Today's reading: Numbers 7, 8, 9; Psalm 12, 42, 72, 102, 132; Proverbs 12
Numbers 7:89, And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking unto him from off the mercy seat that was upon the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubims: and he spake unto him."
When I was reading this verse I was reminded of a story from a friend. She tells this story on herself. It is about a skit performed at their Church. She was sitting on the platform that was designed to be her kitchen in this skit. As she sits at the kitchen table she begins speaking, "Our Father". Then from the pa system comes a deep booming voice that says, "Yes". The my friend turns to the children in her skit and says, "Would you be quite! I am trying to pray."
Again, she starts, "Our Father in heaven". To which the answer comes booming over the pa system, "Yes". This scenario continues through the entire model prayer. It really looses something in my telling of the story. When she tells it I just roll in laughter yet knowing in the back of my mind that there is a moral lesson here for me and others.
Okay, okay. Why do I ramble today about a skit of days gone by? Simple, really. In the skit, my friend is attempting to pray but is interrupted by the playing of children and other things that I did not rehearse for you. God was speaking directly to her in the skit but each time she was distracted. This ought not to be in our lives. Thus the point of the skit, if I remember correctly.
Imagine being Mosed in our text for today. Imagine begin able to speak directly to God Himself. I get goosebumps just thinking about that possibility. Yet we do have 24 hour access to Him through the avenue of prayer.
You do pray don't you? Well, don't you?
Friday, February 12, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
February 11, 2010
Today's reading: Numbers 4, 5, 6; Psalm 11, 41, 71, 101, 131; Proverbs 11
Numbers 4:47, "From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that came to do the service of the ministry, and the service of the burden in the tabernacle of the congregation,"
I found it very interesting while reading through the book of Numbers this time. I noticed how each family had their assigned responsibilities. With that responsibility came judgment for not fulfilling the responsibility. Every individual from thirty (30) years old to fifty (50) years old had a specific responsibility that they had to carry out at the appointed time.
So what if they failed? Judgment would come to them. The fear of judgment should have been a huge motivating factor in how well they executed their duties. I cannot imagine trying to remember each sacrifice for each thing. "Do I wave this offering or do I burn it on the altar?" I can hear myself trying to remember the correct way to execute my duties. I guess that is why I was born during this time and not that time.
On the other hand, with obedience comes great blessing. Notice the words of Numbers 6:23-27, "Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them." It does not get any better than this.
So, how are you doing today at obedience? Blessing is on the way!
Numbers 4:47, "From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old, every one that came to do the service of the ministry, and the service of the burden in the tabernacle of the congregation,"
I found it very interesting while reading through the book of Numbers this time. I noticed how each family had their assigned responsibilities. With that responsibility came judgment for not fulfilling the responsibility. Every individual from thirty (30) years old to fifty (50) years old had a specific responsibility that they had to carry out at the appointed time.
So what if they failed? Judgment would come to them. The fear of judgment should have been a huge motivating factor in how well they executed their duties. I cannot imagine trying to remember each sacrifice for each thing. "Do I wave this offering or do I burn it on the altar?" I can hear myself trying to remember the correct way to execute my duties. I guess that is why I was born during this time and not that time.
On the other hand, with obedience comes great blessing. Notice the words of Numbers 6:23-27, "Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them." It does not get any better than this.
So, how are you doing today at obedience? Blessing is on the way!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
February 10, 2010
Today's reading: Numbers 1, 2, 3; Psalm 10, 40, 70, 100, 130; Proverbs 10
Proverbs 10:7, "The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot."
You know from reading after me daily that I do enjoy trips down memory lane. I get so much enjoyment out of those trips and the precious memories of days gone by.
I especially enjoy the memories of people that have gone on to heaven. I think of my Grandpa who was a big man at over six feet tall. He was a spiritual giant also. Oh, how I miss him. Grandma has gone on to heaven also and we all miss her terribly. There are many others also; but, the list would be far too long to name them all.
In taking a closer look at our text for today I learned some things. I learned that the word "memory" means: memento, recollection or commeration. The word "just" means: lawful or righteous. I also learned that the word "blessed" means: prosperity (good for something) or present.
