Kansas City, Missouri, United States - Reflecting God – Embrace Holy Living - “Father Knows Best” & "UnHoliness Dis Honors God" – Tuesday, 1 July 2014 & Wednesday, 2 July 2014 - Scripture: Exodus 19:1-14 & Numbers 20:1-13

Kansas City, Missouri, United States - Reflecting God – Embrace Holy Living - “Father Knows Best” & "UnHoliness Dis Honors God" – Tuesday, 1 July 2014 & Wednesday, 2 July 2014 - Scripture: Exodus 19:1-14 & Numbers 20:1-13
Exodus 19:1 In the third month after the children of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on that same day they came into the wilderness of Sinai. 2 When they had departed from Rephidim, and had come to the wilderness of Sinai, they encamped in the wilderness; and there Israel encamped before the mountain. 3 Moses went up to God, and Yahweh called to him out of the mountain, saying, “This is what you shall tell the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: 4 ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings, and brought you to myself. 5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice, and keep my covenant, then you shall be my own possession from among all peoples; for all the earth is mine; 6 and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.”
7 Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and set before them all these words which Yahweh commanded him. 8 All the people answered together, and said, “All that Yahweh has spoken we will do.”
Moses reported the words of the people to Yahweh. 9 Yahweh said to Moses, “Behold, I come to you in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and may also believe you forever.” Moses told the words of the people to Yahweh. 10 Yahweh said to Moses, “Go to the people, and sanctify them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments, 11 and be ready against the third day; for on the third day Yahweh will come down in the sight of all the people on Mount Sinai. 12 You shall set bounds to the people all around, saying, ‘Be careful that you don’t go up onto the mountain, or touch its border. Whoever touches the mountain shall be surely put to death. 13 No hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot through; whether it is animal or man, he shall not live.’ When the trumpet sounds long, they shall come up to the mountain.”
14 Moses went down from the mountain to the people, and sanctified the people; and they washed their clothes.
Numbers 20:1 The children of Israel, even the whole congregation, came into the wilderness of Zin in the first month. The people stayed in Kadesh. Miriam died there, and was buried there. 2 There was no water for the congregation; and they assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron. 3 The people quarreled with Moses, and spoke, saying, “We wish that we had died when our brothers died before Yahweh! 4 Why have you brought Yahweh’s assembly into this wilderness, that we should die there, we and our animals? 5 Why have you made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in to this evil place? It is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink.”
6 Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the door of the Tent of Meeting, and fell on their faces. Yahweh’s glory appeared to them. 7 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, 8 “Take the rod, and assemble the congregation, you, and Aaron your brother, and speak to the rock before their eyes, that it pour out its water. You shall bring water to them out of the rock; so you shall give the congregation and their livestock drink.”
9 Moses took the rod from before Yahweh, as he commanded him. 10 Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock, and he said to them, “Hear now, you rebels! Shall we bring water out of this rock for you?” 11 Moses lifted up his hand, and struck the rock with his rod twice, and water came out abundantly. The congregation and their livestock drank.
12 Yahweh said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you didn’t believe in me, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.”
13 These are the waters of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with Yahweh, and he was sanctified in them.
“Father Knows Best” by Wil Watson
As a young boy, the phrase “father knows best” was not my favorite. There were times when I was like the little boy who defied his father’s order to sit down. After being forced to sit, he responded, “I may be sitting down, but I’m standing up inside!” I didn’t understand obedience needs to come from a willing heart, not just reluctant submission.
One day my role changed. Now a dad, I still didn’t like that phrase! Becoming a father brought heavy responsibility for my children. Parameters to establish, discipline to enforce, authority to model, moral principles to instill, values to uphold, example to set, spiritual heritage to give. It was scary! I didn’t always “know best” or “do best.” I needed help! Thankfully, it was avaiable-from the wise Heavenly Father who is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, and always available to help a struggling dad.

Israel’s heavenly Father really “knew best.” He had a good plan for them: “Obey me fully,” “keep my covenant,” “you will be my treasured possession,” “a kingdom of priests” and “a holy nation” (Exodus 19:5-6). They just needed to trust and obey—even if they didn’t understand-so do we. He still knows best.

"UnHoliness DisHonors God" by Wil Watson

I’ve never researched my family tree. I probably should. It sounds interesting, but I’m afraid of what I might find–there are likely a few black sheep in the Watson flock. I know I don’t want to add another black mark on the family name. However, it would be far worse to dishonor God!
Moses and Aaron should have shared my concern. Instead, they were reprimanded for dishonoring their Holy God. Perhaps Aaron deserved it; but Moses? That great leader, who took God’s chosen people from Egypt’s slavery to the door of the Promised Land. If God took this man to the woodshed, what hope is there for me?
Bible scholars disagree on the specific reason for their resulting punishment. However, according to Verse 12, these leaders’ actions or attitude failed to “honor (God) as holy in the sight of the Israelites.” How does this Old Testament story apply to us? I Peter 1:15 admonishes us, “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.” Our unholy lives can distort our world’s view of God, and that dishonors Him!

We’re called to holiness of heart and continued growth in grace. That is the best guarantee against dishonoring God!
Hymn for Today:
“Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah” by William Williams (1745); Translator: Peter Williams (1771)
1. Guide me, O my great Redeemer,
pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but you are mighty;
hold me with your powerful hand.
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
feed me now and evermore,
feed me now and evermore.
2. Open now the crystal fountain,
where the healing waters flow.
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer,
ever be my strength and shield,
ever be my strength and shield.
3. When I tread the verge of Jordan,
bid my anxious fears subside.
Death of d
eath, and hell's Destruction,
land me safe on Canaan's side.
Songs of praises, songs of praises
I will ever sing to you,
I will ever sing to you.
"Holiness Unto the Lord" by Lelia N. Morris
1. Called unto holiness, Church of our God,
Purchase of Jesus, redeemed by His blood;
Called from the world and its idols to flee,
Called from the bondage of sin to be free.
Refrain:
Holiness unto the Lord is our watchword and song.
Holiness unto the Lord as we’re marching along.
Sing it, shout it, loud and long,
Holiness unto the Lord, now and forever.
2. Called unto holiness, children of light,
Walking with Jesus in garments of white;
Raiment unsullied, nor tarnished with sin;
God’s Holy Spirit abiding within.
Refrain:
Holiness unto the Lord is our watchword and song.
Holiness unto the Lord as we’re marching along.
Sing it, shout it, loud and long,
Holiness unto the Lord, now and forever.
3. Called unto holiness, praise His dear name!
This blessèd secret to faith now made plain:
Not our own righteousness, but Christ within,
Living, and reigning, and saving from sin.
Refrain:
Holiness unto the Lord is our watchword and song.
Holiness unto the Lord as we’re marching along.
Sing it, shout it, loud and long,
Holiness unto the Lord, now and forever.
4. Called unto holiness, bride of the Lamb,
Waiting the Bridegroom’s returning again!
Lift up your heads, for the day draweth near

When in His beauty the King shall appear.
Refrain:
Holiness unto the Lord is our watchword and song.
Holiness unto the Lord as we’re marching along.
Sing it, shout it, loud and long,
Holiness unto the Lord, now and forever.
Thought for Today:
“God knows the way through your wilderness—and out of it!”
"If our holiness does not produce a holy life, it's merely a dead doctrine."
Prayer Needs:
Many people in Lesotho will come to know Jesus the Christ, Yeshua the Messiah, and receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
Developing Christian leaders in Lesotho!
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