I Samuel 21-24, Gods Deliverance

 “He said to his men, “As the Lord is my witness, I would never do such a thing to my Lord, the Lord’s anointed.  I will never lift my hand against him, since he is the Lord’s anointed.” ”

‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭24‬:‭6‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

This has always been a passage of intrigue as it seems like God is providing an opportunity for David to be free from running.  So much of his suffering and trials would be over if he just shanks Saul here…but he doesn’t.  He trusts that God will handle the situation.  Lord, help me to trust You like that.

I Samuel 18-20, Psalm 11 & 59,

 “David marched out with the army and was successful in everything Saul sent him to do. Saul put him in command of the fighting men, which pleased all the people and Saul’s servants as well.”

‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭18‬:‭5‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

David must have been a great leader if he was both successful and the people he led were pleased.  I believe this reflects following Gods Word and leading in humility.  We see evidence of that later on when David does not feel worthy to be Sauls son-in-law.  Lord, help me to lead in humility and confidence of You accomplishing Your plans!

I Samuel 15-17, Humility & Confidence

 “Today, the Lord will hand you over to me. Today, I’ll strike you down, remove your head, and give the corpses  of the Philistine camp to the birds of the sky and the wild creatures of the earth. Then all the world will know that Israel has a God,  and this whole assembly will know that it is not by sword or by spear that the Lord saves,  for the battle is the Lord’s.  He will hand you over to us.””

‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭17‬:‭46‬-‭47‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

David’s humility and confidence in God accomplishing the task is amazing!  This is the first glimpse of what it looks like to be “a man after Gods own heart”!  Lord, help me to depend wholly on You to accomplish Your plans…and less on my own skills and abilities.

1 Samuel 13-14, Seek Guidance

 ““All right,” Jonathan replied, “we’ll cross over to the men and then let them see us. If they say, ‘Wait until we reach you,’ then we will stay where we are and not go up to them. But if they say, ‘Come on up,’ then we’ll go up, because the Lord has handed them over to us #— #that will be our sign.””

‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭14‬:‭8‬-‭10‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

It is an encouragement that Jonathan is taking direction from God…something his father was not doing well.  Lord, help me to hear Your voice, and then follow You!

1 Samuel 9-12, Serious Calling

 ““As for me, I vow that I will not sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you.  I will teach you the good and right way. Above all, fear the Lord and worship him faithfully with all your heart; consider the great things he has done for you. ”

‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭12‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

This is Samuel speaking to the new King Saul.  It stands out to me that his role was very serious as a mentor, not just an opportunity, but a strong calling that if ignored or minimized would be seen as sin. Lord, help me to take seriously the role you have given me as I walk with men through challenging seasons!

I Samuel 4-8, Desiring God

 “Time went by until twenty years had passed since the ark had been taken to Kiriath-jearim. Then the whole house of Israel longed for the Lord. Samuel told them, “If you  are returning to the Lord  with all your heart, get rid of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths that are among you, set your hearts on the Lord, and worship only him.  Then he will rescue you from the Philistines.””

‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭7‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

Gods presence was far from the people and they felt that distance, desiring God be close to them.  It was obvious that they had allowed other idols to take Gods place and they felt the distance.  They longed for the Lord…I believe we can feel this today when we enter “dry season” when God feels far away.  This allows us to look around and remove idols and remember the sweetness of relationship with Him.  When those idols are removed and we turn our attention to seek Him, there is a fresh desire for intimacy with our Creator.  Lord, help me to stay in seasons where I long for You and we have sweet times together!

I Samuel 1-3, Cleaning House

 “The boy Samuel served the Lord in Eli’s presence.  In those days the word of the Lord was rare and prophetic visions were not widespread. ”

‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

Samuel is Gods chosen one in the midst of unholy servants.  Hophne and Phineas were evil men representing God and through many circumstances He orchestrated a plan to bring righteousness back to the temple.  Samuel was set apart from conception and ready for service to God and His people.  Lord, help my thoughts, motives, words and actions bring You glory!

Ruth 1-4, Gods Providence

 “Boaz took Ruth and she became his wife. He slept with her, and the Lord granted conception to her, and she gave birth to a son. The neighbor women said, “A son has been born to Naomi,” and they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.”

‭‭Ruth‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬, ‭17‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

What an amazing story of God turning suffering and tragedy into redemption and heritage.  These women strategic thinking worked in concert with Gods will to produce an incredible story.  Lord, please help me trust that You are at work even in the tragic and that Your plans are brought about through trust and planning.

Judges 19-21, Chain Reaction

 “The congregation sent twelve thousand brave warriors there and commanded them, “Go and kill the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead with the sword,  including women and dependents.”

‭‭Judges‬ ‭21‬:‭10‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

The far reaching effects of sin are obvious in this detestable section of scripture…every chain reaction to the first sin is devastating.  Lord, thank You for sending Your Spirit to indwell Your people so that we don’t dig ourselves into such a horrendous situation.  Give me wisdom to see when I am slightly getting off track so that my sin does as little damage to others as possible!

Judges 16-18, Seemed Right

 “In those days there was no king in Israel;  everyone did whatever seemed right to him.”

‭‭Judges‬ ‭17‬:‭6‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

This is literally the theme of the book of Judges, either people are doing what was wrong in Gods eyes, or they are doing what what’s right in their own eyes.  They both mean the same thing.  And because of that everything is a wreck!!! Literally everything is cringeworthy…Lord help me to live by Your Spirit and follow Your commands.  I want to honor You with every thought, word and action!

Judges 13-15, Self Trust

“Samson said to them, “This time I will be blameless  when I harm the Philistines.””

‭‭Judges‬ ‭15‬:‭3‬ ‭CSB‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1713/jdg.15.3.CSB

Samson was using his own plans to take vengeance on the Philistines.  How many times to I take things into my own hands.  It may not be taking vengeance agains someone, but I definitely try to solve problems without bringing God into the plans or better yet, asking what God would have me do!  Lord, help my first impulse to be to come to you in every problem or decision!

Judges 10-12, Godless Reputation

 “Ibzan, who was from Bethlehem,  judged Israel after Jephthah and had thirty sons. He gave his thirty daughters in marriage to men outside the tribe and brought back thirty wives for his sons from outside the tribe. Ibzan judged Israel seven years, and when he died, he was buried in Bethlehem.”

‭‭Judges‬ ‭12‬:‭8‬-‭10‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

What a horrible time to live as an Israelite.  Leaders come and go with nothing good to say about any of them, constant fighting and God is no where to be seen.  Lord, allow my life to be shaped by You so that if anyone remembers me, You are a prominent part of my story!

Judges 8-9, God vs Self

 “In this way, God brought back Abimelech’s evil #— #the evil that Abimelech had done to his father when he killed his seventy brothers.”

‭‭Judges‬ ‭9‬:‭56‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

When God is leading His people and they are obedient, incredible things unfold…yet when people are leading toward their own goals, destruction and devastation quickly follow.  Lord, I want to follow You rather than lead.  Help me to hear Your voice and pursue You only!

Judges 6-7, Not Strategy

 “The Lord said to Gideon, “You have too many troops for me to hand the Midianites over to them, or else Israel might elevate themselves over me and say,  ‘I saved myself.’”

‭‭Judges‬ ‭7‬:‭2‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

I can relate with scared Gideon here, feels too small and weak and incapable of the task that God puts before him.  He plans, strategizes and very successfully recruited an entire army…but God know those things will get in the way of people seeing the truth of God being the one to save them…not Gideon.  Lord, help me to trust You and not my own plans.  You alone are worthy and can be trusted in every situation.

Judges 3-5, Own Way

 “The Israelites again did what was evil in the Lord’s sight. He gave King Eglon of Moab  power over Israel, because they had done what was evil in the Lord’s sight.”

‭‭Judges‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

This whole book is so disappointing because it is decade after decade of Israel following their own logic, being overthrown by their neighbors, the. Turning to God for help and freedom…on repeat.

Lord, help me follow You, where ever You lead.  Help me to recognize when I am following my own logic and ignore You.  Empower me to surrender in every decision to Your way!

