Dear
God, we are so incredibly in need of your power and your strength. We ask that
you would fill us with your Spirit of love and unity among believers all around
our world. We ask for your help to set aside our differences and look to the
greater cause, the cause of Christ. Please help us to truly live out a life of
love. We know that this is only possible through the power of your Spirit, so
we ask that you would move across our land in miraculous ways, with fresh
filling and awareness, turning your people back to you, drawing others to come
to know you.
We need your unity and your love to stir our hearts and give direction to our days. We need your wisdom to guide us, we need your Spirit to lead us, to live out godly lives that would bring honor first to you. We thank you that you are always with us; and give us great purpose and hope. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
2024-Heart
Dive 365 - 365 Days through the Bible
in one year with Kanoe Gibson
An
enriching journey through the Bible, meticulously
studying each chapter and unraveling its
profound wisdom. Extensive notes, insights,
and reflections for every chapter.
2024
Reading Plan, Heart Dive 365 with Kanoe
Gibson. PDF
link
In
Numbers 14, the Israelites respond to the
report brought back from the Promised Land
and begin wailing in the camp and complaining
that they would be better off in Egypt,
even threatening to go back under someone
else’s leadership.
Moses,
Aaron, Caleb and Joshua grieve this rebellion
and try to plead with the people by reminding
them of God’s promise. But the angst only
grows stronger, with the people threatening
to stone them. The glory of the Lord appears
and warns them of an impending plague and
disinheritance should they continue.
But
Moses intercedes on their behalf and on
the basis that this would ruin the image
of God to other nations. He appeals to God’s
mercy and forgiveness and the Lord relents.
However, He declares that because of their
rejection, none of this adult generation,
except for Caleb, would enter into the Promised
Land. They would, instead, wander in the
wilderness for forty years before dying
there.
All
the spies except Caleb and Joshua die in
the plague, so the Israelites mourn greatly
and try to enter into the Promised Land
on their own. Without the guidance and protection
of the Lord, the Israelites are defeated
by the Amalekites.
In
Numbers 15, the Lord gives specific instructions
for grain and drink offerings that
will accompany burnt and fellowship offerings
once they enter the Promised Land.
These
regulations apply to both Israelites and
sojourners among them. God also establishes
laws for the offerings for unintentional
sins, both personally and corporately.
If
the people sin intentionally with pride,
they will be cut o£. A story is told
of a man who is found gathering sticks on
the Sabbath, and he is sentenced to death
by stoning. The chapter concludes with the
Lord instructing the people to remember
the commandments and deliverance of God
by placing tassels on the corners of their
garments.
In
chapter 13, the Lord tells Moses to send
the twelve chiefs of the tribes to survey
the Promised Land.
He
gives them specific parameters on what to
look for—the condition of the people, land
and cities—and asks for fruit to be brought
back.
FACE
FIRST | Num. 14:5
If
we haven’t figured this out by now, one
of the secrets to Moses’ greatness was prayer.
As soon as anything went awry, he fell on
his face and prayed. Heart Check.
When
chaos ensues, is your first resort to fall
on your face in prayer?
OTHERS-CENTERED
| Num. 14:13-19
One
of the most incredible things about this
intercession is not the words that Moses
spoke (even as profound as they were) but
his heart that was on display.
Notice
he never once mentioned himself—even after
God made him an o£er to make him the
greatest leader of the greatest nation.
Every word he spoke here was centered around
God and others. He was more concerned about
the glory of God and the condition of the
people than he was for his own success.
Heart Check.
How
much of your prayers, thoughts, and actions
are centered around God and others?
LIFE-DEPENDENT
PRAYER | Num. 14:20
We
know that God is sovereign and that His
holiness demands judgment. But here, He
lets Moses know that his prayer mattered.
And
while it may be hard for us to wrap our
heads around it, this shows us that there
is a relationship between God’s sovereignty
and our prayers.
They
matter to God! Because His heart of compassion
that intercedes from within us will release
His mercy.
He
knows before we even speak the words what
we are going to say, so don’t ever stop
praying!
Because
you never know when your prayer will be
the one that is a part of His divine plan.
We have to be like Moses and pray as if
life and death depend on it. Because if
the Bible says that He will turn away even
“Christians” in the end because He doesn’t
know them, how else will He know us if we
aren’t talking to Him? Heart Check.
Do
you pray as if life and death depends on
it?
ABOVE
THE CLOUDS | Num. 14:24
What
made Caleb different from the rest? Well,
if we look at what the majority was doing—
they were letting their feelings rule them
rather than trusting in the promises of
God. They were letting their insecurities
get in the way of their courage. They were
hitting up each other’s DMs and text messages
and talking smack about their leader.
They
were complaining and creating a toxic environment.
But
Caleb was different. Even if he knew they
would be “thrown to the wolves,” he also
knew his God would be in there with them.
He trusted that what was on the other side
was greater than anything they left behind.
He was an encourager rather than a quitter
or a complainer.
One
of the greatest pieces of advice I ever
heard when going headfirst into this ministry
was, “Stay above the clouds.”
This
didn’t mean to hold myself as higher or
better than anyone. This just meant that
I could not tangle myself into the pettiness
that some will try to bring. We have to
do this as Christians.
Because
the world is petty and so is its master.
It will try to drag you down so that you
quit. We have to stay above that so that
we can soar, and we do that by not cowering
to fear but by taking on the spirit of power,
love and a sound mind. Heart Check.
Are
you able to stay above the clouds? Or do
your feelings or fear rule you?
NUMBER
YOUR DAYS | Ps. 90:12
From
the moment we’re born, our days are already
numbered, but of course, none of us know
what that number is. So how do we number
our days?
It’s
all a matter of understanding and accepting
that this life is temporary.
Most
of us live our lives trying to stay alive
as long as possible. Accepting death is
a hard thing to do. This is why we mourn
when people leave us.
But
the truth is, we all know it’s going to
happen, so why is it so hard for us to accept?
Numbering our days means appreciating the
time that we do have, paying attention to
the purpose in the present, and how we can
use our time for eternal purposes. When
we can do this against that eternal backdrop,
our life here won’t feel so short when it
is tethered to heaven, and we will less
anxiety about “life passing us by” or “getting
old” when we realize this is on the beginning
and our days are actually increasing every
day that we live. But if we don’t have that
heavenly perspective, our days will be numbered
for us and we will only see them decreasing
as each day passes. Heart Check.
Are
you numbering your days against eternity?
Or are your days on earth numbered for you?
ESTABLISHED
WORK | Ps. 90:17
Moses
is leading the people in calling for God
to establish the work of their hands because
he knows that without God’s Presence, His
power, and the foundation on which they
will establish their work, nothing will
prosper. It may seem to fiy for a little
bit, but eventually, it will come crashing
down. Sometimes we can do this, in forcing
what we want, doing what we think is right,
and basically saying, “I’m going with or
without you God.” And He’s not gonna resist—He
will, let you fiy for a little bit, knowing
that when you begin to fall, perhaps then
you will cry out for His help and come back
to the nest. Heart Check.
Are
you allowing God to establish the work of
your hands? Or are you doing what you think
is best?
Deep
Dive
What
“Promised Lands” do we fear entering today?
How
can we bolster our own faith and trust in
God rather than our circumstances?
Is
intentional sin different from sinning with
a high hand? Does it warrant the same consequences?
Is
there still communal accountability in churches
today?
How
do you view the length of our life on Earth?
How does it shape your faith?
Heavenly
Father, forgive us for the times when we
may have thought we were better off without
you.
We
know that we need your Presence, your guidance,
your favor, your mercy. May we never try
to go anywhere without it. I pray that we
always operate in faith and not foolishness.
Help us to rely on your promises and not
just our feelings or insecurities that will
ultimately lead us astray. Forgive us for
every slandering you in any way or saying
we would’ve been better off had we never
tried out this faith life. I pray that we
will not be deceived by the lies of the
enemy and that we should just abandon our
post. We want to stay where you are and
walk with you throughout this entire journey
of life, so may we see every challenge as
an opportunity to better ourselves for the
sake of your kingdom. We know you are with
us, so we do not need to fear anything that
lies ahead.
I
pray that we will have a heart like Moses,
one that is God-focused and people-centered.
The more we direct our focus on serving
you and others, the less we will be consumed
with ourselves and how we feel or what we
lack. You are our supply, so I pray that
we can remember that in the times when people
are failing us. May we have a zeal for you
that longs to protect your name with every
word we speak, every prayer we utter, and
every action that we take. I pray your power
will be seen in everything we do.
Thank
you for those who intercede on our behalf.
We realize that intercession is so important
and that our prayers truly do matter to
you—we know that they play a role in your
divine plan. So help us to pray. Give us
the heart to pray for others.
I
pray that our spirits will be different,
holy, and set apart from the world. Where
others may be gossiping, complaining, or
fearful, I pray that we will be ones who
stop those conversations in their path,
ones who look for ways to be a solution
instead of simply pointing out a problem,
and ones who are full of faith and will
encourage others in it.
We
want to be fully committed to you and your
purpose just as Caleb was, so that we do
not get on the brink of the blessing only
to be turned back to learn more lessons
the hard way. I pray that we do not give
you a reason to give us something to cry
about.
We
know that the more we run from you, the
more we will run into problems, so I pray
that we will die to our old selves and pursue
you. We don’t want to spend our short life
on this earth wandering aimlessly but rather
walking in purpose and faithfulness.
May
we never be presumptuous and walk outside
of the confines of your will. Help us to
hear your voice—when you say to go, we will
move. When you say no, we will stay put.
I pray that we never have a rebellious spirit
that goes against your plans. We don’t ever
want to be the reason for the delay. We
know that your purpose can never be destroyed
by us, for we aren’t strong enough for that—but
we can certainly create a stumbling block.
So help us to stay focused on what you have
commanded us to do.
Thank
you Jesus for the atonement of our sins,
whether intentional or not. But I pray that
we never take that for granted and as an
excuse to continue living in sin. Give us
the strength to get out of any lifestyles
that are grievous to your heart.
Thank
you for loving us through it all and never
cutting us off. We want to stay close to
you no matter what. And I pray that we never
take what you have created for our good
and turn it for evil. The enemy does that
enough, so we certainly don’t need to be
adding to that. May we never think that
our freedom gives us the right to attack
your order and design.
Help
us to view our lives against the backdrop
of eternity so that we walk with integrity
all the days of our lives. Establish the
work of our hands, all for your glory.
Numbers
16-17 addresses the role of divine leadership
and the effects of rebellion against
it.
In
Numbers 16, Korah and three other men gather
250 chiefs of Israel to rebel against Moses
and Aaron by claiming they are abusing their
authority while arguing that the congregation
is holy. Moses falls on his face before
suggesting they bring censers before the
Lord to determine who are his chosen holy
ones. He also challenges their dissatisfaction
with their placement in the service and
their desire for the priesthood, declaring
it a defiance against God. Two of the men,
Dathan and Abiram, reject the request and
refuse to come forth. Moses then calls for
Korah and his following to come before the
Lord with their censers.
As
the glory of the Lord appears, He warns
Aaron and Moses to move away, as He is going
to consume the whole camp. Moses and Aaron
plead with the Lord to spare those who are
innocent in the matter. They warn the congregation
to distance themselves just as the earth
opens and swallows Korah, Dathan, Abiram
and their families. The 250 men are also
consumed by the Lord’s fire. The Lord instructs
Eleazar to collect the censers and hammer
them into a covering for the altar, which
will serve as a sign to the Israelites.
The next day, the camp accuses Moses and
Aaron of killing their people, and God sends
a plague among them. Aaron quickly makes
atonement for the people, standing between
the dead and living, stopping the plague
in its tracks.
In
Numbers 17, the Lord commands Moses to gather
one staff from each tribe and write
the leader’s names on them, with Aaron representing
the tribe of Levi.
They
will remain in the Tent of Meeting overnight,
and the one whom God chooses will sprout.
The next day, Aaron’s staff is found as
the only one with buds, blossoms and almonds.
It is to be placed before the Ark of the
Covenant as a lasting sign against rebellion
and grumbling. The Israelites fear that
they will now perish due to their nearness
to His holiness.
DEMAND
FOR PROMOTION | Num. 16:3-10
Here
we go again with this contemptuous spirit
of wanting more prominence. This is very
similar to the way Miriam and Aaron acted
with Moses. They are basically asking why
Aaron and Moses are so special and not them?
They believe they are not elevated enough
here.
But
the heart that demands promotion from God
is not the one who will be worthy of it
in the end because inappropriate ambition
is really just greed in disguise. It’s the
ones who are humble and willing to serve
under the authority of others who will be
lifted up. Heart Check.
Are
you satidfied with where God has placed
you? Do you honor the authority that is
over you? Or do you feel you should be promoted
to a higher position?
LEADERSHIP
STANDARDS | Num. 16:14
Not
only have these two men assigned an evil
heart to Moses, but they are also holding
him to an impossible standard and basically
saying he hasn’t done a good enough job
for their liking. It’s really easy for Monday
morning quarterbacks and backseat drivers
to say that they could do the job better,
but the truth is, God rarely puts people
like that into real leadership roles in
the first place.
And
if he does, it’s only a matter of time before
they crumble under the pressure or get swallowed
up. So while leaders should be held to a
higher standard, it should never be one
of perfection. Heart Check.
Whose
standard are you holding leaders to? Do
you feel as though you could do a better
job?
LIFE-DEPENDENT
PRAYER | Num. 17:8-11
This
is a lesson that I believe is still so applicable
today, because we have so many “watchmen”
who spend their time looking for the faults
in every preacher or pastor only to broadcast
it in the name of false teaching.
This
is a very dangerous thing to do, because
while we all need to have discernment and
test the spirits, we need to be even more
careful that we are not making false accusations
against God’s chosen leaders based on every
little fault.
Because
the Bible says not to touch His anointed
ones and not to do His prophets harm (Psalm
105:15). So we have to be careful about
determining the spiritual authority of a
person based on a few doctrinal errors they
may have made. Because remember, Aaron,
the chosen High Priest, made a golden calf
for the people. This was a colossal failure
in leadership, yet God still chose him.
If
that were to happen today, he would be on
the chopping block. So if we are going to
put the spirits to the test, we see here
just how to do it.
We
look for two things— life and fruitfulness.
Jesus even told us this when He said, “You
will know them by their fruit… a good tree
cannot bear evil fruit, neither can a corrupt
tree bear good fruit.”
Heart
Check.
Do
you look for the life and fruit in people
or only their faults? Are you listening
to what others say or what the Holy Spirit
says about them?
Deep
Dive
Do
you see the danger in questioning authority?
What
effects will complaining have on a
community?
How
might the potential abuse of authority be
better handled?
What
will the sign of Aaron’s staff speak to
rebels?
Does
Numbers 17 change your perspective on divine
authority and leadership?
Heavenly
Father, thank you for the gift of our chosen
leaders.
We
see today how much they mean to you and
how important it is for us to recognize
this divine choosing and not to rebel against
it.
Forgive
us where we have done so—where we have spoken
against them or felt as though they shouldn’t
be in the place where you have put them.
I pray that we will have discernment for
ourselves and put the spirits to the test
as you have commanded, for we know there
are indeed false teachers out there. I pray
that we don’t just follow the crowd and
what people are digging up for their own
notoriety. May we not look at every fault
as “evidence” for people’s discreditation.
But instead, I pray that we follow the Biblical
principle of looking at the life and fruitfulness
of their ministry or leadership. Help us
to see where there is rotten fruit or blossoms
and buds that will produce ripe fruit.
We don’t
ever want to be in a place where we are
challenging you, for we know that invites
destruction and the disqualification of
ourselves. We don’t want to allow our own
bitterness, envy, jealousy, or cynicism
to swallow us up, so help us to be grateful
for the gifts that you’ve given us and the
place you have us in. Change our hearts
to better refiect your heart of compassion
and goodness, and help us to submit to your
will so we can find mercy and grace.
Forgive
us where we may have grumbled or complained
to others, creating an even greater problem.
It may feel good in the moment to “vent”
or “get things o£ our chest,” but
it’s only leading to toxicity in our hearts,
and we know that we will be held accountable
for that. Even the words we speak in “private”
will be heard one day.
So help
us to bring our issues to you first and
foremost, and show us how we might deal
with injustice or a potential abuse of authority.
We don’t want to sweep things under the
rug in the name of humility, but we also
want to deal with it in a godly manner.
So give us wisdom.
If there
are people around us who are beginning to
rebel or complain, bringing about division
or discord, give us the strength to walk
away and separate ourselves from them. It
is so easy to be lured into that kind of
mentality, and we want nothing to do with
it. We want to be respectful of the authority
that you have placed in our lives, so I
pray that you will humble our hearts today.
I
pray that we will not be Monday morning
quarterbacks or backseat drivers, criticizing
every little thing that we think we could
do better. May we not create unfair expectations
or assign evil hearts to people. And I pray
that we will be good leaders and shepherds
who are full of compassion for those who
might stray but fiercely protective against
those who might come to injure.
For anyone
who may be struggling with a critical spirit
or bitterness today, I pray that you will
set them free. Fill them with gratitude
and joy. Open their eyes to see the good
in people and their circumstances.
Surround
them with people who will show them what
true and godly love is. Help them to see
how loved and gifted they are so that they
don’t neglect their own calling by trying
to destroy someone else’s. Forgive us where
we may have ever wanted someone else’s position,
authority, or gifts.
Thank you,
Jesus, for extinguishing the fire of the
wrath that we deserved in judgment. You
stood between our death and eternal life
to take it on and atone for our sin. We
are so grateful for the righteousness that
you have robed us with, allowing us to stand
before our Holy God.
Thank you
for the convicting Word that divides the
bone and marrow or the soul and spirit.
I pray that when it hurts a little to hear
the truth, that we won’t feel as though
we are undone and need to move away quickly.
But instead, may the grace of your Word
draw us closer with each word that we read.
We are so thankful for it.
Numbers
18-19 take a closer look at the duties of
the priests and Levites while Numbers 20
marks the beginning of the final approach
into the Promised Land.
In
chapter 18, the Lord warns Aaron and his
sons that they are responsible for any sin
connected to the sanctuary and the priesthood.
The
Levites will minister to them and be guards
over the sanctuary, but they are not to
come near the holy items. The Lord reminds
them that their priesthood is a gift and
warns that any non-authorized person who
comes near will be put to death. The priests
oversee all the o£erings, and a portion
is reserved for their daily provisions,
but it may only be eaten by those who are
clean and within the house of the priests.
The best of the oil and wine harvests as
well as the o£erings are also reserved
for the priests. The tithe of the Israelites
is to be set aside for compensation of the
Levites’ service, and they are commanded
to tithe o£ this as well.
The
Lord once again warns against profaning
the holy things, as it will result in death.
In
chapter 19, the red heifer ritual is introduced,
where an unworked red heifer without blemish
is slaughtered outside the camp.
Aaron’s
son Eleazar is to sprinkle the blood seven
times toward the Tent before the heifer
is completely burned along with cedarwood,
hyssop and scarlet yarn. Those who participate
in this must wash to be declared clean again.
The ashes are gathered and kept for purification
water to be sprinkled on any unclean persons
or defiled holy items.
In
chapter 20, we reach the end of the 40-year
journey to the Promised Land, and Miriam
dies in Kadesh.
With
no water for the people, they quarrel with
Moses and Aaron. The Lord instructs Moses
to take his sta£, gather the people,
and tell the rock at Meribah to bring forth
water.
However,
Moses grows angry with the rebellious people
and strikes the rock twice. Water fiows
abundantly, regardless of his disobedience,
but he is rebuked by the Lord and told that
he will no longer lead the people into the
Promised Land because he did not believe
what the Lord spoke, and he disrespected
His holiness.
The
place is therefore called Meribah which
means “contention.”
As
they reach the border of Edom, Moses sends
messengers to the king of Edom to gain permission
to pass through the land with no intentions
of stopping along the way. The king refuses
and backs his answer with the presence of
a large army, turning the Israelites away.
They
instead head toward Mount Hor where the
Lord foretells of Aaron’s death and gives
instruction on the passing of the priestly
torch to his son Eleazar.
Aaron
dies there on Mount Hor and the people mourn
for thirty days.
OPERATE
IN YOUR CALLING | Num. 18:3
The
priests were set apart and had a very specific
calling, just as we all do. But because
of the elevated position, we see how others
covet this position.
What
they don’t see, however, is that with that
authority also comes major accountability.
With the reward comes major responsibility.
Even with the Levites, if they didn’t do
their job of guarding the tabernacle and
holy vessels, both they and the people who
came near would die. Can you imagine bearing
that burden? But the concept that’s important
to grasp here is that the quickest way we
will kill ourselves spiritually through
burnout or discouragement is trying to operate
outside of your calling. When we try to
do the job that was not assigned to us,
we will end up in the gutter of failure—even
if you succeed materially or physically,
your soul will never be satisfied.
But
when we seek first the kingdom of God and
His righteousness, then all these things
will be added unto you.
When
we operate in our gifting and calling, there
is a satisfaction that nothing else in this
world can bring. Heart Check.
Are
you operating in your calling?
GIVING
| Num. 18:21-26
Here
we see that everyone is held to the tithe—not
just the people giving to the ministry,
but the ministers also tithing o£
the gifts they’re given. A lot of the time,
when people give to the church, they do
so reluctantly because they’re concerned
about how the church is going to use “their”
hard earned money. This is a valid human
response—but it’s based on fear and control.
So if we can change our mindset, and realize
that the purpose of giving is less about
where it’s going and more about what it’s
doing in our hearts, then we may be able
to get to that place that Paul speaks of
in 2 Cor. 9. He says that when we give,
it should be done so generously, cheerfully,
and without obligation, rather than, “What’s
the least I can do to please God?”
But
if we have such a tight grip on it, this
will never happen. While the New Testament
may not command the tithe, my husband and
I are faithful in tithing—because we see
it as giving our best back to God. It’s
our way of saying, this is yours, and we
would have none of it without you. And when
we push that button, it’s out of our hands
and into God’s.
We
don’t worry or fret about what the church
is going to do with it, because we’re not
giving to the church. We’re giving to God.
If the church doesn’t deal well with it,
they will be held accountable for that,
but it’s not for me to worry about. That’s
the whole purpose—to break o£ that
fear and trust in money and pivot to faith
and trust in God. Heart Check.
Whose
heart are you more concerned about when
you give? Yours or the one you're giving
to?
MAKING
PROGRESS | Num. 20:1
Here
we see the first sibling of Moses die in
the wilderness, as God promised would happen.
This
generation is passing away as we draw near
to the end of the 38 years of wandering.
What’s interesting is that there are only
5.5 chapters attributed to this vast expanse
of time, whereas 40 chapters were devoted
to the one year they spent at the base of
Sinai. This tells us that there was not
much significance in these 38 years, because
the only accounts we have are negative reports
of complaining and dissatisfaction. There
was a lot of movement, but not much progress.
