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 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!

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 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!

John 19:38-42, Details Orchestrated

 “After  this, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus #— #but secretly because of his fear of the Jews #— #asked Pilate that he might remove Jesus’s body.  Pilate gave him permission; so he came and took his body away. Nicodemus  (who had previously come to him at night) also came, bringing a mixture of about seventy-five pounds  of myrrh and aloes. They took Jesus’s body and wrapped it in linen cloths with the fragrant spices, according to the burial custom of the Jews.”

‭‭John‬ ‭19‬:‭38‬-‭40‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

The planning of God here is amazing, he strategically placed two men to be able to take care of Jesus body after he dies on the cross.  These were men with authority, power and standing,,,the only type of people who could have helped in this way…and God orchestrated previous circumstances to have them follow Jesus.

How many time do we feel like God has ignored us, or forgotten us…the feeling of being deserted and alone?  Yet, we can look back at those times and see that God had already been preparing someone to show up, or a situation to play out just when we needed it.  We often chalk this up to coincidence, but don’t fool yourself, this is GOD perfectly caring for us.

Lord God, thank you for caring for the most important need, my eternal salvation.  Something I could never even start to help with.  Thank you for sending Jesus at just the right time to save all humanity from the consequences of our sin.  Thank you for orchestrating every aspect of life so that I could know You and that through faith in Jesus finished work on the cross, have a personal relationship with You, the King of the universe!  There are not enough or even appropriate words to fully thank You!  Help me to always remember that I am so blessed!!!  Merry Christmas!

John 15:26-27, Glorious Love

“When the Counselor comes, the one I will send to you from the Father — the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father — he will testify about me.”

‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭26‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

It is shocking to me that Jesus is explicitly telling us as believers that all three persons in the Trinity care about us personally.

- Jesus is sending the Spirit to be our Counselor

- the Spirit comes to reside with us permanently 

- The Father sent Jesus to pay the penalty of my sin

It seems like it would have been easier to split the work of caring for individuals.  Delegating to one person the responsibility to help each of us, but They don’t, They all care about us in unique ways…

Thank you Lord for loving me, even when I don’t love You well in return.  Give me faith to trust You and eyes to see the glimpses of Your work in my life!

John 15:18-25, Deadly Ignorance

“If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now they have no excuse for their sin. The one who hates me also hates my Father.”

‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

Just like today, people are offended by the truth.  They hate the truth when it causes them to reflect on what decisions are made.  Conviction is painful…avoiding the truth is easier than making changes that align with the truth. Ignorance is bliss…but it is deadly.

Lord, help those around me to recognize the simplicity of surrendering to You!  Where conviction leads to letting go of sin and clinging to You!  Where chaos is replaced by peace and anguish is transformed to thanksgiving.  Confusion exchanged for joy!

John 9:1-12, Shame to Glory

“His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” Jesus answered. “This came about so that God’s works might be displayed in him. 

He answered, “The man called Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and told me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ So when I went and washed I received my sight.”

‭‭John‬ ‭9‬:‭2‬-‭3‬, ‭11‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

This man lived blind for his entire life, he was used to it, but there was suffering and ridicule, it was not a happy existence.  Blindness was his identity, it is all he knew…most people felt like he had to live this way because it was punishment for something bad.  Then Jesus flips the script and shows how the blind man’s suffering and identity was instantly turned into a powerful tool in the hands of God.

Yes, the man gained sight, but even more powerfully he gained a testimony and new identity.  His biggest weakness was now used by God as the most convincing evidence of the power of God.

Lord, let me to give You my biggest weaknesses so that Your power may be displayed through them.  Help me to see Your hand at work as I lay down my pride.

John 1:19-28, Reflect Christ

“This was John’s testimony when the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?””

‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭19‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

John lived his life in a unique way and people noticed he was different.  It was obvious there was something different about him and his message.  This caused people to go to him to ask the question, what’s the story John?

