WTFMT 71 (FROM HGM ON 10 DEC 19)

WILDERNESS TRUTHS FOR MODERN TIMES-71 TEXT: "And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab." (Number 25:1)

 

I. DEATH LURKS IN MOAB

 

A. Relationship to the area of Moab breed death. A life lived in fear, unbelief, and defeat not only leads to death, but brings the shadow of death over everyone it touches. Such a life can drag others into the death stream. B. Death, in the context of Moab, is seen in, "And those that died in the plague were twenty and four thousand." (Numbers 25:9) In application to the spiritual life; one's giving oneself to the spirit of Moab, that is, to the spirit of fear and immorality, is an indication of unbelief which leads to defeat and death.

C. Beyond the area of Moab, any area of the enemies of the cross of Christ, "(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:" (Philippians 3:18) can be likewise applied. Certain religious factions are enemies of the cross. Certain "Spirit-filled" Christians are enemies of the cross, refusing and denying death to self and the flesh. This is why we see individuals in the church living defeated lives.

D. This present world's system and philosophy are enemies of the cross. When a believer is influenced toward ungodliness through his relationship with the world we see the results in his defeat; we see his spiritual life ebbing from him.

E. God has put fear and trembling upon His enemies. Fear and trembling have never been meant for the child of God in their negative sense. John in his first epistle writes, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." (1 John 4:18) Fear is a horrible feeling. Developing a pure relationship with the Lord (in which Jesus is allowed to be the Lord of your life) will do away with this awful fear.

F. There is a direct relationship between a person's lack of dedication to the Lord and the amount of fear existing in his life. In other words, your fear is in ratio to your lack of dedication. If dedication is 40%, fear is then 60%. If dedication is 99%, then fear is 1% and so on. When dedication is complete there is no more fear in the surrendered heart.

G. In God there is no horrifying fear. God has no sense of dread which causes Him a seizure of fearful trembling. God is afraid of nothing, for His power and control are over everything and everyone. "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;" (Philippians 2:10)

H. "And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!" (Matthew 8:25-27) Was Jesus afraid? The disciples were afraid. Yet both were in the same boat under the same circumstances. In the same danger, the disciples were afraid but Jesus was not. Why?

I. Completeness! Complete love (agape equals dedication) Perfect love relates to perfect trust -- complete, absolute trust! Would they be afraid if they were sitting in God's lap upon His throne? Would you?

J. Because of fear those men of war who left Egypt failed to possess the Promised Land. The giants in the Land were huge and powerful (Numbers 13:31). This was the vision of the soldiers. They did not see God's strength being greater than that of giants. They saw the giants as having the ultimate power and control. Danger filled their vision, danger to them and their families.

K. Often times faith operates contrary to natural sight. Faith doe not depend upon natural agents. Faith trusts God. That which God speaks must be mixed with faith. God told them to go up and possess the Land. But, they feared; they doubted; there was no faith; there was no trust; there was no proper vision; they died in the wilderness. "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death." (Revelation 21:8)

II. PARTING THOUGHTS

 

A. The question tonight is, "Where is our faith?" Jesus asks his disciples' "And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him." (Luke 8:25)

B. The answer to this question reflects the disciples' character and contents of heart. Our answer does also. "Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?" Jesus asks them in Mark 4:40. Fear eliminates faith.

