At the command of the LORD the children of Israel would journey, and at the command of the LORD they would camp; as long as the cloud stayed above the tabernacle they remained encamped. (Numbers 9:18)
 
According to God’s providence, Israel was delivered from slavery in Egypt.  Moses, their fearless leader, was leading them toward the Promised Land.  An assurance of God’s presence was a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night that appeared above the tabernacle.  When the cloud lifted each tribe, according to God’s orders, would set out to march.  When the cloud rested they would make camp according to God’s instruction.  The journey of Israel is a parable of the life of the Christian as he travels from the bondage of sin, through this world, toward the heavenly home.
 
First, observe that it was God who clearly determined their route.   At the command of the LORD the children of Israel would journey, and at the command of the LORD they would camp.  The mapping out of our lives is God’s job and not ours.  This may require abandoning the plans we have made, or the plans friends and relatives have made for our lives.  We must yield to God!
 
Second, note the path is clearly marked.  God gave Israel a clear, visible sign of his intentions.  Today, God provides a simple pattern to follow that is revealed in the New Testament.  Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, (2 Peter 1:2-3).  He left us a blueprint for our daily lives, and gave the local church a pattern to follow in our collective work.  Like Israel, we must respect and follow our Lord’s marching orders.
 
Third, when Israel failed to follow their guide the result (Numbers 14:44, 45) was disastrous. We must never presume to follow our notions rather than the Lord’s commands.  Our greatest need is redemption from sin.  This salvation is only possible by the work of Jesus.  However, Jesus will present us blameless before God only if we continue in the faith.  (Colossians 1:22,23) God will approve of no life unless it is ordered by the gospel.  
 
Is not our life like a journey across a wilderness with the Promised Land as our goal?  Along the way do not forget to give glory to God, acknowledge his ruling hand, and commit your way to Him for the time to come.
 
By George Slover
 

"Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid nor dismayed before the king of Assyria, nor before all the multitude that is with him; for there are more with us than with him. "With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles." And the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah." (2 Chronicles 32:7-8)
 
What an encouraging verse!  What a great message of comfort from this godly king.  Hezekiah, the king of Judah, spoke these words.  He was ruling a nation that was surrounded by empires far superior to his in numbers and might.  When the Assyrian army marched up to the gates of Jerusalem it did not look so well for Judah.  However, Hezekiah reminds them that God was on their side.
 
Have you ever felt surrounded by the enemy?  Have you been in situations where you were the only one that stood for what was right?  Have “friends” belittled your integrity or moral purity?  Have they questioned your devotion and desire to worship?  Ever have someone ridicule your “pie in the sky” faith?  Has anyone ever called you a legalist or troublemaker, because you expressed your voice for righteousness?  Or have you faced in family or personal life so-called “insurmountable” challenges?  Perhaps the above verse can encourage you!
 
Other godly men and women have faced similar difficulties and won!  David, victorious over the giant Goliath, said, "You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” (1 Samuel 17:45)  Jonathan, Israel’s warrior, attacked a garrison of Philistines and won!  This godly warrior understood that: “nothing restrains the LORD from saving by many or by few." (1 Samuel 14:6)
  
God did indeed deliver Judah in taking 185,000 Assyrians in one night!  And, God will stand with us as well in the battles of life.  Remember:  “God and one man makes a majority”!
 
By George Slover

But Abishai the son of Zeruiah came to his aid, and struck the Philistine and killed him. Then the men of David swore to him, saying, “You shall go out no more with us to battle, lest you quench the lamp of Israel.”  (2 Samuel 21:17)

It was to be another day at the office for King David. An old well-known enemy, the Philistines, were again at war with Israel. So David and his army went out to fight. However, the venerable warrior walked at a slower pace. The Scriptures say: “and David grew faint”. (vs.15)

Ishbi-Benob, one of the sons of Goliath, would seize the moment and kill David. However, Abishai came to David's rescue. It was then that David's men requested that David no longer go to war. However, David's new position would not diminish his usefulness to Israel.

Having light in the lamp is proof that there is still life and influence. The glory of Israel still depended on David. Such is a tribute to his remarkable character. By his wise counsel and prayer he could still wield his influence.

God calls up on everyone of his children to “let their light shine.”(Matthew 5:16) “Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. “ (Philippians 2:14,15)  Jesus tells his disciples to not cover their lamp, but to allow the light of God to be seen by others.

Jesus our Savior is the light of men. By his revelation he enlightens us about sin and unrighteousness. He shows us the value of eternal things. And in times of peril, he provides security.

Enemies of God have tried to extinguish his light. Scoffers have made an attempt to disrupt the influence of Christ. But his light still shines through his marvelous word and his people. Join in with David and Christ and shine the light of God. 

By George Slover
 

Then He also said to him who invited Him, ‘When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.’" (Luke 14:12-14)

In this passage Jesus challenged his audience to examine the motives behind their hospitality.  It is not surprising that the Pharisees, desiring the praises of men, would miss the true spirit of generosity.  

It is easy for hospitality to grow into a selfish desire for show.  When this happens one misses out on the real joy of giving.

When carnal motives creep in, giving may become like the grim duty of paying taxes. One might deem his gift a way of buying his way to heaven, or a means of exercising his superiority over the beneficiary of his gift.

The spirit of true hospitality is illustrated in this passage. One must give because they cannot help it! One must strive to be like God who gave his only son, expecting nothing in return. (John 3:16)  One must give with no thought of the reward.  Such an outflow of love allies one with the noblest of men and women in the world.

According to the Lord those who give generously will be rewarded at the resurrection of the just. (John 5:28, 29) Summarily, all who grudgingly withhold their gift when opportunities arise, will in like manner be recompensed.

There is a great reward for those with large hearts, who give bountifully of their lives and resources.  When such kindness is based on faith, hope, and love both the giver and the recipient are blessed and God is pleased.

By George Slover
 

So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”  (Acts 20:32)

Knowing that he will never again see these spiritual leaders, Paul leaves them with one final word of encouragement. He speaks candidly of the work he is done at Ephesus. Foreseeing the rise of false teachers, he charges these shepherds to duty and watchfulness. His eloquent conclusion is recorded in the above verse.

Be committed. Here we see a personal charge. The word actually means to place beside or to entrust. These men were appointed to duty by the Holy Spirit. They had been given a solemn charge to care for the Lord’s sheep. They must not take this charge lightly.

Be committed to God. Knowing God precludes all other spiritual activity. He is transcendent and separate from his creation. However, he longs for a relationship with us. Pleasing him is utmost. Thus, spiritual leaders must acknowledge their accountability to him comes before their accountability to humans. 

Be committed to God's word of grace. God's word, like God is also inseparable. His counsel is not dependent upon human acceptance. Jesus said, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” (John 17:17) Spiritual leaders must be fully committed to the sound words of the Gospel. They must know it and teach it.

Be committed to building up. God's word is powerful. It has life-changing power. It is able to enlighten, promote faith, purify our hearts, probe our innermost thoughts, and equip for every good work. Shepherds must use this tool to edify themselves and their flock.

Stay focused on the inheritance. God has promised an undefiled and incorruptible inheritance to those who are sanctified. It is easy to get distracted by the world. Spiritual leaders must keep an eternal perspective.

Thus, having invested his life and energy in these brethren, Paul realizes he will never see them again. To whom can he intrust their care? He commends them to God and to his Word of Grace.  

By George Slover