Marching Around In Circles Makes No Sense

DAY 72
11-30-09
JOSHUA 4-6


Good Morning!

What an exciting way to begin the conquest of the Promised Land. God renews his covenant with Israel and has all the men circumcised. God parts the waters of the Jordon River just like he did with the Red Sea. Then Jericho is conquered by God’s power not Israel’s. Notice how God is building faith so that they trust and obey without question. Marching around the city and blowing trumpets makes no sense unless they understand that God’s commands and his plans will not always make sense – but they will always bless those who trust and obey.



God’s will doesn’t always make sense. That fact has been a challenge for mankind from the beginning. "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways ," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isa. 55:8-9)

Keep in mind that God’s will for us; his commands; and his word are always true, right, and perfect. God builds faith in us by asking us to trust him and obey him. Marching around a city and shouting may sound silly, but the awesome results are undeniable.

God blesses those who trust and obey.

Barry

Fearless Leadership

DAY 71
11-29-09
JOSHUA 1-3


Good Morning!

Right from the start God encourages Joshua to be a real leader; a strong leader. Moses led through trying times and even in some battles. Joshua, however, will be in constant battle.

The encouragement God gave to Joshua is perfect for any spiritual leader in the church or in the home. From Joshua 1:6-9…
1. Be strong and courageous.

2. Be careful to obey all the law…do not turn from it to the right or to the left.


3. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night.


4. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

I can’t tell you how many times fear of leadership has overwhelmed me - as a preacher and as a husband and father. Leadership is hard; it is challenging. God is the only way we will be truly successful in our leadership. Leaders need God’s presence and his word every day; in every situation.

Be strong and courageous!

Barry

My Epitaph

DAY 70
11-28-09
DEUTERONOMY 32-34


Good Morning!

Yesterday, I heard a great interview of a famous band member of the 60’s group “The Byrds.” He was asked about the enduring success of hit songs like, “Turn, Turn, Turn” and “Mr. Tambourine Man.” His manager and mentor told the band to write or record songs that they would be proud of in forty years. What great advice!

It made me think of what I will be remembered for in forty years. Will I be proud of my life? Will my life matter? Will I look back and see a waste of a life? At the end of Deuteronomy, Moses is honored as a great man. His sins and shortcomings were not glossed over – he had his issues just like every person. However his contribution to the life and faith of millions is a worthy tribute to a man of God.

Deut 34:10-12 No prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, who did all those miraculous signs and wonders the Lord sent him to do in Egypt — to Pharaoh and to all his officials and to his whole land. For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel.

I don’t think we should live to have a great legacy. We should live to serve God. What greater epitaph can a person have than, “Servant of God.” When my children speak at my funeral, I want them to remember that I loved them; loved their mom; loved the Lord; loved his church; and loved his word. What else matters?

Barry

Too Hard? Really?

DAY 69
11-27-09
DEUTERONOMY 29-31


Good Morning!

Is Christianity too hard to live? Are God’s expectations really that burdensome? Is the Bible too hard to understand? Is daily Bible reading too difficult to stick with? Is Holy living too much to expect? Is consistent worship and fellowship too intrusive to our personal time? Is heaven really too far away?

After retelling the law to the new generation in Israel; proclaiming the blessings; and giving the warnings; God tells his children who might whining – “This is too much!” “I can’t do it!” “It’s not worth it”…

Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. It is not up in heaven, so that you have to ask, "Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?" Nor is it beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, "Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so we may obey it?" No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it. (Deut 30:11-14)

God knows they can live it. He wouldn’t make living out the covenant impossible for them. God is fair; reasonable; and gracious.

Whenever we do not live up to God expectations, it is a matter of choice. We choose to be Biblically ignorant; we choose not to worship or not to be in fellowship with God’s people; we choose friends that lead us away; we choose our life style. We choose.

However, our wonderful heavenly Father asks us - begs us to choose him…to choose life.

This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. (Deut 30:19-20)

Choose well! It’s not a hard choice.

Barry

PLEASE READ CHAPTER 28 BEFORE YOU EAT

DAY 68
11-26-09
DEUTERONOMY 28


Good Morning! Happy Thanksgiving!

