May 25 -- "Guardians of the Ministry"

 Today's Reading: Numbers 3:1-26

"Guardians of the Ministry"

Numbers 3:7 specifically outlines the role of the Levites in guarding the Tabernacle, the priests, and the congregation. This was an important responsibility, as the Tabernacle represented the presence of God among the people, and any mishandling or neglect of its upkeep could have serious consequences.

The Levites had the responsibility to guard over the priests who were serving in the Tabernacle. They did this by providing physical protection. They would set up a perimeter around the Tabernacle and make sure that no unauthorized person entered the area. This provided physical protection not only for the Tabernacle and its contents but also for the priests who were performing their duties inside. They also did this by assisting in the ministry and by providing logistical support which was critical to the priests' ability to perform their duties effectively, as they needed a stable and secure place to worship and make offerings to God.

We are not "Guardians of the Galaxy" but, like the Levites, we are called to guard the things of God in our lives. This includes our personal relationship with God, our involvement in our church community, our church leaders, our fellow believers, and our commitment to living a life that honors and glorifies God.

We are not to be apathetic or uncaring toward the things and people of God, but must take an active role in “guarding over” these things. We can do this by protecting our pastors and church leaders, assisting in the duties of ministry, and providing logistical support to ensure the worship and message of God go forth.

“Set up a perimeter” around your church and church leaders through daily fervent prayer, protecting them from spiritual attacks and enabling them to carry out their duties to minister to God’s people. Remember, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James 5:16)

May 24 -- "Facing the Tent of Meeting"

Today's Reading: Numbers 2 

"Facing the Tent of Meeting"

In this verse, God instructs Moses to organize the Israelites into specific campsites and to place each tribe under its own banner. The Israelites were to move and set up camp according to this order, with each tribe staying in its designated position.

The application of this verse to the Israelites was that it was essential for them to follow God's instructions and maintain order and unity as they traveled through the wilderness. The banner of each tribe represented their identity and purpose, and their placement within the camp emphasized their significance within the community of faith. Each tribe had a specific location within the camp, and they were arranged in a particular order around the Tabernacle.

The arrangement of the camps “facing the tent of meeting” emphasized the importance of keeping the presence of God at the center of the community of faith. The centrality of God in the Israelite community was significant because it represented their dependence on Him for their guidance, protection, and provision. The presence of the Tabernacle at the center of the camp reminded the Israelites that they were a chosen people and that they had a unique relationship with God. It also highlighted the importance of worship and reverence for God in their daily lives.

As Christians, we can also learn from this emphasis on the centrality of God in the Israelite community. We too are called to seek God's presence, to always “face” toward Him and to live in a way that honors Him. We are reminded that our lives should revolve around God and His purposes, and that we are to worship and serve Him above all else.

Setting your life facing Him means that you are intentionally orienting your life towards your Creator, seeking to align your thoughts, actions, and priorities with His will. It means that you are willing to submit to Him and to trust that His ways are higher than your ways.

May 23 -- "Moses: Man of Obedience"

 Today's Reading: Numbers 1

"Moses: Man of Obedience"

Welcome to the thrilling Book of Numbers! This incredible book of the Bible is filled with adventure, excitement, and important life lessons that can still be applied to our lives today.

The Book of Numbers tells the story of the Israelites as they journeyed through the wilderness towards the Promised Land. Along the way, they faced numerous challenges and obstacles, but with God's help, they persevered and ultimately reached their destination.

As we delve into this book, we will witness incredible displays of faith, courage, and obedience, as well as moments of doubt, rebellion, and punishment. Through it all, we will gain valuable insights into the nature of God and the importance of trusting in Him.

We will learn about the consequences of disobedience and the rewards of faithful obedience. We will see how God provides for His people and how He uses even the most challenging situations for His glory.

In Numbers 1:19 ESV, the LORD commanded Moses to appoint one leader from each tribe of Israel to assist him in taking a census of the people. And Moses, in his obedience to God, appointed these leaders just as he was directed. What an example of simple trust and obedience.

Moses' obedience is an excellent example of the type of obedience that God desires from His children. He wants us to obey His commands just as Moses did. He wants us to be quick to listen and slow to speak, to seek God’s will in all things, and to trust in Him even when things may seem difficult or unclear.

Remember, obedience is not always easy, but it is necessary for your growth and development as a follower of Christ. When you obey your loving Father, you will experience the fullness of His blessings, joy, provision, and protection in your life. And when you trust in Him and seek to do His will, He will guide you on the path that He has prepared for you just as He guided Moses and the Israelites.

May 22 -- "The Tithe is His"

 Today's Reading: Leviticus 27

"The Tithe is His"

This verse is speaking about the practice of tithing, which was a way for the Israelites to give back to God a portion of what He had blessed them with. The word "tithe" means to give a tenth or 10 percent of one's income or resources, as an offering or donation to God. In this case, the Israelites were to give a tenth of their agricultural crops. The tithe was considered holy to the Lord and was to be given to support the work of the priests and Levites who served in the temple.

For the Israelites, tithing was a way to acknowledge God's sovereignty over all things, including their resources and finances. It was also a way to express their dependence upon God and their gratitude for His provision. Keep in mind that the tithe was not considered giving God something that belonged to the people, it was simply giving to God something that was already His. “Every tithe is the Lord’s.”

