Leadership - 4. The Law of the Navigation

[Jayyycuuup]

[quote

Great GE! The OP and this one here !

I'm not sure if we discussed David and Goliath in another thread, but I think the story is worth being made mention of again!

1 Samuel 17:45

"⁴⁵Then said David to the Philistine, You come to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied."

Goliath was a whole 6 cubits and a span (or 9'3,1 Samuel 17:4) the weight of his coat of mail was 5,000 shekels of bronze (or 156, 1 Samuel 17:5) the iron spearhead (not the spear itself) weighed 600 shekels (or 18 pounds, 1 Samuel 17:7) We can conclude that this was one fierce man!

Now David on the other-hand, was just a youth (1 Samuel 17:33) the youngest of his brothers. Then Saul tested Davids faith and proclaimed this, also saying that Goliath was a man of war from his youth, this seed of doubt was far from being planted into Davids mind. Despite His young age and lack of war experience he was certain the LORD would deliver Goliath to his hand. (1 Samuel 17:37) After seeing David's desire to fight this man and his faithfulness to God, Saul permitted David to carry on and said the LORD be with you! David could not wear the armor, so instead he took up his staff and choose five smooth stones from the brook and put them in his Shepard's bag (1 Samuel 17:40)with this he had his sling. When Goliath approached David he disdained him; for he was only a youth, ruddy and good looking (1 Samuel 17:42) He mocked David and asked him, "Am I a dog, that you come to me with a sticks? And he cursed David by his gods." (1 Samuel 17:43) David then rebuked Goliath, proclaiming this, "You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel who you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD's and He will give you into our hands" (1 Samuel 17:45-47) David drew from his sack a stone, and he slung it and struck the Philistine and killed him. He ran over to Goliath and cut off his head. Once the Philistines saw their champion had been defeated they fled. (1 Samuel 17:50-51)

Now there are alot of things to consider in this, lets follow the PLAN AHEAD

P-David had heard what was going on and wanted to fight the Philistine (1 Samuel 17:33)

L-David's goal was to deliver Israel and proclaim the Name of the LORD, letting it be known to all that there is a God of Israel! (1 Samuel 17:45-47)

A-When a lion or bear came amongst the flock that David was tending to, and took a lamb, he would go out against the beast and deliver the lamb from its mouth and when it arose against him he would grab it by its beard and slay it. Just as the Philistine went out against the flock of the LORD, the God of Israel will go out and slay the ravenous beast, the Philistine Goliath will be just like one of them. David said with confidence, "The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver m from the hand of this Philistine." (1 Samuel 17:34-37)

N-After hearing this Saul considered his servant David and allowed him to fight against the Philistine's Champion

A- It was not long before Saul accepted David to be the fighter, but likewise, David would not take no for an answer.

H-David took up the 5 smooth stones, his sling, and his staff and approached the Philistine. Not in fear, but in the name of the Lord! (1 Samuel 17:45 & 48)

E- Instead of just taking up one stone, David took with him 5 stones in his Sheppard's bag. The reasoning is not very clear, but being that Goliath was one monstrous man, it seems evident as to why. (1 Samuel 17:40)

A-David not only was confident, but he knew that the LORD would be faithful and deliver him. David stepped out in faith and knew that God would not only see him through it but he would come out of it unharmed. He glorified God's name and reaped the reward for his faithfulness to God. Childlike faith

D-The same God that looked after David that day, kept with Him continually, providing for him and proving His love and protection as a faithful Father does time and time again. Not only could David reflect on this but each time a bigger task presented itself, David would say just what that picture is showing above. God is bigger than this, He will prove His faithfulness and set out His will for me, guiding and protecting me. Again, child like faith

God is Good

[Jayyycuuup]

The Story of Samson and Delilah is another one of my personal favorites.

Judges 16:29-30

"And Samson took hold of the two middle pillars which supported the temple, and he braced himself against them, one on his right and the other on his left. Then Samson said, "Let me die with the Philistines!" And he pushed with all his might and the temple fell on the lords and all the people who were in it. So the dead that he killed at his death were more than he had killed in his life."

