as they unloaded and organized the supplies and tools needed for the project, and then they began their work. They set the piers in place and laid the beams, leveling and shimming each because the ground was uneven. Each day the men built upon the previous day's work until they completed the project. The shop's ability to withstand seasons changing challenges and unpredictable weather depended on its solid foundation, the workers following the contractor's instructions, and the materials used.

A firm foundation—faith in Christ—is the first step in building your spiritual house; God supplied all the materials needed to withstand life's changing seasons and unpredictable storm challenges that will come against you. But it is your duty and mine to build our houses with the materials He supplies and follow His instructions. Using His Word as our blueprint and letting the Holy Spirit guide our decisions, we will successfully add daily to our structures what they need to be sturdy and useful for His purposes and glory and our good. Jesus said people who listen to and obey what He says is like a man who built a house on a firm foundation: "And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it. . ." (Luke 6:48). The structure was unshakeable because he dug deep and laid the foundation on a rock (vs. 46–49). We either build and stand on Christ, the solid Rock, or on sinking sand and fall. 

Habitually Yours

From childhood, we learned to brush our teeth, take a bath, and dress according to instructions and examples. These actions soon became ingrained in our daily routines. 

After Jesus washed His disciples' feet, He said, "For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you" (John 13:15). Jesus was not instructing the twelve men to wash each other's feet but to follow His example in humbling oneself to serve others, setting the "perfection standard" for Christlikeness. 

Seeking God, feeding on His Word, loving others, showing compassion, forgiving, and growing in our spiritual walk does not happen automatically. Becoming more like Jesus starts with a decision to imitate our example-setter and becomes routine through repetitive action. Deliberately forming habits pleasing to our Father is our duty, and, over time, living obediently should happen without thought, imitating Jesus. 

Strength's Weakness

"Wherefore, let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall" (1 Cor 10:12). Beware of settling comfortably in your strong suits, where temptations aren't tempting, and standing boldly in faith, happens without a second thought. A moment of anger, fear, lust, cowardice plowed through Moses, Elijah, David, and Peter's areas of strength, momentarily rending their dedicated service to the Lord; the consequences of their actions were costly. Unguarded strengths can be double weaknesses for anyone, no matter how devoted to God; places the enemy of your soul targets when you least expect his presence. So, stay alert; the devil walks the earth to throw off balance and devour those who are inattentive and unsuspecting (1 Pet 5:8). Obey God; lean on and trust His strength, not yours. 

Enough Isn't Enough

God asked Elijah, "What are you doing here?" God's bold, courageous prophet had just defeated hundreds of Baal's prophets, showing Jehovah God was mightier than their lifeless god. But the evil Queen Jezebel's heart was unmoved. She sent a messenger to God's prophet that he would be dead like her prophets the next day, and he fled for his life into the wilderness. The exhausted Elijah sat under a tree and prayed, asking God to take his life, saying he had had enough, failing to bring Israel to repentance. He rested under the tree after an angel brought him food and water. Elijah reached Mount Horeb, and there, God spoke to him, asking, "What doest thou here, Elijah" (1 Kin 19: 9)? What was he doing there? Feeling sorry for himself, that's what. Elijah answered God, reminding Him how fervently he had served, that he alone remained of His prophets, and his life was in danger. God patiently listened but told Elijah He still had seven thousand faithful prophets who had not bowed to idols.

What are you doing where you are? Why are you there? We must be careful what we ask of God, especially when weary, afraid, frustrated, or experiencing what we think is a failed life task. God didn't end Elijah's life as he asked but sent him to anoint two kings and anoint and train Elisha, his successor as God's prophet. God wasn't finished with Elijah, and weary child of God, He isn't through with you either. Like God's prophet, you still have work to accomplish for His glory. Like Elijah, obey God's Word—get up and carry out His instructions.

Automatic Growth

Believers are partakers of God's divine nature, His holiness. He has given us everything needed to be and live godly and victoriously in every situation by His divine power. But He will not give us good character or make us live rightly; we must diligently work at these to grow spiritually. Growth of any kind DOES NOT automatically happen. Peter listed seven qualities we should nourish our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ with: virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity.

