One of the Two

The Israelites have been delivered from the hands of the Egyptians with what can only be described as the power of God.  They have had manna rain from the skies, and were guided by a pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night.  God's hand was all over the place from the exit out of Egypt to here, the doorstep of the promised land, Canaan.

Two and a half years after leaving Egypt they are ready to enter Canaan.  Moses sends 12 spies in to explore the land.  Moses wanted to know if the people were strong or weak, few or many.  Were the towns walled or not?  How was the land and fruit?

The 12 spend 40 days in the land of Canaan.  They bring back a branch of grapes that 2 of them have to carry, along with pomegranates and figs.  It is everything God has told them and so much more.  Yet all they concentrate on are the seemingly overwhelming number and size of the people.

10 spies come back and give a bad report to Moses.  They say there is no way to overcome the obstacles in Canaan.  They forget all that God has done for them so far, and that He was true to His word about the land of abundance.  Not only do they give a negative report to Moses, they make sure that everyone in camp know it, too.

Joshua and Caleb were the only spies to have faith that their God could and would deliver on His promise.  Their faith is rewarded by being the only 2 of the 12 allowed to enter the land, and the nation would wander the wilderness for another 37 and a half years.

So with everything going on in my life right now, this is the story that God keeps bringing to mind.  Knowing the potential hardships that could be coming, I do not want to be content simply asking God to take care of my needs.  He has proven too often that He will do just that.  I want to know if I am one of the two.  Do I have that kind of faith?  I want faith that, when outnumbered by my enemies, says, "BRING IT ON!  I've got God on my side.  What can you do to me!?"

Maybe that's what God is trying to grow in me.  I know that He always has a purpose for our pain, if we choose to use it.  Joshua and Caleb were allowed to enter the promised land, but they did not get in right away.  It may be awhile coming, the road may get rocky and and steep, but He will deliver us, and the journey will be worth it.

Paring It Down

My church is going through a building campaign, and we have been given the opportunity to contribute.  My wife and I have prayed over our decision since late last year.  During this time we never really discussed the actual amount, as we wanted to see what God was working out in our lives.

Recently, we did have that discussion.  As so often happens, we had the same number in mind, but then our humanity started getting in the way.  We rationalized that with so many changes going on, it was better to play it safe.  After all, we can always increase it later, right?

Then some of my pastor's words came back to me.  Are we giving out of reason or for revelation?  Reason asks, "What can I comfortably give?"  Revelation asks,"What does what God what me to give to glorify Him?"  We also looked back at our lives and saw how richly we have been blessed.  How can we give God any less than what He has asked?

Today we found out that our future may be financially different than what we thought it would be when we made our decision.  I am so glad we made the decision we did when we did.  If God had presented us with this kind of life altering moment earlier, I am afraid that it most likely would have changed our minds.  It would have been much easier to reason going with our 'human' amount instead of our 'God' amount.

The Old Testament is full of stories where God works with less than what humanly thought possible.  In fact, He's known for paring down numbers to make sure His people knew He was doing the work and not them.  In one of my favorites, Gideon goes from 32, 000 volunteers to 300.  300 men to fight 1 million.  The 300 win, and there is no doubt that it was God who actually won.

I'll be honest.  I'm a little anxious about what our future holds, but I am even more confident that God take will care of us.  He simply asks that we are obedient, and He will do the rest.

Welcome to my journey!

Let me start by saying thank you for taking the time to read this.    I am on a journey to know my Saviour, Jesus Christ, as best I can this side of Heaven.  As I travel this path He has set before me, I intend to use this forum for random musings about Scripture or books I read.

I am no theologian or philosopher, but a 'mere Christian'.  I firmly believe that all Christ-followers are called to be the church in whatever form that takes.  To that extent, I am praying that the adventure I am embarking on, will bless others.  By sharing my thoughts, I hope that it may stir thoughts in others that will grow us all closer to God.  He has profoundly changed my life, and I know that it will do the same for all who will let Him.

With all that said, let's get this started!