Bible Chapter: Numbers 33 & 34
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
After an historical review of their travels for forty years, we see another command of God to the nation. When they entered the promised land they were required to destroy the evil inhabitants, to destroy anything that had to do with evil. They were to destroy the images, the idols and the places of worship to false gods. They had to drive out the evil influences. Sadly, when people are impacted by evil, many fall prey to the trap and are drawn in to a life of sin. God told them that if they didn’t drive out the inhabitants of the land, the would become barbs in their eyes and thorns in their sides. They would give them trouble and God would do to Israel what He planned to do to them.
As they entered the land it was to all be divided by lot among the tribes and families within the tribes. To the larger tribes would go more land. Nine and one half tribes were crossing the river to live there.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
God sees and knows my goings, my path through life. He wants to guide me. I’m sure there were times when people thought God was just taking them on a crazy path through the land, but He did know what He was doing. It all pointed to the day when they would cross the river and finally reach the land God had established for them.
God wants me, He wants all who call on His name to drive out evil. We must not tolerate sin. We only have victory over sin as we reject it in the power of Jesus.
3. How can I help someone?
Follow God. Follow His plan. Love God and people and hate sin. God will give you all He plans for you to have.
Bible Chapter: Numbers 31 & 32
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
God is the righteous Judge. People think they can do whatever pleases them and nothing will ever happen. They think their actions don’t impact life. Here we see God judging the Midianites for their efforts to corrupt the people of Israel. He used the army of Israel to overcome the kings of Midian. They destroyed the cities and took the spoils of war. Stories such as this make me think of our modern world. God’s Word is mocked, and mocked very openly. When someone says the Bible speaks against any actions and reminds that the Bible calls them sin, people mock and say we are smarter today and those old rules don’t mean anything any more. Sadly, these people will have a rude awakening some day when they stand before God as their Judge. For those who doubt, they need to read Numbers 32:23 NKJV. 23 But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the LORD; and be sure your sin will find you out.
We see another important principle of working together to accomplish God’s purpose. As the nation was about to enter the promised land, two and a half tribes said they wanted to stay on the east side of the river because the land was suitable to graze their cattle. When they promised to help the nation settle the land across the Jordan, they were given permission to remain. However, they were warned that if they didn’t follow through with their promises, they would be judged. God expects His people to work together and fulfill their promises.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
The tempter is so sneaky. He makes disobedience to God seem like no big deal. He promises that we will get away with it and never be caught. He promises no consequences. This is like the person trying to lose weight, and yet they continue to eat “just a little” of the things they shouldn’t. It’s like the bad joke that if you break a candy bar in half, all the calories fall out. If I only eat a part of the forbidden thing, it won’t affect me. But, the scale clearly shows the results in the long run. Applying obedience to God always works out best in the long run. Midian found that out.
3. How can I help someone?
What’s the best? What’s the best way to live? Obeying God. Don’t make it any more complex than that.
Bible Chapter: Numbers 29 & 30
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
As I was reading the instructions regarding these special feasts and sacrifices, a few words jumped out to me -- “Do no regular work” and “you must deny yourselves”. When the time came for them to sacrifice and worship, that was the priority. The “regular work”, the routine of things we do so often interferes with worshiping the Lord. How many people don’t go to church, or miss out on worshiping the Lord, simply because they make other events the priority? We know that this happens often. And, the concept of denial of personal convenience, pleasure and desire is commonly rejected. Instead, the emphasis is on pampering ourselves. This reflects the immaturity of our culture. Even without specifically thinking about it, it is common for people to live a life that says they want what they want and no one should deny them.
Sacrifice and commitment; these are two elements that bring us closer to the Lord.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Keeping promises is emphasized. If a person makes a vow to God, He expects them to keep it. Along with the times of worship, God’s people were making vows. God said they must keep them. In reading these chapters we see the importance of sacrifice, commitment and then doing what we say we are going to do. Note to self: listen to these truths and then DO.
3. How can I help someone?
A message to believers in Jesus: keep Him on the top of your priority list. Quit making excuses that allow you to miss times of worship and learning. Quit being influenced by people around you so that God gets what is left over of your time, talents and resources.