ARE YOU SAVED

What a powerful question, are you Saved? Of course there are only two people who know the answer to this question and they are God and you. Are you not glad God looks at the heart to answer this question? Man looks at our deeds and listens to our words, but God's focus is on our heart. I am glad God is the final judge of this question because if it was me I would probably put some people I know in hell that should not go. And the other person is you. We know the truth about our self, whether we are saved or not. We know what we do in secret that no one sees except God. We know the truth about our self that nobody knows, but God. A few days ago I heard this guy talk about a letter he received from a lady who asked, how do I really know I am saved and am a Christians. Now I like the word Believer instead of Christian. You know you can be a so called "Christian" and not believe in the death, burial, and resurrection (the Gospel) of Jesus Christ. Many main stream denominations and religions only believe parts of the Gospel of some not at all. We must be very careful how we use the word "Christian" and not give credence to groups of people that shun the truth of the Word of God. So I like the word "Believers" these are folks that believe the Gospel message and take the Scriptures literally as written. But this guy's reply back to the lady contained four questions. What he was saying is if you can answer yes to three of the questions and yes to the fourth question then you probably are saved, because non saved people do not enjoy engaging in the detailed behavior below. As a matter of fact their behavior is directly opposite from those who consider themselves to be Believers. Okay enough the first question: Do you enjoy being around other people that call themselves Christians and say they are saved? Please notice I did not say who go to church. The writer to the Hebrews tell us, "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Hebrews 10:23-25) At this time in the history of the New Testament Church they did not have mega-churches, but met house to house or in small groups due to the persecution. I do believe these times will revisit us again. I would think there is more of God's power in operation and manifestation in a small group of Believers than in a large group of Christians. To carry that thought on I would say the bigger the group the less of God's power is in operation. After all the more flesh you get corralled under one roof the tougher time it is to allow the Holy Spirit to put our flesh down. We see this principle all throughout the Scriptures and live today on TV and the internet. Now there are probably some people who go to church you like and some you do not like. You can also find this in a small group setting, but I have found most people who go to church (and not a small group setting as much) go for the wrong reason. Going to a small group setting is more of a deliberate desire because it will require more of self participation, less people to hide among. But what is important is the reason we gather together as Believers not to receive a blessing, but to be a blessing. It is not about the gathering, the music, times of fellowship, or the programs that minister to the heart of man, but the Holy Spirit. Our focus must alway be on Christ and what He has done for us on the cross and out from that the ministering power of the Holy Spirit can touch our heart and mind giving us revelation as we hear the Scriptures come alive in our hearts. If you do not like gathering with Believers then you are probably not saved. Question number two: Do you enjoy praying? Here are some practical precepts found in the Believer's life, "Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19 Quench not the Spirit. 20 Despise not prophesyings. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil." (1 Thessalonians 5:15-22) Here Paul again teaches the Church at Thessalonica practical principles for daily living that will enable them to be successful in their walk with Him. Now prayer is so much more than what we call prayer today. Prayer is something we use to get things from God or something we use to twist God's arm to get Him to do something for us, but my friend that is not prayer. Prayer must begin with God, it must be birthed by the Holy Spirit or you are not praying you are just speaking into the wind. Prayer is not something that was written 200 years ago by some great guy, but it must be alive and heartfelt that melts our heart into a mush of compassion and dedication. It is something we use to reach out and touch the heart of God to satisfy our longing and needs. If you do not enjoy praying then you probably are not saved. Question number three: Do you enjoy studying the Bible? Notice I did not say read the Bible I said study the Bible. There is a huge difference between reading something and studying something. in 2 Timothy Paul commanded Timothy to, "Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. 15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness." (2 Timothy 2:14-16) Now Timothy did not have the New Testament as we do to study, it was the Old Testament as we know it. We today have both the Old and New Testament to study, but statistically speaking the average Christian spends less than 5 minutes a day reading the Bible and rarely thinks about studying it. Wow the love letter from God for reproof and correction, for exaltation and edification for wisdom and history sits on most coffee tables as a fixture to be seen and seldom touched, maybe to wipe off the dust when another Christian comes over. If you do not like studying the Bible then you probably are not saved. And the final question number four: Are you guided or led by the Holy Spirit. Most definitely if you did not answer yes to this question then you are not saved, you are lost in your sin, and on the road to Hell and ultimately the Lake of Fire with the Devil and His Angels. John tells us in the Book of Revelations, "And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:14-15). But those people who are led or guided by the Holy Spirit, "they are the sons of God." Paul helps us here, "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, where by we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:" (Romans 8:14-16) The sign that tells the Believer that they are a son of God is they are guided or led by the Holy Spirit. Because the Spirit of God will "bear witness" with our spirit. This too is how we will know we are saved, the Spirit of God will not bear witness or communicate to our spirit we will know without a shadow of doubt we are not saved and need to correct our behavior before it is too late. The person who is not led by the Holy Spirit is not and cannot be saved unless there is a change in their heart. Are you saved? Written by David Stahl

