Travis63

Why are we so often zealous to defend the rights of Gods enemies? Initially I did not get this part of the question, and I stated so. As I was mopping the floor this morning this came to me in regards to Balaam. I associated the question with Balaam and his motives. I'm not sure all of the motives as to why he chose to do what he did, but it can be summed as self centered. Balaam and others from his time to present are zealous to defend the right's of God's enemies because of self centered motives. It could be for profit financially, status and or promotion of self. The greatest travesty is when God divinely intervenes and they adhered to His guidance and yet pursue another means to accomplish the task of focus. Balaam did not pronounce a curse upon the people of Israel however he did through influence manage in aiding to their becoming polluted. A bad analogy, a person says don't bring drugs to the party, most adhere to the request yet one person in an attempt to get someone to loosen up in a social gathering prior to the engagement in a small gathering introduce drugs to a few, they refuse the offer. The next attempt the person introduce them to alcohol they accept and they become addicted to it.

What about Moses

Though Balaam wouldn't prophesy evil against Israel, he was willing to counsel the Moabites how to hurt Israel. How did Balaam's counsel lead Israel into sin? Entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality. Numbers 25:1 As the Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab. They placed their desires first; they worshipped other gods through sacrifices; they ate what they wanted to eat; they did not worship the Lord God alone and they were disobedient. Numbers 25:2 And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods. Why was Aaron's grandson Phinheas so honored for his action? He was watchful, being so the course of action he took stopped the plague which had killed 24,000. What was his reward? Because the Lord acknowledged that because of Phinehas' actions He turned His wrath away from the children of Israel; that Phinehas was zealous for the Lords sake among the children of Israel. The Lord God is jealous God, the children of Israel had placed things, gods and people above God. he says in Numbers 25:11 because of Phinehas' actions that He, "consumed not the children of Israel in my jealousy." Why are we so often zealous to defend the rights of God's enemies and so slow to defend God's honor? That's a difficult question, perhaps I'm not understanding it. I can't think of a time where it is transparent that servants of God are zealous to defend the rights of God's enemies. Perhaps I'm naive, but I've not seen this. What I have seen in our country is the belief that there is a blanket freedom, where it is almost implied that being in America that you can do almost anything. I don't see where anyone was zealous to defend the ongoing practices while the Israel abode in Shittim , in essences people minding their own business and in a sense being disrespectful to elders. It is not recorded that Moses said anything when the man brought a Midianitish woman in the sight of Moses, and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel. They were weeping before the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. Phinehas saw this and did something. Perhaps Moses was in the midst of a spiritual process and did not want to stop, to rebuke or stop the man. Whatever the reason, I still do not see where a servant of God is zealous to defend the right's of God enemy here nor can I recall elsewhere. The second part of the question I have seen whereby the people of God are slow to defend His honor. I think this is in part because of fear. Fearful of bother someone / intruding, fearful of what others might say or do, fearful of what others may think. The list can go on and on, so many just mind what they say is their own business and neglect the Fathers business. Then there are those who are of the other extreme and they rebuke unlike the Lord would do, therefore the effect is not pleasing to the Lord as well.

What precipitated the plague of snakes? They complain openly about God and criticize his provision of food, rather than blame their problems on Moses only Is being impatient with God's provision a sin? I think yes, in our minds we can rationalize the many reasons. However when It comes to the bottom line I think yes. Why or why not? Even though I think yes, I yet thank Him for His being compassionate, long suffering, merciful and extending His grace on the occasions when I have been impatient. I believe that it is a sin mainly because this is not a characteristic that God conveys. Nor was it a characteristic that Christ displayed when He humbled Himself in the likeness of man. When Abraham and Sarah was impatient in the promise of God, God was not please with it. They acted in their own talents, gifts, abilities and reasoning, a child was birth but it was not the child of promise. They as well had to deal with all of the misgivings that occurred because of their being impatient. What are the points of comparison between the bronze snake in the desert and Christ on the cross? The bronze snake in the desert and Christ on the cross brought deliverance to those who by faith, looked upon them and accepted God's forgiveness of sins.

