The Lord says, I do forgive”

Numbers 14:10-20

One thing I’ve always found interesting is, how those who are guilty of committing crimes have the opportunity to be represented by a lawyer. I’m not referring to situations where a person may actually be innocent, and are given a fair trial, but I’m bringing attention to those who are 100 percent guilty, yet are granted a chance to have their supposed innocence proven. My mind also wonders how a lawyer can willingly represent someone, who knowingly committed a crime, and works diligently to get their sentence relieved, or alleviate some of their impending consequences. That’s similar to having a friend who lies often, and you always trying to justify their lies to others, or soften their words, in an attempt to remove the negativity from them. Unwise actions always have negative consequences attached to them, so it’s wise to avoid acting out of character at all times. Can you imagine the amount of court cases that are in the system where a majority of those being tried are guilty, yet many will actually win their cases? Things that make you go hmm.

In our text, Moses was that lawyer who represented a disobedient Israel, who deserved the destruction God intended for them. In the same way a good lawyer presents information that softens the hearts of a judge and jury, Moses presented to God factual evidence, proving the omnipotence, and endless compassion He has for the people. Moses also put forth a hypothetical argument, that would possibly dampen the glory in God’s name, to the surrounding nations. As a result, God pardoned the iniquity of the children of Israel, according to the words of Moses.

Be careful the next time you interfere with God’s judgment on anyone, because standing in the way of a righteous judge can also cause you to be affected when He brings forth punishment on those deserving of it. Just as the children of Israel were restricted from entering Canaan, Moses was also not permitted to enter, because he allowed the disobedient Israel to cause him to disobey God as well. Stay in your own lane, be obedient to God, and trust that His wisdom is always better than our own.

Walk in love,

Ell

People rebelled and were defeated

Numbers 14:39-45

After being denied access to the land of promise, rather than take advantage of one last opportunity to repent and turn to God, the children of Israel ignored Moses’ warning to refrain from entering the land, because God had removed His covering from them, and they would surely die at the hands of the Amalekites and Canaanites. Although they mourned greatly from missing out on the best possible blessing of their lives, they were stubborn and crazy enough to go against Moses’ words, and head toward Canaan. Just as Moses predicted, the rebellious Israelites were met by the Amalekites and Canaanites that dwelt in the hills bordering the city, who made quick work of the stiffnecked people who trespassed on their land. The window of opportunity to receive God’s best, remains open to all those who live according to His will, but for those who continue to live contrary to holiness, that window won’t stay open long. Learn from the example the children of Israel left, and avoid unnecessary punishment, and judgment by God, by living in obedience. God promised to take care of all His children, but we must remain in His realm of safety, and not wander off in our own direction.

“My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her. The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew. My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken. Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.
Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee. Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm. Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways. For the froward is abomination to the Lord: but his secret is with the righteous. The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just. Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly. The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools” (Proverbs 3 KJV).

Walk in love,

Ell

Children suffer for adults’ sin

Numbers 14:31-35

What do you do, when the thing you feared most, finally comes to pass? Your doctor warns you to eat healthier and exercise, but you constantly ignore their advice, then later find yourself sitting on that same doctor’s table with a sickness that could have been easily avoided, had you only listened. In another instance, your spouse, or friend, tells you to drive according to the speed limit, and avoid high speeds, but your lead foot is too heavy to control. You eventually are discovered in a car, flipped upside down, and resting in the shrubbery on the side of the road, because of an accident you incurred from driving too fast on the interstate. Both instances mentioned happen to people on a daily basis, but could be avoided so easily. What makes matters worse is, when those who fail to follow sound advice, suffer, and their suffering also affects their children as well. Developing children need good parents to raise them well, and teach them the ways of life, but when those parents are “gone too soon”, those they leave behind are left to suffer, and deal with adjusting to life without their greatest support.

How sad it is to see children suffer, especially those who hardly have anyone to help them, but the more you read the Bible, the more you’ll discover that there’s really nothing new under the sun. The thing the children of Israel feared most had finally came to pass, after their continual disobedient behavior moved God to destroy them in the wilderness. They were given multiple warnings to give up their disobedient acts, and trust in the words God spoke through Moses, but they boldly refused, and were ultimately sentenced to death. God spared the children of the disobedient adult generation, and granted them access into Canaan, but from the older generation’s disobedience, the children were issued punishment as well. They were forced to wander the wilderness 40 years, until all of those who rebelled against God were dead.

