June 16 -- "Fidelity to God's Word"

Today's Reading: Numbers 22:22-41 

"Fidelity to God's Word"

Balaam’s declaration that "The word that God puts in my mouth, that must I speak" conveys a profound commitment to upholding and faithfully proclaiming only the truth revealed by God. The word we use to describe this unwavering adherence to God’s word is “fidelity," the degree of exactness with which something is copied or reproduced. Our fidelity is expressed in several ways, including:

Uncompromising Faithfulness: Just as Balaam recognized the necessity of speaking only what God had given him to say, fidelity to God's Word requires unwavering dedication to the Bible’s teachings and principles. It means embracing the entirety of Scripture as God's inspired and authoritative Word, without diluting or distorting its message to suit personal preferences or societal trends.

Rejecting Distortions: Fidelity to God's Word also entails guarding against the introduction of human interpretations or cultural influences that may compromise its truth. It means valuing the integrity and accuracy of Scripture, interpreting it within its proper context, and resisting the temptation to reinterpret or alter its teachings to fit prevailing ideologies.

Alignment with God's Truth: Fidelity to God's Word necessitates aligning our beliefs, values, and actions with His divine principles. It requires submitting our own desires, opinions, and agendas to the authority of Scripture, allowing it to shape our worldview, guide our decisions, and transform our lives.

Proclaiming the Gospel: Fidelity means conveying the message of salvation through Jesus Christ and proclaiming the love, grace, and redemption found only in Him. Fidelity to God's Word compels us to faithfully communicate the gospel's transformative power without compromise or distortion.

Tragically, much of modern Christianity has strayed far from the principle of fidelity by practicing selective Bible interpretation which has led to a distortion of the overall message of the Bible as certain teachings or moral principles are emphasized or de-emphasized based on personal preferences or cultural influences.

Fidelity to God's Word requires a comprehensive and balanced approach to Biblical interpretation, taking into account the entire counsel of Scripture. As modern-day Christ followers, fidelity to God's Word should be our steadfast commitment. Let us embrace the Bible as the ultimate authority for faith and life, seeking its wisdom and guidance in every aspect of our existence. 

June 15 -- "You Can't Curse What God Has Blessed"

 Today's Reading: Numbers 22:1-21

"You Can't Curse What God Has Blessed"

This verse is part of the account of Balaam, a non-Israelite prophet who was summoned by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse the Israelites. The Israelites were journeying through the wilderness towards the Promised Land. King Balak, fearing their growing numbers and military strength, sought to hinder their progress by having Prophet Balaam curse them. However, when Balaam inquired of God, the Lord instructed him not to go with King Balak's messengers and not to curse the Israelites because they were a blessed people.

This verse carries important lessons for modern-day Christ followers. Firstly, it reminds us of the power of God's blessing. Just as the Israelites were blessed by God, so are believers in Jesus Christ. As Christians, we have been blessed with forgiveness, salvation, the Holy Spirit, and the promise of eternal life. This blessing should fill us with gratitude and remind us that we are under the protection of our loving Heavenly Father, who will not permit our enemy to prosper over us.

Secondly, Numbers 22:12 teaches us about the importance of seeking God's guidance and obeying His instructions. Prophet Balaam initially desired to go with King Balak's messengers for personal gain, but he was instructed by God not to do so. Similarly, as Christians, we should seek God's will in every aspect of our lives. We must be willing to listen to His voice, follow His guidance, and align our actions with His Word.

It is vitally important that we recognize and appreciate the blessings we have received through our faith in Jesus Christ. Remember that our lives are marked by God's favor and that we are called to be a blessing to others. Seek God's guidance earnestly, allowing His Word and the Holy Spirit to shape our decisions and actions. Let obedience to God's commands be the foundation of our lives, and may our thoughts, words, and deeds reflect the love and righteousness of Christ.

In a world that often promotes self-centeredness, materialism, and moral relativism, let us be lights that shine with the truth and grace of the Gospel. Through our words and actions, let us point others to the blessings found in a relationship with Jesus Christ. May we be known as a people who walk in obedience to God's will, exemplifying His love, compassion, and justice in our interactions with others.

