THE MIRACLE OF HIS GUIDANCE

“…the Lord brought us forth ….with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders…” (EZEKIEL 13:3 KJV).

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“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  “… The Spirit of truth …will guide you into all the truth. …” (John 16:13 NIV). “…Thy WORD is truth…” (JOHN 17:17 KJV). “…THE WORDS … they ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV).

“…In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God … (John 1:1-4 NASB). “….The Word became flesh…” (John 1:14 NASB) “… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).

“…BY THE WORD of the Lord … [GOD GUIDES HIS PEOPLE] …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB). “…All things came into being through [THE WORD], and apart from [the word] nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB). “… The Spirit of truth (the WORD) …will guide you into all the truth. …” (John 16:13 NIV).

The SPIRIT of God guided the Israelites, like a shepherd, through the wilderness experience. God, again, takes FULL responsibility for directing, protecting, leading, nurturing, and caring for his people.

We have learned about the MIRACLES of God; he brought the Israelites out of Egypt with a mighty hand, he delivered them safely through the Red Sea, he provided for them in the desert, and now God becomes their GUIDE through the wilderness. “…let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. …” (Galatians 5 NLT).

God’s presence represents LIGHT and LIGHT guides by becoming like a lamp to your feet and a light to your path (Psalms 27:1 & 119:115). Jesus (the WORD) is that LIGHT also (John 8:12).

God “….guided the [Israelites]…” (Exodus 13:21 NLT).  GOD IS A GUIDE to his people. “… “I AM WHO I AM ’ This is My name forever, and this is My memorial-name to all generations…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh…” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). "… I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God…" (Revelation 1:8 NASB). “… I the LORD … the first, and with the last. I am He...'" (Isaiah 41:4 NASB).  “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “…You are very GREAT…” (Psalm 104:1-2 NASB).

“… he [THAT] hath done marvellous things…” (Psalm 98:1 KJV).

God continued to reveal himself to his people. “…The Israelites left Succoth and camped at Etham on the edge of the wilderness. The Lord went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night …” (Exodus 13:20-22 NLT).

 “… God will supply all [your need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “…God will generously PROVIDE all you need…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT). “…And the Lord did not remove the pillar of cloud or pillar of fire from its place in front of the people…” (Exodus 13:20-22 NLT).

“…The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want …” (Psalms 23:1 KJV). “… You will always have everything you need  …” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT). “The steps of a good man are ordered (GUIDED) by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way” (Psalms 37:23 KJV).

When the Israelites left Egypt they had no idea how to get to the Promised Land where God was taking them; so he lead them ALL the way. “…When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory … God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea.…” (Exodus 16:2-3 NLT).

The Israelites had nothing to worry about because God had predetermined the route they would take. “…The Lord went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and … at night with a pillar of fire.  …” (Exodus 13:20-22 NLT).

When God does signs, wonders, and miracles for his people, what is one of his motives? God wants his people to KNOW he LOVES them and he is the LORD THEIR GOD! “….In this, thou shalt know that I AM the Lord...” (READ Exodus 7:14-25). “…Then you will know that I am the Lord your God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT). “…I’ve also done it …so you will know that I am the Lord…” (Exodus 10:1-2 NLT).

God is a God that will guide his people in the way they should go. “… I will bless the Lord who guides me…” (Psalms 16:7 NLT). “…[My God] guides me along the right paths…” (Psalms 23:3 NLT). “…The king’s heart is like a stream of water directed by the Lord; he guides it wherever he pleases…” (Proverbs 21:1 NLT).

God is not secretive, or hiding; nor is he difficult to follow. He ALWAYS makes himself crystal clear as to the direction he wants his people to GO. “…And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left…” (Isaiah 30:21 KJV). “…he shall direct thy paths…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye…” (Psalms 32:8 KJV).

God is pleased to show himself as a GUIDE to his people. The pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire were signs of directions he miraculously gave to his people. “…He guided them  …with a pillar of cloud, and … with a pillar of fire.  …” (Exodus 13:20-22 NLT).

The GUIDANCE of God was both visual and audible. God’s visual and audible GUIDANCE is reported throughout the bible “…we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have SEEN this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth…” (Deuteronomy 5:24 KJV). “… to the eyes of the sons of Israel the appearance … of the Lord was like a consuming fire on the mountain top…” (Exodus 24:17 NASB). “…And [For 40 years] [God] went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night… So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the SIGHT of all the Israelites during all their travels…” (Exodus 13:21 KJV; Exodus 40: 35-38 NIV).