Are you living to make life better, or worse for those coming behind you? Be sure to monitor your daily actions, and keep them aligned with things that are pleasing, and acceptable to God, because you never want to make life more harder than it will already be on those coming up after you.

Walk in love,

Ell

God’s forgiveness may involve hard judgments

Numbers 14:26-30

It matters not how long and hard a person tries to cover sin and disobedience, for judgment will always render just payment, because the wages of sin is death. God has patience that far exceeds our finite understanding, but there comes a time when we cause Him to render disheartening punishment upon our own lives. God is love, and His love is everlasting, unconditional, and given free of charge, but there’s one thing He will not tolerate on a consistent basis, and that is sin.

It’s because of sin, the original plan for creation was altered, and the world today is in its current state, but God’s forgiveness is the only genuine remedy offered to men, by which to escape sin’s consequences. I’m fully convinced that God desires for every man to surrender their hearts to Him, but knowing that many will refuse, He’s prepared to execute judgment on all who reject His priceless salvation.

An example of such judgment came down on the children of Israel, who followed Moses and Aaron through the wilderness. Time, and time again, the people murmured and complained against God, so much until they even rebelled, while willingly participating in acts contrary to what they were commanded to abide by. Whenever God made up in His mind to destroy the stiffnecked people, Moses would stand between them and God, then render a prayer of intercession. Fortunately for the people, God honored Moses’ prayers, but their disobedient behavior had reached a point where God knew their hearts were hardened, and unwilling to change. For this reason, God spoke to Moses, and Aaron, then posed this question, “How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur against me?” Put yourself in God’s shoes for a moment. Better yet, think of those times when your children, or kids you were assigned to watch over, refused to listen to, and abide by your words. Not only did they reject the things you told them, but they even gave a bad and snobby attitude along with it (reminds me of little Jr. from the Problem Child movies). You wanted so badly to punish them until they spoke another language, but you held back judgment, because you had hope that they would change.

I think back to a time when I lived in Orlando, and had to babysit one of my nephews, until his dad was allowed leave from the army to come pick him up. I left him alone for ten minutes in my house, and told him I’d be back shortly. I also told him not to touch anything, and be good, then uncle Ell would give him something nice (my roommate was in the other room, so he wasn’t in the house alone). Well, when I returned, that little five year old rascal took all my toilet paper and decorated the house, as if toilet paper was cheap! As bad as I wanted to disciple that little V.R. Trooper, I had mercy on him, and still treated him to something nice. God allows us to make mistakes, but when those “mistakes” become habits, it’s necessary for Him to take action.

God eventually replaced His patience for the children of Israel, with judgment, and there was nothing Moses, nor Aaron could do to stay His hand. These were the same people who witnessed God’s miraculous works, and enjoyed all the benefits of His divine glory and revelation, but they never submitted themselves totally to God, thus causing Him to remove His glory from them.

What is the conversation between the Father, and the Son, concerning your life at this moment. If you could listen in on God’s thoughts about how you’re living today, would you be confident that He would be pleased with how you manage your time on the earth, or would He be inches away from rendering judgment based on how you live?

Walk in love,

Ell

God’s forgiveness doesn’t allay suffering

Numbers 14:21-25

The glory of God can be seen all over the world! From raging waters that fill the seas, to the mighty beasts that roam the lands, God’s creation continues to produce fascinating moments that continue to leave men standing in awe. The skies are filled with numerous birds, and other fowl that keep busy flapping and singing day and night, while rainforests and other lands are full of all types of great, and small trees that are unique, and essential in their own ways. But, the longer I live, the more I see blemishes amongst God’s beautiful creation. I see trees that were once strong and firm, begin to suffer, and slowly wither away. Even the animals that graze the lands seem to suffer disease and unusual number of deaths. This world is slowly fading away, because of the effects of sin, but Jesus went away to prepare an incorruptible place where we can dwell with Him forever, in a sinless environment.

The effects of sin were so powerful, until it severed the once holy union between God, and man. Since the fall of Adam, humans have had to endure all manner of suffering, all of which was not intended for man, but sin has consequences that can only be dealt with on a spiritual level, and there was nothing man could do to redeem himself back to God. Therefore, Christ came to undo the mistake Adam caused, while reuniting, or engrafting man back into the family of God once again.

