Marching Forth!

" And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way ." Numbers 21:4 How true it is, that God's ways are not our ways!  The way God often uses is the way that is inefficient, long, difficult, and indirect.  Instead of bringing us directly to His desired end, He leads us on the most roundabout course.  The children of Israel were not strangers to this feeling.  They reached the very doorstep of the Promised Land and were turned back because of their unbelief.  Even with the presence of God leading the people, they often had to circumvent land they would have preferred to pass through.  They were continually having to leave the well-worn track and trail blaze.   Having to go the "hard way," the people were discouraged.  Their souls were " much discouraged because of the way ." There is no shortage of trials and difficulties we experience ...

In a few days, I will be taking a flight from Sydney to Los Angeles.  As the day of my departure draws nigh, the occasional sound of a plane in the distance reminds me of that fact.  It has been two years since my last visit to the United States.  It's a strange thing to have lived in the San Diego for most of my life but to feel like a stranger heading back.  Don't get me wrong:  I know most of the streets, freeways, suburbs quite well.  By God's grace I should be able to recognise family and friends, though I probably won't remember all the names I once did.  I am coming back to people who have changed, and I have changed too - hopefully for the better and wiser! I was born in San Diego, but San Diego is no longer my home.  This was settled even before I left San Diego for Sydney in 2010.  God brought my heart to Australia long before my family came or our stuff arrived in a container.  Sydney is where I currently reside, yet technic...

This morning I found the passage when Moses struck the rock at Meribah most compelling.  When the people complained about the lack of water, Moses wisely sought the LORD.  God told him to speak to the rock and water would flow from it and supply water for all Israel.  Understandably annoyed by the complaints and murmuring of the people, the frustration of Moses was evident:  " Hear, you rebels!  Must we fetch you water out of this rock ?"  Instead of speaking to the rock according to God's command, Moses struck the rock twice and water issued forth.  The people were glad to have water, but God was not pleased with Moses and Aaron. Now I have often heard people say the sin of Moses was the fact he "misrepresented God."  I am sure Moses was guilty of this infraction as all people are, even those who have been called to lead in various church ministry.  But that is not the sin God cited.  Numbers 20:12 makes it clear:  " Then the LO...

In our natural state we cannot discern spiritual truths.  When we are born again by grace through faith and receive the indwelling Holy Spirit, we can become Christian "yes" men.  We read the Bible and nod our heads in approval, but we can fail to see that the radical precepts and truths of scripture have yet to be actually lived out in our lives.  We know the truth in a superficial and theoretical sense, but there has not been implementation.  The things we agree with have not been put into practice, or we have put the scripture into practice with rigid inflexibility.  Like a child dancing in a circle with his hobby horse, we can come to a point when we do not seek or even desire further transformation according to God's Word.  We have established beliefs through which all scripture is filtered, and even God cannot change our minds.  Instead of allowing scripture to challenge us to see things in a new light, we can become stuck in a rut A.W. Tozer cal...

" Your fingers would remember their old strength better... if they grasped your sword ."  Gandalf , " Lord of the Rings:  The Two Towers " to King Theoden This quote is from one of my favourite scenes in the Lord of the Rings movies directed by Peter Jackson.  King Theoden had long been under the the control of the evil wizard Saruman, and as a result the king was decrepit and listless.  He was a puppet in the hands of an oppressive ruler who sought to destroy him and his kingdom.  In his ear whispered Grima Wormtongue, a once loyal adviser to Theoden who had covertly become a servant of Saruman.  Gandalf was wise to see who truly was in control and "drew Saruman like poison from a wound."  Once freed of the magic bonds, Theoden transformed back to the king who could recognise friend from foe.  His long nails and wizened beard melted away, as the king came to his senses. It was at this moment when King Theoden looked at his hands and sa...

In my morning devotions, I am reading through Numbers.  How impressive is the meekness of Moses!  He was a man who remained faithful to God despite opposition and struggles.  Here is a man who did not fight for himself, but committed his life - trials, reputation, and all - into the awesome hands of God.  He is really an Old Testament foreshadowing of how Jesus Christ lived ( 1 Pet. 2:23 ).  Moses was meek because he knew God.  He couldn't for a moment allow his authority given him by God go to his head.  He was an vagabond killer, a shepherd, and a servant of the Most High God.  When challenged, he fell on his face before God and submitted to His rule. After the rebellion of Korah, the people were upset about the outcome.  They assembled against Moses and Aaron, and accused Moses of murdering God's people.  God sent a plague among the people and they began to die.  Seeing this, Moses quickly moved into action to save the people f...

There is a story behind every scar.  Some are a result of an accident or work injury.  On my body I have scars from injuries I caused, and some caused by others.  Over time the scars may fade, but the wound is not easily forgotten.  I used to have a scar running down the bridge of my nose given me by my brother.  He wanted to "play dinosaurs," and my dinosaur playing days were over seconds after I agreed to the game!  I still bear the scar of a see-saw being slammed into my face and opened my lower lip on the playground in primary school.  In my right eyebrow is hidden a scar I am responsible for.  When I worked in my trade a pulled on a wire with end-nippers.  The wire snapped and boom!  I whacked myself in the face and opened up a deep gash.  For the most part, my scars are a testimony of carelessness or folly - either mine or of someone else. There is one scar I earned worthily.  I was probably around eight or nine years o...