Judges 3-5 – March 31, 2021

Judges 3:1 Now these are the nations which the Lord left, to test Israel by them (that is, all who had not experienced any of the wars of Canaan; 2 only in order that the generations of the sons of Israel might be taught war, those who had not experienced it formerly).

Could this be similar to the food situation when the Israelites first arrived in the promised land? Many of them had not farmed before but only gathered manna, but now they had to work a farm. Many of the battles so far were won solely on the power of God. Would they fight like they have never fought before, to remain faithful to God? Were they willing to work for their food and were they willing to fight for their freedom?

1 Peter 2:16 Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God.

Galatians 5:1 It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. - 13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

 

Only when a challenge becomes difficult, will it render a valuable and lasting ability.

Judges 1-2 - March 30

 

Map of the Land of the 12 Tribes

 

Joshua 16-18 – March 27

Let me bring to your attention Joshua 18:2, 3 “There remained among the sons of Israel seven tribes who had not divided their inheritance. 3 So Joshua said to the sons of Israel, “How long will you put off entering to take possession of the land which the Lord, the God of your fathers, has given you?”

I wondered if perhaps that some Israelites were so accustomed to living like nomads for forty years, that they were hesitant to settle in the promises God gave them. Then, I also have to ask my self that same question. Do I ever get so normalized in my current situation (disease, stress, anxiety, depression, conflict, habits) that I do not enter into my very own promised land?!

I believe there are times that we must act as Zelophad and his daughters.

Joshua 17:4 They came near before Eleazar the priest and before Joshua the son of Nun and before the leaders, saying, “The Lord commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brothers.” So according to the command of the Lord he gave them an inheritance among their father’s brothers.

Remember what God has promised to YOU! Claim it and go get it!

“Take possession of the land”

Don’t get so accustomed to less, when God has promised you more!

 

Joshua 12-15 – March 26

I noticed two stories of Caleb in today’s reading.

First, Caleb seems to be a real man’s man - tough and strong – great warrior - never giving up!

14:11 I am still as strong today as I was in the day Moses sent me; as my strength was then, so my strength is now, for war and for going out and coming in.

And he still had to drive out the enemy of the territory that he was given (15:14). Sometimes when the promised land is right there – you can see it - you have the deed in hand – but you still have to fight the enemy and clean it out. Don’t abandon the battle until you have homesteaded the place!

 But then later we see Caleb’s weakness – one he probably doesn’t mind having – his daughter. I am reminded of a very familiar encounter between a teenage daughter and her dad. 15:18 So she alighted from the donkey, and Caleb said to her, “What do you want?”

This strong warrior and man of God seemed softened by the love of a daughter. Or at least that is how I like to see it. But here is the interesting thing (perhaps the most interesting thing in several chapters): the recording of the mapping and allotment of the new promised land to the Israelite tribes are interrupted but for a small glimpse of a very personal and humanistic story of a mighty warrior and his daughter. In the middle of legal descriptions, Township, and Range, we find a very normal and familiar family scene. This just reminds me that God is personal and intimate.

 (side note)

She married her cousin by the way, her father’s nephew. Obviously, this custom was far more acceptable of cousins than it is today. And just so you know, I will not tolerate any jokes about any particular state in the US in the comments. :)

Joshua 9-11 - March 25

The “No-Brainer”

9:4 So the men of Israel took some of their provisions, and did not ask for the counsel of the Lord.

 Of course, we should give these poor souls some of our provisions and make a treaty with them. Just look at them. Totally a “no-brainer”. OOPS That didn’t turn out well.

 Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.

 James 4: 13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” 14 Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.”

Always include God. He probably has a better way to achieve even the “no-brainers”.

 Here is a beautiful verse in the next chapter about 1 man and his God, working in tandem.

10: 14 There was no day like that before it or after it, when the Lord listened to the voice of a man …

5-8 - March 24, Wednesday

5:11 On the day after the Passover, on that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land, unleavened cakes and parched grain. 12 The manna ceased on the day after they had eaten some of the produce of the land, so that the sons of Israel no longer had manna, but they ate some of the yield of the land of Canaan during that year.

 I almost let these verses fly by too quickly. For 40 years, God had provided food that only had to be gathered from the surface of the ground. Now, they were planting and harvesting and able to provide food for themselves, no longer requiring God’s mobile food drops.

But think about this. Most of the people that had experience farming of any kind, was dead. I suppose that perhaps Joshua and Caleb (along with supernatural intervention) began teaching the skills of farming.