The story begins with the fruit and children of Israel continually doing evil in the sight of the LORD, time and time again God tried to correct this behavior, delivering them unto the hand of the Philistines for 40 years. Samson's mother was childless and was barren. But the Angel of the Lord appeared and said to her, indeed you are barren but you will be delivered a child who will deliver Israel, he instructed her that no razor shall be upon his head nor shall she drink wine nor eat any unclean thing. Her husband Manoah went and prayed asking the Lord what will the boys rule of life be,and his work? So the Angel of the Lord appeared and delivered to him the same message as was sent to his wife. So the woman (Samson's mother) bore a son and named him Samson; and as he grew God continued to bless him. (Judges 13:1-25)

In Judges 14:8, The spirit of the LORD comes upon Samson when he comes across a young lion that comes roaring. He tears it apart with nothing in his hands. This is the first encounter he has with his strength.

In Judges 14 Samson find the woman he want to marry and they have a feast. To the thirty companions that accompanied him he posed a riddle, telling them if they answer correctly and explain it in the seven days of the feast then he would give them 30 linen garments and 30 changes of clothing. But if they got it wrong they would have to do to him likewise. He posed the riddle and for three days no one could explain it. But it came to pass on the 7th day Samson's wife fooled him and wept until he told her what it meant and the answer. From there she went and explained it to the sons of her city. (first lie taking fruit) After this, the sons of her city came up to Samson and said, "What is sweeter than honey and what is stronger than a lion." Samson had been forsaken by his wife, and rubuked them saying, "If you had not plowed my wife with my heifer You would not have solved my riddle!" From there, again the spirit of the Lord came upon him, he went down to Ashkelon and killed 30 of their men. He returned and gave them apparel to those whom had answered his riddle (second showing of his great strength)

In Judges 15 Samson had lost his wife to his companion, this aroused anger in Samson and he took 300 foxes, tied the tails together and lit them on fire, sending the torches into the stocks of the Philistines, burning up all their grain as well what was in the vineyards. This angered the Philistines. Then an army of 3,000 from Judah came upon Samson to arrest him, asking him what have you done, we now will deliver you into the hands of the Philistines. They swore that they would not kill Samson themselves, but they securely tied him with two new ropes and brought him up from the rock. When they came to Lehi, the Philistines were shouting against him. Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon him and the ropes became like flax that is burned with fire and his bonds broke loos from his hands. He found a fresh jawbone of a donkey, taking it up her killed a thousand men with it. (Two more events showing his great strength delivered to him from the Spirit)

In Judges 16 Samson goes to Gaza and is surrounded by Gazites, he laid low until midnight then arose, taking ahold of the the doors at the gate of the city and the doorposts, taking the whole thing, bar and all, up the hill he laid it to rest facing Hebron. (Another showing of his might) Soon after this he met a women whom he loved, named Delilah. The Philistines enticed her. So she continually asked Samson where his great strength came from. Time and time again, Samson told her lies trying to keep it a secret. Day after day she questioned him, he soon had enough and told her the secret. That not a razor has come upon his head. She called up the Philistines and they came down, having Samson fast asleep they then commenced to shave his head. After been shaven the spirit left Samson and he became as strong as any other man. The Philistines then took him up and put out his eyes and brought him down to Gaza.They bound him with bronze fetters and he became a grinder in the prison. However, the hair of his head begon to grow again after it had been shaven. Now the lords of the Philistines gathered to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their God and to rejoice. They called out Samson to perform for them, and settled him between two pillars upon request. Now,the temple was full of people during the ceremony and Samson cried out to the LORD saying, "O LORD God, remember me, I pray! Strengthen me. I pray just this once o God, that I may with one blow take vengeance on the Philistines for my two eyes!" And Samson took ahold of the two pillars which supported the temple and he braced himself against them, one on his right and one on his left. And Samson said, "Let me die with the Philistines!" And he pushed with all his might and the temple fell on the lords and all the people who were in it. So the dead were more than than he had killed in his whole life.

WOW, quite a story! And what a story that goes to prove the faithfulness of God, Amen and Amen. Samson is credited to be one of the strongest men in the bible and rightfully so. 1,000 men he slew with a jawbone!! Talk about deliverance. Even though Samson forsook the LORD by telling his secret to the women, God was still faithful to Samson and gave him the strength that he asked for, to have vengeance on the people who mocked and took his vision!

