Today's reading: Numbers 19, 20, 21; Psalm 16, 46, 76, 106, 136; Proverbs 16
Numbers 20:8,11,12; "Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink. And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also. And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them."
Psalm 106:32, "They angered him also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes:"
Today as I was reading I thought of many times I had disobeyed and been punished for it. One particular time I remember being told not to go and play in the water at the baseball diamond across the street from our house. It did not take long and; yes, I was in the water. I remember playing with a piece of wood like it was a surf board. To a little boy the water was deep and I could have easily drowned. I remember my mother and dad being furious with me and rightfully so. I had done what I was told not to do and there were consequences for the act of defiance.
It is the same with the Lord. If we disobey Him there are sometimes severe consequences. God told Moses to speak to the rock and the water would come out. In Moses frustration with the people he ended up striking the rock not once but twice. The rock is a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ. Disobedience cost Moses the joy of entering the promised land with the people. It cost a lot!
Far too often we do not stop and think what effect what we are about to do will have on us and others. I am far too guilty of this. My wife could tell you volumes of times that I have not totally counted the cost and we all paid the price because of my stupidity. Thank God for forgiveness!
In Numbers 21:8-9,"And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived." The people had sinned again and were being judged. If they looked at the brass serpent they would live. I remember singing a song in Church as a child called "Look And Live". Brass is a picture of judgment. Again, sin brings judgment.
Is there any sin in my life that is bringing judgment? How about yours?
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
February 15, 2010
Today's reading: Numbers 16, 17, 18; Psalm 15, 45, 75, 105, 135; Proverbs 15
Numbers 16:9, "Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?"
As I was reading our text for today my attention was drawn to the phrase "to bring you near to himself". I have heard for a long time that "nearness is likeness". This is so true. If you are near someone long enough you will begin to speak like them and act like them. I tease my wife about this all the time. It is true that we will act like those we associate with.
I remember when I was a very young boy there was a terrible storm that came through our area. Trees were knocked down all over the place and all that goes along with that. I remember going to my aunt and uncle's house and helping clean tree limbs out of their yard after lightening struck a huge tree in their yard. I enjoyed helping and best of all I was able to ride on the tractor while my cousin was driving. This went on for a few days as I remember. Then it was over. I remember standing in my bathroom and crying like a little baby because I wanted to go back and ride on the tractor and be with my cousin.
We have to be very careful who we associate with. If we associate with godly people then we will most likely be drawn to godliness. If we choose to associate with ungodly and sinful people then you can mark it down it will not be long and we will be acting just like them. Such a shame. Look at what happened to some who were associated with an ungodly person in Numbers 16:33, "They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation." These all died because they stuck together and stood up against God and His chosen leaders. It was a costly decision and association.
So; if nearness is likeness, who are you like? Sure about that?
Numbers 16:9, "Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?"
As I was reading our text for today my attention was drawn to the phrase "to bring you near to himself". I have heard for a long time that "nearness is likeness". This is so true. If you are near someone long enough you will begin to speak like them and act like them. I tease my wife about this all the time. It is true that we will act like those we associate with.
I remember when I was a very young boy there was a terrible storm that came through our area. Trees were knocked down all over the place and all that goes along with that. I remember going to my aunt and uncle's house and helping clean tree limbs out of their yard after lightening struck a huge tree in their yard. I enjoyed helping and best of all I was able to ride on the tractor while my cousin was driving. This went on for a few days as I remember. Then it was over. I remember standing in my bathroom and crying like a little baby because I wanted to go back and ride on the tractor and be with my cousin.
We have to be very careful who we associate with. If we associate with godly people then we will most likely be drawn to godliness. If we choose to associate with ungodly and sinful people then you can mark it down it will not be long and we will be acting just like them. Such a shame. Look at what happened to some who were associated with an ungodly person in Numbers 16:33, "They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation." These all died because they stuck together and stood up against God and His chosen leaders. It was a costly decision and association.
So; if nearness is likeness, who are you like? Sure about that?
Sunday, February 14, 2010
February 14
Today's reading: Numbers 13, 14, 15; Psalm 14, 44, 74, 104, 134; Proverbs 14
Numbers 13:23, "And they came unto the brook of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it between two upon a staff; and they brought of the pomegranates, and of the figs."
Today is Valentine's day. It is a day of love and all the such things. At this writing my wife and I did not even get one another a card (this is unusual). It was just agreed between both of us that we would skip the cards. She did not want to cry at the mushy card and I did not want to spend the money to buy the cards. We were totally in agreement on this subject.
As I was reading our text for today I was thinking about unity. My wife and I were unified in our decision not to spend money on mushy cards. In our text today the one's who carried the cluster of grapes were in unity also. They had to work together to get the cluster of grapes carried back to camp.
Notice the words, "they bare it between two upon a staff". There are times where we need to bare things between us and there are times that we need to not share some burdens so we don't overload our spouse. There are many things over the years that I wished I would have kept my big mouth shut and bare my own burdens. I hope that I am not one of those people that you dread to talk to because all they can talk about is their "burdens" or ills.
So many people worry and fret over things they cannot change. This is not a good response. We need to be still before God and let Him tell us what He wants us to do about things. Notice Numbers 13:30-31, "And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we." We are able to overcome if we do it in the power of God. We need to not burden our spouse with things but take them to the Lord. Maybe, we need to take them to the Lord as a couple too.