WTFMT 70 (TAKEN FROM HGM ON 19 NOV 19)

WILDERNESS TRUTHS FOR MODERN TIMES-70

TEXT: "And when we passed by from our brethren the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir, through the way of the plain from Elath, and from Eziongaber, we turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab." (Deuteronomy 2:8)

 

I. AVOID IT

 

   A. The only reference to the Wilderness of Moab as such is Deuteronomy 2:8. This is one of two wildernesses which should be not be part of the Christian's life. However, at times if does touch the Christian's experience.       B. When the word "moab" first occurs in the Bible it is in an incestuous situation. "Ab" is the word for "father" and "mo" is the preposition meaning "from" and attached to "ab." Thus the translation of "moab" is "from father." When the elder daughter of Lot gave birth to her child which she had conceived by her own father she named him, Moab. (Genesis 19:36-37)

  C. No part of Moab, wilderness or whatever, was to be part of Israel's possession. "And the LORD said unto me, Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle: for I will not give thee of their land for a possession; because I have given Ar unto the children of Lot for a possession." (Deuteronomy 2:9) As the children of Israel were to have nothing to do with this territory so is the Christian to avoid it in its spiritual sense which in its first setting is incest.

   D. The second reference in which "Moab" occurs is, "And Husham died, and Hadad the son of Bedad, who smote Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Avith." (Genesis 36:35)

   E. This is a setting of defeat. Midian is smitten in the field of Moab. Defeat is not to become a possession of the believer victory is, but so many believers seem to be living in defeat in the field of Moab. They live in the world's field or the field of personal circumstances. They do not live in God. If your life is hid with Christ in God you will discover that there is no defeat in God.

  F. Fear and distress causes defeat in Moab. "And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel." (Numbers 22:3) This is more than suggestions it presents a type of fear and dread which should not be part of the Christian's life, this is not the believer's possession. King David pens, "I will fear no evil."

  G. A believer's life in God should reflect his faith in God's power and care. Some believers live a fearful life. This is unbelief. Furthermore, there is no vision in the soul. God's loving care cannot be seen; instead, enemies and adverse situations are seen. They are the focal point of some Christians. Come out of Moab and be healed! Come out of Moab for your peace and strength! The aspects if Moab should not be found in a believer's life.

 

II.  PARTING THOUGHTS

 

     A. How can one come out of Moab? The very fact a Christian is in Moab indicates a lack of complete and unconditional surrender to God. One's own will and desires are followed and catered to. Thus, to come out of Moab requires a reversal of these detrimental trends.

   B. How does one suddenly reverse patterns following for years? He doesn't. The solution is to continually and habitually bring oneself in helplessness and dependency before God. The solution is to continually and habitually read the Bible with a desire to be conformed to it.

WTFMT 69 (FROM HGM ON 8 OCT 19)

WILDERNESS TRUTHS FOR MODERN TIMES-69

TEXT: "For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin." (Numbers 27:14)

 

I. MAKE A CHANGE

 

A. We are brought to the same situations, as the children of Israel, for the same tests over and over again. In this way, we have ample opportunities to correct our errors, then change our attitudes. Take advantage of these testing. Charles Haun said, "Count your testing name them one by one and your will see what God has done." Repent, make your renewed dedication, and avoid permanent failure.

B. The Wilderness of Zin is the most critical and serious of all the wildernesses in the Bible. Rebellion persists right up to the last minute of opportunity; that's serious.