Now Lets see How PLAN AHEAD fits into this!

P- Well, Samson's purpose was already set out for him to deliver the Israelites from the Philistines. So the course of action that was to take place was evident, but the faithfulness that God had for Samson is outstanding, until his dying breath did God remain faithful. Samson's punishment was giving into his harlot of a wife was being delivered unto the Philistines and being imprisoned. He suffered accordingly for forsaking the LORD and the way. Proverbs 15:10 "Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way. And he who hates correction will die."

L- Sadly, all Samson wanted was a lover, someone to love. . . time and time again was he forsaken by his supposed "help mates" only to find out the love of money was greater then he was. Although HIS own goals fell through the Lord still kept his hopes, love and ambition alive, fulfilling the purpose Samson was set out to do, I can honestly say that Samson did live a fulfilling life in the walk with the LORD.

A- After Samson's priorities were straight it went from women, to fulfilling his purpose, the vengeance he had upon the Philistines is what brought the LORD back into his life and initially finalized his purpose here on earth.

N- The only person left was the LORD, his final request was strength and by God, it was given! His notification was to last person in his life whom was left, the last person whom was faithful from the beginning all the way to the end.

A-It took time for Samson's hair to regrown, and his faith to resettle and the goodness of the LORD to be rested back upon him after turning away from God. And in just the nick of time as well, right when the ceremony was going on, was he able to repay the Philistines for their wickedness and harlotry to the LORD.

H- Samson requested to be rested upon the pillars of the temple, this course of action was also rested in faith, that God would deliver him the strength to bring the walls upon the Philistines.

E- Of course there was a cry from Samson to God, about giving him vengeance because he began to stop living for God and take upon things his own way, giving up his secret to please his wife. But the spirit of God would time and time again move upon Him, giving them unto Samsons hands.

A- Samson knew that not once had God failed him, in his dying plead and call out to God, he took the pillars and without doubt, he brought them upon himslef and the Philistines. First he took upon the pillars, then he said let me die with the Philistines, this action goes to show that the LORD we serve is yet again so very faithful.

D- Well, since that was his dying breathe, he did not have much to reflect upon. But while being captive I am sure he reflected upon this day and night. The course of his life and that the Lord would avenge him, that the Lord had not forgotten him, that the Lord would remain faithful even though he in terms failed. Little did he know that the Lord had his return to him be the last breath he took. Not in desperation but in faith, he did eventually yield to God's great purpose for his life and finished his life praying for God's help to accomplish it.

The Lesson from the Past looks like one we can learn today does it not? Despite the failures and trials he underwent there was still a great purpose of course! For one, God's faithfulness. Second, there are some things that are to be kept between the relationship of you and God. Furthermore, no matter how lost or "blind" like Samson, there is always a way back though. The forgiveness that is found in the heart of God is so glorious! Blessed be His name!!!!!!

[GoldenEagle]

The Story of Samson and Delilah is another one of my personal favorites.

Judges 16:29-30

"And Samson took hold of the two middle pillars which supported the temple, and he braced himself against them, one on his right and the other on his left. Then Samson said, "Let me die with the Philistines!" And he pushed with all his might and the temple fell on the lords and all the people who were in it. So the dead that he killed at his death were more than he had killed in his life."

<snip>

The Lesson from the Past looks like one we can learn today does it not? Despite the failures and trials he underwent there was still a great purpose of course! For one, God's faithfulness. Second, there are some things that are to be kept between the relationship of you and God. Furthermore, no matter how lost or "blind" like Samson, there is always a way back though. The forgiveness that is found in the heart of God is so glorious! Blessed be His name!!!!!!

I love it how you are digging into the Word of God Jacob.

You are an encouragement to me brother!

Samson’s story is a good reminder that no matter how you start it’s how you finish that counts. We’re to run the race towards Christ and we’re to be faithful. Yet we cannot rely on our own strength to sustain us in life. We must rely on God. Ever thought of the fact that Samson could’ve asked God to restore his sight and asked God to live?

Even though Samson had a Philistine wife God used this to bring about Samson’s disdain for the Philistines and deliver His people. God still accomplishes His purposes regardless of man’s intent. What do you think?