A lot of noise, but no profound message.
They were existing but not really living.
They
basically were on a hamster wheel and kept
ending up in the same place. This will happen
to us when we don’t trust God and walk in
faith. Because walking in fear and faithlessness
will keep you coming back to the same spot.
Heart Check.
Have
you made progress since you been walking
with the Lord? Are you truly living or just
existing
STRENGTHS
BECOMING WEAK | Num. 20:10-11
Up
to this point, we have never seen Moses
get so angry and act upon it. Any other
time the people rose up against him, he
took it to the Lord. But here he is at his
breaking point, and when we examine where
the point of weakness was, it was actually
at the point of his greatest strength.
He
was known for his humility and obedience,
yet here he failed in pride and contempt.
This is important, because oftentimes, the
place where we will be most vulnerable is
in the area of our greatest strength. And
it’s because we will be less reliant on
God in those areas or we will pay less attention
to them.
Heart
Check.
Are
you aware ofyour strengths and do you keep
them in check so that they don't become
areas of weakness?
REPRESENTING
GOD | Num. 20:10-13
God
got the glory, and He always will in the
end. So we have a choice in whether it will
come through our obedience or our correction.
Sadly, it came through the correction of
Moses. And some may say this was a little
unfair that after Moses was so obedient
for 40 years, one little mistake cost him
everything he was working for. But we need
to remember the words of Jesus when He said,
“To whom much is given, much will be expected.”
When
you are placed into a position of leadership,
you will be held to a higher standard. You
will have to learn to put away your emotions
and to view things from a heavenly perspective.
You will have to remove yourself from the
equation and be more selfiess and take on
more of a servant’s heart.
But
sadly, a lot of the times, the opposite
happens. When people gain more favor, they
fall prey to the pride that comes with power.
The more “power” we get, the more we need
to humble ourselves and have even more grace.
If we don’t, we too will end up thinking
that we have somehow made the water fiow
on our own power. But just because something
works doesn’t mean it’s right. And Moses
clearly misrepresented the character of
God when he struck the rock twice out of
anger and contempt.
Heart
Check.
Is
your heart and attitude representing God's
character? Or are you striking people or
situations out of anger and pride?
MY
PEOPLE | Num. 20:24
In
the Old Testament, when the patriarchs would
die, they would be gathered to their people.
This makes me ask myself, who are my people?
Who would I be gathered to when I die? Our
hope is that we would be gathered with the
church. But if we despise the church and
other Christians, then where does that leave
us? Because Jesus said that we would be
known as His disciples by the way we love
one another. Heart Check.
How
much do you love the church and otherChristians?
Who are the people you will be gathered
to?
Deep
Dive
Why
didn’t the Lord give an inheritance of land
to the Levites?
What
does “I am your portion” mean practically?
Why
is there such a great emphasis on dead bodies
and uncleanness? What does this represent?
How
is the red heifer ritual significant for
us as Christians?
What
is the root of the complaining spirit in
the Israelites? When is complaining justified?
Do
you feel Moses was justified in his anger?
What about God’s judgment upon him?
Heavenly
Father,thank you for being so patient with
us when we act out of turn.
Whether
it is a petty complaint or a reaction of
anger, you still have so much compassion
and grace in our lives. Even when we should
truly be disqualified, you still make a
way for us to enter into the Promise if
our hearts are set on you.
Please
help us all to understand our place in this
world – through the gifts of ministry that
you have given to us to the roles of leadership
or servanthood – and I pray that we will
guard them as holy, the same way that you
expected the Levites to do. That protection
sometimes means that instead of increasing
our line of defense, it means taking on
more of a servant’s heart and more humility
and grace. We know that the higher we go
in leadership, the greater the responsibility
of refiecting your character. Forgive us
where we may have allowed our own emotions
or feelings get in the way of what you were
trying to do. Forgive us where we may have
thought that the gift of leadership meant
more power. It’s quite the opposite—for
we are called to even more surrender to
you and your sovereignty. I pray that we
will always stay submitted to you, as the
one we are ultimately accountable to you.
We do not bow down to man, but we also recognize
that we are still called to honor their
positions of authority, even if the person
is not agreeable in our opinion.
I
pray that you will continue to show us where
our place is and what our calling is, so
that we will operate in it. We don’t want
to fall short of it, nor do we want to try
to get ahead of it by taking on responsibilities
that are not assigned to us. We know that
is the fastest way to burn out, when we
are trying to burn the midnight oil when
we should be resting. Or when we are paying
attention to someone else’s fire and therefore
neglecting our own. So bring us back. Help
us to focus on what you are calling us to
do.
We
know that as long as we are serving you
and serving people, we will be fed. But
it must be in that order. Because if we
try to serve people without submission to
you, we will sidestep divine order and lose
our way. Keep us in line today.
Help
us to be generous in all that we do. You
never call us to give ourselves into debt,
but we are called to give generously, joyfully,
and not out of obligation. I pray that we
do give of our time, our talent and even
our treasure, that we will see it as a gift
to you first and foremost so that we do
not have anxiety about where it is going
and how it is being used. The gift that
we o£er, both in service and monetarily,
is simply our way of giving back just a
portion of the gift that you’ve blessed
us with. We are not seeking the least amount
we can do to please you. Change our hearts
to be more like yours, for you are the greatest
of all givers.
Thank
you, Jesus, for purifying us through your
sacrificial death. Up until that point,
we were all in touch with the dead through
our own sin. You have made us clean. You
have given us the right to freely worship,
and we are so grateful for this new covenant.
Thank
you for using us, as imperfect as we are.
You still allow the waters to fiow abundantly
even when we have struck out. I pray that
we won’t be a people with bad attitudes,
but ones who walk in faith and with joy
unspeakable. I pray that we will be role
models for the next generation, with marks
of maturity rather than childishness. We
know that you will get the glory no matter
what, but we pray that it will ride in on
our obedience and not correction. Nevertheless,
you are greater than our failures, so thank
you for the opportunity to get it right
time and time again.
Numbers
21-22 introduces the first of the battles
the Israelites face before conquering the
Promised Land.
In
chapter 21, the “holy war” begins as the
Israelites begin to face their Canaanite
foes, with the first encounter being against
the unprovoked attack of the king of Arad.
After Israel vows to God to destroy their
land, they are victorious. As they continue
their wilderness journey around Edom, the
Israelites grumble against Moses and God
about their dire conditions. The lord sends
fiery serpents as a result, and they immediately
repent. God commands Moses to erect a bronze
serpent on a pole to serve as a reminder
of His healing and provision, for if they
are bitten and look up at the statue, they
will live.
The
Israelites continue on their journey singing
songs of praise as they victoriously move
toward the Promised Land. They are, however,
met with another obstacle at Sihon, with
the king now allowing their passage through
the land. The Israelites defeat both the
king of Sihon and the king of Og and take
possession of their land.
In
chapter 22, King Balak of Moab fears the
threat of the Israelites after hearing of
their recent victories and goes to Midian
to form an alliance. Balak sends messengers
to the well-known diviner Balaam to try
and purchase a curse upon the Israelites.
Balaam inquires of the Lord, but the Lord
warns Balaam not to go and curse them, for
they are a blessed people. Balak raises
the price with a higher o£er of honor
and dignity for Balaam, so Balaam tries
again. This time, the Lord allows Balaam
to go with the Moabites but is only to say
the words He tells him to say. As Balaam
journeys on his donkey, an angel of the
Lord stands in his path, and the donkey
veers o£ to the side three times,
ushering a beating from Balaam each time.
The Lord opens the donkey’s mouth to ask
why she was being beaten. Balaam’s eyes
are then opened to see the angel, who explains
that the donkey’s turning aside saved him
from his judgment of death by the angel.
Balaam repents, so the angel tells Balaam
to continue on his journey while reminding
him to only speak what the Lord tells him.
Once Balaam reaches Balak, he tells him
what the Lord spoke. Balak takes Balaam
up to a place to view the people from a
high place.
BASIC
TRAINING | Num. 21:6
These
Israelites are almost at the finish line—rounding
the bend of the last mile—and yet they’re
still face to face with challenges.
Why
does this keep happening?
I
believe God is trying to fiesh out their
fieshiness. He wants them to walk into the
Promised Land with a new heart and full
faith.
Right
now, though, they’re still operating in
the old heart with a lack of faith. So it’s
those basic training drills that He will
have to continue putting them through until
they are ready to walk into their future.
God will do this with us—He will sometimes
allow a little pain or allow some pressure
so that we turn to and rely on Him as our
strength, our Provider, our Healer, and
our source of joy.
But
if we can’t bring ourselves to a place of
finding that, we will never be able to fully
walk in our purpose. God wanted the complaining
to stop here, because if it didn’t, He knew
it would continue in the Promised Land.
Heart Check
Are
you still struggling through basic training
of grumbling or complaining? Or are you
ready to walk into the Promised Land with
a new heart and full faith?
LOOK
UP | Num. 21:4-9
A
lot of people might read this and wonder
why a God who is so adamant about steering
clear of any type of idolatry, would command
this type of structure.
But
this is not idolatry, nor does it incite
any type of sorcery or magic. This was simply
a type of symbol that was sanctioned by
God, to serve as a reminder of His healing
and provision. Looking at the structure
would not serve as the source of healing—the
source is and always will be God.
But
it was intended to get them to focus their
eyes upward on God rather than themselves
and their dire circumstances. And the beautiful
depiction here is one that points to Jesus
on the cross. In fact, Jesus referred to
this in John 3:14, as He would be lifted
up in both His crucifixion and resurrection.
And now, when we look to the cross and look
to Jesus, we will be healed and saved.
But
why use a serpent to depict Jesus? Serpents
are typically associated with evil. It’s
because Jesus became sin for us (2 Cor.
5:21) and took on the brass judgment of
God so that we could live. And therefore,
we don’t have to work our way to heaven—we
can simply look to Jesus, and His Holy Spirit
will begin to move our hearts into action,
calling us to repentance, and showing us
how to live holy lives.
But
some of us are looking to alcohol, other
people, drugs, even food to bring that satisfaction.
Heart Check.
Where
are you looking when you are in need? Do
you look up in faith? Or are you foused
o the problems and what can temporarily
mask the pain of the bite?
ESPONSE
TO THREATS | Num. 22:1-6
Balak
is clearly operating out of fear.
He
feels threatened by the enemy camping out
in his backyard. But if he had only known
God’s Word and the fact that the Lord never
intended to give the land of Moab to the
Israelites (Deut. 2:9), he would have no
need to fear. But because he doesn’t know,
he goes into defense mode, looking for any
way he can attack, pulling in anyone who
can help him in the process. Heart Check.
What
do you do when you feel threatened? How
do you react?
SIDESTEPPING
GOD | Num. 22:1-21
While
Balaam is one of those mysterious men of
the Bible, here we begin to see his true
heart.
Yes,
he has knowledge of the Lord, and he even
has direct access to him… but so does the
devil.
And
remember, God clearly told him not to go,
yet he pressed the issue and God basically
said, “Fine, have it your way, but you are
on a leash and limited in what you can say.”
And because he’s motivated by money, he
has attempted to manipulate God and now
sees this answer as God’s “blessing” to
go. We need to be careful of this. Heart
Check.
Do
you try stepside what God tells you and
justify it by looking for signs that it
" must be God" saying otherwise?
PURPOSE
IN THE DETOURS | Num. 22:22-27
Isn’t
this interesting that the donkey is able
to perceive this rerouting for what it is—divine
intervention by the Lord.
Whereas
Balaam is striking the donkey as if it is
bucking up against him like an attack from
the enemy. This is why we need the discernment
of the Holy Spirit and to always be prayerful
because our circumstances or the situations
that surround us may not serve the purpose
that we think it is if we are simply judging
it with our fiesh.
A
lot of the time, people will look at every
difficulty in their life as an attack from
the enemy.
In
fact, we can sometimes give Satan way more
credit than he deserves, so we need to take
back that power from him and go to the Lord.
Ask him why the donkey keeps veering off
rather than forcing our will upon it. Maybe
God is steering you off course for a reason.
Heart Check.
When
you face challenges, do you immediately
resort to " the devil is attacking"?
Or can you see God's purpose in the detours
Deep
Dive
How
significant was the vow that the Israelites
made to God? What does this say about the
power of keeping a vow that we make to Him?
What
significance do you see in the Song of the
Well in relation to corporate praise and
celebration?
How
was Israel’s encounter with Edom in chapter
20 di£erent from their encounters
with these enemies? Why was there a di£erence,
and how can we use these examples to guide
how we deal with enemies or confrontation?
How
can the story of the bronze serpent be applied
today when we are dealing with our own consequences
of sin?
What
kind of relationship do you think Balaam
had with the Lord?
Do
you think he truly understood that he could
not curse Israel? Why did he continue regardless?
Heavenly
Father, thank you for being with us in this
intense journey that we are both reading
about and walking through in our own lives.
Every
one of us are either in the thick of battles,
about to come face to face with challenges,
or may just now be walking out of a fight.
We thank you for being with us in the midst
of it all. We all face challenges and doubts,
but you somehow always know how and when
to show up at just the right time. Help
us to see and feel your Presence when you
do.
If
we are dealing with the consequences of
any sin in our lives, I pray that we will
come to repentance quickly so that we do
not need to su£er any unnecessary
pain by allowing the serpents of sin to
remain in our lives. Help us to realize
quickly where we are missing the mark so
that we can look to you, our Savior, our
Healer, and our Provider. May we not look
around for anything else to source our joy,
for we know that you are the one and only
true well of living water. So we look to
the cross today and focus our eyes on you,
rather than the problems we are facing.
We trust in you to make a way through the
wilderness and to guide us through it so
that we are not stumbling around in uncharted
territory.
Forgive
us where we may have lost our way or grumbled
against the place that you have us in or
the lack that we feel we have in our own
lives. Help us to see your daily provision
for the blessing that it is and never grow
tired of it. But if we do grow weary, I
pray that we will not infect the whole camp
of our homes, workplaces, or any other space
that we fellowship in with our grumbling
or complaining. We want to be a light and
not a dark cloud of negativity.
I
pray that when we feel threatened in any
way, whether spiritually or physically,
that we will look to you as our Defender
as opposed to rising in defense and seeking
any and every way to be able to fight back.
Forgive us where we have called in reinforcements
where you did not command them. We know
you are with us and that you will never
leave us. We know that no weapon that forms
against us shall prosper. We know that you
surround the enemy that we think surrounds
us. So I pray that we seek refuge in you,
our Strong Tower and Mighty Fortress.
Forgive
us where we have forced our will or manipulated
our own minds into thinking that the circumstances
dictated the outcome rather than your Word.
I pray that we will be ever more discerning
of your voice, your directions, and your
permissions on when and where we go. We
don’t want to be looking for signs from
the universe or any other type of false
deity. You are the only confirmation we
need. And if you say no to something we
really want, I pray that we will not be
childish and ask again, because we now know
that you will sometimes say yes to let us
have our way and learn our lesson, but not
always because it is your will. Sometimes
learning the hard way is the only way our
stubborn hearts can be softened. But we’d
rather not go that route, so I pray that
you will soften our hearts today to be completely
yielded to your good and perfect will for
our lives.
Forgive
us for the times that we have given Satan
credit for an attack when you may have been
the one who was forcing us o£ the
beaten path or trying to warn us from moving
in a direction that was going away from
you. I pray that we will not be blinded
by our own selfish will or desires that
we fail to see the warning signs. We see
the brevity of this life and don’t want
to waste any more time detouring. So I pray
that our ears will be in tune with your
voice and commands so that we do not set
out on our own journeys. We give you full
permission to correct us if we do though.
Thank
you for the victory from which we fight
today. Over everything else, this is what
we are able to celebrate together with our
brothers and sisters today—that you are
indeed victorious, and because so, we too
will defeat the enemy and walk into the
Promised Land.
Numbers
23-25 continues the narrative of Balak and
Balaam in Moab and the four oracles Balaam
will give. It also introduces the idolatry
of the new generation.
In
chapter 23, Balaam tells Balak to build
seven altars so he can o£er a bull
and a ram on each one. Balaam retreats to
privately inquire of the Lord, and the Lord
sends him back to utter a blessing on Israel.
Balaam’s first oracle declares his inability
to curse Israel and defines Israel’s strength
in numbers. In his disappointment, Balak
changes locations in hopes of a di£erent
result. At the field of Zophim, they once
again build altars and bring o£erings
before Balaam inquires of the Lord. He returns
with his second oracle that declares God’s
word as true and unchanging and blesses
Israel once again. He also highlights the
deliverance, protection, and favor of God
upon them. In his frustration, Balak silences
Balaam but takes him to yet another location,
this time to the top of Peor, where they
build seven more altars and provide the
o£erings.
In
chapter 24, as Balaam sees God’s pleasure
in his blessings, he no longer seeks divination
but turns his face to the wilderness instead.
When he sees the camp of Israel, he speaks
his third oracle, stating that his eyes
and ears have been opened to the vision
of God. In this prophecy, Israel is portrayed
as a prosperous and exalted nation that
is blessed with abundance. He cites God’s
deliverance, strength, protection, and favor
upon them. In his anger, Balak sends Balaam
away, but Balaam reminds him that he is
but a mouthpiece for the Lord. Balaam then
utters his final oracle, with a prophecy
pointing to the rising up of a royal authority—the
Messiah. He ends with the declaration of
victory for Israel over several nations
including Moab.
In
chapter 25, Israel has its first encounter
with Canaan’s false worship when the women
of Moab seduce the men and lure them into
sacrificing to Baal and their false gods.
In His anger, the Lord commands Moses to
call for the deaths of the leaders of the
people and anyone who has yoked themselves
with Baal of Peor. When an Israelite man
(Zimri) and Midianite woman (Cozbi) sin
in front of the whole assembly, Phineas,
the son of the High Priest Eleazar, pierce
them both with a spear, earning honor and
a covenant of peace and perpetual priesthood
from the Lord. The Lord calls for a holy
war against the Midianites in retaliation
for their spreading of immorality among
God’s people.
WATER
YOUR OWN GRASS | Num. 23:13
Balak
is so desperate that he really thinks a
simple change in location is going to change
the mind of God and the ability of Balaam
to utter a curse.
But
the thing is, a change of scenery doesn’t
change the will of God. And we do this—we
think that if we can just move schools,
change jobs, move to another city, change
churches, then things will get better. And
maybe they do for a little while, but once
the excitement of the newness wears o£,
we quickly realize that the grass ain’t
greener on this side. A lot of the time,
we will find that trying to solve the same
problems will now be even more di£icult
in this new location because we’ve piled
on even more distractions over the root
issues in our hearts, so it’s going to require
more e£ort to dig to the center. One
of the best pieces of advice I got from
one of my mentors when I was struggling
in my marriage early on was, “Water your
own grass.” It wasn’t what I wanted to hear,
but she was right. I had to nurture what
was right in front of me. I had to let God
do some work on my heart. It took some time,
but I’m so glad that I didn’t fiee, because
God had greater plans that I couldn’t see.
Heart Check.
Are
you watering your own grass? Or are you
looking to change locations without changing
your heart?
**If
you are in a toxic, abusive, or dangerous
environment, please get help. That is very
di£erent from the general discontentment
we are addressing here.**
TRUE
RELATIONSHIP | Num. 24
In
the end, we see across the board here that
God can use anyone and anything to allow
His purpose to prevail. It’s important to
catch this, because we can assume that just
because someone has spiritual gifts, it
doesn’t mean those gifts are partnered with
the grace and humility that would make a
person Christlike. Remember, in the end,
there are people who will declare their
use of Christ’s name and their gifts of
prophecy and their ability to cast out demons
and work miracles.
Yet
they have not established a relationship
with Him, so He will say, “I knew you not.”
What a tragedy that would be. So one of
the greatest Heart Checks we can do on the
daily is this one.
Do
you truly have a relationship with Christ?
POTS
OF COMPROMISE | Num. 25:1
What
we will quickly begin to see is that Israel’s
greatest threat does not come from an external
enemy but rather an internal corruption.
And the enemy knows this, so he’s not going
to show up with his little headband of horns,
a red cape and a pitchfork. Instead, he
is going to be disguised as an angel of
light. And he’s not always barred from entering
in our sacred spaces, so sometimes the greatest
destruction comes from internal corruption
that begins with simple compromise but quickly
spirals into full blown sin.
It’s
like the frog in the pot. If the water is
boiling, it’ll jump right out. But if you
slowly turn up the heat, it won’t know that
it’s being boiled alive. Heart Check.
Are
you beginning to boil in a pot of compromise?
Are you able to recognize the potential
destructive consequences it could be?
STANDING
FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS | Num. 25:8
Phineas
is so deeply contrasted with the life of
Balaam. Balaam straddled the line between
selfishness and righteousness, wanting the
best of both worlds, and because of this,
he ended up losing out in the end. But here
we have Phineas, who takes a hard stand
for righteousness, despite what the popular
opinion might be, and he manages to stop
the plague. While others may have taken
a stand, God honors his righteous act and
used it to make a huge di£erence.
Heart Check.
Are
you able to take a bold stand for what is
right, even when the popular opinion is
against it? How do you deal with it?
SPEARING
THE SIN | Num. 25:8
Phineas
literally stopped this sin in its tracks
by spearing it. Sometimes, this is what
it takes, for if we “allow” sin to continue
creeping at the door of our temple, it’s
going to destroy us. Heart Check.
Is
there anything at the door ofyour temple
that needs to be speared?
Deep
Dive
Why
does Balaam continue to go along with Balak’s
plan? What does this say about manipulation
of God’s will?
What
might God’s greater plan be in Balaam’s
oracles?
Do
you see attempts to curse God’s people and
plans in modern day?
Do
these oracles bring comfort and encouragement
to your life?
Does
your view of Balaam change as you read about
him? In what way?
Were
Phineas’ actions justified? How do we balance
this with the command against violence?
Thank
you that no matter how hard one may try,
they will never be able to thwart your purpose
and plans nor can they revoke your blessings.
Your favor, protection, provision and grace
prevails. We see that because the enemy
knows he can’t win the battle against us
physically, he will resort to a spiritual
attack, so I pray that we will be girded
up today, not encapsulated by fear, but
armored in faith and the sureness of salvation.
Thank you for that divine favor as your
children.
Forgive
us for the times we have ever demanded our
own way, or straddled the line between righteousness
and selfishness. We know that we cannot
have one foot in the world and one foot
out and expect that to receive anything
more than second best. Help us not to settle
for that the way that Balaam did. We don’t
want the best of both worlds but only the
best of your world.