Virtue, or moral excellence is fulfilling your life’s purpose, producing qualities that make you more like Jesus. One such quality is knowledge, a growing discernment of God’s will that distinguishes evil and good. In that knowledge, we must practice temperance or self-control. Self-discipline, will not allow, will guard against any evil inclination or evil desire to overtake us. In exercising self-control, patience, the ability to endure difficult circumstances grows. We would not learn perseverance without experiencing life’s pressures and problems. Although the unsaved can show amazing self-control and endurance, the virtues point to them, not God. But God receives praise and glory when the nature of His Son is seen through His children’s lives. Godliness, or Godlikeness, describes the person who is right with God, one who seeks to do God’s will and the welfare of others. Lastly, Peter listed two kinds of love: Brotherly kindness is a genuine love for fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, evidence we are born of God (1 John 5:1–2); charity is a love for all of humanity, despite our differences.

“For if these things be in you, they make you that ye shall never be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Pet 1:8). Over and over God gives grace and peace to us who have a genuine knowledge of Him and Jesus, our Lord (v. 2).

Snagged: A Review

I scrolled through my blog looking for a post I wrote three years ago. The site records how many viewers read the daily blog—some posts recorded single digits; most had two-digit readers. But this one, the ONLY ONE that had over a hundred interested readers, interrupted my search. Perhaps the devotional will resonate with someone today:

SNAGGED

Have you ever snagged a fishing line? Even worse, a big fish on the line caused the snag, and it got away, hook and cork attached to its mouth. Snags happen: Your bracelet pulled a thread in your favorite sweater; a fallen tree blocks the road; you must turn around. You had an unavoidable fender-bender.

You listen as a youngster excitedly tells of his “fishless” day until he suddenly snagged one. It was a big one that someone else lost, their hook and cork was dangling from its mouth! Hearing his story and seeing the excitement on his face, would that not give you a reason to say, “Thank you, Lord, for saving that fish for him?” God allowed you to be part of his blessing, giving you cause to rejoice. That sweater with a pulled thread—be thankful you have one; the snag is not so noticeable. The tree and the accident interfering with your plans could have been deterrents to something far worse on the path ahead. Snags are sometimes reminders for us to pause and look to God.

Every day we face problems of some sort. Whether big, small or hardly noticeable, they can be frustrating. So, what should we do when faced with life’s snags? The key to overcoming disappointing obstacles is to be joyful, pray continually (v. 16, 17), and be thankful. We can pray without ceasing because prayer can happen anywhere at any time. But to always be joyful and grateful in every circumstance? If you can think of no other reason, rejoice because Jesus understands; He died in your place. Gratitude from that standpoint will lead to further joy because of what He’s done in your life.

Now, consider the good snags. What? Do you think there are no good ones? What about that great deal you snagged with the online order that offered a discount at checkout or that “blue light special” when you just happened to be in the store? Did you snag another big fish, one that you brought home? Yes, there are good snags, blessings we unexpectedly “catch.” God is in control. He works all things together for good to those who love Him (Rom 8:28). What He works out may not be intended for you, but someone else. His plans are always for the greater good. Trust His wisdom. Rejoice, pray, and give thanks—this is God’s will for us: “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thess 5:18).

Spring Has Sprung

Little tufts of fur here and there were telltale signs that our dog was starting to shed his winter coat. Shedding is a natural process, but he couldn’t rid himself of the extra-long fur; Scout needed his groomer’s help.

Carrying burdens can sometimes be like wearing a heavy coat year-round. No matter what caused the heaviness, God never intends His children to carry needless loads. But unlike Scout, shedding what burdens us will not happen naturally; we must take off what weighs us down. Springtime is here. What better time for a fresh start? Shed everything that keeps you from living the abundant life in Christ. To find rest for your weary soul, Jesus invites you to take His yoke and roll your burdens onto Him: “Come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy ladened, and I will give you rest” (Matt 11:28). 

