Watermelon 3/21/2024

Pray

This is an exhortation regarding a recent vision. Watermelon-a vision of a big seeded watermelon sitting on my kitchen table (I had the same vision on two different occasions but on the same date. When I walked into the kitchen I saw a large seeded watermelon sitting on my kitchen table). I had this vision while working on “Life in the Spirit Romans 8 Bible Engagement”. It was recently, within the past week but I do not have the exact date. The watermelon was large and oval shaped; I knew it was seeded.

We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick: Numbers 11:5

Three Takeaways:

1. The Blessing of Abraham-Obedience
2. Don’t Complain
3. Arrive at the destination—Your Promised Land

Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible. It tells the story of how Israel prepared to enter the Promised Land, how they sinned and were punished, and how they prepared to try again.

Let’s start the conversation off right

Father, I’m sorry. I have thought about things and I repent. I realize that I was thinking the wrong way and that I disobeyed your instructions regarding how to think about a certain situation. I thank you forgiveness of sin in the name of Jesus. Father we thank you for grace and new mercies each day.

Father we honor, worship and adore you. God we thank you in the name of Jesus. Precious Holy Spirit we ask you to lead us in this message. Help us to understand, clearly what you are saying. We thank you for your guidance, for your instruction, for your constant help, thank you for reminding us when we forget, thank you helping us to obey. Thank you for your comfort.  We give you all the glory, honor and praise in the mighty name of Jesus we pray.

Amen

Sometimes we may receive a message from God that is for us only. At other times the message is to be shared; Holy Spirit will let you know. This particular message is to be shared and very much for me; it’s funny how God works. We often say, God knows my heart. And this is true—which leads to Him speaking to us through a vision of something we love. God knows how to get our attention. I love a good juicy watermelon. I actually prefer seeded because they seem sweeter. I usually prefer the oval shaped watermelons.

The watermelon vision was out of the blue. I wasn’t thinking about or planning to get a watermelon. Both times I went in the kitchen and saw the watermelon; I couldn’t remember why I went in the kitchen in the first place. So knowing how the Lord does, I made a note of it. I pray Holy Spirit clearly reveals to you how this message applies to you.

It’s Better to Obey God

God always gives us the grace to obey Him. He usually will prepare you in advance by giving instructions. Don’t ignore or take the directions lightly. The instructions can come from someone else, from the Bible, from a dream, from a song, from whatever—–you will know it’s a message for you.

I encourage you to study the book of Numbers. I will share briefly here. “As Numbers begins, the nation of Israel (God’s chosen people) was camped at the foot of Mount Sinai. The people had received God’s laws and were preparing to move. Next the people were set apart for God. God was making the people both spiritually and physically, ready to receive their inheritance.

But then the complaining began. First the people complained about the food. Next they complained over Moses’ authority. God punished some but spared the nation because of Moses’ prayers”. Numbers is outlined into four sections:

• Preparing for the Journey
• First approach to the Promised Land
• Wandering in the Wilderness
• Second approach to the Promised Land

I’ve had to say, ‘ouch and amen’. Imagine that God is preparing you to enter into the thing you have been praying for. When I say the Israelites, you say, she’s talking about me. The Israelites were prevented from entering the Promised Land because of their unbelief.

We have to stand firm in our faith and refuse to be swayed. If God said it-believe it. The Bible says it’s impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6a). We have to keep our faith rooted in the Lord; not in our circumstances, our attitudes, or emotions. So the Lord was preparing the Israelites to enter into their destiny; to the place where God wanted them to be.

But y’all know how we act when things don’t go as planned; especially with matters of the heart. We can throw a hissy fit in a minute and have to be tapped on the shoulder by God and reminded, “Excuse me-Ma’am?”. God will get all up in your face, in your business which is His business. He will check and correct you—just like that—in love.

Now typically the vision will bring confirmation to what the Lord has already told you. However, if you refuse to accept it or respond timely—God will send reinforcement because of His great love for us. The Lord will look past our faults to meet our needs according to his plans, his will for us.

Through this vision of a watermelon, Holy Spirit led me to the Book of Numbers specifically to 11:5. But we have to look at it within context. God had delivered His people out of bondage in Egypt; set them free from slavery; and was preparing them to enter the Promised Land. The place he provided for them was a land “flowing with milk and honey”.

Milk and honey symbolize abundance, prosperity, and blessings; a land that was fertile, overflowing with blessings, a place where God’s people would thrive and be provided for. Do you think they would be very happy and satisfied in such a place?

