Lion of Grace

The function of the blood of the covenant in Exodus was to seal the covenant between God and His people and to sprinkle them with blood for the forgiveness of their sins. For without the shedding of blood there can be no forgiveness of sin. It was expressly to make Israel a people set apart for Him. The blood of the covenant for the new covenant was the shedding of Christs blood as the Paschal Lamb to seal the covenant made with us for the forgiveness of our sins. This included every tribe, tongue and nation. Both the old and the new covenants required the sprinkling/shedding of blood for the forgiveness of sin. Both were a seal of a promise that we/they would be God's people. Set apart for Him. How are they different? The Old Testament covenant required continuous sacrifices but the New Testament covenant is completed by the shedding of Jesus blood. Once and for all. The Old was followed by keeping the law, the New is written on our hearts, making sanctification possible through the love of God by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The function of the blood of the covenant in Exodus was to seal the covenant between God and His people and to sprinkle them with blood for the forgiveness of their sins. For without the shedding of blood there can be no forgiveness of sin. It was expressly to make Israel a people set apart for Him. The blood of the covenant for the new covenant was the shedding of Christs blood as the Paschal Lamb to seal the covenant made with us for the forgiveness of our sins. This included every tribe, tongue and nation. Both the old and the new covenants required the sprinkling/shedding of blood for the forgiveness of sin. Both were a seal of a promise that we/they would be God's people. Set apart for Him. How are they different? The Old Testament covenant required continuous sacrifices but the New Testament covenant is completed by the shedding of Jesus blood. Once and for all. The Old was followed by keeping the law, the New is written on our hearts, making sanctification possible through the love of God by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Israel was "holy" by their covenant relationship with God. He intended to use the people of Israel as a "holy" nation as a royal priesthood. They were instructed to live a holy life just as the priests in their day were instructed in purity and in being set apart by God for special purposes. They, by the covenant, now belonged to Him and were to be as children of God, not of the world. Holy in the New Testament often means sanctified, set apart for God with conduct befitting those separated. So to be holy is to be in the process of sanctification. Do we "attain" salvation this way? No, we have that through grace, but believers are called to forsake sin and live a holy way of life. This desire should come out of the grace given through Jesus. To be holy and sanctified should be our desire. Why is holiness de-emphasized in our day? We have become "menu" people who think with a "click" in our minds, we can "order up" our lifestyles to suit ourselves. I don't know how many times even in the church I have conversations on the Bible on any one subject that someone doesn't say, "I believe the Bible, but that teaching isn't truth for me." Most likely, it is a teaching they would rather not have to implement in their lives to confront the sin there. Then, it's all about grace and "between them and God." The sanctification process can be hard. We have to face sin in our lives. We come to know how sinful we are as a people. We learn to rely on the Holy Spirit for change in our lives and suddenly we aren't so "popular" in the world. Sometimes, we stand all alone and painfully watch our friends leave us. We aren't understood because what is of the Spirit is at war with the flesh. But as we grow, we become aware that treasures of the Kingdom, are well worth losing the world for. All the "fun" here is only traded in for death in the Kingdom. We can try to "justify" anything....but the truth is in writing and we are blessed by our Father in Heaven to have it.

In the Old Testament, priests had to have a certain lineage. They had to purify themselves and be holy as they went before God into the Holy of Holies. They offered the sacrifice in atonement for the peoples sins. They were the only ones allowed into the inner sanctuary. We are priests now through the blood of Jesus. He is our High Priest who offered himself as a sacrifice for our sins. No longer do we need animal sacrifices to atone for our sins. Jesus was that sacrifice once and for all. Jew or Gentile. Jesus is our righteousness and our salvation and yet, we are called to be holy as He is holy. So, the same criteria should be ours out of love for Jesus, to purify ourselves, turning from sin, offering sacrifices of praise with servitude, praying for others and with access to the throne through Jesus, be in relationship with God, knowing His will and living for Him. This is the inner sanctuary made available to us. He is our Father, we are His accepted children. The lineage is now ours. We are a royal priesthood. Made for relationship with Him and to know the good works He has planned for us. We live for Him....not because of some laws to follow...but because He's our beloved Abba, Savior and Counselor.