The pillar of cloud, pillar of fire, and the smoke represented God’s presence. These objects were also God’s way of GUIDING his people and were visible to the Israelites.  ^“…Behold, the Lord our God hath SHEWED us his GLORY and his GREATNESS …” (Deuteronomy 5:24-25 KJV).

In the midst of the fire they heard the audible voice of God ^“…Behold, the Lord our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: …” (Deuteronomy 5:24-25 KJV).

God has not changed; in the New Testament he demonstrated visual manifestation of his presence too. “…Jesus said to her, "Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will “SEE” THE GLORY (presence) OF GOD?…”(John 10:40 NASB). “…And HE THAT WAS DEAD CAME FORTH, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go...” (John 11:43-44 KJV).

What did they “SEE?” “….HE THAT WAS DEAD CAME FORTH...” (John 11:43 KJV). “….I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…God … is able, through his mighty power … to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think …” (Ephesians 3:20-21 NLT).

God manifests himself to you, because he loves you and he wants you to personally KNOW he “IS” the Lord, “your” God. “…Then you will know that I am the Lord your God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT).

God KNOWS he exists, but sometimes his people are not always so certain. He reveals himself to his people ONLY to demonstrate his great and everlasting love for them! “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…Love  is kind… …” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV). …” (Psalms 117:2 KJV). “… The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness…” (Psalms 145:17 NLT).

God took FULL responsibility for the GUIDANCE of His people and he HELPED them. “…I will instruct [them] and teach [them] in the way which [they] shalt go: I will guide [them] with mine eye…” (Psalms 32:8 KJV). “…The Lord helps them, …” (Psalms 37:40 NLT). “…Blessed are those who wait for his help…” (Isaiah 30:18 NLT). “…The Lord who made you and helps you …” (Isaiah 44:2 NLT). “… The Sovereign Lord helps me…” (Isaiah 50:7 NLT).  “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “…You are my helper and my savior…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT). “…He guided them  …with a pillar of cloud, and … with a pillar of fire.  …” (Exodus 13:20-22 NLT).“….Then [they] will know that [he is] the Lord [their] God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT).

“…BY THE WORD of the Lord the heavens were made…” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).

“…BY THE WORD of the Lord the [Israelites were given [GUIDANCE] in the wilderness] …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB). “…The Israelites left Succoth and camped at Etham on the edge of the wilderness. The Lord went ahead of them. He guided them …” (Exodus 13:20-22 NLT). “..I will lead blind Israel down a new path, guiding them along an unfamiliar way. I will brighten the darkness before them and smooth out the road ahead of them. Yes, I will indeed do these things; I will not forsake them…” (Isaiah 42:16 NLT).

“…All things  (including the GUIDANCE in the WILDERNESS) came into being through [the WORD], and apart from [the WORD] nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB).

“…Since the CREATION of the world God’s INVISIBLE QUALITIES—HIS ETERNAL POWER AND DIVINE NATURE—have been “CLEARLY SEEN”, being UNDERSTOOD FROM WHAT HAS BEEN MADE (GUIDANCE in the WILDERNESS)…” (Romans 1:20 NIV). “…the Lord brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders…” (Deuteronomy 26:8 KJV). “…He guided them  …with a pillar of cloud, and … with a pillar of fire.  …” (Exodus 13:20-22 NLT).

 “…BY THE WORD of the Lord the [Israelites were given GUIDANCE in the wilderness] …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).

What KIND of GUIDE was God. “…And [For 40 years] [God] went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night… So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the SIGHT of all the Israelites during all their travels…” (Exodus 13:21 KJV; Exodus 40: 35-38 NIV).

 “…let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. …” (Galatians 5 NLT).  “..I will lead blind Israel down a new path, guiding them along …I will not forsake them…” (Isaiah 42:16 NLT). “…God has said “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV).

God CHOOSES to GUIDE his people so he can be KNOWN by them. “….Then [they] will know that I am the Lord [their] God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT). “…[the one who] guided them  …with a pillar of cloud, and … with a pillar of fire.  …” (Exodus 13:20-22 NLT).

God’s desires for his people to KNOW him. He can be depended upon to GUIDE “ALL” their NEED; even the need for directions in life. “… God will supply all [your need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “…God will generously PROVIDE all you need…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT). “…The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want …” (Psalms 23:1 KJV). “… You will always have everything you need  …” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).“…The steps of a good man are ordered (guided) by the Lord: …” (Psalms 37:23 KJV). “ …  he shall direct thy paths…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “….Apart from [Jesus, the Word, the indwelling Holy Spirit]… you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “… [You] can [however,] do all things through Christ (the Word, the indwelling Holy Spirit) which strengtheneth [you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

 “…God is [the HOLY] Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the [HOLY] … Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).Therefore, “… the Lord your God, …teaches you what is best for you, [and]…directs you in the way you should go.” (Isaiah 48:17).  “I will instruct you and guide you in the way you should go; I will fix My eyes upon You…” (Psalm 32:8)

“…I have shown you how you should find the way in which you should walk…” (Isaiah 48:17). “…So I say, let the [indwelling] Holy Spirit guide your lives. … …” (Galatians 5 NLT).