As Christ-followers, we are not under the same strict requirements for tithing as the Israelites were, but the principle of giving back to God and supporting His work remains important. We are called to give generously and sacrificially, recognizing that all we have comes from God and belongs to Him.

While the New Testament does not specifically command Christians to tithe, it does encourage generosity and giving as a way to honor God and support the work of the church and the ministry of the Gospel. Here are a few examples:

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 - "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

Luke 6:38 - "Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you."

God wants us to trust Him with our finances and to be faithful in giving back to Him a portion of what He has blessed us with. As we do this, we express our dependence upon Him and demonstrate our love and devotion to Him.

May 21 -- "The Promise of Increase"

Today's Reading: Leviticus 26 

"The Promise of Increase"

In these verses, God promises blessings to the Israelites if they obey His commandments and follow His ways. Specifically, He promises to give rain in due season, abundant harvests, and fruitful trees. These were important promises to the Israelites in the day it was written, as agriculture was their primary means of sustenance.

As a Christ-follower, we can understand these promises as being both physical and spiritual. God promises to provide for our physical needs, just as He did for the Israelites. He also promises to bless us spiritually, producing in us the fruit (e.g. peace and joy and power and love) that comes from being connected to Him.

God's desire for us as Christ-followers is to walk in His statutes and obey His commands. We can do this by reading and studying His Word, praying, and seeking to live a life that honors Him. As we do this, we will experience His blessings in our lives.

But it's important to remember that God's blessings are not earned by our good deeds. They are a gift of His grace and mercy. We should never seek to obey God's commands in order to earn His blessings, but rather out of love for Him and a desire to follow His ways.

These are not just empty words, but a promise of His presence with you. If you choose to walk in His ways and obey His will for your life, He will walk with you and be your God. He will be there for you in times of joy and in times of sorrow, and He will never leave you nor forsake you.

So I urge you, my child, to choose obedience and surrender to me. Let me be your God and walk with you on this journey of life. Trust in my promises and seek to follow my ways, knowing that I am with you always. As you do this, you will experience the fullness of my blessings and the joy that comes from being in a right relationship with me.

May 20 -- "About the Poor"

 Today's Reading: Leviticus 25:23-55

"About the Poor"

Leviticus 25:35 provides valuable insight into how Christ-followers should approach helping those in need.

This verse is part of a larger section of Leviticus known as the "Year of Jubilee," which outlines the Israelites' obligation to care for one another and ensure that everyone has a fair chance at prosperity. It speaks to the idea that we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves and to take care of those who are in need.

As Christ-followers, that we are called to apply this principle to our own lives. We should strive to help those who are in need, whether they are members of our community or strangers from afar. This could mean providing financial assistance, offering food and shelter, or simply showing kindness and compassion to those who are struggling.

At the same time, we should also be mindful of the deeper spiritual meaning behind this verse. The Year of Jubilee was a time of forgiveness and redemption, when debts were cancelled and those who had fallen on hard times were given a fresh start. As Christians, we believe in the power of forgiveness, redemption, and fresh starts! We should seek to extend that same grace and mercy to those around us.

Listen to the word of the Lord as He says to you… I am a God of love and compassion, and I have created you to be the same. As you live your life, I want you to always be mindful of those who are in need. Whether they are part of your own family, church, community, or strangers from afar, I want you to extend your love and compassion to them, just as I have extended my love and compassion to you.

I exhort you to be generous and compassionate, just as I am. Look for ways to help those who are in need, and remember that in doing so, you are serving me and living out the values of my kingdom.

May 19 -- "Do No Wrong to One Another"

 Today's Reading: Leviticus 25:1-22

"Do No Wrong to One Another"

This verse is a powerful reminder that as God's people, we are not called to wrong others, but to treat one another with fairness, respect, and love. We should not seek to take advantage of one another or to cause harm, but instead, we should honor and value each other as fellow children of God.

To "wrong" someone means to treat them unfairly, unjustly, or in a way that causes them harm or damage. This can take many forms, such as physical harm, emotional or psychological abuse, theft or fraud, betrayal of trust, or withholding something that is due to them.

The fear of the LORD is closely connected to the principle of not wronging others. When we fear the LORD, we recognize that he is the Creator and Ruler of the universe, and that He has established moral and ethical standards for us to follow. As a result, we are called to live in a way that is consistent with His character and His commands.

According to Deuteronomy 32:4 our God never does wrong to anyone - "He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is He." One of the key ways that we can demonstrate our fear of the LORD is by treating others with the same fairness and love that He displays toward us. God Himself is a God of justice and love, and He expects His people to reflect those same qualities in their relationships with others.

When we recognize that God is ultimately in control, we are less likely to seek to gain advantage over others, to wrong them, or to treat them unfairly. Instead, we will seek to honor God by treating others with the same love and respect that we ourselves desire.

In summary, the fear of the LORD is intimately connected to the principle of treating others with fairness and love. As we seek to live in a way that honors God and reflects his character, we will naturally be drawn to treat others with the same love and respect that he has shown to us.