Judges 1-2, Fast Falling

 “The Israelites did what was evil in the Lord’s sight.  They worshiped the Baals  and abandoned the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. They followed other gods from the surrounding peoples  and bowed down to them. They angered the Lord,  

I did this to test Israel and to see whether or not they would keep the Lord’s way  by walking in it, as their ancestors had.” ”

‭‭Judges‬ ‭2‬:‭11‬-‭12‬, ‭22‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

The things the God does to help us see that we need Him and are better off when we follow Him are incredible.  It’s crazy to me how quickly this happens as I read about the Israelites, but in reality it happens even faster in my life.  Lord, keep my eyes focused on You and help me to follow You only!

Joshua 22-24, Lead Well

 “Israel worshiped the Lord throughout Joshua’s lifetime and during the lifetimes of the elders who outlived Joshua  and who had experienced all the works the Lord had done for Israel.”

‭‭Joshua‬ ‭24‬:‭31‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

Worship continued in the right direction for Joshua’s lifetime and as long as the elders he led lived…what a great reputation, what an impactful leader!  Lord, help me to live in a way that reminds people of who You are.  Help me lead in a way that points directly to You winsomely! 

Joshua 19-21, Promises Fulfilled

 “So the Lord gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their ancestors, and they took possession of it and settled there. The Lord gave them rest on every side according to all he had sworn to their ancestors. None of their enemies were able to stand against them, for the Lord handed over all their enemies to them. None of the good promises the Lord had made to the house of Israel failed. Everything was fulfilled. ”

‭‭Joshua‬ ‭21‬:‭43‬-‭45‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

How amazing that God gives them a home, rest, victory and good things!  Is the God we serve different in character to this God, obviously not!  

Lord, thank You for keeping Your promises and delivering good things to Your people!  I think it is important that we remember that although God provided perfectly and gave them good things, all of it came through trials, battles and following God wherever He was leading. Lord, give me patience to follow You through any trial, every battle and let me see clearly where You are leading!

Joshua 16-18, Love & Justice

 “As a result, ten tracts fell to Manasseh, besides the land of Gilead and Bashan, which are beyond the Jordan,  because Manasseh’s daughters received an inheritance among his sons. The land of Gilead belonged to the rest of Manasseh’s sons.”

‭‭Joshua‬ ‭17‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

Gods care for the weak (Manasseh’s daughters, at least in that culture) has always stood out to me.  He is not shaped by culture or man’s expectations but His character always points to love.  Lord, give me eyes to see the weak and help me to work toward justice for their good!

Joshua 12-15, Without God

 “But the descendants of Judah could not drive out the Jebusites who lived in Jerusalem.  So the Jebusites still live in Jerusalem among the descendants of Judah today. ”

‭‭Joshua‬ ‭15‬:‭63‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

This is the first place we see them unable to drive out a people.  Interestingly, God is not mentioned as being part of the battle…it’s almost like this tribe was fighting their own battle, rather than depending on God.

Lord, help me to see when I take things into my own hands.  I pray it would be like a flashing neon sign so that I am not running down any path without You!

Joshua 9-11, Gods Direction

 “Then the men of Israel took some of their provisions, but did not seek the Lord’s decision. ”…

 “So Joshua took the entire land, in keeping with all that the Lord had told Moses. Joshua then gave it as an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal allotments. After this, the land had rest from war. ”

‭‭Joshua‬ ‭11‬:‭23‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

Joshua was fooled by the cunning of men because he didn’t seek ethe Lord in every decision…Yet this foolishness did not prevent God from accomplishing His plans.

Lord, help me to seek Your help in every decision.  I don’t want to run ahead of You or pursue things that do t align with Your plan…but God, I am thankful that You mercifully carry out Your plan even when I fail to follow You!

Joshua 5-8, Mercy & Obedience

 “But the city and everything in it are set apart to the Lord for destruction.  Only Rahab the prostitute and everyone with her in the house will live,  because she hid the messengers we sent. …Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, her father’s family, and all who belonged to her, because she hid the messengers Joshua had sent to spy on Jericho, and she still lives in Israel  today. ”

‭‭Joshua‬ ‭6‬:‭17‬, ‭25‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

Rajah was given mercy because she was obedient to Gods call on her, even as an outsider.  Because she listened to God and acted on His command, she was saved, with her family.  Interestingly, Achan was the perfect inverse…he was an Israelite who disobeyed God and is destroyed, he and his family.

Following Gods commands is not an optional part of following Him. Lord, strengthen me to follow You even when things seem hard!

Joshua 1-4, Strong & Courageous

 “Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous?  Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

It was really interesting that 4 times in chapter 1 Joshua is reminded to be strong and courageous…then immediately the people of Jericho were described in just the opposite way. I am thankful that God repeats the things that are important, because I think I often miss what He says the first time.  In this case they could be strong and courteous, not because of who they were, but because God was with them…or fearful and weak because He was not with them.

Lord, help me to know You so well that I am confident You are with me every step of the day!

Deuteronomy 32-34, Psalm 91- Love & Faithfulness

 “How happy you are, Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord? He is the shield that protects you, the sword you boast in. Your enemies will cringe before you,  and you will tread on their backs. ,”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭33‬:‭29‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

How incredible that God cared for Israel, and now cares for us!  We have been saved and protected by God personally…Lord thank You for Your faithfulness and Love to undeserving people!!!

Deuteronomy 30-31, Blessed Obedience

 “See, today I have set before you life and prosperity, death and adversity.  For I am commanding you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commands, statutes, and ordinances, so that you may live  and multiply, and the Lord your God may bless you in the land you are entering to possess.”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭30‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

There is still blessing in obedience, but thankfully we are indwelled by the Spirit of God.  We have the added strength and direction of God living in us!  How impossible would obedience have been in their time?

Deuteronomy 28-29, Blessing vs Curse

“Then all the peoples of the earth will see that you bear the Lord’s name, and they will stand in awe of you. ”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭28‬:‭10‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

Both following the Lord or rejection the Lord bring about the same result: People will recognize that God is doing something and His name will be exalted!  But the experience of His people will be vastly different…incredible blessing versus unimaginable suffering!

That is a no-brained for me…follow God and experience blessing!  Lord, help me to lay down every decision as a living sacrifice asking the question: “what does God want me to do in this scenario, right now?”  Then do that and only that!

Deuteronomy 24-27, Obedience vs Accention

 “‘Anyone who does not put the words of this law into practice is cursed.’ And all the people will say, ‘Amen! ’”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭27‬:‭26‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

I like how all these laws were to be practiced.  It was not enough to mentally agree to them or even to verbally confirm the goodness of them.  The minimum standard was to practice them…in other words actually do these things.

Deuteronomy 21-23, Righteousness Received

 “No one of illegitimate birth may enter the Lord’s assembly; none of his descendants, even to the tenth generation, may enter the Lord’s assembly.”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭23‬:‭2‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

The law that is given through these instructions was designed to keep Israel holy.  I am so grateful that holiness no longer depends solely on me, rather on the finished work of Jesus.  That doesn’t give me reason to live in sin, but Jesus does cover even the things that I have no control over.

Lord, thank you for sending Jesus to fix the problem of sin.  Help me to pursue holiness in every thought, action or word.  I am so grateful that You made a way for me to come into Your presence!

Deuteronomy 17-20, Remove Completely

 “you are to bring out to your city gates that man or woman who has done this evil thing and stone them to death. ”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭17‬:‭5‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

God is serious about fully removing sin.  He does not allow a half hearted approach.

Lord, help me to be just as serious about removing sin and temptation from my own life.  I want to follow You in every way!

Deuteronomy 14-16, Celebrations

 “You are to hold a seven-day festival for the Lord your God in the place he chooses, because the Lord your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands,  and you will have abundant joy.”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭16‬:‭15‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

I love how celebrations are important to God.  Celebrations that highlight family, food and joy.  Occasions to remember all the blessings He has given us.