How does God’s Holy Spirit GUIDE his people TODAY. 1. THROUGH HIS “HOLY” WORD. “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE [THE HOLY] SPIRIT, …” (John 6:63 KJV). 2. THROUGH JESUS CHRIST. “…Jesus saith  … he that hath seen me hath SEEN THE FATHER…” (John 14:9 KJV). 4. THROUGH PASTORS WHO PREACH THE WORD. “…I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them…” (Ezekiel 34:23 KJV). The shepherd speaks Gods’ message to the sheep. “…and the sheep recognize his voice  …they follow him because they know his voice…” (John 10:1-10 NASB). 4. THROUGH THE INSPIRATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. “…For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were… MOVED BY THE HOLY [SPIRIT]…” (2 Peter 1:21 KJV). “…All scripture (WORD) is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…” (2 Timothy 3:16 KJV).

Inspiration is PROOF that God is actively working “IN” and “THROUGH” his people to display himself and his indwelling power. “...There are many ways in which God works in our lives, but it is the same God who does the work in and through all of us who are his… … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “……the [HOLY] SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…It is God which worketh IN YOU both to will and to do of his good pleasure…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).  ^“…That great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work “IN US” what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father … doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

That’s why it is important to know that obedience is not simply doing what God says to do, but it is willfully and voluntarily CHOOSING to follow God’s guidance with your whole heart. “…The commandments of the Lord are right, …” (Psalms 19:8 NLT). “…JOYful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions (guidance) of the Lord…” (Psalms 119:1 NLT).

CHOOSING to follow God’s guidance is a sign of trust and dependency upon HIM. “…[Choose to]Trust in the Lord with all thine heart …” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…[Choose NOT to] lean … unto thine own understanding…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).  “ … In all thy ways [CHOOSE TO] acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…The steps of a good man (who depends upon God) are ordered (guided) by the Lord: …” (Psalms 37:23 KJV). Therefore, “…Trust in (or depend upon) the Lord with all thine heart…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).

God desires for his people to CHOOSE to DEPEND UPON his GUIDANCE. “…Choose you this day whom ye will [follow]….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

God demonstrated to the Israelites every day and night that they could depend upon his GUIDANCE. “…And [For 40 years] [God] went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night… So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the SIGHT of all the Israelites during all their travels…” (Exodus 13:21 KJV; Exodus 40: 35-38 NIV).

What happened to THOSE in the Old Testament that did not CHOOSE to depend upon God by following his instructions? “… If you do not obey (do not choose to depend upon God) the Lord your God and do not carefully follow all his [guidelines] …. I am giving you today, ALL THESE CURSES WILL COME ON YOU and overtake you…” (Deuteronomy 28:15 KJV).

How can God GUIDE you if you don’t choose to depend upon his kind offer to lead you through the wildernesses of life? “…God is … kind ... He is …kind to you if you continue to trust in (depend upon) his kindness. But if you stop trusting (depending upon him), you …will be cut off…” (Romans 11:22 NLT). CUT OFF implies you have chosen to be on your OWN. Thus, it is YOUR choice to be CUT OFF from God. “…But my people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts. They went backward instead of forward” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

“But the people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

Is it BETTER to depend upon God or follow after your OWN way? “… [It is] better to trust in (depend upon) the LORD than to put confidence in man (including one’s own self)…” (Psalms 118:9 KJV). “…They kept doing whatever they wanted …They went backward instead of forward…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

God LOVES his people and desires to CARE for them, but it is their CHOICE to depend upon him. “…The Lord asked Moses, “How long will these people refuse to obey my commands and instructions (to depend upon my guidance)? …” (Exodus 16: 16-30 NLT). “…I will supply (through my guidance) all [their] NEED…” (Philippians 4:19).

God desires for his people to depend upon him every single day, as their GUIDE. “….Then [they] will know that [he is] the Lord [their] God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT). “…[the one who] guided them  …with a pillar of cloud, and … with a pillar of fire.  …” (Exodus 13:20-22 NLT). Thus, “…let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. …” (Galatians 5 NLT).