In light of this we could say that this verse says, "The memory of the righteous person is their gift to you and I in their absence".
This really set me to thinking. When I am dead and gone what memories will people have of me? I don't want to think about that. Some would have not-so-precious memories. Some might have precious memories of our times together.
What am I leaving my friends and family when I leave this world for heaven? This is a serious question to think about and do some soul searching over.
We are leaving a legacy no matter what. The question is, "What kind of legacy will you and I leave behind?" Think about it.
Proverbs 10:7, "The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot."
You know from reading after me daily that I do enjoy trips down memory lane. I get so much enjoyment out of those trips and the precious memories of days gone by.
I especially enjoy the memories of people that have gone on to heaven. I think of my Grandpa who was a big man at over six feet tall. He was a spiritual giant also. Oh, how I miss him. Grandma has gone on to heaven also and we all miss her terribly. There are many others also; but, the list would be far too long to name them all.
In taking a closer look at our text for today I learned some things. I learned that the word "memory" means: memento, recollection or commeration. The word "just" means: lawful or righteous. I also learned that the word "blessed" means: prosperity (good for something) or present.
In light of this we could say that this verse says, "The memory of the righteous person is their gift to you and I in their absence".
This really set me to thinking. When I am dead and gone what memories will people have of me? I don't want to think about that. Some would have not-so-precious memories. Some might have precious memories of our times together.
What am I leaving my friends and family when I leave this world for heaven? This is a serious question to think about and do some soul searching over.
We are leaving a legacy no matter what. The question is, "What kind of legacy will you and I leave behind?" Think about it.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
February 9, 2010
Today's reading: Leviticus 25, 26, 27; Psalm 9, 39, 69, 99, 129; Proverbs 9
Leviticus 26:12, "And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people."
I was thinking about the horrific earthquake in Haiti after attending a local meeting to help a village in the country. I was thinking how the people of Haiti must have wondered, "Where is God?" If you know Christ as your Saviour then you know all the promises in the Bible that God will never abandon us.
I look at America and I wonder if God is still here. As a nation we allow the murder of countless children and call it choice. We allow an "alternate lifestyle" that God says is an abomination to run rampant through our land. Listen to the words of Leviticus 26:23-24, "And if ye will not be reformed by me by these things, but will walk contrary unto me; Then will I also walk contrary unto you, and will punish you yet seven times for your sins."
So, where is God? I know that He still walks with His children. He still speaks to us through His Word! He still delights in the prayers of His people. I believe that God is sitting on His throne in heaven; not wringing His hands, but actively leading in the lives of His people
As far as America goes, I think we need to beware of the admonition of Psalm 9:17, "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God." I believe that we have not only forgotten but whole-heartedly attempted to suppressed every minute detail about God.
As a Christian I (and you) need to cry out of God in prayer the words of Psalm 139:23-24, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." We need to be ready for Him to speak to us also. Be assured that if you invite God into your life to search your heart He will and then you can walk along with Him with a renewed commitment to live a life that is pleasing and acceptable to Him
Your walk talks and your talk talks; but, your walk talks louder than your talk talks. So, how is your walk and who are you walking with?
Leviticus 26:12, "And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people."
I was thinking about the horrific earthquake in Haiti after attending a local meeting to help a village in the country. I was thinking how the people of Haiti must have wondered, "Where is God?" If you know Christ as your Saviour then you know all the promises in the Bible that God will never abandon us.
I look at America and I wonder if God is still here. As a nation we allow the murder of countless children and call it choice. We allow an "alternate lifestyle" that God says is an abomination to run rampant through our land. Listen to the words of Leviticus 26:23-24, "And if ye will not be reformed by me by these things, but will walk contrary unto me; Then will I also walk contrary unto you, and will punish you yet seven times for your sins."
So, where is God? I know that He still walks with His children. He still speaks to us through His Word! He still delights in the prayers of His people. I believe that God is sitting on His throne in heaven; not wringing His hands, but actively leading in the lives of His people
As far as America goes, I think we need to beware of the admonition of Psalm 9:17, "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God." I believe that we have not only forgotten but whole-heartedly attempted to suppressed every minute detail about God.