Deuteronomy 11-13, Blessing vs Curse

““Look, today I set before you a blessing and a curse:  there will be a blessing, if you obey the commands of the Lord your God I am giving you today, and a curse, if you do not obey the commands of the Lord your God and you turn aside from the path I command you today by following other gods you have not known.”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭11‬:‭26‬-‭28‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

Gods intention behind this was to use both the blessing and curse to prove that He was indeed God and sovereign.  God’s character has not changed, so does He still operate under a similar principle with us as believers today?  Obviously, we have the Holy Spirit permanently dwelling in us to help guide us.  And we don’t loose Him if we are disobedient…

He does bless us with sweet joy, peace and contentment when we are walking closely with Him!  But that does not prevent us from suffering trials…when we are not walking closely, we tend to make less wise decisions that lead to additional suffering, despair and isolation.  We feel far from Him and we intentionally pull away from others…And we still experience trials in addition.  It seems like the same pattern.

Lord, help me to follow You closely so that I can experience the joy and peace of your presence and know You more fully.

Deuteronomy 8-10, Humility & Wisdom

 “You may say to yourself, ‘My power and my own ability have gained this wealth for me,’ but remember that the Lord your God gives you the power to gain wealth, in order to confirm his covenant he swore to your ancestors,  as it is today.”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭8‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭CSB‬‬

“You are not going to take possession of their land because of your righteousness or your integrity. Instead, the Lord your God will drive out these nations before you because of their wickedness, in order to fulfill the promise he swore to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Understand that the Lord your God is not giving you this good land  to possess because of your righteousness, for you are a stiff-necked people. ”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭9‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭CSB‬‬

““And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you except to fear  the Lord your God by walking in all his ways, to love him, and to worship the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul?  Keep the Lord’s commands and statutes I am giving you today, for your own good. ”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭10‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

Humility and wisdom.  Trust in God rather than your own ability because He is the one who enables our work and prepares our path.

Deuteronomy 5-7, Salvation’s Pathway

 ““If you say to yourself, ‘These nations are greater than I; how can I drive them out? ’ do not be afraid of them. Be sure to remember what the Lord your God did to Pharaoh and all Egypt:”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭7‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

So much of the story of Israel maps onto our own salvation.  Chosen by God because of nothing they had done, slowly fighting against the sins/idols that could entrap them, God defeating even the undefeatable, providing for all their needs…if they surrender and obey.

Oftentimes my sin seems greater than I have the ability to fight…Lord, remind me that You are fighting for me!  That I am not facing these on my own, but rather You have already fought them and won!  That You are fighting them by Your strength and they ARE more powerful than me, but NOT more powerful than YOU!  Allow me to rest in the knowledge that You will win…I just need to surrender to Your will.

Deuteronomy 3-4, Forgetful

“Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves,  so that you don’t forget the things your eyes have seen and so that they don’t slip from your mind as long as you live. Teach them to your children and your grandchildren.  

He will not leave you, destroy you, or forget the covenant  with your ancestors that he swore to them by oath, because the Lord your God is a compassionate God.  

You were shown these things so that you would know that the Lord is God; there is no other besides him. ”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭4‬:‭9‬, ‭31‬, ‭35‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

Why do I need these same reminders about who God is?  It seems like these things would be so inspiring and memorable, but the small (in comparison) trials that I deal with are occasionally inflated to take up my entire view…enough to push these truths from my mind.  

That must be why God decided we needed this second reminder of the law and His works!  Lord, help me to know You and remember Your character especially when I am facing trials!

Deuteronomy 1-2, Confident Surrender

 “The Lord your God who goes before you will fight for you,  just as you saw him do for you in Egypt. And you saw in the wilderness how the Lord your God carried you as a man carries his son all along the way you traveled until you reached this place. But in spite of this you did not trust the Lord your God,”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭1‬:‭30‬-‭32‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

God, You show Yourself to be faithful over and over in scripture and in a thousand ways in my life experience!  You always demonstrate Your faithful love and patience…yet stupidly, so many times I am fearful that the situation I face this time will be the will be the outlier!?!  This will be the time You leave me alone to figure it out…how foolish!

Lord, strengthen my faith in You.  Help my confidence be solely in You regardless of the circumstances, especially if it looks like I can handle it.  Let me surrender everything to Your will!!!

Numbers 35-36, Uncommon Rights

 “Any daughter who possesses an inheritance from an Israelite tribe must marry someone from the clan of her ancestral tribe, so that each of the Israelites will possess the inheritance of his fathers.”

‭‭Numbers‬ ‭36‬:‭8‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Teaf Context

These women are given rights in a patriarchal society which would have been unheard of. God is changing the way that His people thought and cared for the underprivileged or downtrodden.  God continues to do the same today, by asking His people to care for the poor, the immigrant and the unloved.

God, help me to have compassion like You do!  Allow me to think differently than what my culture would encourage as long as it is in line with Your heart!

Numbers 33-34, Distraction Destruction

 “But if you don’t drive out the inhabitants of the land before you, those you allow to remain will become barbs for your eyes and thorns for your sides; they will harass you in the land where you will live.”

‭‭Numbers‬ ‭33‬:‭55‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

The result of failure to follow Gods instructions were detrimental to Israel. Not obeying God will guarantee suffering and continual pain.  Gods people were called to destroy anything that could cause idolatry, pull their attention away from God or even make them stumble.  Total destruction, not hiding, minimizing or ignoring those things.  I believe this is a pattern that we should imitate as followers of Christ!

Lord, help me to correctly identify what things may cause me to stumble, distract me or draw me into sin.  Once identified, give me strength to surrender them to You, remove them from my life and follow You!  Give me joy in obeying Your direction and commands, so that peace pervades my whole life!!!

Numbers 31-32, Devine Protections

 “They waged war against Midian, as the Lord had commanded Moses, and killed every male…

The officers who were over the thousands of the army, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, approached Moses and told him, “Your servants have taken a census of the fighting men under our command, and not one of us is missing.”

‭‭Numbers‬ ‭31‬:‭7, 48‬-‭49‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

The Mideanites had previously let the Israelites into sin including idolatry and sexual sin, causing a plague that killed 24,000 Israelites.  This war was Devine justice and demonstrates the importance God places on holiness and His passion for protecting His people.

Incredibly, during this war, Israel suffers ZERO casualties while completely wiping out the other nation.  This is Devine power on display.  What a great God we serve!

Lord, help me to have my eyes opened when my actions are leading toward sin.  Give me the same passion for holiness and righteousness that You have so that everything I do and say points to You!

Numbers 28-30, Sacred Feasting

“You are to hold a sacred assembly on the tenth day of this seventh month and practice self-denial;  do not do any work. Present a burnt offering to the Lord, a pleasing aroma: one young bull, one ram, and seven male lambs a year old. All your animals are to be unblemished.”

‭‭Numbers‬ ‭29‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Tead Context

I love how much celebration the Lord commands the Israelites to participate in.  Days of rest, days of feasting, days or remembering, days of joy!  All days they were prohibited from working, and reminded instead of Gods love for them, and the reality of their sin.  Lord, help me to know how to build more of this into my life!!!

Numbers 26-27, Promises Kept

 “But among them there was not one of those who had been registered by Moses and the priest Aaron when they registered the Israelites in the Wilderness of Sinai.  For the Lord had said to them that they would all die in the wilderness. None of them was left except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun.”

‭‭Numbers‬ ‭26‬:‭64‬-‭65‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

God keeps his promises and interestingly after these 40 years in the desert, their numbers have not changed much.  I wonder if He did that intentionally to demonstrate that they had the same strength both times they approached the promised land.  The first time they doubted God, the second time they trusted Him!

Numbers 23-25, Blindly Misaligned

 “So Israel aligned itself with Baal of Peor, and the Lord’s anger burned against Israel. ”

‭‭Numbers‬ ‭25‬:‭3‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

What am I blindly aligning myself with that is opposed to Christ?  Lord, remove any blindness that I have to see where my very actions or thoughts take me farther from You.  Help me to know You more!