My life should also look different from the people around me…it should be obvious that I have the hope of Jesus.

Lord, I don’t want to be a freak, but I pray that people would want to know about You because of what they see in my life.  Help me to live vibrantly so that anyone who interacts with me sees You reflected in my words and actions!

Proverbs 31- Spousal Delight

“Who can find a wife of noble character? She is far more precious than jewels. Her mouth speaks wisdom, and loving instruction is on her tongue. Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭31‬:‭10‬, ‭26‬, ‭30‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

There is no gift after Salvation, that has more impact on your life.  Marrying a wife who encourages you toward what is truly important cannot be understated.  We all need help and encouragement and having a spouse that is ready, able and full of wisdom is critical for long term joy.

Lord, I have been blessed beyond measure and I want to remain thankful and demonstrate my delight every day.  Help me not to get self focused but to love and protect her daily.  Thank You for the incredible wife and partner in every adventure…

Psalm 150- Praise Him

 “Hallelujah! Praise God in his sanctuary. Praise him in his mighty expanse. Praise him for his powerful acts; praise him for his abundant greatness. Praise him with the blast of a ram’s horn; praise him with harp and lyre. Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and flute. Praise him with resounding cymbals; praise him with clashing cymbals. Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. Hallelujah!”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭150‬:‭1‬-‭6‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

God is worthy of our adoration, worthy of our  thankfulness, worthy of our delight in Him.  We should praise Him at every turn!

Psalm 141- Confident Prayer

 “Lord, I call on you; hurry to help me. Listen to my voice when I call on you. May my prayer be set before you as incense, the raising of my hands as the evening offering. But my eyes look to you, Lord, my Lord. I seek refuge in you; do not let me die.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭141‬:‭1‬-‭2‬, ‭8‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

What a privilege that we as believers have to go to the Lord with every worry, every concern and every fear.  He is there for us and will protect us by His very presence.

I love the confidence the psalmist has going to the Lord in this prayer.  He approaches God as if He is there waiting to answer, looking for ways to comfort and protect.  My prayers are often weaker and more timid.  Hoping that maybe, somehow, someway, God may respond and show a little mercy…how foolish of me!  

Jesus compares God to a good father who happily blesses his children with Good things,,,then says, if that is how you act, and you are sinful, how much better will God respond?!  And God is not limited by time, space, money or any of the other pesky hindrances we have as humans.

Lord, help me to pray to You with a confidence in Your character!

Psalm 135- Compassion

 “Lord, your name endures forever, your reputation, Lord, through all generations. For the Lord will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭135‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

What a blessing that God has compassion on me, as I am His follower.  I need compassion because I often think the wrong way, prioritize incorrectly, become selfish or outright sin.  I need a God who is empathetic and kind, patient and loving…if God wasn’t that way, I am sure He would not still love me.  But I am so thankful this is exactly who He is!!!

Psalm 134- Night Routine

 “Now bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord who stand in the Lord’s house at night! Lift up your hands in the holy place and bless the Lord! May the Lord, Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭134‬:‭1‬-‭3 ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

This is an interesting Psalm in that it is very simple and not very deep.  But finally after reading it a dozen or so times, here is what stands out to me:

What do I do at night? Watch TV, on the couch, then go to bed.  These people were spending the last moments of their day thanking God for all of the things He is doing.  They are telling Him truths about who He is and highlighting Gods goodness.  This is something I should add into my daily routine: a time of blessing God and thankfulness for what He is doing!  The results? Blessing!

Psalm 124- Protector

 “Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭124‬:‭8‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

Lord, I am so thankful that I am not in this life to fight on my own.  Whether it is my thoughts or the circumstances that drag me down or the suffering of human life, we are not alone!  You are not just a person to be with us but the most powerful, infinite, loving and merciful being in existence.  I am so thankful that You are with me wherever I go.

Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭161‬-‭168…Gift of Peace

 “Princes have persecuted me without cause, but my heart fears only your word. I rejoice over your promise like one who finds vast treasure. I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love your instruction. I praise you seven times a day for your righteous judgments. Abundant peace belongs to those who love your instruction; nothing makes them stumble. Lord, I hope for your salvation and carry out your commands. I obey your decrees and love them greatly. I obey your precepts and decrees, for all my ways are before you.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭161‬-‭168‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

“Abundant peace belongs to those who love your instruction; nothing makes them stumble.“  Lord what a privilege to know Your peace.  Nothing will throw me off when I trust in Your Word.  Understanding what You want me to do in every situation can only come from knowing You and being familiar with the Bible.

Lord, thank you for giving peace because nothing else in the universe gives peace.  What a gift!  Help me to see Your hand in the midst of all that You are doing in my life!

Psalm 118- Thankful

 “I will not die, but I will live and proclaim what the Lord has done. I will give thanks to you because you have answered me and have become my salvation. You are my God, and I will give you thanks. You are my God; I will exalt you. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his faithful love endures forever.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭118‬:‭17‬, ‭21‬, ‭28‬-‭29‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

There is so much to be thankful for!  God has blessed me in a billion ways and taught me some very painful lessons…all of those things make me want to praise Him!  I am thankful for the freedom we have and the blessing it is to live in a place that allows unrestricted worship of God. Most importantly is my salvation and that He selected me.  So undeserved, but so thankful!

Psalm 113- Undeserved Attentiveness

 “Hallelujah! Give praise, servants of the Lord; praise the name of the Lord. Let the name of the Lord be blessed both now and forever. From the rising of the sun to its setting, let the name of the Lord be praised. Who is like the Lord our God — the one enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth?”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭113‬:‭1‬-‭3‬, ‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

What an incredible image…the almighty God of everything who takes time to stop, bends down to peer into my life.  He desires to know the mundane details of my life, not just the major problems.  I don’t deserve the attention, yet He gives it anyway.

Lord, I pray that I would be remembering to praise You, bless You and be in awe of You!  Don’t allow me to forget all that You are doing, and have done…or worse give credit to circumstances or luck…what an insult to Your mighty power.

Psalm 105- Unimaginable Blessings

 “Then he brought Israel out with silver and gold, and no one among his tribes stumbled. Egypt was glad when they left, for the dread of Israel had fallen on them. He spread a cloud as a covering and gave a fire to light up the night. They asked, and he brought quail and satisfied them with bread from heaven. He opened a rock, and water gushed out; it flowed like a stream in the desert. For he remembered his holy promise to Abraham his servant. He brought his people out with rejoicing, his chosen ones with shouts of joy. All this happened so that they might keep his statutes and obey his instructions. Hallelujah!”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭105‬:‭37‬-‭43‬,45 ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

God does the impossible over and over in this psalm of recap. The final verse tells us why God repeatedly follows through on His promises: so that His chosen people would obey Him.  That must be something important to God because it comes up hundreds of times throughout scripture.

Lord, You have repeatedly done the impossible in my life as well.  You turn terrible circumstances into unimaginable blessings…and You walk along side me all along the way.  You are so good!

Help me to love to follow You and give me great joy and satisfaction in my obedience!

Psalm 102- Waiting Anxiously

 “Lord, hear my prayer; let my cry for help come before you. Do not hide your face from me in my day of trouble. Listen closely to me; answer me quickly when I call.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭102‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

This psalm starts out with these desperate and fearful words.  You can tell the author is feeling like Go has not been listening and not paying attention.  I have felt like this before, and it is so frustrating.  The thought that there is no help on its way and that I will have to endure this all alone seems devastating.  Yet God is always there, He is watching, He is listening and He is actively helping me in those very moments…we don’t always get to see what He is working on.

It is after times like these that God is so present, as if I could reach out and touch Him.  He shows up every time, but it is always on His perfect timing!

Lord, help me to have faith to remember Your faithfulness and how You show up to help every time without fail.  You are a great God and I am blessed by You in every way!