Numbers 33-Deut 4
I was trying to catch up on my Bible reading (got a little behind back in February), so I covered quite a bit of chapters.
Deut 1-4. Here the Israellites are now down to their final days of their journey. Moses is recounting all they went through to get to where they are right now. Reminding them of how they fought their enemies and how God was with them. Remembering God's judgment on those that didn't believe in Him. At the end, Moses encourages them to...
4:9
Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;
They had just finished an incredible journey. God had taught them some amazing lessons during it. What a shame it would be to forget them. But the duty is to not only remember, but remember well enough to teach it to the generation behind them.
A great promise is given to the Israellites
4:29-31
But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find [him], if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, [even] in the latter days, if thou turn to the LORD thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice; (For the LORD thy God [is] a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.
God will be with them if they just allow Him to be.
Observations:
I've heard before that Canaanland is a picture of God's Will in one's life. All the journeying beforehand is preparing you for what's there. I'm married now and doing what I believe is God's will for my life by being a helpmeet to Jon in our business and at home, too. :) I still believe, though, that God has even more in store for our family. Although I don't know the exact time span as the children of Israel did, I do know that God has taught me many things through my life already. His daily provision for me...learning to trust in Him in hard times...His miraculous hand in near death situations...His judgment on those who have turned away...His molding me into what I need to be...My learning to trust His timing. Abba, help me never to forget...but remember and teach them to my children and my children's children. Enjoy the journey...keep my eyes open...the destination is not the complete reward---the lessons learned along the way are some of the greatest rewards.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
April 6, 2009
Numbers 28-32
Balaam's name shows up again. He wasn't a very good man after all. He ends up being destroyed with the Midianites. And it's because of his bad influence that...
31:16
Behold, these (the women of the Midianites) caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.
I looked up more verses about Balaam and found out he was a soothsayer. God didn't appreciate what he did to the children of Israel.
In Numbers 32, we find the children of Gad requesting that they possess the land of Jazer and Gilead because it's good for cattle. Problem is ...
32:5
Wherefore, said they, if we have found grace in thy sight, let this land be given unto thy servants for a possession, [and] bring us not over Jordan.
It looked like they didn't want to cross the river Jordan like their forefathers. They didn't really care about Canaan. This spot looked perfect, but they did promise Moses that they would go over the river Jordan and fight and leave their children behind and then when the war was over they would return and possess the land with them. We shall see what happens...
Observations:
1. On my journey to God's will, do I find myself trying to stay stationary in a comfortable place and foregoing what could be at the end of the journey? Sometimes I'm guilty of doing what's comfortable instead of what takes some grit and determination. The crazy thing is that the reward of doing what takes grit is usually far better than the comfortable place.
Balaam's name shows up again. He wasn't a very good man after all. He ends up being destroyed with the Midianites. And it's because of his bad influence that...
31:16
Behold, these (the women of the Midianites) caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.
I looked up more verses about Balaam and found out he was a soothsayer. God didn't appreciate what he did to the children of Israel.
In Numbers 32, we find the children of Gad requesting that they possess the land of Jazer and Gilead because it's good for cattle. Problem is ...
32:5
Wherefore, said they, if we have found grace in thy sight, let this land be given unto thy servants for a possession, [and] bring us not over Jordan.
It looked like they didn't want to cross the river Jordan like their forefathers. They didn't really care about Canaan. This spot looked perfect, but they did promise Moses that they would go over the river Jordan and fight and leave their children behind and then when the war was over they would return and possess the land with them. We shall see what happens...
Observations:
1. On my journey to God's will, do I find myself trying to stay stationary in a comfortable place and foregoing what could be at the end of the journey? Sometimes I'm guilty of doing what's comfortable instead of what takes some grit and determination. The crazy thing is that the reward of doing what takes grit is usually far better than the comfortable place.
April 5, 2009
Numbers 26-27
I am writing this a day later. My laptop at home is so slow and frustrates me, but honest, I did read and meditate yesterday.
I must be honest and tell you that today wasn't a very "meaty" day as far as Bible reading. Talked about numbering the people and about all the sacrifice ordinances. YAWN. Forgive me, Lord, for feeling that way. One section did stand out to me slightly...
26:9
And the sons of Eliab; Nemuel, and Dathan, and Abiram. This [is that] Dathan and Abiram, [which were] famous in the congregation, who strove against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when they strove against the LORD:
26:10
And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up together with Korah, when that company died, what time the fire devoured two hundred and fifty men: and they became a sign.
Everyone else's name is just listed...yada..yada and no mention of what they did or who they were besides who their father was. But what a horrible legacy to leave behind for your family's name. God wanted to make sure all knew who these wicked men were and the death they deserved.