Smiles That Shine

"For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Phil 3:20 NKJV). 

We walked into the room, and immediately her eyes lit up, and with a beautiful smile on her face, our visit with one of God's precious saints commenced. Even though with limited mobility and her frail body showing signs of having sojourned this side of heaven almost a century, Mrs. Doris Johnson wasn't interested in talking about herself. Instead, she wanted to hear about our well-being and family and if we had settled in our new home. Still "sharp as a tack" and listening intently to our every word, we visited a long while, and the entire time, the sparkle in her eyes kept drawing my attention. The twinkle was there partly because of a long overdue visit, but more than that. She knows God has numbered her days just as He has numbered yours and mine—age is not a factor. Having surrendered her heart to Jesus, Mrs. Doris, at peace, knows God registered her name in the Lamb's Book of Life; she will spend eternity with her Lord. I think some of her eyes' sparkle is a longing for her forever home that awaits her arrival. But until then, the little "energizer bunny," as I often lovingly call her, continues to inspire and illustrate genuine Christlikeness. Her family, Brian Cespiva and Cindy Cespiva, and a host of friends like Dawn Foster and Larien Newcomb's love and care surround her.

God appoints the day of our birth and our death—we decide how to fill those days during that time. Mrs. Doris chose to spend her time serving God faithfully and blessing fellow believers and others. This world is not our home; we are just passing through. When your journey here ends, you can have the same assurance of heaven's citizenship as this child of God, but only if your name is in the Lamb's Book of Life. 

Heart and Lips

Paul urged the believers to follow God as "dear children." One way of following through was by: "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord" (Eph 5:19). But these expressions magnify God and edify men only if the heart is in sync with the lips, or we make meaningless sounds, exhibiting empty worship. And one way of expressing worship was not more significant than the other. So, let us not neglect singing hymns as newer music trends stand in the limelight. Messages in songs like He Hideth My Soul are timeless: A wonderful Savior is Jesus, my Lord, a wonderful Savior to me. He holds me up; life's trials cannot move me, for He gives me strength day by day. Jesus is the Rock of Ages in whose shadow I find shelter and comfort. He takes my burdens away, hides my life in the depths of His love, and covers me there with His hand. No matter our circumstances, Jesus is why we can sing with our heart and lips, "It Is Well With My Soul." Letting the old familiar God-honoring hymns slip away from the next generation would be a tragic loss for them.

Lean Hard

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee. Trust ye in the Lord forever for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength” (Isa 26:3–4). 

How does one reach the state of perfect peace, or “peace, peace?” Prop your mind, filled with God’s truths, upon the Lord. Lean on Him; put your confidence in Him, and He will guard you, His workmanship, and keep your soul in quietness, even amid life’s trials. The Lord Jehovah or the Lord Yahweh, names of God expressing His unchanging, eternal power—the Rock of Ages—will guard His children who build their faith upon and put their trust in Him. In God alone will we find and receive everlasting strength to weather life’s storms, strength that will carry us to the blessedness of everlasting life with Him.

Yes, He Can and Will

There is no mountain too high, valley too low, river too wide, or wilderness too challenging for the LORD God Almighty. 

Scripture proves (and our lives bear testimony) that He is the faithful Way-Maker, Miracle Worker, Light in the Darkness, and able to overcome all of life's adversities victoriously. You may say, "I know He can, but I don't know if He will." When you don't see His hand or understand God's plan, trust His heart; He knows what's best. Your Father loves you deeply and will carry you through. He's done it before and will do it again: "In God, I will praise His Word; in God, I will put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me" (Ps 56:4).

Pretense or Genuine

"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this: To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction and keep himself unspotted from the world" (James 1:27).

James tells us that the use of one's tongue and the condition of the heart can distinguish genuine and vain, sullied religion. An unguarded mouth, with words unbefitting believers, speaking ill of others, acting piously, doing charitable acts to be seen of others, pretending to be religious, someone you're not, are telltale signs of impurity.