Numbers 21-22, Infinitely Better

 “The people then came to Moses and said, “We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you. Intercede with the Lord so that he will take the snakes away from us.” And Moses interceded for the people. Then the Lord said to Moses, “Make a snake image and mount it on a pole. When anyone who is bitten looks at it, he will recover.” ”

‭‭Numbers‬ ‭21‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

The snake on a pole is clearly an image of Jesus on the cross.  Anyone who has faith to believe and follows through with looking to the snake is healed.  Poking toward the image of the very thing that cursed them … 

We are required to look at our curse too,  Jesus took on the curse of our sin on the cross, and our salvation is from believing Him and confronting the penalty that we deserve…

Lord, I need more faith to trust You, because so many times my temptations seem better than chasing You!  What a lie!!! Help me to see through it and know the truth that You are infinitely better!!!

Numbers 18-20, Usurping Glory

 “Then Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the doorway of the tent of meeting. They fell facedown, and the glory of the Lord appeared to them. The Lord spoke to Moses, “Take the staff  and assemble the community. You and your brother Aaron are to speak to the rock  while they watch, and it will yield its water. You will bring out water for them from the rock and provide drink for the community and their livestock.” So Moses took the staff from the Lord’s presence  just as he had commanded him. Moses and Aaron summoned the assembly in front of the rock, and Moses said to them, “Listen, you rebels! Must we bring water out of this rock for you? ” Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with his staff, so that abundant water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank. ”

‭‭Numbers‬ ‭20‬:‭6‬-‭11‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

Simply adding to Gods command and implying that he was part of the solution Moses and Aaron lost their ability to enter the promised land.  God requires obedience and is not interested in sharing His glory.

Lord, help me to follow You precisely and consistently.  Give me understanding and a heart to see Your leading.  Grant me wisdom to know You and to stay surrendered tonight You at every turn!

Numbers 16-17, Long Suffering

 “The next day the entire Israelite community complained about Moses and Aaron,  saying, “You have killed the Lord’s people! ””

‭‭Numbers‬ ‭16‬:‭41‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

I wonder how long it had been since Aarons son had been killed when offering unauthorized fire to the Lord, before this episode where 250 people did something similar.  And shockingly, right after God destroys them and their families, the next day the rest of the people are blaming Aaron and Moses.  God is required to have massive patience with them…and me…

Lord, thank you for being long suffering because we need it.  Help us to have better memories and more trust that You are at work in every area of life.

Number 14-15, Psalm 90, Rest & Worship

 “While the Israelites were in the wilderness, they found a man gathering wood on the Sabbath day.  Then the Lord told Moses, “The man is to be put to death. The entire community is to stone him outside the camp.” ”

‭‭Numbers‬ ‭15‬:‭32‬, ‭35‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

God was serious about the Sabbath…I find it interesting that the Israelites were told over and over that they were need to deny themselves to follow the Sabbath.  Why is it so hard to rest and worship?

Numbers 11-13, Sovereign Orchestration

“Tell the people: Consecrate yourselves in readiness for tomorrow, and you will eat meat because you wept in the Lord’s hearing, ‘Who will feed us meat? We were better off in Egypt.’ The Lord will give you meat and you will eat. 

But Moses replied, “I’m in the middle of a people with six hundred thousand foot soldiers, yet you say, ‘I will give them meat, and they will eat for a month.’ 

The Lord answered Moses, “Is the Lord’s arm weak? , Now you will see whether or not what I have promised will happen to you.”

‭‭Numbers‬ ‭11‬:‭18‬, ‭21‬, ‭23‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

Everyone was complaining against God…asking for more than they were given and God responds by providing superabundantly in an impossible way.  This was also a tragic moment, because the complainers died after seeing Gods provision and even Moses didn’t believe God could follow through on His promise.

When do I view God as incapable or unable?  What an insult, a slap in the face to the One who created the universe, planned salvation and has always provided abundantly for my every need!  Lord, strengthen my faith to never doubt Your ability to accomplish Your will.  Your arm is not weak, but powerful. Your Sovereignty is over every detail and You personally weave every scenario to perfectly accomplish what is best for us all.  Help me to never doubt your power or love for me!!!

Leviticus 5-7, Following God

 “Sometimes the cloud remained only from evening until morning; when the cloud lifted in the morning, they set out. Or if it remained a day and a night, they moved out when the cloud lifted. Whether it was two days, a month, or longer,  the Israelites camped and did not set out as long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle. But when it was lifted, they set out.”

‭‭Numbers‬ ‭9‬:‭21‬-‭22‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

I wish following God in my life was as obvious as this.  What a blessing to physically see what God was asking them to do.  At any moment they could look and see where God was leading them.  Although, they still had to wait for instruction moment by moment.  They didn’t have a predefined plan for what the future held…still walking by faith!

Numbers 7, Knowing God

 “When Moses entered the tent of meeting to speak with the Lord, he heard the voice speaking to him  from above the mercy seat that was on the ark of the testimony, from between the two cherubim.  He spoke to him that way.”

‭‭Numbers‬ ‭7‬:‭89‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Contexr

Although these offerings are extravagant, I think the most impressive is that God shows up to talk to Moses.

Lord, help me to be in awe that I can know You…that I can read Your Word and that You want to hear my prayers!  Help me to know You more intimately!!!

Numbers 5-6, Salvation Trumps

 “He is not to defile himself for his father or mother, or his brother or sister, when they die, while the mark of consecration to his God is on his head. He is holy to the Lord during the time of consecration.”

‭‭Numbers‬ ‭6‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

Interesting how making a vow to the Lord trumps all other relationships.  It seems like the Lord is pointing out that a decision to follow Him should become the lens for viewing all other decisions.  Just like our salvation should shape every following choice, path or venture.

Lord, help me to thoughtfully consider every idea, word or action that I make in light of knowing You!

Numbers 3-4, Share the Load

“At the Lord’s command they were registered under the direction of Moses, each one according to his work and transportation duty, and his assignment was as the Lord commanded Moses.”

‭‭Numbers‬ ‭4‬:‭49‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

The division of duties was clearly laid out and there was plenty of people whit whom to share the load.  So many times when something new is started, there are just a handful of people to do all the work.  God is making sure that the necessary work will not overburden but can be shared effectively.

Lord, help me not to attempt to take on too much, but help me to be intentional about sharing the load and working with others to train and encourage their participation.

Numbers 1-2, Order Ordered

 “The Israelites did everything the Lord commanded Moses; they camped by their banners in this way and moved out the same way, each man by his clan and by his ancestral family. ,”

‭‭Numbers‬ ‭2‬:‭34‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

God must appreciate order.

Leviticus 26-27, Obedience = Flourishing

 “For the land abandoned by them will make up for its Sabbaths by lying desolate without the people, while they make amends for their iniquity, because they rejected my ordinances and abhorred my statutes. Yet in spite of this, while they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject or abhor them so as to destroy them and break my covenant with them, since I am the Lord their God.  For their sake I will remember the covenant with their ancestors, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the nations to be their God; I am the Lord.”

‭‭Leviticus‬ ‭26‬:‭43‬-‭45‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

God cares so much about us living according to His plan, that He tells them that they will suffer if they don’t obey…but He will not completely destroy them.  He will remember the promises and restore them after they have endured suffering.  Remember this suffering is only intended to bring them back to their senses and finally obey Him.

Seems like the best way is just to obey from the start so that we don’t have to also endure more suffering…why is that so challenging for some of us?

Lord, build my faith so that I can trust You...  So that I can fully believe that in EVERY situation Your ways are best and literally bring flourishing to me.

Leviticus 24-25, Promised Provision

 ““You are to keep my statutes and ordinances and carefully observe them, so that you may live securely in the land.  Then the land will yield its fruit, so that you can eat, be satisfied, and live securely in the land. If you wonder, ‘What will we eat in the seventh year if we don’t sow or gather our produce? ’ I will appoint my blessing for you in the sixth year, so that it will produce a crop sufficient for three years.”

‭‭Leviticus‬ ‭25‬:‭18‬-‭21‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

Gods promise of provision is amazing here.  It is dependent on following Gods instruction, but results in supernatural harvest that will carry them through obedience to sabbath the land.

When we worry about living the way God commands we are demonstrating our trust in our own abilities rather than trusting what He says.  Whatever He calls us to, He will provide sufficiently.

Lord, help me to follow You without fear, knowing that You will provide for all of my needs!

