RTW March 1
FastPASSing the Pause
If any of the people, either men or women, take the special vow of a Nazirite, setting themselves apart to the Lord in a special way,they must give up…
Numbers 6:2b-3a
My Takeaways
Something Old
Vow-a promise (to God); also (concretely) a thing promised
The Nazirite vow was a special vow Hebrews made to the Lord for a period of time, to set themselves apart to the Lord.
Something New
Pauses will actually work in our favor. Our faith will mature, and we will become well-developed women of God.
Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. (MSG) James 1:2–4
Something to Do
Does God want me to make a vow to Him?
“God is preparing us for something he has already prepared for us.” Hallelujah!
As today is the first day of Lenten season I have been seeking God about some personal trials in my family and how I should celebrate this season.
And our lesson today was an answer to a lot of my questions. Don’t “fast pass”, is God asking me to make a vow to him to draw closer to him and become a more mature believer? Something to do
Heavenly Father help me to sit with you in this pause and reveal to me what you know I need.Give me the strength and discipline to make a special vow to you.
I don’t think there is a coincidence that today’s lesson comes on Ash Wednesday! Wendy brings a perspective for any season of setting ourselves apart for whatever reason God calls us to, but I think it is especially poignant today. Thank you God, for tying this lesson with the representation of today. Our church is having its first ever Service of Ashes tonight. God, how are you calling me to be set apart? Maybe it’s not the “giving up” but rather the “try this, please” for this Lenten season?
I have to post a comment about the message before the MESSAGE. I love you Wendy…thank you for keeping it real. Just want to put my loving arm around your shoulder sister and say…YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Boy, do I identify. So, I’m giggling in understanding today. I feel so much better knowing it’s just not me. ((HUGS))…now on to the Video Lesson.
Oh yes, the FastPass…been there a few times with God. It really is so hard to just wait upon the Lord. I think, for me, I always feel like I’ve missed something, or have done something to be left alone to wonder in the wilderness. I realize that my humanness has me always looking at myself and not God. I naturally want to blame myself and view it negatively. All the while God has a plan He needs us to prepare for and that sometimes means to just slow down, be quiet and listen to our Teacher. This world, our strange land, is so Fast Paced for a reason…The Enemy knows how to distract us from plugging in to our Heavenly Father so we are prepared for whatever is in this day, week or month ahead. I need to set my priorities and eliminate things that are cluttering my day…stealing time, so I always have time for my most important relationship.
Thank you Wendy for a great lesson.
Thank you Wendy for your daily video. I appreciate the time you take to help us make application to our lives from these sometimes difficult-to-understand readings.
My Takeaways: After 2 years of preparation the Israelites are all set to go, ready for departure. There was surely excitement in the air. They were on their way to the Promised Land!
Something Old: Moses appeals to his brother-in-law to stay with Israel. “Please do not leave us, you know the places in the wilderness where we should camp. Come, be our guide. If you do, we’ll share with you all the blessings the Lord gives us.” I always wonder why this is here. Why would Moses ask his brother-in-law to guide them? Wasn’t God their guide? Didn’t he lead them by a cloud and fire? He was the one in charge of moving and directing His people. Surely Moses hasn’t lost his faith already?
Something New: Interesting how the sound of the trumphets were so important in directing the Israelites on their journey. God will also use the sound of a trumpet to gather His people for the ultimate assembling together – the rapture of the church, to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18).
Something To Do: Am I moving with God in all circmstances? I need to understand God’s purpose in my life by discovering what he wants me to do now – regardless if I’m moving or staying in one place I must always follow God’s guidance.
Love your questions, Lisa! May I just offer this thought? Today we are blessed with the presence of the Holy Spirit as our guide and counselor and yet the scriptures also advocate that we follow the direction and help of people. (Proverbs 11:14, Proverbs 12:15, Proverbs 13:10). He desires us to listen to Him and rely on Him, but God also uses people to work out His plans. Moses brother-in-law knew all about the terrain and the details which they would be facing and could be of great practical assistance to them.
In addition, however, my favorite thought about this passage is that it represents witnessing to me. Here was Moses inviting this man to “come with us”…..”join us in this journey and watch what God will do for you.” Don’t we feel that same passion in inviting others to come to Jesus? It is apparent that Hobab was ultimately persuaded, and in fact, in the Book of Judges we see that his lineage has incorporated themselves into the life of the Israelites and may well have become believers in the One True God. (As evidenced by a descendant, Jael who drove the tent peg through the temple of the sleeping Sisera.).
I look forward to reading your comments every day! Thanks for your faithful sharing.