I
pray that unless we are in a place where
we shouldn’t be, that you will help us to
water our own grass and appreciate the place
we are in and the people who are in it with
us. Help us to have eyes that see through
the lenses of your heart. Help us to nurture
the very gifts that you have given to us
so that we can build up our own sphere rather
than looking for a new one, for we know
that it won’t change anything in the end
unless there is a transformation in our
own heart. So do what you need to do within
us so that we can be the change we wish
to see in our spaces.
Thank
you for always turning what the enemy intends
for evil into good, and for turning curses
into blessings. We know that we are covered
by the blood, so there is no curse that
is uttered that can touch us. We are children
of the Most High and have divine protection.
Thank
you for being the God of truth—every word
you speak and every promise you utter will
come to pass. You will not change your mind,
so we set our hope on that today. I pray
that when we begin to doubt that, we can
come back to these words and declare that
you are the same God who brought us up out
of our own personal Egypt and gave us a
new name. And because so, we can camp under
your banner and live a blessed life of abundance.
This doesn’t necessarily mean we will be
rich monetarily or have the biggest houses
or fastest cars. But we will have a joy
unspeakable, a peace that surpasses all
understanding, and a life of contentment
that most in this world would never even
begin to understand. But even then, we know
that our real reward awaits us in heaven,
and we look forward to that day.
We
thank you today for future victory. For
anyone who is growing weary, I pray that
you will give them supernatural rest and
refreshment and that you will remind them
that breakthrough is on the horizon. Your
plan for us is always good, and we trust
in that today. Thank you for unconditional
love that was so keenly on display. It’s
the same love that you pour out unto us.
We
also thank you for this stark reminder that
your holiness cannot tolerate unrighteousness.
Yes, you give us grace, but if we continue
down a road of rebellion, you will intervene
in your zeal for us. So help us to always
be in fervent pursuit of holiness, knowing
that it will bring peace and favor into
our lives.
Help
us to be a people that takes a bold stand
against unrighteousness, as guided by your
Holy Spirit. We never want to react to anything
irrationally, but if righteous anger is
warranted, we pray you will give us the
discernment and wisdom in how to react.
We never want to shy away from taking a
stand, allowing the pot of compromise to
begin to boil, knowing that destruction
is on the other side. So help us to have
eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart that
is willing to fight this battle with you
at the helm.
In
chapter 26, God commands Moses and Eleazar
to take a second census of every man over
twenty who can go to war. Each tribal unit
is listed, along with family groupings and
notable persons. The total number of men
is 601,730. God gives instructions on how
to divide the land that is to be an inheritance
for each tribe. Each tribe will receive
land proportionate to the size of their
tribe, either large or small, and determined
by lot within those categories. The Levites
are given no inheritance, and their men
number 23,000. The Lord reminds Moses and
Eleazar that none of the old generation
will enter into the Promised Land except
Caleb and Joshua.
In
chapter 27, five daughters of Zelophehad
come to Moses with the concern of having
no land inheritance due to there being no
brothers in their family to claim it. Therefore,
their father’s name would not continue.
Moses goes to the Lord with this case, and
He declares that the daughters should rightfully
receive their father’s inheritance. This
becomes the standard for future cases like
this. If there are no daughters, the land
will transfer to the man’s brothers, and
if there are no brothers, then to his uncles
If he has no uncles, the inheritance will
go to the nearest kinsman. The Lord takes
Moses to the top of Mt. Abarim to view the
Promised Land and reminds him why he will
not enter it. Concerned for the people,
Moses pleads for a new leader for the people.
The Lord directs Moses to lay hands on Joshua,
whom His Spirit rests on, and present him
to the congregation as Moses’ successor.
Thus Joshua is commissioned as the one who
will lead the people into the Promised Land.
PREPARING
FOR BATTLE | Num. 26:1-4
Here
God is calling for the second census, this
time of the new generation that will not
just be freely entering into the Promised
Land but conquering it. They are going to
engage in warfare in order to take hold
of the promise.
Sound
familiar?
Until
we walk into our Promised Land, we too,
will be engaging in all kinds of spiritual
warfare, so this census is significant for
us as well, because it tells us that God
is a God of preparation. He doesn’t just
fling us into battle and say, “Good luck.”
He gives us everything we need right here
in the Bible to be able to fight the battles
and win.
Because
Jesus already won the war. We just have
some cleaning up to do while we live on
this earth. Heart Check.
How
is God preparing you to enter into the Promised
Land? Have you taken inventory lately of
your strengths and weaknesses, and gifts
and talents, your people, the blessings
ahead, or God's promises that will lead
you in?
STAGNANCY
| Num. 26
What’s
pretty incredible here is that over 38 years,
the population remained stagnant, just as
their journey did. No growth, no forward
movement.
And
if you contrast that with the population
boom from the time they walked into Egypt
with only 70 persons to the time they marched
out with millions, we can’t help but question
why. The whole time they were in Egypt,
they were living under oppression and slavery,
yet there must’ve been comfort in this affliction,
as they kept their eyes on God.
But
here in the wilderness, where God was providing
for, protecting, and guiding them, they
had the greatest lapse in faith—and therefore
they didn’t grow. We have seen this with
the church—in times of great persecution
there has also seen great revival. So take
heart today if you are feeling the pressure
or dealing with opposition.
The
Lord is with you, protecting you, guiding
you, and giving you everything you need
to get through the pressing season.
But
if that isn’t you, let's do a Heart Check.
Are
you in a season of growth or are you feeeling
stuck or stagnant?
FAITHFUL
STEPS | Num. 27:1-11
These
women have definitely gone down in history
as women of faith. They don’t yet hold the
promise—the land they’re fighting for is
not yet in their hands. It’s almost like
a dream home. Yet they are implementing
the statement of, “It’s not IF but WHEN.”
Sometimes we stop short of the promise simply
because we have failed to take hold of it
prior to entering in.Heart check.
What
"dream" are you working towards
in faith? What steps are you taking to make
it happen?
VIGILANCE
| Num. 27:12-14
Even
though Moses and Aaron will not lose out
on their eternal life, they are missing
out on the blessings they could’ve had while
here on earth. The lesson here for us is
that our sin can and will a£ect both
our ultimate reward and usefulness in the
kingdom while here on earth. Thinking otherwise
would be careless and presumptuous of His
grace.
You
will also see in the Bible that the ones
who were some of the more advanced leaders,
like Moses, Noah, David and Solomon, all
fell in the latter days. So this serves
as a warning for us—not to make us fearful
nor is it meant to condemn anyone. But it
serves to remind us that fear of the Lord
is the beginning of wisdom (Pr. 9:10) and
this should make us ever more vigilant as
we continue throughout our faith journey.
Heart Check.
As
you grow stronger in your faith, do you
find yourself being more or less vigilant?
Deep
Dive
Why
was the census necessary? What was God preparing
them for?
What
significance does the increase and decrease
in certain tribes hold?
What
can we learn from the overall obedience
and disobedience of the Israelites?
How
is God’s faithfulness on display in this
reading today? Does this strengthen your
faith?
Why
do you think women were initially left out
of the inheritance? What is revealed about
God’s character in the change of the Law?
What
does the commissioning of Joshua show us
about God’s heart for leadership?
Heavenly
Father, we thank you for our Good Shepherd
and leader.
Jesus,
thank you for continuing to lead us by your
Holy Spirit every single moment of our lives.
We look forward to the day that we get to
follow you into the Promised Land, but until
then, we will focus on our tasks at hand
and the lives we are living here on earth.
We
never want to ignore the commissioning that
has been placed on us in the name of “waiting
on Jesus.” We want to be in active pursuit
of your holy and high calling. I pray that
we never become so lax that we inadvertently
fall right before the finished line. Help
us always to remain vigilant and watchful
so that we do not fall weak where we thought
we were simply covered by grace. We know
that while we are not condemned, we are
still responsible for our sin and will still
have consequences. It isn’t punishment from
you, but an opportunity to learn from and
to teach others what not to do. Help us
to see it for what it is.
We
know that every day we walk this earth,
we are to prepare for the spiritual battles
that lie ahead. We do not need to fear,
because we know that you are with us and
that you fight for us. But this does not
mean we don’t ready ourselves. We need to
put on the full armor of God so that when
that evil day comes, we will be able to
stand our grand (Eph. 5:10-18). Show us
what we need to do in preparation. What
might we need to take a census of?
Thank
you, that despite our lapses in faith or
failure to trust you, you still preserve
and protect us. But I pray that we won’t
settle for less than your best. So keep
our hearts motivated to keep moving forward
and toward you. We want to have a growth
mentality and not just one of existence.
I pray that every person will see their
value in the advancement of the kingdom
and the role that they have in it.
But
even if we do fall short or miss out on
the earthly reward because of our own shortcomings,
we still hold on to the promise that what
lies ahead of us is far greater than even
the greatest thing we ever experienced during
this lifetime. So help us to continue taking
steps of faith and courage like the daughters
of Zelophehad. Thank you Father for showing
us how much you cared about them and how
much you still care about us today.
I
pray that we will have a healthy view of
leadership today and understand the spiritual
qualifications that go with it. You don’t
take it lightly, so I pray that we won’t
either. But again, help us to honor those
you do commission into those places of honor.
Increase
our respect and love for them, and may we
be ones who continue to keep them uplifted
for we know the heavy burden and responsibility
they will carry, and that they can’t do
it alone.
But
thank you Jesus for being our Good Shepherd,
the one who will lead us home.
Numbers
28-29 provides details for the religious
calendar the Israelites will follow once
they enter into the Promised Land. Numbers
30 addresses vows and the
In
chapter 28, the Lord gives the new generation
guidelines for their seasonal sacrifices
and offerings for the various festivals.
Each day, they are to bring an unblemished
male lamb, both in the morning and in the
evening. A grain and drink offering
are to accompany it. Each week on the Sabbath
day, an additional offering of two
lambs a year old without blemish, along
with their grand and drink offerings
is to be made. Each month, an additional
burnt offering of two young bulls,
one ram, seven unblemished one-year-old
lambs and their grain and drink offerings
are to be made, along with a male goat for
atonement. The Passover, Feast of Unleavened
Bread, and the Feast of Weeks are to be
celebrated on their respective dates. No
work is to be done on the prescribed days,
and the proper offerings are to be
made.
In
chapter 29, the Lord restates the guidelines
of the festivals that are to be celebrated
each year. The Feast of Trumpets is to be
held on the first day of the seventh month.
This holy convocation commences with the
blowing of the trumpet and additional offerings
are made. No one is to work on this day.
The Day of Atonement is the most holy day,
to be held on the tenth day of the seventh
month, as a solemn day of rest, refiection,
and self-denial. Additional offerings
are to be made and no work is to be done.
The Feast of Booths is a seven-day celebration
beginning on the fifteenth day of the seventh
month. No work is to be done, and additional
sacrifices of various animals are to be
brought, as prescribed, each day.
In
chapter 30, Moses reminds the leaders that
any vows that are made shall be carried
out. The only exceptions are vows made by
women, either under the headship of their
father or husband, who may disavow their
vow. In doing so, the woman would be forgiven
by God. Divorced or widowed women’s vows
are to remain in effect. If a husband
remains silent, his wife’s vow will also
stand. If a husband who remains silent tries
to nullify the vow at a later date, he will
bear the responsibility of the vow.
ALTAR
IT | Num. 28:1-2
If
you’ve ever smelled burning fiesh, it isn’t
the mouth-watering aroma of a backyard barbecue.
For the human nose, it is something detestable.
But
to God, it is a pleasing aroma, because
He smells more than the brewing molecules.
For Him, it’s a scent of our willingness
to die to self and be set free.
When
we altar our flesh, we are saying no to
what is pleasurable for only a season and
choosing to be spiritually minded. We are
choosing Him. And the degree to which we
do that will be the degree to which we experience
His glory and presence. But if we’re letting
our fieshly tendencies (a.k.a. sin) hang
out at the party, we’re only going to wake
up with a headache each day. Heart Check.
Are
you experiencing His glory? Is there something
of you flesh that needs to be placed on
the altar?
DAILY
SACRIFICE | Num. 28:3
Your
translation might read “continually.”
This
means the sacrifices were to be made every
single day in perpetuity so that they could
receive atonement for their sins. Because
not only is God a God of order but also
consistency. And He knows how disorderly
and inconsistent we tend to be when left
to our own devices. But if we operate within
His boundary lines, we will be safe, under
His covering, and within earshot of His
voice.
And
this requires sacrifice, even for us today.
Imagine
if we weren’t sacrificing some time each
day to study His Word, how would we hear
His voice?
Or
if we weren’t sacrificing a little bit of
sleep to wake up a little earlier to have
that devotional time? What about the sacrifice
of our own pride so that we can humble ourselves
and seek forgiveness?
Sometimes
we have to sacrifice friends or lifestyles
so that we can pursue holiness. This is
what it means to take up your cross daily
and follow Him, and in turn, we will have
unhindered access through the grace that
Jesus gives to us. Once we understand that
anything we lay down as a sacrifice belongs
to Him anyway, how much more freedom we
will have to celebrate it! Heart Check.
What
sacrifice(s) do you bring each day?
FINAL
SACRIFICE | Num. 28
In
the end, remember that this sacrificial
system was but a shadow for the coming of
the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus (Col. 2:17).
He fulfills every single one of these offerings,
and there is nothing that we can bring other
than our surrendered selves to the altar
in order to receive that atonement and forgiveness.
So if reading this is hard for you, imagine
our Father’s heart when His Son was on that
cross. I don’t think we understand the gravity
of it and how these sacrifices paled in
comparison to what He did for us. Heart
Check.
Do
you have a greater understanding of what
Jesus' final sacrifice truly meant?
CALL
TO REPENTANCE | Num. 29:1-6
The
blowing of shofar or the ram’s horn was
a call to repentance for the Israelites.
They had a physical reminder. Romans 2:4
says that it’s God’s kindness that is intended
to lead us to repentance, yet many presume
that His favor means we must be doing alright.
But if we fail to recognize this, we are
showing contempt for His patience, forgiveness
and kindness. Heart Check.
What
leads you to repentance? A guilty conscience?
Or the kindness of our Father?
RHYTHM
| Num. 29:12-40
One
of two things probably happened while reading
these passages.
Either
you got impatient and skipped over it, whether
physically or mentally, or you found yourself
caught up in the rhythm of it. I think that’s
the greater message for us—that God not
only has order and consistency, but also
a rhythm.
The
dawning of a new day has a rhythm, just
as the setting of the sun. Our hearts beat
in rhythm. We breathe in rhythm. So this
tells me that God has already molded us
to work in rhythm. Is the rhythm of repeating
that word starting to sound funny to you?
When the Israelites followed the Lord’s
pattern and walked in step with Him, they
would advance. But the moment they started
marching to their own beat, they went off
course.
So
what can we do to create more rhythm in
our lives?
Each
day, we carve out that time to spend in
His word and in prayer– that’s our daily
devotion. Each week, if we take that one
day to devote to fellowship, worship, and
rest—it’ll be an opportunity to trust that
He will continue to work while we don’t.
Each month, we can sit down and reassess
what we did well, where we can improve,
and plan for the days ahead. I’m a believer
in treating each day as if it’s the new
year, where we can have new vision, new
goals, and new refreshment. Because if we
only allow one day a year to do that, we
will always feel as though we have somehow
failed at some point. And our God is not
a God of failure. Heart Check.
Does
your life have rhythm? How can you create
more rhythm in your life?
Deep
Dive
Do
you still see a significance in daily, weekly,
monthly and seasonal offerings today?
How
did these sacrifices and celebrations foster
unity within the communities? How do we
do this within our own communities?
How
does each festival display the relationship
God has with His people?
How
does these festivals foster a sense of identity,
and what similar ways do we see this within
the church today and also within your own
culture?
What
modern day obstacles might keep you from
being able to implement rest, self-denial,
and community festivals into your life?
Why
do you think vows are not held to such a
sacred standard anymore?
Heavenly
Father, thank you for the perfect sacrifice
of Jesus.
Thank
you for helping us to see how it weighed
so heavily on your heart and for showing
us just a glimpse of the gravity of it.
Today we have a better understanding of
the sacredness of time and sacrifice and
also the orderly and consistent nature of
your heart. For anyone who is struggling
with this, I pray that you will open their
eyes and hearts to be able to see and understand
a little better. It may not make sense to
us in its entirety, but we will choose to
trust you anyway. For in doing so, this
will strengthen our faith and bring us closer
to your Divinity.
Please
continue to show us how we can live our
lives in a way that honors and worships
you. I pray that we will foster unity within
our own places of fellowship as we learn
and worship together.
If
there is anything we need to bring to the
altar that we are not aware of, I pray that
you will show us today. Any part of our
flesh that we have not laid down in surrender
to you, may we do so today with humility
and reverence.
Thank
you for your kindness that leads us to repentance.
You have given us more mercy and second
chances than we could ever deserve, and
that just shows how good you really are.
I pray that we will not ignore the shofar
that sounds in our hearts through the quickening
in our hearts and conviction of your Holy
Spirit. May our ears be tuned to the key
of your horn so that we do not miss it.
And where there is an opportunity to repent,
may we do so quickly and without hesitation.
I
pray that we can all find a rhythm in our
lives that marches to your beat. Each day
may we take the time to spend with you in
devotion and prayer. Help us to trust you
enough to be able to take a day of rest,
where we can come together in fellowship,
worship and celebration. We never want it
to be legalistic or religious, but rather
an opportunity for freedom that you designed
from the beginning.
If
any of us are feeling the conviction to
fast or deny ourselves of anything, I pray
that this will be that confirmation through
this prayer, and may we heed that prompting
for whatever you are calling us to do. We
are so thankful for your providence, provision,
and deliverance that we can celebrate on
the daily. While seasonal festivals and
celebrations are wonderful for communities
to come together with one heart and one
mind, we get to do that every day with you
Jesus. So thank you for that.
And
thank you for fulfilling all of this, so
that we can live freely.
Thank
you for giving us peace in the midst of
our chaos. But I pray that we will all do
our part so that we can have order in our
lives. Help us to be organized and consistent
in our daily, weekly and monthly doings.
We want to reflect your character, and you
are not a mess. So help us to clean our
messes, whether physically or spiritually.
Thank
you for reminding us how important our spoken
words are. I pray that we will be more thoughtful
before we commit ourselves to anything.
Help us to understand the weight of our
words. Help us also to be more reliable
in our fulfillment of anything we might
promise. We know that integrity and accountability
are huge parts of your kingdom and your
nature, so help us to have more of it.
Thank
you, Jesus, for interceding on our behalf
and bearing the weight of our failures and
allowing us to be forgiven. Thank you for
always keeping your Word. Every promise
you make and every Word you speak never
returns void, so we will continue to stand
on the truth of all that you say.
Numbers
31-32 captures the forward movement of Israel
as they begin to go to war against the inhabitants
of the Promised Land.
In
chapter 31, the Lord commands Moses to go
to war against the Midianites before he
dies. Moses calls for 1,000 armed men from
each tribe, with a total of 12,000 going
to war along with Eleazar’s son Phineas,
the holy vessels, and the trumpets. Every
male Midianite is killed, including the
kings and Balaam, with every woman and child
taken captive. They plunder the cities and
bring the spoils to their camp. In his anger,
Moses rebukes them for keeping the women
alive and commands that all male children
and non-virgin women be killed while virgin
females can remain with them.
Those
who slay any Midianites are commanded to
remain outside the camp for seven days to
purify themselves, their captives, and all
their articles. The Lord commands Moses
to divide the plunder equally between the
men of war and the rest of the Israelites
while taking a portion of it for the priests
and Levites. The commanding o£icers
report back to Moses that every Israelite
man has returned alive, and they bring a
voluntary o£ering of gold for their
atonement.
In
chapter 32, the tribes of Reuben and Gad
request to settle east of the Jordan in
the fertile land of Jazer and Gilead, for
their fertile lands are most suitable for
their large population of livestock. Worried
that this may discourage the rest of the
Israelites from crossing over into Canaan,
he reminds them of the Lord’s anger against
their fathers when they refused to enter
into the Promised Land. The men propose
that if they are allowed to settle their
families, the fighting men will cross over
to go to battle until their possession of
the land is complete.
Moses
agrees on the condition that they uphold
their end. If not, they are to take their
possession in Canaan. Therefore the land
of Jazer and Gilead is assigned to the tribes
of Reuban, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh,
and they begin building their cities.
In
chapter 32, the tribes of Reuben and Gad
request to settle east of the Jordan in
the fertile land of Jazer and Gilead, for
their fertile lands are most suitable for
their large population of livestock. Worried
that this may discourage the rest of the
Israelites from crossing over into Canaan,
he reminds them of the Lord’s anger against
their fathers when they refused to enter
into the Promised Land. The men propose
that if they are allowed to settle their
families, the fighting men will cross over
to go to battle until their possession of
the land is complete.
Moses
agrees on the condition that they uphold
their end. If not, they are to take their
possession in Canaan. Therefore the land
of Jazer and Gilead is assigned to the tribes
of Reuban, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh,
and they begin building their cities.
PURIFICATION
| Num. 31:21-24
Notice
that it takes both the water of purification
and fire to fully purify the most precious
articles of gold. The Bible says that we
are more precious than gold (Psalm 19:10),
so this is why we too go through a purification
process.
The
washing comes through our reading of the
Word, as it begins to convict our hearts,
as we increase in love and grace, and it
strengthens us. But it’s in the passing
through the fire where we can see the real
results of this transformation. Gold straight
out of the mines is soft and malleable.
But
once you take it to the fire, it melts down
but comes out with a new strength. And the
amazing thing is that gold, even in the
melting, is indestructible.
It’s
the same for us. I know the fiery trials
are hard, but you will not be destroyed.
He’s walking through the fire with you,
and you will come out stronger. Heart Check.
Where
are you in the purification process? Or
being passed through the fire? Do you trust
that you will come out stronger?
HEART
OF GIVING | Num. 31:25-31
The
Lord has blessed the Israelites abundantly,
and here He is, like any good parent, telling
them to share. A portion is to be given
back to God with a joyful heart of gratitude,
and another portion given to the people.
Ultimately, He knows that when we become
more giving and less greedy, we will become
more joyful and less anxious. Heart Check.
When
the Lord blesses you, do you give a portion
back to Him and bless other people?
MAKING
MEMORIES | Num. 31:54
I
love how, in the end, these o£icers
are so grateful for God’s divine protection
upon them. And look what they do—to express
that gratitude, they give! But not only
that, they build a memorial so that they
will never forget. They are making sure
that they’re making good memories.
How
fickle the human mind can be—how we tend
to hold on to the bad and quickly forget
when and how God protected and brought us
out of something. This is why I am a proponent
of journaling and writing things down. I
don’t know how many times I went back to
my journals and was blown away by how much
I forgot God's goodness in my life. The
smallest details will quickly fade if we
don’t make a memorial. Heart Check.