June 14 -- "Look and be Healed"

Today's Reading: Numbers 21 

"Look and be Healed"

The Israelites were grumbling against God and Moses because they were tired of the journey and the food. As a result, God sent venomous snakes to bite them, and many of them died. When the people cried out for help, God instructed Moses to create a bronze serpent and put it on a pole. Anyone who looked at the serpent after being bitten would be healed and live.

The healing of the Israelites from the snake bites was supernatural and beyond human capabilities. The venom of the snakes was deadly, and there was no known cure for it at the time. However, when the Israelites looked at the bronze serpent on the pole, they were healed immediately. There was no actual power in the bronze serpent itself. This healing could only have been accomplished through the power of God.

This event is significant because it is a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ's death on the cross. Jesus Himself refers to it in John 3:14-15, "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life." Jesus is the "bronze serpent" on the pole, and just as the Israelites looked to the serpent and were healed, we can look to Jesus and be saved from our sin.

The healing of the Israelites from the snake bites was a physical representation of the spiritual healing that comes from believing in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross.

For modern-day Christ followers, this reminds us of God's power to save and heal. We are all bitten by the venom of sin, but if we look to Jesus, we can be saved and have eternal life. It also reminds us of the importance of faith and obedience. The Israelites had to look at the serpent to be healed, just as we must look to Jesus in faith to be saved.

So, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Let us trust in Him for salvation and turn away from sin. Look to Him and be saved!

June 13 -- "When Frustration Leads to Disobedience"

 Today's Reading: Numbers 19 & 20

"When Frustration Leads to Disobedience"

This verse refers to an incident that took place during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. The people were thirsty and complained to Moses and Aaron about the lack of water. God instructed Moses to take his staff and speak to a rock, and water would come out for the people to drink. However, instead of speaking to the rock, Moses struck it with his staff. Twice. Water still came out, but God was displeased with Moses' disobedience.

It is possible that Moses was feeling frustrated or overwhelmed by the constant complaints and disobedience of the Israelites. Moses' frustration and anger towards the Israelites may have contributed to his actions, detracting from his ability to accurately portray God's attitude of patience, mercy, and love towards His people. Psalm 106:32-33 describes this incident as a "rebellion" and attributes the punishment of Moses and Aaron to their failure to "show God's holiness."

The application of this verse in its original context is clear: God expects obedience and faithfulness from His leaders, and disobedience has consequences. Moses' disobedience resulted in him being unable to enter the Promised Land, and Aaron also suffered consequences for his involvement.

In modern-day life, the principle of obedience and faithfulness still applies. Christians are called to obey God's commands and follow His will, even when we are frustrated and when His will is difficult or unpopular. The consequences of disobedience may not be as immediate or dramatic as they were for Moses and Aaron, but they still exist. Disobedience can damage our relationships with God and others, hinder our spiritual growth, and lead us away from the blessings that God has in store for us

In short, disobedience can keep us from "entering the promised land" – that place of spiritual rest, peace, and abundance that God has promised to His faithful followers.

Therefore, Christians should seek to be faithful and obedient to God in all aspects of their lives. This means seeking His will, yielding to the Holy Spirit, and following His commands, even when it requires sacrifice or going against popular opinion. By doing so, we can experience the blessings that come from living in accordance with God's plan for our lives.

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June 12 -- "Tithe of the Tithe"

 Today's Reading: Numbers 18

"Tithe of the Tithe"

The "tithe of the tithe" mentioned in Numbers 18:26 ESV is a portion of the tithe that the Levites were required to present to the Lord. The Levites were the recipients of the Lord’s tithe (or a tenth) of the produce and livestock that the people of Israel brought to the Tabernacle as an offering to God. This tithe was their inheritance and was intended to provide for their needs as they served in the Tabernacle.

However, the Levites were not exempt from giving back to God. They were required to present a tithe of the tithe (a second tithe) of what they received from the Israelites as a contribution to the Lord. This second tithe (tenth) was given to the high priest and used for the service of the Tabernacle.

The "tithe of the tithe" was an important reminder to the Levites that everything they received ultimately came from God and belonged to Him. It was a way of acknowledging God's provision and sovereignty over their lives and their ministry. It is also a reminder to Christian pastors, missionaries, church workers and ministry workers that they are not exempt from giving back to God a portion of that which He has blessed them with.