Treasured "possessions" is a hard one for me to answer because I don't think in terms of "owning" anything but as in being "gifted with". I think the very word "possession" denotes something only God can really have. That said, my emotional reaction to anything given to me that I treasure is one of thankfulness and a great sense of responsibility towards. My greatest treasure given to me would be my family and/or my gifts that He has given me to use to fulfill my purposes in life for His Kingdom. My grandchild is one whom I treasure and feel great responsibility for. I want to protect her and teach her in ways that are good. Helping her attain integrity and Godly character. She is like a jewel to me that I like to polish and shape until she shines and becomes beautiful and who God made her to be. The idea of a treasured possession was fulfilled to Israel in the same way. Through a covenant with God who agreed to protect them and by giving them commandments, was teaching them to follow His ways so they could shine in the land He was giving them. He guided them into truths and was giving them His wisdom to learn of a better way of life. He was responsible for them (and us) and sought for their best. Even when they grumbled it wasn't. To be God's treasured possession today according to 1 Peter 2:9 (and even further into the reading) is to be a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God that we may declare the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. It goes on to say, "Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us." We now, have a covenant, the new covenant through Jesus Christ, but we are called to holiness, just as God called the Israelites to holiness in the old covenant. They had the 10 commandments....we have 2, that encompass all of the 10. If you Love God above all others and love others as you love yourself, then the 10 will be followed....but we do this not as "law" keeping, but through the love of Christ that we show the whole world.

I think Moses really didn't have an idea he could delegate roles to others. At this point he was THE leader, anointed by God in that role. As with most of us, I think God let him get to the point of seeing and experiencing he couldn't do it alone. Not that he was being disobedient in any way but he was learning about leadership. We do too. We start out with good intentions of excellence and soon learn we need to say "HELP!" and ask for qualified help to come along side of us. God just took him to the next step in leadership. The adding of others. These judges were to have good spiritual qualifications with integrity of character. They were to be God fearing, trustworthy and specifically mentioned was "one who could refuse a bribe, hating the very idea of bribery!" How very important! Even today! Not only for money or unjust gains but in light of the "I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine" mentality so prevalent today to push human worldly agendas through. How is Moses leadership like Ephesians 4:11,12? He was appointed by God, given the gifts he was to operate in, so that the body of people he led could be built up and equipped for their roles also. Often sadly overlooked in churches today. Leaders get bogged down in protecting ownership of positions and forget to mentor and equip (especially future generations)of members so that the whole of the church will be built up attaining the fullness of Christ and using their gifts to grow even more. This makes a living organism of the body of Christ. Without the Holy Spirit's anointing....forget it. What is of the flesh will birth more flesh. But if of the Spirit, then the Holy Spirits power births life. It reminds me that some have a form of godliness, but with no power. If "religion" is leading, then the good fruit won't be there, but if the Spirit reigns, then it will be.

God provided manna for the people to: Give them food to sustain their physical bodies while out in the desert. To answer to their grumbling that He knows them and knows their needs. To show He is a faithful God, to be fully trusted and able to not only deliver them but to provide for them. The manna finally ceased because His provision for them was met by providing an abundance of food in the land of plentiful that He had given them. He was still providing, yet in a different way. The people gradually take the manna for granted because it became routine. Like us today, when we ask for a provision and have that given, the people then, lost the concept of thankfulness for the provision of what they had needed. They thought, as all our human nature does, of the next step, the next best, the bigger or better. They wanted meat. They got tired of bread, bread, bread! What they once marveled at....became mundane. What had been a "need" met became a "want" for better as so often happens. What provision of God do I take for granted? Wow, really reflecting on it, there are many. This beautiful Earth and all of creation. Sometimes I marvel at it and some days I'm just "off to live my day." My health sometimes and my church. All I've been given. My home and food and income. I'm not saying I don't thank God for them ever, but there are days I'm just looking forward to the day and what He has for me to do and I forget to thank Him for the provisions He has given me to even begin the day in the first place. I am very blessed to be created, saved, to have purposes in Him and to be living those. There was a time I didn't know that. I have a beautiful family, a modest home and food. In lean times I have been provided for and in sorrow I was comforted. In sin I've been forgiven (Big time!) and in seeking He was found. When I cry out, He answers me and He shows me the way. I am truly blessed. Thank you Father. Thank you.

