S.O.A.P. for 03/23/2009 Traveling on....

S: DEUT.1:6-8a
The Lord our God spoke to us in Horeb, saying: "You have dwelt long enough at this mountain. Turn and take your journey, and go to the mountains of the Amorites, to all the neighboring places in the plain, in the mountains and in the lowland, in the South and on the seacoast, to the land of the Canaanites and to Lebanon, as far as the great river, the River Euphrates. See, I have set the land before you; GO in and possess the land which the Lord swore to your fathers."

O: God was telling them that their time in the desert was done. They were to obey Him and move on to what was promised to them. They were to demonstrate their Faith and obedience and just "go" because the Lord said it was time. God was reminding them of his covenant with them, telling them that it was time. These people now had a responsibility to simply obey & follow through so that God could also follow through Himself. They were expected to just have Faith and see what wonderful things the Lord would give to them if they would just obey, believe, and follow.

A: If God prods me to move, how tightly do I try to hold on to the things I already have to try not to? How diligently do I fight to stay right where I am , when maybe there's something more, something bigger, just around the bend, but instead of seeing it as an adventure, in my selfishness to hold on to what I have managed to gain at this point, I've become more "chicken", then strong. It takes more strength and courage to sacrifice what I call "mine" to obtain something bigger!!! God expects so much more from me, and He has great plans, and holds great promises for me, if I would only go where He sends me...if only I would trust and obey.

How hard do I work to keep things the same, when God may be shaking His head at me because He has so much MORE to give me that I may be ignoring by not being "willing". What if God is telling me I'm ready for something more? When God tells me to break camp and move out to face a challenge that He has given me, will I be ready to obey? For just the chance at something bigger, something more wonderful, even if it's just a lesson that helps me get that much more closer to Him, will I be able to let go of what I've been clinging to so tightly? Is what I've been clinging to worldly? And does it really matter in the whole scheme of things? I need to heed the Lord's call on my life and be willing to go "where He sends me" no matter the cost, because the reward could so easily outweigh the cost! Praise God! I must be willing to sacrifice what I have in order to make room for what may lie ahead!

P: Abba, Father,
Glorious, loving Father. I love You so very much, and I thank You for the careful and sometimes uncomfortable leading. I thank You for always bringing fresh opportunities for growth into my life, I pray that I may never miss out on one for the sake of staying "safe". I pray that my heart may always be courageous enough to go when and where you lead me. You have a great plan and a great reward for those who would but trust and obey. My life is just training for something bigger and more wonderful than I can even comprehend!!

I pray that I never lose sight of the prize, and that I never hold on too tightly to things of this world, so that I may easily let go in order to follow You. Help me learn to obtain real treasures that I may take with me into eternity with You, Father! Let me never hold on to things that will turn to dust, and let me ever keep my eyes up and focused on You, that I may follow You, and never be distracted by glitter. Father, I pray for the Faith to know that wherever You take me, there You will be...

In Jesus Name,
Amen

I will follow Him
Follow Him whereever He may go
And near Him I always will be
For nothing can keep me away
He is my destiny

I will follow Him
Ever since He touched my heart I knew
There isn't an ocean too deep
A moutain so high it can keep
Keep me away
Away from His love

I love Him, I love Him, I love Him
And where He goes I'll follow, I'll follow, I'll follow
I will follow Him
Follow Him wherever He may go
There isn't an ocean too deep
A moutain so high it can keep
Keep me away!
*Leslie Gore*