Deuteronomy 28 is the Thanksgiving Chapter. What a wonderful blessing to be a child of God. What a blessing to be a nation under God. What a tragedy is coming if this nation doesn’t change. The same is true for Christians and God’s church. This is a day of giving thanks to God; and a day of remembrance of why he blesses - so that we will never leave him or forsake him.

(Deut 28:1) If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth.

(Deut 28:8) The Lord will send a blessing on your barns and on everything you put your hand to. The Lord your God will bless you in the land he is giving you


(Deut 28:12) The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands.


(Deut 28:13) The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.

God bless America. God bless you. God bless Watters Road Church.

Barry

What Keeps You Focused?

DAY 67
11-25-09
DEUTERONOMY 24-27


Good Morning!

God was wise to have Israel use reminders and focus objects of their relationship, covenant, and the law. They were used to keep them focused in world of distractions. Tassels; leather straps; little boxes filled with scripture; large stones; writings on doors and walls…all of which were meant to remind them to be obedient and thankful.

Deut 27:8 Write very clearly all the words of this law on these stones you have set up.


Deut 6:8-9 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

Unfortunately, many forgo reminders and focus helps. I understand that many take them to the extreme and attach holy significance to the objects rather than to God. Never do that! However, reminders are good if they help you focus.

For instance, I have always held on to my Bible with I pray. It somehow reminds me of the power of the word and prayer at my disposal. Karen tells me I often twirl my wedding ring around on my finger. After 26 years, my ring still reminds me of my covenant with her. I know people who always have a Bible on them – at least a little New Testament. Some wear crosses or fish.

Before anyone thinks I advocate beads, candles, statues, tattoos – stop! We don’t need reminders to follow religion. We need reminders to be people of faith. The point is, whatever it takes, keep focused on God, Jesus, the Spirit, the word, and our discipleship. Don’t let the world and its pursuits take your focus away. For Christians, the greatest reminder of relationship, covenant, the word, and faith is God’s Holy Spirit in us.

Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit. Ephesians 1:13

Barry

Noticing People’s Needs

DAY 66
11-24-09
DEUTERONOMY 21-23


Good Morning!

The combination of teachings in Deuteronomy is amazing! Bad marriages mixed in with donkeys and baby birds!? Anyway, there is a short line that teaches an important lesson that could easily get lost in the other heavy stuff. When you see an obvious need, take care of it.

Deut 22:4 If you see your brother's donkey or his ox fallen on the road, do not ignore it. Help him get it to its feet.

How easy is it to see a need and just walk on by? Sometimes we don’t notice at all. We get so caught up in our lives that we often miss the friend who hasn’t been to church for a long time. We forget to check on the widow or shut in. We don’t notice a sad face. We give little or no thought to people on our prayer list.

If you see a need, help with it. Look out needs. Go out of your way help. Open your eyes. Pray for opportunities to help. We will bless others and be blessed ourselves if we do so.

Barry

Do Not Be Fainthearted

DAY 65
11-23-09
DEUTERONOMY 17-20


Good Morning!

In my life and ministry I have witnessed so much fighting. Not people fighting each other, but people battling illnesses; poverty; depression; sin and temptation; bad economy; marriage struggles; family issues; and discouragement. I have seen strong people fall and weak people stand. Some fight and win. Some fight with no end in sight.

Personally, when I read the Bible, I love to find little gems – a short string of words that have a great message for me. I found one today.

"Hear, O Israel, today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be terrified or give way to panic before them. For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory." (Deut. 20:3-4)

Whatever battle you face or are in right now, these words speak to you. They are as true today as they were back then. If God fought for Israel for land, will he not fight for our health or our families? Of course he will.

Just one more bit of evidence that my God loves me.

Barry

Be Open Handed

DAY 64
11-22-09
DEUTERONOMY 14-16


Good Morning!