C. There was no submission to God in the situations and conditions in which persisted. The attitude of knowing more than God persisted. "And why have ye brought up the congregation of the LORD into this wilderness, that we and our cattle should die there?" (Numbers 20:4) Why? Why? Why? Moses, don't you know any better than that? Rebellion against spiritual authority, rebellion directed toward each other, rebellion at God. Thus they bring an indictment against God at Kadesh, the place for their renewed dedication.

D. Are we much smarter than these people? Have you ever heard or said words something like these? Why am I in this situation? Why am I without the blessing of God? What did I do wrong to be brought to such a desolate place? What's going to happen? I don't understand any of this. I'm going to fail here, I just know it. All indictments against God.

E. These statements and the like are a manifestation of a heart in disagreement with God's divine arrangement. At this point there is only one element into which this heart can enter, and that is failure. Prevailing impatience, murmuring, and rebellion mean failure. There can be no further progress in God until these matters are out of the way. "Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:" (1 Peter 2:1-2)

F. To follow the correct course is not a matter which is so mystical, so high above us that we cannot come to it. It's a simple matter of obedience. It all boils down to a heart desiring to be submitted to God and all His appointed situations. It is not something which is so far above our understanding that it is difficult to comprehend and obtain.

G. It is not even doing that which God wants done. It is doing that we know God wants done. It is a matter of reading the Bible over and over to become familiar with God's priorities in relation to His will.

H. The problem with most intelligent people is that they always must stop to analyze everything. There is no matter they call allow to rest in simplicity. "Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged." (Deuteronomy 1:21) It is difficult for some to obey without analyzing. As a result, paralysis of analysis sets in. Instead of a simple obedience to the word, their feet are stuck in the analytical quagmire. I. They are attempting to understand, rather than obeying. We must first see what it is; we must tear it apart and examine it. Instead of moving on in obedience, they piddle around in some curious investigation. Thus a substitute for obedience and dedication stops them cold.

 

II. PARTING THOUGHTS

A. So when we come to our Wilderness of Zin, and we will time and time again, the very first thing we must do BEFORE we start looking around is to make sure our dedication is up to date. If need be, again come to our Father in complete surrender so that we can follow Him in obedience.

B. Doing so will assure our success in going up to possess that which He has set before us. He has set before us the great unknown. Do you have the courage and faith to move toward it? But look head to the right the Wilderness of Moab is waiting.