As a Christ-follower, the principle of the "tithe of the tithe" reminds us that everything we have ultimately comes from God and belongs to Him. We are called to be good stewards of what God has given us, including our finances, and to give back to Him a portion of what we receive. The principle of the "tithe of the tithe" also emphasizes the importance of supporting those who are dedicated to serving God and advancing His kingdom, whether that be our local church or other ministries.

June 11 -- "Buds, Blossoms, and Almonds"

 Today's Reading: Numbers 17

"Buds, Blossoms, and Almonds"

A dispute had arisen among the people of Israel. Some were questioning the authority of Aaron and his priestly line and believed that they too should be allowed to perform priestly duties. The dispute over Aaron's priesthood caused a significant disturbance among the Israelites.

So, God told Moses to settle the dispute by gathering twelve staffs, one from the leader of each of the twelve tribes of Israel and write the name of each tribe on their staffs. Then Moses was to place the staffs in the Tent of Meeting before the ark of the covenant, and the staff belonging to the man whom God had chosen would sprout.

The next day, when Moses went into the Tent of Meeting, he found that Aaron's staff had not only sprouted, but it had also budded, blossomed, and produced almonds. This miracle was seen as a sign confirming that God had chosen Aaron and his descendants to be the priests of Israel.

The story of the dispute over Aaron's priesthood teaches us several valuable lessons about finding our own purpose and not disputing God's choices. Firstly, it reminds us that God has a specific purpose for each of us, just as He had a specific purpose for Aaron and his descendants. Instead of comparing ourselves to others or seeking to take on roles that are not meant for us, we should seek to discern God's plan for our lives and to follow Him with obedience and trust.

Secondly, the story of the dispute over Aaron's priesthood teaches us the danger of questioning God's choices and seeking to undermine His authority. When Korah, Dathan, and Abiram challenged the priesthood of Aaron, they were not only challenging the authority of Aaron and Moses, but they were also challenging God's chosen plan for Israel. This ultimately led to their downfall and serves as a warning to us not to question God's wisdom and sovereignty.

Instead, we should seek to submit ourselves to God's plan and to trust that He knows what is best for us. We can find our purpose and fulfill it by seeking God's will for our own lives and not by disputing His calling for another person’s life.

June 10 -- "Unhealthy Ambition"

Today's Reading: Numbers 16 

"Unhealthy Ambition"

The story of Korah and his followers in Numbers 16 illustrates the dangers of discontentment and unhealthy ambition. Korah and his group were Levites who had been given the responsibility of serving in the Tabernacle, a position of honor and privilege within the community. However, they became discontented with their role and began to challenge the authority of Moses and Aaron, ultimately leading a rebellion against them.

Their discontentment was fueled by a desire for more power and influence within the community, and a belief that they deserved greater recognition for their service to God. However, their rebellion ultimately resulted in their own destruction, as God judged them for their disobedience and rebellion.

In today’s verse, Moses is essentially asking them if it is not enough that God has chosen them for this special role and allowed them to serve in the Tabernacle. By questioning the authority of Moses and Aaron, they are also questioning the authority of God, who appointed them to their positions.

This story serves as a warning against the dangers of discontentment and the pursuit of power and recognition at the expense of obedience to God and respect for legitimate authority. As Christ-followers, we are called to be content with what God has given us, and to trust in His timing and plan for our lives. We are also called to submit to the authority of those whom God has placed over us, whether it be in our families, workplaces, or churches.

When we become discontented and begin to question the authority of those in leadership, we run the risk of falling into the same trap as Korah and his followers. We may become blinded by our own ambition for power and recognition and lose sight of the greater goal of serving God and advancing His kingdom.

Instead, we should seek to cultivate a spirit of contentment and humility, recognizing that all we have and all we are comes from God. We should also seek to honor and respect those in leadership over us, trusting that God has placed them there for a purpose and seeking to serve Him through our obedience to their authority. As the Apostle Paul said in 1 Timothy 6:6, "But godliness with contentment is great gain.”