I even wonder if perhaps there were a certain number of people that complained about gardening and instead wished for the good ole days of heavenly manna.

 Our lesson from this:

There are times spiritually that our main objective is to travel, trusting God to provide the needs that we cannot due to our mobility. But then there are times spiritually, that we settle down and focus more on our work – sowing and reaping.

Just remember not to complain too much about having to change a 40 year lifestyle!

Joshua 1-4 - March 23

 This is the best video yet regarding a book of the Bible.

Joshua 

Deuteronomy 30-31 – March 21

What a beautiful picture of God’s heart and His love that we read in chapter 30. Regardless of what they have done or where they are, God mercifully continues to seek relationship with man. He may demand obedience, but He is always there to welcome back.

I love Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.”

And notice what God gave them to remember this covenant of blessings and cursings – a song!

Deuteronomy 31:21 Then it shall come about, when many evils and troubles have come upon them, that this song will testify before them as a witness…

Deuteronomy 28-29 – March 20

 Chapter 28 – Covenant Blessings and Cursings

Obviously, we read about Israel’s benefits of adhering to the covenant with God as well as the consequences of straying from it. Their part of the covenant was basically obedience (28:1, 2, 9, 13, 14).

I think I have probably told my sons the same thing. “Just do what I tell you.” Don’t read too much into it, but don’t take anything out of it either. Simply obey.

But in comparing this with my covenant with God, I realize that I am an overanalyzer. Sometimes God has to stop me and remind me to simply obey the commands He has given me. At this point, that is all that I am responsible for. I may not understand how He is going to work out some of the details about my ministry tomorrow, but I know what He has called me to do today! When He is ready and when I am ready and listening, God will instruct me further.

I am reminded of the parable of the kingdom of heaven as compared to the ten virgins and their oil lamps, in Matthew 25.

 Matthew 25:1 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.

Now remember, Matthew 10:7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’

To be ready for God’s next instructions, simply obey what He has given you today.

Deuteronomy 24-27 – March 19

27:2

It was customary for a town to record the laws of that town on rocks and display them where all could see them and know exactly the laws that were to be enforced. Interesting that God wanted this to be done first.

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 further displays God’s emphasis for His laws with words like: They will be on your heart, teach them, talk of them, walk by them, bind them on you, write them on your doorposts, write them on your gates. And now, Deuteronomy 27:2 So it shall be on the day when you cross the Jordan to the land which the Lord your God gives you, that you shall set up for yourself large stones and coat them with lime…

 On day 1, make sure these laws are clearly displayed. This ensures a code of conduct and creates a culture.

We discussed the other day in chapter 10 about “What does God require from you?” This emphasis encourages me to take that answer, carve it stone, and put it on personal display, priority one! I then will never have good excuse to give Him anything less.

 This is another example building my dwelling place on the rock. Those “rocks of requirements” dictate my actions and decisions. Jesus said in Matthew 7:24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock.

 Also, remember that this is not legalism, this is obedience. My rocks may look differently than your rocks.

 ----- Part 2 ------

 25:4

Part of the reward of the ox when he was threshing was being able to also eat of the grain. It may have been extra work for the ox, but it included benefits. You could even say that this ox was allowed special favors during this extra work.

Compare this with:

1 Corinthians 9:13-14 Do you not know that those who perform sacred services eat the food of the temple, and those who attend regularly to the altar have their share from the altar? 14 So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel.

 So, if you leave doughnuts at the church, I’ll just chalk that up to a benefit!

 ----- Part 3 ------

27:18

Who would mislead a blind person on the road?!?!?!?  That’s just cold hearted.

 ----- Part 4 ------

 27:9 … “Be silent and listen, O Israel! This day you have become a people for the Lord your God.

I believe it is important to realize that although we are reading about all of these commandments and the setting up of this Godly culture – God still has one result in mind. God desires relationship!

 Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

 Matthew 22:37-38 And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the great and foremost commandment.

Deuteronomy 21-23 – March 18

I am drawn to the number of times that I read words like this in the beginnings of Deuteronomy: “purge the evil from among you”, “remove the guilt”, and especially 23:14 Since the Lord your God walks in the midst of your camp to deliver you and to defeat your enemies before you, therefore your camp must be holy; and He must not see anything indecent among you or He will turn away from you.

 I have been impressed to carefully beware of “pollutants” that can enter my camp - sometimes by accident, sometimes by invitation. I want to be very careful that I respect the actual presence of the Most High God in my life so greatly, that I would never allow something unholy or defiling to enter His sacred temple – myself. If I desire His presence in my life, I must keep it undefiled. I must maintain a sense of holiness, which can only be accomplished through Jesus, Holy Spirit, and my obedience.

