Preparing God’s Chosen
Becoming a Wise Shepherd
Seeing Miracles and Receiving Direction
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DBF Sunday Sermon, 7/28/02
We go through so many things every day that seem to weary us.
I was asked to go Caribou hunting yesterday morning. We backed the boat into the Wood River at about 10 in the morning. We then sat at the Trident dock until 5 in the evening trying different things to get the motor to run.
Even though we didn’t get to go Caribou hunting it was a good time of fellowship with a brother in Christ and more importantly his two young sons…who needed to see that it was alright when something unexpected happens and there is always a better response that the defeated, hopeless state that Satan would seek to have us turn too.
Instead, I sat for most of the time looking at the beauty of God’s creation surrounding me while I was sitting on the Trident Seafood Dock. I could look out into the Nushagak River and see Beluga Whales surfacing all day long. I then looked at the Beluga surfacing right across the Wood River from the dock. We watched sea gulls and ducks and looked upon the majesty of the Aklung Mountains and the beauty as the clouds, rain, and sun intermittently lit up the landscape before our eyes.
What a glorious day to be out in God’s glorious creation…even if we only went 100 yards.
If we are to be God’s chosen instruments of bringing HIS “Good News” to people we have to be people who are awed by our God and our Creator. We must then seek HIS direction in our lives…in any and every situation we find ourselves. Then we must go to the uttermost parts of the earth to spread the “Good News” to all the people of the world.
Let’s walk with Moses as God walks with him this week, chooses him, directs him, and sends him to accomplish HIS good and perfect will.
Becoming a Wise Shepherd
Exodus 3:1
Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.
Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro…, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock…
God seeks to place all of us who have truly called upon HIS name into a leadership position within the flock that you have been called.
If that is the flock called the…Dillingham Bible Fellowship…Lake Athens First Baptist Church…Anchorage First Native Church…or whatever fellowship to whom you belong.
Who is your great Shepherd?
We know there are only two choices—choose Christ.
John 10
Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. 8All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. 9I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. 11I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. 12But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. 13The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. 14I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. 15As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
Do you seek to do God’s will or your own?
Seek above all things to do God’s will.
Peter 4
1Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 3For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:
4Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: 5Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. 6For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.
7But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
You see God had Moses in the very furtile soil of Midian watching over a flock of sheep. He would take Moses and mold him into an instrument by which the flock of the Nation of Israel would be delivered from their Egyptian oppressors.
Because Moses was willing to humble himself to being a shepherd of Jethro the priest of Midian, God saw something in Moses. Are you willing to humble yourself to God’s cause today?
Seeing Miracles and Receiving Direction
[2] And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. [3] And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. [4] And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. [5] And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. [6] Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.
[7] And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; [8] And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites. [9] Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them. [10] Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.
I am amazed to hear so very often that people around us do not believe that God is in the miracle business anymore. I am here to tell you today that God is definitely in the business of bringing about miracles to those who call upon HIS name.
And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. Last week Gloria and I received word from the Municipality of Anchorage, stating we owed them over 2000 dollars. Now I know for some of you this is a small amount…and I praise God for that blessing in your lives…but that is a substantial amount in our lives.
We also learned that the transmission on the vehicle Dominique was driving was indeed burnt out and would be costing a substantial amount to repair.
I additionally had to purchase tickets for the Alaska Native Youth Camp and get the names of the people going from Dillingham and Togiak in to Alaska Airlines by Friday.
You see Satan really wanted to pull any peace and comfort from us this week.
I could look at these situations as something that could not be overcome…or I could look at these things as merely venues by which to view the awesome goodness and glory of God. We gave it to God in prayer and in our walk.
Thursday Gloria was called by the bank who stated they would pay the past 6 months of property taxes and the insurance—to all who have dealt with banks in their lives—what would you call that…
Friday, I spoke to a lady at Alaska Airlines and wrote a check to them for $4007—she extended the time frame for the twenty tickets to the 29th or 30th of July—we owe $5780 and need $1600 for the 10 youth who would like to come from Togiak. This is a week and a half past the deadline already—we are expecting God to complete HIS good and perfect will through who HE has already ordained to take care of this.
As for the van—even that is a blessing. We can look at this as the blessing of learning or the blessing of discipline. When we choose to drive in a manner that is not called for then we do damage…when we as people of God damage something that is put under our stewardship then we rightfully should be proper stewards and pay to ensure it is repaired.