What
invades your memories? Are they mostly good
or bad? How can you begin to make good memories
today?
IN
THE SHALLOWS | Num. 32:1-5
This
is an interesting situation because as Christians,
we are taught to learn to be content and
grateful for where we are and for what we
have. At face value, it seems as though
these tribes have that kind of heart when
they say, “You know what, this land is good
enough for us. We don’t need to go any further.”
But
the problem lies in the fact that they are
stopping short of the promise. God instructed
them to cross the Jordan into Canaan, but
they’re settling for the “good enough” in
Transjordan. They’re choosing comfort over
commitment and abundance over obedience.
And sadly, when you settle on the outside
of the promise, you will be the first that
the enemy will be able to pick o£,
and this is exactly what will happen when
the Syrians and Assyrians come to attack.
Because they stop short, they will be the
first to be infiuenced by pagan Greek culture.
It’s on this side of the Jordan where there’s
later a thriving pig industry—remember the
story of Legion? Heart Check.
Are
you all in and willing to go further into
the deep? Or are you stopping short of the
promise and hanging out in the shallows?
JUMPING
TO CONCLUSIONS | Num. 32:6-7
Moses
assumes that they’re trying to shirk their
duty of fighting—he’s assuming their motives
and jumping to this wrong conclusion before
he even gets all the facts. Heart Check.
Do
you jump to conclusions about people? Or
do you give them the benefit of the doubt?
ZEALOUS
SERVICE | Num. 32:17
These
tribes could easily put their stakes into
the ground and said, “We’re done. We found
our place. Fighting isn’t going to benefit
us, so we aren’t gonna help anymore.” They
could’ve just sailed o£ into the sunset.
But they didn’t. They tucked their families
in and promised to continue helping their
brothers get the job done. And this can
happen to us—where we begin serving with
zeal and passion, and blessings begin to
fiow, and all of a sudden, you somehow think
you deserve this and that, and now service
is somehow beneath you.
But
remember, the more we get, the more will
be expected. Heart Check.
Have
you lost your zeal in serving? Do you only
help when it benefits you? Or do you lend
a hand even when you will be getting nothing
out of it?
Deep
Dive
Did
you find today’s reading of chapter 31 difficult
in terms of understanding God’s justice
in comparison to His love? How can you reconcile
this?
What
do you view as the greatest threat to Christians?
Why
is purification so necessary after warfare?
Do
you agree with the division of the plunder?
Do
you think the tribes of Reuben and Gad were
trying to avoid war?
Heavenly
Father, we hear the call to go into the
deep with you.
As
we take steps and begin to feel the immersion,
I pray that we will not fear the unknown.
We never want to stop short of the promise
by hanging out in the shallows, so please
continue to reveal to us where we’re going,
how to get there, and what we are called
to do along the way. May we never get caught
in a place of complacency or settling for
the good enough. We know that a life of
true abundance is a life lived in your Promise.
We commit ourselves fully to you and declare
that we are all in. So I pray that we will
walk in obedience.
We
recognize the blessings that surround us
today, and we are so grateful for what you
have given to us. I pray we never lose the
heart of a servant, even when you continue
to pour out into our lives. May we never
think that we are above service or that
we should somehow demand compensation—you
will reward us if we are faithful, and we
trust that. So I pray that we will joyfully
serve, even when it doesn’t benefit us.
We want to be a people who are generous,
not just with money, but with our time and
the spiritual gifts that you have given
us. Show us who we can help today, for we
know that we are blessed so that we can
be a blessing.
We
know that as long as we are walking on this
earth, we will be fighting battles. Thank
you for leading us, protecting us, and fighting
with and for us. Help us not be so fearful
of the battle that we hang out on the sidelines.
We want to be workers in the kingdom. For
some of us, that means holding down the
fort at home. For others, it means going
into ministry or being a light in the workplace
or in school. Each one of us has a unique
calling, and they will be rewarded, as long
as we are faithful to it. So for those who
feel unseen, I pray that you will show them
how valuable they truly are.
I
pray that our memories will be full of your
glory and goodness and less trauma and negativity.
Help us to take our thoughts captive and
not allow the wounds and bruises to continue
to fester and take up room in our minds.
Help us to heal from our past so that we
can walk boldly and freely into our future.
Thank
you for reminding us today that the beginnings
of sin need to be dealt with just as swiftly
as when we are in the thick of it. We know
that the devil comes to steal, kill, and
destroy, and he will lure us in with things
that may seem innocent or “not so bad,”
but may we be wise as serpents and innocent
as doves, recognizing threats at their roots
and resisting them. May we never think that
we are strong enough to handle something
when we know very well that we can easily
be overtaken as our sin hunts us down and
overtakes us. But thank you that you are
swifter than even our sin, and when we do
fall, you are quick to forgive and even
forget. Oh how grateful we are for the gift
of restoration from our wicked ways. Purify
us today by water and by fire, for we know
that we will come out stronger because of
it.
Numbers
33-34 gives a detailed account of the Israelites
journey from the time of their exodus out
of Egypt to the border of the Promised Land.
Chapter
34 defines the borders of the land that
God has given them.
In
chapter 33, Moses records the stages of
Israel’s journey from the time they departed
Egypt, under the command of Moses and Aaron
and ultimately God, to the border of the
Promised Land. Forty-two (42) stops are
recorded including noteworthy locations
like Succoth, Marah, the Red Sea, Mt. Sinai,
and Kadesh. While in the plains of Moab,
the Lord commands that all the inhabitants
In chapter 34, the Lord defines the borders
of the Promised Land to extend from the
Wilderness of Zin alongside Edom in the
south, to the Mediterranean Sea in the west,
to Mount Hor up north, to the Jordan River
and Salt Sea in the east. Moses reminds
the people of the nature of the distribution
of the land by lot, with the exception of
Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh,
who already received their inheritance to
the east of the Jordan. The Lord appoints
Eleazar and Joshua and one chief from every
tribe to allocate the land accordingly.of
Canaan be driven out and all items and places
of idolatry destroyed. He warns that should
they not do this, they will be troubled
by the Canaanites left to dwell among them.
TRIUMPHANT
DEPARTURE | Num. 33:3
While
the Israelites spent 400+ years under the
yoke of slavery in Egypt, I love how this
says that they went out triumphantly. This
tells me that the way we go out is far more
important than how we entered in.
Because
we come into this world as sinners, and
while we will still depart as sinners, the
hope is that we do so triumphantly– covered
by grace, and welcomed home by our Jesus.
But until then, we can work on this in our
current situations—how we leave jobs, relationships,
communities, anything that we are a part
of, truly matters. Heart Check.
How
do you leave places, stages, or relationships?
What are you doing to ensure a triumphant
departure from this life?
RECORD
OF WRONGS | Num. 33:1-49
Notice
that in the forty years of records here,
there is not one mention of the Israelites’
grumbling, complaining, or lack of belief.
There
is no record of wrongdoing.
And
that’s the way it is with our Father. Part
of His definition of love is that it does
not hold a record of wrongs. So, if He doesn’t
do that with us, neither should we with
others. I know it isn’t easy, but it is
one of the most freeing things you can do,
when you forgive and forget. This doesn’t
mean you subject yourself to abuse, but
continuing to allow the hurt to remain in
your heart and mind is a form of abuse that
we are inflicting upon ourselves. Sometimes
this takes professional help to be able
to truly heal. But if God commands it, we
must listen. Heart Check. Do you have a
record of wrongdoings in your heart?
Do
you hacve a record of wrongdoings in your
heart?
DRIVE
IT OUT |Num. 33:50-54
The
Lord’s purpose in driving out the current
tenants of the land is two-fold. First,
this is a judgment on Canaan and the 400
years of idolatry and immorality they have
been living with.
This
fulfills the curse spoken over them in Gen.
9:25. But secondly, the Lord is clearing
out all wickedness and giving the Israelites
a clean slate to be able to freely live
in this land and worship Him without compromise.
We will see Paul talk about this in Colossians
3, when he says that in order to put on
the new self, we have to put to death whatever
is earthly within us—sexual immorality,
covetousness, anger, gossip, lying, among
other things. And we are to replace it with
holiness, compassion, kindness, humility,
patience, and forgiveness. Heart Check.
What
is the Lord commanding you to drive out
ofyour life?
WHERE
HAVE YOU BEEN | Num. 33
This
chapter serves as a beautiful depiction
of what it will be like at the bema seat
of Christ, where we will stand before Him
and give an account for our lives.
From
the beginning of time, God would ask the
question, “Where are you?” or “Where have
you been?” And just as He knew then where
Adam was and where Satan had been, He will
ask us the same question, so that we will
be able to account for all the times where
He rescued us, and every little thing that
we forgot we ever did, both good and bad.
And I believe He will ask this of us so
that we will understand why we are being
rewarded and also so that once and for all,
when He throws our sins into the fire and
into the sea of forgetfulness, we will finally
understand the fullness of His grace. But
we don’t need to wait until then. Heart
Check.
If
the Lord asked you today, "Where have
you been"? What would your answer be?
BOUNDARIES
| Num. 34:1-13
When
we look at our lives, there are boundaries
everywhere.
When
we’re babies, we’re put in playpens, homes
and businesses have locked doors, some neighborhoods
have gated entries, in schools and at work,
we have rules to follow.
Anything
that is well-defined has a set of borders
around it. Otherwise, there would always
be questions about who owns what, who’s
supposed to take the trash out, how do I
do this assignment?
Borders
give us definition, a sense of identity,
protection, security, and order. Even sin
by way of transgression is stepping over
a boundary line.
So
if there is any chaos or issues in your
life, it’s usually because there was either
a breach or a lack of a well-defined border.
Heart Check.
Are
there any borders in your life that need
to be defined?
Deep
Dive
Why
do you think God wrote down their journey?
How can this be helpful for us today?
How
many “stages” of life can you specifically
pinpoint? What marked the entry and departure
out of it? (Consider significant moments
like relationships, jobs, major events,
births, deaths, etc.). What lessons did
you learn from them?
Has
there ever been anything in your life that
you didn’t do right the first time and now
experiencing the irritation of it?
Where
do you see a breakdown in boundary lines
and what issues have arisen from it?
Heavenly
Father, thank you for the inheritance that
you have given us.
We
know that while we have temporary homes
and gifts here on this earth, our ultimate
inheritance rests with you in heaven. While
we are here, I pray that you will help us
to be good stewards of what has been allotted
to us. Everything, from our parents, spouses,
children and friends to physical possessions
or even land, we know it is all a gift from
you. I pray that we will be more mindful
today of the places of we’ve been and where
you are taking us. Help us to memorialize
and recount our own journeys so that we
can see how you have brought us out, protected
us, cared for us, healed us, and carried
us along the way. I pray that we don’t lose
sight of our own “wander years”. Help us
to take note of the lessons we have learned
so that we do not repeat any past mistakes.
And I pray that we will take what we did
well and build upon it.
Thank
you for keeping no record of our wrongs—that’s
part of your definition of love. I pray
that we too can release those who have done
anything to us that continues to take up
real estate in our hearts and minds. Give
us the eraser that you use. Help us to forgive
but also to forget. Because if we continue
to give it citizenship, then it will only
be a thorn. I pray that we will drive it
out like the inhabitants of Canaan. Help
us to do that with anything else in our
lives that may lead us to compromise. I
pray that we do not attempt to make peace
treaties or hold roundtable discussions,
thinking that our fiesh and spirit coexist.
We know it cannot if we truly want that
peace. Give us the tools and strength that
we need to get rid of it. We know that if
we don’t get this right the first time around,
the second or anytime thereafter will be
even more di£icult, and we will only
be wasting time.
Help
us to create clear boundary lines in every
area of our lives so that we can operate
with definition, safety, order and with
a sense of identity. The more questions
we can alleviate, the better off we will
be. Help us to stay within the borders that
you place in our lives but also not fall
short of taking hold, with boldness, everything
within it. You are so generous in how you
give to us, and sometimes we simply can’t
see through the blur of unworthiness.
I
know that every day we journey through this
life, passing through the different
stages, it is an opportunity to grow and
leave better than how we entered in. I pray
that you will show us the way to live triumphantly,
so that when we leave, we will do so not
as slaves but as bold warriors. Thank you
for reminding us of all of this today.
Numbers
35-36 establishes sanctuary cities, the
definition of manslaughter vs. murder, and
the demand to keep the inheritances within
the respective tribes.
In
chapter 35, the Lord commands the Israelites,
through Moses, to give a portion of their
lands to the Levites for cities in which
they can dwell as well as pasturelands for
their livestock.
Within
these 48 cities that are given, 6 are to
be designated refuge cities, three on each
side of the Jordan, where those who have
committed manslaughter may flee. This will
offer protection from their avengers until
they are given a fair trial. They are to
remain within these cities of refuge until
the death of the High Priest, after which
they will be set free. Cases of manslaughter
and murder are defined, and those who commit
murder will be subject to the avengers to
be put to death. Murderers can only be convicted
where there is more than one witness with
credible testimonies.
God
does not allow ransom for a murderer or
anyone who has fied to a refuge city. Because
murder defiles the land, the only means
of cleansing it is through the vengeance
of the murderer’s blood.
In
chapter 36, a concern arises among the leaders
of Zelophehad’s tribe. Because the inheritance
would be given to the daughters, they are
worried that should they marry outside the
tribe, the inheritance would be transferred
to the tribe of the husband, leading to
land redistribution.
Stating
it as a valid concern, Moses commands that
the daughters are free to marry anyone of
their choosing but within their tribe only.
Choosing otherwise would lead to the loss
of their inheritance. Obeying these commands,
the daughters marry their cousins within
the tribe.
INFLUENCE
| Num. 35:1-8
Now
we’re starting to understand God’s purpose
in not giving the Levites a certain allotment
of land. If He were to do that, the Levites
would only live within their holy huddle
and none of the other tribes would have
ministers among them.
This
is why God has dispersed Christians all
over the world—because He wants us to infiuence
it.
So
wherever He has placed you, it is for a
purpose. If you are a stay-at-home mom,
it is so you can raise your children in
the way they should go so that when they
grow older, they will not depart from it.
You have one of the greatest jobs in God’s
economy, for you are raising up the future
generation.
If
you are a teacher, you have been called
to infiuence your students. If you’re a
student, you get to infiuence your friends.
As a royal priesthood, we are all called
to the ministry in one way or another.
Heart
Check.
What
is your station? How can you influence it
for thr kingdom?
IRREVOCABLE
| Num. 36:9
Just
as the Israelites were given this land as
a gift, so have we been given spiritual
gifts and a calling that is unique to us
and irrevocable.
The
Lord will never take it back unless we outright
deny it, and then He might temporarily dispossess
us of those gifts and give them to someone
else who will do with it what He intended.
It’s
the same way He will later drive the Israelites
out of their land and scatter them because
they’re not doing what He called them to
do. But the beautiful thing is, if we come
back, that gift and calling is still rightfully
ours because He promises in Romans 11:29
that “the gifts and calling of God are without
repentance.”
That
land is still rightfully Israel’s, even
if it isn’t in their possession right now.
But
one day it will be. Heart Check.
Is
there anything in your life that you feel
has been revoked? What are you doing to
get it back?
PAST
TEACHERS |Num. 36
How
many of you are leaving the book of Numbers
with a greater appreciation? We thought
there wasn’t much to gain from these readings,
yet I found some of the most convicting
lessons within it.
Later
we will see Paul refer to the book of Numbers
several times, as a way to say, “Here’s
how not to live.” While we are called not
to judge other people, we can most certainly
learn from their past mistakes or experiences,
because experience truly is the best teacher.
Heart Check.
What
are some people or experiences that you
have learned from in the past?
Deep
Dive
How
do you see Jesus portrayed in the cities
of refuge? Are you able to find refuge in
Him?
How
does the definition of manslaughter vs.
murder help you to understand modern day
laws?
How
significant was the death of the High Priest?
How does this concept apply to us?
Does
the giving of land to the Levite’s inspire
your heart of giving?
How
could we implement the concept of cities
of refuge into our society?
Heavenly
Father, thank you for the completion of
another book in the Bible
Thank
you for showing us how we can make our lives
count, even in the midst of our own sojourning.
We see the importance of discipline and
order and are even more aware of the need
to follow your direction knowing that we
will be held accountable.
In
a sense, we are in the same position as
the Israelites here as we camp just outside
the Promised Land, waiting to enter in.
I pray that in being so close to the finish
line, that we will not fall. Help us to
remain disciplined so that we can continue
our forward movement instead of wandering
aimlessly.
Thank
you, Jesus, for being our refuge and strength,
and our ever-present help in trouble. We
are so grateful that you have made accessibility
to the Father so easy for us and give us
the opportunity to dwell in safety and security.
You are the only way, the truth and the
life, so we commit ourselves to staying
on the straight and narrow so that we will
not fall away, whether intentionally or
unintentionally.
Thank
you, that even when we do, you are there
with a grace that overfiows, declaring us
innocent, even though we should be rendered
a guilty verdict. What mercy you have on
us.
I
pray that we all have a healthy view of
the sanctity of life and never take part
in anything that would ever cut someone’s
life short. May we never seek to destroy
reputations or character through gossip,
for we know that our tongues have the power
to kill just as easily.
Help
us to infiuence the world around us, wherever
we are. We all have a sphere of infiuence
that takes no following to be able to be
e£ective. So just as you sprinkled
the Levites throughout the communities,
help us also to understand our placement
all around, as the salt of the earth.
For
those who are unmarried, we pray for their
future spouses. Give them wisdom and discernment
when choosing someone to either date or
marry. I pray they will seek out Godly partners
who they can be equally yoked to. For those
of us who are married and struggling with
an uneven load or burden, only you fix that.
Sometimes
we think we need to preach to our spouse,
but we know that the best way to minister
to their hearts is to simply love, honor,
respect, and cherish them as the gift that
they are from you. Help us to have a greater
appreciation for our spouses today.
We
thank you that our gifts and callings are
without repentance. I pray that if anyone
feels as though they’ve messed it up, that
they will understand that it is still theirs
for the taking if they come back. Give them
the strength to claim it once again.
Prepare
our hearts for the next journey we will
be embarking on, both here in the reading
and within our lives.
Deuteronomy
1-2 begins the final farewell speeches of
Moses, recalling their history as they left
Sinai and wandered in the wilderness.
In
chapter 1, with the Israelites poised on
the east of the Jordan, ready to cross over
into the Promised Land, Moses recalls important
events and locations along their journey
from Mt. Sinai.
The
Lord commands them to take possession of
the land He commands, to appoint leaders
to help in governing, judging, and leading
the people, and to send in spies to assess
the land at the request of the people. Even
though the spies return with fruit, the
people are still fearful and full of doubt
and refuse to enter Canaan because of the
spies’ negative assessment. Because they
rebel against God, He only allows the children
of this unbelieving generation to possess
the land, along with Caleb.
In
shallow repentance, the Israelites decide
to go up and fight, but because God will
not go with them this time, they are defeated.
In
chapter 2, Moses continues to recount the
Israelites’ wilderness journey as they turned
from the Red Sea toward Edom.
Upon
reaching Edom, the Lord reminds them not
to fight with them, for this land does not
belong to them. It is noted that the older
generation has all passed and that the Lord
has been with them along their journey,
providing for their needs the entire way.
They are also told along their journey not
to provoke or battle the Moabites or the
Ammonites but were encouraged to take on
the Amorites, declaring that they would
be victorious over Sihon and Og, which they
were.
DELAYED
OBEDIENCE | Deut. 1:2
Why
is Moses pointing out that the journey from
Horeb to Kadesh-Barnea was only eleven days?
What should’ve taken less than two weeks
took them forty years!
And
it was because of two things—unbelief and
disobedience. This is a great reminder for
us when something seems to be taking longer
than expected. Heart Check.
Do
you feel as though there is a delay on something
in your life? Have you checked if there
is actually a delay in obedience or belief?
DEMANDING
(IN)SIGHT | Deut. 1:22-25
Here
we see a clarification of what happened
in Numbers 13, where God called for the
men to spy out the land.
But
this chapter tells us that it was initiated
by the people, and God simply allowed it.
They wanted proof of the promise. They were
demanding sight where God told them to walk
by faith. We can do this with the Word—we
will accept the things we like and dismiss
the parts we don’t like (hello Numbers),
as if God didn’t speak these words. I’ve
even heard some people say that they think
man or the devil somehow infiltrated the
Bible—but man and the devil are not strong
enough to penetrate the Word of God. And
here at Heart Dive, we stand on the fact
that every word spoken by God is true. And
we are either going to believe what it says,
or we are going to overanalyze and demand
insight where God is calling us to simply
walk on this foundation of faith. Sometimes
we don’t need to understand every little
thing, so don’t beat yourself into unbelief
when you don’t get it. Continue to pray
that the Holy Spirit will reveal Himself
to you—because the greater your faith becomes,
the more you will understand. But the more
you reject this Word as truth and harden
your heart against it, the less you will
understand. Heart Check.
Do
you believe in the inerrant word of God?
Or are you demanding insight where God is
calling you to walk by faith?
ENCOURAGEMENT
| Deut. 1:19-33
Why
is Moses bringing all this back up like
a bad dream?
Remember,
he is speaking to a new generation. These
people were kids when this journey first
began, so this is an encouragement to remember
God’s faithfulness. If he doesn’t encourage
them, then the only other voice will be
one of discouragement. And we know who that
voice comes from. Satan will do everything
he can to make you forget what you should
remember while trying to make you remember
what you should forget. Heart Check.
What
fills your heart today? Encouragement (seeing
God's faithfulness) or discouragement (remembering
sin or past mistakes)?
ENCOURAGE
THEM | Deut. 1:38
Moses
was such an encourager. Even though that
leadership role was being taken from him
and given to Joshua, he still had the heart
to encourage him anyway. He carried the
heart of Jesus, and he knew that he needed
the people to bolster up that encouragement,
because just like us, as soon as we begin
walking in our destiny, here comes the little
ol’ devil to try to knock us from our post.
And
all it takes is one little comment, 10 little
spies, or one little whisper to completely
derail you. It happens to us every day.
We have thousands of promises, reminding
us that we are loved, we are forgiven, we
are worthy, we are precious, we are healed,
we are restored, we are set apart, we are
righteous.
But
it just takes one whisper of, “You’re not
good enough,” or “You’re all alone in this,”
or “He won’t see you through this,” to knock
us off our rocker. This is a call for us
today to be encouragers. There’s enough
noise out there to bring us down. Heart
Check.
When
is the last timeyou've encouraged or complimented
someone? Who can you build up today?
EXCUSES|
Deut. 1:34-40
The
excuse the Israelites made at Kadesh-Barnea
was that their children would be killed
if they went into the Promised Land.