This journey was much deeper than what I’m briefly mentioning; because of all that it involved. To get the weight of this message you really need to prayerfully study, in depth (the whole Bible-laughter is good like a medicine). Here I briefly touch on for the purpose of  explaining ‘watermelon vision’.

Preparing for the Journey

(Numbers 1:1 – 10:10)

At Mount Sinai, the Israelites received specific directions for their life-style in the new land God would give them. A census was taken and the second Passover was celebrated, marking one year of freedom from slavery in Egypt. The people were now prepared to continue their journey to the Promised Land. Just as the Lord prepared the Israelites, he prepares us for our journey through life.

Preparing for the journey: (in the wilderness of Sinai)

The Lord orders a census-the first numbering of the nation. God instructed Moses to organize His people according to the 12 Tribes of Jacob.

But the Levites after the tribe of their fathers were not numbered among them. For the Lord had spoken unto Moses, saying, Only thou shalt not number the tribe of Levi, neither take the sum of them among the children of Israel: But thou shalt appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of testimony, and over all the vessels thereof, and over all things that belong to it: they shall bear the tabernacle, and all the vessels thereof; and they shall minister unto it, and shall encamp round about the tabernacle. And when the tabernacle setteth forward, the Levites shall take it down: and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.And the children of Israel shall pitch their tents, every man by his own camp, and every man by his own standard, throughout their hosts.

But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony. And the children of Israel did according to all that the Lord commanded Moses, so did they Numbers 1: 47-54.

• The very organization of the Israelite camp was ordered by God! By obeying God’s commands for organization, even when the reason for them was not apparent, the people became more effective.
• When a group disintegrates into a collection of individuals each going his or her own way, its ability to be used by God is diminished.
• But if the group unites and looks to God for direction and organization, its effectiveness will be enhanced.

I’m including these pictures because a picture is worth more than a thousand words and God said include them. Many times we are challenged to obey and respect God’s order because we don’t understand the significance or the reason why.

The Tabernacle

(Arrangement of the Tribes around the Tabernacle in the Wilderness)

The Tabernacle represented the presence of God in the midst of them. This sanctuary is the Tabernacle, which is the moveable tent that houses the Ark of the Covenant while the Israelites moved from place to place. The Ark of the Covenant is placed in the central part of the Tabernacle, called the Holy of Holies, after it is built (google.com).

Retrieved: biblicalscholarship.wordpress.com/2016

Numbers chapter 3 talks about the role of the Levites.

• At the time of the first Passover (Exodus 13:2), God instructed every Israelite family to dedicate its firstborn son to him. They were set apart to assist Moses and Aaron in ministering to the people. This was only a temporary measure. Here God chooses all the men from the tribe of Levi to replace the firstborn sons from every Israelite tribe.
• These men, called Levites, were required to go into “full-time service”. They assumed the responsibilities of ministering to the people.
• Once the Tabernacle was built, it was their job to maintain it and assist with the sacrifices.
• All the priests had to belong to the tribe of Levi, but not all Levites were priests. The Levites were to be 25 years old before entering service.
• They probably? Received five years of on-the-job training before being admitted to full service at age 30. Aaron and his descendants were the only ones who could carry out the duties of the priests and approach God’s dwelling place

Now that Christ is our High Priest anyone who follows him is also called a priest (1 Peter 2: 5,9). All Christians may come into God’s presence without fear, for God’s own Son encourages his followers to do so. We can put guilt behind us when we have a special relationship with God based on what Jesus has done for us. (This is not the same as being called into a fivefold grace of ministry).

• The lines of authority were clearly communicated to all. As you function with others in service to God, make sure all the lines of authority between you and those you work with are clearly understood. Good communication builds good relationships.

Numbers chapter 4 goes into the Tabernacle duties of the groups of Levites (Kohath, Gershon, Merari). And the census of men eligible for Tabernacle service.

Setup: I had no idea Holy Spirit was going to take me into all of this. He knows what we need to

Chapter five goes into maintaining purity in the camp. Chapter six goes into the rules for the Nazarite vow. The Nazarite vow was for people who wanted to devote some time exclusively to serving God. This vow could be taken for as little as 30 days or as long as a lifetime. The purpose of the Nazarite vow was to raise up a group of leaders devoted completely to God.

Chapter 6 also goes into ‘How to bless the people’: 22 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 23 Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, 24 The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: 25 The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: 26 The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. 27 And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel, and I will bless them.

