Guard Your Heart

Scripture   
Numbers 12:1-2
Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses (behind his back) because of his Cushite wife, for he had married a Cushite.  “Has the LORD spoken only through Moses?” they asked. “Hasn’t he also spoken through us?” And the LORD heard this.

Observation
Criticizing and talking against spiritual leadership because we may not approve of the personal decisions that they make, can get us into trouble.  God was angry with Miriam and Aaron and corrected them.  This story is a reminder of how serious God is about our relationship to the authority in our lives and the prejudice that can effect our attitude towards others. 

Application
'If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all.'  It's a good thing to keep silent, be quiet, don't say a word, & get alone to pray if I'm having a problem.  Miriam and Aaron instead of talking to each other against Moses & behind his back, should have taken their complaint to God individually.  I must be listening for the Holy Spirit's 'checks' on my attitude & when prompted, go to Jesus and confess & repent & ask God to guard my heart against having a critical spirit.  God may direct me to go to the person afterward and talk to them face to face.

Prayer
Father, thank You for Your word and the examples in the Bible that I can take to heart!  Help me turn to You quickly when I detect an attitude in myself.  You are my 'Personal Trainer' and I yield to You as I learn to walk in the personal disciplines that are helping me 'exercise into godliness.'  Show me how to 'guard my heart' - and deal with things in a godly way.

Proverbs 4:23-24 

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. 

Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

Trust & Obey

Scripture
Leviticus 26:11-13
"I will put my dwelling place among you, I will not abhor you, I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people.  I am the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians; I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk with heads held high."

Observation
God rewards those who walk in obedience with His presence, and calls us His own.  He is the One who sets us free from the bondage of sin and the yoke of the oppressor.  We've been set free by God to walk differently than we've been able to walk before; with heads held high.

Application
God is with me - whom shall I fear?  Whom shall I be afraid?  He has set me free and taken away my shame and reproach.  I can hold my head up high and walk with God unrestrained by the sins and failings of the past and be untangled from the snares and traps of the enemy.  I don't have to hang my head any longer or have to look down carefully navigating every step I take; because the path I'm on with Jesus allows me to look forward to the great places God wants to take me.

Prayer
Father, You have lifted up my head and set my feet to walking on higher ground, holy ground - because You are with me and I'm trusting and obeying all the way.  Thank You for the freedoms that are mine when I simply, "Trust and Obey". . . there is no other way.

I Am With You

Scripture 
Acts 18:9  One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision, "Do not be afraid, keep on speaking, do not be silent.  For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you because I have many people in this city."

Observation
God encourages Paul in a vision "Don't be afraid" - Have no fear Paul.  "Keep speaking" - You are doing good Paul; what you are saying is what I want you to say.  "Do not be silent" - Say it Paul!  Speak it out!  "I Am with you"; the comfort of knowing God is there.  "No one is going to attack and harm you", - There's peace, safety, and security in knowing God is watching my back.  "Because I have many people in this city." - God knows those who belong to Him and right where they are!

Application
God will guide and direct our paths as we trust in Him.  He reassures us with His comforting presence - "I Am with you".  Nothing else matters when the Lord is with me.  Just as Moses said in Exodus 33:14-15, "If Your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here".  God says, I Am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you.  I have people in that city - my people who will pray for you, feed you, clothe you, be a friend to you, and provide what is needed for you.   God was letting Paul know - you are not alone!  And neither am I.  God assures us of His presence, His protection, His provision, and wants us to speak His word.  Go and tell the world what great things God has done in your life.   1 Peter 4:11 says "If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God.  If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and dominion forever and ever, A-men.

Prayer
Father, You are with me, You protect me, and You provide for me.  May You be glorified with the words I speak in Your Name.  A-men.