Sometimes as Christians we are distracted. It can be another person as in a love interest. It can be a job. It can be a career. It can even be your family or friends. It can be video games, an addiction, or anything that we put before the Lord. God wants our whole being. Not just a part. Not just worshipping Him on Sundays and (if we’re really spiritual) Wednesdays or whatever day your church has small groups. God wants us to engage into a daily, hourly, minute by minute relationship with Him. What do you think?

I agree there are some lessons to be learned from Samsons story.

1. God is faithful. Even when we are not.

2. One shouldn’t allow the things of this world to take priority over our relationship with God.

3. God always provides for a way back to Him – like the story of the prodigal son. We are never too old or too far away to where God can’t get a hold of us.

I agree brother.

In Christ,

GE

[GoldenEagle]

4. Law of Navigation: B. Planning and Structure – Moses

Primary Text: Numbers 1:1-34

As a good leader, Moses listened to God and methodically arranged the tribal camps in the wilderness. He set the tabernacle in the center and arranged the priest around its four sides. Then he symmetrically distributed the Twelve Tribes around the priests and the Levites. There were three tribes on each of the four sides. Why did Moses do this? Because he listened to God and planned ahead with the law of Navigation. Each tribe wanted to be close to God. Moses was wise in what he did.

Proverbs about planning…

Proverbs 13:16

A wise man thinks ahead; a fool doesn’t, and even brags about it!

Proverbs 16:1

The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.

Proverb 16:9

A man’s heart deviseth his way: but, the Lord directeth his steps.

Proverbs 21:5

The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.

Proverbs 24:27

Prepare your work outside and make it ready for yourself in the field; afterwards, then, build your house.

We would do well to plan and organize as Moses did...

1. Seek God. God is the one who directs our steps. (See Prov. 16:9)

2. Plan to plan. Give time for planning and organization. (See Prov. 24:27)

3. Determine your primary purpose. What’s the big picture? What are you trying to do? (See Prov. 13:16)

4. Assess the situation. Understand where you sit before trying to develop a strategy. (See Prov. 21:5)

5. Prioritize the needs. Seek the Lord. Make sure the team agrees on the most important goals. (Prov. 16:1)

6. Ask the right questions. Ask about market, leadership, revenue, reporting, and evaluation.

7. Set specific goals. Write goals that are realistic, measurable, convictional.

8. Clarify and communicate. Communication links planning and implementation.

9. Identify possible obstacles. Mentally walk through all you are trying to pull off.

10. Have an open system approach to your planning. Be sympathetic to your environment.

11. Schedule everything you can. Get things on the calendar and set achievable deadlines.

12. Budget everything you can. Determine both the costs and due dates of projects.

13. Monitor and correct. Progress is like a canoe trip: constantly adjust your course.

14. Study the results. Evaluation prevents stagnation and exaggeration.

As the old saying goes… Wash, dry, fold, repeat.

Remember, anyone can steer the ship, but it takes a leader to chart the course.

God bless,

GE

[Jayyycuuup]

The Story of Samson and Delilah is another one of my personal favorites.

Judges 16:29-30

"And Samson took hold of the two middle pillars which supported the temple, and he braced himself against them, one on his right and the other on his left. Then Samson said, "Let me die with the Philistines!" And he pushed with all his might and the temple fell on the lords and all the people who were in it. So the dead that he killed at his death were more than he had killed in his life."

<snip>

The Lesson from the Past looks like one we can learn today does it not? Despite the failures and trials he underwent there was still a great purpose of course! For one, God's faithfulness. Second, there are some things that are to be kept between the relationship of you and God. Furthermore, no matter how lost or "blind" like Samson, there is always a way back though. The forgiveness that is found in the heart of God is so glorious! Blessed be His name!!!!!!

I love it how you are digging into the Word of God Jacob.

You are an encouragement to me brother!

Samson’s story is a good reminder that no matter how you start it’s how you finish that counts. We’re to run the race towards Christ and we’re to be faithful. Yet we cannot rely on our own strength to sustain us in life. We must rely on God. Ever thought of the fact that Samson could’ve asked God to restore his sight and asked God to live?