What did God tell Moses to do to bring water out of the rock? Speak ye unto the rock before their eyes What did Moses actually do? And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice In what way did he sin? Perhaps more ways than I can think, however there were two transparent ways: Moses disobeyed God's instructions to speak to the rock. Instead they struck the rock and spoke to the people, as though he and his brother possessed the power to produce water from the rock. Because water came from the rock by striking it previously, Moses duplicated what he had done previously instead of doing as God told him to do. They did not sanctify God. Numbers 20:12 And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them. They did not sanctify God, bless Him , place Him first. Moses and his brother move by their present emotions. They did not act on His behalf thereby they misrepresented God, at this point the people did not know that God told them to speak to the rock. They saw the water come forth abundantly so they assumed that the water came forth because the rock was struck. What emotions and attitudes were behind his sin, do you think? Anger, frustration, disrespect, insubordination, etc.. What must leaders do when they sin in these ways? When a leader err and they recognize that they have done so, they should immediately repent and seek God's forgiveness and mercy.

What was the root cause of Korah

Why is this failure to enter the Promised Land so serious? This is a difficult question to answer, I'm not certain if there is a definitive response to it. The people had formed a pattern, God would provide guidance and resources and when things didn't go their way they complained, when things appeared mediocre they would complain, some would rebel. On this occasion God not only gave guidance but He as well gave a promise. Ten through the ability of choice choose to be lead by they saw and how they saw it, ten were fearful. Two having seen the same thing, saw it from a different perspective, they fell into the "he that hath an ear let him hear category". Two believed what God had said. The disease of fear accompanied with unbelief penetrated the camp, the failure to enter into the Promise Land by the entire Exodus group was serious not only because they continue to follow their pattern displaying disobedience, but their actions had an impact on two age groups and the ability to be a light to other nations. What did it represent on the people's part? On the people's part as a whole it represented fear, unbelief, disobedience, rebellion, and treating God with contempt. What did it represent on the Lord's part? God whom is all knowing knew the results of this test before it occurred. As the ten gave their infectious report which retarded their entrance into the Promised Land. God, the Lord conveyed His displeasure, He was angry at the stubbornness and lack of faith of the Israelites. He mention some things that gives some reasons to believe (miracles) and or should have demonstrated that He was a provider. It also represented that He was a God of patience, compassion, mercy, kindness, faithfulness, and etc.. In your opinion, was the punishment too severe? I am not of an opinion. Why or why not? What I do believe is that God could have invoked greater punishment. Even though He revealed that He was anger He still extended mercy. The guilty does not go unpunished, (Numbers 14:18), the punishment may not occur immediately, it may not be harsh yet it happens. If the people had moved in faith, how long would their trip from Egypt to Canaan have taken? I do not know with certainty, I've read many articles, and studies that give varying beliefs, from days to months. I have not sought to determine just how long.

