Dr Paul Allen

Moses dishonored God before the Israelites because he struck the rock, in direct disobedience to God. Moses’ actions drew the attention of the people to himself, perhaps to make them think he had something to do with the miracle. But by stealing the glory from God and failing to honor Him, both Moses and Aaron were not allowed to enter the Promised Land. The catalog of others who dishonored God is numerous. The following is only a small sampling:   •      Saul did not submit himself to God , but in impatience and self-styled disobedience he failed to follow all of God’s instructions (1 Sam. 15:11). So God removed him from the throne.   •      Uzzah failed to recognize the majesty of God’s holiness by daring to defy God’s instructions (Num. 4:15, 19–20). God struck him down for his irreverence (2 Sam. 6:7).   •      Uzziah became proud, acted in a corrupt manner, was unfaithful to the Lord, and in an affront to God’s holiness,...

Do you live a life that is pleasing to God at all times? What are your aims and goals for this year with regards to your walk with the Lord ? If you are like me, you likely desire to please God in all you do. As much as I desire to please God with all my actions, there are the looming reminders of my weaknesses and just how impossible it is for me to please God. The writer of Hebrews offers hope, asserting that God is ultimately pleased by his work in us, and not our tainted “good” deeds, though they are necessary to prove our relationship with him. At the close of his letter, the author prays, Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ , to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews  13:20 –21) First, the author prays that God would...