Bible Chapter: Numbers 27 & 28
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
We can and must go to God regularly when we need help. Moses did this. When he faced a challenging question he asked God. Moses also knew how to hear from God. Those who follow the Lord must learn to come to God regularly and also learn to hear His voice. In these chapters we see the stressing of the importance of ongoing sacrifices and offerings, showing us the need and benefits of drawing near to God. Regular communication with God is important.
We see that God had a plan. Moses was getting old. Because of his actions in striking the rock in the Desert of Zin, Moses was forbidden to go to the promised land. Joshua succeeded Moses as the leader of the nation. Moses had a public ceremony commissioning him to that position, so that the nation knew Joshua was God’s chosen one to lead.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
It is a battle the enemy of our souls doesn’t want us to win. The battle to spend regular and quality time with the Lord. Connect2LIFE is a good illustration of this battle. Taking daily time to read, think and then write something is constantly challenged with so many other things to do that seem so important. God gave Israel daily, weekly, monthly and annual sacrifices and ceremonies to help keep their focus on HIM. It is common to talk about the fact that the Christian life is a relationship with Jesus. Relationships require communication. Relationships require consistent contact.
3. How can I help someone?
The Bible tells us to trust in the Lord and don’t try to figure out everything by ourselves. Go to God with our questions and listen for answers. I want to help people understand that they really CAN have God in their lives. They really NEED Him.
Bible Chapter: Numbers 25 & 26
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Seduction. Not a common word. But, something that happens frequently. People are seduced into a variety of destructive and sinful behaviors. Israel was being seduced by Moabite women to participate in worship to their false gods. The men were being drawn to involvement in sexual immorality. They were breaking God’s laws and that brought God’s wrath. God’s judgement came down on the nation of Israel for their sin. Thousands died from the plague that resulted. Many people are ripe to the temptations around them. There is a strong attraction to temptations to sin. It is critical to recognize temptation and reject it. The consequences of sin never travel with temptation. The consequences are hidden, but they are real. They always show up when it is too late to reject the temptation.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Some of the people at this time were very brazen and open with their sin. One of these was a man named Zimri. He openly brought a Midianite woman to his tent for sexual sin. Phinehas saw what they were doing and he was outraged at their boldness and debauchery. In seeing the plague and judgement that God was bringing on the nation, Phinehas drove a spear through the wall of the tent, killing both of them.
I am not saying I need to go kill someone. But, the disgust at sin and the necessity to do something to stop it is very essential in our modern world. There needs to be more righteous indignation at sin. There is a word that has little use - lascivious. The general picture the word implies is a person who is sinful and proud of it. It is a person who has gotten to the place where they don’t care what anyone thinks or knows about their behavior, especially immoral behavior. As we see more lascivious behavior in our world, there must be more righteous indignation at the sin and responses to stop it.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people see the destruction of sin and the blessings of obedience. It is sad to see how often the pages of Israel’s history tell the same story of how quickly they have gotten themselves under the control of horrible sin. It is sad to see how many people today have fallen to the same kind of destructive behavior. The fun only lasts for a short time and then major issue come up. Sin always had a large bill attached.
Bible Chapter: Numbers 23 & 24
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
In the previous chapters, Balak, King of Moab, had called Balaam to come and curse Israel. He was afraid of them and thought that someone could curse them and protect his land. Balaam refused to curse them. In these chapters we see Balaam present four expressions of who God is. One well-known passage is chapter 23:19-20 NKJV. 19 "God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? 20 Behold, I have received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot reverse it.
God doesn’t lie. He doesn’t have to change His mind because He made a mistake. When He commands to bless, no power can undo it. Having the blessings of God is an awesome benefit in life.
As Balak continued to put pressure on Balaam to curse Israel, he responded that even if Balak gave him his palace filled with gold and silver, he could no go against the command of God. This is an important truth to remember. People may think they can do anything they want and not worry about what God says, but they are wrong. It may appear that they are getting away with rejecting God, but they haven’t had the final judgement yet.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
I must reject those who work to undo what God has declared. I read people who say that today we are smarter, we have greater revelation than they had thousands of years ago. So, we can take what the Bible says and interpret it in light of our greater revelation. My response to that is this: that is pathetic, arrogant and insulting to all previous generations. If God truly is not a man that He can lie, then what He said thousands of years ago doesn’t change. God’s plan always has been that Jesus would come and provide life for all who believe. There are modern “Balaks” who are looking for someone to curse God and His followers. They will all fail.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people see eternal priorities. Balaam was not perfect, but he had a great insight when he said that even if he received a palace filled with gold and silver he wouldn’t go against God. First of all he didn’t have the power to go against God. And secondly, the gold and silver wouldn’t last and positively impact eternity. It’s interesting that in heaven, the Bible says God uses gold for pavement. What is precious on earth is walked on in heaven.