Why do you think Moses is so frustrated in his prayer? The root of Moses frustration was as it is for many of us in this day and time. As he was serving the Lord he took ownership of the service, it was as if it was his work. He was beginning to lean upon his own understanding. Because God is a Spirit and we operate in the natural just as Moses did we tend to go with what we know, with what our senses reveal. Moses was feeling as he did in the beginning when he accepted the charge, he was frustrated because he felt inadequate and revealed it as he conversed with God. He was stressed, he was at a point when the demands outweighed his ability to deal with them. What do you think is going on in him emotionally and physically at this point? Emotionally Moses was displeased, deeply distressed, angry, doubtful (questioned if God still favored him), depressed (wished God would kill him). He was stressed and frustrated, being so he was also venting in a disrespectful manner as he asked a series of questions in verse 12. Emotions can have an effect on the physical body, when we are happy we tend to be excited and show signs of vitality. With all of the negative emotions emoting from Moses although the Scriptures does not mention any physical weakness I imagine being that there was a lot of negative emotions he probably was weary and weak. In verse 14 he mentioned the load being too heavy, and in verse 15 he asked let me not see my wretchedness Does he have any grounds for his complaints? In his eyes (his reasoning) he does. Even though we know how the segment of Scripture ends I would still say no. Having said that because Moses has a human nature as do we, he was inclined to complain as the circumstances grew in the manner as they did. Moses nor are we robots, God does not control us to the degree where we do not have the power of choice. He allows us to make choices and as we do if we are not in line with His guidance, if we are in relationship with Him we will see the error in our choice. Moses in took the charge as if it was his, God allowed him to reach the point of being overwhelmed, and because Moses had an intimate relationship with God he turned to Him. When Moses got out of his own strength, God provided a viable solution. Do you think this is designed to be a model prayer? No not at all, if model is likened to something we should follow. What I do think appropriate is that prayer is communicating to / with God. Having said that we should be able to talk with Him in our time of need. Regardless if that time of need is a time we face the emotions that Moses was facing and or others. Job did likewise, as did Elijah. I could say a lot about what prayer is not, but I'll refrain from that. If we pray / talk to God in an emotional torrent, most when they come to their senses will as well pray for forgiveness at another point in time, as did Job. God already knows how and what you feel, he could shut your mouth to where you could not utter a word, He could stop your though, whereby you could be thoughtless. He doesn't do that, nor would He. He allows us to communicate to Him, ad as we continue in our walk with Him things will be revealed as He desires in His timing and not ours. Why are we shown this prayer? We are shown this prayer just as we are shown so many things throughout Scripture. It is an example unto us. There are examples that we should follow and then there are examples that we should not follow. Most throughout Scripture were not perfect, I love Hebrews 11 the entire chapter, the portions that go beyond verse 1. There were many that by, through and or with faith that obtained a good report, however all except Enoch have recorded errors made. Regardless of the tone it shows us a good example of casting our cares unto the Lord. Because we live in the natural, have emotions, and there are other people among us we are going to be offended, pressed and hurt. being such there are times when we may have our ride on the emotional roller coaster, weather we are walking in a direct charge or an indirect charge it is always a good things to take our burdens to the Lord in prayer. The song writer said, "What A Friend We Have In Jesus"! How did God answer him? One has to read farther in the chapter, beginning from verse 16 God provides the solution. He lets Moses know that he was not alone spiritually (He answered his prayer) and physically (he told him to commission others). God answered the prayer (not the way I'm sure Moses and the other would have liked.) He as well told Moses the consequence for the people for their complaining and ingratitude toward more than His provision (manna), but also towards His leading. The people would have meat, it would be loathsome and they would have it for a month.

What was Miriam's and Aaron's motivation for speaking against Moses? Jealousy, envy, ignorance, they desired to have a greater esteem among the people than they had. They wanted be seen by the people as having equal authority with Moses. Why do people seeking power feel a need to discredit the existing leader? They basically attempt discredit to existing leader in hopes that they would be chosen as leader. Because of the jealousy or envy within them lies a void (weakness and neediness) they are attempting to fill. Some do so because of a self esteem issue, they desire that people have a better impression of them. They may do as Absalom did unto David. Some are arm chair quarterback they say that they could do anything better than the existing person in charge. Some are just negative people, they will complain about anything just because. How did Moses handle this provocation? Miriam's and Aaron's complaint among themselves was, "Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us?" According to verse 4 God handle the situation, He suddenly speaks to all three, and Moses did not interrupt. God distinguishes the difference in relationship between he and Moses, and He with Miriam and Aaron. Then the Lord chastise them and physically punishes /afflicts Miriam. Moses being meek, compassionate and faithful cried unto the LORD, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee. Moses handled this situation in a way that was pleasing unto God for He not only heard Moses prayer He spoke again unto Moses and He adhered unto his request. (Note: God answered Moses prayer but He did so in His own manner and in His time. Moses request was "Heal her now" God gave counsel, if followed 7 days later she would be restored.) How might he have handled it if he were a proud man? It is difficult to say, these were his family member, I fully understand that some family members have kill their family member (Cain / Abel), however that's not always the case. He may have argued with them or set some sanction upon them. If Moses were a proud man vise being meek he may have out of anger still went to God to solve the problem but he may have petitioned a prayer as David did on many occasions, a prayer that I have heard many in our day lay before God. A retaliatory prayer, "God get them! How did the Lord handle it? Miriam became a leper and was banned from the camp for seven days as a father would have done for a rebellious daughter. Aaron and Miriam realized the error in their ways. Aaron was contrite, however I'm not sure if there was more afraid fear then reverence fear. I believe that he was more so scared straight.

