Turning an 11 day journey into 40 years of wandering.

My devotional reading today was Deuteronomy . Moses is recapping where the nation of Israel has been. It is a reminder of how important it is to get things right the first time. When God says to go and do.... we are wise to listen. If the Israelites had listened, they would have saved themselves much grief and they would have enjoyed the blessings that only the next generation were able to enjoy. In essence they missed out because of their unbelief. The Bible says that the Lord heard the sound of their words and was angry. I do not want my words to cause God to be angry with me. What comes out of our mouth is a reflection of what is in our hearts. When we refuse to believe God or take him at His word and speak things that are contrary to who He is or what He desires for us. He gets angry with us. God's anger is something that I do not pay much attention to in the Bible. I have the ability to pay attention to the attributes I like. God is love....yes I like that one. Anger, not so much. Can you fathom that 11 days became a 40 year experience because of words that came out of the mouths of the Israelites? Moses lived it. He missed out and knew it. So he writes a summary of his journey to admonish the next generation to be careful to fully obey the Lord's commands. Perhaps all of us have examples of our own moments where we look back and realize that our perspective was steeped more in doubt and unbelief rather than faith and obedience. And we too, are able to share with others that is wise to listen and do what God wants the first time around. Who wants to waste 40 years in the wilderness when we could be living in the fulfillment of His promised blessings. The old hymn says it clearly, "trust and obey for there is no better way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey"

Great week end

Wow, what a week end. Friday night we celebrated Sarah's 20th birthday even though it is actually on the 17th. We went to Eddie Merlot's and it was fantastic. Debbie and I both had "all you can eat" Alaskan King Crab Legs. I ate way too much and enjoyed every bite. I am so proud of Sarah. She is walking with the Lord and wants to do His will. In contrast, at age 20 I had not even begun following Jesus. Debbie and I are so thankful for the Lord's help in raising two daughters who love God with all their hearts. My birthday prayer for Sarah is that she will continue to draw closer to Jesus and that everything else will flow out of her heart that is centered on that relationship.

The Hinzman's were with us all week end. So great to connect with them. God is using them to bless youth leaders. Paul preached with conviction and clarity. I was personally refreshed by the presence of God. I needed it.

Debbie, like always was a fantastic hostess. She flows with hospitality making sure everyone is taken care of. I pray that the proverb will be true for her, that he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

Ministry

Ministry takes place in as many different places as there are places where people are. So far today ministry took place in prison, at the paint store, the church gym, Yats, and sitting in a co-workers office, on the phone and now on the computer. A core value for me is that ministry is about people. That is why we are to "go" and make disciples. Go to where people are and bring Jesus into their arena. I love walking with God, who loves walking with me down life's pathway. Ministry takes place in our day by day encounters with others and having a mindset that we are God's workmanship, God's temple, God's ambassadors, witnesses, instruments, vessels and more.