Observation:
What would be behind my name if it was listed in the Bible? Would God have to use me as a sign of His judgment?
I am writing this a day later. My laptop at home is so slow and frustrates me, but honest, I did read and meditate yesterday.
I must be honest and tell you that today wasn't a very "meaty" day as far as Bible reading. Talked about numbering the people and about all the sacrifice ordinances. YAWN. Forgive me, Lord, for feeling that way. One section did stand out to me slightly...
26:9
And the sons of Eliab; Nemuel, and Dathan, and Abiram. This [is that] Dathan and Abiram, [which were] famous in the congregation, who strove against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when they strove against the LORD:
26:10
And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up together with Korah, when that company died, what time the fire devoured two hundred and fifty men: and they became a sign.
Everyone else's name is just listed...yada..yada and no mention of what they did or who they were besides who their father was. But what a horrible legacy to leave behind for your family's name. God wanted to make sure all knew who these wicked men were and the death they deserved.
Observation:
What would be behind my name if it was listed in the Bible? Would God have to use me as a sign of His judgment?
Saturday, April 4, 2009
April 4, 2009
Numbers 23-25
Today's meditation is short and sweet. I am working from my laptop at home that works at 1/2 the speed. And it's Sat. afternoon, and I I in a very tired mode. Time for a little nap. But here's my thoughts:
Balaam is now traveling with Balak. Balak is fully expecting that Balaam is along to curse the Isrealittes. Instead, though, Balaam blesses them 3 times.
Observation:
It is encouraging to know that God doesn't give up on us. As I mentioned yesterday, He made an alternate plan for Balaam. This time Balaam sticks to his guns and obeys what God has to say despite the peer pressure to go against it.
Today's meditation is short and sweet. I am working from my laptop at home that works at 1/2 the speed. And it's Sat. afternoon, and I I in a very tired mode. Time for a little nap. But here's my thoughts:
Balaam is now traveling with Balak. Balak is fully expecting that Balaam is along to curse the Isrealittes. Instead, though, Balaam blesses them 3 times.
Observation:
It is encouraging to know that God doesn't give up on us. As I mentioned yesterday, He made an alternate plan for Balaam. This time Balaam sticks to his guns and obeys what God has to say despite the peer pressure to go against it.
Friday, April 3, 2009
April 3, 2009
Numbers 21-22
Here are the Israellites overcome by enemies again. Arad, king of Cannan, is ticked off that they sent spies into his land. They ask for the Lord's help, and as always, He steps into help. It wasn't but two verses later, though, that this happened...
21:4-5
And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for [there is] no bread, neither [is there any] water; and our soul loatheth this light bread.
There's that bellyaching again! Will they ever learn? Makes God mad of course and the fiery serpents are sent down to bite the people, but God has Moses takes a brass serpent, and if they will but look to it, they will be healed, a picture of Christ in the New Testament. If we but look to Him, our death sentence of sin will be healed.
Now the Israellites are on a warpath destroying their enemies left and right. Balak, king of Moab hears they are coming his way, so he summons Baalam to help him by telling him to curse the Israellites. He invites the princes sent by Balak in, and he listens to their plea. The Lord, obviously tells him that they are blessed and not to curse them. But for some reason, Baalam says this to the princes, but still invites them to stay another night to see if God has anything else to say. God realizes Baalam is not going to listen and tells him to go with the princes, but to do exactly as God tells him to do. He rides on his trusty ass to Balak. The ass sees the angel of the Lord in the way and tries to avoid him 3 times resulting in Baalam becoming angry and smiting him 3 times. Miraculously, God makes the donkey speak and says... (LOL, I love this part, especially when Balaam talks back and acts as if it is nothing to talk back to a donkey)
22:28-30
And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times? And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee. And the ass said unto Balaam, [Am] not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since [I was] thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay.
It's then that God opens Balaam's eyes to see the same angel of the Lord who reminds Balaam again to do as the Lord says.
My thoughts:
1. God is still greatly urked by complaining. The Israellites were constantly in the vicious cycle...God does a miracle...they forget about it....they start sinning and complaining....God sends His judgment....they ask for mercy or God does a miracle....they soon forget....etc. I know I have done my share of complaining in my life, but I see this same cycle in my besetting sin. Lord, help me to break the cycle. What would someone say about me if they were reading about my life?
2. The brass serpent...I wonder how many didn't look at the serpent. I wonder how many said..."That's too easy, there's no way that will save my life." And they died pointlessly. Sadly, many view salvation the same way....just look to Jesus. "It can't be that easy," they say, but yet it is.