In the burnt offering for an individual

What does the arrangement of the furniture, the tabernacle, and the courtyard teach us about worship? That there was and is a process that is pleasing to God, yet I am somewhat reluctant to place this process to a formula. Understanding that the True and Living God is a God of order and not confusion, we are to worship Him decently, with reverence and godly fear. I am still somewhat reluctant to place the process to a formula. Not attempting to distract from the lesson, nonetheless there is public worship and private worship. I understand that in both there is yet a process and I get the progression. Let me conclude Worship is acknowledging that He is worthy. The woman at the well (John 4), technically she entered at the encounter with Christ, as she received what He was sharing there was confession and cleansing. She then went on to testify, as she did so she worshiped the Lord. Hopefully I'm not taking this next verse out of context: Hebrews 11:21- By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. Why do you come to the bronze altar and the laver or basin before you reach the tent itself? The altar represents the sacrifice (which in our case has been made once and for all by Jesus the Christ upon the cross) and confession and the laver or basin represents cleansing and forgiveness. Simply put I did because it was the way to be in relationship with Him. I do so because I desire to be in intimate relationship with Him. Through Him there was justification, by Him I am being sanctified, God willing I will be glorified. Although I often fall short, it is my utmost desire to WORSHIP Him in all that I do.

What is the significance of the Ark in the Holy of Holies? The importance of the Ark being in the Holy of Holies shed light that it is scared. It was in the innermost part of the tent. It was the place from which God communicated with His people first through Moses and the High Priest. It was a place where they atoned for the sins of the people, and a place where the Presence of God was located. What did it represent? It represented the place where God dwelt among His people on earth. Why was it considered so holy? Because God said it holy, it was separated from the other compartments. It was where God, who is Holy, said that His Presence would be among His people. If no one really sat upon it, why was it so important? It is symbolic, representing God dwelling among His chosen people.

Why was the camp of the Israelites laid out as it was? It was laid out as it was because they were being obedient to the commands of God. In doing so it allowed them as well to carry out the functions charge to each entity. It was laid out as it was where the Tabernacle a earthy dwelling place the Lord choose to abide and acknowledge His presence was in the center. What did this layout teach the Israelites? It should have taught them that regardless of their duties or functions that God desires always to be in the center of their being, that He and what he desire should be apart of daily living. Their lives and encampment revolved around Him in a precise design to demonstrate order, function, place, privilege (the Levites and priests), etc. Though the tribes had differing strength and numbers and therefore differing duties and tribal offerings, they were ranked in such a way that each tribe had equal honor and access. It was designed to teach them that He is the One to look to for everything. The same hold true for us today, especially those who acknowledge Him as Lord. Often times however it is only occasionally done. Many of our life styles do not reflect as such. I'm so thankful that He is merciful and extends grace, for there have been countless times in my walk that my conduct mirrored that of those that did not enter Canaan. I knew that He was / is more than Savior, but also held Him as Lord. However there have been occasions that I chose to be lord over of my life. I've read / seen the ensample of those in the desert but yet chose what I wanted to do. Their layout should have taught me. I'm extremely grateful for His mercy, His grace, His patience, His Lord, His SACRIFICE, and that He has not given up on me! Why were the Levites and priests camped closer than the other tribes? They were the assigned to administer the maintenance and the operations of the Tabernacle.

