June 28 -- "Barbs and Thorns"

Today's Reading: Numbers 33

"Barbs and Thorns"

In Numbers 33:55, we find a stern warning from God to the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. God had commanded them to drive out the inhabitants of the land completely to avoid being influenced by their idolatrous practices. By allowing these nations to remain, the Israelites would face severe consequences, symbolized by the imagery of "barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides."

The metaphors of barbs and thorns suggest that allowing the pagan nations to remain would bring about continuous irritation, trouble, and suffering for the Israelites. It symbolizes the detrimental effects of compromise and disobedience to God's command to completely separate themselves from the idolatrous practices of the nations around them.

Just as the Israelites were called to separate themselves from the pagan nations surrounding them, we, as followers of Christ, are also called to live lives that are distinct from the values and practices of the world. Idolatry can take various forms today, including the pursuit of material possessions, the worship of self, or the idolizing of success and power. These idols, if allowed to remain in our lives, will hinder our spiritual growth and bring turmoil like barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides.

Let us take heed of the Lord's warning here and flee from idolatry in all its forms. We are called to be a holy people, set apart for God's purposes. It is not enough to merely acknowledge Jesus as our Savior; we must also surrender our lives completely to Him. This means examining our hearts and identifying any idols that may have taken residence within. Through prayer, seeking God, and the study of His Word, we can expose and uproot these idols, allowing Christ to reign supreme in our lives.

As we live in a world that constantly entices us with its idols, let us remember the words of the apostle John: "Little children, keep yourselves from idols" (1 John 5:21 ESV). May we be vigilant in guarding our hearts and minds, seeking God's help to drive out anything that competes with His rightful place in our lives. By doing so, we will experience the freedom, joy, and peace that come from living in alignment with God's will.

June 27 -- "Your Sin Will Find You Out"

 Today's Reading: Numbers 32

"Your Sin Will Find You Out"

In Numbers 32:23, Moses warns the tribes of Gad and Reuben about the consequences of failing to fulfill their commitment to help their fellow Israelites conquer the Promised Land. He emphasizes that their failure would not go unnoticed by the Lord. Moses makes it clear that sin, when left unchecked, will eventually be exposed. He reminds them that their actions have spiritual implications and that disobedience carries consequences.

The statement "your sin will find you out" carries a profound truth about the nature of sin and its consequences. Sin is not something that can be hidden indefinitely or swept under the rug. No matter how skillfully we may try to conceal our wrongdoings, there is an inherent principle in God’s universe that brings sin to light.

Firstly, we need to recognize that God is omniscient and all-seeing. He knows every detail of our lives, including the hidden motives of our hearts. Our attempts to hide our sins from Him are futile. The psalmist reminds us in Psalm 90:8, "You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence." Nothing escapes God's notice.

Furthermore, sin carries its own consequences. It often creates a ripple effect that impacts not only the sinner but also those around him or her. Our actions have a way of unraveling over time, revealing the true nature of our hearts. Eventually, the truth comes to light, and the consequences of our sins become evident.

Additionally, living in the bondage of hidden sin can rob us of peace, joy, and intimacy with God. It creates a barrier between us and Him, hindering our spiritual growth and hindering our ability to experience the fullness of His blessings. Unconfessed sin festers within us, creating guilt, shame, and a sense of separation from God's presence.

Therefore, let us not deceive ourselves into thinking we can hide our sins or that they will go unnoticed. Instead, let us choose to live lives of integrity and transparency before God and others. As followers of Christ, we are called to walk in the light, allowing the truth of God's Word to illuminate our paths and guide our actions.

June 26 -- "Memorializing God's Provision"

 Today's Reading: Numbers 31:25-54

"Memorializing God's Provision"

In today’s passage, we find the Israelites returning from a victorious battle against the Midianites. After the battle, Moses and Eleazar the priest received an offering of gold from the commanders as a token of their gratitude and devotion to the Lord. This gold was then brought into the tent of meeting and placed before the Lord as a memorial.

