Thoughts for Life: HOPE BEYOND CONSEQUENCES

James Banks- "Have you ever done something in anger you later regretted? When my son was wrestling with drug addiction, I said some harsh things in reaction to his choices. (Google image, Drug Abuse)

My anger only discouraged him more. But eventually he encountered believers who spoke life and hope to him, and in time he was set free.

Even someone as exemplary in faith as Moses did something he later regretted. When the people of Israel were in the desert and water was scarce, they complained bitterly. So God gave Moses and Aaron specific instructions: 'Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water' (Numbers 20:8).

But Moses reacted in anger, giving himself and Aaron credit for the miracle instead of God: 'Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?' [v. 10]. Then he disobeyed God directly and 'raised his arm and sruck the rock twice with his staff' [v. 11].

Even though water flowed, there were tragic consequences. Neither Moses nor Aaron was allowed to enter the land God promised His people. But He was still merciful allowing Moses to see it from afar (27:12-13).

As with Moses, God still mercifully meets us in the desert of our disobedience to Him. Through Jesus' death and resurrection, He kindly offers us forgiveness and hope. No matter where we've been or what we've done, if we turn to Him, He'll lead us into life.

Thank You, loving Father, that despite difficult consequences, You give [us] eternal hope."

A book that I highly recommend for women of all ages:

INSIDE MY HEART (Choosing to Live with Passion and purpose)

By Robin McGraw - (Dr. Phil's Wife) "I believe that in this life, we are defined not by the station in life into which we are born, nor by our pedigree, race, or religion, but by the choices we make."

1011-1015 One-line Scriptures for those of you who want to learn some more verses this week- or to review them from when they were first posted-

1011- Ps. 1:1a "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly."

1012- Ps. 59:16a "I will sing of thy power, yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning."

1013- Ps. 62:6 "He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved."

1014- Pro. 11:3a "The integrity of the upright shall guide them."

1015- 2 Cor. 10:3 "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh."

~Quote for today-

"To all who believe in the sacrifice of Jesus and the efficacy of His blood, there is freedom and protection from sin and the curse of the enemy." Dr. Francis J. Sizer, INTO HIS PRESENCE.

Words of wisdom-

We're never not to be taught the ways of God. Sometimes judgment comes through affliction. (Dave Tulloch: church note)

Words from the Father in a journal:

"When you are walking, let Me enable you to walk in peace and put Me and My Goodness foremost in your mind. I want to bless you and keep you healthy. It is My will to teach you what it is like to completely trust Me to enable you to see what it is I'm up to in your life. I'm trying to help you to watch for My leadings in every situation. I love you and want the best for you."

Some encouraging words-

Afflictions are good for us- God's purpose is to turn us to Him for help, increase our faith, separate us from our sin of disobedience and to come out as gold.

#18 of 23 Parallels between Moses and Messiah:

Through Moses, God rained down manna and quail for the people to eat when there was no food (Exodus 16)

Messiah multiplied a few loaves of bread and fish for crowds of 5,000 and 4,000 to eat (Matthew 14:13-21, 15:32-38).

Upcoming posts:

8/19- MORE THAN SKIN DEEP

Tim Felten

26th- THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST

Lois J. Stucky

11/2- NAPPING ON GOD'S WORK

Marcellus George

Jean's blog (Click to see snippets of the 7 recent posts)

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