OUR FAITHFULLNESS

Faithfulness is a big big deal to the LORD. I wish many Christians (myself included at times) would have such a great concern as the LORD does knowing His eyes are ever on us and on our faithfulness to Him and our brothers and sisters. In the Psalms we read, “Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful…” (Psalm 101:6) Ah yes we have grace now and we do not have to be creatures of our word. We can presume on our brothers and sisters good nature and forgiveness to say and do things we really do not mean. How many times have we said, "I will be over" or "I will do this or that" or "you can count on me" yet when these words were spoken there was no intention in us to make them true. My friend God is serious about our faithfulness to Him, our brothers, sisters, and others in this world. If we will not be faithful to God how can we be faithful to anybody else? Sadly we cannot, our words and actions only convict us of our wayward heart and our glib reaction to situations and circumstances we try to manipulate in our lives. We see this truth play out in the parable of the talents. Jesus shares this parable with us, "For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. 16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. 17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. 18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord's money. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. 20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. 21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. 23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. 24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. 26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: 27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. 28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. 29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. 30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 25:14-30) In the parable there are two types of servants. The one that pleased the LORD and received a reward. The other did not! I do not know about you my friend, but I want to be like the servant that pleased the LORD. Now regarding the servants that pleased the LORD one servant had five talents, the other two. Though the number of talents varied the reward they received was identical. To both the LORD said the same, “Well done, you good and faithful servant: you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things: enter you into the joy of your lord.” (Matthew 25:21) Rewards are not based on how much I have done, but rather in being faithful with that which I have been entrusted with. The LORD was displeased with the servant with one talent not because he only had one, but because he was not faithful in using wisely the one that he had been given. It does not matter if I have five talents, two, or one. What is important is that I am faithful with that which the LORD has entrusted to me in the place where I am. Again it is not about the number or the types of talents, but what we did with the talents. The word “faithful” is found at least eighty-two times in the Bible. The dictionary defines faithful as maintaining allegiance to someone, or to something, of being a constant, loyal, friend. Faithfulness also speaks of showing, or having a strong sense of responsibility, of being conscientious, reliable, and full of faith. Paul talking to the Church at Corinth (who were very unfaithful) in 1 Corinthians 4:2 said, “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” The word “required” is a very strong word. To require means to demand as being necessary or crucial. Of a steward or servant, it is necessary, crucial, that he be found faithful. Well why is faithfulness so important to the LORD? Luke helps us here, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” (Luke 16:10) So if we are faithful in small things then God knows you will be faithful in big things. Did you know it is the small things God is concerned about in our lives? Oh we think God is concerned about the big things: how long we can speak in tongues, how much money we give, how hard we work at the church, etc., but the LORD is not looking at all of this, oh no, He is looking at our character and integrity. he is looking at how much we express the image of the Father in our daily living. We like to work for God, but remember it is not much done that counts, but how things were done. Did we do them in the right heart condition and for the right reasons and motives. My heart attitude is the key to my being faithful in whatever the LORD has called me to do. I am to do it out of a desire to please the LORD, and be found faithful in His sight. You know we all have different responsibilities. I may be called to cook or teach. Or I may be called to do construction work or work in an office. Perhaps I am a pastor or a missionary or maybe I have a ministry of helps. Did you know 90% of all ministries are helps? Not a lot of Christians want to help they seem to want to preach and teach. Well the last thing the LORD needs is another preacher or teacher, but now a servant God can use that. Again the reward is not for what I do. Rather it is for my faithfulness in doing what I do. What matters is that I am faithful in that which the LORD has entrusted me with. In my own life, at times I have held multiple positions all at the same time. Lately I am serving as a leader. In another, I am the song leader as woeful as that may sound. In another, I set up chairs and clean up with Karen. In each position I was just as happy because I understood the reward was not for what I was doing, but my faithfulness in whatever it was that I was doing, even if it meant just pushing a broom. Make no mistake my brother if you think you are too good (as I know many Christians today feel) to push a broom or set up chairs God cannot use you My contentment comes from a deep inner desire simply to please the LORD and be found faithful in His eyes. This simple understanding ever changes my life. My purpose (right or wrong big or small) is no longer what I am doing, but how I am doing it. My purpose is to please the LORD in whatever it is I am called to do. As the LORD continues to work in our lives through circumstances and responsibilities that He has allowed a working of the Holy Spirit is to continue in our lives, purifying our love for Him, increasing our desires to please Him. This love continues to grow, displacing all other desires. No matter the size of the work faithfulness is to be borne in our lives. I hear people at times say, if I could do this, or if I could do that, if I could be here, or go there, or have this, or have that, then I would be happy. That is not where true happiness lies. Happiness is in pleasing the LORD where He has called us and doing what He has called us to do. True happiness comes from that sense of being in right alignment with the LORD. True happiness comes simply from being faithful wherever, whatever. Our part is simply to be faithful. He will do the rest. Written by David Stahl

WTFMT 68 (FROM HGM ON 10 SEP 19)

WILDERNESS TRUTHS FOR MODERN TIMES-68
TEXT: "But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy:" (Ezra 3:12)