God expects many things out of his people. Lot’s of commands. Lot’s of challenging teachings that are counter to the cultures around them. God even addresses business dealings among Israelites. He addresses how to take care of the poor, since, as God says, “There will always be poor people in the land.” (15:11)

How does God tell them to take care of the poor in the land flowing with milk and honey? Be opened-handed and lend to them. Then after seven years, cancel the debt…presumably the balance of any unpaid debt. There are some important things to learn here.

We should always be ready to help a brother or sister; a neighbor; or anyone who has need. God continually points out how he has given the Promised Land to Israel as a gift; and he blesses them so they can help others.

Out right giving is not the only answer. Sometimes it is counter-productive. God specifically says to “lend”(15:8). That makes brothers work together.

The point of these instructions is to keep Israel productive and thankful in the Promised Land. They must rely on each other. They must be generous since God was so generous with them.

Jesus reiterates this principle by teaching that we should care for neighbors whether they can pay us back or not; and never turn away someone who wants to borrow.

So, as the blessed people of God, be open-handed with the gifts that God has freely put into our hands.

Barry

Command them to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. (1 Tim. 6:18-19)

READ AND BELIEVE

DAY 63
11-21-09
DEUTERONOMY 5-13


Good Morning!

Nothing will get you off track from a daily Bible reading schedule the like the stomach flu! This is my first morning with coffee in 3 days. Let’s catch up.

Deuteronomy is the retelling of the law for the new generation that is about to cross the Jordon River and take the Promised Land. They must have been excited and scared at the same time about what they were going to experience.

Have you ever felt that way? The anticipation of experiencing something new, great, and challenging? A new job; retiring; moving; a spiritual challenge; a relationship; a big test; graduation; a big decision; something that requires faith in God and faithful action on your part. Or, just the day to day challenges of life. 

There are great lessons from God’s words to Israel that will help us to be great achievers:

1. God’s promises are not just for the “Bible people,” they are for us today.
Deut 5:3 “The Lord did not make this covenant with our ancestors, but with all of us who are alive today.”

2. God blesses us because he loves us, not because we deserve it.
Deut 7:7-8 “The Lord did not set his heart on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other nations, for you were the smallest of all nations! Rather, it was simply that the Lord loves you.”

3. The power to be successful is in God, not in us. He gives us the power to succeed.
Deut 8:18 “Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful.”

4. God doesn’t bless us because we are so good, but because he is so good.
Deut 9:4 & 6 “After the Lord your God has done this for you, don't say in your hearts, 'The Lord has given us this land because we are such good people!’...You must recognize that the Lord your God is not giving you this good land because you are good, for you are not—you are a stubborn people.”

With those great blessings, how can a child of God fail?

God is AWESOME!

Barry

Don’t Forget to Remember

DAY 60
11-18-09
DEUTERONOMY 1-4


Good Morning!

On the east side of Jordon River, looking west, Israel receives the word of the Lord through Moses. “Look, I am giving all this land to you! Go in and occupy it.” (1:7) “Look! He has placed the land in front of you. Go and occupy it as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has promised you. Don't be afraid! Don't be discouraged!” (1:21)

This event reminds me of the “talk” I gave my children before they left home. I was concerned for their life, faith, health, and future. This is what God is concerned about. Besides God telling them to go and get the life he promised; and don’t be afraid; he also reminded them of what so many don’t care to think about any longer – be faithful to the word of God; and remember how God has blessed you.

Deut 4:1-2 "And now, Israel, listen carefully to these decrees and regulations that I am about to teach you. Obey them so that you may live, so you may enter and occupy the land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. Do not add to or subtract from these commands I am giving you. Just obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you."


Deut 4:6 "Obey them completely, and you will display your wisdom and intelligence among the surrounding nations."


Deut 4:9 "But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live!"

So, go get the wonderful life God wants to give you. Don’t forget you’ll keep it only as long as you keep your faith in him.

Barry

My Place of Refuge

DAY 59
11-17-09
NUMBERS 34-36


Good Morning!

At last, the Israelites are going to inherit what God promised to Abraham many years before. The land is being divided and the borders are set. God is both fair and generous in how he commands the land to be divided. Can you imagine how excited they must have been after camping for forty years?

