Knowing How to Pack for the Wilderness

It can be hard to see God's purpose when we are in the wilderness. When

we are in the wilderness we do not have the comfortable to depend on.

God wants us to be removed from the familiar so we will become more

dependent on Him.

And he said unto Him, "If Thy presence go not with me, carry us not up

hence." Exodus 33:15 Wouldn't you rather be in the desert knowing you

are in God's will and His presence is with you than in "Egypt" and knowing

you are not walking in His will?

Knee pads for fervent times of prayer. An open vessel to hold the living

water God is going to pour out on you.

Announcement

Hi everyone. Look for notes tommorrow on Chapters 10, 11, and 12. Then next time we meet we will be reviewing hightlights from Chapters 13, 14, and 15.

I hope this study is helping you move closer to God and become more dependent on Him than ever before. In this day and age we need to be actively working on our relationship with God. He will see us through whatever we have to face in life. I pray that you will come to know God more intimately than you ever have and that you will let your light shine brightly in this dark world so those around can see Christ in you. There is everlasting hope in Him.

Will you have a good or poor attitude during times of testing? This will directly impact the outcome of the test.

Remember to praise God in the midst of what is happening and submit to

Him. Warning this will probably not be your initial reaction.

If this is a test from God ask Him to create a clean heart in you and a right

spirit. Do not fear times of testing. God will be with you. This process will

refine you and help prepare you for your future in God.

Seeing What is Right with this Picture

Describe what you think about when you see these images. Now think

about the flip side (what is right with this picture.) Search for the good

in the situation.

Take time to examine the whole situation. Look at all of the details.

This means we have to let go of seeing things through our own tunnel vision.

The children of Israel grumbled and complained while in the desert. How do we respond when we are in the "desert." Is there a lesson we can learn from this story? Do we react similarly when we face challenging circumstances.

Read Psalm 118:23 and Psalm 34:8

Standing in the Line of Fire

If you answer no to these questions you my have willfully put yourself in the line of fire.

When we walk under the umbrella of God's safety we are protected from many dangers in our lives.

If you answered yes to these questions then you know that the enemy

has launched an attack on you. What should you do???

Immediately draw near to God.

Read Exodus 14:13-14

Read page 67. Stormie and her husband (Michael) battled in prayer to

come against the attack of the enemy.

Jehoshaphat reminded people of the good things God has already done.

The people declared their dependence on God.

Read Isaiah 30:29

You can have joy in the midst of what you are facing.

God will put a song in your heart. He is with you, and He will help you stand

against the opposition.

Celebrate the victory before hand. Throw a party. There is power in praise.

Remember there is a light within you no matter how dark it gets.

Commands and Promises

John 14:15-16

Jesus said, "If you love me keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father and He will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.

John 14:27
Jesus said, "I am leaving you a gift-peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid.

As I was reading my devotions for the day, my thoughts turned toward the chapter we have been studying for the last two weeks (Paying Your Light Bill.) The focus of this chapter is on obedience to God and what God expects from us when we are tested and tried.

As I read these verses I was comforted by the Word. I was reminded that God is always with me and my obedience to His commands is a tangible way that I can show God I love Him. He has promised to give me peace of mind and heart. Wow! What an awesome thing to have in the troubled world that we live in. God's Word says that I do not have to be troubled or afraid and if you are His child neither do you.

This week we will be studying Chapter 7 (Standing in the Line of Fire.) Read along with us and come back and visit the blog for highlights of this chapter. Feel free to post your comments about this chapter as well.

Paying the Light Bill

Which excuse will the electric company accept as a reason for not paying your bill.

Which one of these excuses is acceptable in God's eyes for not obeying His commands?

If we are not careful we can get way off course and not even realize it. Then

we will need help to get back on the right path.

Read I Peter 5:8. The devil is roaming about like a roaring lion seeking whom

he may devour. He is sly, sneaky, and dangerous. He is trying to distract you

and lure you off of the right path. He wants you dead.

We can give up certain blessings when we refuse to follow God in obedience.

Example: We may have compromised protection, guidance, and answered

prayers.

Because of Noah's obedience he and his family were saved from the storm.

They still had to go through the storm, but God provided protection for them

and kept them safe.

Whatever you are passionate about will control your life. Think about things

that could possibly be a false god in your life.