• A blessing was one way of asking for God’s divine favor to rest upon others. The ancient blessing in these verses helps us understand what a blessing was supposed to do. It’s five parts conveyed hope that God would
• Favor and protect
• Be pleased
• Be gracious (merciful and compassionate)
• Give his approval
• Give peace

When you ask God to bless others or yourself, you are asking him to do these five things. The blessing you offer will not only help the one receiving it, but it will also demonstrate love, encourage others, and provide a model of caring for others.

Numbers chapter 7 goes into Gifts for the dedication of the Tabernacle:

• “7:88 b.…… This was the dedication of the altar, after that it was anointed.
• 89 And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking unto him from off the mercy seat that was upon the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubims: and he spake unto him.

Imagine hearing the very voice of God! Moses must have trembled at the sound. Yet we have God’s words recorded for us in the Bible, and we should have no less reverence and awe for them. God sometimes spoke directly to his people to tell them the proper way to live. The Bible records these conversations to give us insights into God’s character. How tragic when we take these very words of God lightly.

Numbers chapter 8 deals with setting up the lamps and the Levites are dedicated. The candlestick provided light for the priests as they carried out their duties. The light was also an expression of God’s presence. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12).

• 8: 23 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 24 This is it that belongeth unto the Levites: from twenty and five years old and upward they shall go in to wait upon the service of the tabernacle of the congregation: 25 And from the age of fifty years they shall cease waiting upon the service thereof, and shall serve no more: 26 But shall minister with their brethren in the tabernacle of the congregation, to keep the charge, and shall do no service. Thus shalt thou do unto the Levites touching their charge.

Why were the Levites supposed to retire at age 50? The reasons were probably more practical than theological.

1. Moving the Tabernacle and its furniture through the wilderness required strength. The younger men were more suited for the work of lifting the heavy articles.
2. The Levites over 50 did not stop working altogether. They were allowed to assist with various light duties in the Tabernacle. This helped the younger men assume more responsibilities, and it allowed the older men to be in a position to advise and counsel them.

Numbers chapter 9 deals with the second Passover and receiving guidance for the journey. We sometimes face predicaments where the most obvious solution might cause us to compromise God’s standards. Like Moses, we must use wisdom and prayer to reach a workable solution.

• Sometimes we are tempted to excuse non-Christians from following God’s guidelines for living. Foreigners at this time were expected to follow the same laws and ordinances as the Israelites.
• God did not have a separate set of standards for unbelievers and he still does not today.
• God singled out Israel for a special purpose-to be an example of how one nation could, and should, follow him. His aim, however was to have all people obey and worship him.

Chapter 9 continued: Receiving guidance for the journey—the pillars of cloud and fire.

• 15 And on the day that the tabernacle was reared up the cloud covered the tabernacle, namely, the tent of the testimony: and at even there was upon the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until the morning. 16 So it was alway: the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night. 17 And when the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle, then after that the children of Israel journeyed: and in the place where the cloud abode, there the children of Israel pitched their tents. 18 At the commandment of the Lord the children of Israel journeyed, and at the commandment of the Lord they pitched: as long as the cloud abode upon the tabernacle they rested in their tents.

The cloud is used in Scripture to describe the majestic, awe-inspiring presence of God. He spoke from it when he gave the Ten Commandments at Sinai (Exodus 19:9).

• Christ was covered with a cloud at his transfiguration (Luke 9:34)
• Jesus disappeared into a cloud at the Ascension (Acts 1:9)

A pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night guided and protected the Israelites as they traveled across the wilderness. The cloud and fire moved in accordance with the will of God.

• The cloud and the fire were not merely natural phenomena; they were the vehicle of God’s presence and the visible evidence of his moving and directing his people.
• The Hebrews traveled and camped as God guided.
• When you follow God’s guidance, you know you are where God wants you, whether you’re moving or staying in one place.
• You are physically somewhere right now. Instead of praying, “God, what do you want me to do next?” ask, “God, what do you want me to do while I’m right here?”
• Direction from God is not just for your next big move:
  • He has a purpose in placing you where you are right now.
  • Begin to understand God’s purpose for your life by discovering what he wants you to do now!

Numbers chapter 10 deal with the silver trumpets. The two silver trumpets were used to coordinate the tribes as they moved through the wilderness.

• To keep so many people in tight formations required clear communication and control.
• Trumpet blasts also reminded Israel of God’s protection over them.

Israel’s departure form Sinai: It has been two years since Israel left Egypt.

• Having received God’s instructions through Moses, Israel set out from Mount Sinai into the wilderness of Paran on their way toward the Promised Land

Those who travel, move, or face new challenges know what it is to be uprooted. Life is full of changes, and few things remain stable/static. The Israelites were constantly moving through the wilderness.