But
once again, this was a false accusation
rooted in unbelief that God would protect
them. They were simply making excuses. And
where our hearts are willing to compromise
on God’s promises, excuses will abound.
Heart Check.
What
excuses are making today to not do what
God is asking of you? Is it rooted in unbelief?
EXCUSES|
Deut. 1:34-40
The
excuse the Israelites made at Kadesh-Barnea
was that their children would be killed
if they went into the Promised Land. But
once again, this was a false accusation
rooted in unbelief that God would protect
them. They were simply making excuses. And
where our hearts are willing to compromise
on God’s promises, excuses will abound.
Heart Check.
What
excuses are you making today to not do what
God is asking of you? Is it rooted in unbelief?
FEED
YOURSELF | Deut. 2:6-8
For
40 years, God has provided for the Israelites.
Everything
they needed, He gave to them. And once they
enter the Promised Land, the manna will
stop. This doesn’t mean He will no longer
provide, it just means He isn’t going to
spoon feed them anymore because now they’re
ready to go to work and to feed themselves.
It’s the same with us spiritually.
When
we first start reading the Word, we need
someone to spoon feed us, because it is
so di£icult to grasp on our own. But
eventually, as we begin to grow in our understanding,
we will be able to now feed ourselves while
also feeding others.
As
you show up daily to read and study His
Word, areyou growing in you maturity and
confidence to be able to feed yourself?
FEED
YOURSELF | Deut. 2
In
the end, we see that there are certain battles
the Lord called the Israelites to fight
and others where he said, “Hands o£.
Keep on walking.”
This
shows us that God’s sovereignty doesn’t
just pertain to them, but to all nations.
Sometimes we put God into such a small box,
thinking that what we can see within our
boundary lines or what we can hear within
earshot is all that truly matters. And when
we do that, we then think we need to go
and handle things because that’s outside
of His scope of dealings.
But
if God isn’t the one calling you to go handle
it, then we are bound by the same command
of “hands off.” Heart Check.
When
you engage in battles, is it because God
has called you to it? Or because you think
that you need to handle it because He isn't.
Deep
Dive
What
do you think these reminders did for the
people of Israel?
What
reminders might we give to the next generation?
How
would you describe Moses’ leadership style?
Would it be e£ective today?
Why
were the Israelites told not to battle certain
tribes. What was their significance?
How
do you view the sovereignty of God? Are
you able to view outside the scope of your
immediate surroundings?
Heavenly
Father, You are so much greater than we
could ever begin to understand
Thank
you for reminding us today, through the
Israelites’ journey, who you are. We could
so easily minimize or diminish this word
today, thinking that it doesn’t apply to
us. But if it declares who you are, and
some of the promises that you have made,
then that means it still holds just as much
value for us, for you have not changed.
I
pray that as we read through the farewell
sermons of Moses, that we do not see it
as a repetition of rules and regulations,
but hold it in the highest regard, as it
was intended to be for these people. Jesus,
you saw the value in it, so I pray that
we will also. These two chapters alone are
already a testament to how important it
is for us to stand with unwavering faith
in our own journeys, knowing that when we
do, we will be victorious.
In
that faith, I pray that we will not delay
our obedience to what you have called us
to do. If we are stuck in the waiting room
of life, it’s either going to be because
you have not yet opened that door or it’s
because we are holding ourselves up in our
own unbelief and disobedience. So please
show us if we are hindering our own advancement.
Give us the courage to step out when you
so go—not a minute too soon or too late.
I
pray that in reading through this book,
that it will be an encouragement to our
hearts. Do not let the devil begin to whisper
words of doubt into our ears, making us
feel that our inability to understand is
because you are not who you say you are,
or that we are somehow less than because
we don’t get it. He will always try to make
us see the bad rather than the good, so
call to our hearts only words of encouragement
and silence all others.
Help
us to be people who help others to hear
your voice through words of encouragement.
We are your mouthpiece, and you do not utter
words of discouragement or criticism or
hatefulness. Only the devil does that, and
we do not want to be his mouthpiece.
Even
amid any doubt or misunderstanding, I pray
that you will increase our faith and faithfulness
to keep showing up anyway to learn. There’s
a reason we all start in kindergarten and
go through 13 years of school before we
ever hit college. Because there’s a progression
in learning and maturity. You don’t expect
us to be experts right away, but you do
expect us to be faithful. Forgive us where
we have not believed and help us to believe
where we have failed.
I
pray that we will not walk on the road of
compromise, taking wrong turns or making
excuses as to why we aren’t headed in the
right direction. But may we walk on the
firm foundation that you have set before
us, for you are our rock on which we stand.
As
we continue to grow in our maturity, I pray
that we look forward to the day where we
will be able to disciple others and to feed
others in their own infancy stages. Thank
you for those who have helped us to grow.
We know that it can be scary to venture
out and to let go of the hands of those
who fed us, but we also see how you want
us to step up into those roles and to grow
in our own maturity. Help us to do that
here at Heart Dive—to build a community
of disciples and disciple makers. If we
walk in that, all other plans that you have
for us will fall into place, for we will
be fulfilling the great commission.
Help
us to trust in your divine guidance today,
only going where you call us to go and never
engaging in battles or trying to overtake
territories that are not ours to take. Forgive
us where we have meddled in things that
we should not have. Forgive us for trying
to take something that wasn’t ours. We know
there are certain battles we must face but
others that we must also avoid. Give us
the wisdom and discernment to know the di£erence.
If we can grasp that, we will always be
victorious.
Deuteronomy
3-4 continues Moses’ reflection of Israel’s
victories and reminders of the call to obedience
to God’s Law and Covenant.
In
chapter 3, Moses recalls the victory over
Og, king of Bashan, as Israel continues
to move closer to the Promised Land. The
Lord assures them victory, and the Israelites
take every fortified city and leave no survivors.
All this territory, east of the Jordan,
is divided between the tribes of Reuben
and Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh.
The Lord reminds them that they must still
fight alongside their brothers until the
entire Promised Land is secured. Moses affirms
Joshua’s leadership as he reminds him that
the Lord fights for them and that he has
no need to fear as he leads the people in
battle. Moses asks the Lord to be able to
cross over into the land, but the Lord refuses
his request and instead sends him to the
top of Pisgah to view the land from a distance.
In
chapter 4, Moses commands obedience to the
rules and statutes that God is giving to
the Israelites. He reminds them that disobedience,
like that shown at Baal-peor, will lead
to destruction, whereas obedience will set
them apart from other nations as an example.
Moses recalls the encounter with the Lord
at Sinai when He established His covenant
and Law with the people. He gives a stern
warning against idolatry, reminding the
people of God’s zealous nature that is like
a consuming fire for those who don’t listen.
He prophesies the perishing and scattering
of the people from the land and their eventual
return, for God is merciful and never forgets
His covenant.
Moses
declares that there is no god like their
God and no other people who have a relationship
with Him like they do, and if they want
to live long in their land, they must obey
His word. Moses then establishes three cities
of refuge on the east side of the Jordan.
ENGAGED
IN BATTLE | Deut. 3:18-20
Reuben,
Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh couldn’t
just sit back in their nest of safety. They
still had to fight alongside their brothers
to take hold of the Promise and claim territory.
Until the day that we are taken up, we will
be called into battle, and we too have the
choice to either fight alongside our brothers
and sisters or sit on the sidelines in our
nest of safety. Even if we don’t have the
capacity to go out into the mission field
or are not called to be an ordained minister,
we are all called to be praying for those
who are or to be supporting the ministry
in other ways. Heart Check.
Are
you engaged in the battle? Or are you fearfully
sitting on the sidelines?
SEEING
THE POSSIBILITIES | Deut. 3:21-22
Moses
reminds Joshua of the importance of sight.
Because good leaders will always be visionaries—they
see what worked and didn’t work in the past,
and they are able to use that vision for
strategizing the future. We can all see
problems. But the ones who are great are
the ones who can see the solutions. I love
how John Maxwell puts it when he says that
ten of the spies saw barriers where two
saw blessings. Ten spies had fear where
two had faith. Ten saw giants and two saw
God. Ten said, “The best is not to come,”
when two said, “The best is yet to come.”
Heart Check.
What
have your eyes seen of God's faithfulness?
Does it help you to see beyond the problem
to the possibilities?
FROM
NO TO NEW | Deut. 3:26
It’s
sometimes hard to grasp why God would be
so angry with one of His greatest and most
faithful intercessors.
But
when you think about the people who disappoint
you the most—it’s the ones closest to you.
We hold people like our spouses to a higher
standard because they know us best. No one
was more intimate with God than Moses.
But
let’s find God’s heartbeat in this—if leaders
lead by example, they are not above admonishment.
God was showing that no one is outside of
his justice and sovereignty. He is also
declaring that all sin has consequences
and total obedience (not partial obedience)
is what He calls for. And lastly, perhaps
this plan was God’s way of allowing for
the emerging of a new leader.
So,
God’s NO was because He was doing something
NEW. Heart Check.
Has
God said NO to any of your dreams? Are you
able to move beyond the no into the new?
FRESH
VISION | Deut. 3:27
This
could easily seem so cruel of God to send
Moses to the top of the mount to see all
that he was missing out on. But that’s not
the heart of God. Remember, God spoke to
Moses on the mountaintops—it was there where
he was able to get away from all the noise
of the camp to hear clearly from the Lord.
And while it isn’t recorded that this happened
here at Pisgah, I wouldn’t doubt for a second
that God had a beautiful conversation with
Moses here. How else would he be able to
come down from seeing all that was “taken
from him” and encourage the one who would
take his place? I believe it’s because instead
of God saying, “Look at all you missed out
on,” He showed him His plans from His perspective
and said, “Here’s where you will return.”
And we know he does on the mount of Transfiguration,
and possibly even again as one of the two
witnesses during the tribulation. He gave
Moses vision. The Bible says that without
vision, the people perish (Pr. 29:18). That
word perish in Hebrew is “pahrah” which
literally means “naked.” If we ever feel
like something is dying inside, we need
to head to the mount—to that quiet place
with the Lord and ask for fresh vision.
Heart Check.
Is
there somethingin your life that feels exposed,
undone, vulnerable, or unsure? Do you need
fresh vision from the Lord?
PARENTAL
EXAMPLE | Deut. 4:9
I
don’t know if you ever heard growing up,
“Do as I say, not as I do.” This is completely
opposite of what God is commanding the parents
here. Moses reminds the people that they
are to take heed and obey FIRST then they
can teach their children. As parents, we
often worry so much about outside influences
(and we should), but sometimes we forget
that we have the greatest influence on our
kids. We spend the most time with them,
therefore, we are their greatest examples.
It doesn’t mean that every wayward child
has a wayward parent, but this is a general
reference to our responsibility as parents
to be that example. If you’re a parent,
you probably recognize your parents’ voices
when you say things to your own kids. So,
the way we talk, the way we treat people,
the way we raise our kids will continue
to be passed down. And this includes our
sin and bad habits. If you don’t have children,
you’re still included in this, bearing the
responsibility as a spiritual mother or
father. Heart Check.
What
are you passing down to the generations
after you? Are you serving as an example
of God's character
DELIVERANCE
| Deut. 4:20
Have
you ever watched those videos where they
release animals back into the wild after
rehabilitating them? It’s a bittersweet
moment, as the rescue is over and now, they’re
being set free, which is wonderful. But
I always get a little sad watching them
bust out of the cage in fear and run to
their freedom without looking back. It’s
like they have no idea that they were saved
and not being held captive. This is what
God is trying to show the people—that He
delivered them out of captivity so that
they could be free—but the bittersweet comes
when they don’t look back and recognize
their savior. God doesn’t deliver us so
that we can run free into our own desires.
He wants us to run freely but unto Him because
that’s where safety dwells. Going outside
of His boundaries, leaves us open to attack
like a wild animal. Heart Check.
Has
your deliverance sent you running for the
hills of your own desires? Or do you long
to stay within the safe boundaries of your
Savior?
Deep
Dive
How
do these victories help you to see the importance
of battles in your spiritual walk?
How
can we encourage emerging leaders like Joshua?
How can we honor those going out like Moses?
How
can you reconcile unfulfilled dreams with
God’s greater plans?
What
nations do you see today that serve as an
example through righteousness and obedience
to the law? How does it compare to your
nation?
How
can we keep the passion for God’s Word alive?
How
can you reconcile God’s jealousy and justice
with His love and compassion?
Heavenly
Father, there is no other god beside you,
none like you.
Just
as you were with the people of Israel, declaring
victory, delivering them, giving them courage
to fight, and commanding obedience to every
word you spoke, you are still the same with
us today. So, I pray that despite what is
going on around us, whether we are up against
a giant that seems too big for us to handle,
or we are sitting peacefully or even anxiously
in your waiting room, I pray that we can
take heed and keep our souls diligent so
that we never forget what our eyes have
seen.
We
know that faith is what will enable us to
see beyond the problems to the possibilities
ahead. Where there is an obstacle, we know
there is also an objective that you will
see through. So may we look at those barriers
as a blessing to be able to increase our
trust in you, knowing that there is no giant
too great that can stand in the way of what
you are doing. So, we will choose to trust
that the best is indeed yet to come.
Help
us to be examples to those around us through
our faith and obedience to our holy God.
We know that will require us to be counter-cultural
sometimes, going against the grain, but
when we do, may we carry your heart of grace
and compassion. For we know that if we act
out in anger, we will misrepresent you.
But
please don’t allow our fear to keep us sidelined
and away from engaging, for we know that
territory is just as dangerous, as we become
sitting ducks. Show us how we can support
the mission in what you’re doing.
I
pray that our consequences that we may deal
with will not hold us back from continuing
to see your plans through. Shortfalls and
failures don’t disqualify us from your love
and our calling. Help us to get back up
and to go to the mount to gain a fresh perspective
on where we are going and what you are doing.
We know that sometimes you will tell us
no, but we will trust that it is because
you have other plans, and that they are
always for our good. I pray that you will
open our eyes to new vision today, knowing
that when you say no to something, it just
may be because you are doing something new.
May we get excited about that today and
encourage those who are charged to lead,
for they are your chosen ones, and it does
not take away anything from us.
As
we continue to read your Word, even in this
season of repetition, I pray that we hear
it as if it’s the first time—may your Word
never become so familiar that we lose our
passion for it. Increase our wisdom and
understanding of it, and may we not be a
people who only dip in for the blessings
while skipping out on the commandments.
I pray we take heed and be fully obedient
before we attempt to teach others. We know
how necessary teaching is, for it allows
us to gain revelation so that we can respond
with worship in spirit and in truth. And
may we be the best examples to the generation
after us, whether that be our children,
our grandchildren, or even those we are
leading spiritually. Thank you for the honor
of knowing you so we can help others know
you as well.
Keep
us from every form of idolatry and help
us to recognize it for what it is in every
aspect of our lives. There is nothing that
we ever want to hold in higher regard than
you, for we want to remain under the shelter
of your wings. When we go outside the construct
of your word, that is where we will be exposed
to enemy territory outside of your protection.
Thank you for continuing to show us those
hard boundary lines. And even if we are
not held to Mosaic law, the principle of
the Law still stands, so help us to see
it and apply to our lives.
Above
all, I pray that we seek you with our entire
being— with all our heart, soul, mind and
strength. For we know that when we do that,
you will bless us in return with an abundant
life.
Deuteronomy
5-7 continues the preparation of the new
generation of the Israelites prior to entering
the Promised Land. The Ten Commandments
and other rules and statutes are repeated,
with an emphasis on maintaining the covenant
that God made with them through obedience.
In
chapter 5, Moses gathers the Israelites
and reiterates the covenant that God made
with them at Mt. Horeb, emphasizing their
privileged relationship with Him and his
role as intermediary. The Ten Commandments
are restated in detail, and Moses recalls
the Israelites’ fear after the Lord spoke
in a loud voice out of fire. They ask Moses
to go back to being the intermediary between
them and God, and the Lord is pleased with
this holy awe that they possess and expresses
His desire that they remain in this state.
The chapter ends with the Lord telling Moses
to continue to teach the people His commands
so that they may prosper in all they do.
In
chapter 6, Moses calls their attention to
the one commandment that encompasses all
the commandments and reminds the Israelites
that if they want to do well and prosper
in the Promised Land, they must obey them.
The greatest commandment to love the Lord
with all their heart, soul, and might is
declared, and they are instructed to write
these words on their hearts and in their
homes. He warns them not to forget that
everything they have is not from their doing
but God’s, and that if they fall to idolatry,
they will be destroyed. However, if they
obey, God’s promise to give them their land
will prove true and will lead to righteousness.
Moses commands them to give testimony to
their children while raising them up to
understand the commandments and statutes.
In
chapter 7, Moses reminds the Israelites’
of their upcoming victory over the peoples
of the Promised Land and how they shall
not mingle with them in any way but drive
them and their practices completely out.
He reiterates that they are a holy people,
who the Lord chose to make a covenant with,
not because of their might in numbers but
because of His love for them. Therefore,
because He is faithful to the covenant,
so should they be. If they do, they will
be blessed abundantly, free from sickness,
and protected from their enemies and wild
animals. If they do not listen and obey,
they will be destroyed. Should fear begin
to creep in, they are to recall how the
Lord delivered them in the past, trusting
that He will do so again. The chapter ends
with an emphasis on abstaining from idolatry.
NO
OTHER GODS | Deut. 5:7
Sometimes
the negative actions of people can become
a god when we allow them to keep us from
going to church or from being a kind and
forgiving person. We become slaves to our
jobs instead of being faithful in our Provider
and the one who desires to give us rest.
Our
phones become a god when we start twitching
once we realize we left it at home, and
we don’t know how we will bear to sit in
the restaurant and actually have a conversation
with our family. Heart Check.
What
other gods are you putting before Him? Is
He your everything or just an add-on feature?
PUBLIC
BROADCAST | Deut. 5:20
A
lot of people think that the 9th commandment
implies lying. While that would be included
in bearing false witness, this is speaking
of anything that would discredit or ruin
the reputation of another person, even if
the information is correct.
This
can be done through outright slander, gossip,
even inappropriate silence and flattery. Heart
Check.
If
there were someone recording everything
you sais, and it were broadcast publicly,
how would that fare with others?
BELOW
THE SURFACE | Deut. 5
In
the end, the Lord is saying that He wants
the people to turn their hearts toward Him
and fear Him, meaning He wants them to desire
a real relationship with Him. He doesn’t
want forced religion or ritual. He wants
us to choose love, and when we do that,
obedience will naturally follow.
Even
today, we can be Sunday Christians, where
we show up one day a week in our Sunday
best with our Sunday attitudes. But the
moment we walk out of the presence of others,
our mouths are foul, we’re talking bad about
people, we’re fighting with our spouses
or friends. It’s the same way we will put
up a filtered photo on social media but
behind closed doors, the blemishes in our
lives are more than skin deep. God doesn’t
want an Instagram relationship with us that
is only on the surface with no depth.
He
doesn’t want us to do all the things while
failing to be transformed from the inside
out. Heart Check.
How
deep is your relationship with Christ? Is
it glossed over by a filter of religion?
Or does it truly go below the surface to
a real relationship?
LOVE
| Duet. 6:4-9
There
is such an emphasis on love here because
if we can just get this one concept, all
else would fall in line. St. Augustine once
said, “Love God, then do as you please.”
Because if we truly love God, then we will
do what pleases Him, and what doesn’t please
Him won’t please us.
So
if the Law tells us what to do, love will
give us the power to do it (John Maxwell).
Heart Check.
What
does your obedience say about your love
for God?
TESTING
GOD | Deut. 6:16
The
Israelites tested God at Massah when they
basically declared that God didn’t love
them because He wasn’t doing what they wanted
Him to do. If we deny God’s love by demanding
our own way, we too are testing Him by saying
He must live up to our standards. Your translation
might read “tempt” God, which means we are
tempting Him to judge us according to this
high-handed rebellion. This is the scripture
Jesus quoted back to Satan when he was trying
to get Jesus to prove God’s love for Him.
Heart Check.
Do
you base God's love to you on whether He
does what you want Him to do?
NO
MERCY | Deut. 7:2
Why
does God have to tell the people not to
have mercy on their enemies?
Perhaps
because He knows they may have a deep case
of Stockholm Syndrome, which if you don’t
know what that is, it is empathizing with
your captor.
It
stems from a bank robbery case back in the
70’s in Stockholm, Sweden, when the hostages
who were held for six days refused to testify
against the robber but instead began raising
money for his defense. It was because they
developed positive feelings toward him over
the duration of their captivity.
This
is a classic psychological state of victimhood,
particularly in cases of abuse. The enemy
knows exactly what to do to lure us in and
to hold us hostage under that sin, making
us think that we somehow can’t let it go.
Heart Check.
Is
there anything in your life that you are
granting too much mercy to that you need
to let go?
Deep
Dive
How
significant was the reiteration of the Ten
Commandments in this moment? How does it
apply to our lives today?
How
do the Ten Commandments relate to moral
codes in other cultures?
Do
you have a healthy fear when you hear the
voice of the Lord? How does it correlate
with your love for Him?
How
can the shema (Deuteronomy 6:5-9)be applied practically
today? In what ways can it be written on
our hearts, minds, and in our homes?
Where
have you seen prosperity overshadow God?
How
do we reconcile being chosen with God’s
desire for all to come to repentance?
We
see how your choice resides in our choosing
you, so thank you for showing us kindness
that ultimately led us to repentance. We
are so grateful that you love us the way
you do. I pray that we never allow our own
unworthiness or past mistakes bar us from
that love and inadvertently turn o£
the spout of blessings that you desire to
pour out unto us.
Thank
you for the reminder of the covenant that
was made with us at the cross. And even
though we are covered by grace, our love
and gratitude will show itself through obedience
to the commands that you gave at Sinai,
for all of that is encompassed by one command—to
LOVE. So I pray that we will continue to
grow in our love for you, others, and even
ourselves.
May
we not just be hearers of the word, but
learners and doers of it. You’ve told us
how to live, and your love will empower
us to do it. Help us to recognize where
we are failing. Forgive us where we have.
We renounce anything that we have substituted
in your place, for it is unworthy of our
devotion. Help us to restructure our priorities
so that you are first, and you are everything
in our lives, and I pray that we will examine
our hearts daily to make sure that we keep
this at the forefront of our being. We know
that love is a choice and not a feeling,
so if we disobey, that also is a choice,
not made in love but of hate.
Continue
to help us to understand the holiness of
your name. I pray that we never misuse it,
or treat it so casually, for that is a direct
assault on your very being.
Thank
you, Jesus, that our rest is in you. But
I pray that we understand that there is
still such a necessity to physically rest
as well, because when we don’t, we are not
operating at our best. Help us to get well-rested,
protect us from sickness, and heal those
who are feeling the e£ects of being
worn down spiritually and physically. Thank
you for caring for our body, soul, and spirits.