Why is Moses

Why is interceding for the people so important in Moses' ministry? The people prior to being delivered from physical Egypt, the Scriptures informs us that they prayed and God heard their prayers. However as they are now gathered with Moses in the process of being delivered from spiritual Egypt, they are not in relationship with God as He desires. Moses is striving to be in relationship with God as He desires, therefore it is important in his service. Moses intercedes / appeals on the bases of having a personal relationship; that he found favor with God; that he was a willing and teachable vessel; and because he recalled what God had said to him. The people at this point (perhaps not all) as a whole were still in spiritual Egypt, and acting upon their own spirit's not according to the Spirit of the Lord. Why is this such an important role for pastors and lay leaders today? It is just as important today as it was in Moses' day unfortunately because the same issues are abreast. Some people still have a spiritual Egypt mentality, many will walk in or after their own understanding, many are just as the people were in the desert, "stiff-necked". It is so important because pastors appointed or called are, have a great responsibility as under shepherd to lead and care for the spiritual of people under their care by the Will of God To intercede effectively before God, why must we know both his character and his promises? So that we remain in His Will, so that our interceding has substance, being that it would be based on what He has already said.

What was the nature of Aarons sin with the golden calf? I believe that the essence of Aarons committing idolatry was fear, I think that he was afraid of what was immediately before him, and the likelihood of what could happen if he did not listen to the people. His sin was big, not only did he share in the idea, he made the idol. Then attempting to compensate for that which he knew was wrong he OK's the idol to have relevance, He " Aaron made proclamation, and said, To morrow is a feast to the LORD". The nature of his sin, fear, idolatry and infusing different beliefs systems. Why wont he take responsibility for his actions, do you think? I think fear was the motivating factor again, it from a different prospective this time. Although Aaron was older he knew that Moses had a closer relationship with God. He was now afraid of Moses and that brought his focus back to God and how God may feel about what he had done or fail to do in Moses' absence. We can speculate his makeup, with certainly he wasn't Moses, but he wasn't supposed to be. We cannot be like Dr. Ralph, but what we can be is by the grace of God obedient. Aaron just as Adam, Eve & sometime us in this day was disobedient. He then placed the blame on others by trying to justify his actions. Why do you think he gets off so easily? I don't like the term easily, however I can agree that in our eyes and what the Scriptures reveal is that Aaron did not suffer a severe punishment. There is a song, that's a pretty good song (in my opinion), "Mercy Said No", I cannot say specifically, but I believe Aaron and the others were not punished by God because of Moses interceding with God, and God had honored his prayer. Deuteronomy 9:19 - 20 God extended grace & mercy! As with Moses, I think the punishment that Moses administered to the people he deemed sufficient enough for Aaron as well. Why must leaders be accountable for their actions? Checks and balances, leaders just as everyone else should not have free reign. Accountability helps growth of the leader and also of his followers What is necessary for leaders to be able to learn from their mistakes? Humility, awareness, being teachable, wisdom, and maturity. If they made a mistake, they need to admit it, repent and want to make amends.

