Community Devotions

Just Mere Vessels

Numbers 20:10-12

10 He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, “Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?” 11 Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank. 12 But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.”

OBSERVATION

When the Israelites reached the Desert of Zin, they were witnesses of innumerable miracles and display of God’s power.  All the miracles in Egypt that forced Pharaoh to release the Israelites to leave Egypt after 400 years of bondage, crossing of the Red Sea, God’s provision in the desert – these were all clear examples of God’s love and power.  Yet, the Israelites complained every time their situation became unbearable and even worse, expressed their desire to return to Egypt and spoke fondly of their conditions in Egypt, forgetting that they were crying out to the LORD to deliver them out of slavery in Egypt.

First, Moses had every right to be angry with the Israelites but he did not have the authority to replace God who can deliver them from their crisis. Second, Moses let his pride take the best of him – “Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?”  It was not Moses who was going to provide water to them but it was God who made the miracle happen.  Moses in his anger placed himself in God’s place by saying that “must we” make the water come out of the rock. 

APPLICATION 

We are mere vessels for God whose role is to be a conduit for His power and love.  There is nothing special or important about me but only through God’s election and His power, do I become an instrument for Him.  

Be careful to avoid making decisions in anger.  It serves no one well.

PRAYER 

Father God, thank you for your grace and mercy.  May I be the vessel for your love and grace.  I surrender my pride to you and accept your authority to Lord of my life.  Protect and bless Michael, Joshua and Daniel.  Bless Grandpa and give him health and peace.  Guide and protect Christine as she teaches today.  I love you Lord Jesus.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen.

Getting Organized

Numbers 2:1-2 1 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron: 2 “The Israelites are to camp around the tent of meeting some distance from it, each of them under their standard and holding the banners of their family.”

OBSERVATION

New Hope churches have several ministries that make the worship and services possible – Levites, Kupunas, Men’s ministry, etc..  When we are serving God, we should be organized, according to what God has gifted us with – whether hospitality, teaching, serving, leading among others.  Just as the Israelites were commanded to get organized, we need to get organized for our journey through life.  As inimitable Yogi Berra said, “if you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll end up someplace else.”  We do know where we are going and where our destination is.  For that path, we need to get organized to live an intentional living – daily routines, touching and helping others’ lives, serving others, praying for those who need healing, uplifting and more. 

APPLICATION

Review how I go through daily activities to ask if all of my actions are intentional toward God and reaching His kingdom.

 PRAYER

Father God, thank you for your path to salvation in Jesus.  Enable us to live according to your will today and each day thereafter.  Cleanse my heart, Father God, in order that I can discern your voice and your will in small and big things in life.  Help me to live intentionally with your commands in my heart.  Protect and guide Michael, Joshua and Daniel.  May the Holy Spirit prompt them to consider their own path and gladly choose your path.  Bless Christine today and thank you for her faith.  In Jesus holy name I pray.  Amen.