Obey God or Disobey God? Disobedience has Consequences!

“So Moses cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree. When Moses threw the tree into the water, the water became good to drink. There the Lord gave the people a rule and a law to live by, and there he tested their loyalty to him. He said, “You must obey the Lord your God and do what he says is right. If you obey all his commands and keep his rules, I will not bring on you any of the sicknesses I brought on the Egyptians. I am the Lord who heals you.””

— ‭‭Exodus‬ ‭15:25-26‬‬

God gave fresh water from bitter, by Moses throwing a tree into the water. Moses obeyed.

Exodus 17:5-7

5 The LORD answered Moses, “Go out in front of the people. Take with you some of the elders of Israel and take in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. 6 I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. 7 And he called the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites quarreled and because they tested the LORD saying, “Is the LORD among us or not?”

God gave water to drink by Moses hitting a rock. Moses obeyed.

Numbers 20:8-12

8 “Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water. You will bring water out of the rock for the community so they and their livestock can drink.”

9 So Moses took the staff from the LORD’s presence, just as he commanded him. 10 He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, “Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?” 11 Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank.

12 But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.”

God told Moses to speak to the rock to get water. Instead Moses again hit the rock. Water did gush out, but because Moses disobeyed what God told him, Moses was not allowed into the Promised Land.

There are consequences even today for disobedience to what God says.

If a Godly Man like Moses was banned from the Promised Land, where he was leading the millions of Israelites, what about my life, with disobediences during the years.

Father, Forgive me. Cleanse me with the Blood Of Jesus, Fill me afresh with Holy Spirit to lead a pure, Holy life, Honouring you, Glorifying and representing Jesus Christ, my Lord and Saviour, Who gave His Life for me, and was resurrected so I may have Abundant Eternal Life with Him.

Storms In Life

“That evening, Jesus said to his followers, “Let’s go across the lake.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him in the boat just as he was. There were also other boats with them. A very strong wind came up on the lake. The waves came over the sides and into the boat so that it was already full of water.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭4:35-37‬ ‭NCV‬‬

Jesus Christ never did anything while living on earth, without a purpose. So when He “suggested” to His followers to go for a boat ride across the lake, they immediately got into their boats and headed that way, knowing the life of Jesus was purposeful always.
Part way across the lake a strong storm came up. In order to alarm these men who basically lived their lives on the water, it must have been more than the normal storm, and the Word does say, “A very strong wind came up. The waves came over the sides and into the boat.”

I am sure we have all had storms come upon us in life, and somehow made it through, with God’s direction and help, or some by hard work, perhaps not willing to admit that God was in the solution. But the storms we were in, previous to late 2019, were not affecting persons worldwide such as COVID-19, and extending over a time period greater than 18 months, and still going.

This COVID-19 storm has been used as the cause of many other smaller, yet harsh storms as well, such as even family members arguing over treatment / preventative actions being good or bad, and beyond that Christian friends, congregations, denominations, disagreeing, in not very amicable ways, on actions, and non-actions regarding this storm we are going through.

Let’s consider what the disciples did when the storm was out of control.

“Jesus was at the back of the boat, sleeping with his head on a cushion. His followers woke him and said, “Teacher, don’t you care that we are drowning!””
‭‭Mark‬ ‭4:38‬ ‭NCV‬‬

If I can interject personal thoughts.

What a thing to say to Jesus. Jesus had been with these men, and they had seen Him heal sick persons, order evil spirits from persons, heal those who had been paralyzed.
Why would they ask Jesus if He doesn’t even care if they, His friends and followers drown?
They woke Him up to ask that question. Why would they not ask Him to take care of the storm and calm the winds? They had Jesus, the Creator of all, right there with them.
This brings me back to our situation, speaking as a Holy Spirit Filled, Born again follower of Jesus Christ, who has seen, witnessed, experienced healings and miracles done by Jesus Christ, and trusting, believing, knowing, because of God’s Word, Jesus Christ is the same today in 2019-2020-2021, into 2022 and beyond, as He was during the days and years He walked on earth, calming storms, healing sick.

Rather than bickering, arguing about what is right, and why it is, and stating all that is thought wrong, and why it is, and calling people names who do not agree with whichever side a person is parking their beliefs on, again, even among individual Christ followers, and church bodies, why not seek God’s mind, in God’s way?