 “Father, cleanse every corner of my life and mind so that Your Spirit feels right at home. Holy Spirit, You are completely welcome here. Make Yourself at home, kick Your shoes off, fix a sandwich, and change the channels.”

Deuteronomy 17-20 – March 17

 18:9 “When you enter the land which the Lord your God gives you, you shall not learn to imitate the detestable things of those nations.”

It was not in their nature to practice spiritism like these other nations. This disobedience was a learned and imitated rebellion. It may have seemed natural to the people of those nations. (14 For those nations, … listen to those who practice witchcraft and to diviners ...) But, simply because an entire culture practices sin, it does not cause that sin to be any less of a separation from our Father God.

Whether it is a purposeful education or an accidental pick-up of a habit, please be careful what you learn and imitate!

When you live in the Spirit and the Word, the culture YOU create is far more followable and profitable to mankind than any worldly culture.

Be an influencer for God’s Kingdom culture.

 Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

 2 Corinthians 5:20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

Deuteronomy 14-16 – March 16

In chapter 15, I was curious about the teaching regarding poor people. At first it seemed contradictory.

 15: 4 However, there will be no poor among you, since the Lord will surely bless you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance to possess,…

-       But yet -

7 “If there is a poor man with you, one of your brothers,…

11 For the poor will never cease to be in the land …

 

After going back and reading this closer, because it seemed like a contradiction, I realized a few things.

1 - Verse 4 includes a stipulation: …there will be no poor among you …15:5 if only you listen obediently to the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all this commandment which I am commanding you today.

 2 - Then I realized that since there will clearly be poor among them, that must mean that some were disobedient. They were poor because of their disobedience. However, the Israelites were still commanded to be generously “open handed” to the poor. So, regardless of the reason behind the need, the need was still to be met – 8 “… but you shall freely open your hand to him, and shall generously lend him sufficient for his need in whatever he lacks.”

 And “11 You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land.’”

 Admittedly, I had to pause and consider my own attitudes about giving to the poor, and I asked myself these questions.

1 - Have you ever found yourself less generous to the poor because you knew the decisions or disobedience that resulted to that condition, along with the lack of remorse?

2 - Is this command directly relatable within American culture as it was to the Israelites?

3 - Should we consider the benefit of giving to the poor in the same light, since it seems (in our culture) to sometimes perpetuate the enablement of poor lifestyles?

 

One thing is certain. God loves everyone, regardless of anything. So should we. And to be continuously obedient to Him, requires a close personal relationship with Him. THEN we will be able to know His ways and His will for us.

 So, do not feel guilty for not doing what God did not tell you to do. But rather, know for certain what God DOES want you to do and do not be guilty of not doing it!  😊

Deuteronomy 11-13 – March 15, Monday

 Google GPS maps tells me that if I want to drive to Tulsa from our church, I should go east on 23^rd to Kickapoo Turnpike to I-44. It also says that I can choose to go North on Choctaw Rd., dogleg on Wilshire, to Hogback Rd., to Triple X, east on 66, then to I-44.

There are 2 routes, and the maps tells me that the first one will save me over an hour and be better road conditions. If I choose to drive the second route and encounter rough roads and it takes longer, I cannot blame the Google maps, it was my choice. It clearly stated both routes and the result of each.

Deuteronomy 11:26-28 does the same thing.

26 “See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse: 27 the blessing, if you listen to the commandments of the Lord your God, which I am commanding you today; 28 and the curse, if you do not listen to the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside from the way which I am commanding you today, by following other gods which you have not known.

 You may have heard the question, “How can a good and loving God send people to hell?” Easy. He doesn’t. It is not even His choice. That is a decision that you make. He gave you the authority and the right to make that choice for yourself.

 Genesis 2:16-17 The Lord God commanded the man, saying, “From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; 17 but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die.”

 Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 Wages – opsonion (Greek) – stipend, pay - This is what is owed to you because of work, effort, or service provided by you.

 Gift – charisma (Greek) – gratuity, free gift - This one is given without deservingness.  

 Choose wisely, my friend, it’s all on you!

Deuteronomy 8-10 part 2

 I tend to be a very “bottom line” type of person. “Why are doing this and why are we doing it this way?” It is sometimes seen as rebellion, but I personally find it necessary in order to fully devote myself to something. What’s the “bottom line? What is the result? And what are we truly called to do and why?