Grumbling against a leader can really be grumbling against the Lord, when a leader is in close communion with God for direction and in next steps in leadership. That leader is being a vessel that God uses for HIS will. So therefore, if any be against that leader, they will be against God. Are there cases when this is not true? Yes and yes and yes! Some leaders are selected by men, are ruled over by men and act on men's advice that are really contrary to God and His word. If any leadership is not grounded themselves in God's Word and have become people pleasing leadership in exchange for power and prestige, then they are prime candidates to lead in an ungodly way or to become puffed up and prideful causing the downfall of many. This is difficult for Godly people under the leadership, but we also, must be in communion with God and prayerful on our next steps. Sometimes we will be called to speak the truth in love (and to KNOW the truth ourselves not mindlessly following any person!) and sometimes we are called to leave such leadership, but we too, are vessels of God, and we may be called to a time such as this to make a difference and ushering in God's Kingdom in Spirit. I've seen changes made in these areas if we don't give up....but the key is doing it GOD'S way. He ushers in the changes. And sometimes, we will suffer in it and we will not be listened to, yet God instructs clearly when it's time to stay or time to wipe our feet and leave. We MUST make sure we are in God's will every time though. Why do leaders take complaints so personally? Perhaps we lose the purpose behind everything. If we forget we are instruments of use for God's will, we will remember and be prepared for the world and satan to attack us in it. But if it becomes "our" will and about "our" leadership, then we will look at it in a more worldly way and give into our pride in leading. We want everyone to just agree and do it. But really in humbleness, we may have some of God's will revealed through another, so being prayerful and humble and watching for God in those times is the key to keeping us grounded.

People grumble and complain because they lack faith in God. We see our circumstances and we don't trust either the true leadership (Like Moses) set up over those circumstances, and that they will listen and receive direction from God in it, or we don't trust God to do what is right and over-ride false leadership (Like Pharaoh) set up by man. I think people are afraid to be honest too. Instead of coming out with concerns and maybe having input into how to address an issue, it is easier to grumble and complain in the background with anyone who might sympathize with us. Fear and faith relate to grumbling because fear motivates us to think we won't be taken care of, that our needs won't be met or our "opinions" won't be heard. When we put our trust in men, that all may happen even with the best leadership, but if we don't take that fear to God who is faithful to deal with it (on His terms....but always with love and compassion and for our good)and trust Him in it, we can't get past it. He is our ultimate go to and we know His decisions are right. He IS our just ruler. He will help us...either to understand a leaders decision or to help make it right if that wasn't a good one. I had a devotional today on "great faith" and "little faith". In it little faith was somewhat overwhelmed with circumstances and obstacles and did not have fore sight to overcome, but sank in despair or grumbling or tears. Great faith saw beyond them and trusted in God's promises and kept moving forward. How true. Our faith in God and who He is and what He promises, makes every difference in overcoming anything. As said in a previous lesson though, people really grumble against God more than against leaders when they choose to grumble at all. The lack of trust is really against Him. Grumbling in my own life? I think I try to be a peace-MAKER....bringing concerns directly to leaders over me to bring a broader vision to problems in the church, or to gain greater understanding as to the reason decisions were made, and I try to respect a leaders final say in it. I do take most problems to God if I really feel a wrong is in process, but sometimes if the "results" are slow in coming or I "feel" not listened to at all, then I can grumble. I tend to keep it with family members I trust, but still, I find myself entertaining thoughts of doubting the leadership that I for the most part trust, so I try to be mindful of that weakness in me. For leadership though, (myself included) as difficult as it can be at times, it is wise to listen. Humbly listen to others. Then hold what is said up to God for examination. We don't have it all together either sometimes and the church is a "body" of many members with many gifts to have in place and operating together.