For all those who are struggling with others, why not have a study of God’s Word, with others of a different persuasion, and a time of prayer. It may take more than once or twice of getting together, but would it not be worth it to restore relationships, and keep God’s Family from division.
Everyone should realize the plan of the enemy of our souls is to divide and conquer. When non-believers see and hear Christ followers arguing, and name calling about their beliefs and thoughts, when both sides say they worship the same God of Creation, Salvation, Redemption, Forgiveness, Mercy, Grace, and His Name is Jesus Christ, how will they be drawn to the Saviour?

When the disciples were in the boat when the storm arose, Jesus was physically with them.
Now, as we go through storms, even this COVID-19 storm, as well as all the storms resulting from it, each Christ follower has the Holy Spirit Of Christ within us. He drew us to Christ, continues to teach us of Christ, and will teach us, and reveal the Truths of God’s Word to us, with understanding, since it is He, the Holy Spirit, Who inspired each writer of the Word of God to put down exactly what our Heavenly Father wanted in the Scripture, and desires us to know.

John 14:26
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

1 Corinthians 6:19
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;

Ephesians 1:13-14
13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

2 Timothy 3:16-17
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Lord, Raise Up Nathans! | theburninglampdotcom

The greatest cultural tragedy of our time is not political corruption, immigration crisis, abortion fervor or economic downfalls. From heaven’s view, church apostasy, carnality and compromise are what grieves God’s heart. Does a church, a group of believers, start out apostate? Do they first gather together as a kernel of faith with compromise in their…
— Read on theburninglamp.com/2021/09/25/lord-raise-up-nathans/comment-page-1/

Godly Respect to others

“People who think they are religious but say things they should not say are just fooling themselves. Their “religion” is worth nothing.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1:26‬ ‭NCV‬‬

God is very particular about the way we speak. We, as Christ followers, know or should know, not to use the Lord’s Name in vain. But how about the many variations, and similarities, using words that are very close and possibly rhyming, so that others may think we fit in with them. I am not judging, just expressing my opinion. God is the Judge, and we will all face Him one day.

God is specific on how we treat and speak with one another also. We are to treat and speak in love, with encouragement, not ridicule, sarcasm, or degradation. We are all created in the image of God.

“Love each other like brothers and sisters. Give each other more honor than you want for yourselves.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:10‬ ‭NCV‬‬

“Be happy with those who are happy, and be sad with those who are sad.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:15‬ ‭NCV‬‬

“Live in peace with each other. Do not be proud, but make friends with those who seem unimportant. Do not think how smart you are.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:16‬ ‭NCV‬‬

“But encourage each other every day while it is “today.” Help each other so none of you will become hardened because sin has tricked you.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭3:13‬ ‭NCV‬‬

Can I really “ Walk on water?”

Matthew 14:29
“Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

Matthew 14:31
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

After Peter asked, Jesus told Peter to walk to Him, “on the water.”
Peter did fine, being the only one, besides Jesus to ever walk on water. Then for some reason fear set in Peter’s mind. Probably thought, “What am I doing here, am I dreaming, I can’t do this, HELP!”
Jesus was right there to grab Peter and save him. But Jesus then also questioned Peter why he doubted he could do that, when Jesus had told him to walk across to Him on the water.

When Jesus tells us to do something, and encourages us to do something initially, or in answer to us asking Him, He will enable us to do it.
How often have we started to do something that Jesus put in our heart, and part way through we start to doubt “our ability”, or if we really heard Jesus after all?
The enemy uses many tools in an attempt to stop Christ followers from doing God’s Will, and completing the call on our lives to fulfill God’s Purpose for us.
Even when we fail, or doubt, Jesus is always with us to restore, and lift us out of the deep waters.

There are two important things to hold onto and remember.
It is not “our ability” that matters, it is Jesus Christ Who has given us the calling, and Holy Spirit of God within us Who empowers and guides us through all things to completion.

Through all things, in all things, God is to receive the Glory, and we are blessed to be vessels He will work in and through.

Christmas Negativity or Nativity?