Just as a beautiful tree that sits among thousands of others sometimes suffer from fire, intense weather, or even man’s intervention, born-again believers will still face times of suffering, despite being unified with the Almighty God. How is it possible for a man or woman who’s totally committed to God to suffer in any instance? The perfect example that illustrates the answer to this question is the life that Jesus lived, while on earth. Not once did Jesus commit a sin, nor any act of disobedience against God, yet He suffered and endured more than any man that ever lived (I think the apostle Paul would come in at second place).

Although sin is no match against the power of God, it is potent enough to keep an unforgiven man from entering into eternal peace with Him. Unfortunately, suffering comes as a package deal with salvation, but God will never leave anyone to endure it alone. In the same way Jesus received strength from God while He agonized in the garden of Gethsemane, we too can ask God for strength, especially during our weary moments, and He will send divine strength to keep us from giving in to the pressures of suffering and persecution.

The world is indeed beautiful, yet on schedule to be destroyed. Our lives should be lived doing only good, even though we too will face death, but we have hope in knowing that after our suffering is over, the end of our faith is living an eternal life in the presence of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Walk in love,

Ell

Jesus forgives our sins

Acts 10:34-43

Majority of people who attended a college, or university, go with the intentions of becoming qualified to one day obtain a position where they can work, and earn income, while performing the duties of those things they learned in school. Those who study to become doctors endure extensive schooling, in order to gain the approval of professors and those who issue licenses, so they’ll be certified to perform the work their title demands. Lawyers, teachers, engineers, and those with other interests, were all required to first become qualified, before being certified to do their work. I doubt anyone in their right mind would allow an uncertified doctor, lawyer, or engineer to render work to them without proper certification, because it would be hard to trust that their work would be legit. Reputation means much in our society, and proper certification, along with a history of good works helps to convince people that certain practices, or companies can be trusted.

What qualified Jesus to bear the sins of the world, die while removing the punishment of those sins from all those who believe, and become Lord of all? Interesting questions, because a normal human could not do as Jesus did, for many reasons. While all men were born from the seed of a sinful man, Jesus was born from the Holy Ghost. The apostle Peter adds that Jesus was anointed by God, with the Holy Ghost, and with power. The power of God, through His Spirit, led Jesus as He live doing only good. While satan was qualified by his rebellion to bring sin into the world, Jesus was qualified by God, to undo the oppression the enemy caused, and continues to cause in people’s lives. Jesus endured 3 years of extensive trials and testing, and lived a sinless life. (He lived 33 years, but His ministry was recorded beginning at age 30. Not much was known except His time as a child, when he amazed a group of doctors at age 12, then continued to increase in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man). Not once did Jesus disobey, or go against the instructions of God, His Father, which was crucial in qualifying Him to bear the world’s sins, take them to the cross, die, then rise with all power in His hand.

The same way people believe the reports of certified doctors, concerning their health, is how they should understand and respect the fact the Jesus was certified as the only one who could provide the cure for sin. We must only confess our sins to God, then believe in the name of the Lord, while proving that confession through a life of good works. Good works don’t save us, but they exemplify the true sign of a changed heart. Jesus is legit, and definitely qualified, and certified to forgive our sins, but we must do our part to trust and believe that He can, and will do what the Bible says.

Walk in love,

Ell

Bless the Lord who forgives

Psalm 103:1-14

What are you thankful for? Have you come to the point in life where you finally realize the difference between what’s really important, and what’s been set up as distractions? Do you find more pleasure in accumulating material things including houses, cars, and investments, or planning your life in such a way that all your motivations are centered around satisfying yourself over others? Are the things that bring you happiness, pleasurable in the eyes of God as well? When was the last time you considered how blessed you really are? These are questions to consider, once a person reaches a certain level of spiritual maturity. Life is lived for a season, then eternity begins. While we have the privilege and opportunity to exist on the earth, we should learn to show a little more appreciation, and gratitude to the God who sustains us daily.