Bible Chapter: Numbers 21 & 22
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Complaining, speaking against God. Again, this got Israel in to trouble. They kept saying it was better before. They lost patience in believing God to take care of them. The Lord sent snakes among the people and many died from the snake bites. This got their attention. Sadly, many people insist on doing things their own way until God has to do something drastic to get their attention. They repented. God told Moses to hang a bronze snake on a pole. Anyone who looked at the snake would be healed. Along with healing people, this was a very important picture pointing to Jesus. He said that just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must He be lifted up and that He could bring life to all who seek Him.
There is also a story of Balak, King of Moab, who was afraid of Israel. His solution was to bring in Balaam to curse the nation. God prevented the curse. This is an interesting story in that it shows God’s power and protection. It also shows that God can use anything. Here, he used Balaam’s donkey to talk to him. I have heard people say, “If God can use Balaam’s donkey, He can use me”. Sometimes we make excuses for our lack of ability. God can help us do anything we need to do.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
I am thinking about the absolutely amazing things that have happened in my life time. I have said in the past that in the whole history of the world, probably no bigger changes were made in how people live and travel than in the life of my grandparents. Now, we are seeing the speed of the changes increase. In my life I have seen computers go from taking up a large room requiring many people to run and maintain it to powerful and small ones we carry around. It’s not that we are any smarter today, but that God is revealing amazing insights and knowledge. This tells me that God can empower, He can enable people to do anything He wants. He will help me to do far more than I think I can. I must believe in and trust in Him.
3. How can I help someone?
It seems to be more fun to complain. It seemed that way for Israel. This is a lesson they had to learn over and over again. I want to help people see that God wants to teach us important lessons. If we don’t learn them, He will take us back to school to take the class again. If He has to, God will use a donkey to speak to us.
Bible Chapter: Numbers 19 & 20
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Chapter 19 talks about the water of cleansing. As part of the Law they were instructed in ways to be clean before the Lord. This important picture is seen throughout the Bible. God has provided the way to be clean before Him. God has no sin or impurity in Him. He wants His followers to be pure as well. When Jesus came He completed the way to forgiveness and purity before God. Through His blood we can be forgiven and cleansed.
Chapter 20 is another saga of complaining. This time it was about water. They had been out in the wilderness for 39 years and most of the first generation of people who left Egypt had died off. They had no water and came to Moses, repeating the same sad line that they would have been better off to be in Egypt as slaves. God gave Moses and Aaron specific instructions to speak to a specific rock and water would come out. Because Moses hit the rock twice with his staff, even though water came out, God kept them both from entering the promised land. I have always thought about this story, for I don’t think I have the faith to hit a rock and see water come out. But, that is not the real issue here. The real issue is that God is looking for obedience. That is one of the greatest lessons we must learn.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
One of the enemy’s tactics is to raise up a spirit of rebellion in the hearts of people. Don’t tell me what to do. I can do anything I want. I know this is something my father greatly emphasized. He would never put up with rebellion. Throughout my life I have seen a greater spirit of rebellion grow in society. The 1960s were a seed-bed of rebellion. Out of that came generations of rebellious children who were not taught proper response to authority. Today we are seeing the consequences of that. It is easy to think that it really doesn’t matter what people do. Why can’t we do what makes us happy? The answer is that there are results of actions. Just as you can’t break the law of gravity (when you fall it will break you), you can’t break God’s ways without consequences. The right actions will bring good results. The wrong actions will bring outcomes we don’t like. God’s way is supreme. We cannot go against it without paying the price.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people see the importance of purity and obedience. Everyone must learn that God is a sovereign perfect king and we don’t have the ability or privilege of going against Him. This is not a bad thing for God provides so much more than we could hope for in our own abilities.
