Destiny and Destination

Both of the Heads are away today, so ‘LivinRightInPgh‘ kindly agreed to once again mind the store for us. We’re always thrilled to have one of our Guest Noggins sub in, and sincerely appreciate their efforts and thoughtfulness.  

Thanks, ‘Pgh‘!!!

—JTR & GBL

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In every life, there’s a destiny to be fulfilled; a path defined by our choices along the way. Ultimately, this “destiny” we choose will determine our destination. The Scriptures speak very clearly to the difference between choosing a destiny that is defined by humanistic choices and that which is defined by following God’s path for our lives…

“There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.”  Proverbs 16:25  (NASB)

“In the way of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death.”  Proverbs 12:28 (NASB)

During our daily walk, we’re continuously faced with the “choices of the flesh“, which are in direct conflict with “choices of the Spirit“.

Galations 5:16 – 17 (NASB) tells us:

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.”

I find it interesting that where it says “the flesh sets its desires”, the word ‘sets’ literally translates to “lusts against“. Think of it as a spiritual “tug-of-war”…

Speaking for no one but myself, it’s a war which is waged daily, …hour by hour, minute by minute.

Before anyone says, “Hey, that’s why we have a conscience!”, let’s also admit that the majority of us possess a conscience based more on worldly acceptance of an action than one based on Scriptural tenets.

Actually, that reminds me of a cartoon series I enjoyed as a kid, which was found in “Highlights” magazine:

And just like a cartoon may appear trite or outdated fifty years later (even though I still like it!!), what used to be considered “acceptable” societal behavior also can (and does) change with the times.

However, Scripture does NOT change, and neither does what God expects of us, and wants for us.

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My Pastor recently shared a message with us about this very subject, and we looked at seven words from the life of Moses that we can use to help us in our daily walk, setting a course for our Spiritual destiny, and our ultimate destination in Glory. As we consider each word as it applies in the life of Moses, it should be clear how they apply to each of us today, whether we are seeking a worldly walk or a Spiritual one.

From the Book of Hebrews, Chapter 11, Verses 24 to 29 (KJV).

Emphasis mine:

“By faith Moses, when he was come to years, REFUSED to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; CHOOSING rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;  ESTEEMING the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. 

By faith he FORSOOK Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing Him who is invisible, for he ENDURED, as seeing Him who is invisible.  Through faith he KEPT the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. 

By faith they PASSED through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.”

Moses COULD have taken the temporal gains of fame and fortune, but chose rather to suffer with the children of Israel, as was God’s will for his life. He valued his faith over immediate gains. He angered the powers-that-be, and had no fear of them, but rather, kept is spiritual sights on the One who was not seen. He was faithful to his spiritual pursuits, and even in the face of mighty obstacles, saw them as opportunities to display the Glory of God’s power.

As I strive to apply these same principles to my own life, I pray that one day I will say, as Paul said in II Timothy 4:6 -8 (KJV):

^“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”