A Perception Problem

Do you have a perception problem? Perception is a result of observation; a mental image or concept. Ten of the twelve men that Moses sent to spy out the land of Canaan returned with a negative report. They were looking through the lens of fear. On the other hand, Joshua and Caleb assured Moses and the children of Israel that they would be able to overtake the inhabitants of the land because the Lord was with them. They were looking through the lens of faith. What lens are you looking through today?

A PERCEPTION PROBLEM
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Glynnis Shryock 

Numbers 13:26-33

1.  Perception Problems: for ten of the spies, their perception of God and the situation is distorted. 

  • Perception: a result of observation, a mental image or concept. To perceive is to attain awareness or understanding.    

Perception is our way of understanding life around us.

  • Fear magnifies what should be inconsequential.  Spiritual perception can be distorted by fear.

 2.  A Different Perception:    

Numbers 13:30; Numbers 14:6-9

  • Joshua and Caleb viewed the situation through the lens of faith.  (Hebrews 11:1) 
  • Their spiritual perception brought God’s power, provision, and promise near to them and to their situation. 

3.  Bad News Travels Fast: “The People Rebel”  

Numbers 14:30-32; Numbers 14:41-45 

  •  Israel’s perception problem just became a presumption problem.

 4.  Where do we think we can do a point-counter-point with God over His direct instruction?

  •  The character and nature of God is expressed in one of the paramount messages of Scripture:       “I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD.”
  • El Shaddai  - God all sufficient
  • Jehovah-Nissi - The Lord our Banner
  • Jehovah-Shalom - The Lord our Peace
  • Jehovah-Adonai - The Lord our Sovereign
  • Jehovah-Jireh - The Lord our Provider
  • Jehovah-Rapha - The Lord our Healer
  • Jehovah-Shammah - The Lord is Present
  • Yahweh  - The Great I AM
  • A key truth: God does not exist for our benefit,  but rather we exist to reflect His glory.

5.  A Matter of Choice: Our relationship with God is a choice; we must intentionally align ourselves with Him.  We can choose to build our faith!   

  • Conviction leads you back to God; condemnation leads you away from God.
  • If you have a perception problem today, maybe it’s time for you to take time.

« Back to All Sermons