Bible Chapter: Numbers 17 & 18
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
God told Moses that He would settle, once and for all, the issue of who should hold the positions of spiritual leadership in the nation. He said he would rid Himself of the constant grumbling about this. That thought of constant grumbling is both interesting and sad. We can see that the nation had much self interest and promotion permeating their thoughts. It is sad that there was so much pursuit of position and self. God shows here that He can handle things in such a way that there was no doubt. Causing a dead piece of wood to bud, blossom and produce a crop of almonds over night very uniquely settled the issue. Nothing is too hard for God.
God provided for the Levites. He clearly told those who were responsible for the place of worship that they would be provided for through the tithes and offerings brought in. God has no problem meeting needs. He gives His followers the privilege of being part of the provision. Bring the best to God for He is worthy to receive it.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Listen to God and do what He says. Don’t worry about position or recognition. Sadly, this issue still brings pain to God’s house. Many local churches have fought worthless battles over who has the preeminence. People have left churches because their daughter didn’t get to sing the solo. Others have had a fit over which book they use to sing songs to Jesus. Control is an issue that drives some. We are all called to serve the Lord. Let Him guide and provide the position. Let God run things. I must continue to remember this truth, along with a title or position, comes a lot of work.
3. How can I help someone?
God is looking for faithful service to Him. He gives the gifts people need to do various tasks. Use what God has given and be thankful for it. Be generous and watch God provide.
Bible Chapter: Numbers 15 & 16
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Sin is universal. Everyone has broken God’s laws. Israel was given the sacrifices and offerings they were to bring for the forgiveness of sin. Chapter 15, verse 31 says, “Since they have treated the LORD’s word with contempt and deliberately disobeyed his command, they must be completely cut off and suffer the punishment for their guilt.”(NLT) Note some strong words here describing people’s actions. They treated the Lord’s word with contempt. Sadly, that is common today in our world. It also says people deliberately disobey. They do whatever they want. God is serious when He said that those who deliberately sin will be judged. That is one word that is missing in our world - judgement. Yes, the word is used, but only in an accusation that people don’t expect to be judged. “Don’t judge me.” They think they will get away with sin.
In these chapters we also see an attempt to take over spiritual authority. Seeking position is, in itself, not evil. But these sought to go against God and take Moses down so they could have the preeminence. They were rejecting God’s revealed plan for the nation. Those in positions of spiritual leadership are held to a higher standard of conduct. Again we see God’s judgement on people who insist on doing things their own way.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Obedience. My parents greatly emphasized this to me and my brothers as we were growing up. They had very convincing ways of reenforcing the message. Those who learn to obey will find life is much better. This is especially true when people obey God. I often find verses that express a truth in a unique and powerful way. Chapter 15, verse 39 “. . . so you will remember all the commands of the LORD, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by going after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes.” (NIV) Going after the lusts of one’s heart and eyes. This accurately describes what happens when someone sins. They are going for whatever they want, not caring what the cost may be. I must continue to apply obedience in life.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people see that God really does know what He is doing and says. He always gives a better path. Along with avoiding the judgement, the rewards from God for obedience can’t be topped.
Bible Chapter: Numbers 13 & 14
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
God had given Israel a promise of a new and prosperous land where they would live. It was time to send in a group to explore and bring a report. They found the most amazing place. An example is that it took two men carried a cluster of grapes on a pole between them. This was a fruitful and beautiful place. Sadly, the enormity of the task of taking over the land brought fear to ten of the spies. Instead of saying that God would be with them, they only saw the little they could do in their own strength. Again, they talked about going back to Egypt. Joshua and Caleb tried to talk them into trusting God. But the people panicked in fear.
Their continual unbelief in God and longing to return to the past finally caused God to tell them that they would not be going to the promised land. All over twenty years old would die in the desert. They would have forty years of wandering in the wilderness. Only the younger ones would enjoy the land the elders rejected.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Their continual unbelief caused them to lose the presence and provision of God. Finally God told them He would not go with them. Some of them “repented” and then said they would go and take the land. They failed because it was impossible to do without God’s help. This lesson is vital. The spiritual battle before us is too large for us to take on ourselves. But, it is well within the power of God to win. We must not be afraid to step out with God and expect to see God bring the victory. I fully understand how easy it is to become afraid and not try something big for God. I also know that when I trust God for what He wants, nothing is impossible with Him. I like a statement from Corrie ten Boom, “There is no pit so deep but that God is deeper still”.
