Today’s Reading: Numbers 14; Numbers 15; Numbers 16; Mark 3
Scripture: Numbers 14:34 "For forty years—one year for each of the forty days you explored the land—you will suffer for your sins and know what it is like to have me against you."
Observation: How devastating this is. Not primarily the forty years of wandering, but the curse of this statement: "[You will] know what it is like to have me against you." God, who redeemed them from slavery and through miracle after miracle, brought them to the brink of the promised land, now takes a position in opposition to them. That makes for forty miserable years.
Application: The lesson I take from this is that it is possible to push against God to the point where the consequence is His dedicated opposition to you. Don't go there! You can be called, chosen, and redeemed, yet be an object of God's judgment by rejecting God and disbelieving Him.
Prayer: Lord, help me to trust and obey You always. I want to live on the narrow road. Lord, You know my inconsistencies. Help me to pursue You with passionate purpose and consistent commitment. I want to be the object of Your love and blessing always.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Friday, February 23, 2007
Title: The Nay Sayers / Topic: Critical People
Today’s Reading: Numbers 12; Numbers 13; Psalm 90; Mark 2
Scripture: Mark 2:7, 16, 18, 24
7 "Why does this fellow talk like that? He's blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?"
16 ..."Why does he eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"
18 ..."How is it that John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?"
24 ..."Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?"
Observation: Apparently, there are many people following Jesus whose entire motivation is to find fault with whatever He does. Their picky criticisms stick out throughout the chapter. These complainers sound like ill-mannered brats.
Application: I guess that nay sayers have been around forever and will be around forever. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, but so are the Pharisees!
Prayer: Lord help me to not pay attention to the nay sayers but to do what is right -- what You are calling me to do. And Lord, if You could either shut them up or keep them away from me, I would really appreciate it!
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Mark 2:7, 16, 18, 24
7 "Why does this fellow talk like that? He's blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?"
16 ..."Why does he eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"
18 ..."How is it that John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?"
24 ..."Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?"
Observation: Apparently, there are many people following Jesus whose entire motivation is to find fault with whatever He does. Their picky criticisms stick out throughout the chapter. These complainers sound like ill-mannered brats.
Application: I guess that nay sayers have been around forever and will be around forever. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, but so are the Pharisees!
Prayer: Lord help me to not pay attention to the nay sayers but to do what is right -- what You are calling me to do. And Lord, if You could either shut them up or keep them away from me, I would really appreciate it!
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Title: Say It Again, Moses / Topic: Ritual
Today’s Reading: Numbers 10; Numbers 11; Psalm 27; Mark 1
Scripture: Numbers 10
35 Whenever the ark set out, Moses said,
"Rise up, O LORD!
May your enemies be scattered;
may your foes flee before you."
36 Whenever it came to rest, he said,
"Return, O LORD,
to the countless thousands of Israel."
Observation: Moses developed a little ritual for the going out and coming in of the ark as the Israelites wandered in the wilderness. He would say the same thing each time it set out and another thing each time it came to rest.
Application: There is a place for ritual and ceremony. I have not given much place in my life for it. But as I read this kind of thing in the Bible (and this kind of thing is in a lot of places throughout the Bible), it jars me a little and makes me think that I need to modify my ways of thinking and doing things.
Prayer: Lord, show me the place for ritual and ceremony. I want to do things in a way that help people develop a real and vital connection with You. I want to help people to know the reality of You and I think that ritual can help. Show me how best to communicate You to those I encounter every day and those I lead in my ministry.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Numbers 10
35 Whenever the ark set out, Moses said,
"Rise up, O LORD!
May your enemies be scattered;
may your foes flee before you."
36 Whenever it came to rest, he said,
"Return, O LORD,
to the countless thousands of Israel."
Observation: Moses developed a little ritual for the going out and coming in of the ark as the Israelites wandered in the wilderness. He would say the same thing each time it set out and another thing each time it came to rest.
Application: There is a place for ritual and ceremony. I have not given much place in my life for it. But as I read this kind of thing in the Bible (and this kind of thing is in a lot of places throughout the Bible), it jars me a little and makes me think that I need to modify my ways of thinking and doing things.