Why do you think the people of Israel were so quick to make idols, even after hearing the monotheism of the Ten Commandments that forbade graven images? It is so very true that the people heard God's commands in Exodus 20, and from their ancestors they knew or heard about God. From their ancestors they as well had heard about gods, and for more than 400 years they lived where they saw the practices of worshipping gods. I think more specifically they did so because the True and Living God is a Spirit, and they being influenced by a stronger influence desired to worship something that they could resonate according to their five senses, their own understanding and their feelings. Why do you think Aaron facilitated their sin? Aaron may have been a leader in his family if he had one, and he may have been a good leader in his family. However he was faced with a new facet of leadership, people who were not a part of his direct family. People that he did not intimately know, nor they him. He was not chosen to lead these people, he was chosen to aid Moses, to be his spokes person. Having said that, Aaron succumbed to the people's desire instead of seeking God's counsel. He as Timothy wrote adhered to itchy ears! He leaned upon his own understanding, recalling where he had just came from and in regards to the idol he formed that which he thought was accommodating. I don't know exactly why Aaron facilitated their sins, however I suspect it was he assumed doing what they wanted was less confrontational. Also by associating How do you think the golden calf made God feel? Hurt, grieved, disappointed and angry Unfortunately since rededicating my life to Christ I have on occasions made a golden calf or two (elevating a person and hobbies/activities). I know that God felt the same way towards me. PRAISE be to God that He is merciful, patient, extended His mercy, Grace and Love. In the process of growing I saw Him, repented and continued to walk. My prayers are that I do not build anymore. What idols do Christian churches allow that lead them away from pure worship of God in our day? There are many within the church houses, however the most dangerous are the ones' that are seen but cannot be physically touched. Pride, envy and money are a few to mention. These three are often facilitated from the pulpit and the pews. Many profess "we got the truth! compare themselves with others and point out deficiencies and or defects they believe exist within other denominations; Many look with a green eye at what other ministries are doing, vise praying that the Will of God be done accordingly; Many preach prosperity as in obtaining earthly treasure is the focus of God, and if a person doesn't have it some taint the faith of Believers. There are many more and too many to make mention, what I can say with confidence is that many which are mentioned in the Bible are still continued today within many church houses. They may not be in the form of physical items, but in the spirit of many of the items that are mentioned in the Bible.

What is the function of the "blood of the covenant" in Exodus? The function, it's purpose was to establish the agreement with significance. In order to have blood something had to have been sacrificed, life had to have been taken. This was as serious as the blood covenant on the door post and lentils. Don't in the capacity of loosening the death angel, but more so God giving the command and those whom received the guidance accepting and adhering to it. It symbolized the unity between God and Israel, since the same blood was sprinkled upon both, upon God in a figure, at the altar. Exodus 24:7-8 What is the "blood of the covenant" in the New Testament? The "blood of the covenant" in the New Testament is referring to the blood of the Lamb of God, Jesus the Christ. The unblemished and perfect lamb that was slain for the remission of sin for the people. How is the Old Covenant similar to the New Covenant? In relation to the "blood of the covenant" they are both ratified with the shedding of blood. They are similar in that without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins. The recipients of the Covenants did not have to die physically, in their place there was a substitution from physical death. Both were a seal of a promise from God. How are they different? By way of administration, although there was a physical act in both being the death and shedding of blood by that which was offered. The recipients to the covenant of the old according to God's guidance went through various physical acts in keeping the covenant. The recipients of the new are to strive to remain in agreement with The Spirit, for the new is Spiritual (Yet the behavior of those that are in receipt has a direct correlation to what one values or believe, if even for a period of time. Therefore physical acts as well have substance in regards to the Spiritual. There is much one can say about "the blood of covenant" and also the New and the Old Covenant, there is a difference. I'd like to side bar for a moment , the Old Covenant was not the 10 Commandments and certainly more than a lot of thou shalt nots. In other words, the 10 Commandments and all other commandments of God found in the first five books of the Bible, were not Moses' law, they were was God's law. It is often called the law of Moses to distinguish it from Grace. It is true that the Law does not save, it never did. Just as Abraham is said to be found in the soon coming Kingdom, so will all those after him. Because Abraham BELIEVED, righteousness was counted towards him. He made mistakes, he wasn't perfect as in having never sinned. However Scripture does not inform us that he remained in sin. In more than one manner and on multiple occasions he demonstrated faith with legs.