Help us to care for them the same.
For
anyone struggling with relationships with
their parents or children, I pray that you
will reconcile them. Whatever we may need
to do to make something right so that we
can carry out that honor, show us what it
is. Tell us what to say.
Fill
our hearts with grace when we do speak.
Even if we no longer have our parents, we
can still honor them in the way that we
treat others, for our lives are an extension
of who they are.
I
pray against hatred of any form in our minds,
for we know it is equated to murder. Forgive
us where we may have attempted to kill someone’s
reputation through gossip or malice. And
where we may have defiled relationships,
whether in marriage, dating or even our
spiritual marriage to you, please give us
a clean slate and may we never dishonor
our relationships ever again, but care for
and steward them as the gift that they are.
Forgive
us where we may have coveted anything and
where we may have been dissatisfied. I pray
that we stay focused on what’s in front
of us so that we do not compare what we
have or do not have to others.
I
pray for our churches today. Even if the
numbers are increasing to show more spirituality,
we definitely see a decrease in morality.
We know it’s bound to happen, for your Word
says that the days will only grow more evil.
But I pray for a hedge of protection on
the church—over the leaders and everyone
in attendance. Protect their minds and their
innocence of faith. Don’t let what is happening
in the world water down holiness and the
standard by which we are still called to
live by today.
Forgive
us where we may have tested your love by
demanding our way. I pray that we will trust
your every word, every move, and your timing
in doing it. May we never forget all that
you’ve done for us by mistakenly focusing
on the gifts rather than the Giver. Please
continue to grow our relationship with you
to grow beyond a filtered version that looks
good on the outside but runs shallow. I
pray that we do not try to earn your love
through rituals, traditions, religion, or
tasks, but simply rest in the fact that
you love us and want to be close to us.
May we always diligently seek you all the
days of our lives.
Deuteronomy
8-10 serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness
to Israel and what it will take to successfully
take possession of the Promised Land. Chapter
10 is a pivotal chapter where God renews
His covenant with His people once again.
In
chapter 8, Moses commands the Israelites
to remember all that the Lord has done and
said in the wilderness so that they can
prosper in the Promised Land. He reminds
them that throughout their journey, the
Lord was humbling and testing their hearts
and obedience. He provided for their every
need and fed them daily with manna.
Therefore,
as they enter this abundant life with riches
and wealth, they shall not forget the Lord
and where their blessings have come from.
Moses warns them that should they forget
and turn to their hearts to anything other
than God, they will perish.
In
chapter 9, Moses reminds the Israelites
that the land they are about to possess
is being given to them by the Lord, not
because of their righteousness, but because
of His desire to remove the wickedness of
the other nations and fulfill the covenant
He made with their forefathers. He reminds
them of their stubbornness and how they
provoked the Lord along their journey by
recalling specific incidents like their
crafting of the golden calf and their complaining
at Taberah and Massah. Moses recalls his
40-day intercession as he pleaded with the
Lord not to destroy them.
In
chapter 10, Moses recalls the Lord’s command
to bring two new tablets of stone to the
mount so He could write the Ten Commandments
to replace the original set. The tablets
were to be placed in the ark. Aaron’s death
is revisited, and the Levites are declared
as the ones who would carry the ark of the
covenant and minister to the people and
unto God as the priesthood. At that time,
Moses stayed on the mount for forty days
and forty nights to intercede on behalf
of the people and plead for mercy. The Lord
relents and gives Moses the tablets and
is told to lead the people into the Promised
Land. Moses tells the people what God requires
of them: to fear Him, to walk in His ways,
to love Him, to serve Him, and to keep the
commandments. He also reminds them that
they are a chosen people and are called
to circumcise their hearts, treat well the
sojourners and foreigners among them, and
remember how He delivered them from Egypt
and made them numerous as the stars in the
skies, as promised.
NO
OTHER GODS | Deut. 8:2
How
many of you felt a little jolted when it
said that the Lord did all this to humble
them and test them? Does that sound a little
sadistic, as if the Lord enjoys infiicting
pain on His people?
We
know that’s not the case. The Lord does
not want to beat us into submission or even
put us into a humble place. What He wants
is a humble heart. You can live in humble
circumstances yet still be full of pride
and without gratitude, the same way you
can be wealthy and prosperous yet humble
and still fully dependent on Him. He’s more
concerned with the condition of our hearts
rather than the condition of our socioeconomic
status. Heart Check.
How
do you view humility? When you remove your
outward circumstances, is your heart gentle
and fully submitted to the Lord?
LIFE
GIVING WORD | Deut. 8:3
Many
of us are familiar with this verse because
it is the one with which Jesus resisted
the devil’s temptation to turn stones to
bread. But here, the Lord is talking to
a people who have been fed by bread or manna
alone for the past 40 years, so to hear
that their life sustenance is not only from
bread but from the Word of God must’ve been
a “so good” moment for them. Because they
thought they were craving meat this whole
time, when it was really a spiritual void
that was creating that craving. But what
I love about this verse is the word “lives.”
The
Word of God should always breathe life into
you. Yes, it may convict, but it should
never condemn.
If
we ever walk away from reading the Word
feeling like a failure rather than fed,
then we should question whether we are living
by every Word that comes from the mouth
of God or our own feelings. Our feelings
have never fed us—so we should never let
them override His truth. His promises are
what fuel our faith. Heart Check.
Is
God's Word giving you life? Or are your
feelings overruling His truths?
ACTIVELY
REMEMBER | Deut. 8
In
the end, Moses is saying, “Take a good hard
look at where you’re at, because the scenery
is about to change, and we never want to
forget where we came from.”
He
wants them singing “Jenny from the Block”
when they get into the Promised Land. It’s
the classic story of one coming into wealth
and completely changing in their heart and
character—this isn’t just isolated celebrity
cases in Hollywood.
It’s
Biblical! So it’s important to always remember
those wilderness seasons and where we came
from. Because spiritual lethargy follows
a full stomach and a satisfied heart.
But
He didn’t want them to forget the shoes
and clothes that had a 40-year warranty,
the food that fed them every day, or their
good health. And remembering isn’t just
something that takes place in our minds.
We’re talking about active remembrance.
The Hebrew word is , which is used
to express gratitude, praise, and to celebrate.
There’s
an action attached to remembering. Heart
check.
When
you look at your life, do you see quiet
blessings? Do you actively remember what
God has done and given to you?
FUELING
FAITH | Deut. 9:1-3
Didn’t
we just spend the last few chapters talking
about how Moses was such an encourager?
Why
then is he telling them that they are about
to face people who are bigger and mightier
than they are? Because he’s not a hype man.
He’s not spouting o£ promises just
to make them feel good at the moment—he’s
giving them a dose of reality, so they don’t
have a false sense of confidence in themselves.
But
with that comes the promise of victory,
which God had already declared. That’s the
di£erence. He wasn’t just telling
them the problem; he was giving them the
solution—he was shifting their focus from
the giants to God. And He promised to go
in and take care of business before they
even get there. We too can do all things
through Christ who gives us strength. Heart
check.
Have
you ever faced a seemingly impossible situation?
How did God carry you through? Does it fuel
your faith moving forward?
TESTING
| Deut. 9:14
This
is another test, but this time it was on
Moses’ heart and character.
He
saw it as a multiple-choice question. I
see it as one of those Choose Your Own Adventure
Books, where you were presented the first
part of the story, and you would be given
options that would lead to different outcomes.
Choice
A would give him a clean slate—wipe out
the people and make him a new nation. But
he went with option B—he threw himself down
before the Lord and pleaded for mercy. He
passed the test with flying colors—for his
heart displayed the heart of Jesus who threw
his life down for us. God doesn’t test us
so that we will fail—he tests us to prove
to ourselves that we won’t. It’s just like
taking a test in school—your grade will
determine whether you need to study a little
harder and pay more attention in class or
it will assure you that you’re on the right
track and doing the right thing. Heart check.
When
you are being tested, do you see it as an
opportunity for God to see you through?
REQUIREMENTS
| Deut. 10:13
I
know we are doing a lot of heart checks
lately, and they should never make you feel
condemned in any way.They are just tests
of our own character and an opportunity
to look within and see where we can be better.
But
if you ever do feel as though you’re somehow
failing, let’s come back to God’s Word and
His requirements: Fear God, walk in His
ways, love Him, serve Him, and keep the
commandments. And remember, where sin abounds,
grace abounds more, so if we are missing
the mark, He is right there to scoot us
over. Heart check.
Are
you meeting these requirements? How can
you allow God to scoot you over if you're
off the mark?
GODLY
TREATMENT | Deut. 10:18-19
Moses
is telling them to treat others the way
the Lord has treated them.
If
He's been good to you, be good to others.
If
He has blessed you, bless others.
If
he has forgiven you, forgive others.
Heart
check.
Do
you treat other people the way the Lord
treats you?
Deep
Dive
What
do wilderness seasons look like to you?
Are you able to see them as an opportunity
to grow in humility and faith?
What
leads you to drift away from God? Times
of prosperity or times of peril? How can
you ensure this doesn’t happen?
How
does Moses’ declaration that it is not because
of their righteousness apply to our faith
today?
What
does Moses’ intercession show you about
the importance of prayer?
How
does today’s reading strengthen your faith
or challenge it?
Heavenly
Father, thank you for continuing to show
youself faithful, both through your Word
and also in our lives.
What
a privilege it is that we get to see the
whole picture and that we have unhindered
access to you, which is so different from
the days of the Israelites. May we see how
blessed we truly are to have been chosen
to live in this time of the church. What
an honor to see your Word being lived out
and prophecy continuing to be fulfilled.
We
are so grateful that we are saved by grace
and that there is nothing we can do to earn
your love or salvation, but we also know
that our love will show itself through our
whole obedience. That call to holiness has
not changed because your holiness has not
changed. So I pray that we will hear your
command, both through your Word and also
by your Spirit.
We
love the Word so much and are seeing more
and more how nourishing it truly is. The
more we dig in, the more we realize that
it fulfills everything we thought we were
missing in our lives. I pray that we continue
to understand that our feelings will never
dictate your faithfulness, but our faithfulness
will instead change any erratic feelings
to ones of peace and joy when we bathe ourselves
in your word.
I
pray that we will share your Word for the
life-giving source that it is and never
use it to beat others down. It is not a
weapon of judgment but a sword of truth
that is full of grace.
While
we may not have to endure desert conditions
for 40 years in a desert, we all have our
own wilderness seasons, where we feel as
though we are on the hamster wheels of life
and not getting anywhere.
But
help us to hang on and not to lose hope.
Help us to see the quiet blessings along
the way—the shoes of salvation that will
never wear out, no matter how much we wear
them down with our running. I pray that
we can communicate this to those who are
currently lost and can’t find their way
home. Bring them close to your heart, for
we know that if they come running to you,
they ultimately come running back to us.
Forgive
us where we have put more emphasis on the
things in life, whether it be our success,
our wants or our lack. It’s not that those
things don’t matter, because they do, but
they only become a problem when they come
between our relationship with you.
So
I pray that we will seek first the kingdom
of God and your righteousness, knowing that
everything else will be added unto us. May
we never forget that when we are blessed
abundantly, that it all comes from above.
May we eat and be full but never fail to
bless you not just with our words but with
our entire being.
Thank
you for continuing to transform our hearts
to be humble before you. We pray against
any pride that may be welling up within
us. Show us how to get to the root of it
so we can stop it from continuing to swell.
We don’t want the enemy to look at us and
say, “That one looks just like me!” We want
to be your image bearers, so help us to
be those who are quiet and gentle in spirit
but still bold in our faith and truth. I
pray that we will not just hear the commands
but also walk in obedience.
WE
know that everything you do is out of love
and always for good, so when we cannot understand
why certain things are happening, help us
to trust you in it anyway, knowing that
you will pull us through, and knowing that
it may very well be a test of our heart
and character, one that will strengthen
our faith in knowing that we are ready to
move forward.
If
we ever look ahead and see impossible situations
that seem too mighty for us, help us to
remember that there is nothing too great
or mighty for you. And when we come out
the other side victorious, may we always
remember that it was to serve your purposes.
I pray that while we know that we are the
righteousness of God because of what you’ve
done, Jesus, I pray that we never become
self-righteous, in thinking that we have
somehow made everything happen.
You
have been so good to us, and we trust that
you will continue because you are good.
Deuteronomy
11-13 continues the farewell address of
Moses, which serves as a call to obedience
to the statutes, laws and regulations that
the Lord has given them. Chapter 12 begins
the main legal code of the book of Deuteronomy,
including the destruction of pagan worship
sites and the designation of a central place
of worship. Chapter 13 serves as a warning
against false teachers and idol worship.
In
chapter 11, Moses calls the people to love
and obey the Lord, reminding them of the
Lord’s mighty acts such as the plagues in
Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea and how
the earth opened and swallowed those who
were rebellious.
Moses
reminds them that if they should obey the
Lord, they will be strong as they take possession
of the rich and abundant land that the Lord
attentively cares for. Their obedience will
also lead to the proper seasonal rains,
healthy crops, and satisfaction.
However,
disobedience will lead to the Lord’s anger,
drought, and perishing from the land. Moses
encourages the people to get these words
deep into their heart and soul and teach
their children to follow after the Lord
so that they can live long in the land.
Moses presents a blessing of vitality for
obedience and a curse for disobedience,
and they are to be proclaimed atop Mount
Gerazim and Mount Ebal once the enter the
Promised Land.
In
chapter 12, Moses declares that the Lord
will choose a central place of worship.
He commands that all pagan worship sites
shall be destroyed. While they may slaughter
and eat meat in any place at any time, their
o£erings and sacrifices are only to
be brought to the designated areas of worship.
When
slaughtering animals, the blood must be
poured out and not eaten. Moses reminds
them that as their territory increases,
if the designated worship area is too far,
they may still slaughter and eat meat within
their towns, but all o£erings must
still be brought to the place of worship.
The chapter ends with a warning against
idolatry and to carefully keep every word
of the Lord’s commandments.
In
chapter 13, Moses warns against false prophets
and dreamers who may try to lure the Israelites
away from God and into idol worship.
He
reminds them that this is a test of their
love for God and that they should continue
to fear, obey and hold fast to Him.
He
continues with this warning, now including
family members and close friends who may
try to secretly entice them to serve other
gods. Should this happen, those tempters
shall be stoned to death. If any city is
found to be guilty of idol worship, the
entire city shall be destroyed and never
rebuilt
LISTENING
FOR OTHERS | Deut. 11:2
Moses
reminds the people that he is speaking to
them and not their children. We can sometimes
sit in church and listen to the sermon for
everyone else. We will think to ourselves,
“Man, I wish they were here to hear that,”
or we will elbow our spouse when the preacher
says something we want them to hear.
But
if we are listening for everyone else, where
does that leave our heart? Heart Check.
Do
you read the Word or listen to sermons for
you? Or others?
**If
this ever happens to you, let it be a reminder
that the best way others will be able to
hear the Word is by the way we apply it
to our lives and live it out by example.**
CONSTANT
DEPENDENCE | Deut. 11:16-17
They
would be in constant need of rain which
means they would be constantly and completely
dependent on God for it.Heart Check.
What
is something in your life that you are constantly
dependent on God for?
TALK
ABOUT IT | Deut. 11:18-21
God
doesn’t want these words to just be something
they read or even recite by rote memorization.
He
wants it to be deep in their souls, written
on their hearts, talked about in conversation,
and to be markings in their homes.
How
else will they know how to obey? While memorizing
scripture is definitely helpful (one of
the greatest methods is by listening to
children’s Bible songs and worship), the
main thing is that the meaning of the Word
is in your heart so that you will be able
to answer, “What would God think about this?”
Heart check.
How
much of your life is identified by God's
Word? How often do you think about it and
talk about it? Is it an identifying marker
in your home?
COMMUNAL
WORSHIP | Deut. 12:8-14
Here
we see an emphasis on communal celebration
and worship. This would never have been
in effect if God did not intend for us to
gather. There is greater blessing that comes
with fellowship that you will never get
when you choose isolation or the wilderness.
I will never judge anyone for not going
to church or gathering with believers, but
I will always encourage it, because there
is power in experiencing the Presence of
God when we dwell together in unity. The
Bible says that where there is unity, God
commands a blessing (Psalm 133:1-3).
And
if your heart says, “I don’t want to go
to church because of the people,” let us
not forget that those people are sick and
broken, just like us. That’s the purpose
of the church—it’s a hospital for sinners.
Or if you’re saying, “I don’t like the feeling
that I get when I go to church,” perhaps
we need to remember that going to church
is not actually about us and our feelings.
Yes,
there will be great things that do happen,
but our hearts must first be set on the
fact that worship is about Him and not about
us. And remember, there is no perfect church,
because there is no perfect human. And the
enemy is working overtime to divide believers,
because how effective is an army when it
doesn’t train together? So if you want to
defeat the enemy, gather with other believers
and worship the Lord in unity. If you need
to find a new church, do so. Let the Lord
lead you to His chosen place of worship
for you. Heart check.
Do
you gather with others in worship? When
you do,are you more concerned about what
you get out of it or what God gets from
it?
SIGNS
& WONDERS | Deut. 13:1-3
Here
we see the potential danger of signs and
wonders. While we have seen how they have
been used as a means of confirmation of
what the Lord had spoken (Ex. 4, Judges
6), and Jesus’ power was seen through His
miracles, we shouldn’t chase after this
sort of evidence, because the greatest evidence
has already been given to us. If we start
chasing signs and wonders, we can easily
be deceived by every little thing that we
suddenly think is God.
I
knew someone who would find a speckle of
glitter or a feather on the fioor and immediately
exclaim, “Chabod!” Whether it was or not,
her focus was more on the wonders than the
actual wonder of God. Remember, faith is
the assurance of things hoped for and the
conviction of things UNSEEN (Heb. 11:1).
Heart check.
Are
you more concerned with the evidence of
what God is doing or is your faith grounded
in what God has already done?
INTIMATE
LURES | Deut. 13
In
the end, this is a grave warning against
anything or anyone that might lure us away
from God in any way. From chasing after
signs and wonders to being easily enticed
by friends or family, or being influenced
by culture or ethnic ties, we have to be
ever more vigilant against being lured away
from Jesus and his lordship in our lives.
Because
the enemy isn’t going to use the things
that are foreign to us—he’s going to use
the things that we trust and have an intimacy
with as he disguises himself as an angel
of light. This doesn’t mean that we are
suspect of everyone around us. But we don’t
close ourselves o£ to a potential
threat based on our closeness or familiarity.
Heart check.
Is
anyone or anything that is leading you away
from complete devotion to God alone? Are
there any cultural, family, or ethnic ties
that need to be broken?
Deep
Dive
How
have your past experiences fashioned your
faith?
What
practical ways can we bind God’s word on
our hearts and minds?
Is
there a middle ground between choosing the
blessing or the curse?
How
do you reconcile the centralized place of
worship with the many churches and denominations
that exist today?
How
can we ensure that we are not adding or
subtracting from God’s Word?
How
can we reconcile our loyalty to God with
love for unbelieving family and friends?
We
choose to love you, not based on what you’ve
done for us or the blessings we have received.
We love you because of who you are. Thank
you for giving us an even greater picture
of who you are through your written Word.
Sometimes we think that because we don’t
have the privilege of the tangible experience
of your presence, that we somehow have it
harder. But that simply isn’t true. Because
we have been given the entire Word, which
gives us hope for today and a glimpse into
the future. We get to see the whole picture.
I
pray that as we read your Word, that you
will allow it to sink down deep into our
hearts and souls, so that when we face choices,
we will know what your Word says about it.
We will have greater wisdom and discernment.
We will have more compassion and grace.
We will be more like you, the more we get
to know you.
Thank
you for that.
Thank
you for all your mighty acts, not just in
the distant past, but in ways that you continue
to care for us with providential care, the
way you still part the waters when we can’t
see our way through, and the way your holiness
still demands righteousness. Every choice
we make will be a direct reflection of the
way we love you.
Help
us to align ourselves with your truth and
principles so that we can walk into the
abundant life that you still desire to give.
I pray that the early rains of your Word
will continue to soften our hearts so that
when the latter rain of your Spirit is poured
out, we will be able to soak it in. But
again, the choice is ours in whether our
ground remains fallow or productive.
Thank
you for your Word. Help us to treasure it
and know it well so that it becomes who
we are. I pray that it will naturally be
a part of our everyday conversation. We
don’t need to quote it in Old English, but
simply live it out. I pray that we will
not be scared to discuss your principles
and truths in our homes and with our friends.
Give us the confidence in what has already
been on our hearts. And may our homes and
families be sanctified and marked by your
Word.
Thank
you for giving us the choice sooner than
later to love and honor you. We know that
it is the greatest decision we have ever
made, for its consequences are eternal.
Help us to present this choice to others
who may not know the road of eternal death
that they may be headed down. You desire
all the come to repentance, not just the
ones we like. So I pray that we will love
all people the way you do and see them through
your eyes.
Thank
you, Jesus, that we are free from the curse,
for every one of our sins was nailed to
the cross on that day that you laid your
life down. You did it with our names written
on your heart. I pray we never lose sight
of this. May the cross never be a simple
allegory in our minds but a daily reality
that continues to transform our hearts and
minds.
If
there is any area of compromise in our lives
today, help us to deal violently with it.
We don’t want to leave any temptation covered
up, for we know that gives the enemy a foothold
to drag us under. May we never be so prideful
in thinking that we can handle it, and please
give us the strength to remove anything
that holds that door open.
May
we always remain steadfast in our worship
of you, never turning to the right or left
or being enticed by others to follow after
anything other than you. May we instead
have a faith that is unwavering, where we
are able to be diligent and vigilant against
every form of idolatry. Forgive us where
we have allowed anything to come between
us. Show us where we may need to guard our
faith against any corrupting influences,
including those who may be closest to us.
Thank
you for technology, in allowing us to gather
together as a body of believers and worship
you in unity. While this is a wonderful
tool for our spiritual growth, I pray that
if we are physically able, that we will
not neglect the gathering in person, for
we know your Spirit dwells where two or
more come together to worship you. Help
us to heal from any past hurts we may have
experienced in churches, and may we defeat
the enemy’s desire to keep us isolated and
away from the body by choosing to find a
place of worship that you have chosen. Lead
us wherever that may be. May we stay focused
on the purpose of this fellowship—to celebrate
YOU, for it is not about us. So help us
today to walk after you, to fear you, to
keep your commandments, to obey your voice,
to serve you and to hold fast to you. We
never want to let go.
Deuteronomy
chapters 14 to 16 provide practical guidance
on living a righteous life, emphasizing
the importance of tithing, charity, and
observing religious festivals. These chapters
highlight God's concern for the welfare
of His people, instructing them to care
for the less fortunate and celebrate His
blessings with joyous feasts. Through these
laws and ordinances, God establishes a framework
for His people to live in harmony with Him
and one another.
