Monday, June 3, 2019

God Withdraws



“Then the Lord smote the people, because of what they did with the calf which Aaron had made.  Then the Lord spoke to Moses, ‘Depart, go up from here, you and the people whom you have brought up from the land of Egypt, to the land which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, ‘To your descendants I will give it. 

“’I will send an angel before you and I will drive out the Canaanite, the Amorite, the Hittite, the Perizzite, the Hivite and the Jebusite.  Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey; for I will not go up in your midst, because you are an obstinate people, and I might destroy [consume] you on the way.’

“When the people heard this sad word, they went into mourning, and none of them put on his ornaments [jewelry].  For the Lord had said to Moses, ‘Say to the sons of Israel, ‘You are an obstinate people; should I go up in your midst for one moment, I would destroy [consume] you. 

“Now therefore, put off your ornaments from you, that I may know what I shall do with you.’’  So the sons of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments, from Mount Horeb onward.” Exodus 32:35-33:6

The Israelites had quickly grown discontent with wandering around in a changed environment.  They compelled Aaron to make a golden calf to worship -- sort of a security blanket to protect them -- rather than trust God (or even Aaron, it seems, as they still had jewelry!)

God withdrew and sent an angel to guide them (God would fight battles for them) but not walk with them again.  Finally, God kept His promise.  After 40 years of wandering around only Joshua and Caleb -- of all the Israelites who began the journey -- were permitted to set foot in the Promised Land.

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, who still prays for you each morning.  Darlene

PS:  Please pray for this ministry.  This is the 20th year of endeavouring to serve others in His name to offer a smattering of Scripture daily.  Find my statement of faith by clicking (or cut and paste this link into your Web browser):  https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com   You can find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for “WeakDay Devotion”  (Also, there is a “Google Blogger” App you can download to read them on your phone.)

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS

·        Horrible storms in the USA - Please pray for all those affected by the violent and damaging weather patterns roaring through the USA, and all the rescue workers and those providing aid and shelter. 
·        Update - Robin age 52, recently diagnosed with breast cancer in her lymph nodes had a lumpectomy last Wednesday.  The doctors report said the lump had good margins and she will find out Thursday about the lymph nodes. Please pray for her and her family during this long process.
·        Pray for Bun – please pray a discipler to come alongside him and that he also finds a good, male, Christian counsellor to  help.
·        Pray for any new strangers in your church – Holidays, such as Easter, bring individuals into the church who need a warm and encouraging welcome.  Please pray for personal courage and love.
·        Paul –Has not had paying work since 2010.  Please pray for his ongoing resilience and that the Lord would allow him to be successful with a role.  I know the Lord is watching over him because of your prayers.  Most of all, pray his heart melts enough for the Truth to touch him where it hurts.  Pray for my wisdom and patience as he continues to stay here.
·        USA – that the Lord would demonstrate His power in an unexpected and uniting way during these times of unrest and confusion.  Help hearts settle and rest in Him alone.
·        Sergio – lost his job and is now looking again.  He was recently diagnosed with adult-onset diabetes.  Was living with his brother, but has been asked to move out, leaving him homeless.  
·        Toron – finishing his high school studies needs your prayers for continued strength, focus and confidence, especially with maths.

PRAY FOR THOSE IN FULL-TIME SERVICE

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