Leviticus 22-23, Restful Provision

 ““These are the Lord’s appointed times that you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies for presenting food offerings to the Lord, burnt offerings and grain offerings, sacrifices and drink offerings, each on its designated day. These are in addition to the offerings for the Lord’s Sabbaths, your gifts, all your vow offerings, and all your freewill offerings that you give to the Lord.”

‭‭Leviticus‬ ‭23‬:‭37‬-‭38‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

I love how God wants His people to stop the daily grind and celebrate what He has done.  It is definitely once a week, plus several week long celebrations to focus on Gods provision, community and food.  When He talks about these times of celebration, I would think that the warnings have to be about not taking it to an extreme…but they are reminders not to do our normal daily tasks.  We must exhibit self control to not work!

This seems crazy, but it is exactly the thing I am tempted to do…keep working, get ahead a bit so that the next few weeks can be a little easier… but I think God is asking that we trust Him for providing enough time to do everything that needs to be done.

Lord, help me to rest in Your provision!  Thank You for giving me opportunity to rest,..help me to sacrifice those days to You!

Leviticus 19-21, Foreigner Policy

 ““When an alien resides with you in your land, you must not oppress  him. You will regard the alien who resides with you as the native-born among you. You are to love him as yourself,  for you were aliens in the land of Egypt;  I am the Lord your God.”

‭‭Leviticus‬ ‭19‬:‭33‬-‭34‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

Interesting how the Lord instructs his people how to deal with immigrants and people who are not originally born as Israelites.  If this was Gods intention thousands of years ago, why do we not all agree that we should still treat immigrants in the same way?

Lord, help my friendliness toward immigrants and foreigners be shaped by Your perspective, rather than that of my culture.  I pray that my heart and attitude would help others to think critically about what You would call them to do.

Leviticus 16-18, Critical Confession

 “Aaron will lay both his hands on the head of the live goat and confess  over it all the Israelites’ iniquities  and rebellious acts #— #all their sins.  He is to put them on the goat’s head and send it away into the wilderness  by the man appointed for the task. ”

‭‭Leviticus‬ ‭16‬:‭21‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

The value of confessing sin is undervalued in our culture.  But I believe there is a reason the priest has to confess all of Israel’s sin out loud before setting the scapegoat free.  The act of confession roots those sins in reality.  They are no longer nebulous ideas that we feel bad about, but they are real, disgusting acts, thoughts or words that hold weight…completely different that when it is an internal struggle.  Internally it is uncomfortable, and we feel some guilt, but only when it is spoken does it carry the full meaning and weight that it truly is.  Confession to a brother is critical to freedom from our sin.

James 5:17 says, “therefore confess your sin to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed.”

The Christian life is a team sport, and if we want to walk in victory, we will link arms with other men of God and confess our sin and regularly pray for each other!

Leviticus 14-15, Holiness Permeates

 “He must take two turtledoves or two young pigeons on the eighth day, come before the Lord at the entrance to the tent of meeting, and give them to the priest. The priest is to sacrifice them, one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering.  In this way the priest will make atonement for him before the Lord because of his discharge.”

‭‭Leviticus‬ ‭15‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

Gods concern about holiness goes beyond sin and covers even natural conditions of humanity…even things we have zero control over.  He is serious about how we approach each other, our belongings and His house of worship.

Lord, give me eyes to see where in my own life, Your demands for holiness still need to penetrate!

Leviticus 11-13, Set Apart

 “For I am the Lord your God, so you must consecrate yourselves and be holy because I am holy. Do not defile yourselves by any swarming creature that crawls on the ground. For I am the Lord, who brought you up from the land of Egypt to be your God, so you must be holy because I am holy. ”

‭‭Leviticus‬ ‭11‬:‭44‬-‭45‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

God gives all these laws to help us to be more like Him.  Set apart from anything bad, any sin, anything that will contaminate.  He desires that we be transformed into Holy people who can live lives that demonstrate that we are different than the rest of humanity.  Living set apart is a tough thing to do, because culturally we are taught to fit into most situations.

Lord, help me to live like You are calling me…set apart for righteousness.

Leviticus 8-10, Beyond Obedience

 “Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu each took his own firepan, put fire in it, placed incense on it, and presented unauthorized fire before the Lord, which he had not commanded them to do. Then fire came from the Lord   and consumed them, and they died before the Lord. ”

‭‭Leviticus‬ ‭10‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

I have am sure there are people who have a clear understanding of why these men’s creativity got them toasted, I don’t fully understand it, but they were going beyond what God instructed.  And that is dangerous…honestly it was likely exposing their pride.  They appear to be showing off or highlighting themselves rather than the Glory of God.

Lord, help me to follow Your instructions rather than take it to the next level.  Keep my pride from bringing glory to myself.

Leviticus 5-7, Catching Holiness

 “Any male among Aaron’s descendants  may eat it. It is a permanent portion , throughout your generations from the food offerings to the Lord. Anything that touches the offerings will become holy.”

‭‭Leviticus‬ ‭6‬:‭18‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

It’s very interesting that most of the laws about touching things will bring the touches down to the level of the “unclean” thing…this seems logical.  Contamination of germs and illnesses work like this. But the sacrifices are the opposite, anything that touches them, becomes holy like they are!  This is a pointer to Jesus who had the same impact on people who were sick, they could touch Him and be healed…He would ultimately become the sacrifice for my  sin.

Leviticus 1-4, Sinful Ignorance

 ““Now if any of the common people  sins unintentionally by violating one of the Lord’s commands, does what is prohibited, and incurs guilt, or if someone informs him about the sin he has committed, then he is to bring an unblemished female goat as his offering for the sin that he has committed. He is to lay his hand on the head of the sin offering and slaughter it at the place of the burnt offering.”

‭‭Leviticus‬ ‭4‬:‭27‬-‭29‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

Interesting that there is a whole chapter dedicated to sacrificing for people who unintentionally sin, but someone tells them about it.  Obviously when it domes to sin, ignorance is not absolution…you are still guilty of sin if it had been committed!  This is an example where Gods standards are so much higher than ours.

I am so thankful that God points this out, because I think it is easy to slip into shrinking God down to our size, or making Him like us, only a little better…but there really is no comparison!  He is incomparable to us, just so much higher and more holy.

Lord, thank You for caring enough about me to make a way for relationship with You.  And thank You that because of Jesus, the process is so much simpler.  Lord, help me to trust You at every moment of life!

Exodus 39-40, Organized & Orderly

 “So all the work for the tabernacle, the tent of meeting, was finished. The Israelites did everything just as the Lord had commanded Moses.  Moses inspected all the work they had accomplished. They had done just as the Lord commanded. Then Moses blessed them. ”

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭39‬:‭32‬, ‭43‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

The order and organization to accomplish all these things just the right way is pretty impressive.  God was clearly energizing this work and the people were blessed to have done it well!

Lord, help me to be as motivated and organized as the Israelites when You call me to a task!

Exodus 36-38, Superabundance

 “Then all the artisans who were doing all the work for the sanctuary came one by one from the work they were doing and said to Moses, “The people are bringing more than is needed  for the construction of the work the Lord commanded to be done.””

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭36‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

I love how we see God supplying superabundantly for the work He has commanded.  It is not just scraping by, but Moses has to tell the people to stop giving because they have too much!  

Exodus 33-35, Supernatural Equipping

 “Moses  then said to the Israelites, “Look, the Lord has appointed by name Bezalel son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. He has filled him with God’s Spirit, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in every kind of craft”

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭35‬:‭30‬-‭31‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

God giving His people all the skill required to accomplish His plan is such a blessing.  This is one place where special gifts are given to unique individuals, but I know that if He asks me to do something He will equip me to accomplish that work…He doesn’t throw us into an impossible task and let us flounder.  This is something I need to remember more constantly.

Exodus 30-32, Ransom for Many

 “The wealthy may not give more and the poor may not give less than half a shekel when giving the contribution to the Lord to atone for your lives.”

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭30‬:‭15‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

This atonement ransom interestingly points to the gospel.  The amount of the ransom is not correlated to how much they can afford, or their position or even reputation…they all needed the same ransom, just like we all need the same payment for our sins.  Jesus is the only possible payment for the ransom we owe and God was pointing that out here, thousands of years before He even sent Jesus.