By placing the gold in the tent of meeting, it signified that this offering was not just a personal gesture, but an acknowledgment of God's involvement in the battle. It was a way for the Israelite military leaders to publicly express their gratitude and to remind themselves and future generations of God's provision and faithfulness.

In our own lives, we often face battles and challenges. These battles may not be physical conflicts like the one faced by the Israelites, but they are spiritual in nature, battling against the spiritual forces of darkness. It is crucial for us to remember in the midst of our battles that God provides for us and it is He who will give us decisive victory over our enemy.

Just as the Israelites offered their gold as a token of their gratitude and devotion, we too should offer our hearts and lives to God. Our offerings may not be physical gold, but they can be a surrender of our desires, fears, and ambitions. When we place our trust in God and give ourselves fully to Him, we acknowledge His provision and sovereignty in our lives.

Expressing gratitude for God's faithfulness, provision, and blessings in our lives is a powerful form of memorial. We can offer prayers of thanksgiving, songs of praise, or simply spend time reflecting on and acknowledging God's goodness.

In times of victory, let us express our gratitude to God by giving Him our best. In times of hardship, let us trust in His provision and lean on Him for strength. May our lives become a living memorial, testifying to God's faithfulness and goodness.

June 25 -- "Purified by Fire and Water"

Today's Reading: Numbers 31:1-24

 

"Purified by Fire and Water"

In Numbers 31, we find the Israelites engaged in battle with the Midianites. After their victory, Moses instructs the people regarding the spoils of war. The Lord commands them to make the captured items fit for use through purification by fire and water. This process of purification symbolizes God's desire for His people to be cleansed and sanctified, both externally and internally.

As believers in Christ, we are called to be set apart, holy vessels for God's use. The process of purification described in Numbers 31 holds valuable lessons for us today. First, passing through the fire represents the refining work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Just as gold is purified by fire, God uses various trials and challenges to refine our character, burn away impurities, and strengthen our faith. It is in the midst of these fiery trials that we are refined and made more like Christ.

Secondly, passing through the water represents the cleansing power of God's Word. The Apostle Paul alludes to this in Ephesians 5:26, “...that He might sanctify her [the Church], having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word." The water of the Word washes away the defilement of sin and renews our minds. As we daily immerse ourselves in Scripture, meditate on its truths, and allow it to convict and guide us, we experience the purifying work of God's Spirit within us.

It is so important that we embrace the process of purification. It may be uncomfortable and challenging, but remember that God's desire is for us to be vessels fit for His use. When trials come, let us trust in His faithfulness and rely on His strength to refine us. And as we engage with His Word, let us be diligent in seeking its cleansing power, allowing it to shape our thoughts, actions, and attitudes.

May we continually surrender ourselves to the cleansing fire of the Holy Spirit and the purifying water of God's Word. "Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the Master of the house, ready for every good work." (2 Timothy 2:21) Let us persevere in the process, knowing that through it, we are being transformed into vessels of honor, ready for the Master’s service. 

June 24 -- "Promise Keepers"

 Today's Reading: Numbers 30

"Promise Keepers"

In Numbers 30:2, the Lord instructs the Israelites regarding the importance of honoring their vows and oaths made before Him. God emphasized the seriousness of their words, emphasizing that once a vow or oath was made, it must be fulfilled without delay or compromise. The Lord wanted His people to understand the significance of keeping their promises and remaining faithful to their commitments.

In a world where promises are easily broken and commitments are often disregarded, the Lord calls us to a higher standard. As followers of Christ, we should be known for our integrity and trustworthiness. Our words should hold weight and our commitments should be steadfast.

Whether it is a promise made to God, to others, or even to ourselves, we are called to fulfill it. This includes honoring our marriage vows, keeping our word in business agreements, and fulfilling our responsibilities in various areas of life. When we are faithful to our commitments, we reflect the character of God and demonstrate His faithfulness to the world around us.

