Thursday, March 08, 2007
Numbers 31
Midianites were responsible for enticing Israel into Baal worship. God commanded Israel to destroy them (25:16-18). When we discover sin in our lives, we must deal with it completely. Never let any traces of sin live in you…When the Israelites later entered the promise land, it was their indifferent attitude to sin that eventually ruined them. Sin will subtly destroy us. Moses dealt with sin promptly and completely. When God points out sin, response immediately with action to remove it from your life.
V48-50: After carefully accounting for all their men, the officers discovered that not one soldier had been lost in battle. At once they thanked God. After going through tough times, we should be quick to thank God for delivering us and protecting us from severe loss.
Numbers 32
The land on the east side of Jordan had been conquered. The hard work was done by all the tribes together-unity counts. But the tribes of Reuben and Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh did not stop after their land was cleared. They promised to keep working with the others until everyone’s land was conquered-perseverance and overcomer spirit. After others have helped you, do you make excuses to escape helping them? Finish the whole job, even those parts that may not benefit you directly.
ABUNDANT PEACE :)
12:52 AM
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Numbers 28
Instructions concerning offerings:
Following strictly the rituals as instructed by the Lord God took much time and effort, but this gave the people the opportunity to prepare their hearts for worship. Unless our hearts are ready, worship is meaningless. By contrast, God is delighted and we get more from it, when our hearts, mind and spirit are ready to come before the Lord God in worship and thankfulness.
Let us come before the Lord always with the right attitude and heart of worship, always willing with the desire to please God, obey and learn from Him all the time!
Verse 9-10: Why were there extra offering made on the Sabbath day? The Sabbath was a special day of rest and worship commemorating both creation (Exodus 20:8-11) and the deliverance from Egypt (Deu 5:12-15).
Numbers 29
God placed many holidays on Israel’s calendar. The Feast of Trumpets was one of the 3 holidays celebrated in the 7th month (The Feast of Tabernacle and Day of Atonement were other two). These holidays provided a time to refresh the mind and body and to renew one’s commitment to God. We need time to rest in the Lord, to be recharged to serve Him and know His purposes for us again. We need to be separated from our daily routine and concentrate on renewing our commitment to God. So take time to have a retreat with God! Very important, you know!?
Numbers 30
Moses reminded the people that their promises to God and others must be kept. In ancient times, contracts not drawn up. A person’s word was as binding as a signature. To make a vow more binding, an offering was given along with it. Trust is still the basis of our relationship with God and others. Let your yes be yes and no be no. Learn to say no at the right time and with the right reason. When you say yes, make sure you stick to it and fulfill your promise to God and others.
ABUNDANT PEACE :)
1:17 AM
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Numbers 18
Duties of priests and Levites
The Levites, who acted as ministers, had to tithe to support the Lord’s work. None was exempted to return to God a portion of what was received. The Levites owned no land and operated no great enterprises. They were to treat their income the same as everyone else did by giving a portion to the needs of Levites and the tabernacle. The tithing principle is still relevant. So let’s tithe monthly without fail.
Numbers 19
When a person touched a dead body, he was considered unclean (not able to approach God in worship). This ritual purified the unclean person so that he could offer sacrifices and worship God. (Death was the strongest of defilement as it was the final result of sin). The special sacrifice-a heifer (a young cow that has not had a calf) was required-had to be offered by someone who as not unclean. When it had been burned at the altar, its ashes were used to purity water for ceremonial cleansing. The unclean person washed himself, his clothes and belongings with this purified water which serve as an act of becoming clean again. Thank God, now we don’t need to go through this ritual and have the privilege to go direct to the Lord Jesus to ask for forgiveness of sins and the freedom to worship God!
Numbers 20
After wandering in the desert for 40 years, Israel arrived at Kadesh, where Miriam died. There was not enough water and the people complained bitterly. The people were always quick to blame Moses but failed to realize that the problem was the result of their parents’ and their own sin—often problems came about due to our disobedience, lack of faith and stubbornness. Don’t blame God for our own sins. The Lord told Moses to speak to the rock but Moses disobeyed by striking the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out from the rock and gave enough water for the people and livestock. Moses sinned against God when he also took credit- “we bring you water out of this rock”. He was hence forbidden to enter the promised land. Sin can hinder the blessings of God for us.
May all of us be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and choose to obey God and be quick to repent when we sinned against God.
ABUNDANT PEACE :)
12:35 AM