3. Baalam and his stubborness. I just considered how ironic it is that he was riding on an ass which is known for its stubborness as well. I don't know what Baalam wanted to do. He must have wanted all those riches promised by the king of Moab, but he also knew it was wrong to curse the Israellites. He kept waiting for God to change His mind when it was obvious by what God told him first of all...
22:12
And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they [are] blessed.
Baalam even has the tenacity to say to them when they come back trying to convince him again to go..
22:18
And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more.
But yet he still invites them to linger around to see what else God might say. God didn't give Baalam a to be continued plan. His will was obvious. Yet God lets him do what he wants and makes a plan B. How many times am I just as stubborn as Baalam. God has told me specifically what to do in His word, and I still "pray" about it. And even when I still go in the direction against that, He makes an alternate plan---yes, I get kicked and shamed when a younger Christian notices what's right more than I do. I'm too blinded by my stubborness. Abba, help me to do Your Perfect will first, and not to wait for an "adjusted" will because of my stubborness.
Here are the Israellites overcome by enemies again. Arad, king of Cannan, is ticked off that they sent spies into his land. They ask for the Lord's help, and as always, He steps into help. It wasn't but two verses later, though, that this happened...
21:4-5
And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for [there is] no bread, neither [is there any] water; and our soul loatheth this light bread.
There's that bellyaching again! Will they ever learn? Makes God mad of course and the fiery serpents are sent down to bite the people, but God has Moses takes a brass serpent, and if they will but look to it, they will be healed, a picture of Christ in the New Testament. If we but look to Him, our death sentence of sin will be healed.
Now the Israellites are on a warpath destroying their enemies left and right. Balak, king of Moab hears they are coming his way, so he summons Baalam to help him by telling him to curse the Israellites. He invites the princes sent by Balak in, and he listens to their plea. The Lord, obviously tells him that they are blessed and not to curse them. But for some reason, Baalam says this to the princes, but still invites them to stay another night to see if God has anything else to say. God realizes Baalam is not going to listen and tells him to go with the princes, but to do exactly as God tells him to do. He rides on his trusty ass to Balak. The ass sees the angel of the Lord in the way and tries to avoid him 3 times resulting in Baalam becoming angry and smiting him 3 times. Miraculously, God makes the donkey speak and says... (LOL, I love this part, especially when Balaam talks back and acts as if it is nothing to talk back to a donkey)
22:28-30
And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times? And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee. And the ass said unto Balaam, [Am] not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since [I was] thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay.
It's then that God opens Balaam's eyes to see the same angel of the Lord who reminds Balaam again to do as the Lord says.
My thoughts:
1. God is still greatly urked by complaining. The Israellites were constantly in the vicious cycle...God does a miracle...they forget about it....they start sinning and complaining....God sends His judgment....they ask for mercy or God does a miracle....they soon forget....etc. I know I have done my share of complaining in my life, but I see this same cycle in my besetting sin. Lord, help me to break the cycle. What would someone say about me if they were reading about my life?
2. The brass serpent...I wonder how many didn't look at the serpent. I wonder how many said..."That's too easy, there's no way that will save my life." And they died pointlessly. Sadly, many view salvation the same way....just look to Jesus. "It can't be that easy," they say, but yet it is.
3. Baalam and his stubborness. I just considered how ironic it is that he was riding on an ass which is known for its stubborness as well. I don't know what Baalam wanted to do. He must have wanted all those riches promised by the king of Moab, but he also knew it was wrong to curse the Israellites. He kept waiting for God to change His mind when it was obvious by what God told him first of all...
22:12
And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not curse the people: for they [are] blessed.
Baalam even has the tenacity to say to them when they come back trying to convince him again to go..
22:18
And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the LORD my God, to do less or more.
But yet he still invites them to linger around to see what else God might say. God didn't give Baalam a to be continued plan. His will was obvious. Yet God lets him do what he wants and makes a plan B. How many times am I just as stubborn as Baalam. God has told me specifically what to do in His word, and I still "pray" about it. And even when I still go in the direction against that, He makes an alternate plan---yes, I get kicked and shamed when a younger Christian notices what's right more than I do. I'm too blinded by my stubborness. Abba, help me to do Your Perfect will first, and not to wait for an "adjusted" will because of my stubborness.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
April 2, 2009
Numbers 18-20
Surprise, surprise...look who's complaining again. Sometimes I must admit, I am guilty of reading through the Bible and not really comprehending and taking time to really consider the miracle actually taking place. Here God provides water for them from a rock. Not just a small trickle of water to quench the thirst of 4 or 5 children as if they're at a public water fountain. The Bible says clearly:
20:11
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].