Prayer: Lord, show me the place for ritual and ceremony. I want to do things in a way that help people develop a real and vital connection with You. I want to help people to know the reality of You and I think that ritual can help. Show me how best to communicate You to those I encounter every day and those I lead in my ministry.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Title: Five Short Observations / Topic: Interesting Stuff
Today’s Reading: Numbers 8; Numbers 9; Acts 28
#1 Scripture: Numbers 9:14 " 'An alien living among you who wants to celebrate the LORD's Passover must do so in accordance with its rules and regulations. You must have the same regulations for the alien and the native-born.' "
#1 Observation/Application: The Israelites were to have the same rules for non-Jews who wanted to be a part of their community of faith as they had for the Jewish people. I think it is beautiful that God was (and is) so inclusive. The message is that we are to be open-armed in inviting, accepting, and receiving those who are different from us, provided they want to submit themselves to God
17 Whenever the cloud lifted from above the Tent, the Israelites set out; wherever the cloud settled, the Israelites encamped. 18 At the LORD's command the Israelites set out, and at his command they encamped. As long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle, they remained in camp. 19 When the cloud remained over the tabernacle a long time, the Israelites obeyed the LORD's order and did not set out. 20 Sometimes the cloud was over the tabernacle only a few days; at the LORD's command they would encamp, and then at his command they would set out. 21 Sometimes the cloud stayed only from evening till morning, and when it lifted in the morning, they set out. Whether by day or by night, whenever the cloud lifted, they set out. 22 Whether the cloud stayed over the tabernacle for two days or a month or a year, the Israelites would remain in camp and not set out; but when it lifted, they would set out. 23 At the LORD's command they encamped, and at the LORD's command they set out. They obeyed the LORD's order, in accordance with his command through Moses.
#2 Observation/Application: I just think it is so cool that the Israelites had this very visible and real way to know when to stay and go. I would like to have something like this!
4 When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, "This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live." 5 But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. 6 The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead, but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.
#3 Observation/Application: It cracks me up! One minute Paul is a murderer and they are watching to see him keel over and die. The next minute they "changed their minds and said he was a god!" People are fickle. You think?
23 ...From morning till evening he explained and declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24 Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe.
#4 Observation/Application: The last phrase is telling: "but others would not believe." It's not that Paul's arguments were not compelling, it is that they refused to believe. I believe that many people refuse to believe because of the implications for their own lives. "If I believe, I will have to change. Therefore, I choose not to believe." It is a sad reality.
26 "'Go to this people and say,
"You will be ever hearing but never understanding;
you will be ever seeing but never perceiving."
27 For this people's heart has become calloused;
they hardly hear with their ears,
and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
hear with their ears,
understand with their hearts
and turn, and I would heal them.'
#5 Observation/Application: This is a continuation of point #4. The people hear but don't understand, they see but they don't perceive. Why? Because of calloused hearts: "they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes." You see that this is a voluntary response. It is a choice or the result of many choices. The bottom line is that they have made a decision not to respond to the Lord because of the changes that responding to the Lord would bring into their lives.
Prayer: Lord, I want to be open to everything You want for me. Help me to put to death the resistance to what You say to me and show me. I choose to choose You.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
#1 Scripture: Numbers 9:14 " 'An alien living among you who wants to celebrate the LORD's Passover must do so in accordance with its rules and regulations. You must have the same regulations for the alien and the native-born.' "
#1 Observation/Application: The Israelites were to have the same rules for non-Jews who wanted to be a part of their community of faith as they had for the Jewish people. I think it is beautiful that God was (and is) so inclusive. The message is that we are to be open-armed in inviting, accepting, and receiving those who are different from us, provided they want to submit themselves to God
---
#2 Scripture: Numbers 9:17-2317 Whenever the cloud lifted from above the Tent, the Israelites set out; wherever the cloud settled, the Israelites encamped. 18 At the LORD's command the Israelites set out, and at his command they encamped. As long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle, they remained in camp. 19 When the cloud remained over the tabernacle a long time, the Israelites obeyed the LORD's order and did not set out. 20 Sometimes the cloud was over the tabernacle only a few days; at the LORD's command they would encamp, and then at his command they would set out. 21 Sometimes the cloud stayed only from evening till morning, and when it lifted in the morning, they set out. Whether by day or by night, whenever the cloud lifted, they set out. 22 Whether the cloud stayed over the tabernacle for two days or a month or a year, the Israelites would remain in camp and not set out; but when it lifted, they would set out. 23 At the LORD's command they encamped, and at the LORD's command they set out. They obeyed the LORD's order, in accordance with his command through Moses.
#2 Observation/Application: I just think it is so cool that the Israelites had this very visible and real way to know when to stay and go. I would like to have something like this!
---
#3 Scripture: Acts 28:4-64 When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, "This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live." 5 But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. 6 The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead, but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.