Exodus 28-29, Set Apart

 “I will dwell  among the Israelites and be their God.  And they will know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt, so that I might dwell among them. I am the Lord their God.”

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭29‬:‭45‬-‭46‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

God is once again very particular about how they accomplish all these things…but then He tells us why at the very end of these last 5 chapters:

“And they will know that I am the Lord their God.”

It is an identity statement, a reminder that they/we are not like every other people, but rather they/we are Gods people.  We are consecrated, set apart, different, a holy priesthood… if that is how I viewed myself at all times, I suspect I would have less displeasing sin in my life.

Lord, help me to embrace the calling that I am not just another person, but rather the identity You give me in Christ!

Exodus 25-27, Details Matter

 “You are to command the Israelites to bring you pure oil from crushed olives for the light, in order to keep the lamp burning regularly. In the tent of meeting outside the curtain that is in front of the testimony,  Aaron and his sons are to tend the lamp  from evening until morning before the Lord. This is to be a permanent statute  for the Israelites throughout their generations.”

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭27‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

It’s crazy how detailed God is about how to build this tabernacle.  I think this points to His care about how we do everything.  He wouldn’t be particular if it didn’t matter.

Lord, help me to care about the details as much as You do!

Exodus 22-24, Precious Weak

“You must not mistreat any widow or fatherless child.  If you do mistreat them, they will no doubt cry to me, and I will certainly hear their cry.  My anger will burn, and I will kill you with the sword; then your wives will be widows and your children fatherless. ”

Exodus 22:22-24 CSB

Read Context

I love how the Lord promises to fiercely protect the widows, the orphans and the outcast.  I want to also participate in the Lords care of His precious weak.  Lord, help me to see the opportunities You provide and help me to follow through.

Exodus 19-21, Strengthen My Faith

“When men quarrel and one strikes the other with a stone or his fist, and the injured man does not die but is confined to bed, if he can later get up and walk around outside leaning on his staff, then the one who struck him will be exempt from punishment. Nevertheless, he must pay for his lost work time  and provide for his complete recovery.”

Exodus 21:18-19 CSB

Read Context

These laws are interesting… some make sense from our perspective today while others seem terribly unfair.  Lord, help me to trust You even when it doesn’t make perfect sense!

Exodus 16-18, Gods Direction

“If you do this, and God so directs you, you will be able to endure, and also all these people will be able to go home satisfied.”

Exodus 18:23 CSB

Read Context

I love the strategy that Jethro is helping Moses to see.  Many of us would think this is excellent advise and immediately implement it…However, Jethro adds the most critical advise: “and [if] God so directs you”.  Just doing something smart is not enough, it must also be what God is directing you to do.

Lord, may I constantly be seeking to follow what You are directing, not just was sounds good!

Exodus 13-15, Fighting for Us

 “But Moses said to the people, “Don’t be afraid. Stand firm and see the Lord’s salvation that he will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you must be quiet.”  

That day the Lord saved Israel from the power of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. When Israel saw the great power that the Lord used against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and believed in him and in his servant Moses.”

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭14‬:‭13‬-‭14‬, ‭30‬-‭31‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

What a powerful forebear to the Gospel.  That God would fight for us against the penalty and power of our own sin.  It would be God who concurs it while we are on the sideline and trust Him.

Lord, thank You for saving me.  Thank You for fighting for me.  Thank You for knowing that I am too weak, frail and foolish to follow You without the power of Your Spirit.

Exodus 10-12, Obedience Rewarded

 “The Israelites acted on Moses’s word and asked the Egyptians for silver and gold items and for clothing.  And the Lord gave the people such favor with the Egyptians that they gave them what they requested. In this way they plundered the Egyptians.”

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭12‬:‭35‬-‭36‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

God told Moses, Moses told Pharaoh and the people, and only the people listened.  Through their obedience, God did more than just rescue them from slavery, He looted the Egyptians when they willingly gave them gold and silver before they left.  That defies explanation if it is not supernatural!!!

Lord, help me to obey Your commands.  I want to always be following You into whatever You are calling me.  No matter how crazy it sounds or how little sense it makes to me…help me to trust Your plans!

Exodus 7-9, Answered Prayer

 “When Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt, the frogs  came up and covered the land of Egypt. But the magicians did the same thing by their occult practices and brought frogs up onto the land of Egypt.”

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭8‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

It’s shocking how the magicians were able to perform some of the same signs, or something similar to the plagues God sent.  The result was that the people and Pharaoh didn’t believe God.  I think we do the same things today: God does something miraculous and we come up with a plausible reason for it.  We may blame coincidence or good luck, or imagine some incredible scenarios that makes it less supernatural.  I think most often we miss Gods miraculous answers, because we have such a bad memory, we forget what we had prayed for because we are on to the next thing.

Lord, help me to see every act You do and give You alone praise for it!

Exodus 4-6, Faithful Patience

 “So Moses went back to the Lord and asked, “Lord, why have you caused trouble for this people? And why did you ever send me?  Ever since I went in to Pharaoh to speak in your name he has caused trouble for this people, and you haven’t rescued your people at all.” But the Lord replied to Moses, “Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh: because of a strong hand he will let them go, and because of a strong hand he will drive them from his land.” ”

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭5‬:‭22‬-‭6:1 ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

Moses expects the final results instantly.  After all, he is speaking directly for God, the Sovereign One.  Yet that is rarely how God works.  His processes are slow and intentional…there is a reason for the exact timing and every single step.

Lord, help me to have patience while You are working Your plan.  Help me to stay focused on the work You are doing and strengthen me when I get discouraged with the process.  Build my faith in You!

Exodus 1-3, Mundane Contentment

 “Then the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire within a bush.  As Moses looked, he saw that the bush was on fire but was not consumed. So Moses thought, “I must go over and look at this remarkable sight. Why isn’t the bush burning up? ” When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called out to him from the bush, “Moses, Moses! ” “Here I am,” he answered.”

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬-‭4‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

I love that God makes Himself known to Moses.  He is going about his normal work, God shows up and gives him an assignment.  I often feel like I need to be intently looking for what God wants me to do so that I don’t miss it.  I am often worried that I have missed what God was telling me to do, because I “just” have my family to love well, my work to do well and my ministry to serve well…all while being surrendered to Jesus!  Doing these things well is contentment.

Lord, help me to stay content with serving You in the normal parts of life.  Help me not to strive for my unhealthy desire to achieve or succeed to feed my identity or pride!

Genesis 48-50, Faith & Patience

 “Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die,  but God will certainly come to your aid and bring you up from this land to the land he swore to give to Abraham,  Isaac,  and Jacob.”  So Joseph made the sons of Israel take an oath: “When God comes to your aid, you are to carry my bones up from here.” ”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭50‬:‭24‬-‭25‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

Joseph was in Egypt at least 90yrs…the Israelites would be there another 300 before God comes to save them.  That is such a long time to have faith, to trust that God is at work.

Lord, build my faith to trust that You are at work especially when You are slower than I would want.

Genesis 46-47, Supernatural Provision

 “Then Joseph settled his father and brothers in the land of Egypt and gave them property in the best part of the land, the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded. And Joseph provided his father, his brothers, and all his father’s family with food for their dependents.  

…Joseph acquired all the land in Egypt for Pharaoh, because every Egyptian sold his field since the famine was so severe for them. The land became Pharaoh’s, and Joseph made the people servants from one end of Egypt to the other.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭47‬:‭11‬-‭12‬, ‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

The stark comparison between how God treated the family of Israel to the people of Egypt is amazing.  Gods hand of provision was on His chosen people even through the most severe drought that literally enslaved the people of Egypt.

Gods protection for His people is incredible but also in an unexpected way.  I can’t help but see similar assistance from God in ways that seem to be trials or at very least confusing situations.  Things that don’t make sense in the moment, but further down the road are obviously Gods handiwork.

God, your protection and provision are obvious and we are blessed by all of it!  Help me to see your fingerprints even in the chaos, or give me faith when your work isn’t so obvious!