Even though Samson had a Philistine wife God used this to bring about Samson’s disdain for the Philistines and deliver His people. God still accomplishes His purposes regardless of man’s intent. What do you think?

Sometimes as Christians we are distracted. It can be another person as in a love interest. It can be a job. It can be a career. It can even be your family or friends. It can be video games, an addiction, or anything that we put before the Lord. God wants our whole being. Not just a part. Not just worshipping Him on Sundays and (if we’re really spiritual) Wednesdays or whatever day your church has small groups. God wants us to engage into a daily, hourly, minute by minute relationship with Him. What do you think?

I agree there are some lessons to be learned from Samsons story.

1. God is faithful. Even when we are not.

2. One shouldn’t allow the things of this world to take priority over our relationship with God.

3. God always provides for a way back to Him – like the story of the prodigal son. We are never too old or too far away to where God can’t get a hold of us.

I agree brother.

In Christ,

GE

Funny that you mention that GE, the fact that Samson did not ask for his sight to be restored is quite mind boggling, but then again,if you think of it in a spiritual way, it makes so much sense. Samson not asking for his sight to be restored not only fulfilled the purpose that God has set out for Samson, but also that Samson had been betrayed, what else did he have to life for? Die alone or die in the peace and strength that was given by the Spirit of God, glorifying the Father and bringing peace among the Israelites in His name.

Yes, Amen. Reading the bible and praying are Key to not only a relationship with God, but a great one! James 4:8 tells us to draw near to God and He will draw near to us, and how do we draw near to God? Seeking His face day in and day out, giving ourselves over to Him and reading the Book!! To seek out God like a lover, as in the Song of Solomon, the beauty and ferverent love that is found in the LORD is beyond comparison, bless the LORD for He is surely good in all things, the love that He has for us as a hole and individually brings a smile to my face, because how could it be that the creator of all the earth would care so much to want to know me, want to be apart of my life, to watch over and take care of me. What a Father we have!

Once again, I say Amen!

Psalm 34:31

"1I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. 3O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. 4I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. 5They looked to him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed. 6This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. 7The angel of the LORD encamps round about them that fear him, and delivers them. 8O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusts in him. 9O fear the LORD, you his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. 10The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing. 11Come, you children, listen to me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD. 12What man is he that desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good? 13Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking guile. 14Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. 15The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry. 16The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. 17The righteous cry, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. 18The LORD is near to them that are of a broken heart; and saves such as be of a contrite spirit. 19Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivers him out of them all. 20He keeps all his bones: not one of them is broken. 21Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate. 22The LORD redeems the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate."

God bless you GE, thanks again for this thread

[Jayyycuuup]

4. Law of Navigation: B. Planning and Structure – Moses

Primary Text: Numbers 1:1-34

As a good leader, Moses listened to God and methodically arranged the tribal camps in the wilderness. He set the tabernacle in the center and arranged the priest around its four sides. Then he symmetrically distributed the Twelve Tribes around the priests and the Levites. There were three tribes on each of the four sides. Why did Moses do this? Because he listened to God and planned ahead with the law of Navigation. Each tribe wanted to be close to God. Moses was wise in what he did.

Proverbs about planning…

Proverbs 13:16

A wise man thinks ahead; a fool doesn’t, and even brags about it!

Proverbs 16:1

The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.

Proverb 16:9

A man’s heart deviseth his way: but, the Lord directeth his steps.

Proverbs 21:5

The plans of the diligent lead surely to advantage, but everyone who is hasty comes surely to poverty.

Proverbs 24:27

Prepare your work outside and make it ready for yourself in the field; afterwards, then, build your house.

We would do well to plan and organize as Moses did...

1. Seek God. God is the one who directs our steps. (See Prov. 16:9)

2. Plan to plan. Give time for planning and organization. (See Prov. 24:27)

3. Determine your primary purpose. What’s the big picture? What are you trying to do? (See Prov. 13:16)

4. Assess the situation. Understand where you sit before trying to develop a strategy. (See Prov. 21:5)

5. Prioritize the needs. Seek the Lord. Make sure the team agrees on the most important goals. (Prov. 16:1)

6. Ask the right questions. Ask about market, leadership, revenue, reporting, and evaluation.

7. Set specific goals. Write goals that are realistic, measurable, convictional.

8. Clarify and communicate. Communication links planning and implementation.

9. Identify possible obstacles. Mentally walk through all you are trying to pull off.

10. Have an open system approach to your planning. Be sympathetic to your environment.

11. Schedule everything you can. Get things on the calendar and set achievable deadlines.

12. Budget everything you can. Determine both the costs and due dates of projects.

13. Monitor and correct. Progress is like a canoe trip: constantly adjust your course.

14. Study the results. Evaluation prevents stagnation and exaggeration.

As the old saying goes… Wash, dry, fold, repeat.