As a Christian I (and you) need to cry out of God in prayer the words of Psalm 139:23-24, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." We need to be ready for Him to speak to us also. Be assured that if you invite God into your life to search your heart He will and then you can walk along with Him with a renewed commitment to live a life that is pleasing and acceptable to Him
Your walk talks and your talk talks; but, your walk talks louder than your talk talks. So, how is your walk and who are you walking with?
Monday, February 8, 2010
February 8, 2010
Today's reading: Leviticus 22, 23, 24; Psalm 8, 38, 68, 98, 128; Proverbs 8
Leviticus 23:10, "Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest:"
Leviticus 23:22, "And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not make clean riddance of the corners of thy field when thou reapest, neither shalt thou gather any gleaning of thy harvest: thou shalt leave them unto the poor, and to the stranger: I am the LORD your God."
As I was reading the above verses today I thought of so many people that have helped my family and I over the years. There have been so many that I could not list all of them. For instance, our Church took up a food collection last year in November for us and we are still enjoying the bounty they gave us.
Why is it that we find it so easy to give to others? Some of us have a giving spirit about us. God has created us all different and that makes life more interesting. Right now (in 2010) the nation of Haiti is suffering horribly after great earthquakes. Many people are giving money and other goods to help the people of that nation.
What about giving to God? Ouch! People don't like to talk about that. We get hung up on whether the tithe is just an Old Testament requirement or whether it is for us today. I don't get it. I see the tithe as a starting point. We give tithes and offerings. Anything above the tithe is an offering. What is so controversial about that. I think some people just like to have something to disagree about.
My point is that we need to be giving to God. No matter if you believe in the tithe or not, we need to be giving sacrificially. One man said, "Give until it hurts." The problem is that most of us cannot take a whole lot of pain in this area.
How is your giving? Are you sure about that?
Leviticus 23:10, "Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest:"
Leviticus 23:22, "And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not make clean riddance of the corners of thy field when thou reapest, neither shalt thou gather any gleaning of thy harvest: thou shalt leave them unto the poor, and to the stranger: I am the LORD your God."
As I was reading the above verses today I thought of so many people that have helped my family and I over the years. There have been so many that I could not list all of them. For instance, our Church took up a food collection last year in November for us and we are still enjoying the bounty they gave us.
Why is it that we find it so easy to give to others? Some of us have a giving spirit about us. God has created us all different and that makes life more interesting. Right now (in 2010) the nation of Haiti is suffering horribly after great earthquakes. Many people are giving money and other goods to help the people of that nation.
What about giving to God? Ouch! People don't like to talk about that. We get hung up on whether the tithe is just an Old Testament requirement or whether it is for us today. I don't get it. I see the tithe as a starting point. We give tithes and offerings. Anything above the tithe is an offering. What is so controversial about that. I think some people just like to have something to disagree about.
My point is that we need to be giving to God. No matter if you believe in the tithe or not, we need to be giving sacrificially. One man said, "Give until it hurts." The problem is that most of us cannot take a whole lot of pain in this area.
How is your giving? Are you sure about that?
Sunday, February 7, 2010
February 7, 2010
Today's reading: Leviticus 19, 20, 21; Psalm 7, 37, 67, 97, 127; Proverbs 7
Leviticus 19:18, "Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD."
When I was growing up I received a bb gun for my birthday. You have read the story. I was so angry at a neighbor boy that I shot him in the ankle with the bb gun. Some years later as I stood in one of those quick oil change businesses the guy working the counter looked at my name and then my face and exclaimed, "You shot my brother!" Wow!
Yes, it was the younger brother of the boy that I had shot all those years ago. I was embarrassed beyond belief. My wife did not know what to do as she stood there listening to what he said. The other customers in the business began to look at me like I was a famous criminal. There were some tense moments there for a while.
My point today is that I did not love my neighbor as myself that day. We do not have to teach ourselves to love ourselves. Unfortunately, we just love ourselves automatically. If I had loved my neighbor as myself, I would have gone to him again and tried to talk to him about the offense. It is too late for that now. Maybe one day I will be able to meet him somewhere in life and I will be able to apologize. I hope so.
