My reading today in Deuteronomy chapters 13 and 14 has left me asking a question: Does God test us? In Deuteronomy 13:3 it states that, “you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams; for the Lord you God is testing you to find out if you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” The scripture says that God is testing the Israelites when there is a false prophet luring them away. This was something that I guess thought didn’t happen. I don’t know why I thought that because I honestly don’t have any reason to assume anything about God. Continue Reading…
Tag Archive - Faith
Does God test us, stand firm in faith: Deuteronomy 13 and 14
Signpost to true satisfaction past disbelief: Numbers Summary
What is the book of Numbers all about. It starts with details on how the Israelite camp was arranged and it ends with laws about cities of refuge and inheritance. The journey which started in Exodus with the Israelites leaving captivity in Egypt and then learning to love and worship God in Leviticus heads into growing pains in Numbers. The people of Israel constantly grumbled against God even as he proves Himself faithful time and time again to them. The people consistently looked back to their old life in captivity and longed for what they saw as a better existence. I wonder if this existence was easier because in Egypt they were not constantly reminded of their dependance on God. It is always easier to complain about a problem or circumstance but once deliverance comes it can be more painful to be free than you would have ever realized. I think of drug addicts that may wish to be free from their dependancy on drugs but the road to overcome the addiction is blocked by an insurmountable wall. I think there was an insurmountable wall in the Israelites way. Continue Reading…
Past remembered and future foretold within Numbers 33 and 34
We get a look at the past and future of Israel in Numbers 33 and 34. The past 40 years of the Israelites journeying in the wilderness is chronicled by each spot where the people camped. It is amazing to think of a few million people moving from place to place. I am amazed by the thought of coordinating so many people. Why was it important for the people to remember where they had been? I can only think of my own life and walk with God. There are moments in my life when it is absolutely necessary for me to look back and remember the journey that God is leading me on. In the same way the Israelites needed to be able to look back upon their history to remember their past and the God that they served. Continue Reading…
Stand firm in your faith against opposition: Numbers 23 and 24
In Numbers 22 the story of Balaam started where Balak, king of Moab, was desiring to see Balaam curse Israel. In Numbers 23 and 24 we hear what, “The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor, And the oracle of the man whose eye is opened, The oracle of him who hears the words of God, And knows the knowledge of the Most High, Who sees the vision of the Almighty, Falling down, yet having his eyes uncovered” has to say from God. Continue Reading…
A donkey smarter than it’s master: Numbers 21 and 22
The more I read through Numbers I am constantly reminded that humans are obstinate and headstrong. Numbers 21 the people of Israel again are complaining to God and Moses. They don’t like the hardship and would rather be back in Egypt. God sent fiery serpents among the people and many died. Moses intercedes for the people and creates a bronze serpent that is set on a pole as commanded by God. In their disobedience the people only needed to look upon the the bronze serpent to be healed from the snake bites. Did everyone believe enough to look upon the bronze snake and be healed? I would bet that there were some people who didn’t have faith and they died. It seems very much like how people today don’t want to place their trust in Jesus Christ for salvation. Why is it when something is so easy that it becomes an insurmountable barrier for some to overcome? Continue Reading…
Fear and disbelief at the precipice of promise: Numbers 13 and 14
In Numbers 13 and 14 we are continuing with the Israelites as they are sojourning with God. In chapter 13 God tells Moses to send 12 men to scout out the promised land to determine what the land is like. One man from each of the 12 tribes of Israel head out into the promised land. They spend 40 days scouting out the land. To give perspective on how amazing the promised land is the 12 men cut a cluster of grapes which was tied to a pole and required two men to carry it. That is an amazingly massive cluster of grapes. There were many strong people within the promised land who the Israelites would have to kill and cast out for them to take possession. The scouts collected all of the information they needed and returned to Moses, Aaron, and the people of Israel. Continue Reading…
A developing faith in God shown throughout years of blogging
I am very happy at this moment. I can finally say that the conversion of my website is complete. There are around 180 blog post looking at my life and my journey through the Bible. I would like to have you take time to look around at the posts and leave comments (which are now working again). I can tell you that these post will show you the lowest lows of my life and the amazing relationship with God that is growing daily. Continue Reading…
The legacy of glacier melting and Rich Mullins
I’m lying here in bed and I just finished watching a NOVA documentary about glaciers melting. Glaciers are massive and they seem unmovable but when you look at pictures over time you can really see the changes in them. I’m not looking to debate the effect of humans on global climate because I’d much rather talk about legacy. When a glacier melts completely it dies but you are able to see that there was a glacier present. The errosion of the ground and the boulders are sign posts to the glacier. When I die what will my legacy be? Will the lack of my existence be noticable? Continue Reading…
Life on the precipice
I seem to always find myself in this place every time I have have a surgery or a setback where I feel trapped. I have lost my abilities to go out on my own, drive wherever and whenever I want, and workout at the gym. It is very difficult for me right now to wait. I know that God is building my faith and patience up during this time but I never enjoy it because I have to give up my will and let God lead. Letting God lead has gotten easier through all these trifle episodes I so frequently find myself aquatinted so personally with. Submitting my will and desire is difficult but I truly believe that the refinement that God is imparting is for a higher purpose. Continue Reading…
The latest and greatest, a humorous look at amputation
So i just found out that I am going to be having surgery on this upcoming Monday the 30th. I really hope it is a morning surgery because I hate being told I can’t have breakfast or lunch… that is cruel and unusual punishment. So I suppose you may wonder why I am having surgery and what is happening. Well I have ‘interesting’ feet that have been getting fixed over the last few years. Well I ended up with a sore and infection in one of my toes on my right foot so the best course of action is to amputate the toes. Continue Reading…
