Happy Valentines Day!

As I write, my friend, Mike, has gone without food for the last four days.  That is a special feat.  Not many people make it that long.  Not that he wanted to do so, but he was required to do so for preparation for tests and later for the colon surgery.  It is the day after surgery as I write and still no food.  He really enjoys food.  He has lost 25 pounds because of his problem and, is hoping to enjoy his food again soon so he can get at least a few pounds back.  Food is such an important thing in life.  Here is a test:  What are the top four sources of salt in an American’s life?  The ten possibilities are:  a. Soups, b. Pizza, c. Sandwiches & cheese, d. Meatloaf & other meat dishes, e. Breads & rolls, f. Snacks such as potato chips & pretzels, g. Cold cuts & cured meats, h. Fresh & processed poultry, i. Fast-food hamburgers, Spaghetti & other pasta dishes.  Remember, you can only make four choices.  The answers will be coming tomorrow…should I remember to do so…I will really try.

THE CHAPTER IN THE BIBLE – NUMBERS 13

This chapter is about the spies that Moses sends into the land of Canaan.  They were going to be sent to spy out the land and bring back a report on what they saw.  They chose 12 men each from a different tribe of Israel except the tribe of Levi.  Joseph’s two sons became a tribe of their own, Ephraim (v.8) and Manasseh (v.11) allowed the 12 men chosen for this job.

It appears that Hoshea or Joshua was called to be the leader of the men going into the land of Canaan.  The men spent 40 days looking over the land and came back with a report to Moses and the people of Israel. 

I am sure the Israelites were excited when they saw the fruit of the land.  The single cluster of grapes really made a positive impression on the people because two men had to carry that cluster on a pole along with some pomegranates and the figs.  I am sure that the people’s saliva glands were working as they saw this fresh fruit.

When the people gathered the 12 men began speaking about the land that flowed with milk and honey and showed the fruit of the land.  The Israelites were impressed.  The next word that we find written is “Nevertheless” IN VERSE 28.  Yes, here comes the negative report which lacked faith in God regarding conquering the land of Canaan.

The congregation of Israel heard about the people being strong, the cities being fortified and very large and that the spies saw the descendants of Anak (giants).  They shared about the different groups of people that lived in the land.

Caleb quieted the people and stated very emphatically that they should go up and take possession of the land.  Caleb’s faith oozes out of him stating that the Israelites would surely overcome.  But quickly the 10 spies did not agree with Caleb’s report.  They said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are too strong for us.” (v.31)

So the majority gave a bad report and even stated that it was a land that devours its inhabitants and that the men of the country were of great size.  They gave the report that the Israelites are like grasshoppers in their own sight. 

The essence of this report leaves God out and a severe lack of faith.  This is true of many believers.  We see the obstacles, the challenges and the trials in our life and faith to think about them without God in our eyes.  We strive to handle our problems without praying, without seeking God’s face or even considering GOD in the equation.  Are you like that?  Is God the last resort when you are faced with something bigger than you are?  I hope not!  He is the MIGHTY God and He will go before us and lead the way to conquer whatever lies ahead of us in our lives!

In His love,

Pastor Les