God's glory is important in Exodus because it reveals who He is. It reveals His power, strength, majesty, sovereign state and His ultimate reign over any other. To have faith in anything, we trust it to be truth. The people had not known God very well up to that point. They knew Pharaoh had power, they knew what their lives under him were like and they knew he could rule over them, but they didn't know the One who was called I AM, that was supreme over everyone. Who loved them and wanted to help them and be their TRUE God. Who would rule with kindness and compassion if they trusted Him and obeyed Him. I AM was much more than they had comprehended "Pharaoh god" to be. He wasn't a god at all, just an earthly ruler. What did they know of true holiness at this point? They only knew what they saw. God's glory revealed to them, showed them an awesome God. One who they could and would eventually put their trust in. Once they saw God and His character, then reverence for such a mighty Being followed. Who are we that HE should be mindful of us? We aren't much in power or strength or holiness as human, and that's the point. HE is glorious. HE is holy, HE is I AM and we bow down, we ask for guidance and wisdom and HE is gracious. He helps, He's kind and anything good we have or do is because He is in us and with us. When leaders take credit and glory for themselves...they forget God. They have lost perspective of who really does anything. They become prideful and arrogant, thinking more of themselves than is due. Unfortunately, they have people surround them that feed this lie and bad goes to worse and eventually the fall comes because God doesn't let HIS glory go to another. He is God. We must humble ourselves every day and accept the ways He helps us stay balanced. He doesn't always lead us to do great things....but often to the menial and quiet small things to serve in also. Sometimes both together! But He knows what we need and we need to be prayerful in asking Him for good direction in our lives and to remember HE is our source of praise. Not people or positions or titles. If man praises me, I can politely accept that, always giving credit to God, but when God honors me or praises me or blesses me....that is my real source of well being.

Why do the people blame Moses for the advancing Egyptian Army? They are walking by sight, not by faith. They have not yet embraced that GOD is doing the commanding. They only see a human leader and a huge enemy coming at them and they fall into doubt and fear. The fear is motivated by unbelief in the promise that they are going to be delivered out of the hands of Pharaoh. Even after all they had seen and experienced! The people in essence, really place all their doubt on God and if He CAN do as He has promised. As Moses leads them receiving the instruction from God....then ultimately what they think they can blame on Moses, they in reality blame on God. Moses though, remains courageous, trusting in God. He tells the people to wait and see their deliverance and they are to be still, calm, while they do it! If the people are doubting God, Moses is the opposite, leading awesomely, showing them he has no such doubts! He shows his absolute trust in God and declares it to them with authority. Why doesn't Moses answer to their criticism? I just think at this point he was doing as he instructed them to do. (Always good for leadership)He is turning, standing and being still waiting for their deliverance from God. I liked the quote about leaving the praise with God and the criticisms too. So often we remember to give God the credit when praised, but we hold on to the negatives. Really, if we are called to lead and are following God, then we can turn that over to Him to take care of. We can speak truth with love, in some situations, but we can't hold on in bitterness or even fear of the barrage we sometimes receive from so many.

Obedience for the Israelite people was important the same way our obedience is important for deliverance from sin, flesh and the devil..... God knows what He's doing. His ways are so much higher than ours and where we can't see the good of doing things His way, we learn that if He instructs us in something it is because He is trustworthy to know what is best for us. I remember when I was first saved, it seemed as though there were "restrictions" put on me and I rebelled in them and questioned them. But, I wanted something different in my heart of hearts and was very drawn to Jesus, so I slowly started to pay attention and to try to do things as the Bible instructed me. Over the years, I have seen God has always had EVERYTHING for my good in His heart and mind and those old ways were destroying me. HIS way restored me and healed me. Now, I look at things so differently. When I'm faced with doing something hard or sad or against my human nature, I can do it with more peace because I know that my Father has for my good in mind. He's very trustworthy and is for me. Discipleship is a journey and I think obedience is very important, but I think relationship is the key. Just as with God, if we don't come into relationship, we have a hard time trusting in being obedient to what we are taught. But, at some point, we must be obedient to grow. Does a person who says they receive Jesus, but doesn't obey Him have real faith? If they absolutely show no fruit, then I would say no, but we have to be careful because people can be growing and in relationship with God and it doesn't seem much on the outside....but it's there, going on....on the inside. To receive Jesus is like Him coming to us and saying "Come follow me" so we need to follow and embrace what He says. Just like the disciples, we need to be taught and we don't understand so much, but we still follow and learn and listen and are changed. We might get timid and hide out or even deny Christ at times, weeping in repentance after we do, but we really do grow into that flame sold out for Him when we grow in love for Him.

