His Word for Today: Book of Numbers 17:12-13

Today's verses talk about the roles and the boundaries we have for our service to the Lord.

We are not to go past where we should be. Otherwise, we can end up in troubles that were caused by ourselves. How do we know when and where to stop?

He gives us the will to do certain things.(Ref  Philippians 2:13) What is the desire He placed in our heart to do certain things? We are to be clear on up to what point we should proceed. Is the Lord leading us to fellowship in the Church? Is He leading us to go a step further to start a bible study group? Is He leading us to preach and teach from the pulpit? We would also know where to stop, (Ref 1 John 2:20) and at times be realistic about our physical boundaries because we have the responsibility to guard our hearts. (Ref Proverbs 4:23)

Is the desire from the Lord or from ourselves? One of the ways to know this is by envisioning and asking ourselves if we would enjoy what we desire. Do we have peace and joy (Ref Romans 14:17) when we become the pastor or elder of the Church? Or is this simply because we want to impress someone or earn respect? I remember a long time ago as a Christian, for having been offended because I wasn't selected to become an elder of the Church because I thought I deserved it. But when I asked myself if I would enjoy and desire the actual work of the elders, I noticed that I had a wrong motive - I simply wanted respect and it was simply out of pride. 

He takes us through steps. (Ref  Psalm 37:23) What is He leading us to do now to move to the next step in our journey? We take steps to reach the mountain top. 

Are we going past where He would like us to be? If we feel that we are going past what He is instructing us to do, we need to look at our motives. (Ref Hebrews 4:12) Do we feel worthless about ourselves that we feel like we need to prove to ourselves that we are valuable by doing certain things? God is teaching us to be content. (Ref Hebrews 13:5) God is teaching us to enjoy where we are in joy. Or do we simply want more respect from people gaining value through approval? We will end up in misery if our identity rests on other peoples' approvals. There is a quiet sense of peace and joy when we are in the sweet spot of our walk with Christ. We are to stay in the sweet spot. 

Today, let us labor to enter into His rest through our trust in Him. (Ref Hebrews 4:3) Our desires, motives, need to be in check and choose to be content with where the Lord has placed us, which leads us to joy, peace and rest. 

May the Lord continue to richly bless you today!