In
Deuteronomy 14, the Israelites are reminded
that because they are a holy people, they
must not implement pagan practices like
cutting themselves or shaving their foreheads
bald for the dead.
They
are reminded which foods are considered
clean for their consumption including animals
that part the hoof and chew the cud, fish
with fins and scales, and various birds.
They shall not eat anything that died from
natural causes and are reminded not to boil
and young goat in its mother’s milk. They
are commanded to faithfully bring the tithe
from their crop to the central place of
worship, but if it is too far to carry the
crop, they can exchange it for money and
bring it to the designated place of worship
and buy and present their offering there.
Every
three years, the tithe is to be given to
the Levites, foreigners, orphans and widows.
In
chapter 15, every seventh year, all debt
is released so that poverty does not abound.
It
is declared that Israel will be the lender
and not the borrower. They are commanded
to freely help those who are poor so that
they can combat poverty, which is inevitable.
They are reminded that generosity will reap
rewards from the Lord.
All
Hebrew slaves shall also be released in
the seventh year with full provision to
serve as a reminder of their release from
slavery in Egypt. If the slave should choose
to stay, an awl will be put through their
ear as a symbol of their perpetual servanthood.
Unblemished male firstborns from the herds
and fiocks are to be dedicated annually
to the Lord at the central place of worship.
Blemished animals can be eaten in the towns
but are not acceptable for sacrifice.
In
chapter 16, a reminder is given to observe
the annual Passover feast in the month of
Abib, with the sacrificial animal o£ered
along with unleavened bread at the central
place of worship.
For
seven days, unleavened bread is to be eaten
in commemoration of the Israelites’ haste
in leaving Egypt. The seventh day is to
be a day of solemn convocation with no work
performed.
The
Feast of Weeks is to be observed seven weeks
after the first grain harvest. It is a celebration
with every person, including sojourners
and slaves, taking part in the feasts.
The
Feast of Booths is a seven-day celebration
to commemorate God’s provision in the wilderness.
Three
times a year, at each of the feasts, every
male is to bring a freewill o£ering
to the Lord in proportion to their blessings.
A call to justice is given, with the command
to appoint judges, to judge fairly and indiscriminately,
and to never accept a bribe.
The
chapter ends with a warning against idolatry,
particularly the erecting of Asherah poles.
HOLY
PRACTICES | Deut. 14:1-22
The
whole purpose of the dietary laws was to
set Israel apart from their surrounding
nations—they were to do things di£erently.
But when looking at the dietary restrictions,
any biologist or nutritionist can look at
these restricted foods and tell you why
they wouldn’t be beneficial to your health.
For
example, scavengers were typically carriers
of disease because they fed o£ carcasses.
Or when we look at the allergies to shellfish
and even their bottom feeding nature, they
too would not be the ideal protein in a
meal (sidebar—I love me some lobster, shrimp
and scallops, so no shade here), but you
get my point.
Some
refute this idea completely, especially
when Jesus declared all foods clean. But
while we as Christians have been freed from
the Mosaic Law, we are still called to be
a people who are set apart—a people who
live di£erently than the world. Heart
Check.
What
practices do you implement in your daily
living that sets you apart from the world?
Do people know that you're Christian by
the way you live?
WIDE
OPEN HANDS | Deut. 15:1-11
If
the whole purpose of this economic package
was to eliminate poverty in the land, why
is God now saying that He knows there will
still be poor among them? It’s just like
anything else—where God presents His best
for us and tells us how to live in order
to reap the blessings of it, yet because
it doesn’t make sense to us, we sort of
put it o£ to the side while we do
things the way we think it ought to be done.
Or
we will do the least we can, hoping we still
please God. And sadly, we’re all poorer
because of it. One study showed that if
everyone in the church paid their tithe,
we could eradicate global hunger, illiteracy,
all the water and sanitation issues, fully
fund mission work, and still have billions
left over for additional ministry work.
But that’s in an ideal world with everyone,
including the church, doing their part.
It’s
easy for us to look at a rich person and
think they’re somehow more liable for the
debt everyone else is in.
But
we must ask ourselves… Heart Check.
What
role are you playing to help those in need?
Are you hands open wide for the poor in
your land?
GIVING
YOUR AWL | Deut. 15:17
This
is an interesting picture, but it is also
prophetic, with Jesus fulfilling it as the
greatest of all slaves. For some, that term
“slave” is hard to associate with Jesus,
but remember that He said He came to serve,
not to be served (Mt. 20:28). Other prophetic
pictures are on display in Psalms and the
book of Isaiah when it says that His ear
was opened. This is what it was referring
to, with the “doorpost” being the cross
that He was nailed to. He chose to be a
bondservant to the Father forever.
As
Christians, we too are called to be bondservants—we
have a desire to stay with our Master forever,
and so we take on that role of the doulos
(Gk. for slave) or the under rower. These
were the servant workers underneath the
boats who would row ships to their destination.
It was hot, it was laborious, and it took
a lot of steadfastness to keep going. That’s
what this life is like.
But
the beautiful thing is, when we are under
rowers, we ultimately end up in the same
destination as the ones we are working for.
I have never grown so much in my own knowledge
of the Word, and it’s because I have the
honor of answering hard questions and trying
to make sense of the Bible. And while it
can be hard work, it’s well worth it, when
I get to see chains breaking, relationships
being restored, and people growing in their
faith. I get to go on that journey too.
And you will do the same when you choose
to give your “awl” and serve others. Heart
check
Have
you given your "awl" to Christ
and to others? How are you serving, and
where do you see yourself ending up because
of it?
TRUE
SABBATICAL | Deut. 16:13-15
The
Feast of Booths or the Feast of Tabernacles
was a week of gratitude that had a day of
sabbath-rest on each side. In a sense, this
was a week of vacation for Israel, intended
for celebration, remembrance, refreshment,
and rest. When we hear about people “going
on sabbaticals,” that idea came from the
Bible. Vacation from work is intended to
do the same.
Yet,
when most of us take vacation, we pack in
as much as we can, pack everyone up, take
our annual family vacations, and then we
come back needing a vacation from our vacation,
only to jump back into hamster wheel, more
exhausted than when we left. Heart check.
When
is the last time you truly took time to
rest, refresh, remember and celebrate?
EMPTY
TANKS | Deut. 16:16
Once
again, we see the fairness of God here,
where every man is to give as he is able.
This
means that everyone has something to give,
and they are not to come
empty-handed.
We tend to roll up to God with our gas light
on, barely making it to the pump on fumes
alone. He fills us up, and we feel good
again, only to go another few hundred miles
until we’re empty again and feel as though
we have nothing to bring.
While
we are not saved by works, and we cannot
earn God’s love, this idea of a “saved by
grace” does not mean “exempt from all.”
We
too must not come before the Lord on “E”,
and if we truly do love Him, we won’t want
to. We will come with a readiness to serve,
with joy, with honor, with a willingness
to pray for and encourage others. We all
have something to bring! One of the best
ways to maintain a full tank is by serving
others with a pure heart, because in doing
so, it returns a blessing on our hearts.
Heart check.
What
is in your hands when you come before the
Lord? Is you tank full or on E?
Deep
Dive
How
does one’s diet and caring for their bodies
translate spiritually?
How
does a consumerist society work against
a spirit of generosity? How can we combat
this?
Could
debt cancellation be e£ective in today’s
society?
What
areas of social injustice do you think God
would want us to address today?
Heavenly
Father, we celebrate you today with a heart
of thanksgiving.
Forgive
us for any times when we may have read these
chapters with an attitude of, “Thank God
we don’t have to do this anymore,” thinking
only of ourselves and not what these feasts
truly meant. Our misunderstanding of your
Word will keep us from being able to celebrate
the goodness of it. So thank you for continuing
to unveil the mystery and wonder of your
Word.
Thank
you that we are still a chosen people and
a treasured possession—I pray that we will
live differently than the world so that
they can still see your glory revealed through
us. Help us to walk pure as we “chew the
cud,” meditating on your word throughout
the day. Reveal to us anything that we may
be consuming that is potentially harming
us without us knowing it.
I
pray that we put you first in every part
of our lives—spiritually, physically, financially,
relationally, for when we do that, your
Word says that you will bless the work of
our hands. So may we always be generous
in heart, giving joyfully unto you and others.
You care for the needy and the poor—help
us to have the same heart. Even those who
may be poor in spirit—give us the patience
and grace to be able to “deal with them”
the way you would. Give us the words to
speak and help us to love them with an agape
love, not expecting anything in return.
I pray that our attitude toward others will
reflect our gratitude to you and all that
you have done.
Thank
you, Jesus, for your servant heart. I pray
that there will be a people who carry that
same heart and spirit, not cultivating transactional
relationships, but rather being the lifters
of heavy burdens and getting people to better
destinations. For we know that when we do
that, we will ultimately end up in a better
place ourselves.
It’s
not why we do it, but it always helps to
keep us focused when times get tough, or
the work gets hard—keeping our eyes focused
on the higher prize of the upward call will
give us the strength we need to keep rowing.
So we give our “awl” today, committing ourselves
as a servant of the Most High, because while
the world claims it can offer us all the
happiness and riches, that will never come
outside of a life committed to you. So we
will not go out from you.
Thank
you, Jesus, for being our Passover—for taking
on the wrath that we so easily deserved.
As we near the Holy Week, thank you for
showing us the meaning of your death and
resurrection through these spring feasts.
And while death has lost its sting, you’re
still working, and the best is still yet
to come. So we look forward to the joy and
celebration of the harvest.
For
those who may be weary today, I pray that
you will give them the rest and refreshment
that they need. We may not have the time
carved out in our schedules to physically
take the time away from work, so I pray
that supernatural rest will be breathed
upon them today so that we are not giving
you our leftovers.
We
want to be able to worship and honor you
with our very best. We don’t want to come
before you on “E,” barely getting to the
pump on fumes. We want to enter the gates
with thanksgiving in our hearts and come
into your courts with praise. We want to
walk out ready to encourage and bless others,
to be the hands and feet of you Jesus. Forgive
us for the times we’ve rolled up on fumes.
And thank you for always being faithful
to fill us afresh anyway. So I pray that
we all walk away with a full tank today
but also come back with a full tank. We
know that living a life that is fueled by
gratitude and generosity will be the very
thing that keeps our tanks full, but only
when it is done joyfully. So I pray that
you will help us to balance that well, never
over-correcting and driving ourselves into
the hillside.
We
want to stay in your flow.
Thank
you for your heart for justice. Help us
to be the same and show us where we can
do our part to fight for what is right in
the right way in our own communities.
If
there is anything that we have done to add
to worship that has been like Asherah poles
or pillars of stone, show us so that we
can rid ourselves of them. May we never
lose that purity in worship for you are
a pure and holy God. I pray that every aspect
of our worship will reflect that.
Deuteronomy
17-20 covers laws relating to the responsibilities
to maintain pure worship of the Lord by
His people and rulers. Chapter 20 gives
directives for warfare.
In
chapter 17, the Lord prohibits the sacrificing
of blemished animals, as that is considered
an abomination.
Any
person caught in idol worship is to be tried
fairly and only found guilty in the presence
of two or more credible witnesses. Those
witnesses are responsible to cast the first
stone that will be followed by the stoning
of the community until that person’s death.
Any legal cases that cannot not be solved
locally are to be brought to the temple
to seek a ruling from the priests and judges.
The rulings are to be upheld and obeyed
and rebellion against it would be subject
to death. Standards are set for the choosing
of a king over Israel—they must not be a
foreigner, must not acquire for themselves
excessive horses or wealth, and must not
have multiple wives. When he takes the throne,
he is required to scribe the Law for himself,
keep it with him always and read and obey
it all the days of his life.
This
will lead to a long reign if his heart remains
humble.
In
chapter 18, the Levitical tribe including
the priests were to find their sustenance
in the provision from the people’s sacrifices.
They
are not to receive any portion of the land,
as the Lord is their inheritance. Any Levite
who chooses to serve at the temple is to
be cared for by the people. As they enter
the land, the Israelites are reminded not
to follow the abominable practices of the
Canaanite people including child sacrifice,
divination, sorcery, or consulting the dead
or fortune-tellers.
The
Lord promises to raise up a prophet like
Moses from among the people who will speak
His words, and they are to obey. Anyone
who claims to be a prophet but is not called
by God will be subject to death. The determination
between false and true prophets is whether
their message comes to pass. Any false prophets
are not to be respected.
In
chapter 19, the final three cities of refuge
are to be established to the west of the
Jordan river.
These
cities are to be evenly dispersed throughout
the land so that anyone who unintentionally
kills another can find respite from the
vengeance of the Avenger of Blood (or kinsman
redeemer). This will protect against innocent
blood being shed in the land. Those who
kill out of hate or pure intention are not
protected by the refuge cities, and they
should instead be handed over for judgment
and execution.
Boundary
lines are deemed immovable to protect the
inheritances. To make a proper conviction
in any case, two or more witnesses are required.
If anyone is found to have given false witness,
they will receive the punishment that was
intended for the one they were accusing.
The
chapter ends on the law of retribution,
declaring that the punishment should always
fit the crime.
In
chapter 20, Israel is reminded that when
they go to war and see an enemy much larger
and more advanced than them, not to fear,
for the Lord is with them.
Prior
to battle the priests will encourage the
people with this message and assure them
of victory. For any man who has recently
built a new home, planted a vineyard, is
newly betrothed, or is afraid of battle,
they are to be released from engaging in
battle and sent home. When Israel comes
to battle a city outside their land, they
are first to o£er peace. If it is
accepted, that city will become tribute
cities and serve them. If they refuse the
peace o£er, their city will be besieged,
every male killed and women, children and
livestock taken captive. But for the cities
the Lord has commanded them to take as an
inheritance, all things, dead and alive,
shall be destroyed. When they besiege cities,
they are commanded not to cut down
fruit-bearing
trees, and only non-fruit bearing trees
are to be used for defense mechanisms.
GIVE
YOUR BEST | Deut. 17:1
Because
we no longer bring sacrifices, this verse
can sometimes be cast off as if it has no
meaning for us.
But
if you’ve been a student of the Word for
some time now, we know that this implies
that we are to bring our best to God and
not our leftovers. Because He’s not a dump
or even a Goodwill, where we are throwing
in our mismatched socks and underwear with
holes in it.
We
don’t give Him what we simply don’t need
anymore and call it charity. He should be
getting the best of our energy. The best
of our day. The best of our attitudes. Heart
Check.
Do
you keep the best for youself and give God
the raggedy leftovers?
RESOLVING
ISSUES | Deut. 17:8-13
When
the people would have legal issues, the
first place they were to go to resolve it
was the temple.
The
church.
Because
at least under God’s roof, there is a common
morality. If you look at the world today,
our society (even our justice system) is
riddled by moral confusion. We’re all over
the place with what is right. Lines are
blurred or even completely erased, and everyone
is doing what they FEEL is right in their
own eyes.
This,
again, is why being in church or in fellowship
is so important. Because if we leave our
decisions to be infiuenced by what society
says about it, we are going to be completely
led astray. The Bible says this will happen
in the final days. This is why we’re seeing
such a rise against the church, even Christians
beating churches down and completely disregarding
the God-ordained authority of ministers.
As soon as we hear a “judgment” or feel
a conviction that we don’t like, we bounce.
And either we don’t return or we keep hopping
from one thing to the next until we find
what we want to hear. Then we wonder why
we feel spiritually dead. Because just as
it said here, if they didn’t do as they
were told by the priests and judges, they
would die. Heart Check.
Where
do you go to reslove your issues? Do you
resist the church and what is being taught
morally?
LATHER.
RINSE. REPEAT | Deut. 17:18-20
Here
we see God implementing a “LATHER. RINSE.
REPEAT” method of ingraining the Word into
the hearts of the kings. If they want to
be king, they have to write for themselves
the word, carry it with them at all times,
and read it every single day. Lather. Rinse.
Repeat.
This
is why I start a new Bible every 1-2 years
and rewrite the same things over and again
until it is written on my heart.
Even
today, I went into my old Bible to see some
of the old notes I wrote, and thought, “Where
did I get that information?” I completely
forgot what I wrote last year. So we can’t
think that because we have read the Bible
once, that it is written on our hearts.
We must be diligent in it. Writing things
down, whether in a journaling Bible or in
a notebook.
The
SOAP method is one of the greatest methods
of growing in your faith walk. You write
one scripture (S) that stands out to you
in the reading. Then write an observation
(O)—what was happening in the context of
the reading and what it meant. Then write
how it can be applied (A) to your life personally.
And you finish with a simple prayer (P).
This is why you will hear me do the same
heart checks over and over. Because the
Bible is not a “one and done” kind of thing.
It is something we are to do over and over,
all the days of our lives. Heart check.
Are
you lathering the Word, carrying it with
you, and repeating the process until it's
written on your heart?
RELATIONSHIP
> POSSESSIONS | Deut. 18:2
I
remember a time when I felt sorry for the
Levites, thinking they somehow got the short
end of the stick because they didn’t get
any of the land and they were stuck doing
all the dirty work.
One
of the largest ministries at my old church
was the ministry of the Levites—and they
were in charge of set up and breakdown,
taking out the trash and cleaning the toilets.
And
every one of them did it with so much joy.
I
didn’t get it.
That
didn’t seem very glorious to me. But now
I see it so di£erently. Their position
with God is one of privilege. They are the
ones in the thick of the ministry, serving
in the temple, closest to the glory of God.
So their relationship with Him was their
portion.
That
is far greater than any property that one
could possess. Heart check.
Is
your relationship with God more important
than anything else? Is God your portion?
FALSE
WITNESS | Deut. 19:15-21
Here
we can see God’s justice, not just for those
who have committed crimes, but also for
those who are being accused.
Bearing
false witness is not only a direct rebellion
against God’s commandment, but here we see
that it is being implemented into society
as a serious o£ense.
He
made sure that no one would start pointing
fingers just for the sake of getting people
into trouble. Imagine if these checks and
balances were still in e£ect today—I
think we would see a lot less injustice.
Heart check.
How
do you ensure that you are not bearing false
witness against someone? Do you inquire
diligently before sharing information about
a person?
FLYING
AXES | Deut. 20:19-20
The
Israelites were being given orders not to
allow their axes to just fiy aimlessly.
They
needed to be selective in which trees they
cut down and were specifically told not
to cut down fruit-bearing trees.
Here
again, we come back to this idea of cutting
down ministries indiscriminately and based
on other people’s opinions of them.
If
you think about it, if we start cutting
down all the trees that we don’t like, what
happens to their fruit?
We
will be held accountable if we take part
in cutting down these potential life sources.
Think
about how amazing it would be if we instead
took on the attitude of, “Let’s look at
what they’re doing well, and how can we
learn from that?”
Imagine
if we used our fighting energy on the real
enemy who is waging war against our souls
and fighting the real battle of saving those
who are lost? Heart check.
Does
your ax fly aimlessly? Do you check the
fruit of the tree before you cut it down?
Deep
Dive
Is
there still a communal role in maintaining
righteousness in communities and chur
How
are the standards for kings still applicable
today? Is it upheld?
What
pagan practices are still being practiced
today? How can we protect ourselves against
the casual nature of it?
How
do we discern between true and false prophets
today?
What
is the modern-day equivalent of cities of
refuge?
Does
the role of the priest in this reading still
apply today in our personal battles? How?
Heavenly
Father, thank you that your promise to be
with us and fight for us still stands today.
I
pray that we recognize when we are called
to fight and when we are not. We know the
enemy wants nothing more than for us to
be caught up in endless and unnecessary
battles. Because as long as we’re busy doing
anything other than loving people, building
them up, and saving their souls, he is weakening
your army. Don’t let us fall into that trap.
Help us to recognize who the real enemy
is and use our energy fighting the real
battles. I pray that you will continue to
strengthen us by your Word, for we know
that the battles are won before they are
even fought. So armor us today, and we will
continue to trust that you will do the heavy
lifting. You are all the artillery we need.
We no longer need to go in screaming and
crying, trying to get our way. Our silence
will often be louder than are screams, for
it replicates your whispers, which are far
more powerful than our desperation.
Sometimes
it’s hard for us to read these parts of
the Bible and reconcile your goodness with
your usage of human instruments to carry
out your judgment. Help us to understand
it so that we do not harden our hearts against
your Word. Your ways are far greater than
ours, so may we never think that we know
better than you, or that our morality is
somehow greater.
I
pray that you will continue to transform
our hearts so that when you do a heart count,
we will be able to say, “Present!” and march
forward with you. But before we ever try
to engage, may we take a good hard look
at our lives and make sure that our homes,
our families, our work and our hearts are
all solid before we try to battle with compromise
in our spirits. We know our first ministry
is our home, so may we always make that
a priority.
Lord,
we know that if we haven’t already, we will
face situations that are far too great for
us to handle. But instead of fearing, I
pray that we will see it for the opportunity
that it is to be able to see your greatness
playing out and being proven.
I
pray for an increase in discernment and
integrity today. Give us the patience to
diligently seek out truth for ourselves
in every circumstance and never relying
on hearsay from others. May we never bear
false witness against others by carelessly
throwing around words that someone else
has spoken. Help us to discern between what
is truth and what is falsely being declared
in your name. I pray that we will not cut
down trees without considering the fruit
that lies beneath it and the consequences
that we may bear because of it. Help us
to be a people who are instead gleaning
from others strengths, fully trusting that
you will deal with anyone who may be leading
others astray. If we are called to warn
others, give us full assurance that we are
called to do that. But may we never recklessly
start wielding our ax where you have not
said to do so.
Thank
you for being our refuge and strength. Thank
you that we have a shelter to run to when
it seems as though the world is crashing
in on us or out to get us. We find that
safety in the shadow of your wings. I pray
that you will speak truth to our hearts
by way of your Word and the church. We pray
against the corruption of the church or
any abuse in power. The last thing we need
is another controversy that breaks the trust
of the sheep to listen to the voice of the
shepherds. Where we may be sitting under
false teaching, I pray that you will reveal
it to us and lead us out gently and into
the place where you would have us fiourish
in the courts of our God. We want to be
able to put down roots and to have a place
of safety to be able to work out our own
morality. So I pray for good health in all
the churches that our people are attending.
We pray for the leadership to have humble
hearts, ones that are not greedy for wealth
or power, but who are fully submitted to
your leadership.
But
thank you Jesus for being the prophet that
was raised up long ago whose words can never
be refuted. If we ever question anything,
may we always come back to what you have
spoken. Forgive us where we may have turned
to anything else for wisdom. We renounce
any abominable practice that we have ever
taken part in. May we keep those things
far from us and always live with responsible
reverence, hearing and fearing your Word.