3. How can I help someone?
I think I can sum up my thoughts on this passage with scripture passage.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
Bible Chapter: Numbers 11 & 12
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Complaining and being influenced by unbelievers. These two things happened too many times in their journey through the wilderness. We see that again here. Learning to trust and not complain is an important lesson to discover. Their discontent finally got to Moses. He asked God if he was going to have to carry these immature children through the whole journey. He was looking to go in victory and the people were giving up. God gave Moses seventy men to help him in leadership of the people.
In their complaining it was revealed that the people had rejected the Lord. They very quickly were talking about how good they had it back in Egypt. How good??? They were slaves who were treated worse than animals. But, as soon as they had questions, they wanted to go back to what they knew instead of trusting God for the awesome unknown journey He had ahead of them.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Miriam and Aaron started complaining against Moses. They used the excuse of the woman he married, but this wasn’t what was on their hearts. They were jealous of how God was using him. They wanted power and recognition. God exposed their bad hearts and motivation. This passage says that the anger of the Lord burned against them. This is a very dangerous place to be. I want to be what God wants me to be and must always be cautious to not be jealous of others as God uses them. I have learned and continue to learn that along with the “glory” of position comes great responsibility. God blessed those who were faithful and obedient as we see in Moses. He judges those who complained, as we see in the fire that came down on the complaining people.
3. How can I help someone?
Learn to be satisfied with what God provides. Learn to be faithful and obedient. Learn to reject the influence of the rabble. When God provides manna, eat it without complaining.
Bible Chapter: Numbers 10
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
A few of the many verses that talk about God's strength, help and provision.
Exodus 15:2 NKJV
2 The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation; He is my God, and I will praise Him; My father's God, and I will exalt Him.
II Samuel 22:3 NKJV
3 The God of my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, My stronghold and my refuge; My Savior, You save me from violence.
Psalm 28:1 NKJV
1 A Psalm of David. To You I will cry, O LORD my Rock: Do not be silent to me, Lest, if You are silent to me, I become like those who go down to the pit.
God promised He would be with them in their troubles as they trusted in Him. God has all the power needed to accomplish what is needed. God promised to rescue His people.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Following God’s ways will bring me to the place where I am to be. Believing that He will be with me will take away panic. God gave Israel many instructions for their journey and as long as they obeyed things went well. Even when they had a challenge, obedience brought their provision. I must continue to remember that my strength comes from God.
3. How can I help someone?
I want everyone to know that strength and hope comes from God. It comes as people do things God’s way. Yes, there will be battles and struggle. In the long run, we will see the ultimate victory. We haven’t seen the final defeat of the enemy, but we will.
Bible Chapter: Numbers 9
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
One of the things that most people are most efficient at is forgetting things. Because of this we have all sorts of devices to keep us on track. We have “to do” lists. We have calendars and electronic devices that beep to remind us that we have an appointment. We put birthdays and anniversaries on our calendars so we don’t forget. We need to be reminded. It is common in churches to have a communion table with the words “In Remembrance of Me” on the front. This special time is celebrated to remind us of the sacrifice of Jesus. This chapter tells of the first celebration of the Passover after Israel was delivered from slavery in Egypt. They celebrated the first time as part of the deliverance, and now they had reached the point where they needed to celebrate it annually. This was very important for them, as it is so easy to forget the sorrow of the past and God’s miraculous deliverance. History shows they had very short memories. They were to regularly celebrate the Passover so that they, and future generations, would always remember what God did for them.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
I have very efficiently developed my ability to forget. Events that have been a major part of my life, where I have grasped many details, have the ability to slip from my memory. I need reminders. I need to apply these biblical principles of remembrances of the amazing things God does. Another part of this chapter deals with the importance of purity in the process of celebration. God had very strict rules about those who could celebrate the Passover. Spiritual purity is required. God is still looking for His followers to live a pure life. The issue should not be - how much can I get away with and still be a Christian? It should be - how much can I do to please God and be close to Him? God reminded Moses to lead the people in remembrance. At the same time He reminded Moses that the people needed to be clean. This is vital for all of us.