I. FIRST THINGS FIRST

A. Prevent failure by a rededication by a reconsecration, again and again, as often as is necessary. We must always have a solid foundation of continual rededication and reconsecration build on Christ Jesus. If we do not have a proper foundation, return to the basics. Otherwise we will always be in trouble.
B. If we continue to build and build on a faulty foundation we will lose a great deal. There is no short cuts in this. Certain issues and testings cannot be avoided if there is to be spiritual gain and health. We cannot leave out one fourth of our foundation and expect spiritual prosperity.
C. Not to many Christians seem to be interested in the ABC's. More seem to be interested in the XYX's. But God wants us to fulfill the ABC's. Many times when someone is initiated into the Kingdom of God, they are told that they need to be operating in the PQR's. That is why there are so many problems in the Church today. There is a lack of proper foundation.
D. Let us fulfill the basics before waiting to go on to something greater in the Lord. Even if God has called us or is leading us into greater things, let us make sure of our foundation before we go on into them. Remember that there are basic obligations you have under God which hold priority to other obligations, even those which God is laying on you.
E. This was necessary in the life of Moses. Even the will and leading of God has to be delayed in his case until the foundational work was completed. At age 40 Moses knew of his calling. But the foundational work was not completed until he was 80.
F. When answering God's called, especially in ministry, we must be built on a solid foundation and be sure we are obeying Him in proper order.
G. I know many woman who insist upon moving in the leading of the Spirit in spiritual ministry when it disrupts and worsens their relationship with their husband. The universal defense which covers it all is "we must obey God rather than man." Then do it. Obey God. But do not obey God in the matters you like and allow the other areas to rest in disobedience.
H. In obeying God, be sure of the order. Obedience to the basics must take precedence over obedience to the other types of God's leading. The basics are found in the Bible. I cannot understand how some can fulfill spiritual ministries while their households are in great need due to lack of attention. I do not know how one can ship the ABC's and move up to the PQR's without creating plenty of serious personal problems. They cannot.
I. If this is your case, you will have to back down to the ABC if you expect to solve your personal problems. Always return to the basics if they yet need fulfillment. Pride and presumption will prevent us from returning and fulfilling the basics.
J. "When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee." (John 4:1-3) Jesus comes from His Father and to do His will (John 10:32; 12:50) Thus in making disciples and baptizing, Jesus was doing the will of His Father. But another principle enters the picture, and it takes precedence over the present leading of God in the life of Jesus. The ministry of John the Baptist and Jesus were to be in a certain arrangement, according to prophecy. Thus Jesus had to back down from making disciples in order to fulfill something more basic. Not until Jesus was off the scene did Jesus come preaching. "Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God," (Mark 1:14)
K. At age 12 Jesus said, "And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?" (Luke 2:49) But what He knew to be His "Father's business" had to be laid aside for 18 years while the basics were being fulfilled.

II. PARTING THOUGHTS

A. "And when thou [Moses] hast seen it,[the Promised land] thou also shalt be gathered unto thy people, as Aaron thy brother was gathered." (Numbers 27:13) Moses could only see, not enter, the Promised Land because 38 years ago he failed the basic matter of consecration at Kadesh. Moses died and buried my God without victory and conquest of the land. "For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin." (Numbers 27:14)
B. Do not fail at your Kadesh, that is in this matter of personal consecration. Failure in the ABC's means failure in the XYZ's. Do not avoid a "foundation" walk with God; it must be a constant factor in your Christian life.

THE PATHWAY TO THE HEART OF THE FATHER (8 OF 9)

