The difference the Spirit makes

Numbers 11:28 Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets, that the Lord would put his Spirit on them!

I see several lessons to myself in this event recorded in this episode:

1. Joshua, as a young leader-in-making, is the one talking to Moses here.  He is still brash, unable to tolerate any opposition to his opinion and leadership, but here he learns a new and valuable lesson about leadership … a higher tolerance level.

2. Moses’ humility in his leadership is evidenced here.  He was secure in his position and did not allow insignificant things to intimidate what he knew was God’s call on his life for leadership, so having Eldad and Medad prophesying did not worry him.

3. Moses recognized the value of the presence of God’s Spirit in people.  He knew that that holy presence could and would make a difference in how people lived and handled life.  He understood the difference it could make in his leadership of those people in they were in tune with the Spirit of God along with him.

Top ten blessings of obedience to God

I  read a book recently that talked about making lists from scriptures one reads as a way to help focus on a passage, so I began making lists from time to time.  I have found great blessing and insight into passages as I have done this and this morning was one of those days.  God has promised wide and bountiful blessing to the one who acknowledged His leadership through obedience.  

Leviticus 26:3-13  Top Ten Blessings from Obedience to God’s Law

1. Timely rain for growing crops, v.4

2. Fruitful crops and trees, v.4

3. Long harvest season, v.5

4. Plentiful food, v.5

5. Security, v.5

6. Peace, v.6

7. Safety, v.6

8. Growth, v.9

9. God’s presence and love, v.11

10. Freedom from slavery, v.13

Chinese New Year

I made two of these cards for two Chinese friends ... Chinese New Year begins Friday, February 16.  I am sooo tickled with how they turned out!  I used both red and gold metallic papers and printed out the greeting from a site I found on the Internet.

Inside, I made a little pocket using the same metallic papers and put two tags ... one says "Happiness" and the other says "Friendship."  I have several sets of the Chinese characters that I bought when they were on sale at Paper Wishes.  I am so glad I got them so I can use them often when I do projects for our dear Chinese friends!  They have already told me they don't mind that I use the same words all the time!!  The metallic papers also came from Paper Wishes.

Skilled

Exodus 39:3c, 5a, 8a … skilled design … skillfully woven …. in skilled work …

One of the themes I have seen all through the book of Exodus in the story of the building of the tabernacle is the word “skill.”  Early on God commanded Moses to appoint men of skill for the work and He filled them with a spirit of skill (28:3).  This point is made again in chapter 31 when specific people are mentioned as particularly and specifically anointed with skill for the tasks involved.  Now here, as items are completed, even as detailed as items of clothing, the work is described as ”skilled.”  It all reminds me of two important points: 1) God deserves and expects my best, my most skilled work in any service or action I render in His name, and 2) any skill I have and use for Him and His glory has been given to me by Him.  He will bless it.

Birthday and Sympathy cards

Two men in the family needed cards this week and I finally, today, had time to sit down and put cards together for them.  A birthday card for Jeff, featuring his trusty truck filled with stars and hearts, complete with a nice acetate window ...

And a far less happy occasion card for Tim at the death of his mother on the 4th anniversary of my own mother's death.  However, I was equally pleased with the results of what I think is a good masculine-looking sympathy card.

Lots of Love

Same new embossing folder but this time I also embossed the flower end of the folder on silver foil paper then cut out one of the stems of leaves and flowers and I think it looks really pretty.  Brushed the embossing with purple ink and added some Jewel Dazzles from Paper Wishes and the end result is very nice, I think.