3. How can I help someone?
Especially for believers in Jesus, I want to remind them of the importance of true holiness. Holiness is a matter of the heart. But, it is expressed in our thoughts, words and actions. A person isn’t holy because he/she does or doesn’t do certain things. However, holy people must not push the limit to see how much they can get away with. Holiness is expressed through out actions, what is in the heart comes out.
Bible Chapter: Numbers 7 & 8
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
I have heard it said many times that the church is “only after my money”. Churches take offerings to keep going. In reading chapter seven we see some major offerings. A large amount of gold and silver was given in the form of bowls and plates. Many other offerings were made to construct the Tabernacle and furnish it. Instead of saying that the purpose of the place of worship was to simply collect wealth, I see it that God is worthy of receiving the best. While people criticize those who give, we see that God honors those who are generous and faithful. God blesses a generous heart.
God set the Levites apart for service in the house of worship. They were taught how to do what honored God and they were called to live a holy life. They were set apart. This is a good picture of what God wants for all of His followers. We are to be set apart from the rest of the world. We are to be set apart from sin. We are to be dedicated to God.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
How close can I get to Jesus? This question comes up often. I have met countless people who have a basic knowledge of the things of God. They have a basic understanding of right and wrong. But, they don’t grasp the truth of being a follower of Jesus as the make Him both their Lord and Savior. Many want forgiveness and expect heaven because they are basically a good person. That is true of so many. But, being a basically good person is not enough. Each one must recognize their sin and make Jesus their Lord and Savior. I want to live with this challenge before me: How close can I get to Jesus?
3. How can I help someone?
Jesus came to give us life. He said that He came to give us life, and life that is abundant. When people realize that, they will know that He is worthy of giving Him our best, which is ourselves. They will be set apart from the world and be close to Him. They will have what people are pursuing.
Bible Chapter: Numbers 5 & 6
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
Throughout the Bible we find many passages that point to purity. God is holy and doesn’t want anything to do with sin to be in His presence. He had put His blessing on the nation of Israel and longed for them to be pure. If there was anything that could defile them, God wanted it out of the camp. If anyone did something wrong, they had to make restitution for it. God expected faithfulness in marriage. All of these things we see help us to understand what God is looking for in His followers. He wants purity and a rejection of sin.
God provided for people to make a special vow to be set apart and live holy to the Lord. The Nazirite vow could be made for a short time or for a lifetime. There were specific things Nazirites were to do and not to do. They were to live a high standard of holiness and commitment to God. God longs for devotion to come from our hearts. This vow expressed that.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
God’s presence brings blessings. In the world there are curses and blessings. God wants to bless. God wants to keep us secure in Him. As we serve Him God will bring His favor in our lives. We will have God’s peace. Peace of heart is one of the most valuable assets anyone can have. You can buy material things, but you can’t buy peace. I read of a new high-tech TV that sells for $150,000. They have already sold several of them. I can’t imagine paying that much for a TV. I can imagine that some owners will be very proud and show it off to their friends. But, I wonder if, on the day they receive bad news, if that expensive toy will bring them any peace. Real peace only comes from God’s blessings.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people see the blessings of living in obedience to God. His presence is worth more than anything else we can obtain. While we can have fun for a time participating in sin, eventually the price must be paid, and that is always much more than the person bargained for. Sin is never worth it.
Bible Chapter: Numbers 3 & 4
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
God had a plan for the work His people were to do. God told Moses to tell the Levites the duties they had in the Tabernacle. These chapters show God’s plan for the people who would minister and would take care of the holy articles. They had specific places where they would camp and had specific duties and instructions as to how they were to handle the holy places. They had to take their responsibilities seriously. More than once God told them that if they didn’t follow the directions they would die. God’s presence, His holiness is very powerful. Being in God’s presence is a wonderful blessing. But, it can bring judgement when treated with disrespect or irreverence. That is an important lesson to learn. I see many people today who think God is a joke and treat Him that way. They are in for a sad awakening some day.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
God knows what He is doing. When He gives directions they will make life better when they are followed. I believe God has a plan for each person and we need to seek to find it. That doesn’t mean that we don’t have to work. The directions to the various clans in these chapters required much work. They had to do it right. But, when we find God’s work for our lives, whatever that may be, we will some day receive the reward for obedience. The journey can be a challenge, but it will be worth it in the end. Obedience is part of growing in holiness. A holy life, one that is pure in God’s eyes, is the best life.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people, and especially believers, to see the importance of biblical holiness. God gave responsibilities to specific families in these chapters. Those directions included ways to work in a holy manner. God is pure and expects His followers to be pure. This is a life of divine blessing.