One unique feature of the nation is the cities of refuge. They are places to escape to save a life from an avenger. If someone accidently kills another they can go to a city of refuge and be protected from someone who seeks to kill them because of an accidental death.

I love the idea of cities of refuge – a place to escape. In an emotional sense I take refuge at home with my wife. When life and work overwhelm me, my wife and my home give me peace and comfort. No one can make me feel the way Karen and my home can. It is a peace that is real. I can feel it.

In a spiritual sense, I take refuge in the Lord, his spirit, and his church. I can’t imagine how a person can survive without the hope and love we find in God, his son, his spirit, and his church.

I also find comfort in my friends. I need the friendship and the peace they give. I love the fact that I can chill out, escape, be myself, and have fun. My friends are a refuge. They are easy when everything else is hard.

Thank God for my refuge!

Barry

You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat. (Isaiah 25:4)

The Effect of the Sinful World on God’s People

DAY 58
11-16-09
NUMBERS 32-33


Good Morning!

**Note: Some how I messed the days and chapters yesterday. I’ll figure it out later.

The closer Israel gets to the Promised Land, the more clear the reality of what it’s going to take sinks in. They are not going to just move in and take over. Do you think the pagan’s are going to mind if the Israelites take their land and cities? Obviously they are going to have to fight, die, and struggle for the land of milk and honey.

One of the tasks of Israel is to be God’s instrument of judgment against the pagans and their evil, detestable practices. They are not innocent. They are going to be judged by God.

God is also trying to protect Israel from their evil influence; and from having to be judged by God if they fall into the pagan’s detestable ways. God says in 33:55-56, But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land, those you allow to remain will become barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides. They will give you trouble in the land where you will live. And then I will do to you what I plan to do to them.

Are you living with the evil world? I know we can’t escape the world around us; and we have to influence it for Christ; but are we being unduly influenced ourselves? Are we totally different? Do we stand out? When we are in public, can the people around see we are Christians? Or, do we blend in with what we do and how we act?

If we put as much effort into being different as we do trying to blend it, we just might live up to God’s call to be the influencers rather than the influenced.

Barry

Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God's grace. (2 Cor. 1:12-13)

Fighting for You

DAY 57
11-15-09
NUMBERS 31-32


Good Morning!

The tribes of Gad, Reuben, and the half the tribe of Manasseh are blessed to be able to begin their life in the Promised Land on the east side of the Jordon River. This would give them their land before everyone else. The land was perfect for them and all their animals. Before Moses approved of their choice of land, he made them promise to go to war when everyone else does and fight for their brother’s land since they would not have to fight for their own.

What a great lesson for us. The family of God should be a real family. We must fight for each other; help each other; and support each other. As Christians we are told to “bear one another’s burdens” and “rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Being a real family means our strength is stronger when we are fighting together.

I need my Christian Family!

Barry

“Fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes." (Neh. 4:14)

A Pleasing Smell

DAY 56
11-14-09
NUMBERS 28-29


Good Morning!

God said in Num. 28:2, “See that you present to me at the appointed time the food for my offerings made by fire, as an aroma pleasing to me.” Let’s analyze this for a second. God is a spirit. He has no human form, except he can show himself in any form he chooses. Since he is a spirit – The Spirit – he has no mouth to eat; nor a nose to smell with. Yet, he loves the smell of the burnt offerings and the roasting flesh of the sacrifices of his worshippers. He calls it “food.”

What is pleasing to God is the smell and the sight of his children obeying his commands; worshipping him according to his instructions; honoring him for his power; glory; holiness; and love. When you give sacrificially; when you respectfully worship God; he breaths in it. It smells good to him. He loves it.

God notices our sacrifices. Give him the best.

Barry

2 Cor. 2:15 We are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved.

Regrets

DAY 55
11-13-09
NUMBERS 26-27


Good Morning!

The end of Moses’ leadership is approaching. He is ordered by God to go on a mountain and view the Promise Land he will never enter. I can’t imagine how his heart must have ached as looked at the land he could have walked in, if only…

Do you have regrets? Are you currently paying the price of bad decisions; sins; and mistakes? Have you ever thought, “If only I would have said no.” “If only I would have been stronger.” “If only I would have listened.” “If only I could take it back.” If only.