These can often be frightening questions, but they can also be extremely enlightening. We find an answer to one of these bottom line questions for the Israelites in 10:12,13.

12 “Now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require from you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13 and to keep the Lord’s commandments and His statutes which I am commanding you today for your good?

 So, whether you decide to post it on here or not, my question for you today is:

“What does the Lord your God require from you?”

Is it the same requirements given to the Israelites?

Think about it. Pray about it. Don’t answer too quickly or too generally.

Deuteronomy 8-10 – March 14

 8:11-20

Do not forget the Lord your God.

How do we forget? By not keeping His commandments, statutes, and ordinances.

What is the result of forgetting? The result of forgetting God is a process. First, after our goods are multiplied and our life gets easy, we become proud of ourselves and forget what God has done for us. Then, on top of self-pride, we bring in false gods into our lives. Then, we perish.

 8:18 But you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth… 19 It shall come about if you ever forget the Lord your God and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I testify against you today that you will surely perish.

 Many times in these first chapters of Deuteronomy, we discover the importance of remembering God and all that He has done for us and His provisions and blessings. This reminds us that, contrary to popular cultural beliefs, we cannot make it on our own. God seems to desire our trust before He delivers His blessings (8:16, 17).

Only when we allow ourselves to become fully reliant on God, do we find His fullest of blessings.

 Psalms 103:2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits;

 Psalms 112:6-7 For he will never be shaken; The righteous will be remembered forever. He will not fear evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.

Deuteronomy 5-7 – March 13

 In todays reading, I am reminded of the absolute separation that is caused by sin or disobedience. Man’s separation from God is a complete one. We cannot be somewhat Christian or kind of saved or a little bit righteous. Sadly, some may have the “well, I’m not ALL bad” mentality and feel that they have done enough to gain access to God. But God’s view is very black and white it seems.

Deuteronomy 6:23 He brought us out from there in order to bring us in,…

Deuteronomy 7:26 You shall not bring an abomination into your house, and like it come under the ban;…

They had to be completely out, to be brought completely in. And, any one abomination in your house, and it is all banned. This separation is a comprehensive separation. There is no fence to straddle.

For example, we cannot allow ourselves to fall into the trap of comparing our rights and wrongs with the culture around us. When it seems very natural and acceptable to dislike and talk bad about any fellow human, remember God’s will is quite different. Jesus’ own words were: Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Thankfully Jesus removes all aspects of separation between us and God. Only through Him can we be completely righteous. We simply have to stay committed to His righteous  lifestyle.

Please, Father, help us remember our covenant, so that we can “watch [ourselves], that [we] do not forget the Lord, Who brought [us] from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” (6:12) And remind us to “listen and be careful to do it, that it may be well with [us]…” (6:3)

Dueteronomy 3-4 – March 12, 2021

 In chapters 3 and 4, Moses not only tells the story of the Israelites traveling through the desert, but Moses also paints a beautiful picture of words about our Father God. Read these verses and allow them to paint a picture for you, revealing God’s heart for His people.

 3: 3 So the Lord our God delivered …

18 …‘The Lord your God has given you …

24 ‘O Lord God, You have begun to show Your servant Your greatness and Your strong hand; for what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do such works and mighty acts as Yours?

 

4:7 For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as is the Lord our God whenever we call on Him?

24 For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.

31 …for the Lord your God is a compassionate God; He will not fail you…

35 To you it was shown that you might know that the Lord, He is God; there is no other besides Him.

37 And He personally brought you from Egypt by His great power…

 

I am humbled and in awe of God’s passion for His people, for me. God is jealous for me! He is a giver, deliverer, mighty, compassionate, unfailing, powerful, personal, and has gone to great lengths to reveal to you His Self.

 And one of my favorite verses from this passage is: 4:29 But from there (separation due to rebellion) you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul.

Deuteronomy 1-2 - March 11

 Overview: Deuteronomy - YouTube

Here is another great video of Deuteronomy. I highly suggest viewing this video before reading the book.

Numbers 35-36 – March 10

 35:33-34 So you shall not pollute the land in which you are; for blood pollutes the land and no expiation can be made for the land for the blood that is shed on it, except by the blood of him who shed it. You shall not defile the land in which you live, in the midst of which I dwell; for I the Lord am dwelling in the midst of the sons of Israel.’”

 These verses drew my attention. I first wondered if God was teaching them about environmentalism, but after some study, I believe that God is teaching them about introducing pollutants into where God lives.

