3.7.12 "Move With the Cloud"

"Move With the Cloud"

Numbers 8:1-9:23
Mark 13:14-37
Psalm 50:1-23
Proverbs 10:29-30

Life can seem complicated. We live in a day and age where people have a great desire to know what God's will is in many different situations. There can be tough decisions regarding finances, housing, employment, schooling, the list is endless.

When the Israelites had been obedient to the Lord in the construction of the Tabernacle, the presence of the Lord dwelt there. It was represented by a cloud during the daytime, and at night it changed to the appearance of fire. The presence of the Lord was intense.

"When the Cloud lifted, the people of Israel moved on to wherever it stopped, and camped there. In this way they journeyed at the command of the Lord and stopped where he told them to, then remained there as long as the Cloud stayed. If it stayed a long time, then they stayed a long time. But if it stayed only a few days, then they remained only a few days; for so the Lord had instructed them. sometimes the fire-cloud stayed only during the night and moved on the next morning. But day or night, when it moved, the people broke camp and followed... So it was that they camped or traveled at the commandment of the Lord; and whatever the Lord told Moses they should do, they did." (Num 9:17-21,23)

There are several things to note in this scripture. The first is actually from earlier scripture, but it is that their obedience in purifying themselves, and being obedient to the smallest detail is what made a place for the Lord to dwell.

God desires to dwell among us. We need to be pure and holy before him. We need to be a place where he CAN dwell. We must be set apart. We can't "dabble" in the presence of God while "dabbling" in worldliness. It doesn't work that way. He's a holy God, and it is holy people who will know him.

The next thing to note is that the people did not move unless God did. This is a big challenge to us. In so many situations, we try to "do the math". We try to figure it out. I think sometimes I get the attitude of "hey don't worry God, I got this one..." and we move in our own strength, our own will and our own timing. We don't wait for the direction of his presence.

I'm not saying we should be a "paralyzed" people when it comes to living daily life, I'm just saying that I need to First off KNOW the presence of God. I need to prepare myself to live within the fullness his presence. Then, I must make sure that my will is totally subject to his.

This is what his desire is for my life. Psalm 50:14-17 says "What I want from you is your true thanks; I want your promises fulfilled. I want you to trust me in your times of trouble, so I can rescue you, and you can give me glory. But God says to evil men: Recite my laws no longer, and stop claiming my promises, for you have refused my discipline, disregarding my laws."

In times of trouble, we tend to do our own thing. "Hey, I gotta look out for ol' number one!" I NEED to trust him! I think the biggest challenge to most believers is not "when or where to go", it's the challenge to "stay". Sure, times are tough, but that doesn't mean God want's you to move. I think at times we "storm the gates of heaven" for direction about moving out of a difficult situation, and I picture God saying, "who said anything about moving?"

Ps 50:23 says, "But true praise is a worthy sacrifice; this really honors me. Those who walk in my paths will receive salvation from the Lord."

Living the Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship means that I KNOW him. I grow in knowing his presence. I grow in recognizing his leading. And more importantly, I don't flirt with moving unless i know he's calling me to.

Living Empowered through Biblical Training means that we discipline (align) ourselves to his word. We KNOW his commands so that we are empowered to walk in obedience to them.



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
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