I haven't tried to figure the exact number but have always heard there were 1/2 a million jews that wondered in the wilderness. A few chapter before, God had killed off a few thousand because of their belly-aching, but let's say conservatively there were 300,000 people plus all their animals! Would if there was one animal for each person? That's a lot of water! Okay, I'm going to do a little extra math here---the Bible says it came out abundantly, so let's say it took each person/animal 10 sec to get a drink (that's what we would count to when I taught Kindergarten :) ) That would take over 69 days for everyone to drink. Now, that's a long line!! Of course, there could have been multiple spouts, who knows? But it is still an amazing thought.
Now, let's talk about Moses and Aaron. I always heard that Moses didn't get to go to the promiseland because he lost his temper in this situation, but I find in this passage..
20:12
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.
It was their unbelief. Maybe by him smoting the rock twice, this proved his unbelief. I only see in the scriptures that God told him to take the rod and speak unto the rock. No instruction to smite it. Perhaps, Moses thought the only way it could possibly bring forth water was to smite it and that God couldn't just make it flow out on His own? Who knows...well God and Moses do, I guess I add that to my list of questions when I get to Heaven.
Personal application:
1. Though I don't say a word, how often do my actions display my unbelief in what God promised He will do. Do I try to "help" God to do what He has obviously revealed He will do?
2. I should take time to understand the bigness of the miracles in the Bible---true happenings, not just mere words on a page to make a cute story.
Surprise, surprise...look who's complaining again. Sometimes I must admit, I am guilty of reading through the Bible and not really comprehending and taking time to really consider the miracle actually taking place. Here God provides water for them from a rock. Not just a small trickle of water to quench the thirst of 4 or 5 children as if they're at a public water fountain. The Bible says clearly:
20:11
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].
I haven't tried to figure the exact number but have always heard there were 1/2 a million jews that wondered in the wilderness. A few chapter before, God had killed off a few thousand because of their belly-aching, but let's say conservatively there were 300,000 people plus all their animals! Would if there was one animal for each person? That's a lot of water! Okay, I'm going to do a little extra math here---the Bible says it came out abundantly, so let's say it took each person/animal 10 sec to get a drink (that's what we would count to when I taught Kindergarten :) ) That would take over 69 days for everyone to drink. Now, that's a long line!! Of course, there could have been multiple spouts, who knows? But it is still an amazing thought.
Now, let's talk about Moses and Aaron. I always heard that Moses didn't get to go to the promiseland because he lost his temper in this situation, but I find in this passage..
20:12
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.
It was their unbelief. Maybe by him smoting the rock twice, this proved his unbelief. I only see in the scriptures that God told him to take the rod and speak unto the rock. No instruction to smite it. Perhaps, Moses thought the only way it could possibly bring forth water was to smite it and that God couldn't just make it flow out on His own? Who knows...well God and Moses do, I guess I add that to my list of questions when I get to Heaven.
Personal application:
1. Though I don't say a word, how often do my actions display my unbelief in what God promised He will do. Do I try to "help" God to do what He has obviously revealed He will do?
2. I should take time to understand the bigness of the miracles in the Bible---true happenings, not just mere words on a page to make a cute story.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
April 1, 2009
Numbers 16-17
Convenient that it is April Fool's Day as I read this chapter. Again and again I reminded about the foolishness of those dumb Israellites. Prideful, ungrateful, and forgetful would be the perfect words to describe them. Here Korah approaches Moses and has the gall to say..
16:3
And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, [Ye take] too much upon you, seeing all the congregation [are] holy, every one of them, and the LORD [is] among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD?
Everyone of them? Come on! How prideful is that! God showed him later by...
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.
As unimaginable that sequence of events is the verses following jumped out at me...
16:41
But on the morrow all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed the people of the LORD.
On the morrow? The very next day they had already forgotten about God's judgment, and they began their gripping and complaining all over again! The plague then followed.
Abba, please forgive me when I forget Your greatness. When I follow the idols of this present time and then tend to complain instead of basking in Your goodness and greatness!
Convenient that it is April Fool's Day as I read this chapter. Again and again I reminded about the foolishness of those dumb Israellites. Prideful, ungrateful, and forgetful would be the perfect words to describe them. Here Korah approaches Moses and has the gall to say..
16:3
And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, [Ye take] too much upon you, seeing all the congregation [are] holy, every one of them, and the LORD [is] among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD?
Everyone of them? Come on! How prideful is that! God showed him later by...
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.
As unimaginable that sequence of events is the verses following jumped out at me...
16:41
But on the morrow all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed the people of the LORD.
On the morrow? The very next day they had already forgotten about God's judgment, and they began their gripping and complaining all over again! The plague then followed.
Abba, please forgive me when I forget Your greatness. When I follow the idols of this present time and then tend to complain instead of basking in Your goodness and greatness!
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