• They were able to handle change only because God’s presence in the Tabernacle was always with them.
• The portable Tabernacle was always with them.
• The portable Tabernacle signified God and his people moving together.
• For us, stability does not mean lack of change, but moving with God in every circumstance.

Numbers chapter 10 continued verses 29-35. 29 And Moses said unto Hobab, the son of Raguel the Midianite, Moses’ father in law, We are journeying unto the place of which the Lord said, I will give it you: come thou with us, and we will do thee good: for the Lord hath spoken good concerning Israel. 30 And he said unto him, I will not go; but I will depart to mine own land, and to my kindred. 31 And he said, Leave us not, I pray thee; forasmuch as thou knowest how we are to encamp in the wilderness, and thou mayest be to us instead of eyes. 32 And it shall be, if thou go with us, yea, it shall be, that what goodness the Lord shall do unto us, the same will we do unto thee.

33 And they departed from the mount of the Lord three days’ journey: and the ark of the covenant of the Lord went before them in the three days’ journey, to search out a resting place for them. 34 And the cloud of the Lord was upon them by day, when they went out of the camp. 35 And it came to pass, when the ark set forward, that Moses said, Rise up, Lord, and let thine enemies be scattered; and let them that hate thee flee before thee.

By complimenting Hobab’s wilderness skills, Moses let him know he was needed.

• People cannot know you appreciate them if you do not tell them they are important to you.
• Complimenting those who deserve it builds lasting relationships and helps people know they are valued.
• Think about those who have helped you this month.
• What can you do to let them know how much you need and appreciate them?

I am very grateful to God for the leaders he has used to pour into me. When you secretly feel as if you can’t go on; and someone comes along and prays for you. Literally speaks life into you. They are always there. Always available and committed in spite of their own life challenges. Fully dedicated and invested in the will of God. Interceding powerfully on our behalf.

Recently my heart was so full looking at the leaders and servers at my church. I was so moved. I thought, they may never know how much their service means to us the recipients of their sacrifices. God, will they ever know, on this side of eternity, the full impact of their ministry. A thank you and a hug does not adequately describe the weight of their service and how much it means. How it represents the love of God for his people. They lay their lives down at the altar faithfully as the Lords Builders.  

One Sunday I went up during Altar Call for prayer. My heart was heavy thinking, Lord I’m not doing the work you called me to do. I was saying, Yes Lord but I was not moving. I didn’t specifically ask her to pray for this. But the Elder began to impart to me. It’s hilarious thinking back. As she was telling me—“You’ve got to get in the Word, read your Bible, study the Word. The Word The Word The Word. You’ve got to eat the Word, Drink the Word……It was as if she was calling me back to myself. As she was praying I was seeing it as if she had grabbed me by the shoulders and was shaking me vigorously with my head rocking back and forth. This is too funny.

Elder wasn’t actually physically shaking me but she was most definitely shaking me up spiritually and Activating. It was very effective to state it mildly. This has happened numerous times. Thank you Jesus. Thank you Lord. On another Altar Call, I was being prayed for and Bishop began to say the ‘Walls Are Coming Down’. I returned to my seat thinking, I need to get home and process because this is bothering me. I don’t have walls. What walls? Later that night I’m home settled in relaxing and Holy Spirit—The Walls Are Coming Down!.

Lord I’m sorry I don’t know why this is bothering me like it is, but I do Not have walls—I have boundaries and barriers in place to keep safe. These help keep my guards up. I can’t be out here vulnerable. People take advantage of vulnerabilities and  I have to be strong. After being thoroughly confronted by God, over and over again, the walls did come down. God is amazing and humorous. The fact that I am actually sharing all of this is proof-evidence: The Walls came Down. The old Rhonda would Not share like this. Thank you Jesus for your vessels and thank you Lord for Inner Healing—to be continued.

Numbers chapter 11-Don’t complain-Don’t look back

“And when the people complained, it displeased the Lord: and the Lord heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the Lord burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp. And the people cried unto Moses; and when Moses prayed unto the Lord, the fire was quenched. And he called the name of the place Taberah: because the fire of the Lord burnt among them. And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat? We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick: But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes.”