#3 Observation/Application: It cracks me up! One minute Paul is a murderer and they are watching to see him keel over and die. The next minute they "changed their minds and said he was a god!" People are fickle. You think?
---
#4 Scripture: Acts 28:23-2423 ...From morning till evening he explained and declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24 Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe.
#4 Observation/Application: The last phrase is telling: "but others would not believe." It's not that Paul's arguments were not compelling, it is that they refused to believe. I believe that many people refuse to believe because of the implications for their own lives. "If I believe, I will have to change. Therefore, I choose not to believe." It is a sad reality.
---
#5 Scripture: Acts 28:26-2726 "'Go to this people and say,
"You will be ever hearing but never understanding;
you will be ever seeing but never perceiving."
27 For this people's heart has become calloused;
they hardly hear with their ears,
and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
hear with their ears,
understand with their hearts
and turn, and I would heal them.'
#5 Observation/Application: This is a continuation of point #4. The people hear but don't understand, they see but they don't perceive. Why? Because of calloused hearts: "they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes." You see that this is a voluntary response. It is a choice or the result of many choices. The bottom line is that they have made a decision not to respond to the Lord because of the changes that responding to the Lord would bring into their lives.
Prayer: Lord, I want to be open to everything You want for me. Help me to put to death the resistance to what You say to me and show me. I choose to choose You.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Title: Strong Shoulders / Topic: The Honor Of Duty
Today’s Reading: Numbers 7; Psalm 23; Acts 27
Scripture: Numbers 7:6-9
6 So Moses took the carts and oxen and gave them to the Levites. 7 He gave two carts and four oxen to the Gershonites, as their work required, 8 and he gave four carts and eight oxen to the Merarites, as their work required. They were all under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron, the priest. 9 But Moses did not give any to the Kohathites, because they were to carry on their shoulders the holy things, for which they were responsible.
Observation: The Levites were the roadies for the Tabernacle. This was the semi-mobile temple-like structure that was the center of Jewish worship. Some of the Levites got carts. These were to be used to haul the various items that they were responsible for. But the Kohathites were not given any carts -- they had the job of carrying the holy things and holy articles from the tabernacle: the ark, the altar of incense, the table for the bread, and so forth. And these things had rings attached through which poles were inserted to be carried on the shoulders of the Kohathites. I'm sure that when the carts were given out, the Kohathites felt left out -- I mean everybody else got carts and they got none. Maybe some of the other Levites said, "ha-ha," poking fun at the Kohathites.
Application: But what struck me about this is what a great privilege the Kohathites had -- carrying the most precious, the most sacred things. It was a great trust that had been given to them. And it was on their strong shoulders that this responsibility would be borne.
Bottom line: God gives special weighty responsibilities to those whom He deems able to bear them. We can look at them as burdens or as honors which God allows us to bear in His name.
Prayer: Lord, help me to see the burdens I bear as special marks of honor for You. May my attitude be one of joy and gratefulness for the entrustment of Your sacred duty.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Numbers 7:6-9
6 So Moses took the carts and oxen and gave them to the Levites. 7 He gave two carts and four oxen to the Gershonites, as their work required, 8 and he gave four carts and eight oxen to the Merarites, as their work required. They were all under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron, the priest. 9 But Moses did not give any to the Kohathites, because they were to carry on their shoulders the holy things, for which they were responsible.
Observation: The Levites were the roadies for the Tabernacle. This was the semi-mobile temple-like structure that was the center of Jewish worship. Some of the Levites got carts. These were to be used to haul the various items that they were responsible for. But the Kohathites were not given any carts -- they had the job of carrying the holy things and holy articles from the tabernacle: the ark, the altar of incense, the table for the bread, and so forth. And these things had rings attached through which poles were inserted to be carried on the shoulders of the Kohathites. I'm sure that when the carts were given out, the Kohathites felt left out -- I mean everybody else got carts and they got none. Maybe some of the other Levites said, "ha-ha," poking fun at the Kohathites.
Application: But what struck me about this is what a great privilege the Kohathites had -- carrying the most precious, the most sacred things. It was a great trust that had been given to them. And it was on their strong shoulders that this responsibility would be borne.
Bottom line: God gives special weighty responsibilities to those whom He deems able to bear them. We can look at them as burdens or as honors which God allows us to bear in His name.
Prayer: Lord, help me to see the burdens I bear as special marks of honor for You. May my attitude be one of joy and gratefulness for the entrustment of Your sacred duty.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Title: Stick With The Victor / Topic: God's Ultimate Victory
Today’s Reading: Numbers 5; Numbers 6; Psalm 22; Acts 26
Scripture: Psalm 22:28 for dominion belongs to the LORD and he rules over the nations.