Bible Chapter: Numbers 1 & 2
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
The book of Numbers might seem like a book only a “bean counter” could enjoy. It starts out with listing the count of the men old enough to be a part of the military, this done by tribes. We discover that the total number of men over the age of twenty (not counting the Levites) was 603,550. Under God’s direction they were organizing their army. They also organized the layout of the nation when they would settle down and set up the Tabernacle. This gave them an orderly way to live and then move when God directed them. The nation was probably about 2 million people. That is an amazing number considering it was about seventy people who first went to Egypt during the famine.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
God cares about the details of life. He made things orderly and that pattern followed through in guiding Israel through the wilderness. God has a plan for life. God has a plan for each person. Finding that plan and applying it is a critical thing to do. Following God’s details makes life better. It is not always easy, but it is always better in the long run.
3. How can I help someone?
God cares about you. He knows what is best. Be willing to seek, listen and apply.
Bible Chapter: Leviticus 27
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
This is one of the challenging chapters we read. Exactly what does it mean? People would make vows, commitments to God for His service. These were important. God expected them to keep their vows. God allowed them to redeem their vows with a price. These vows were not made lightly. To redeem an adult male would cost about four years worth of income. The money given would be used to maintain God’s house.
God was and is a priority in life. Along with the vows mentioned in this chapter, it talks about the tithe. The tithe, ten percent of the increase from their efforts, belongs to God. Verse 30 says it belongs to God, it is holy to the Lord. This biblical principle brings blessing to people who honor it. The tithe is the biblically revealed way to support God’s house.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
People must not make rash and unthoughtful commitments to God. They must follow through with what they promise God. God expects us to be faithful to Him. This is what I and all who call themselves believers in Jesus must do. We must be faithful to live for and serve God. We must obey what God says to do with our resources.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help believers to see the importance of commitment to Jesus. I want to help them see the importance of managing their finances in a way that honors God. This includes the tithe.
Bible Chapter: Leviticus 25 & 26
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
God cares how people are treated. He gave specific directions regarding property. They were not to sell the land permanently, but based on the years leading up to the 50th year, the Year of Jubilee. God cares about providing for people and gave specific instructions so that some don’t have to live without provision while others are in the lap of luxury. Here we see the principle that God is the owner of everything, He allows us to use it. We are to use it properly.
We also see here that God is serious about obedience to Him. Those who think they can live and act any way they want will learn a hard lesson. Obedience is rewarded, sin and disobedience is punished. Those who think they can sin and then hide from God without any consequence for their actions will quickly learn how wrong they are.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
As I was reading this passage I was thinking of the conditions in our world today. Sin is rampant. People are sinful and proud of it. They attack those who live for God and are open about believing the Bible. They are acting like they really control things. I am reminded that those who think they will live in sin without punishment will some day face a righteous Judge who will reveal all they have done and give them the just reward for their sin. God promises blessing and reward for obedience. I make the choice to obey.
3. How can I help someone?
I want people to grasp this important principle God established:
Leviticus 26:3-5 NIV
3 If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands, 4 I will send you rain in its season, and the ground will yield its crops and the trees of the field their fruit. 5 Your threshing will continue until grape harvest and the grape harvest will continue until planting, and you will eat all the food you want and live in safety in your land.
Bible Chapter: Leviticus 23 & 24
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
The Sabbath. Even though we are not under the Law, there are principles that still apply. Giving God a day, taking a day for rest, spiritual renewal and refreshing is still needed. Our culture has gone from honoring a day as the Lord’s day to mocking it. Young people growing up today have little concept of giving God this day, of making it special. Our world now goes 24/7. When someone tries to make the Lord’s day something special, making God the priority for the day, that person is seen as strange. We seldom hear the statement any more “I don’t do that on Sunday”. Our bodies and minds need the regular rest. We need the spiritual refreshing. God knew what He was doing in giving this to us.