God will GUIDE you simply because he LOVES you. “… I … [love] you with an everlasting love …I …[draw]… you with lovingkindness…” (Jeremiah 31:3 NASB). “…I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth …I DELIGHT in these things…” (Jeremiah 9:23-24 NLT). “…God said to Moses, “I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose.” So it is God who decides to show mercy. [you] can neither choose it nor work for it…” (Romans 9:14-16 NLT). “…HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV).

“… therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE, that [you] may obtain mercy, and find GRACE to help (guide you) in time of need…” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV). “…[god] will supply all [the guidance you] NEED…” (Philippians 4:19). “…[god]… will generously PROVIDE all [the guidance] you need. Then you will always have everything you need …” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT). “...[god]… careth for you…” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “…[god]… “WILL” … [take care of]…that which concerns … [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB).

“…How great is [God’s benevolent kindness]…”  (Psalm 31:19-20 KJV). “….[God’s] … is good [deeply caring]... “ALL” the time…” (1 Chronicles 16:34, Ezra 3:11, and Psalm 107). “...Casting all your care upon … [God]; for he careth for you…” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “… [God] … shall supply ALL [the guidance you] NEED according to his riches in glory BY Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 4:19 KJV). “….I shall not want [for guidance]. ….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT). “…[God] …will generously PROVIDE all  … [the guidance I] need…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).

“…BY THE WORD of the Lord the heavens were made…” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).

“…BY THE WORD of the Lord the [Israelites were given GUIDANCE in the wilderness] …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).

 “…BY THE WORD of the Lord … [God GUIDES you FOREVER] …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB). “ … Jesus Christ (the WORD) is the same … forever…” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV). “…let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. …” (Galatians 5 NLT).

Supernatural GUIDANCE is still RECEIVED by following GOD who leads you through HIS WORD, THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS, HEARING HIS VOICE THROUGH GOD-ORDAINED CLERGY, AND BY THE INDWELLING INSPIRATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

God promises if you seek his GUIDANCE you will find his directions for your life. “…And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart…” (Jeremiah 29:13 KJV). “…If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me…” (Jeremiah 29:13 NLT). “…I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye…” (Psalms 32:8 KJV).

When you seek his GUIDANCE; you willfully and voluntarily CHOOSE to depend upon him to DIRECT you without knowing how or where he will lead you. “Trust in (depend upon) the Lord with all thine heart; and LEAN NOT unto thine own understanding…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into [the human]… heart … the things which God hath prepared for [those who depend upon his guidance]....” (1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV). Some of “…his ways [of guiding, his people, are]… past finding out…” (Romans 11:33-34 KJV).

However, God’s people depend upon his knowing the AWESOME plans his has for their lives. “…The plans [God has]…for you….[are]… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).

His people depend upon him to LEAD them along ways they are unfamiliar with. “..I will lead [my people] down a new path, guiding them along an unfamiliar way. I will brighten the darkness before them and smooth out the road ahead of them. Yes, I will indeed do these things; I will not forsake them…” (Isaiah 42:16 NLT).

When depending upon God’s guidance you are choosing to depend upon the path he leads you into and NOT a modified version of your OWN path. “…There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of DEATH...” (Proverbs  14:20 KJV). “Jesus (the WORD) saith…I am the way…” (John 14:6 KJV).

When depending upon God’s GUIDANCE you are choosing to depend upon his WORD, first and foremost and not mere, human opinion (yours or another’s). “…If you need wisdom (guidance), ask our generous God, and he will give it to you…” (James 1:5 NLT). “…All scripture (the WORD) is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…” (2 Timothy 3:16 KJV).

When choosing to depend upon God’s GUIDANCE you are choosing to depend upon the empowerment of the indwelling Holy Spirit to work “in” and “through” you. “…it is …God who does the work in and through all of us who are his … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…It is God who works in you…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…The God of peace … that great Shepherd of the sheep, … work[s] in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…The God of peace … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip[s] you with everything good for doing his will…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “… [God] grant[s]… [true believers]… to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “…I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

Thus, ASK God for his GUIDANCE and choose to demonstrate your DEPENDENCE UPON him by following his instructions.

GOD’S PEOPLE CAN DEPEND UPON HIM TO GUIDE THEM!!

God promises: “…“I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.…” (Psalms 32:8 KJV). “…MY WORD … that goeth forth out of my mouth: it SHALL NOT return unto me void, but it SHALL ACCOMPLISH that which I please, and it SHALL PROSPER in the thing whereto I sent it…” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV). God says, I “…am WATCHING over my word to PERFORM it…” (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB).

YOU HAVE GOD’S WORD THAT HE WILL GUIDE YOU ALONG THE BEST PATHWAY FOR YOU LIFE!!