Genesis 43-45, Gods Plan

 “Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please, come near me,” and they came near. “I am Joseph, your brother,” he said, “the one you sold into Egypt.  And now don’t be grieved or angry with yourselves for selling me here, because God sent me ahead of you to preserve life.  For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there will be five more years without plowing or harvesting. God sent me ahead of you to establish you as a remnant within the land and to keep you alive by a great deliverance.  Therefore it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, Lord of his entire household, and ruler over all the land of Egypt.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭45‬:‭4‬-‭8‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

I am so thankful that God is able to work through even sinful situations to bring about His plan.

Genesis 41-42, Myopic Suffering

 “Their father Jacob said to them, “It’s me that you make childless. Joseph is gone, and Simeon is gone. Now you want to take Benjamin. Everything happens to me! ” But Jacob answered, “My son will not go down with you, for his brother is dead and he alone is left.  If anything happens to him on your journey, you will bring my gray hairs down to Sheol in sorrow.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭42‬:‭36‬, ‭38‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

Poor Jacob, dealing with a trial of famine, then feeling like he is being persecuted, targeted, singled out and that his family is being taken from him.

How similar is our tendency to get so self focused when we are plunged into a trial.  Everything becomes about me,  our only thoughts are about fairness, and the impact on the things we care about to the neglect of all the people around us.

Lord, help me to keep my eyes up to see those around me, to understand the impact of the trial on others and to remember that You are still in control!

Genesis 38-40, Humbly Intelligent

“But the Lord was with Joseph and extended kindness to him.  He granted him favor with the prison warden.  The warden did not bother with anything under Joseph’s authority,  because the Lord was with him, and the Lord made everything that he did successful. ”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭39‬:‭21‬, ‭23‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

I love how the narrator is repeatedly telling us that Joseph was successful because the Lord was with him.  There is no question about where the accomplishments originated…surly Joseph was an intelligent man, but it is always properly assigned to God as the source.

I have always attributed my skill and intelligence to God, but my pride often took credit for the results.  My pride began to dominate my thinking to a point it was finally exposed for what it was…one of the best things that has ever happened to me (and also the most embarrassing and painful).

Lord, help me to give You all the glory for any success or victory I am a part of. Allow me to see when my pride is active and give me the strength to surrender it to You!

Genesis 35-37, Transforming Knowledge

 “God said to Jacob, “Get up! Go to Bethel and settle there.  Build an altar there to the God who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.”  So Jacob said to his family and all who were with him, “Get rid of the foreign gods that are among you.  Purify yourselves and change your clothes.  We must get up and go to Bethel. I will build an altar there to the God who answered me in my day of distress.  He has been with me everywhere I have gone.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭35‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

It’s interesting that Jacob is transformed by a brief command of God.  This interaction stirs Jacob to lead his family into significant changes like getting rid of idols and living a holy life.  I believe that is the power of knowing God.  It not only impacts the thing He asks of us, but it also spills into all other aspects of life as well…it is not just one little adjustment.  I wonder if this is a hallmark of Gods transformation vs my own efforts to change?

Lord, help me to know you more!  Transform every part of my life to honor You, even areas I am not thinking about…

Genesis 32-34, Reminders of Faithfulness

 “I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. Indeed, I crossed over the Jordan with my staff, and now I have become two camps. Please rescue me from my brother Esau, for I am afraid of him; otherwise, he may come and attack me, the mothers, and their children. You have said, ‘I will cause you to prosper, and I will make your offspring like the sand of the sea, too numerous to be counted.’

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭32‬:‭10‬-‭12‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

These moments come up quite often where people are, in humility, reminding God of His past promises.  It is interesting because God doesn’t need the reminders, it’s almost as if they are reminding themselves (and the reader) to bluster their own faith.

This is actually the same strategy we can use to build our faith in God as well.  Reminding ourselves of what promises are shown for us in scripture as well as remembering Gods past faithfulness in our own life.  These memories demonstrate Gods character and scream to us that He can be trusted!

Lord, help me to purposefully think on Your demonstrated faithfulness in my life and the people I know.  Help me to meditate on scripture so that Your faithfulness is always on the front of my mind.  In these ways, fight against my inclination to forget and start to lean on my own abilities…

Genesis 30-31, Injustice Overridden

 “If the God of my father, the God of Abraham, the Fear of Isaac, had not been with me, certainly now you would have sent me off empty-handed. But God has seen my affliction and my hard work,  and he issued his verdict last night.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭31‬:‭42‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

What a story that rages against our modern morality! Every twist and turn seems marred by sketch activity…but God shows that he is looking out for the underdog.  He is caring for the weaker and the oppressed.  He sees all the mistreatment and injustice going on and reaches into the situation to help.

Lord, help me to live this characteristic to reflect You.  Show me when I am taking advantage of a situation selfishly and help me to graciously bless others instead.

Lord also build my faith to trust you when I am in a situation where I feel like I am not being treated fairly.  Remind me that You are over all things and have my good and Your glory in mind at every turn!

Genesis 27-29, Self-Centered

“Then Jacob made a vow:  “If God will be with me and watch over me during this journey I’m making, if he provides me with food to eat and clothing to wear, and if I return safely to my father’s family,  then the Lord will be my God.  This stone that I have set up as a marker will be God’s house, and I will give to you a tenth of all that you give me.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭28‬:‭20‬-‭22‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

Jacob is a hard character to read about.  He is such a scoundrel and absolutely has the wrong perspective of God.  He basically meets God, then tells Him, if You bless me, then You can be my God!  As if it is some sort of privilege…

It struck me how self centered this thinking is.  How much of my own prayer life is self focused?  

Lord, allow my mind to be filled with the needs of others during prayer.  Help me to see what You are doing around me and let thanksgiving be constantly pouring out.  You have blessed me in a million ways, allow me to be a blessing to others!

Genesis 25-26, Intentional Reminders

“From there he went up to Beer-sheba, and the Lord appeared to him that night and said, 

“I am the God of your father Abraham.  Do not be afraid, for I am with you.  I will bless you and multiply your offspring because of my servant Abraham.” 

So he built an altar there, called on the name of the Lord, and pitched his tent there. Isaac’s servants also dug a well there. ”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭26‬:‭23‬-‭25‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

I love this little obscure passage where Jacob is just going about life. Doing nothing in particular when God shows up to remind him of truth.  God reminds him of past promises and tells him that He is still working to fulfill them.  

God didn’t need to send that reminder…He could have continued to keep His word, and allow it to become evident over time.  But God chose to show up and provide further confirmation and give Jacob confidence in Him…building his faith.

Lord, thank You for caring for us in just the way we need, using Scripture to hold out Your promises whenever we need them.  Help me to trust You and listen to your promises, especially when they feel far from possible!

Genesis 22-24, Conversions w/ God

 “After these things God tested Abraham  and said to him, “Abraham! ”

 “Here I am,” he answered. 

“Take your son,” he said, “your only son Isaac, whom you love,  go to the land of Moriah,  and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.” 

So Abraham got up early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took with him two of his young men and his son Isaac. He split wood for a burnt offering and set out to go to the place God had told him about.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭22‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

Reading this passage makes me yearn to have conversations with God like this.  What a privilege and blessing to hear directly from Him and know exactly what He is calling you to do!

I would like to believe that this clarity would make obedience easier…maybe that is true…but it feels like having confidence in Gods specific call would be amazing!  

Lord, help me to hear Your instruction to me.  Tune my heart to hear Your voice and my mind to read Your Word with clarity!

Genesis 19-21, Consequence of Sin

 “As soon as the angels got them outside, one of them  said, “Run for your lives! Don’t look back and don’t stop anywhere on the plain! Run to the mountains, or you will be swept away! ”  But Lot’s wife looked back and became a pillar of salt.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭19‬:‭17‬, ‭‭26‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

Obeying God seems very straightforward…but that does not mean it always makes sense, nor is it easy.  I know that I am very familiar with what sin is and what God is calling me to do, yet sometimes I treat these commands as recommendations…guidelines or very flexible suggestions.  I occasionally choose sin, choose to ignore what I know is right…just like Lot’s wife.

