Have you noticed that many people today seem to be expert at shunning consequences? We dodge, duck, jump, and generally do everything we can to avoid them. Who’s responsible here? Who made this decision? Who left this disaster behind? Notice that I used the word “we.” All of us would prefer not to have to give account for our actions or inactions. But, God doesn’t let us weasel out that easily.
In Deuteronomy 32:51, God confronts Moses with the consequences of one of his choices. At Meribah Kadesh, Moses chose to take the glory meant only for God for himself. As a result, God informs him that his life is ending and will end on the east side of the Jordan River. After leading the people to the Promised Land, he will not get to lead them INTO the land. What an incredible disappointment! That’s not fair! – some of us would cry. But, from God’s perspective, it is (and was) the RIGHT thing. Moses chose at that moment not to follow God’s way – and had to face the consequences!
Wow, what an example for us! This devotional isn’t designed to shock you or manipulate you – just remind you that your relationship with God is important!! We all are standing on holy ground and will give an account for our actions/inactions!
Ask God to guide you and help you as you face choices today!
Bryan Martin
Tags: Devotional
by Bryan Martin
Have you ever found yourself called on to give of your time, energy, or resources when you were exhausted and drained? How did you respond?
For many of us, a crisis call to help stimulates the adrenalin necessary to accomplish the task at hand. Often, in the middle of helping, our own situation takes “a back seat.” But, what if the task ahead is not actually a crisis?
In Mark’s account of the Feeding of the Five Thousand, we are told that the apostles had just returned from an exciting missionary journey. They had been sent out by Jesus to teach and heal and had seen great results. After this time, they returned and reported to him all they had experienced (Mark 6:30). Jesus noted their physical hunger and exhaustion and invited them to come away for a time of rest. As they “retreated,” a large crowd followed them and, as the day got later, the apostles encouraged Jesus to send the crowd away. Jesus turned to the same tired and hungry apostles and challenged them to feed them. Why?? Didn’t he know these are the same guys? Of course he did but he wanted them to see the power of God!
Jesus challenged them to give beyond their ability. Did you see that – it was WAY BEYOND them!! They cannot accomplish the task. Jesus was there with them all the time, knowing the solution to the situation! But, he wanted to stretch them in the area of faith. He wanted them to realize that life consists of more than “my” needs and that God was (and is) sufficient in times of weakness. This story is told in all four of the gospel accounts – that’s pretty unique. I wonder if their own hunger didn’t better prepare the apostles to remember the power of this moment!
Is God calling you to give beyond yourself today? Maybe you are tired, your bank account is low, your emotions are spent. God may want to stretch you, too. Is that OK with you? If so, maybe you could pause now and give him permission in prayer to work in and through you. Trust me, you’ll be better for it!
Be blessed today!
Bryan
Tags: Devotional
Tags: Mission Trips
Well guys, I am revamping the blog, so please bear with me! I’m so excited that I finally got it up & running!! I’ll try to work on it some more & let more people know about it.
Thanks for hanging in there with me!
Kathy Mashburn
Tags: Blogging
Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!
Tags: Uncategorized