This is an exhortation regarding a recent vision of a Watermelon. As a result of this vision, I was directed to Numbers 11:5. However, I need to put it within context. As I sought the Lord about this watermelon-this is the Scripture (s) I was directed to; with emphasis on 11:5. I feel like Holy Spirit called me up on the phone and was like, Yeah-we need to talk!. When you ask Him to lead you, He will lead you into Truth. Truth about yourself and those around you. If you need to take time to reflect and repent please do. I know this message has hit home for me in many ways and it is loaded. A major theme here is that we remain in God’s will.

Stop Complaining

Complain-to express dissatisfaction or annoyance about something.

•        To express grief, pain, or discontent

•        To say that something is wrong or not satisfactory

•        To express complaints, discontent, displeasure, or unhappiness

•        Complaint- a written or spoken statement in which someone says that somebody has done something wrong

•        To lament

We remember the fish we ate freely and without cost in Egypt, the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. AMP

• The Israelites complained, then Moses complained. (don’t let them rub off on you with all that complaining). But God responded positively to Moses and negatively to the rest of the people.

Pow-er-ful

• Why? The people complained to one another, and nothing was accomplished. Moses took his complaint to God, who can solve any problem.
• We need to learn to take our problems to the One who can do something about them.

Dissatisfaction comes when our attention shifts from what we have to what we don’t have.

• The people of Israel didn’t seem to notice what God was doing for them—setting them free, making them a nation, giving them a new land—because they were so wrapped up in what God wasn’t doing for them. (Ouch)
• They could think of nothing but the delicious Egyptian food they had left behind.
• Somehow they forgot that the brutal whip of Egyptian slavery was the cost of eating that food. (Count up the cost—don’t complain—Pray)
• Before we judge the Israelites too harshly, it’s helpful to think about what occupies our attention most of the time. (Ouch—instead of thinking so much about the future focus on what you should be doing right now. Focus on your attitude and thinking when you are expressing your annoyance.) Ouch & Amen Amen Amen

Are we grateful for what God has given us, or are we always thinking about what we would like to have? Or longing for what we had in the past (titles, relationships, finances, status, etc.) We have to take honest evaluations of ourselves and not be complacent in our levels of thinking. As I was typing this, I was directed to read Philipians chapter 3 and I did not want to read it but I did.

• We should not allow our unfilled desires to cause us to forget God’s gifts of life, food, health, work, friends. Unfilled desires can be good things you are hoping for. You may desire marriage, a career change, a better relationship with family members, to lose weight, workout consistently, to start your own business, to be more effective in ministry. Unfilled desires could be anything that you desire but it has not manisfested in it’s entirety yet.

Out of all God did for them, miraculous provision, they craved the food they had when enslaved in bondage. They had the nerve to start grumbling and complaining, We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick. We can have the same attitude without realizing it. All it takes is slight discomfort or a change in lifestyle to shift our frame of mind.

• Yes, they longed for the same food they had in bondage; under harsh conditions. Food is essential. We need to eat. But they were not starving God provided the food He wanted them to have.
• God was preparing them for a Land flowing with milk and honey but they were dissatisfied, ungrateful, and impatient. Be careful who you connect with and join in with (they were in a mixed multitude) who fell into lust. Lust is an intense craving. They had an intense craving for the past!  Do you think God was giving them that intense craving for the past? No. Absolutely not. The same spirit that had them in bondage was trying to derail their freedom and fulfillment of what God had for them.
• Lust is dangerous and can be anything; you can lust after the money you used to have when you put God on the sidelines. Lust can result in death….death of your destiny, death of your ministry, death of important relationships, death of your assignment, the death of your joy, good health and peace.
• (Guard your eye and ear gates-be careful who you take advice from). Do like Moses and take your concerns to God.

The Lord hears us. The people’s complaining displeased the Lord and the Lord heard it. Thank God for grace but don’t stop your own blessings. I wonder who were the people located in the uttermost parts of the camp that were consumed by the fire of the Lord?

Use caution when discussing your leaders. The power of life and death is in the tongue; for you. You can speak life or death over yourself by the words that come out of your mouth; even in casual conversation. And the people cried unto Moses; and when Moses interceded in prayer unto the Lord, the fire was quenched. One minute they were complaining and the next Moses was saving their life; again. I feel like Holy Spirit is admonishing us right now.

We have to watch our thoughts. For example, we may know better than to say or voice complaint but we can still be thinking it. As a man thinks in his heart so is he. You are what you think. When I am saying ‘you’ it means me also. I’m typing as it comes to mind.

As I mentioned earlier the vision of the watermelon was very personal to me because it is connected to a word the Lord gave me. There are times when an intense desire (a pure desire) can actually be the leading of the Lord. The desire of your heart can be connected to your purpose or what God wants you to do. The enemy does not want us to fulfill the purposes and promises of God.