“Do not pollute (defile – Heb. tame – pollute, make unclean) where you live, where God lives, because God is living where you live.” (My version)

 So, we must always be willing to honestly ask ourselves: “What am I introducing to the place where God lives?” “What am I allowing to enter into my heart and my mind?” What do I read, see, watch, hear, listen to? Is it a pollutant? Is it unclean? Is it worthy for the temple where God dwells?”

 2 Corinthians 6:16 … For we are the temple of the living God …

Luke 19:45-46 And Jesus entered the temple grounds and began to drive out those who were selling, 46 saying to them, “It is written: ‘And My house will be a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of robbers.”

 Yikes! Pardon me whilst I go and get a broom and a dustpan.

Numbers 33-34 – March 9, 2021

 Much of chapters 33 and 34 are concerning the possession and apportioning the promised land, even though they were not in it yet. I am reminded of a phrase we have all heard many times: “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.” Faith and obedience offers us, as Christians, the right to count and expect unhatched chickens, as long as we are in and doing God’s will. As a matter of fact, it is part of our responsibility. I am not a big fan of a “Name It and Claim It” mentality; however, operating in obedient faith is a defining characteristic of a Christian.

 Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (unhatched chickens)

Romans 1:17 … “But the righteous man shall live by faith.”

 This Israelite victory was successful because of the steps of faith that was taken. God had instructed these steps as we see in verses 51-53 of chapter 33: “When you cross over the Jordan into the land of Canaan, 52 then you shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their figured stones, and destroy all their molten images and demolish all their high places; 53 and you shall take possession of the land and live in it, for I have given the land to you to possess it.”

  Process of victory

1 – Enter the land

2 – Drive out inhabitants

3 – Destroy false gods and high places

4 – Take possession and live in it

 There was no sneaking in, no peace talks, no negotiations – just go in with power and authority, clean it out, and live in it.

In a spiritual sense, what steps of faith can you begin to take today, that will put you closer to living in your promised land? What is your promised land? Do not be satisfied with the other side of the Jordan. Let’s dwell in God’s promises.

 Build a pen and buy some scratch for your unhatched chickens.

Numbers 26-27 – March 6

 In chapter 27, we read about when Joshua succeeds Moses. And then it hits me. What’s his title? What was Moses’ title? I only found one verse that places the title of prophet on Moses.

 Deuteronomy 34:10  Since that time no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face,

 In the New Testament, Moses is always listed with the prophets but separate. (ie. “Moses and the prophets”, “Moses and the law of the prophets”)

Many describe him as a lawgiver, leader, prophet, teacher, etc., but God does not commission a title to Moses.

I keep coming back to this scripture that amazes me every time, about one of the world’s greatest leader:

Numbers 12:3 (Now the man Moses was very humble, more than any man who was on the face of the earth.)

No title, no pride. His only power and authority is granted by God and by people (willingly), because of who he was and what he did – not because of a title or position.

My first thought was, “Wow, I wish we had more leaders like that in our world and our churches.” But then as usual, I wind up turning it on myself. Is there any part of my life that I maybe credit hungry? Certainly, I don’t need a title, but do I crave credit? Is it ever my motivation? It seems that one of history’s most incredible and successful leaders of people accomplished all of his work without a title – without needing credit.

Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

Numbers 23-25 – March 5

 There is one thing that keeps coming to mind about this event – Balaam hearing God.

Balaam was a: Diviner – vs 7, Non-Israelite – vs 5, Prophet – 2 Peter 2:16, and a hearer of God.

Look at that last one – God speaks to him, and Balaam seems to understand God pretty well. Here are the ways that God spoke to Balaam.

During two visits from the king’s men God speaks to Balaam by coming to him. “God came to Balaam” – (vs’ 22:9, 20). The first two times that Balaam builds altars, God meets Balaam and puts a word in his mouth. ( vs’ 23:4-5, 16).

But there are two other ways that God communicated with Balaam.

God attempted to detour Balaam through natural resources – indirectly – and angel with a sword that only his donkey could see.

When that didn’t work, God spoke directly and miraculously through this donkey.

I have certain ways that I like to hear from God. Ways that are unquestionable and perhaps even miraculous. I love it when I can say, “There is no doubt that that is from God!”

But do I hear Him when He is attempting to guide me through natural resources – indirectly? Do I stop at a “detour” and acknowledge the likelihood that this may be God? Perhaps, I should get more joy from being able to say, "It seems that this may be God leading me in a certain direction. I think I'll take a step of faith."