Lord, I want to follow You in every detail of my life.  I don’t want to pretend your commands are suggestions but want to obey Your every word!  Strengthen me to consider obedience in everything a life or death decision and strengthen my by Your Spirit to choose to follow You!

Thank You also, for Your mercy.  You are so patient and kind and I do not deserve any of it.  Keep my mind and heart filled with thankfulness to You!!!

Genesis 12-15, “Helping” God

 “When he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife, Sarai, “Look, I know what a beautiful woman you are. When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ They will kill me but let you live.  Please say you’re my sister so it will go well for me because of you, and my life will be spared on your account.””

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭12‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

I wish that Abram’s actions to “help” God were less familiar.  I feel like I default to attempting to accomplish “Gods will” in my life…looking for ways to force things to work out in a way that gets me what I want.  It’s sad to look back and see how common this has been for me.

Lord, thank You for helping me to see this pattern of faithlessness.  Thank You for gently correcting me and removing my blinders.  Help me to trust You to accomplish Your will…give me patience to wait for Your perfect timing and Your plan. Build my faith in You, and You alone!

Job 40-42, Sovereign

 “I  know that you can do anything and no plan of yours can be thwarted. ”

‭‭Job‬ ‭42‬:‭2‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

I am so thankful for this truth about God!  All things are within Gods ability to accomplish, and nothing can stop His plans.  This is such an encouraging reminder because oftentimes I look around at the trial I am in and my own worry shouts that I am in trouble, because things look hopeless.  But in this worry and fear I am acting like God is powerless…how foolish!

Lord, build my faith in You and my confidence in Your plan!  Remind me of all the ways you have been faithful in the past!!!

Job 38-39, Purposefully Limited

 “Who is this who obscures my counsel with ignorant words?  Get ready to answer me like a man; when I question  you, you will inform me.”

‭‭Job‬ ‭38‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

Just like the thunderstorm reminds us of our small place, Gods questions to Job remind him of his smallness.  It’s as if God were demonstrating Jobs ignorance…

Lord, the humility of humanity means we are limited.  Help me to embrace who You created me to be, including my limitations, weakness and failures…

Job 35-37, Beauty & Chaos

 “My heart  pounds at this and leaps from my chest.  Just listen to his thunderous voice and the rumbling that comes from his mouth. He lets it loose beneath the entire sky; his lightning to the ends  of the earth. Then there comes a roaring sound; God thunders with his majestic voice. He does not restrain the lightning when his rumbling voice is heard. God thunders wondrously with his voice; he does great things that we cannot comprehend.”

‭‭Job‬ ‭37‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

There is a reason that thunderstorms bring awe from deep within us, it is a display of power, chaos and beauty!  None of which can we control… Gods fingerprints in that storm remind us that we are small and insignificant in comparison to all that God is doing.  Yet, He also cares about every detail of our life…we don’t deserve that level of care, but He gives it graciously!

Lord, help me to live in awe of You!  Allow my heart to remember Your faithfulness when the chaos of life is overwhelming.  Remind me that You are bigger than any problem and more powerful than my circumstances!

Job 32-34, He’s Near

 “For his eyes watch over a man’s ways, and he observes all his steps.  There is no darkness, no deep darkness, where evildoers can hide.  But when God is silent, who can declare him guilty? When he hides his face, who can see him? Yet he watches over both individuals and nations,”

‭‭Job‬ ‭34‬:‭21‬-‭22‬, ‭29‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

God does watch over all of us, and there is nowhere to hide.  Even when we feel like God is far from us or that He isn’t paying attention, He is still there.  And as believers, His Spirit is in us…that really is comforting, yet frustrating!  If He is always with my, why does He feel far away at times?

I have heard a pastor say, His felt absence is evidence of previous closeness, and amplifies His coming nearness…

Job 29-31, Layers & Layers

“For I rescued the poor who cried out for help, and the fatherless child who had no one to support him.  The dying blessed me, and I made the widow’s heart rejoice. I clothed myself in righteousness, and it enveloped me; my just decisions were like a robe and a turban. I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame.  I was a father to the needy, and I examined the case of the stranger.”

‭‭Job‬ ‭29‬:‭12‬-‭16‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

I have felt like Job before …fully and thoughtfully reviewing my performance and seeing nothing but good… that was shortly before God revealed what my motivations were. I had no idea that pride was driving much of my good works!  I actually think, that was not the case with Job, I think he was a good guy.  But this reminded me of how blind I can be to my own reality.  

More importantly, it reminded me that God carefully and lovingly walks with us on the road to sanctification.  He doesn’t point us in a direction and tell us to go…but He is with us every step of the way, revealing reality slowly so that we can be made new, one layer at a time.  

God is so patient with us, lovingly opening our eyes to the next failing He wants us to surrender to Him.  He then reshapes us to resemble Jesus just a little bit more, then on to the next, and the next, and the next…

Job 24-28, Wisdom & Knowledge

“But where can wisdom  be found, and where is understanding located? No one can know its value, since it cannot be found in the land of the living. Gold cannot be exchanged for it, and silver cannot be weighed out for its price. Coral and quartz are not worth mentioning. The price of wisdom is beyond pearls. 

He said to mankind, “The fear of the Lord #— #that is wisdom. And to turn from evil is understanding.” ”

‭‭Job‬ ‭28‬:‭12‬-‭13‬, ‭15‬, ‭18‬, ‭28‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

I have spent so much of my life pursuing success and achievement.  I knew that those things most consistently come through wisdom and understanding.  For decades, I sought those, even from the right places, but my motive was for selfish gain…it is sad to realize it now.

Lord, you are the source of wisdom and knowledge.  But knowing You and living in surrender to Your will is the best measure of success…God, help me to live as if that were true!

Job 21-23, Jesus Advocates

“If only I knew how to find him, so that I could go to his throne. I would plead my case before him  and fill my mouth with arguments.”

‭‭Job‬ ‭23‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

What a blessing that we know how to approach God!  Better still that we do not need to argue our case before Him, rather Jesus is our Lawyer.  Jesus is our intercessor, who pleads our case to the Father.  The case is compelling because it has nothing to do with what we have done, only what Jesus has done for us!

Lord, thank You for revealing yourself to us through Jesus and Your Word!  Thank You for allowing us to know You and desiring relationship with us.

Job 17-20, Truth vs Feelings

 “But I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the end he will stand on the dust.  Even after my skin has been destroyed, yet I will see God in my flesh.  I will see him myself; my eyes will look at him, and not as a stranger.  My heart longs within me.”

‭‭Job‬ ‭19‬:‭25‬-‭27‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

The confidence that Job has that he will see his Redeemer even after he dies is encouraging.  It is easy to despair of all the truth you know when you are in the midst of a trial, yet that doesn’t change God or who He is.

Lord help me to rest in You when trials come.  Allow your eternal truth, the Word of God, to be the thing that I believe, rather than the feelings that fade and change.

Job 14-16, Honest Suffering

“Earth, do not cover my blood; may my cry for help find no resting place.  Even now my witness is in heaven, and my advocate is in the heights! ”

‭‭Job‬ ‭16‬:‭18‬-‭19‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

Lord, what a blessing that we can come to You with our suffering.  We can cry out to You when life is discouraging and disappointing.  We can tell You how much we hate the pain we are enduring…

And You are always there, not offended or irritated, but caring, loving and ready to strengthen us.  Our desire is that You eliminate the suffering, but oftentimes it is the suffering that deepens our knowledge of Your presence.

Job 10-13, True Peace

“Would God’s majesty not terrify you?  Would his dread not fall on you? 

Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ash; your defenses are made of clay. 

I will put myself at risk  and take my life in my own hands. Even if he kills me, I will hope in him.  I will still defend my ways before him.”

‭‭Job‬ ‭13‬:‭11‬-‭12‬, ‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

Jobs’ comments to his friends are so pointed and confident.  Job knew that he had nothing to hide from God.  Even his wise friends needed some reminders from Job to have humility.  Their best arguments and cases were fragile and worthless….like dust…

The same is true for me,..I may have some great things to say, but if they are not founded in scripture, they are worthless.

Lord, help me to point others to Christ and Your Word rather than my opinions or wisdom…You alone bring true Peace, Joy and Healing!