Only Two...

"Then the whole community began weeping aloud, and they cried all night. Their voices rose in a great chorus of protest against Moses and Aaron. “If only we had died in Egypt, or even here in the wilderness!” they complained. “Why is the Lord taking us to this country only to have us die in battle? Our wives and our little ones will be carried off as plunder! Wouldn’t it be better for us to return to Egypt?” Then they plotted among themselves, “Let’s choose a new leader and go back to Egypt!”
Then Moses and Aaron fell face down on the ground before the whole community of Israel. Two of the men who had explored the land, Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, tore their clothing. They [ Joshua and Caleb] said to all the people of Israel, “The land we traveled through and explored is a wonderful land! And if the Lord is pleased with us, he will bring us safely into that land and give it to us. It is a rich land flowing with milk and honey. Do not rebel against the Lord, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the Lord is with us! Don’t be afraid of them!”
But the whole community began to talk about stoning Joshua and Caleb. Then the glorious presence of the Lord appeared to all the Israelites at the Tabernacle. And the Lord said to Moses, “How long will these people treat me with contempt? Will they never believe me, even after all the miraculous signs I have done among them? I will disown them and destroy them with a plague. Then I will make you into a nation greater and mightier than they are!” [Numbers 14:1-12, NLT]

Amazing how similar the communities response is to thier moment at the bank of the Red Sea, and now here they at the foot of the flooded Jordan, and the only thing that they see standing between them and the Promise - are giants! Are you kidding me...did they not even notice the river? Forget about the giants destroying you, what about the power of God's creation! Guess they were experiential learners...but, where is their wisdom?

For it is not by knowledge or understanding that Noah built an Ark when it was not raining; that Daniel entered into a den of Lions; that Nehemiah or Esther went before the King; that David flung a smooth stone from a sling shot killing Goliath; that a Tax collector became a disciple or a persecutor of Christians became an apostle; that a martyr endured stoning while fixing his eyes on Jesus and begging his murderers forgiveness; that Christ took the sin of the world on his shoulders and was nailed to The Cross on Calvary. But..."It is because of him [the Lord] that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption." [1 Corinthians 1:30]

There is no doubt - that the Spirit led us into this time of preparation, growth, struggle, adversity, uncertainty, sickness, wonder and miracle; providing us with strength, peace, and unity in this "desert or wilderness" through the grace, mercy, life, love, power, glory and majesty of Christ alone! And we must not begin to walk by sight now...but continue to take steps of great faith as we "get our feet wet" yet again and follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit in our lives!

The House/Move Update:
So you ask - why no "blog" for a week...because we were in prayer ya'll! Remember - prayer is a two way conversation: meaning we have to listen as well talk! And for those of us who love to talk...we must learn to love "listening" just as much!
Let me be transparent with you for a second...no doubt - there are some giants in the land of Promise...and they even have names! Mrs. Mae, Mr. Citizens, Dr. Pilot..and others yet unknown...maybe Mr. UPMC...but our Faith is not in our finances! Our Faith is in the Lord Jesus Christ alone! And this is the land pf Promise that He has led us to - and there is great unity and peace. Our eyes do not deceive us here - but our hearts can! The illusion and deception of our sinful nature - does not lie in our eyes, but in the motivation of our hearts! And many times - we must let our heads lead our hearts! And that is exactly what we must do right now...our minds have been renewed by the Living Word...and I don't want to turn back and die in the desert or Egypt!
Do I know "how" He is going to deliver us in the Promise - nope! And neither did Joshua and Caleb - for it was not by understanding that they walked around a city 7 days, shouted and the walls came tumbling down! We may not know "how" He is going to provide and deliver - but we have absolute conviction that He will! We must not walk by "understanding", but by Faith in the Wisdom of God, who promised Living Water to guide, lead, teach, comfort, provide and protect us!
Is there unbelief...what do you think we have been praying about! Our hearts cry has been the following: "Lord - help our unbelief! Let us continue to stand on your Promises, be obedient to your guidance and follow your will, purpose and plan for our lives! Let us walk in Your Wisdom and not the knowledge of this world, giving us the eyes of Joshua and Caleb as we follow you in the Land of Promise that is overflowing with milk and honey [aka: space, security, stability, family, community, retreat, refuge, sanctuary and a ton of ministry opportunities!]. Heavenly Father - pour out your peace, strength, provision and unity in our lives so that we may be strong and courageous and Trust in you alone - for it is your command—be strong and courageous! not to be afraid or discouraged. For you are with us wherever we go.” [Joshua 1:9]

Thus the reason for a quick plea/writing to you all this morning! I spoke with Stan yesterday evening - after our 7 days of prayer - and there are still some more "pieces" that have to come together on their part - and ours. We must continue to cover thier family, home and move in prayer as well...and lean not on our own understanding, but Trust in the Lord! A more specific update regarding the "move" will hopefully come later this weekend, but please continue to be in prayer as we "wait" - unconditionally and unselfishly - upon the Lord's timing. And we must remain obedient to His Voice.
Kelly and Jackson are doing well - Kelly is feeling some of the "normalcy's" of being 7 months pregnant - Praise the Lord - and boy has Jackson ever made his presence known over the last week! Now when Kelly and I go to hug each other...we are belly to belly, before we are face to face! LOL...maybe that has a little to do with daddy's pregnancy too - I have just been waiting to deliver for the last three years! Please continue to pray for Jackson's left side to "squeeze" and the opportunity for Kelly to "nest" in our new home soon! We love you all...and ask that you continue to stand with us!

Remember...
"The Lord will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire." [Isaiah 58:11]
"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen." [Jeremiah 29:11-12]
"The Peace of God which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your heart and your minds in Christ Jesus." [Philippians 4:7]
"For I can do all things through Christ - who is my strength."
"My God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." [Philippians 4:19]
"God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin." [1 Corinthians 1:30]

Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." [1 Corinthians 1:31]

All Eyes on Jesus!