Teaching Notes

This is a large chandelier that hangs in the hotel I was recently in.  There were a few of these large lights and they were quite brite.  However, they hung by themselves.  They were not right next to each other.  As I look at this, I think about us.  Sometimes you may be the only "light" in an area but if the many facets of God are evident in you, you will be bright enough to light up the area.  You can be one great light, with many beautiful smaller "lights" sparkling.  Each of those talents and gifts in you add to show us you.

I Will Follow

Numbers 14:23-24 (The Message)

20-23 God said, "I forgive them, honoring your words. But as I live and as the Glory of God fills the whole Earth—not a single person of those who saw my Glory, saw the miracle signs I did in Egypt and the wilderness, and who have tested me over and over and over again, turning a deaf ear to me—not one of them will set eyes on the land I so solemnly promised to their ancestors. No one who has treated me with such repeated contempt will see it.

24 "But my servant Caleb—this is a different story. He has a different spirit; he follows me passionately. I'll bring him into the land that he scouted and his children will inherit it.

Notes: The children of Israel had to wonder in the wilderness for 40 years because of their constant complaining.  They had made it from slavery, but they would never reach the fulfillment because they refused to be obedient to God.  Caleb was different, he would be allowed to see the promise land.

Question: Why was Caleb able to do this?

Answer: He was different, he obeyed God passionately.  This scripture says he follows me passionately.  Did you know that when you follow God with great joy and passion, you will be able to reach those things promised to you?  It is when you mumble, complain and disobey that you may be forgiven, but never truly reach all the potentional of what you could become?  Don't you want to have the fullness of what God has for you?  In order to do that you must make up in your mind like Caleb, no matter if everyone else disobey God around me, I will follow him with my whole heart and reach my God appointed assignments and purpose.

Prayer: God, today we say help us to be like Caleb, sure and passionate about your truth.  Help us to be on fire for your works and your way.  Strengthen us so that we can obey you.