Now just as God was preparing His people for the journey. He will prepare us for our journey by the leading and guiding of Holy Spirit. This is where the Fruit of the Spirit is required. Where obedience to all that you know to do is required; obedience to the voice of the Lord; obedience. This is where love is required. Concerning preparation, Holy Spirit may give you instructions and it is vital that we follow the instructions.

For example, “Don’t get jealous” And then we begin to reason within ourselves. Oh that’s not a problem because I’m not a jealous person. Word of advice: when Holy Spirit gives you a word—you need to take it to God in prayer because that word will be tried. You will have to war in the Spirit over that word and be honest with yourself. Ephesians 6:10-18.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. We have to be humble because part of preparation for the journey involves God revealing areas in us that we need to work on like pride and lack of dedication. Avoiding accountability.

Holy Spirit wants to prepare us for the promised land but we have to be humble enough to receive. Humble enough to do the work of changing our Mindset/Thinking process.

When you are being challenged and stretched by God, you have to be honest with yourself and you have to yield to Holy Spirit. Yielding may be uncomfortable because of the preparation for the journey. The Israelites were good for a while but the level of commitment required made them uncomfortable; it challenged them.

Yeah, they wanted to get to the promised land flowing with milk and honey but  going through the wilderness like this; your mind can start playing tricks on you. You start remembering, now before this journey I had lots of money, new cars, I had this and that; I had very limited time for you God but I remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely, the cucumbers, and melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic.

Holy Spirit used a vision of a watermelon to bring me to a place of repentance and dealing with heart issues.

• As a result of a recent personal occurrence, I was saying to the Lord, “Now you see that right. It’s not me. I am committed. I’m not the problem. I’m good on this end Lord”.
• Holy Spirit will use something you like (Watermelon) to reveal you; to bring you to a place of acknowledging that yes I do miss my comfortable zone, the zone of independence—self-sufficiency–I need no one. I’m not tolerating -no foolishness. I don’t have time for this. I’m done. I’m out. The wrong mindset. Heart issues. The need for continued inner healing; refusal to self sabotage.
• Holy Spirit can reveal you, to you, when He reveals; you must now deal. “You remember the old—the old mindset. The old way of thinking and doing. The old way of running and hiding.“ It’s nothing wrong with thinking back remembering. However think with the mindset of God is doing a new thing in me. The old has passed away, I Press, I’m pressing forward with the correct mindset; the right way of thinking about the journey to the Promised Land.
• “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:13-14).

Do Everything Without Grumbling

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky (Philipians 2: 12-15).

Trust God, Obey His Instructions, Be Grateful

Every morning the Israelites drew back their tent doors and witnessed a miracle. Covering the ground was pale yellow, fluffy manna—food from heaven. But soon that wasn’t enough.

• Invite Holy Spirit to all areas of your life. Ask, Is there any areas I need to get right?
• Feeling it was their right to have more, they forgot what they already had. They didn’t ask God to fill their need
• Instead they demanded meat, and they stopped trusting God to care for them. “Who shall give us flesh to eat?’
• They complained to Moses as they reminisced about the good food they had in Egypt. (The ‘food’ can be good that does not mean it is the best food for you to eat!)
• Lord keep us from ourselves and give us what you want us to have, help us to humble ourselves, obey, and surrender in the name of Jesus.

And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:29

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Luke 18:1

I have to mention that I am writing this one year to the date of when my daughter was murdered. I have worked on it literally all day, for hours. God is so amazing. I would have thought that I would be very sad today; especially given that I have court for the murder case two days this week.

The joy of the Lord truly is my strength. Holy Spirit has rested on me all day and no overwhelming sadness. I woke this morning saying, This is the day that the Lord has made I Will rejoice and be glad in it. I’m in awe of God. I have been laughing and smiling all day. Completely free to flow with Holy Spirit.

It can only be God!

I feel a strong urge to delete many things in this message that are personal. However, I lay those feelings at the altar and make a sacrifice. To arrive at the appointed destination, the Promised Land, we have to make the sacrifice. Similar to making a sacrifice of Praise and Worship unto God; when you would rather be in your (fleeting) emotions. The ‘new’ requires introspection and sacrifice. Forget about Egypt the old place, the past, the fish, the cucumbers, the melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. Let your soul be renewed:  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 NIV

Reference-Notes: All of the Scripture content is taken from the Notes Life Application Study Bible—even where not referenced in this message.