Christ is our passover lamb in that he was the final sacrifice given to pardon our sins. He was perfect and without blemish and was sacrificed in our place. The guilt was ours, the sin was ours, the punishment should have been ours, but because his blood was offered and was an atonement for our sins, he was the paschal lamb who's blood covered us and continues to cover us today. We truly wash our robes in the blood of the Lamb and we are marked by the blood of the Lamb and sealed in the Holy Spirit. With this mark, we are identified as one of God's own. God's judgment passes over us because the seal protects us. When we accept Christ as our Savior...we are saved through His blood. Those who wash in His blood and receive salvation are written in the Lambs book of life and receive the seal that identify them with Christ forever.

I believe that Jesus COULD come in my lifetime and I try to live according to that, so as much as I'd like to say I would live more perfectly, I think I already do abide and live in accordance of what I know. I can't be perfect, so I would just continue to trust in God and my salvation and live the best I know how with excellence for Him. I would do that if He's coming tomorrow or I knew He wasn't coming for 3 more generations. Do I have it all right? No. But am I saved? Yes.

The passages that point to Salvation by grace are: Rev. 21:27- Stating, "Only those who's names are in the book of life." Rev. 2:14-15- "Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life." 1 Corinthians 6:11- "And that's what some of you were, (sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, prostitutes, homosexual offenders, thieves, greedy, drunkards, slanderers and swindlers) but you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of God." Holy living is important to Salvation because they go hand in hand. We, when CHOOSING Salvation, are washed, are sanctified, and are justified in the name of Jesus and by the power of the Holy Spirit. But we must choose and be sincere in that. It's not "law keeping" but it's joy to be made more like Him, knowing Him and loving Him more and more. Why is holy living important to God? Be holy for I am Holy. To be a part of Him and He in us is to be like Him. It's a process, a journey and part of being sanctified, but if you truly believe on the name of Jesus Christ, you will be saved and your name written in the book of life. When you wash your robes in the blood of the Lamb, you will be grateful and to be changed will be the cry of your heart. As we are sanctified, we become Holy as He is Holy and in eternity will have the right to the tree of life.

If we walk by sight and not by faith, we will fight battles in the flesh as opposed to in the Spirit. I'm not saying we shouldn't ever "say" anything or "do" anything. Sometimes God asks us to, just as He asked Moses. These can be times of stepping out in faith too, though they take on a physical aspect. But, we have to stay connected and asking Father for discernment because we can be called to say something one time, yet to be quiet the next time. Moses said what he was called to proclaim, but when Pharaoh was obstinate, Moses was quick to listen to God and let God take over from there. Only God really knows all our hearts and He deals justly with each one. We all sin and we may be confronted with that by other brothers and sisters, but the one who knows us through and through directs everything. So, even if being confronted or in confronting, we have to turn to God for direction. Prayer is crucial in it all. To pray for direction to continue or to let go and let God. Plus, we call on the heavenly warriors to fight the battle for others. I can't even express in words how grateful I am when others fought in prayer for me, before I was saved. They were calling on Heavenly help for my deliverance. I actually saw in the Spirit, armies fighting for me to overcome addictions and fears and strongholds. I was freed and the battle did belong to the Lord, but I was also to see the truth in love from those around me. If they hadn't taken the time to help me (and I wasn't always gracious in it) and to hold on to me, I don't know where I would be today. But, ultimately, the LORD was the center of my need and HE gave the healing. I also had those who condemned me "For my own good" and who worked in the flesh. Their motives were for themselves and their ministries and they were cruel. That was neither helpful nor fruitful, so I try to apply what I learned first hand when dealing with others. I always have to examine my own heart first as to my purposes in anything. A lesson I still try to perfect even today as I fail in that sometimes. God will fight the battles for us, if the battle is His to fight! If we are walking out in selfish motives, or haven't sought Him and His direction, or are being judgmental and self righteous, then it's not of Him. I think the difference it makes for me when I examine myself before confronting is, "Is this critical thinking, with selfish motives or real concern for this person and for God's Kingdom." Critical thinking stays in one place, never moves forward and is negative. Concern is to move forward with someone and involves a positive aspect for God's Kingdom. We don't want to squash and squabble and get our way....we want what God wants in the matter.

