"Go Back," Mode, Or, "Faith," Mode?

"All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, '....If only we had died in Egypt!  Or in this wilderness!...We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt.'"  (Numbers 14, NIV)

What were they saying here?!?  Were they saying, "Anything is better than this?"  O, how many struggling ones today are in this exact same place. 

Our text is a classic life style of, "if only."  How often, in the lonely hours of the day, these words are on the lips of so many who once surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ.  Saddened and discouraged, they turn to, "if only," and, "go back," like a drug.  Yet the Israelites in our text are like the person who repents of sin, receives Jesus and is born of the Spirit.  He comes to the realization that what he is leaving behind is literally, "hell on earth."  Then what happens over time to so many is the same as in our text, "We should choose a leader and go back...."  And believe me; there are many "leaders" who are more than willing to help one, "go back," if that is what is in one's heart.  

Jesus led them out of Egypt, "with an outstretched arm."  Jesus led them, "on dry ground through the midst of the sea."  Jesus provided water.  Jesus provided bread.  This is exactly what Jesus did/does for you and me. Yet the ugly demonic force of, "if only", came upon them.  If one harbors, "if only," in the heart, "go back," is sure to follow.  This "spirit" attacks us when things are going particularly "bad" for us.  I have known far too many who live in this, "go back," mode.  Nothing is working out as "promised."  Everything they ever believed or were "taught" seems to be shouting, "LIES," to them. Now most "go backers," are closet ones.  They effectively keep it from others, but what does that solve? 

The remedy for, "go back," is found in Hebrews 11.  "All these people were still living by faith when they died.  They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth....If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return.  Instead, they were longing for a better country-- a heavenly one."

The daily choice here is quite clear:  We can die in, "'if only', and, 'go back,' mode," or we can die in, "faith mode."  I know you will choose wisely.

Father, in Jesus' name, help any who may be reading this who are battling with, "if only," and, "go back."  I pray that we are of those, "still living by faith when when they died."  Amen. 

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When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

Not Just For Preachers

"Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage-- with great patience and careful instruction."  (2 Timothy 4:2, NIV)

I think I have attempted this since my first sermon 58 years ago, though not always as I should have.  Yet I assert today that this is not just for preachers.

First the Holy Spirit calls us to, "....be prepared...."----- always.  Days go by when "nothing" seems to happen, no apparent "witnessing," serving, doing good.  But that is wrong.  Every day we must, "be prepared," because every day who we are, no matter where we are, Jesus Christ dwells in us, and His continual, indwelling presence in His Followers is our very "good work."

"....Correct, rebuke and encourage...."  Most only want the last Word, "encourage."  You and I know, however, that is not the "well-rounded" life of a Follower of Jesus.  When I look back on my life, I freely admit that I was/am in constant need of correction, rebuking, and encouraging, in Jesus and from those who Follow Him.  Some may say, "Well, that's sort of negative, condemnatory"-------- Whatever they wish.

"....with great patience and careful instruction."  Please pray this for me, as I pray this for all of us.  This last admonition is not just for talkers, viz., preachers and teachers, or those who live as though the vast majority of Christian service is to verbally express themselves concerning Kingdom living.  This should manifest who we are in Jesus Christ.  This is Who Jesus Is indeed, "....great patience and careful instruction."  Without Jesus, "....great patience and careful instruction," I would have perished long ago.

May our Lord Jesus empower us today to be living testimonies of our text.

Father, in Jesus' Name, I so thank You that You Are these Words to me.  Amen.
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* What Hypocrisy Concerning the "Palestinians," more accurately, Arabs: jhs58.blogspot.com
* FHMP Briefing postponed

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2

The Unexpected

"But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, 'Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.'"  (Acts 23:11)

Paul had no idea when he heard this as to how it would be worked out.  But it was.

Nothing "exciting" happened on the visit to Israel.  I say that, because sadly that is what too many charismatics are looking for in the realm of missions, intercession, preaching, worship, or just of the "whatevers" of life.  We were in The Land.  We literally invested in the Israeli economy.  We were able to spend, what was for Sarah and me, "quality time" with a friend and Fellow Follower of Jesus.  We went to participate in the celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the Modern State of Israel.  We thought it would "look" one way; it turned out another way------ with Vivian's local church.  Yes, there were some schedule changes which were beyond our ability to rectify, changes which kept us from some other possibilities.  I have learned, however, over the years, that if you are not flexible, it's sort of like an airplane wing; you'll break.

As I have been reading again through the Book of Acts, I have been reminded of the many events to which Followers of Jesus had to adapt.  They set out with their "plans;" many times, however, circumstances changed said plans.  I feel sorry for people who attempt to show how spiritual they are by revealing plans which work out perfectly, i.e., exactly what they planned.  That is not reality of Kingdom life.  Our Lord Jesus did not say, "I will give you a great ministry, then follow Me."  He said, "Follow Me, and I will make you...", period.  "Follow Me," is the first and foundational principle of Kingdom Living, Church life, missions, prayer, work, marriage, schooling, EVERYTHING.  If I follow Jesus through the many variable of life, I will never lose my way.

Our Lord Jesus leads; you and I follow.  Keep this principle as the principle for our moment-by-moment existent in this life, and life will be in Jesus' purposes for us.  I have proposed many times that instead of saying, "My ministry," we should say, "My service."  The "spirit" is the same here.  We can only serve Jesus when we follow Jesus.

Father, in Jesus' Name, I don't want to be a "leader."  I want to be a follower, Your follower.  I pray that you keep calling me with, "Follow Me."  Amen.
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We have to cancel the FHMP Briefing.  Will let you know when we can reschedule.

When Peter, an 18 year old Norwegian, "heard the call to evangelize China, on that day he not only emptied his wallet into the collection plate, but included a small note with the words, 'and my life.'"

Hebrews 12:2