In this Psalm, king David understood the importance of giving reverence to the name of the Lord, recognizing that He alone is worthy of all praise, glory, and honor, because of the amazing things He has done, is doing, and has in store for those who love Him, and keep His commandments. David blessed the Lord from the depths of his soul, which proved that nothing in life was more deserving of his time, worship, and respect, than the Creator of life itself. The things David was grateful for differ from what the average person deems as relevant. He praised God for all His benefits. Scripture tells us that we bless God who daily loads us with benefits, some of which include forgiveness, healing, redeemed and renewed life, love, kindness, and mercy. Could you imagine what your life would be like if God stopped loving you? I don’t even want to entertain the thought, because it’s rather scary. But, God loves us in spite of our human frailties and weaknesses, because He is like a father that understands the needs of his children, and provides what’s best for their wellbeing.

Spend more time appreciating God for who He is, and how He provides for you consistently. Take more pride in your salvation, knowing that without the blood of Jesus, we would all be lost causes. Show more love to your family and friends, even the ones who don’t seem deserving of it, because you could be the one to possibly convince them to live a changed life. Bless the Lord who forgave you, and has intentions to forgive all those who seek repentance, just as you once did.

Walk in love,

Ell

Don’t doubt; Trust God’s promises

Numbers 13:1-2, 17, 25-28; 14:1-2, 5-10

Knowing God the way I do today, allows me to see things in Scripture differently than I did when I first began to meditate on the Word. When I use to read about the children of Israel, I had a slight case of envy for them, being that they were God’s chosen nation, set apart to establish His kingdom in the earth, and to be the line by which Christ was to come through. Unfortunately, the more you read about the ancient Israelites, the more disgust I’m certain you’ll develop for their consistent disobedient behavior, as I have as well.

God literally proved Himself, His amazing power, and sufficient grace and mercy to His people on multiple occasions, yet those miraculous acts weren’t enough to convince the privileged Israelites to commit their trust totally to Him. When they complained about being in bondage, and suffering persecution, God delivered them with a mighty hand. When they cried as they stood facing the Red Sea, while being pursued by a bloodthirsty Pharoah and his army, God parted the sea, allowed His people to cross over on dry land, then closed the waters to drown Israel’s pursuers. As the people roamed the wilderness, following God’s path to the Promise Land, their complaints reached elevated heights, as they assumed God brought them out of Egypt, only to kill them in the wilderness. So, God miraculously provided food for them, day and night. God provided top-notch protection for the people as He allowed pillars of cloud and fire to go ahead of them by day, and night as well. Out of all these things the Lord did for the children of Israel, they were nowhere close to being sold on His promise of Canaan, especially following the evil report of Giants and fortified buildings in the land.

I’m having trouble understanding the logic and reasoning of the people, because they saw God’s handiwork before their very eyes, yet when facing giants, they cowered in fear. God told them time and time again, the land was theirs, even though someone else attended to it until they arrived (which was actually a good thing). They were also promised God’s personal protection to aid them in taking what was rightfully theirs. But……some people…..no matter what you say, or do to convince them that their victory is indeed assured, they’ll prefer to hold on to their own fear, rather than confide in someone who’s already proven they can take care of them.

Things got even worse when the people threatened to stone the very men who led them, and had faith in God to deliver the land into their hands. While Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before the people, no doubt as a sign of “what do I do now, these people are hopeless”, Joshua and Caleb became angry, tore their clothes, then reminded the people that with God, there is nothing to fear. If God hadn’t stepped in to protect His men, that mob of cowards would have probably stoned them to death.

Fear can cause us to make unwise decisions. The next time you’re faced with a challenging situation, rather than doubt God and react out of fear, pray to Him, and ask for wisdom to make the right choices, and courage to see the process through. God wants the best for you, but you must trust that His word is true, despite what comes against you.

Walk in love,

Ell

Moses intercedes for God’s people

Numbers 14:13-20

The more I study and meditate on the Scriptures, the more I try to understand the mind of God. When the apostle Paul admonished the Philippian church to “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus”, what exactly was he referring to? God is a spirit, but has character and emotions just as we do. We were all made in His image, and after His likeness, so it only makes sense that He exhibit familiar emotions as we do. Unlike humans who are frail, unforgiving, and oftentimes hold grudges, God responds instantly to repentance. Even during moments when God’s anger is kindled toward disobedience, sincere and humble repentance is all it takes to turn God’s wrath away.

A prime example of such a situation took place in our text, where Moses stood between the rebellious and disobedient Israelites, and God, who threatened to destroy the entire nation. In the past, God dealt with His chosen vessels privately, and used them to speak to the masses, and Moses was the mouthpiece He used to reach the nation of Israel.