If we judge ourselves by our regrets, we will live a very sad existence. Moses and the “Egypt generation” will pay the price for their sin, whining, and rebellion. Yet, as far as God is concerned, they must pay the price, but they are still loved and still blessed.

Whatever consequences you are living with now, if you are a faithful Christian, God might not take away those challenges, but he will give you a regret free life in Christ. If only you will trust him. Trust him!

Barry

Because your sorrow led you to repentance…you became sorrowful as God intended…Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
(2 Cor 7:9-11)

Please…Bless and Do Not Curse

DAY 54
11-12-09
NUMBERS 23-24-25


Good Morning!

Three times Balak asked Balaam to curse Israel. Three times Balaam gave God’s blessing to Israel. When Balaam was told to curse, he said, “How can I curse those whom God has not cursed? How can I denounce those whom the Lord has not denounced? I have received a command to bless; he has blessed, and I cannot change it.”

The message today is simple and straight forward. Please do not curse and denounce God’s people. It is very easy to fall prey to the temptation of Satan to bad mouth; denounce; or speak against other Christians.

Did you notice the blessing that God had in store for Israel? Even though they are an imperfect; sinful people; and have lost blessing of the Promised Land; God still loves them and will continue to be with them and bless them.

That is a huge lesson for us. The Christians that we might be denouncing and judging are certainly not perfect; but they are God’s dearly loved people. Perhaps we should all take the beam out of our own eye to see that when we talk bad about someone else, we can see that we are in need of God’s forgiveness; blessing; and correction ourselves.

I’m thankful that Balaam resisted denouncing Israel; and faithfully relayed God’s blessing to the sinful people of God. I pray that God will still bless me even though I am sinful and need to be a better man. I pray that I will give people the benefit of the doubt and see what is good in them instead looking for their faults.

Barry

When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly. (1 Cor. 4:12-13)

Let God’s Words Be My Words

DAY 53
11-11-09
NUMBERS 21-22


Good Morning!

It’s not just a preacher thing – we all should let God’s words be our words. That is one reason why it is so important to read the Bible everyday – so we can know God’s words so well that his words will be in our hearts and minds and on the tip of our tongues.

Balaam humbly confessed, “I have no power to say whatever I want. I will speak only the message that God puts in my mouth." Imagine if that was our intent. Imagine if we really lived that way?

God’s words will help us answer correctly; help us to encourage and be encouraged; and help us teach with God’s authority, not our own opinions.

Let God’s words be our words.

Barry

If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. (1 Peter 4:11)

Just Do It

DAY 52
11-10-09
NUMBERS 19-20


Good Morning!

How much does a person need to see; read; learn; or understand regarding the fact that God blesses us when we obey his word? God’s instructions on how Moses was to provide water were clear. “Speak to the Rock.” So Moses struck the rock with his staff twice.

The water came out of the rock, so what’s the big deal? The people and their animals were taken care of by God, so what’s the harm. For their sin, Moses and Aaron will not be able to go into the land of promise. It is a big deal to God. He said, “The two of you rebelled against my instructions concerning the water at Meribah.” (Num 20:24-25) Ignoring God’s instruction is rebellion.

It seems so simple. But mankind still doesn’t get the connection. Live by God’s word and you will be blessed. Obey God and you will be blessed. Don’t change it; ignore it; deny it; or rebel against it. Humble yourself before God and his word. He will bless you.

God, please forgive me when I disregard your word.

Barry

Humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (James 1:21-22)

God’s Justice

DAY 51
11-9-09
NUMBERS 16-17-18


Good Morning!

God’s swift, painful justice against Korah’s rebellion is stunning! God executes thousand’s of those who presume to know better than God; and who refuse to obey the leader that God has chosen.

The only thing I can think of to say is how can anyone beleive that they will not receive God’s justice if they rebel against him after reading these words? God’s justice in judgment will be swift and sure. If we don’t respond to God’s gracious gift of life, the only thing left is God’s justice for unrepentant sin.

