“From Waste To Grace”
post audio and reflections!
PART I RECAP
In “Dessert In The Desert” Part I, the Holy Spirit gave insight into the consecration process, while revealing vivid, relatable experiences the congregation Israel had while developing faith in God —-in a void, transitional place. Through Exodus 17:1-7, Numbers 20:1-13, we recognized very human struggles between miraculous, spiritual events. We saw indwelling resistance, fears, insecurities, and needs rise to the surface as the leaders and congregation journeyed in the desert, from the “waste place” (Horeb), to the sacred place” (Kadesh).
We saw the leaders seek God and the people seek answers— in what appeared to be lengthy moments of stark silence. We saw God provide instructions and resources. We saw God reveal and sanctify Himself before Moses and the people before some entered the promised land. We discovered that the desert/wilderness is purposed to refine, to revive, to release, to teach, test and receive. We also learned the importance of heeding God’s commands to ensure access to reserved promises.
PART I TAKEAWAYS
1.The desert, is an opportunity to develop faith and trust in God. In the void place, we see the spirit of God move and personally witness aspects of God’s nature, power and ability never seen or experienced before.
2.The wilderness is a place to purge all bitterness and rebellion before entering the promised land.
3. God may tell us to carry something we used before, but give new instructions for it’s use to:
a. Sanctify HIMSELF before us and those watching.
b. Bring provisional blessings or solutions to pass.
4. There’s always a bigger picture— God’s thoughts and ways are ALWAYS HIGHER (Isaiah 55:8-9). Listen to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Don’t do your own thing— it can cost you!
PART II
When God Says, “It’s Time To Go”!
Get up, prepare, and go see!
A CHANGE OF SCENERY
In Deuteronomy 1:6-8, Israel was still in Horeb. God said, “…You have dwelt long enough at this mountain. Turn you and take your journey and go…” . The Hebrew word for “turn” in this scripture is “panah”. It means “to turn, to face, to look, to prepare”. Next is “nasa”, which means depart!
In verse 7, God gives clear, specific instructions and locations. The people didn’t wander aimlessly. They knew exactly where they were going and what to expect when they arrived there. God said, “See, I have set the land before you; go in and possess the land which the Lord swore to your fathers—to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—to give to them and their descendants after them.”
TEMPORARY OCCUPANTS
It so happens that the enemies of God’s people, the Amorites and Canaanites dwelled in the land that God sent his people to. The Amorites and Canaanites were a polytheistic people of power and influence. They were “mountain dwellers”associated with “the hill country” and their cities were fortified. The word Amorite originates from the word “amar (אָמַר)” and it means “to say”or “to speak”. The word “Canaanite” comes from the word “kana (כָּנַע)” which means “to be humbled” or “to be subdued”.
A MESSAGE FOR TODAY
The adversary may have used people in a place God is sending you “to speak”negatively to you or about you. The enemy may even have used persons of influence or authority to plant seeds of intimidation, discouragement or doubt. Jesus, is the ultimate authority, “far above principality and power”. Jesus has already overcome the enemy.
The enemy isn’t the focus. Our allegiance and obedience is to Christ. Jesus said love and pray for enemies. God handles the rest. 1 John 4:4 says, “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”
Obedience is the only priority after God made the way and gave divine instruction. Our obedience is not only for our benefit. It is also connected to the inheritance, blessings and faith of others. Our mission is “to turn, to face, to look, to prepare” and “depart”. Going to the place God revealed is the center of attention. Not who’s there, and what “they” say or think.
“17 No weapon formed against you shall prosper,
And every tongue which rises against you in judgment
You shall condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
And their righteousness is from Me,”
Says the Lord.”- Isaiah 54:17
When God has concluded a victory, it’s insured! What God has set in motion, no man can stop, block or destroy. It doesn’t matter who or what may occupy the space. When God has opened a door, no man can shut it. God has gone before us.
A SONG & WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Jesus said, in Matthew 17:20 “if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you”. A beautiful song titled “Never Lost” by Tribl featuring Joe L. Barnes, Lizzie Morgan, an Melvin Crispell encouraged me in a season when so many things seemed impossible. May it encourage you in your journey.
A PRAYER
May God grace vision, clarity, direction, courage, and faith to obey whatever the Holy Spirit reveals. In Jesus name, Amen.
- Get up, prepare and go see the place God reveals.
- Focus on and obey what God says in this season.
- Resist the temptation to become comfortable in a transitional place.
- Pray for faith to receive.
- Love your enemies as Jesus commanded.
SOURCE REFERENCES
Desert In The Desert Part I, Numbers 27:12-23, Turn #6437 Panah, #5265 Nasa, Strong’s Concordance Biblehub.com, Ephesians 1:15-23, 1 John 4, Deuteronomy 32:35,Romans 12:17-19, Revelation 3:8, Genesis 1:2-3, Numbers 20:1-13, Exodus 17:1-7, John 14:1, Exodus 4:10, 1 Corinthians 2:9, Jeremiah 29:11-13, Proverbs 3:5-6 , Exodus 14:13, 2 Chronicles 20:15, Matthew 11:15, Mark 4:23, Revelation 2:7, Revelation 2:11, Revelation 2:17,Revelation 2:29, John 16:25-33, Luke 10:17-20, Deuteronomy 31:8, Matthew 5:43-48, Colossians 3:3-5, 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, Isaiah 54, Isaiah 55:8-9, Biblegateway.com.
New to the faith?
Glow to victory 
Leave a comment