I’ve observed some things that disturbed me, things in the church that are based in worldly thinking and the good intentions of men.  Who can discern the way in which the Spirit of God leads? When God led the people of Israel out of Egyptian bondage, Moses was God’s messenger, spokesman, and servant. However, it was clearly God who led the people with a pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night and His intention was that each one of His people would hear His voice. (Heb. 8:9; 10:16). At mount Moriah God called the people to come to Him, so they would know His ways. The people refused out of fear and begged that Moses be their intermediary.  (Exodus 20:18-21).

God wants His people to worship Him alone and be free from the bondage, error, and futility of idolatry. “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God…”. (Exodus 20: 4-6). Today many might scoff at idols made of wood and stone representing earthly forms, but are they bowing down to idols crafted by men, exalting soulish human power, fame, entertainment and achievement? Crowds, large numbers, and the power to draw them, through whatever medium, this is the power that is so desirable. Vast sums of money are spent to lure great crowds, to have millions of followers, as this is the evidence and essence of worldly power.

Contrast this with the nature, means and ways of God almighty, the God of heaven and earth; God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; Holy Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Yeshua Messiah, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Eternal, Immortal, Invisible the only true God. The Holy Spirit the indwelling presence of God. It is His voice that His people hear. It is in His ways in which His people are to walk. He has called His people out of darkness into light. Who can discern the way of the Holy Spirit – every true believer who is born not of natural decent, nor of the will of man, but of God, the Spirit. (John 1:13).

A good example is seen in the spies that were sent to assess the promised land. Of the twelve spies sent in all acknowledged the goodness and fruitfulness of the land, but only two believed and trusted that it was God who would give it to them, rather than something they must achieve and secure in their own wisdom and means. Joshua and Caleb knew that God would bring them into the promised land by His ways and strength. Caleb later said, “I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh Barnea to explore the land. And I brought him back a report according to my convictions, but my fellow Israelites who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt in fear. I, however, followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly.” (Joshua 14: 7-8). The anointing of God leads His people in faith believing His Word. “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” (Gal. 5: 25).  “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” ( Eph. 5:17-20). “Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” (John 4: 23-24).

The Holy Spirit is invisible. “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”  (John 3:8). “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10: 27-28). May we and our Spirit anointed leaders walk by faith in the Spirit’s leading. Lord, Yeshua have mercy on us and save us from trusting in ourselves and following the ways of the world.