After days of watching the people He chose live contrary to His will, God asked Moses, “How long will this people provoke me? And how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them?” How could the people who freely received the blessings of God, turn their faces against Him so willingly? This was a sign of great disrespect, and lack of appreciation. In His anger, God offered to do away with the stiffnecked people altogether, then make a greater nation, who would be more mightier than the former. Ironically, the same way Adam protected Eve by also eating of the forbidden fruit, in order to share her punishment (or God probably would have wiped her out and made a new woman, if Adam hadn’t eaten the fruit as well… subject for another lesson), Moses felt the need to protect the unfaithful children of Israel. I find myself questioning whether or not Moses thought long enough on the proposal God offered. The Creator of the world offered to give him something far greater than what he already had, yet he refused. How would you respond, if God offered to give you a new spouse, job, car, house, or anything you held on to that wasn’t producing? Please don’t answer that aloud, especially if you’re reading this while sitting next to the something you wish was replaced lol.

Anyhoo, If I was standing in the shoes of Moses, I probably would have allowed God to implement His plan B, despite the possibility of the other nations claiming that God delivered the children of Israel from Egypt, only to kill them in the wilderness. If God offers something better, who am I to keep His hand from delivering it? Well, Moses stayed God’s hand from bringing His wrath on the disobedient Israelites, when he prayed for them, and asked God to pardon their iniquity. Immediately, after Moses finished praying, God pardoned the sins of the people.

There are many who teach false doctrines that God is all wrath, and no love, but according to this text, we see that God is quick to forgive, and pardon man’s sins. In his prayer, Moses acknowledged that the Lord is longsuffering (patient), great in mercy, forgives iniquity and transgression, and by no means clears the guilty (so long as they choose to remain in that state). When we make our requests known unto God, aside from seeking remission from our sins, we should also remind Him of who He is, and how He showed mercy on us before. Prayer is more than asking for a thing, it also involves giving honor and reverence to God, because He alone deserves such recognition. If God saved the lives of millions because of one man’s prayer, think of what He can do in your life, when you totally submit to following His will.

Walk in love,

Ell

God decides who will enter Canaan

Deuteronomy 1:34-40

How does it make you feel, when you discover that some people, even your closest friends, don’t trust your words? In moments when you’re most sincere, no matter what you say to convince some, your credibility isn’t strong enough to sway their acceptance toward what you speak as truth. Unlike the boy who cried wolf so much, until people literally ignored him, there will be times in our lives when our words will fall on deaf ears, even when those words are intended to save someone’s life. Situations like these make me ANGRY 😡😡😡, because I have a heart of compassion for literally everyone, and when my words are ignored, it makes me feel as if I’m unappreciated, or disrespected in a sense. I don’t claim to know everything, but I do have a portion of godly wisdom that guides my thoughts and actions, of which I willingly share with others, so as to help them avoid snares and traps set by the enemy.

If we get a bit worked up when people ignore us, imagine how God feels when His chosen people refuse to obey His commands. Of all the people God delivered from Egyptian oppression, only two of the original multitude were allowed to enter the land of promise. That’s shocking, because over 2 million people left Egypt, and crossed the Red Sea. So, why were only two men of all those people granted access to Canaan, and not the others (the children who had no knowledge between good and evil during that time were allowed in as well)? The short answer is, because of their disobedience, and unbelief. When we disobey God, we miss out on a lot of great blessings He intended for us to have. God told the people the land was theirs, and all they had to do was go and take it. Unfortunately, Caleb and Joshua were the lone two with enough sense to know that with God, they already had the victory. Sadly, Moses, along with majority of those he led, were not allowed to enter into Canaan (The reason God was angry with Moses was because he smote the rock two times, instead of speaking to it, as God commanded him to. Numbers 20:8-13).

Obeying God’s commands may not make us popular with the world, but the rewards for simple obedience to His will, far outweigh anything this world has to offer. In the same way Joshua and Caleb witnessed many get rejected from entering the Promised Land, there is coming a day when those who refuse to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior will be denied access into eternal glory. What a sad day, when all those who choose to live their “best lives now”, and refuse to plan for a more secure eternity, will hear God say, “depart from me”. Build your hope on things that hold eternal relevance, and trust God in all things, because walking the path of your own wisdom will only cause you to miss an opportunity to receive all the promises God has in store for you.

Walk in love,

Ell