So, how are we doing at loving our neighbor? Have we put ourselves aside long enough to love our neighbor? I hope so.
Leviticus 19:18, "Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD."
When I was growing up I received a bb gun for my birthday. You have read the story. I was so angry at a neighbor boy that I shot him in the ankle with the bb gun. Some years later as I stood in one of those quick oil change businesses the guy working the counter looked at my name and then my face and exclaimed, "You shot my brother!" Wow!
Yes, it was the younger brother of the boy that I had shot all those years ago. I was embarrassed beyond belief. My wife did not know what to do as she stood there listening to what he said. The other customers in the business began to look at me like I was a famous criminal. There were some tense moments there for a while.
My point today is that I did not love my neighbor as myself that day. We do not have to teach ourselves to love ourselves. Unfortunately, we just love ourselves automatically. If I had loved my neighbor as myself, I would have gone to him again and tried to talk to him about the offense. It is too late for that now. Maybe one day I will be able to meet him somewhere in life and I will be able to apologize. I hope so.
So, how are we doing at loving our neighbor? Have we put ourselves aside long enough to love our neighbor? I hope so.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
February 6, 2010
Today's reading: Leviticus 16, 17, 18; Psalm 6, 36, 66, 96, 126; Proverbs 6
Leviticus 16:16,"And he shall make an atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins: and so shall he do for the tabernacle of the congregation, that remaineth among them in the midst of their uncleanness."
I had the pleasure of growing up on my aunt and uncle's farm. During those years I found myself getting into all kinds of things. Trouble was the most frequent thing that I found myself getting in. Even on rainy days I could go down into the basement and find things to get into or I could go out to the tool shed and even the barn. There was an old house that the landlord kept a tractor in that really held treasures for a young boy to discover.
One thing I remember the most is that I always ended up dirty. I don't mean just a little dirt here and there. Sometimes at night when I would take my bath you could not truly tell what race I was. If we had gone to the coal mine and got a load I could even be black as night. It was at these times that I needed a bath. I remember how dirty the bathtub would be when I got out. Yuck!
It is the same in our lives now. On a spiritual level we need to be cleansed from our sin. The sin that is a part of us is more black and dark than that old coal dust and it takes more than soap and water to clean it away.
Jesus died to pay our sin debt. Like the lambs and goats of our passage today, Jesus is our atonement. The word "atonement" means to cover or to placate or to cancel. Jesus paid the price of sin for you and I if we will trust Him and receive His free gift of salvation and as the old song says, "and be washed in the blood of the Lamb".
Have you ever taken your spiritual bath and been cleansed from your sin? I hope you have. If not contact me and I would love to introduce you to Jesus and He can wash you "white as snow".
Leviticus 16:16,"And he shall make an atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins: and so shall he do for the tabernacle of the congregation, that remaineth among them in the midst of their uncleanness."
I had the pleasure of growing up on my aunt and uncle's farm. During those years I found myself getting into all kinds of things. Trouble was the most frequent thing that I found myself getting in. Even on rainy days I could go down into the basement and find things to get into or I could go out to the tool shed and even the barn. There was an old house that the landlord kept a tractor in that really held treasures for a young boy to discover.
One thing I remember the most is that I always ended up dirty. I don't mean just a little dirt here and there. Sometimes at night when I would take my bath you could not truly tell what race I was. If we had gone to the coal mine and got a load I could even be black as night. It was at these times that I needed a bath. I remember how dirty the bathtub would be when I got out. Yuck!
It is the same in our lives now. On a spiritual level we need to be cleansed from our sin. The sin that is a part of us is more black and dark than that old coal dust and it takes more than soap and water to clean it away.
Jesus died to pay our sin debt. Like the lambs and goats of our passage today, Jesus is our atonement. The word "atonement" means to cover or to placate or to cancel. Jesus paid the price of sin for you and I if we will trust Him and receive His free gift of salvation and as the old song says, "and be washed in the blood of the Lamb".
Have you ever taken your spiritual bath and been cleansed from your sin? I hope you have. If not contact me and I would love to introduce you to Jesus and He can wash you "white as snow".
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