In what sense is Israel a "holy" nation? The nation Israel as a whole holy in the fact that that were to be set apart from all other nations, nations that adhered to and or worshipped multiple gods. The nation of Israel was set apart to worship and adhere to the true and living God. Some within the nation were to be sanctified and set apart within the nation. Exodus 29:21 And thou shalt take of the blood that is upon the altar, and of the anointing oil, and sprinkle it upon Aaron, and upon his garments, and upon his sons, and upon the garments of his sons with him: and he shall be hallowed, and his garments, and his sons, and his sons' garments with him. What does it mean to be holy? I could super spiritualize this concept, yet I shall make my response specific to me as I understand it from the Scriptures and in intimate relationship to / with the true and living God.

What did priests do in the Old Testament? There were many functions they were to perform, however mainly they were set apart to act as trusted representatives to God. They were to intercede, act as a liaison for and to all people beginning with those directly before them, extending to those indirectly before them. In what sense are you a priest? I am a Priest by faith; those like me who believe in God according to His Word are priest. I as well as others who believe have access to His presence of God through the sacrifice of the Lamb of God. Like an entrusted priest from the Old Testament, I have been set apart for God's service. The difference being I have access to God through Christ Jesus. How do you function as a priest? I make attempts to do so beginning at my home, not only studying to show myself approved but strive to put His Word into application. Striving to adhere to the Spirit

From an emotional standpoint, what does it feel like to take out and look over one of your treasured possessions? I don't really understand this question, if you are referring to an object to look upon as a treasured possession and express emotionally how it makes me feel. At this moment I cannot think of a thing, however there are some moments in time that I will forever treasure. When I first laid eyes upon my Beloved; when she joined me in matrimony; when she gave birth to our son; our son; when I came to know more about Christ; when I came to KNOW Christ; when I've had moments as the song writer said, "If Not For Grace"; moment when I realized if it had not been for His mercy; moments where I have experienced friendship. I don't know if that answers the question, but that's my best shot at doing so. How was the idea of

Why do you think it took Moses so long to delegate his judicial role to others? Really can't say, according to Exodus 18:24-26 Moses did adhere to father in law guidance (verse 24 - So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father in law, and did all that he had said.) Perhaps because Moses did not seek God's guidance in this process that it was not effective, Jethro as well said, " If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so." If it was that Moses did not acted upon Jethro's guidance until we have the recording in Numbers. Perhaps he did not because the examples that he saw and understood were likewise. He had seen leadership in Egypt, he saw that of his father in law, and he experience that of the Hebrews upon his return to Egypt. Moses saw these types of leadership, he saw only what was affront, perhaps what he did not see was that these leaderships actually did delegate authority, and that he previously had a role in the leadership of Egypt and that under Jethro. In Numbers 11:11-15 we see Moses turns to the Lord, he through various question that could be considered questions birth from frustration. And now the Lord blesses / ordains the concept of 70 elders (within verse 16 "whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people". Perhaps these are they from Exodus 18:24-26. What were the qualifications of these judges? Exodus 18:20- teachable; 21 - able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; 22 - available, accountable and willing (let them judge the people at all seasons) How is Moses' role similar to the role of leaders in Ephesians 4:11-12? Moses' role being similar to the role of the leaders in Ephesians was to be lead by the Spirit for the work of the ministry (servicing) , for the edifying of those assembled before him. He as well as a vessel / a conduit by way of the Spirit selecting 70 individuals not just to ease his burden, but to aid in effectively servicing and leading the people assembled. What is the importance of the anointing of the Spirit in Christian leadership? Concerning leading Christian and those to become Christian, without the anointing it would be of man. It would be as secular leadership relying on human wisdom to make decision. This would not be good pertaining to the Spiritual Life of an individual, a body. Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death. Being that it would not be good for Spiritual Life it may as well have influence and or an impact of eternal life. The importance of leading under the anointing of the Spirit allows one to be in the Will of God, without the anointing all service, all works done in this capacity are of the flesh! Without the anointing leaders who profess they are Christians lead people away from life. Matthew 7:21-23 without the anointing the leaders themselves may hear, " I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." "Christian leadership combines natural wisdom with listening to what the Holy Spirit says. Christian leadership relies on God's direction and His power to accomplish the task."

