SPIRITUAL SNACKS

Exodus 3:1-6

I remember a time when I faced a difficult decision. The timing and circumstances all seemed wrong—choosing to pursue the opportunity made no sense at all. I simply wanted to turn it down but knew I needed to pray first. I spent time with the Lord, and He gave me a clear vision. I accepted that seemingly illogical, ill-timed offer, and God blessed my obedience.

As Christians, we expect the Holy Spirit to direct us through prayer and Scripture. But at times He chooses to intervene more directly in our life, as He did with me that day. Since God first walked with Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden, He’s been communicating with people in different ways. Moses saw a burning bush (Ex. 3:2), Samuel heard a voice at night (1 Samuel 3:1-14), and Joshua received specific—and unusual—instructions for defeating Jericho (Joshua 5:13-15; Joshua 6:5). Saul of Tarsus was called into ministry (Acts 9:1-31), whereas others were warned of danger through dreams (Matthew 2:12-13). Each was clearly a divine encounter—and when the Lord visits someone, He comes for a purpose.

God’s personal calls are rare and unexpected. We cannot get Him to come; He simply makes His presence known in a believer’s life when He chooses. So whether He communicates with you through His Word or by a visit someday, maintain an open heart and willing spirit.

God's Word isn't something to be read or applied only on Sunday mornings. God's Word isn't a language you speak only around other Christians. God's Word is life-giving. When one applies it, he/she becomes empowered. It usually gives no pleasure to our flesh. 
When you intentionally choose not to apply God's Word to a situation, the results might give pleasure to your flesh. One example is anger. God warned us about anger. However, some take great pleasure in boasting about their road rage. Do you not know that road rage is simply anger sitting in your lap looking for an excuse to get up and drive? The second someone cuts you off or turns without putting their turn signal on, anger is taking the wheel, not Jesus. You can apply a lot of scriptures to keep anger at bay. In James 1:19, we are told to be slow to anger. Examine yourself and if your path to anger still has a fast pace, do something about it. Pray, fast, or be more patient and understanding. In Proverbs 15:1, we're told a gentle answer turns wrath away. Cursing that person out, giving them the finger doesn't turn wrath away, it becomes a returned RSVP.Finally, stop leaving your house at the last minute, then getting mad at everyone on the road because they're not moving out of "your way" fast enough. Anger is now in the driver's seat with selfishness in the passenger seat. And with anger behind the wheel, you won't produce any righteous God desires. Emotions are temporary. Be led by the Word and not by your feelings of anger.
 

A gift is something given willingly and without the expectation of payment. Everything we have is a gift from God—especially our salvation. We haven’t earned anything except condemnation for our sin, yet the Lord graciously pardons us through faith in His Son.

Just as God grants us the forgiveness we don’t deserve and can’t earn, so we are to willingly give this same priceless gift to others. To forgive means “to relinquish all claims to punish or exact a penalty for an offense.” No strings or conditions can be attached, or else it ceases to be a pardon.

Unforgiveness is emotional bondage that consumes our minds with memories of past offenses and fills our hearts with churning unrest and a desire for revenge. Its tentacles reach deep into the soul, affecting both spiritual and physical health. But the one who puts on a heart of love, compassion, and forgiveness will receive the peace of Christ. When God’s Word dwells richly in us, thoughts of anger and vengeance will be transformed into praise and gratitude to the Lord.

Many people consider pardoning an offender too hard to attempt. But forgiveness isn’t something we have to manufacture in ourselves. It’s freely given to us by the Savior, and our job is simply to pass it on to others.

 Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.
- Romans 10:17

After Jesus faced the unbelief of His hometown, “Jesus went around teaching from village to village” (Mark 6:6). Jesus knew that teaching the truth destroys unbelief. Faith comes from hearing…and hearing by the Word of God.

There’s no question that in order for the true miracle-working power of God to be released in your life, you must have faith. To step out in faith, you need to be instructed about God’s Word surrounding the situation.

Here’s why: faith comes by hearing. Hearing means receiving instruction. Instruction provides information. Information produces understanding. Understanding cultivates trust. Trust is faith…and faith in God can move mighty mountains! “I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20).

Faith begins with the Word—and the Word gives us instruction for every situation. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalms 119:105).

Use His divine instruction manual to live victoriously. 

 Isaiah 66:9 (NKJV) Shall I bring to the time of birth, and not cause delivery?" says the LORD. "Shall I who cause delivery shut up the womb?" says your God.

The Lord will never give you a word or a vision that He is not willing and able to completely fulfill. So, you do not have to try to manipulate God or your circumstances in order to get what God has promised you. You just have to stand in faith. Just as God’s vision for your life came to you from God, so too will the manifestation come from Him if you are willing to stand.   

 Hebrews 10:35-36 Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.  For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.

If most of us tried to run a marathon today, without any training or preparation, we would collapse onto the pavement within the first mile of the race, exhausted and gasping for breath. God not only wants us to run the "race" of faith to its conclusion but also to be aware that He has "fixed" the outcome for us to win -- provided we just don't quit.