But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the site of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I gave them.” Number 20:12
Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away, his hand is still upraised. Isaiah 10:4
But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. Oh my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God are my fortress, my loving God. Psalm 59:16-17
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13
Moses’ heart may have angered God more than his hapless hands. James says that the entire course of life could change because of thoughtless words. What did Moses say before he hit the rock? “Listen you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?” (Num 20:10) We? Did he forget God? Was his heart rebellious?
Oh, the dearth of the things I have let fly from my tainted heart to my untamed mouth!
I was at a party recently where I shared my true feelings about God’s work in my life. I was summarily mocked. I thought I don’t belong here.
Like Israel, when they had to change course because they couldn’t go through Edom, I had gotten off track at some point. No wonder Israel wandered in the desert for 40 years. Backtracking takes a long time. Instead of making progress in my spiritual life, I feel like I’ve regressed.
Who can forget God?
Who is all powerful?
Who is holy?
Who protects?
Who judges?
Who has compassion?
Who is my strength?
Who is my hiding place?
Who does not forget me?
When do I forget God?
When I fail to fall on my face at the feet of the Prince of Peace.
When my plans lack the approval of the Wonderful Counselor.
When my words do not point to the Everlasting Father.
When my behavior doesn’t align with the laws of a Mighty God.
When I think I don’t need the Lord Almighty.
Oh Lord, I’m sorry. Please help me return to You. Thank you for your Son who took all the anger of your upraised hand. Jesus got a whipping because of my rebellion. He spilled his blood for me. May I never forget that.
yicareggie
Sixty-six books in a year 
I am with you. Those verses you highlighted were the ones that sang out to me this morning. How heartbreaking for Moses and Aaron and what a kind warning to us (at their expense) to trust in the holiness and strength of God.