God loves all people. He loves his people. He has provided a way for us to be saved. He has also promised condemnation for those who rebel against him. That is the whole point of the Good News.

Lord, forgive me for my sinful rebellion! Thank for your grace and forgiveness!

Barry

Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. (Heb 3:13)

The Consequences of Sin and Rebellion

DAY 50
11-8-09
NUMBERS 14-15


Good Morning!

I love these two chapters…especially fourteen. Israel has had enough. They believe the scouts that said they can’t take the land. They would rather die or go back to slavery than trust God and fight for the Promised Land.

Well, God has had enough too. He is ready to wipe them out and start over with Moses and his family to build a nation. Moses, however, begs God to change his mind for the sake of his Name.

God will still hold Israel accountable for their rebellion. It’s not just about the whining. They are treating God with contempt. (14:11). God relents and forgives them but the consequences will stand. No one who treats God with contempt will see the Promised Land.

Believe it or not there is an important blessing in this. God said, "I have forgiven them, as you asked. Nevertheless, as surely as I live and as surely as the glory of the Lord fills the whole earth…not one of them will ever see the land I promised on oath to their forefathers. No one who has treated me with contempt will ever see it.” (14:20-23)

God forgives sin and rebellion. We may still have tough consequences to live through, be he still forgives. Don’t take it to mean that they are not going to heaven. They are forgiven. But they still will have to pay the consequences in this life; and God will get them through it.

Barry

'The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion." (Num 14:18)

Going to the Woodshed

DAY 49
11-7-09
NUMBERS 12-13


Good Morning!

The scouts returned with the confirmation of what God already told them – the Promise Land was beautiful and bountiful. It was everything a nation could ask for. EXCEPT the majority of the scouts were too scared to take the land. Caleb, however, said, “Let’s go now!”

The lack of faith and the propensity to complain seems to be an Israelite national feature. Before the scouts were even sent, Miriam and Aaron complained about Moses and were disrespectful at very least; and were actually treasonous in their attitude.

God calls Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to the tent of meeting and dresses Aaron and Miriam down by confirming that Moses is God’s man – Israel’s only leader. Miriam pays the price and is punished with a week of leprosy.

Lack of faith; rebellious attitudes; and disrespect of God’s leaders is not only sinful; it holds us back from enjoying the blessings and plans God has for us. Some think that a rebellious spirit is cool and that “no one is the boss of me.” Well, God has a different view on that. God demands we respect our leaders. He demands that we trust and obey him. Sinful pride is the exact opposite of the attitude that God says he will bless – the attitude of HUMILITY. Moses was known as a humble man and leader. “Moses was very humble - more humble than any other person on earth.” (Num 12:3)

Put aside childish, sinful pride. Humble yourself before God. Obey the leaders God chooses.

Barry

"This is what the Lord, the God of the Hebrews, says: 'How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? (Exodus 10:3)

Whiners

DAY 48
11-6-09
NUMBERS 10-11


Good Morning!

I can understand the previous bouts with the whiners – they had just left Egypt and they were scared. I would have whined too. But after all God had done for Israel, you would think that they would be so amazed to have the One True God among them that they would just be thankful and faithful. Moses complained to God that if the people had all the meat and fish in world, they would still complain about it.

Now, I am not above whining about things. I can be pretty pathetic at times. We all can. Anyone who says they don’t whine is not telling the truth…or they are blind. There is however a spiritual malady I have observed – and it is the spirit of complaining. Some just see the negative and focus on it; constantly talk about it; and even complain online for all to read.

So before you complain about your church; your friends; your family; your country; your job; or your circumstances…stop! Try giving your church; your friends; your family; your country; your job; and your current circumstances the benefit of the doubt. Stop whining and start praying and thanking God for how good life is with him.

Everything about us is imperfect and needs improvement. That is the way of it. If we focus on our good God and his wonderful blessings, we will be so much more joyful in this life and be better at fixing our problems.

God, please forgive me when I whine. Help me to remember that Life is Good.

Barry

Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God. (Philippians 2:14-15)

Walk with God

DAY 47
11-5-09
NUMBERS 8-9


Good Morning!