John's vision of the Holy City tells us that Jesus sees the church as new, coming down from heaven, pure, beautifully dressed and prepared for her husband. She is faithful and shining with the glory of God. She is committed to Him and His presence is known. She has made herself ready and is beautiful. She is brilliant and perfected and totally transformed. WOW! How I long for that....and it will be! Wow! Glorious day!!!

Moses didn't accept Pharaohs compromises because he was an agent for God, not men. God was instructing that Pharaoh let His people go and Pharaoh was trying to over ride Gods will with half intents or just plain refusal. Moses could not compromise. He was there with the mission to state the will of God. And God will accomplish what He sets out to do. I'm not sure church leaders should ever accept compromise if they know Gods will in something. For example, I don't agree it's a compromise to clean toilets in the church. I do that in our church and am a Bible study leader and will soon have a position in administration as I have had in the past. I just see that I operate in my gifts and one of them is helps. I see my work in the bathrooms as a blessing to others and service to God. I don't see myself as above it. Yet, I do have gifts in leadership, vision and organization, so I'm blessed to operate in those also. So, if God's will for me is all of the above in humbleness, then I'll do that. It would be compromise to me to not do them. All of them. I know I'm supposed to! What I don't want to ever do, is be outside Gods will for myself, in what I do or in leading others or accepting others. Gods will is His will whether it looks like what we think should happen or not. Compromise seems to be the word of the day and we have to guard ourselves. I'm leading a Revelation study as well as finishing one with Dr. Wilson and am noting that the letters to the churches in Asia were very much messages warning against compromise! Ephesus compromised on their first love and in the command to love God more than anything else. Pergamum compromised on teachings. Some followed the teachings of the Nicolaitans. The church at Thyatira was compromising by toleration of "Jezebel" who was leading others into sexual immorality and idol worship practices. There is more...all warning to not compromise but hold on to truth. The two churches who were not warned were the two who were not compromising! Even other leaders will want us to compromise, to join together for gain, power, ease and privileges, but we can't. God directs, God provides, God protects or allows and our reward is not here...it's a Kingdom reward.

The water of life is Salvation through Jesus Christ. It is a free gift because salvation comes through Jesus and only through Jesus. There is no other name by which we can be saved. The Spirit and the bride should extend this invitation to our communities because the free gift of salvation is for everyone. We, as the bride should be taking part in crying out for others to come and receive eternal life through Christ. This takes shape in various forms of evangelism and outreach and should be extended to all. Church should never become inclusive but be reaching out.

The significance that "God will be with us" is that this will all be new. The bride has become pure and spotless, faithful and eager for her groom. We will be perfected and He will be with us. There is complete restored relationship with Him. The "marriage" will take place. The promises in 21:4 can only be fulfilled in Heaven because sin and death are fully and completely defeated then. We now, are changing, but then, will be completely changed! What do I especially look forward to? I used to say "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes." because I've shed a lot of tears....but really, when I look at it now.... that there will be "no more death or mourning or pain because the old order of things has passed away." is really what I look forward to. When the new will come and all the things we sigh about here will be no more and everyone will be made new and complete and dwell with each other in love,purity and holiness.... and God will be with us...that's what I look forward to very much!

It is difficult for church leaders to confront (and particularly in this day and age) because they fear loosing people. Church today seems to be about a "menu" for people. Please them, give them what they want so they "feel good" and they'll stay to be the church and help with the church. There is a false sense of what "love" is in this. But confront congregations or teach them to take up their cross or follow God's commands and watch the popularity drop, the numbers go down and your help to decrease! It's a "feel good, professional, instant gratification, post modern thinking" world and it's seeped into the church! When a church is guided by secular thinking, we'll get secular results. If leadership is guided by the Spirit and Kingdom thinking, then God does the work in hearts and some might go, but many will be grown if even out of a small remnant that remains. But....the foundation is good and it will stand. To often, leadership themselves measure "success" by a worldly standard and become discouraged and turn to worldly ways to "correct" the problem. They only go more deeply down a wrong path and lead much of the church with them! Confrontation and rebuke are good things, because in a humble person, they help us examine our own hearts. Sometimes as we do look at ourselves, we see an area that is a problem we need to repent from and seek God to change in that. But also, sometimes we are strengthened too when we seek God and find our ability to stand in Him when we know the accusation is false. Either way, to never confront or rebuke means to never have resolution or correction or assurance. Then we stay in ignorance or denial or false guilt and that is only chaos, frustration and non productive. That's the results if we refuse to confront when we should.