Let us be people of our word, just as the Lord expects of us. Today, examine your commitments and promises. Have you neglected or failed to fulfill what you promised? If so, take steps to rectify the situation and make things right. Seek forgiveness where necessary and ask God for the strength to honor your commitments going forward.

Remember, our faithfulness in keeping our word has a profound impact on our relationships, our witness as Christians, and our personal growth. Let us be known as men and women of integrity, whose actions align with our words. As you interact with others, “let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No,'” (James 5:12), following through on your commitments with excellence.

Above all, rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to help you remain faithful in honoring your commitments. Lean on God's grace and strength, knowing that He is faithful to equip and empower you. By doing so, you will not only bring glory to God but also inspire those around you to embrace a life marked by integrity and steadfastness.

June 23 -- "Faithful Communication in a Conflicting World"

 Today's Reading: Numbers 29

"Faithful Communication in a Conflicting World"

Here we find Moses obediently relaying the Lord's instructions to the children of Israel regarding the offerings they were to present during the Feast of Tabernacles. The Lord had given precise instructions for the burnt offerings, grain offerings, and drink offerings to be made on each of the seven days of the feast. Moses faithfully communicated these commands without omitting a single detail, exemplifying his unwavering commitment to fulfilling God's will.

Moses' obedience and dedication to accurately communicating God's instructions hold valuable lessons for us today. Just as Moses conveyed the Lord's words without alteration, we too are called to faithfully transmit God's Word to those around us. As followers of Christ, we have the incredible privilege and deep responsibility of sharing the unchanging truths of Scripture with others.

We live in a time where there is a great need for accurate teaching and faithful communication of God's Word. In a world filled with diverse opinions and conflicting messages, our responsibility as believers is to share the unadulterated truth of the Gospel. We must approach the task of spreading God's Word with the same reverence and commitment that Moses demonstrated.

Let us be inspired by Moses' obedience and dedication. May we diligently study the Scriptures, allowing the Holy Spirit to teach us, so that we can accurately communicate the truths of God's Word to those around us. As we engage in conversations, Bible studies, or even casual interactions, let us be mindful of the weight of our words.

As you go about your day, remember that you are entrusted with the precious task of sharing God's Word. Stay rooted in the Scriptures, seeking understanding and wisdom from the Lord. Dedicate yourself to accurately communicating His truths, and trust that the Holy Spirit will work through you to bring about transformation in the lives of those who hear.

June 22 -- "Pentecost: The Feast of Weeks"

Today's Reading: Numbers 28 

"Pentecost: The Feast of Weeks"

Today’s passage introduces us to the Feast of Weeks, also known as Pentecost. This feast occurred 50 days after the offering of the firstfruits during the Passover season. It was a time of celebration and thanksgiving for God's provision, particularly the harvest of wheat. The Feast of Weeks held both agricultural and spiritual significance, reminding the Israelites of God's faithfulness and their dependence on Him. The term "Pentecost" is derived from the Greek word "Pentēkostē," meaning "fiftieth," as it falls on the fiftieth day after the Passover Sabbath.

In the New Testament, the Feast of Weeks takes on a deeper meaning. On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended upon the early believers, empowering and equipping them for their mission to spread the Gospel. This marked the birth of the Church, and Pentecost became a commemoration of the outpouring of the Spirit and the harvest of souls.

As followers of Christ today, we can apply the principles of the Feast of Weeks to our lives. We should celebrate and express gratitude for God's provision and faithfulness. We can also recognize the vital role of the Holy Spirit in empowering us for service and proclaiming the Good News to others. Just as the early believers were commissioned to go and make disciples, we too are called to share the message of salvation.

Let us remember the significance of the Feast of Weeks and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. In our celebration, let us honor God as the ultimate source of provision in our lives. Take time to express gratitude for His faithfulness, acknowledging that every good and perfect gift comes from Him.