This Christmas doesn’t feel quite as festive as it should. And we have COVID to thank. But perhaps instead we should see this holiday season as a …

Christmas Negativity or Nativity?

Dominion Of Canada Needs Prayer

So often in the Christian life, and by a number of “popular” preachers, we are told to surrender to Jesus Christ and the trials, troubles, tribulations in life will end, and Christ followers will have success and prosperity all through life. It is not known for sure where these teachings come from, or what “Bible” is being used, if any, but all through Scripture, many who were walking close to God, serving and following God during their lives, had hardships to endure.

When God gave a promise to His people, the promise would always come to pass, but not in the time frame in the mind of the recipient of the promise necessarily.
I realize many people are praying for our country of Canada to turn back to the plans the founding fathers had, where everything they did was based on the Word Of God.
Many verses of Scripture from the Bible can be seen throughout the parliament buildings, and these verses were designated by the Founding Fathers.
One of the verses included is:
Psalm 72:8. “He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.”

Sir Samuel Leonard Tilley, a Father of confederation of this country, was a born again Christian, starting each of his days with Bible reading and prayer. The name “Canada” had already been agreed upon, but there was discussions among the leaders if it should be “United Canada” or some other full name. The discussion was halted for one more night before the decision would be made. On the next morning, Sir Samuel Leonard Tilley was reading his Bible as usual, and came to the book of Psalms, chapter 72 verse 8.
Psalm 72:8. “He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.”

At that time a thought occurred to him; “What a splendid name to give Canada.” “The Dominion Of Canada”.
He suggested this to the other leaders when they met that morning, and they all agreed. A letter was then written, signed, and sent to Queen Victoria that the name would be “Dominion Of Canada” officially. They told Queen Victoria also, the name was a tribute to the principles they earnestly desired to uphold.

The picture of the Founding Fathers Of Confederation who chose the title ‘Dominion of Canada’ as the official name for the new nation-state based on Psalm 72:8 has this caption underneath it:
‘Providence being their Guide, they built better than they knew!’

Continuing in prayer for this great country’s leaders to have a God awakening moment, surrendering to Jesus Christ. Then we will have a country based on Biblical, moral, ethical standards, where all are treated equal, regardless of race, colour, ethnicity, gender, financial state.

God’s Blessings as we pray and seek those days together.

World Changers: One Community At A Time

World Changers; One Community At A Time
This entire world is in a state of chaos. There is the CoronaVirus pandemic covering the globe, and not seeming to relent at all, with new outbreaks happening, and then 2nd attacks once there is a thought of release from the original. Then there are floods, hurricanes, tornadoes , man caused explosions killing hundreds and injuring thousands, gang wars, shootings, with innocent people also being injured or killed. Worse still, God is being forgotten completely, by governments, educators, general population, with false gods and religions gaining in popularity.

Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son Of The True Creator God, left the Glories Of Heaven to come to earth in human form as a baby, growing through childhood, adolescence into manhood, to willingly die on a cross for the sins of all who have ever lived. Jesus walked out of the tomb on the third day, Victorious over death, so that all who call upon Him, asking forgiveness of sin, and repenting, will also have Victory over death, and live eternally in Heaven with Father, Son, Holy Spirit.
What has happened in our countries, particularly Canada and U.S.A., that we are so far from the heritage of the founders of these countries?

As Christ followers, and Christian church communities, have we concentrated so much on taking the Good News of the Gospel, and the gift of Salvation through Jesus Christ to far off countries, and forgotten that many in our own countries have been raised unaware of Jesus Christ being God? Have we as a population become so prosperous that we even start to believe we are self made successes? Have we as Christ followers, become so comfortable in our pews, and situations, we enjoy life to the utmost with like minded friends? Do we consider those in our own communities who do not know our Saviour? Do we think of the single parent struggling to get by, whose main concern is getting through the month with food and shelter; the person who has been a substance abuser, of many substances, for years, who only cares about the next hit and a place to sleep, in that order; the young person who has been abused often, and is running away, not knowing where, or if anyone can be trusted; or any of the other suffering, hurting, lonely, scared people in our communities?