Remember, anyone can steer the ship, but it takes a leader to chart the course.

God bless,

GE

Amen!

So much power is such few verses, I love it!

And talk about planning, we fall short and unfulfill our plans day to day, and why do you think that is? Could it be the self reliance? Moses prepared all of this in the direction and course given to him by the LORD of hosts, directing him to establish the names and bring in the congregations in a fashionable way. Had Moses tried to do this on his own, do you think he would get very far?

God bless you GE!!

[GoldenEagle]

Funny that you mention that GE, the fact that Samson did not ask for his sight to be restored is quite mind boggling, but then again,if you think of it in a spiritual way, it makes so much sense. Samson not asking for his sight to be restored not only fulfilled the purpose that God has set out for Samson, but also that Samson had been betrayed, what else did he have to life for? Die alone or die in the peace and strength that was given by the Spirit of God, glorifying the Father and bringing peace among the Israelites in His name.

Yes, Amen. Reading the bible and praying are Key to not only a relationship with God, but a great one! James 4:8 tells us to draw near to God and He will draw near to us, and how do we draw near to God? Seeking His face day in and day out, giving ourselves over to Him and reading the Book!! To seek out God like a lover, as in the Song of Solomon, the beauty and ferverent love that is found in the LORD is beyond comparison, bless the LORD for He is surely good in all things, the love that He has for us as a hole and individually brings a smile to my face, because how could it be that the creator of all the earth would care so much to want to know me, want to be apart of my life, to watch over and take care of me. What a Father we have!

<snip>

God bless you GE, thanks again for this thread

I agree God fullfilled His purpose with Samson. I'm just saying the same faith that asked God to restore Samson's strength could've asked for God to restore his sight. While a hero of the faith Samson's story is not a pretty one. But it goes to show that God can use people despite thier failures in my opinion.

James 4:8

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

I agree we're to seek God's face daily. I believe that God is always near or at hand. It's just a matter of us realizing this. It reminds me of Psalms 73:28; Rom. 8:38-39 and the song "Be Near" by Shane and Shane. Posted it here:

Ps. 73:28

But it is good for me to draw near to God;

I have put my trust in the Lord GOD,

That I may declare all Your works.

Rom. 8:38-39

³⁸ For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

God bless,

GE

[GoldenEagle]

Amen!

So much power is such few verses, I love it!

And talk about planning, we fall short and unfulfill our plans day to day, and why do you think that is? Could it be the self reliance? Moses prepared all of this in the direction and course given to him by the LORD of hosts, directing him to establish the names and bring in the congregations in a fashionable way. Had Moses tried to do this on his own, do you think he would get very far?

God bless you GE!!

I've found the days that I fall short it is because I decide to do things my way that day. When I ask God for guidance and seek His face (prayer and His Word) things are often better. Regardless, if I seek God the day may be difficult and full of challenges but my attitude/perspective is right when I spend time with Him.

I would say Moses wouldn't have gone very far if he hadn't listened to God.

Good thoughts. God bless!

In Christ,

GE

[GoldenEagle]

I can't think of anyone who navigated through tougher times successfully more than the Apostle Paul, outside of the Lord Jesus Christ of course. 2 Corinthians 11:23-28

23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft,

24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.

25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;

26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren,

27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

28 Besides those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

The first name that popped into my head of someone who was a leader and a poor navigator was King Rehoboam. He had a chance to secure the Kingdom for himself by simply agreeing to make the people's burdens lighter than his Father Solomon had,and not only did he refuse, but he said he would make things much worse. Of course, that led to the splitting up of Israel into two nations: Israel and Judah.

