Dear Family,
Today is Wednesday, May 17, 2023. It is Day 39 Day 4 of Week 6 in our Count to Pentecost.
Considering all the trouble and complaining the Israelites seemed to be addicted to, God’s manner of dealing with Israel was very gentle. And, God’s manner of dealing with us is also very gentle.
The Scripture tells us that God chose ancient Israel for His people. He claimed them. And, He even asked them to agree in His covenant with Him at Mt. Sinai. One of the major problems with Israel is that they did not treasure God’s presence in their lives. They chose to dwell in their circumstances instead of looking to the Source of Life and all good things.
Our God has chosen us; are we choosing Him? Do we dwell in our circumstances or do we seek our God regardless of circumstances? Do we persevere in our relationship with God? Have we set our hearts to seek Him?
One way to know that we are persevering in our relationship with God is our choosing to look to God and rejoice through all our circumstances. No matter what!
Philippians 4:4-9 (4) Rejoice in the Lord always: and again, I say; Rejoice. (5) Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. (6) Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (9) Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Ancient Israel did not grasp these spiritual realities; however, we have the Holy Spirit and the power from God to do so. May God make us constantly aware of His presence in our lives and cause us to respond to Him with positive thoughts and rejoicing.
Ben Faulkner, Pastor
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