You see the miracles I see above are not what some people would see as miracles. I feel that all things that are delivered under the mighty hand of God are just that…miracles and that is the way I will view them until I stand in HIS presence and view the miracles of eternal life with my God and my Father.
[3] And Moses said, I will…turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. [4] And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.
This indicates to me that God is looking to see if we are actually paying attention to what HE is doing around us.
When God opens a ministry opportunity to you…Are you turning aside to seek it?
When God lays on your heart a need to be met…Are you turning aside to provide for it?
When God lays before you a shepherding growth opportunity…Are you following the path that HE lights before you?
You must turn to know the will of God. When God calls answer…Here am I.
[5] And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. [6] Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.
Take your shoes off…Isn’t that the way that we are called to greet people we like and want around us. Isn’t this a picture of Jesus washing his disciples feet after they had served with HIM for three years and would be embarking on their own ministries for Christ shortly. God seeks to draw you and I into a very personal, close relationship…HE wants us to continually seek to be in HIS presence. HE is the God of the promise of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I would note however, contrary to what the world would tell you…God did not say he was the God of Mohammad, Buddha, Molech or any other leaders. If you call yourself a child of God, you are in the blood of Christ, through the lineage of David…back to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob alone. They were originally given the promise of God…they alone and their descendants…which we are because of the circumcision of our hearts…through Christ Jesus who loved us.
[7] And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; [8] And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.
Do you see the affliction upon the people of this land? Do you recognize the sinfulness around you and seek to deliver the hurt and hopeless people from their sure destruction?
Do you hear their cries of anger and torment?
Our God and Father sees it and has called you and I to stand in the Gap, through prayer and service to accomplish his good and perfect will.
You do understand that about 2000 years ago, God did come down and delivered them fully through HIS triune nature as Jesus Christ. He has delivered us…we should live lives that show that we have truly been delivered, God expects no less.
Another interesting thing to view is the region and the people God designed to be given into their hands. Has this changed?
Who are we fighting today? The same people from the same region and from the same heritage that God told us about in Moses day. God’s promise was true to Moses, will be true during the end times, and throughout eternity. Have faith and fully give yourself to HIM alone.
Go
Exodus 3:11-19 (KJV)
And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? [12] And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain. [13] And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? [14] And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. [15] And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations. [16] Go, and gather the elders of Israel together, and say unto them, The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared unto me, saying, I have surely visited you, and seen that which is done to you in Egypt: [17] And I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt unto the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, unto a land flowing with milk and honey. [18] And they shall hearken to thy voice: and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, The Lord God of the Hebrews hath met with us: and now let us go, we beseech thee, three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God.
[19] And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand.
[20] And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go. [21] And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty: [22] But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians.
And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh…Who indeed are any of us?
Who accomplishes the great and glorious things around us?
Have courage in God to bring about the things that are of value in your life…God alone is able to complete HIS good and perfect will through imperfect beings such as you and I—Praise God, for HE is worthy to be praised.
Certainly I will be with thee…God never sends us out alone—Jesus’ Holy Spirit resides in our hearts, HE is always with us as long as we seek HIS face continually and turn from our wicked ways.
[14] And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. There is no greater honor in this life or our life to come than to be an emissary of “I AM THAT I AM”. To be a servant of the Most High God should be your desire above all else.
You realize that each and every thing around us including ourselves can trace our origins to a date and time certain. God alone stands as the “I AM” that created all things and set a time and place for all things under the sun—and including the sun.
God directs Moses to go and tell the elders that HE has witnessed their suffering and God will bring them out of Egypt. God will not only bring them out, but will bring out a captive nation, with all the necessities that are needed.
You see God is and has always been in the creation and miracle business.
Only God could take a nation in bondage and bring them out with wealth and possessions. I have never seen in any of the refugee films or footages the people leaving bringing with them wealth and overly abundant possessions. Yet, God promises to bring the people out of Egypt with possessions…and does.
Of course to be able to be called of God, directed of God, and requested to go for God…you must first be a child of God.
You must first come to a realization that you are a sinner…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Then you must believe that Jesus is God’s only son and call upon HIS name…for I am the gatekeeper, my sheep know me, and I will lay down my life for my sheep.
Next, you must commit your life to growing in Christ and seeking the will of God on an ongoing basis.
If this is a desire of your heart we ask you to come forward, we would love to pray with you to receive Christ or if you would like to rededicate your life fully to God…please come forward for prayer.
We as always would like to pray for you, please let us know any prayer needs that you have, salvation needs, health needs, or unspoken requests.
Closing Prayer.