In contrast, sincere "religion" is humble reverence and devotion before the only Supreme God and our Father who is always with His children; we should do and say everything to please Him as if always in His presence. James describes this "pure religion" as being aware of, visiting, and relieving the parentless, husbandless, bereaved from the pressure of their burdens. He tops the description with staying blemish-free of the world's temptations and the desires of the flesh—the only way to minister effectively to the world's needs. The searching question for you and me is: How are my tongue, heart, and actions lining up with pure and undefiled religion?

The Right Time

We let Scout’s coat grow from late Fall through Winter to keep him warm because our little dog enjoys the outdoors so much. At the end of the season, his “jacket” looks like a big furry ball of black, white, and brown rabbits. We talked about getting him trimmed until we learned about the cold spell coming and decided to wait another week. Our decision to delay was a poor one. Scout found his “secret patch” of smelly, disgusting stuff to roll around in, and instead of cleaning a short-hair coat, we had thick, long fur to scrub and dry.

People sometimes delay doing what is best, often with valid reasons. Such delays at times carry consequences, some far greater than others. Deciding to put off accepting God’s saving grace when the Holy Spirit deals with your heart is a risk, trusting there will be another opportunity, another day to make that decision. But God does not promise another day, hour, or minute in this life. Refusing His offer of salvation carries grave consequences. At death, God’s mercy ends, and the unpardoned sinner enters eternity separated from Him in a place of torment designed for Satan and his followers. If you have contemplated this decision, now is the time to say yes to Jesus. God says: “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor 6:2b).

Light or Darkness

If we say we have fellowship with the Father and His Son, Jesus, yet live in spiritual darkness, the Bible says we are liars. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and lie. But if we confess our sins to our Father, He is faithful and just; He will forgive; the blood of Jesus cleanses all sin’s darkness. Living rightly, our light from within will not cast a shadow; we have fellowship with God, who is light. (1 John 1:6, 7, 9).

Bemoan or Boast

Scripture affirms it’s okay to seek God about pressing matters repeatedly. He will give you the desires of your heart as long as what you want is in line with what He wants (Ps 37:5–6). King David knew that his and Bathsheba’s child would die, yet earnestly prayed seven days for God to spare the child’s life, but the child died (2 Sam 12:9–20). Although destined to die for humanity’s sins, Jesus fervently asked God three times, if there was any other way, to let “the cup” He faced pass from Him, each time with His heart yielded to His Father’s will. But there was no other way (Matt 26:39–45).

An unnamed affliction so burdened Paul that he petitioned the Lord on three occasions to remove it from him. But the Savior answered His faithful servant, saying: “My grace is sufficient for thee; for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor 12:9a). Paul did not receive relief or release of his burden but assurance of grace—the favor of Christ; he would not bear it alone. Like David and Jesus, God would show Himself mighty as he submitted to His will. Paul’s response to the Lord’s answer? “Most gladly, therefore, will I rather glory in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (v. 9b). He counted his affliction a privilege to boast about if it meant enjoying the favor and strength, the presence, of his Redeemer resting upon and within him.

We, too, can glory in our trials and afflictions when God doesn’t answer our prayers like we hoped He would. His purposes hold more excellent value for our and others’ well-being, results that we may never see. But His presence rests upon us and in us—we are never alone.

Swelling Waters

The enemy always has and will keep coming against God’s people until Jesus establishes the new heaven and earth. But when he does strike, Yahweh comes against him with a fierce vengeance like a mighty driven river, putting him to flight.

Hearts Rise From Earth to Heaven

“Praise ye the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul. While I live, will I praise the Lord; I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being” (Ps 146:1–2). Whether life’s circumstances are overwhelming, or all is well with your soul: Praise the Lord.

“Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in the firmament of His power. 2 Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to His excellent greatness. 3 Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; praise Him with the psaltery and harp. 4 Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; praise Him with stringed instruments and organs. 5 Praise Him upon the loud cymbals; praise Him upon the high-sounding cymbals. 6 Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord.” (Psalm 150)