S) "15 For if you turn away from following Him, He will once more abandon them in the wilderness, and you will destroy all these people."
Numbers 32:15 (NASB)
O) The tribes of Gad and Reuben decided not to cross the Jordan to settle in the Promised Land. Instead, they determined that the land in Gilead, which was suitable for livestock, would much more easily handle the large amount of livestock their two tribes had. This alarms Moses, since it is a strikingly similar stance to the one held by the generation who previously doubted God's ability to deliver the Promised Land to them. While this decision was not driven by the same fear that cost their fathers' lives, I also wonder what kind of blessings these tribes may have forfeited in this decision.
A) Sometimes, it can be a very difficult thing to evaluate my own heart about something. It becomes quite important, though, when a behavior is similar to what had been determined to be a sin. Many times, things become sin based on our heart condition. Idolatry, adultery, rebellion, etc., all have outward manifestations of sin, but they all start from the heart (and indeed, every sin truly does). The key is absolute honesty with ourselves and with God, coupled with genuine submission to His will. If my motives are pure, but the action is still sinful, I must repent. If the action is benign, but my motives are sinful, I must repent. Considering the consequences, or even the potential consequences, may also be a determining factor I need to consider. Ultimately, in humble prayer, seeking God's will is always how such a thing will be settled.
P) Father, continue to uncover hidden things in my heart. I welcome the Holy Spirit to come burn in me, to reveal impure motives and misused gifts. Show me every sin in my heart, especially when my actions seem outwardly appropriate. Lord, make me more and more sensitive to Your will, and aware of my sins. I want my heart to be fully submitted to You, in Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
A) Sometimes, it can be a very difficult thing to evaluate my own heart about something. It becomes quite important, though, when a behavior is similar to what had been determined to be a sin. Many times, things become sin based on our heart condition. Idolatry, adultery, rebellion, etc., all have outward manifestations of sin, but they all start from the heart (and indeed, every sin truly does). The key is absolute honesty with ourselves and with God, coupled with genuine submission to His will. If my motives are pure, but the action is still sinful, I must repent. If the action is benign, but my motives are sinful, I must repent. Considering the consequences, or even the potential consequences, may also be a determining factor I need to consider. Ultimately, in humble prayer, seeking God's will is always how such a thing will be settled.
P) Father, continue to uncover hidden things in my heart. I welcome the Holy Spirit to come burn in me, to reveal impure motives and misused gifts. Show me every sin in my heart, especially when my actions seem outwardly appropriate. Lord, make me more and more sensitive to Your will, and aware of my sins. I want my heart to be fully submitted to You, in Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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