Moses blamed God because of mistrust, not understanding some of God's character and because God wasn't moving along with "his" timetable. He assumed because things didn't "pan out" like he thought they would in his own mind, that God had let him down! He hadn't learned yet, that God is faithful, but He is also all knowing and can be trusted to do things GOD'S way. Moses and Aaron were stubborn from both fear and unbelief. They were thinking "what do we do now?" when the results were less than glorious. They were afraid of the outcome they had seen and what it meant and perhaps were a little taken aback at the circumstances they found themselves and the people in. (I'm sure they had preconceived ideas of how God was going to accomplish everything) They had unbelief in God's way in it and were not trusting in Him for HIS results....HIS way....in HIS time. Thus, God COMMANDS them. A command is a "My way" kind of deal. They needed to know His character. Not in a bad way, but that HE knew best as to how to get things accomplished. It's His glory we see! Because He's God! How like so many of the circumstances we find ourselves in!

Why are we afraid to obey God when He asks us to do something decisive? I think a lot of times we just don't trust God. He asks us to do something and we don't believe we can do it. Like Moses. Instead of trusting God to do it THROUGH us, we concentrate on all our shortcomings and the road blocks of what is before us. I think this is the number one root of the problem of being afraid to obey. As we grow in trust, then we know we go in HIS power and we are more willing to step out in faith, trusting God to see us through and to move those mountains that "seem" to loom so much in the way. Dealing with fear takes prayer, remembering God's faithfulness, reading in the Bible of God's promises and developing a relationship with Him so we can see how faithful and true He is. Even if what He asks us to do isn't going exactly like we envisioned or planned, we can confidently go forward seeing where God is leading, seeking HIS will in it. We don't have the complete picture...but HE does! Fear and courage are opposites. Fear is a negative response to the unknown. Courage is fearless. To go forward with confidence. Courage is required in leaders and disciples because we do just that....we lead and go out or forward. If a leader is afraid to move forward, to actively live faith in God, then the example set is that there is indeed something to be afraid of and God is not trustworthy to us. Without courage (and that comes from confidently trusting God)our example would be weak and not really show the truth of God's character nor would we demonstrate our trust in Him and that damages how others may see His character through us. Without faith....we can't please God. He loves it when we demonstrate faith. We have to believe we belong to Him and He is FOR us....then we can move forward WITH Him.

Why is God angry with Moses? Because after all the reassurances, the instruction and the patience God showed Moses in his doubt, Moses said, "Oh Lord, please send someone else to do it." To me God's anger burning wasn't so much like our anger would be, but more in an anger for His will to be done and against the reluctance of the person he asked to go and do it. God didn't just throw the towel in at Moses and say "suit yourself" and march on with someone else though. He gave him a partner in it (Aaron) and eventually, Moses grew into his leadership and trust (though still making mistakes). At first, he had an unreasonable resistance to even begin to do the will of God. That was bordering on refusal. But after, he went forward and was obedient. I think the BASIC sin at this point was disobedience. He had gotten all the reassurance and patient instruction and then he asked if someone else could go. God's plan was MOSES was going! Has God ever been angry at me? YES. Mostly for disobedience. As we grow, we mature and His will should be our will and when we balk, doubting Him, then He lets us know our choices aren't the best. How did Moses appease God? He went.

Why is the truth of a final judgment so frightening? Because we all know we deserve it! Except to know and accept that by faith in Jesus and by His blood we will escape hell, we know that our lives deserve punishment. That's frightening. Some resist the idea of a final judgment because they are ignorant of the Word, don't accept it as truth, or don't know the all around character of God. Most people decide this out of a post-modern kind of thinking. In it, whatever they decide to accept as truth, is truth to them. They don't want to think of being tormented in hell, so the truth to them just turns into there is no hell. That's what is called walking in darkness and with no light. Jesus is light and truth so if they can't embrace Him and turn to Him for salvation, they will never embrace truth about anything.