February 22
2016
A stiff necked people!
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD,
thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one
another; as I have loved you,
that you also love one another.
By this all will know that you are My disciples,
if you have love for one another.
John 13:34-35
Good morning!
Has been a slow blogging week so thought I best sit down and see what comes out…
The sun is shining brightly in Porters Lake this morning and it feels rather mild.
Nico is following me around the house
Having finally gotten up from napping.
We have already vacuumed the house and mopped the floors (with my new bucket and mop I might add).
I have my “to do” list of odds and ends to attend to
Tea with a friend this afternoon
And some crocheting to work on.
But first,
Devotions.
I’m reading in Deuteronomy now
Moses is getting the Israelites ready to enter the promised land
But oh what a journey it has been through the wilderness.
40 years!
I’ve lost track of how many times God has referred to them as a
Stiff necked people
Stiff necked people
And the murmuring and complaining that has gone on has been incredible!
I wonder how a people can continually turn from God
Choosing not to trust Him
In spite of the Flame that goes before them at night
And the Cloud of His presence during the day
Despite the miraculous provision
They see before them
On a daily basis.
They have heard the voice of God
They have been rescued from bondage
And yet, they question
And murmur
And wish for “the good old days” in Egypt.
And as I read
And as I wonder
I hear the sweet voice of the Father
“Today, my people
Are still a stiff necked people.
I go before them and prepare their way
I provide for all their needs
They have heard my Voice
They have been rescued from death
And walk in relationship with me.
And yet, they murmur in
Ungratefulness.
They do not love one another.
They cry out and ask “why Lord”
in selfishness and self pity.
They wander needlessly in the wilderness
Learning lessons they should have known by now
And refuse to enter the
Promised Land I have prepared for them.”
In Jeremiah 29 we read of the Isrealites
Many years after having entered the Promised Land
Having turned away from God
Finding themselves captive in a foreign land.
And still God calls out to them through the Prophet
Speaking words of life and encouragement:
I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU
Today,
The Father calls out to each one of us:
I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU!
Are you wandering in the desert today?
Looking backward
Wanting things to be the “way they were”
Looking ahead wanting “more”
Missing the miracle of the manna because you want meat?
Not focusing on the provision of today?
Are you wandering in the desert today?
Refusing to take the next steps God has called you to
Steps that will bring you into the Promises of the
Promised Land He has set forth for you.
Time is short
It passes quickly
And before long
That moment of hesitation
Develops into months of inaction.
The Word says:
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
2 Corinthians 6:2
It doesn’t say tomorrow,
or next week,
It says TODAY!
Start by opening up the Word of God.
Spend time in His Presence
Listen to His Voice
As He seeks to build relationship with you.
Commit or recommit yourself to Him
This time,
Make Him Lord of your life
As well as Saviour!
Now, go forth boldly
In faith
And love
And be the Body of Christ to the world around you.
And then
remember
to dwell in the moment.
See the miracles of provision in each moment
The manna that lays before you.
Dwelling not in the past
Or in the future
But right where you are
Right now.