Don't Be Like a Mule!

"Do not be like the horse or like the mule, Which have no understanding,

Which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, Else they will not come near you."

Psalm 32:9

Sometime during the week, I decided to visit my nephew in prison on Sunday. I woke early in the morning and inquired of the Lord. My budget did not allow much money to travel but I asked the Lord should I go. I checked my funds and I believed He said yes. It was approximately a 200 mile drive. When I was about ½ mile from the prison I heard the Spirit say “5th Sunday”. Oh nooo! Not again. There were no visits on the fifth weekend of a month. This was the third time I did this. I asked the Lord and believed it was what he wanted me to do, why did He allow me to do this again?

One word came, “Calendar”. My calendar is a very important part of fulfilling God's purpose for my life and it will keep me on task. How many times has the Lord instructed me to check my calendar. I cannot depend on my memory. My calendar is needed to move me into the next level of God's plan and purpose.

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As I drove home the Lord reminded me of this lesson in the book of Judges Chapters 19 and 20. The men of Israel joined to together to go up against the tribe of Benjamin in revenge for an attack on one of the women. She was raped by several men throughout the night and left to die. Judges 19:22-28 The men of Israel gathered themselves together to fight and before going they inquired of the Lord. They did not ask should they go to battle but who should go first and the Lord answered. "... And the Lord said, Judah shall go up first." Judges 20:18. They went and 22,000 men were killed

They regrouped Judges 20:22 cried to the Lord and asked shall we go again? And the Lord told them to go up against them. Judges 20:23 For the second time they were defeated, and 18,000 men were killed Judges 20:25.

They went to the Lord for a third time, but this time they fasted, prayed, repented and gave offerings. Judges 20:26. They inquired again and the Lord said "...And the Lord said, Go up; for to morrow I will deliver them into thine hand." Judges 20:28. This time by following God's plan they were victorious. Judges 20:35

Why fast, pray, repent, give offerings?

Fasting: humbles you before the Lord, brings your flesh under subjection and strengthens your spirit causing you remove your feelings, emotions, and your way enabling you to hear what thus says the Lord.

Then Pray: enabling you then to earnestly seek the will of the Lord and not your own.

Repent: of in any way you thought you can do anything without Him acknowledging your total dependence on Him.

Give Offerings: "What can I offer the Lord for all he has done for me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and praise the Lord’s name for saving me. Psalms 116:12-13 NLT

[Offerings, in the Old Testament, (burnt and peace offerings) – Burnt offerings symbolized atonement and total dedication to God, while peace (fellowship) offerings expressed thanksgiving, reconciliation, and restored fellowship with God.]

Then Our Offering is Jesus Christ the atonement for our sins and the restoration of our Fellowship! "...praise the Lord’s name for saving me. Psalms 116:12-13 NLT

Although they inquired of the Lord, they already had their plan. Proverbs 16:25 says, "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." They had already numbered their people and believed they were strong enough to win the battle. Judges 20:8-11 All they wanted to know was who should go first. In other words what they actually said was, “Lord help us with our plan.” If they would have sought God's plan first, He would have told them what they found out on the third attempt. John 15:5

Disobedience placed them in a position to fight, partial obedience caused unnecessary loss, but full submission to God's plan brought victory! God knows the plan for our lives, and he knows what it will take to be victorious. Jeremiah 29:11

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If I would have truly begun with God in planning my trip, before deciding to go, (although I asked should I go) I would have followed the instructions He had originally given me, to always check my calendar when making plans. I wish He could have told me this before I was 1/2 mile away. But after wasted gas, swollen legs, exhaustion, and a 4 ½ hour drive, He helped me see the importance of making sure I am following His plan according to His instructions.

At one time I would have been crying and asking God why did He let this happen? But I found that I am in a relationship with God. His desire is not to chastise me to hurt me but simply to set me back on track. Psalm 32:8-10.

He has a way of allowing us to bump our heads until we submit to His plan and His way. Job 23:10 Are you in the midst of your first bump? Your second bump? Or your third? Or many? Please heed the word today and don't be like a donkey. God wants us to move to another level. Regroup, fast, pray, repent, receive and follow His instructions and receive the victory! Psalms 37:23-24

God says, "_____________, (insert your name) please heed what I've already told you. Time to move on to your next level. It's your time!"

Today's Prayer

Almighty Father God,

We come before you collectively giving you all the praise and honor that is most certainly due you. We thank you for this opportunity to commune with you today. For you alone know our every thought. You alone know our heart and our desire to please you.

Father, we come in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Thanking you for always looking beyond our faults and seeing our needs. Father, have mercy on us and forgive us today for every time that we have chosen our own way and have been disobedient to your will and plans for our lives.

Minister unto us today. You said in your word that if we draw nigh unto you, you will draw nigh unto us. So dear Father stop by here and fill our cups until we want no more and we will be careful to give you all the glory and the honor and the praise.

It's in Jesus name we pray. Amen!

(Now make it personal)

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