God’s powerful presence in the Tabernacle was a rally point for Israel. When the cloud of God rested over the tent, Israel camped. As long as God was there, they stayed in camp. When the cloud lifted, they packed up and started walking with God until he stopped.

“Whether the cloud stayed over the tabernacle for two days or a month or a year, the Israelites would remain in camp and not set out; but when it lifted, they would set out.” (Num 9:22)

This brings up a very good lesson. We are supposed to move with God and follow God. If we are concerned with God’s will; God’s prompting; and God’s direction; we will live our life trying our best to follow him. The Israelites did not live and move at their own direction. Paul wrote that in God, “we live and move.” (Acts 17:28)

Putting this into practice is a challenge. I know that from practical experience. However, if I live my following God, instead of living my life expecting God to follow me around, then God will lead me to where I need to be.

Israel will make it to the Promised Land. But they’ll get there in God’s time and going God’s way.

Barry

All the nations may walk in the name of their gods; we will walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and ever. (Micah 4:5)

The Mercy Seat

DAY 46
11-4-09
NUMBERS 7


Good Morning!

Now that the tabernacle is finished and dedicated, it is made holy to the Lord. All the tribal leaders bring gifts and sacrifices. This is a big deal. God’s abides in the tabernacle and Israel now has a physical representation of God’s presence. God will be with them where ever they go.

Two thoughts stand out to me. First, I love the description in v.89 about where God speaks from – from the cover of the ark; or, the “mercy seat.” This is just another one of God’s many lessons designed to communicate to his people that he loves them and will have mercy on them.

Secondly, I am so happy that the lessons of the tabernacle; its beauty; and its holiness are now attached to God’s new sanctuary, me! God will be with me wherever I go. His mercy and anointment still communicate to me every day, that I am loved, forgiven, and a part of his family.

Barry

We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus. (Hebrews 10:19)

Being a Promise Keeper

DAY 45
11-3-09
NUMBERS 5-6


Good Morning!

These are tough words today. Did you notice how seriously God takes the vows we make? Whether it’s a vow to keep all of God’s law; keep marriage vows; or keep a vow of dedication to serving God; when we make a vow or a promise, we are to keep it.

Imagine, if you will, what our world; our families; and the church would be like if we were as serious about vows as God is. Nations, families, marriages, and church would thrive like never before.

Be a promise keeper. Take your vows seriously. Restate them if you need to. Ask God and others to forgive you if you’ve broken them. May the words of God’s blessing fall on all of us.

Barry

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. (Num. 6:24-26)

Covering the Holiness of God

DAY 44
11-2-09
NUMBERS 3-4


Good Morning!

A very interesting section this morning. As God gives his precise instructions to Moses and Aaron regarding the priesthood and their specific duties, much care is taken in explaining how to keep the Koathites from dying before the Lord. The objects they were assigned to carry from place to place needed to be covered so they would not see what was kept behind the curtain. “But the Kohathites must not go in to look at the holy things, even for a moment, or they will die." (Num 4:20)

Just like when Moses was not allowed to see God’s real face and live; and as Moses covered his glowing face after being in the presence of God; the Koathites were not allowed to see the holy objects associated with the Holy God.

I am reminded just how blessed we are as Christians to have the veil torn in two (Mark 15:37-38) so that we can “view” God with the Spirit; through faith; and by the gospel - with the veil removed.

But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (2 Cor. 3:16-18)

One day, when there are no more days, we will see the LORD face to face without fear of death. That will be the day of days!

Barry

When he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. (1 John 3:2)

How many do we have?

DAY 43
11-1-09
NUMBERS 1-2


Good Morning!

One of the greatest blessings we have as Children of God is that we are not alone. We have the family of God. We have God always with us. We have the Spirit of God in us. We have the King of Kings interceding for us. I am not alone…and I never will be.

When Moses accounted for the tribes; clans; and families of Israel he must have been so encouraged. Not only did they have the one true God as their God; they are a part of a mighty nation. God is keeping his promise to Abraham until we sing in heaven a new song with countless saved souls.

Enjoy Numbers!

Barry

I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb." Revelation 7:9-10