Jesus Christ loved, cared for, died for each one. In Acts 1:8 we read:
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Christ followers “will be witnesses“ when the Holy Spirit comes upon them. This is not going to be a discussion on Holy Spirit, because when a person repents of sin, and asks Jesus to become Saviour, Holy Spirit immediately inhabits that person.

In Acts 1:8 Jesus told His followers they would be witnesses starting in Jerusalem, right where they were located, and then go farther out. Where is our Jerusalem, where is your Jerusalem? Have we put an effort into telling others of Jesus in our own cities, regions?
I know for certain there are many in this K-W area who do not know the truth of our Triune God. It makes me weep knowing there are so many without the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and His grace and mercy. I realize we cannot all be out talking with others about Jesus, because I know due to health, I cannot. But we can pray.

Please, pray for the village, town, city, region, community you live in. Pray for the Gospel Preaching churches to have an influence right where each is.
Jesus Christ is a life changer, He will make a difference in many lives. His desire is for us to pray.

When we pray for revival in our spirits and minds, it will spread through church fellowships, then witnessing and lifestyles will influence the community. These countries will change with many people turning to Jesus Christ in repentance.

It starts with us, are we willing to take the step and time to pray for our community, our leaders, our country’s leaders, to turn their hearts to Christ.

Jesus Will Work Through All

“And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes, as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭4:5-6‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

As we see in verses 5 & 6, it was the leaders, scribes, elders. High Priest, and others who were there, seeing and hearing Peter and John.

As all these people heard the words and wisdom of Peter and John, Scripture says they “marveled” because of what they heard. I can imagine they stood in awe, especially the High Priest, and the others who were highly educated, and them knowing Peter and John were uneducated, untrained men, possibly knowing they were “only fishermen”.
But then the realization hit them, these men had “been with Jesus”. Wow, what a realization that would be, but it did not change their lives, as they slipped away to decide what to do.

This same Jesus changes lives today, just as in 1855 Jesus changed the life of D.L. Moody. Dwight Lyman Moody, had grade 5 education, could not find a job, and eventually his uncle gave in and hired D.L. to work in his shoe store, on one condition, that D.L. attend church with him.
The Sunday School teacher at the church, one day stopped in at the shoe store, and spoke to D.L. about the Gospel Of Christ, and Salvation. Shortly after that encounter, D.L. accepted Christ as Saviour.

After moving to Chicago, D.L. became involved in a church, and through an Outreach Ministry, spoke to many children and others of Christ.
Dwight Lyman Moody became one of the best known Evangelists known throughout history, although uneducated, BUT, he had been with Jesus. He had been with Jesus in a different way than Peter and John, but it was still Jesus Who changed His life, and many lives have been changed since that time.

In 2020 Jesus is still with all who call upon Him, and follow Him.
Acts 4:13 is one of my favourite verses, stating how Peter and John were used by Jesus, although they were uneducated. Others noted they had been with Jesus.

Others are to see that in me also. In the Power Of Holy Spirit, I trust they will.
Praise Jesus!

Waiting on Holy Spirit

And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; ⁵ for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” ⁶ Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” ⁷ And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. ⁸ But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:4-8 

The Apostles had been with Jesus three years. They saw all that He did. They were sent out to minister on their own, and returned, reporting to Jesus. Yet, when Jesus was preparing them for His return to Heaven, Jesus told the Apostles to wait…..wait for Holy Spirit to come, and He would empower them to minister. We still need to wait…wait on Holy Spirit to guide and empower us for ministry, for life. So often we have an idea, perhaps even an idea planted by Holy Spirit, and we run ahead with it, on our own, in our own fleshly power, rather than waiting on Holy Spirit to empower us, lead us His way, to the places He has prepared us to be, and people He has already appointed us to see. Holy Spirit will prepare us, before He sends us, we need His infilling, empowerment, before we are able to fulfill His plan and purpose through us. Holy Spirit, thank You that You never tell us to do something, and then leave us on our own to do it. You tell us, then You prepare us. Help me to learn to always wait for Your empowerment before jumping into action, even when You have told me what is ahead to be done. Waiting, preparing my heart and mind in the Word, be cleansed of myself, praying, is how I will be ready to be filled and sent. Thank You Lord Jesus, for Your Gift Of Holy Spirit, so I never am alone to serve You. He leads and empowers, for Your Glory.