A continuation on my teaching on Prayer. Also let us continue to look at the word beseeching. We cannot convince God to do for us what we want Him to do when we want it. Paul tried it. "For this thing I besought (beseech) the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me." (2 Corinthians 12:8) The word "given" is translated "gift"; "there was given (gift) to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, . . (verse7) What a gift from God. We would do whatever we could to get this off our back. Cast out Satan, do whatever it took to convince God to take back His gift. This was a big deal to Paul to the point God had to directly speak to Paul, "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9) We must be willing to walk through whatsoever God brings our way, oh me! Jesus in Matthew 4 waited until verse 10 to tell Satan get thee hence. Jesus did not try to kill him, nothing. We would have tried to bind him or cast him out, whatever we had to do to get Satan gone, but Jesus did not do that. Jesus did not attempt that, He accepted, He was willing to walk in what the Father wanted for Him, for as long as the Father wanted Him to walk in it. God cannot develop us unless we are willing to endure His work in our lives. Now there is a point if not developed God will set us on a shelf so we can watch others. This is what Paul was saying here in 1 Corinthians, "But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." (1 Corinthians 9:27) The word "castaway" means (in the Greek) to be on a shelf I have seen this in lives of Christians and in lives of churches. God had enough of all the unfaithfulness from leaders and the folks, eating each other, and just selfish ambition which is agenda driven. So God will scatter the people and look for others to fulfill His will on earth as it is in heaven. The will of God is amazing so many things, but it is the very best thing for our lives. Often times, in the will of God, we begin to go under, by not being willing to walk in the will of God and God must rescue us or lose us. And we think because God has delivered us so we have succeeded, but in reality we have failed. We have failed by not going through what God desires for us to go through, not being molded and conformed into the image of Jesus, not willing to trust in God's grace. All the while the folks thinking they have succeeded because they get out of their discomfort, but it is failure. Success is found in and only happens in the will of God. Anything outside the will of God, even if God is doing it, is failure. God does not always get what He wants, look at Adam, Samson, Saul, the Bible is full of people God wanted to use, but in the end they were put up on the shelf. I do not know about you my friend, but that scares me and causes me to double my effort toward God. Just because God is using us does not mean He is happy with us or we are moving in God's will. Make no mistake God will use us in our obedience or He will use us as firewood. So we need to be willing to walk in the will of God and when God is not convinced by us we do not need to get upset and think we have succeeded when God says no. Now if we pester and push God to say yes, after He has said no, we have failed. No means no!! If God appears to have changed His mind rest assured you have NOT received God's best, but His second best. I do not know about you I want God's best for me, my family, and the folks God wants me to minister too. Beseeching also has to do with requesting or supplication. Where there is a response from in a given situation, or we give a reaction. God wants to teach us to make the right reaction or response. Jesus said, "Pray (beseeching) ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest." (Matthew 9:38) God desires to teach us that our life with God is not totally involved with praying, but through the praying much will come out in different areas of our activity in the kingdom of God. To bring us into this, to teach us to be active, so that our response, our reactions should be what they need to be coming out of our life of prayer. Prayer is not the "all and in all" or end, but the beginning of God's response to a situation and events in our lives and others. Jesus did not instruct them to pray to send forth labors into the vineyard, but to look unto the field and then He expects our response, You look and now you can give that response. God wants us to be aware. He wants our spiritual awareness to increase so that we can move in His will and how to join in all of this. Prayer trains us to be able to move with God now and in our next life to come. So that we become an expression of God. Giving what God wants you to give as a result from a response or reaction to a condition that you have seen, know, and understand that comes and now God is getting what He wants in all of that. Our prayers are to be an expression of what God wants on earth in lives as it is in heaven. You know God is not after things as much as He is after our obedience. In Luke Jesus said, "Watch ye therefore, and pray (beseeching) always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." (Luke 21:36) The word "always" means in every fitting situation. We are to give the correct response in every situation and circumstance God wants. For this to happen God must train us in this response. If we would know God's intentions it would be so easy to beseech God's will. But, we get off on our own things beseeching God. But in every situation God wants a certain response. To be trained in the righteousness of God is to walk right in the eyes of God, just to do right. God is after our total life to be a correct response, our reaction, and action is righteous. Without knowing we are right. It is God in us as He builds in us His righteousness to where we just do right. God wants to train us in His righteousness, so we can do right, live, it becomes automatic. Again in Luke, "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 But I have prayed (beseeching) for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." (Luke 22:31-32) Now Jesus did not pray for Peter, it was a reaction to the Father in form of a request because of what He saw relating to Peter, "Father, do not let Peter's faith fail." Not a prayer but a request to the Father for Peter, so everything ahead for Peter and the disciples does not fall apart. And what is ahead? Returning back to the heart of the Father where he came from. Written by David Stahl