Please join with me in a prayer that begins with a prayer from Moses, Exodus 33:13.

 “’Now therefore, I pray You, if I have found favor in Your sight, let me know Your ways that I may know You, ...’ Even if those ways may be familiar or new, direct or indirect, natural or supernatural – help me to be spiritually aware at all times to You and Your will. Forgive me when I am distracted, but please help me develop a single-mindedness for You and Your mission. Amen”

Numbers 21-22 – March 4 – Thursday

In chapter 21, the people complain, the people are punished, the people are sorry, and God provides salvation. This time, salvation comes in the form of a bronze serpent made by Moses for all to look at to be healed from the snake bites.

 As we will later read in 2 Kings 18, the Israelites keep this bronze serpent for 700 years and turn it into a god and begin burning incense to it. King Hezekiah comes along and destroys it, finally.

Something for which God gave as a blessing, turned into a false god religion in complete opposition of the true God. Worship of the Creator was turned into the worship of the created.

 Our traditions, our religious artifacts, our sacred things, our precious processes, should never require more focus and effort than our relationship with God.

 Paul wrote about this in Romans 1. Regarding the “men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness…”, Paul says “24 Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. 25 For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.”

 Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.

 Luke 4:8 Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’”

 

Numbers 18-20 - March 3

 Consider the account of Moses and Aaron at Meribah getting water from the rock (20:2-13) This is similar to the account in Exodus 17:1-7, where God told Moses, “6 - Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb; and you shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, …” 

Some say that Moses’ sin was his disobedience in striking the rock instead of “speak to the rock …”.

Some say it was his lack of faith that God could do this same miracle, but in a different manner than before.

Some say it was his pride because of the statement in verse 10, “shall we bring forth water for you out of this rock?”.  Did he want the credit, instead of giving it to God?

Perhaps it had something to do with “bearing the guilt” of the people as described in chapter 18.

 Even the Psalmist wrote about it in Psalm 106:32-33,  “They also provoked Him to wrath at the waters of Meribah, So that it went hard with Moses on their account; 33 Because they were rebellious against His Spirit, He spoke rashly with his lips.”

 In any case, God plainly shows His versatility for performing miracles. We may be able to always trust God to come through for us because we have seen Him do it before; but, He may never do it the same way twice!

Trust His process, but your faith should remain in His ability!

Marinate on that.

Numbers 16-17 – March 2 – How’s Your Foundation?

 Korah and these 250 men who rose up against Moses were the spiritual leaders at that time (16:2).

Korah says, Verse 3 … “You have gone far enough, for all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is in their midst; so why do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the Lord?”

 Korah’s buddies, Dathan and Abiram, also said this:

“16:13 Is it not enough that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey to have us die in the wilderness, but you would also lord it over us?”

 Notice the lies and the partial truths coming from the leaders.

 1 – Obviously not all of the congregation was holy. Within the next two days God eliminates almost 15,000 of them.

 2 - Moses wasn’t exalting himself above others. We know this is not true because of Numbers 12:3 (Now the man Moses was very humble, more than any man who was on the face of the earth.)

 3 – “brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey”!?! They had not even entered the land flowing with milk and honey. Did they believe that their land of slavery was also their land flowing with milk and honey?

 Whether it be because of jealousy, power, greed, or whatever – these people became completely blind to the truth and then they convinced others to believe the same.

 I cannot help but be reminded of the lies that I sadly see people falling for in our current culture. I’m not talking about lies from the world – I expect that. I mean the false ideas that appear to come from the cause of righteousness (Matthew 7:15).

Please be careful of who and what you believe. Make certain that your foundation is built on solid rock – hearing and doing the Word of God (Matthew 7:24-27).

 Can your foundation be shaken?

Hebrews 12:26-27 26 And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the heaven.” 27 This expression, “Yet once more,” denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.

Numbers 14-15; Psalm 90 – March 1

 Here’s another interesting lesson to learn from Numbers. In verses 39-45 in chapter 15, we find out that the Israelites got in a hurry and attempted to go into the promised land too soon. Even though the promised land was promised to them by God, God was not with them at that time to take possession of their promise.

42 Do not go up, or you will be struck down before your enemies, for the Lord is not among you. - 44 But they went up heedlessly to the ridge of the hill country; neither the ark of the covenant of the Lord nor Moses left the camp.

This is why we must always nurture and grow our relationship with God. His timing is vital for the possession of our promises and direction. His presence is necessary for victory!

Be patient, obedient, and stay in His presence at all times, because He wants to get you to your Canaan.