Observation: Psalm 22 is a prophetic psalm. In it, David foretells the suffering of coming messiah in crucifixion. In the latter part of the Psalm, it speaks of the end times. Verse 28 foretells of that time in world history with God once again rules as sovereign on this planet, for in the present age, a usurper has taken rulership. ("We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one." 1 John 5:19) But there is coming a day when God will defeat Satan once and for all and will establish an everlasting and righteous kingdom on this earth.
Application: Don't lose faith. We live in a world under the control of force of wickedness. Things will get worse before they get better, but even in the midst of difficulties, God is with us. And we know that, in the final analysis, righteousness triumphs -- God wins. So I choose to take my stand with Him no matter what.
Prayer: Thank You Lord that we can have confidence in Your ultimate victory. Thank You that You stand with us through whatever trials and tribulations that life can through at us. And thank You that we don't have to simply suffer through life -- no, we can be joyful even in the middle of tough times. May we live in this unstoppable and powerful kind of joyful, resilient life.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Psalm 22:28 for dominion belongs to the LORD and he rules over the nations.
Observation: Psalm 22 is a prophetic psalm. In it, David foretells the suffering of coming messiah in crucifixion. In the latter part of the Psalm, it speaks of the end times. Verse 28 foretells of that time in world history with God once again rules as sovereign on this planet, for in the present age, a usurper has taken rulership. ("We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one." 1 John 5:19) But there is coming a day when God will defeat Satan once and for all and will establish an everlasting and righteous kingdom on this earth.
Application: Don't lose faith. We live in a world under the control of force of wickedness. Things will get worse before they get better, but even in the midst of difficulties, God is with us. And we know that, in the final analysis, righteousness triumphs -- God wins. So I choose to take my stand with Him no matter what.
Prayer: Thank You Lord that we can have confidence in Your ultimate victory. Thank You that You stand with us through whatever trials and tribulations that life can through at us. And thank You that we don't have to simply suffer through life -- no, we can be joyful even in the middle of tough times. May we live in this unstoppable and powerful kind of joyful, resilient life.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Title: The Inconsistent God? / Topic: God's Nature
Today’s Reading: Numbers 3; Numbers 4; Acts 25
Scripture: Numbers 3:14-16
14 The LORD said to Moses in the Desert of Sinai, 15 "Count the Levites by their families and clans. Count every male a month old or more." 16 So Moses counted them, as he was commanded by the word of the LORD.
Observation: Compare this passage to one from yesterday's reading: "The LORD had said to Moses: 'You must not count the tribe of Levi or include them in the census of the other Israelites.'" (Numbers 1:48-49) I think it is so interesting that one day God tells Moses, "Do not count the Levites," and another day God says, "Count the Levites." What gives?
Application: The thing that strikes me is that God is God and while it may appear inconsistent and nonsensical to me, God's perspective is much different and I must allow for His higher purpose and understanding. I also know that God is beyond my discovery. I know something about God, but not even close to everything. So for some things to be mysterious is OK with me. The parts of God that I have discovered are enough to let me know that He is worth living for.
Prayer: Lord, You are so interesting. I pray that You will help me to live in such a way that others find You interesting too. Forgive us for the sin of making You seem boring. Help us to knock it off and do You justice, particularly in the church.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: Numbers 3:14-16
14 The LORD said to Moses in the Desert of Sinai, 15 "Count the Levites by their families and clans. Count every male a month old or more." 16 So Moses counted them, as he was commanded by the word of the LORD.
Observation: Compare this passage to one from yesterday's reading: "The LORD had said to Moses: 'You must not count the tribe of Levi or include them in the census of the other Israelites.'" (Numbers 1:48-49) I think it is so interesting that one day God tells Moses, "Do not count the Levites," and another day God says, "Count the Levites." What gives?
Application: The thing that strikes me is that God is God and while it may appear inconsistent and nonsensical to me, God's perspective is much different and I must allow for His higher purpose and understanding. I also know that God is beyond my discovery. I know something about God, but not even close to everything. So for some things to be mysterious is OK with me. The parts of God that I have discovered are enough to let me know that He is worth living for.
Prayer: Lord, You are so interesting. I pray that You will help me to live in such a way that others find You interesting too. Forgive us for the sin of making You seem boring. Help us to knock it off and do You justice, particularly in the church.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)