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.