These chapters also talk about blasphemy, which is speaking harm and disrespect against God, against His character. When God’s name is used in cursing, that is making the Eternal Creator something low and mocks who He is. To see how critical of an issue this is, God told Moses that the one who blasphemes is to be stoned to death. People must be very careful how they talk about God and use His name.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
These chapters talk about many feasts Israel was to observe. These times were to help them remember all that God had done for them. They reminded the people of God’s provision and guidance. They reminded the people to stay close to God and obey Him. This must still be applied in life. We must stay close to God in obedience. We must remember how to talk about God and not drift into blasphemy. I believe that we must give God a priority of our time. This includes making the Lord’s day a special time. God should get the first, the best, not just what is left over.
3. How can I help someone?
Sadly, I see many living lives that give little or no honor to God. So, God must not be very important to them. Many would deny that statement, but their lives say the opposite. Words are cheap. It is easy to say things. It is more important to live it, to live what is right. Question to self: how can I help people see the importance of keeping God our top priority?
Bible Chapter: Leviticus 21 & 22
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
God provided spiritual leaders for the nation. There are pictures we can see through the priests. God is holy and He expected those in spiritual leadership to be holy as well. There are many pictures of God we can see through His qualifications for the priests. They were examples of godliness. They were measured by a higher standard. God is holy and He expects His followers to be holy as well. The priests were to set the pace for living a holy life.
The sacrifices they offered had to be holy, pure and without defect. These also help us see God’s holiness. God has never sinned. There is nothing second rate about Him. Through all the details of the Law and through all the teachings of Jesus we see God’s righteousness. His desire is that His followers will grow in righteousness as well.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
As a pastor, when I read the Old Testament regulations regarding priests, I always look at them in a deeper way. I think of the expectations put on the priests. I think of the standards God held them to. The New Testament also has high expectations for spiritual leaders in the church. I must live the life God requires. While it is sometimes thought that God is asking too much, I can see that there are great benefits to life to do things God’s ways.
3. How can I help someone?
Even those who are not called to be in spiritual leadership (which is the majority of the people) are better off to follow God’s plan. They don’t have to follow the plan for spiritual leadership, but to follow God’s plan for living a holy life. They will never regret it.
Bible Chapter: Leviticus 19 & 20
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
To try to dig in to all the laws listed in these chapters would take a long time. The principles we see point people to live a holy life. God is holy and He expects His followers to be holy as well. Living holy is living separate from and not participating in the evil customs and sins of the world around us. Living holy is learning, understanding and applying the principles the Bible gives us. It is learning the moral and ethical truths of the Bible and then living them. It is understanding that sin pollutes and destroys but obedience brings blessings. God told His people that He had set them apart from the nations to be His own. Those who live a life of obedience and holiness will be a part of God’s people.
One verse jumped out to me as I read. Chapter 20 verse 22 shows the practical application of obedience. It says that when they would keep God’s decrees and laws the land would not vomit them out. That is an interesting way of expressing it. Backing up to 18:24-28 we see the same principle. Because of the detestable sins of the people in the lands where they would eventually live, even the land was defiled. Obedience has wide-spread implications.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
The long list of laws in these chapters cover basic principles of being a good citizen and making a society strong. They teach how to get along and live peacefully. They teach against selfishness and hurting others. They teach how we can live a holy life, separated from evil practices. We are to have nothing to do with evil spirits. We are to love one another and treat each other the way God wants us to treat them. God lets us know here that He will punish sin. He is serious about getting sin out of our lives and societies. In the same way that a cleaning staff does all they can to get germs out of an operating room, so God longs for all sin to be out of our lives.
3. How can I help someone?
There are many laws we need to learn. The moral principles given in these chapters must be understood. That understanding goes far beyond simply learning some laws. God wants us to understand that there is a reason for His laws. We are hurt by sin. Because He loves us so much He doesn’t want us to be hurt. Life is better because of obedience.