Paul was a great example of one who navigated through tough times. Probably the greatest missionary to the Gentiles of his time, Paul learned a lot along the way to Rome and ultimately in his race to Christ. I look forward to meeting him one day in eternity.

Rehoboam is the classic example of not listening to good, sound advice of those who had experienced life. Sometimes I think younger people know everything and realize as they get older they need to learn more. I know this is true in my life. Just an observation.

Great thoughts thanks for joining the discussion Butero.

It's great to agree on God's Word.

God bless,

GE

[Jayyycuuup]

Genesis 6:13-14

"And God said to Noah, "Then end of all flesh has come before Me, for all the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make yourself an ark of gopherwood; make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and outside with pitch."

In the days on Noah the wickedness upon the earth was great in the earth, the intent was only evil, continually. But among them was a man, whom found grace in the eyes of the LORD, he was a just man, perfect in his genealogy, this man named Noah walked with God. After God got through describing the ark to Noah, God told Noah what animals that will be on the ark with him, after doing all that Noah was commanded by God, (Building the ark, bringing on the animals, the food,his family) There was a flood, and every beast and being were destroyed except that of on the ark. The waters prevailed for 150 days and God remembered Noah, and every living thin, and all the animals that were with him in the ark. So God made a wind pass over the earth and the waters subsided. At the end of the 150th day, the waters decreased, so it came to pass at the 600th and first year in the first month on the first day, the ground was dry. And in the second month of 20th day the earth was dry. God told Noah to bring out every creeping thing so that they may multiply upon the earth, so he and his sons went out and his wife and sons wives with them. After multiplying and building an alter to offer God a burnt offering, the LORD gave Noah a covenant, saying that never again will he kill off man with a flood as He had, with this he sets out a rainbow, and it shall be seen in the clouds, He will look out on it and remember His promise that He established between He and all flesh that is on the earth.

Yet another powerful testimony that testifies to the goodness and grace of the merciful God that we serve. God could have just destroyed all the earth after seeing all the wickedness upon it, but instead He looked out upon it, and seeing one faithful man, He spared him. How wonderful! The promise God gave to Noah can still even be seen today! Wow, oh wow! God surely keeps ALL his promises! Lets take a look at how the PLAN AHEAD applied to Noah!

P- Well, Noah's course of action was dependent on God seeing him through what was about to come upon him. His faith in what God told him (that he was going to destroy the things set upon the earth) brought him through it.

L- His goal was abiding by what God told him,. to build the arc just as He told him, board upon board, he built just as God told him to. He knew the why, now it was time to put this into action.

A- Noah's priorities did not change much come to think of it, he was just in the eyes of the LORD, even through building the arc he was serving the LORD, doing as he was commanded.

N- Well, again his only notification was the LORD, this seems to be a constant as I look throughout the scriptures, their dependency rests solely on the LORD, and it only matters what He says.

A- The bible is not all to clear on the thoughts, actions and such of Noah, but I am sure there was not much time to take it all in, because the LORD was ready to do away with the wickedness, so Noah had to get to crackin' so to speak.

H- Now is when the crackin' comes into motion. Noah had a job to do, and that was to build the ark, JUST as God had commanded him, quite a task, but one by the grace of God was conquered.

E- Again, the bible is not clear on his thoughts or actions, but by such a tremendous task to accomplish, I am sure he ran into his own problems at which obviously were resolved and overcome.

A- His success was in the LORD, he was promised to be spared and he held onto this promise and fulfilled the task at hand.

D- I am not sure about Noah but I can review his progress, and let me tell you something, it all gives praise and Glory to the merciful LORD we serve, Hallelujah!

Yet another, "giant" slain and dismembered by the LORD of hosts, glory be to the KING!!! Each task presents itself as impossible,. but time and time again, God shows us his faithfulness to His people, and really, just how much he has for us! The same promise, love and covenant can still be seen today, the same thing, still shines! I really enjoyed looking at this as it has been raining as of lately, the next time I see a rainbow and times after this, I hope and pray I will be grateful. Just another thing we take for granted, and is something I need to take to God, because for so long have I been unappreciative of this, among other things, so hopefully this blesses you all as much as it has blessed me, thank you LORD for your time and your mercy, I love you Lord

God bless you all !