I think the first place that we need to start is in prayer asking for forgiveness. Notice the words of Numbers 14:19, "Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of thy mercy, and as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now." Where did they start? They started with forgiveness for the entire nation. Some of us need to get things right with others. Maybe we need to go to a family member and ask for forgiveness or a fellow Church member. Just maybe we need to go to a spouse and ask for forgiveness. You know what you need to do so get busy.
So, how was your Valentine's Day? Was it a day of love or a day of sweeping conflict and whatever is weighing you down under the rug?
Numbers 13:23, "And they came unto the brook of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it between two upon a staff; and they brought of the pomegranates, and of the figs."
Today is Valentine's day. It is a day of love and all the such things. At this writing my wife and I did not even get one another a card (this is unusual). It was just agreed between both of us that we would skip the cards. She did not want to cry at the mushy card and I did not want to spend the money to buy the cards. We were totally in agreement on this subject.
As I was reading our text for today I was thinking about unity. My wife and I were unified in our decision not to spend money on mushy cards. In our text today the one's who carried the cluster of grapes were in unity also. They had to work together to get the cluster of grapes carried back to camp.
Notice the words, "they bare it between two upon a staff". There are times where we need to bare things between us and there are times that we need to not share some burdens so we don't overload our spouse. There are many things over the years that I wished I would have kept my big mouth shut and bare my own burdens. I hope that I am not one of those people that you dread to talk to because all they can talk about is their "burdens" or ills.
So many people worry and fret over things they cannot change. This is not a good response. We need to be still before God and let Him tell us what He wants us to do about things. Notice Numbers 13:30-31, "And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we." We are able to overcome if we do it in the power of God. We need to not burden our spouse with things but take them to the Lord. Maybe, we need to take them to the Lord as a couple too.
I think the first place that we need to start is in prayer asking for forgiveness. Notice the words of Numbers 14:19, "Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of thy mercy, and as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now." Where did they start? They started with forgiveness for the entire nation. Some of us need to get things right with others. Maybe we need to go to a family member and ask for forgiveness or a fellow Church member. Just maybe we need to go to a spouse and ask for forgiveness. You know what you need to do so get busy.
So, how was your Valentine's Day? Was it a day of love or a day of sweeping conflict and whatever is weighing you down under the rug?
Saturday, February 13, 2010
February 13, 2010
Today's reading: Numbers 10, 11, 12; Psalm 13, 43, 73, 103, 133; Proverbs 13
Numbers 10:2-5, "Make thee two trumpets of silver; of a whole piece shalt thou make them: that thou mayest use them for the calling of the assembly, and for the journeying of the camps. And when they shall blow with them, all the assembly shall assemble themselves to thee at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And if they blow but with one trumpet, then the princes, which are heads of the thousands of Israel, shall gather themselves unto thee. When ye blow an alarm, then the camps that lie on the east parts shall go forward."
I realize that today's passage is lengthy; but, I had so many thoughts as I was reading it. I thought about the trumpet being blown in warning. It is the responsibility of every Christian to sound an alarm of warning to a lost and dying world. If we do not tell them of the love of Christ and the power of His blood to cleanse men, women, boys and girls from all sin; who will?
I think that it is often our own sin that keeps us from telling others of Christ and His salvation. We know that God wants to save all men but they will not all be saved. It is still our duty to tell everyone we come in contact with. This way they have the opportunity to trust Jesus Christ as their Saviour. If we don't tell them, then, how will they know?
Look at the problems that sin caused the entire nation of Israel. This is only the sin of Miriam and Aaron as they complained against Moses. Look at Numbers 12:15, "And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again." The whole nation was paralyzed due to the sin of two people.
If we would only confess and forsake our sin then we too can know the truth of Psalm 103:12, "As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us."
Would you like to have your sin removed today? If so contact me and I would love to show you from the Bible how you can have your sin forgiven and know for sure that heaven is your eternal home. Let's talk.
Numbers 10:2-5, "Make thee two trumpets of silver; of a whole piece shalt thou make them: that thou mayest use them for the calling of the assembly, and for the journeying of the camps. And when they shall blow with them, all the assembly shall assemble themselves to thee at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And if they blow but with one trumpet, then the princes, which are heads of the thousands of Israel, shall gather themselves unto thee. When ye blow an alarm, then the camps that lie on the east parts shall go forward."
I realize that today's passage is lengthy; but, I had so many thoughts as I was reading it. I thought about the trumpet being blown in warning. It is the responsibility of every Christian to sound an alarm of warning to a lost and dying world. If we do not tell them of the love of Christ and the power of His blood to cleanse men, women, boys and girls from all sin; who will?
I think that it is often our own sin that keeps us from telling others of Christ and His salvation. We know that God wants to save all men but they will not all be saved. It is still our duty to tell everyone we come in contact with. This way they have the opportunity to trust Jesus Christ as their Saviour. If we don't tell them, then, how will they know?
Look at the problems that sin caused the entire nation of Israel. This is only the sin of Miriam and Aaron as they complained against Moses. Look at Numbers 12:15, "And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again." The whole nation was paralyzed due to the sin of two people.
If we would only confess and forsake our sin then we too can know the truth of Psalm 103:12, "As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us."
Would you like to have your sin removed today? If so contact me and I would love to show you from the Bible how you can have your sin forgiven and know for sure that heaven is your eternal home. Let's talk.
Friday, February 12, 2010
February 12, 2010
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?
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?
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.
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