Why did God provide manna for the people? He did so demonstrating that He was there provider, He was their resource, that He was the great I AM. He provide substance and sustenance for their daily need, He did so as long as they needed it regardless whether they appreciated it or not, for forty years. Why did the manna finally cease? The manna stopped the day after they ate this food from the land; there was no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate of the produce of Canaan." (Joshua 5:10-12) The people now were afford the provisions from / in the Promised land. Why do you think that the people gradually began to take the manna for granted? Just as a child when they get a gift, sometimes initially they are excited, then after the excitement wears off, when the gift becomes common place their desire (eyes) wonder elsewhere. Before the manna arrived they were hungry, they complained. Of their own they couldn't see how they would have any sustenance for such a large group of people in the desert. Upon seeing the supernatural they were in awe and were grateful for the blessings of the Lord but as they "harvested" each morning it became routine. It became common place they began to see it in the natural and not as God providing for them. What provision of God are you taking for granted? Perhaps at times His Grace and Mercy, however when I realize that I have I repent.

Why can grumbling against a leader really be a symptom of grumbling against the Lord? When the leader is aligned with what God has commanded according to the Spirit's leading and not their own. When the leader is following guidance from God they are a vessel, an instrument being used by God, therefore the complaint is not really against the leader but against / to God. Because the leader is physical, in the natural before them they are the direct recipient of the out lash, God is a Spirit so most will not cry out to Him until / unless something traumatic occurs. When one grumbles against God judgment is to come, it may be delayed, it may be subtle, it may not be devastating, it maybe something aimed so that the Believer will refocus, but it will surely come. Romans 13:2 Are there any cases where this might not be true? When the leader in acting in the flesh, when their actions are carnal, when they are not moving according to the Spirit, but according to their spirit. Solomon was a good leader initially as he followed the Lord's guidance. With the talents, gifts and ability that God gave Him he did wonders and the nation was at peace. The taxes however were a great burden upon the people, when he departed from the scene his son began to reign. The son lead according to man and the kingdom divided. Eli judge and priest was mighty in the Lord, however because he being lead by his feelings did not judge in all manners according to the Lord. Resulting in the nation losing a battle, the ark, his sons being slain and the transfer of the priesthood. We whom may be grumbling against the leader be it they may not be in the Will of God should still make every effort to be as Christ gave ensample. There were many times that the religious leadership of His day moved according to their flesh, traditions, and rituals. How did Jesus conduct Himself on these occasions. Why do leaders tend to take complaints so personally? Simply put leaders, are human being. They tend to take the grumbles / complaints personally because they are in the face of them, or they are hearing about them. Because God blessed mankind with emotions / feeling they act as sensors, the leaders either reacts or responds, some internalize and hold on to the complaint; some see it as a tool to strive to do better; some turn it over to God. They cast their care over to God, unfortunately because they are human some pick the care up after casting it unto God. Sometimes this process becomes a constant, because the leader leans upon their own understanding. What does it take to learn that "it's not about you"? Sometimes it takes going through the process. Sometimes it takes an self evaluation process where one learns to let go and let God. When in the service of the Lord as the Leader leans not onto their own understanding, as the picture becomes clearer the Spirit bring back to recall that the battle is not against flesh and blood, that sin is in the world, that the adversary continues to prowl, that just as those who have walked in victory from the days of old turned it over to Lord, they must as well. That does not mean doing nothing, that mean adhering to the Holy Spirit's leading according to the Word. Any where that God guides He will provide. This applies to all who are in Christ. If we are to reconcile, reconcile as the Word say. If we are to lead, lead as the Word says.