20/3/18 – Numbers 9:15-23, Numbers 10, Numbers 11:1-3 – Luke 3:1-22 – Psalm 35:19-28
Todays contributions are from Pastor Cliff Henderson
Numbers 9 v 15-17 Gods Presence
The visible presence of God continually rested above the Tabernacle, represented by a cloud by day and the appearance of fire by night. Gods presence also filled the temple that Solomon had built on the day of its dedication 2 Chronicles 7v1.
How we need the presence of God to fill our lives, and also and our churches when we gather together.
Disobedience and rebellion resulting in sin will drive Him away. What a sad sight we read about in Ezekiel 8 through to 11as the presence of God departs from the same temple that was once filled with His Glory.
Before Gods presence departs Ezekiel is brought to the temple to witness why Gods presence is leaving, he witnesses the idolatry taking place in secret, and how the national leaders worshipped abominations in the temple.
God asked Ezekiel “Have you seen what the elders of the house of Israel are doing in the darkness” Ezek 8 v 12. May we so live our lives and churches that His manifest presence will be pleased to abide. Lord let your Glory fill the house.
Luke 3 v 4 Prepare the way of the Lord
John the Baptist was sent by God to prepare the way for the Messiah. Jesus sent his disciples before him to prepare the way, ” After this the Lord appointed seventy two other disciples and sent them ahead in pairs to all the towns and places He planned to visit” Luke 10 v 1.
We to as the church have been given a similar mission, to prepare the way for God to come, like steel filings to a magnet and bees to a honey pot I firmly believe we can attract the presence and power of God.
1. By living our lives pleasing to Him. Colossians 1 v10.
2.By seeking God with all of our hearts Jeremiah 29 v13
3.By keeping full of the Holy Spirit Ephesians 5 v 18.
4.By keeping short accounts with God 1 John 1 v 8-9
5.By putting God first in all things Matthew 6 v 33
We can be absolutely be assured when we prepare the way God will come and visit us in all His fullness.
Ephesians 3 v 19″ That we may know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God”
Psalm 35 v 19-28 Love Your Enemies
How reassuring it is to know that God is on our side and if God is for us who can be against us?
Our instructions are clear
1. Matthew 5v44 “But I say to you love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you and pray for them which despite fully use you and persecute you”
2. Proverbs 25 v 21-22 and Romans 12 v 20 ” If your enemy is hungry give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; For so you will heap coals of fire on his head and the Lord will reward you”
3. Romans 12 v 19 ” Beloved do not avenge yourselves but rather give place to wrath; for it is written “Vengeance is Mine I will repay, “says the Lord.
As children of God we should not have one human enemy, the only enemies we have are the ones described in Ephesians 6 v12.
Aren’t you glad that God is on your side.
