STAYING IN GOD’S PURPOSE IN DIFFICULT CURCUMSTANCES

For Reading and Meditation: Exodus 28-32

Here we see a collection of dramatic events taking place. Moses, the God’s chosen leader of Israelites up on the mountain receiving instructions from God. During forty days of time with God, Moses received instructions about Ten Commandments, the tabernacle, offering for the tabernacle etc… Then we can see the instructions about the priests (Aaron and his sons).God were so detailed in everything such as The Ephod, the breast piece and other priestly garments. He thought of every single step of their ministry at the altar.

But when it comes to chapter 32 of Exodus, suddenly everything changed. The God appointed priests turning to be the introducers of idolatry and all evil practices …….. What happened to Aaron and his sons? What made them to do such a disobedient act in front of God? Some of the reasons may be

*He couldn’t control the crowd who turned very impatient. The fear of loosing control over the people started to grip him.

*He failed to see the authority of God while his present leader was away.

*He wanted acceptance from people.

*Moreover he failed to see God’s heart for him.

Let’s see the two incidents happening here at the same time. On the mountain God is talking to Moses about Aaron –his appointment as a priest, his garments, and his ephod everything .God had great plan for him. Every single details of Aaron were in God’s mind …….. But at the same time Aaron was indulging in idolatry at the foot of the hill and leading a nation towards destruction . If he had a glimpse of God and His plan for him things would have been different …….

Life applications: As a child of God many times we miss out on knowing God’s heart for us. While God is painting a beautiful picture of our lives, we are busy giving our own definitions to life. When we go through life hardships and pressurising situations, we need to have a right perspective of who God is in our life. That will help us to keep going with a focus.

Prayer: God help me to seek you when I am going through pressurising situations in my day to day life. Help me to know that your plans are higher than my plans and your thoughts are higher than my thoughts. In Jesus name. Amen

BEING PURE IN A DECEPTIVE WORLD

How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word and following its rules.

Psalms 119:9 (NLT)

We live in a world filled with compromises and negotiations. Often times we end up doing the wrong thing without even realising it. As a child of God what is our standard? How can we stay away from being deceived?

What is deception?

Meaning: mislead by lying, tricking

: cause to believe something false

: to lead astray

References – Gen 3:1-6&13, John 8:44, 1 Tim 2:14

Deception starts from the fall. It started with entertaining wrongdoing. When the woman saw that the fruit was good and desirable, she fell for it. She did not turn away from that thought, rather it lead her in to an action of disobedience.

I believe one of the reasons God made woman to be with man was for accountability .When she chooses to move out of that, she eventually moved out of God’s very purpose.

The result of deception is sin. It brings fear, guilt and condemnation.

How can we stay out of deception?

*by having the word of God as our standard and by meditating on the Word (psalm 119:9,29-32)

*by allowing the Holy Spirit to be our constant counsellor (John 16:17)

*by searching our heart daily in the presence of God (Psalms 139: 23, 24)

Prayer:

Dear Father, help me to walk in your ways with a blameless heart. Like David let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing and acceptable to you oh Lord. In Jesus name. Amen.

FOLLOWING GOD WHOLE HEARTEDLY

For reading and meditation: Joshua 15:6-15

The promise of God came to pass in Caleb’s life because he followed the Lord wholeheartedly. God was pleased with his attitude of trusting Him no matter what the situation was.

The fulfilment of God’s promise in Caleb’s life was after 45 years of consistent walk with the Lord. One of the interesting facts here is that Caleb also went through the troubles and the wandering experiences in the wilderness with his fellow Israelites. His leader (Moses) passed away even before they entered into the promised land. He had to choose to work under his friend and co-worker Joshua (the next leader). He had to make a choice to stay in faith and not to give up. Caleb held on to the hope that God will fulfil the promise in his life.

ONE MAN’S FAITH AND OBEDIENCE BECAME BLESSING FOR HIS GENERATIONS

Prayer: Father, I want to be like Caleb who served you whole heartedly not for the blessing alone but to be a blessing for this generation too. Help me to have a complete confidence in you no matter what the situation is. In Jesus’ name. Amen.