You are our King, and we wish to have no
other lordship in our lives. So may we truly
be the living sacrifices that we say we
want to be.
Deuteronomy
21-23 highlights laws surrounding community
and the ethical living within it.
In
chapter 21, societal regulations continue
with the atonement for unsolved murders.
When
a victim is found and the killer is not
known, the elders from the nearest town
must atone for their innocent bloodshed
to cleanse the land of defilement. When
a woman is taken captive from enemy land,
if a man wishes to marry her, she is to
be given one month to mourn her family.
If the man chooses not to marry her, she
must be released with dignity, as she was
now considered dishonored. In the case of
a man having two wives, with one favored
over the other, the firstborn child of the
unloved wife may not be deprived of his
double-portion inheritance.
If
anyone has a rebellious or disobedient son
who refuses correction, they are to be brought
before the elders and declared stubborn
and rebellious before the community stones
him to death. The body of any guilty man
sentenced to death is to be displayed on
a tree until evening. He is considered cursed.
Deuteronomy
22
In
chapter 22, Israelites are required to safely
return animals or items that are found to
their rightful owner, regardless of their
relationship status.
Men
and women are not to wear clothing of the
opposite sex—it is considered an abomination.
If a nest is found, only the eggs are to
be taken and not the mother.
When
building a home, parapets must be placed
on the roof to prevent accidental falls.
There is to be no planting of two different
seeds together, no working of two different
animals, and no mixing of clothing materials.
Tassels are to be attached to the corners
of the garments to remind them of God’s
commandments.
Specific
laws are given to protect against sexual
immorality and to protect a woman’s purity.
Severe penalties are put into place for
adultery and rape if found guilty.
In
chapter 23, emasculated males, illegitimate
children along with his descendants, or
Moabites and Ammonites are forbidden from
entering the assembly.Egyptians and Edomites
are allowed after the third generation because
of their past relationship with Israel.During
times of war, the camp must be kept clean
by going outside the camp for relief as
well as cleansing from involuntary emission
of bodily fiuids.Any foreign slaves that
escape to Israel are allowed to live freely
in Israel.Prostitution of every form is
forbidden, and immoral wages are not to
be brought into the temple.Israelites shall
not charge interest to their people, but
they may charge interest to foreigners.All
vows are voluntary but must be kept once
they are made. While passing through vineyards
and fields, grapes and grain may be eaten
but not gathered or taken.
COMMUNAL
RESPONSIBILITY | Deut. 21
Here
we see the implementation of communal responsibility,
which I believe was put into place to foster
the “it takes a village” mentality. Granted,
society is moving further away from this
principle and we’re sadly seeing the consequences
of it. Heart Check.
When
you see issues within your community, do
you feel a sense of, "Not my problem",
or do you bear a sense responsibility?
DO
GOOD | Deut. 22:1-4
While
chapter 21 dealt with discipline as a “not
my problem” issue, here we see it extended
to bearing the responsibility to do good
in the community, even doing good to your
enemies. This would address the sin of doing
nothing—if you see a need, and you are willing
and able to do something about it, but you
don’t, this is considered sin (James 4:17)
even today. Heart Check.
How
compelled are you to meet aneed when you
have the means to do so? Do you seek to
do good, or do you tend to ignore it?
GUARDRAILS
| Deut. 22:8
The
roofs of homes were like our backyards—they
were areas to “chill,” especially to find
some relief from the evening heat. Because
the height posed a potential danger, they
were required to build parapets or guardrails
to keep them from falling. When we look
at our own lives, we too should have guardrails
in place to keep us from falling, especially
in places where we know there is a potential
danger or where we may be getting a little
too close to the edge. Heart Check.
Where
might you need to put up guardrails in you
life to avoid falling?
HOLY
STANCE | Deut. 22:9-11
We
can easily read passages like this one and
question why God would put up red tape where
it didn’t seem necessary. So this makes
us take a look at the context—he wasn’t
necessarily forbidding cross-pollination,
but it was another stance in maintaining
their set apartness or holiness from the
surrounding nations who were sowing mixtures
of seeds to produce “magical combinations.”
It
was all rooted in pagan ritual. So God wanted
to draw a hard line where there was not
potential of blurring the boundaries. He
continues this thought in the New Testament
when Jesus tells us to be either hot or
cold and not lukewarm (Rev. 3:15). He wants
our yesses to be yesses and our nos to be
nos (Matthew 5:37). We need to have a hard
line drawn in the sand or we are going to
be led astray as society continues to blur
the lines between right and wrong. We know
that as the time draws near to the end,
evil will be seen as good and good will
be seen as evil. We’re already seeing it
happening. Heart Check.
Are
you able to see the blurred lines in society?
Are you sitting in the lukewarm pool or
taking a holy stance.
CLEAN
CAMPS | Deut. 23:9-14
Here
we see God highlighting the importance of
cleanliness, not only physically but spiritually
as well. This would once again set them
apart but also maintain good hygiene within
their camp.
I
believe this still translates today for
us in our homes, in our churches, and in
our communities. I also believe that physical
cleanliness is linked to our spiritual and
mental well-being.I know when my house is
in disarray, every other issue in my life
seems magnified. But when I clean my house,
I suddenly can think a little clearer, my
husband is happier, I don’t feel like I’m
literally being buried. Heart Check.
How
clean is your camp?
Deep
Dive
How
do the consequences for rebellion challenge
or reflect our societal values of communal
responsibility today? How has it affected
society?
Do
you believe “old school” practices are more
effective?
What
moral and ethical boundaries do you see
being blurred today? How can we protect
our own morality in these cases?
How
does casual sex or the lack of value on
purity play out in society today? How does
it affect the value of marriage?
Is
there anyone that God would exclude from
the assembly today? What verses support
this?
Heavenly
Father, we thank you that you exclude no
one from acessing your grace or from receiving
your love.
But
the ball is in our court in whether we will
choose that free gift to be able to spend
our lives set apart for you. While these
laws are no longer applicable in the legal
sense to us as Christians, we cannot ignore
the spirit of the law and the morality behind
it. So help us to see your purpose in everything
you did so that we will not read this and
hear words of cruelty or vulgarity but rather
understand your heart for your children.
Show
us how we can uphold our own morality so
that it is a direct reflection of your holiness.
Help us to be a generous people who are
willing to feed and give to others and I
pray that we will never be greedy or take
advantage of people when they are willing
to freely give things to us. I pray that
we will eat of the grapes but not stockpile
or demand more where we see the ability
to.
Forgive
us if we have ever made a vow or a promise
and have not kept it. If we are still able
to fulfill it or make it right in some way,
please show us how and provide an opportunity
to do so.
I
pray that we will maintain purity in our
own lives, within our homes, teaching it
to our children, and also within our communities.
Help us to uphold what is true and not be
swayed by the ever changing ways of society.
It seems to be happening so quickly, where
morality is slipping through our fingers.
But instead of feeling discouraged or defeated
or even angry, I pray that we will simply
gird up our loins and prepare for even more
pushback. If there are any guardrails that
we need to put up, show us where the edges
are so that we can protect the property
of our lives.
Help
us to maintain and steward our homes and
spaces we live and work in so that there
is no additional clutter in our minds and
spirits. I pray that we can get organized
so that we can lessen our own anxiety that
we don’t even realize stems from that.
Where
we see unmet needs within our community
or even if we just come across a person
or situation, and we have the ability and
the prompting to do something about it,
I pray that we do not ignore your voice
or conviction, for we know that is a sin.
We know that with every conviction, it is
an opportunity to grow, and while growth
is sometimes a little painful, it is always
for our benefit.
Forgive
us where we may have been lukewarm, where
you were calling us to stop skirting the
lines and either take a stance so we could
advance your purpose or grow cold so that
you could convict our hearts. We don’t want
to sit in the pot of compromise, knowing
that it will eventually cook us. And the
world is full of it. We are not afraid,
but are aware, and so may we be evermore
wise as we step out the door each day. Help
us to be careful of the things we look at
or watch so that we are not becoming so
inundated with the noise of the world and
news, but may we simply stay rooted in your
Word, knowing that you are still in control,
despite what it looks like.
Thank
you, Jesus, for being the perfect Son, who
gave us the ability to come home, even after
years of rebellion. Thank you for saving
us. You became the curse on the tree so
that we wouldn’t have to. You atoned for
the sin that could’ve easily overtaken us
and murdered our soul. Thank you for caring
enough about us to be our city of refuge.
Thank you for releasing us with dignity
and treating us better than we deserve.
May we use our freedom to serve you always
and bring you glory.
DEUT
24-27 continues with the miscellaneous laws
in Israel surrounding social and moral issues,
concluding Moses’ preaching. It is a pivotal
point in their history as God lays out the
foundation for the covenant renewal ceremony.
In
chapter 24, some of the miscellaneous laws
include: If a man writes a certificate of
divorce for any reason, and she remarries,
he may not remarry her should she return.
Newlywed
men are to spend their first year of marriage
making their wives happy—they are not to
go to war or bear public duties. No items
crucial for daily living are to be taken
as a pledge. Kidnapping of an Israelite
for slavery is a capital offense. Skin diseases
should be properly dealt with. Pledges for
a loan are not to be collected from within
the home of the borrower but rather outside
their home. Any cloaks taken as a pledge
must be returned at night. All employees
must be paid daily.
Every
person is responsible for their own sin.
Foreigners, orphans and widows must not
be judged unfairly but with mercy as they
remember their own past slavery. A remnant
of any harvest must be left for the needy.
In
chapter 25, in the case where beatings are
issued as a punishment, it should not exceed
40.
A
working ox should not be muzzled. For brothers
who live together, if one dies without having
children, the brother is to marry the widow,
and the firstborn child will take the name
of the first husband. If the brother refuses
this duty, the widow may plead to the elders,
who will allow for public humiliation of
the brother should he still refuse.
If
two men are fighting and a wife steps in
and grabs the private parts of the other
man, her hand should be cut o£. All
weights and measures should be accurate
and balanced. Dishonest actions are an abomination
to the Lord. The chapter ends with a reminder
of how the Amalekites attacked from the
back when they left Egypt, and the Israelites
are therefore to never forget what they
had done.
In
chapter 26, the Israelites are commanded
to take the firstfruits of their first harvest
in the Promised Land and bring it to the
central place of worship.
Along
with this offering, they will audibly declare
their wilderness testimony before celebrating
with all people including Levites and foreigners.
Every third year, the tithe is to be given
to the Levites, foreigners, orphans and
widows for their sustenance.
This
will confirm their obedience to all of God’s
commands. The chapter ends with the Lord
reaffirming His covenant with this generation
and commanding them to obey all His commands
with all their heart and soul. When they
do, the Lord will elevate them above all
nations in praise, fame and honor.
In
chapter 27, Moses and the elders give instructions
for the building of a stone altar once the
people cross into the Promised Land.
The
altar is to be made of uncut stones, whitewashed,
and the words of the Law written on them.
An altar is to be set atop Mount Ebal, where
the sacrifices and offerings are to be brought
and enjoyed. Moses and the priests reaffirm
God’s covenant and call for complete obedience
to all the Lord’s commands. Once the people
cross over the Jordan, the tribes are to
be divided equally between Mount Ebal and
Mount Gerizim. As they stand atop the mountains,
the Levites will pronounce curses, which
are to be affirmed with an “Amen” by the
6 tribes on Ebal.
The
pronounced curses will follow disobedience
surrounding idolatry, dishonoring parents,
stealing, cruelty, sexual immorality, violence,
and injustice.
POVERTY
| Deut. 24
We
end this chapter with another call to care
for the poor and needy. In fact, poverty
is the #2 subject that is addressed in the
Bible, only second to idolatry. Yet when
we think about where it ranks in our hearts
and minds, it is probably a lot further
down the list. Heart Check.
How
does poverty or caring for those in need
rank in your heart?
LEAVE
IT TO GLEAN | Deut. 24:19-22
We
must also recognize that while God has a
heart for the poor, He also has ways of
protecting the wealthy, but if we can’t
see His heart in it, we will miss it. Remember
how many times He says that if they are
generous, it will go well with them. He
will bless the work of their hands. They
will be successful in all they do. You can
find this written all throughout the Bible.
And
this isn’t just speaking about money. We’re
also talking about spiritual wealth and
leaving it out for others to glean from—
because we can sometimes be spiritually
greedy. But you will be amazed how much
more you will grow when you begin to share
what God is showing you. Heart Check.
Are
you reaping all the spiritual harvest for
youeself? Or are you leaving some for others
to glean?
WORKING
GIFT | Deut. 26:1-4
God
has given the Israelites this land as a
gift, and He wants them to possess it and
live in it. This means it is a working gift—a
gift that keeps on giving. The Lord is the
same way with us. We have been given the
gift of grace. God doesn’t give us grace
so we can stay the same.
Grace
is a working gift that pushes us into the
abundance of the Spirit-filled life! He
is changing us from glory to glory, meaning
we have the potential to be better. But
we must take possession of that, and if
we don’t, we will be the ones to lose out
on that abundant life if we choose to simply
sit back and stay the same. Heart Check.
Have
you taken possession of your potential?
Are you working out you gift?
SHARE
YOUR TESTIMONY | Deut. 26:5-11
Here
is a call to give an audible testimony of
what the Lord has done for them. Why does
He want them to do this? Because He knows
that it will encourage others to get out
of their own wilderness and keep marching
toward the Promised Land, knowing that if
God delivered them, He would deliver others.
We
are called to do the same! The Bible is
full of phrases like “my mouth will tell,”
“come and hear,” “declare,” and one of my
favorites, “Let the redeemed of the Lord
say so!” (Psalm 107:2).
And
this may take a little work. It may require
you to sit down, pray about it, meditate
on it, and write it out. I have given my
testimony several times at conferences and
in di£erent ministry settings—and
it usually took me a week to write it out
each time. Heart Check.
Would
you be able to articulate your testimony?
Have you shared it with others?
Deep
Dive
How
can you see God’s care for all humanity
throughout these laws?
How
are these laws reflected in our society?
Why
is it important for Israel to remember the
Amalekites? What are some “never forget”
moments in history that continue today?
How
do we balance never forgetting past attacks
with forgiveness?
What
does obeying with all your heart and soul
look like practically?
How
might society be different if there was
a collective recital of the Law and its
consequences?
Heavenly
Father, we start off with an amen, declaring
that we agree with the Word that we are
reading today.
What
a powerful reminder that standing together
in unity and obedience will only strengthen
us as both individuals and as a community.
We know we all have a role to play in the
spiritual well-being of our environments,
so I pray that as we walk this road of faith,
that we will be the ones who are building
up our communities and showing respect and
honor to those within it.
We
are so grateful that every day is a pivotal
moment for us to renew our faith just as
your mercies appear in a fresh way. I pray
that we will always turn to you first and
rejoice in your Presence, declaring that
this is the day that you have made, so we
will rejoice and be glad in it. We will
choose to have a good day. Our position
in you gives us the right to that, so for
that, we thank you Jesus.
I
pray that we will uphold the spirit of the
Law and never compromise our relationship
with you by putting anything before you.
I pray that we will honor our parents for
giving us life, and honor them by passing
on an even better life to our own children.
I pray that we maintain purity in all areas
of our lives, and may we treat everyone
with the grace, mercy and justice that they
deserve according to you.
May
our worship always be genuine and focused
on you. While it isn’t wrong to use things
to amplify and even beautify worship, it
is the simplicity of the heart and message
that must never be tainted. So may we never
become more enamored with the whitewash
than we are with your Presence.
I
pray that we will be a people who declare
your goodness from the rooftops and mountaintops,
sharing our testimony with those who are
ripe for the picking. Show us who we can
share with. I pray for divine appointments
with old friends, even new encounters with
new people. We don’t need to recite the
Ten Commandments to them—we just need to
share your lovingkindness. Help us to do
that well but to do so passionately with
all our heart and soul, just the way that
we love you.
Thank
you for bringing us out of our past so that
you could bring us in to the abundant Spirit-filled
life. We don’t have to wait for heaven to
experience it, so I pray that we will not
wander around aimlessly looking for the
world to fulfill this, but rather seek first
the kingdom of God and your righteousness,
for we know that is when all else will be
added unto us.
And
may we live beyond our potential, not trying
to strive for fame or influence, but striving
to honor you and to bring you glory. Until
we get to that point, we will never understand
that it is not a one-way street of just
pouring out to you—you so desire to give
back, and you always do beyond what we could
ever ask for or imagine. But if we don’t
trust you enough to begin pouring out in
faith, we will never get there. So increase
our faith today so that we can bless you
back through that working gift of grace.
We
want to be on the front lines, not lagging
in the back. We want to be the bold worshipers,
unashamed, with joy unspeakable and peace
that surpasses all understanding. And we
want this for others. So help us bring them
with us, not because we’re some weird cult
trying to gain more followers, but because
there’s no better place to be than in your
Presence.
I
pray we shift our focus from our lack to
the blessings that are all around us. Help
us to recognize how fortunate we truly are
and forgive us for being bratty and demanding
of things that are so shallow against the
backdrop of war, poverty, and sickness.
Rather than complaining, may we instead
infect others with that spirit of gratitude,
as we know that both of those are contagious.
So it’s up to us what we will perpetuate.
May
we all walk with integrity and honesty today,
upholding holiness and righteousness to
the best of our ability. We can’t do this
on our own strength, for we have all failed.
Therefore,
we can’t even hold this over others’ heads,
especially when we need to get ourselves
right. Show us where need to do so. May
we always guard and protect our hearts for
out of it flows the wellspring of life.
And we want to always mirror your kindness
and grace, so that needs to start in our
own hearts.
For
anyone who is dealing with divorce, whether
they’re currently going through it, are
still healing from it, or are contemplating
it, I pray that you will cover them with
your love, your healing, and your grace.
Surround them with wise counsel. Help them
to know that you love them, regardless of
any rejection or hurt they may be currently
feeling. I pray that you will restore what
is broken. I pray for miracles of healing
in relationships, for you can redeem anything.
We command all pride to be cast down and
all bitterness to cease. I pray for an increase
in trust and strength in choosing to love
rather than to hate. Help us to all come
back to our first love in you so that we
can turn around and love others the same.
We
confess today that you are our God and we
commit to live by your revelation and your
Word.
Deuteronomy
28-29 details the way Israel will be blessed
for obedience or cursed for disobedience
and reconfirms the covenant that God made
at Sinai.
In
chapter 28, Moses relays God’s promise to
bless His people if they are faithful to
obey all His commandments. They will be
set above all other nations, blessed in
their cities, homes, and work, and they
will have victory over their enemies. However,
if they do not obey, they will be subject
to the consequences of their actions by
way of curses. These curses undo the blessings
bestowed upon them as a nation, and they
will be prone to confusion, pestilence,
plagues, dispersion, drought, famine, agricultural
failure, theft, adultery, slavery, and more.
In
chapter 29, Moses brings the people together
and recites the Mosaic Covenant to them.
They are reminded of the many miracles,
signs and wonders that God performed from
their time in Egypt and throughout the wilderness,
even conquering nations for their possession.
The covenant binds the entire nation and
all people living among them with God. Moses
warns against idolatry, pride, and rebellion,
lest they be subject to His jealousy and
curses. He declares that their disobedience
will also affect the generations to come,
and the state of their hearts will refiect
in the condition of their land. Should anyone
question why they are living in deplorable
conditions, they will find their answer
among the people’s breaking of this covenant
with God. The chapter ends with a declaration
that some things are only for God to know,
but the things He reveals will be transgenerational.
CHASING
BLESSINGS | Deut. 28:1-2
While
obedience won’t save Israel, for they are
already a chosen people who have been set
apart, it will bring an abundant life of
blessing. It’s ultimately up to them—they’re
being given the choice here. And this is
a beautiful picture—God is telling them
that if they obey, blessings will chase
them down and they won’t be able to outrun
them. All they have to do is run after God.
I think we get this backwards a lot of the
time, where we chase the blessing rather
than God. And we wonder why it remains so
far out of reach, because we are chasing
the tail. Heart Check.
Are
you chasing after God, or chasing the blessing?
BE
AN EXAMPLE | Deut. 28:10
This
was one of Israel’s greatest purposes—to
be an example to the surrounding nations.
We read in 1 Timothy 4:12-13 that we too
should be an example in our speech, in our
conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.
I can tell you that I have failed over and
again at every one of these, but I thank
God that where sin abounds, grace abounds
more. And the more that I work on holding
my tongue when I want to lash out, speaking
kindly to those who are rude or critical
of me, not holding on to secret sin, loving
people regardless of their sin, being faithful
to God when I’m up against a wall or so
weary that I can’t lift my head, and resisting
the enemy when he wants to sling dirt at
me, the more that I understand what truly
being blessed is. It isn’t about money or
success. It’s about contentment and peace
that I never had before. It’s knowing that
if all else is stripped away, I would still
be blessed with a joy that no one in this
world can take away from me. Tangible blessings
are beautiful, and the Lord will give those
as well, but it’s the intangible ones that
can’t be taken from us by anyone, including
the enemy. But we must be an example. Heart
Check.
Do
you have a record of wrongdoings in your
heart? Do people around you see that you
are called by name of the Lord? Is your
speech, conduct, love faith, and purity
an example to them?
JOY
& GLADNESS | Deut 28:47
We
know Israel is called to obey, but here
we see an added layer of “with joy and gladness
of heart.” Does this mean we put on a fake
smile and overrun people with enthusiasm?
Absolutely not. Because the Bible also says
that blessing your neighbor with a loud
voice early in the morning will be taken
as a curse (Prov. 27:14). Serving the Lord
with joy and gladness means that everything
we do comes from a place of joy and gladness
in who God is and what He’s done, rather
than a heavy place of lack, pity and judgment
. It’s the ability to rise above our own
feelings and choose to be grateful and kind
and full of grace. If we don’t do that,
we will inevitably end up in a place where
we feel as though we are under attack, we
are hungering and thirsting but never satisfied,
or feeling as though we are exposed and
lacking in everything. Heart Check.
Do
you serve the Lord with joy and gladness?
Or does it feel like a chore or a burden?
SPIRITUAL
SIGHT | Deut. 29:3-5
How
does it say that their eyes saw yet He hasn’t
given them eyes to see? It means they saw
the miracles, signs and wonders, but their
spiritual eyes were closed off to the light
that was being poured out from the windows
of heaven. We can see things all day but
completely miss the goodness of God. It’s
the same way a physically blind person can
have their soul opened to God’s greatness
and spiritually see well beyond the physical
limitations. So we don’t necessarily need
proof in the pudding—we don’t need miracles,
signs, and wonders to prove anything. We
simply need to trust and obey, and then
we will see the greater miracles. Heart
Check.
Are
the windows of your soul open to seeing
the greatness of God in all things?
REVELATION
MATTERS | Deut. 29:29
In
the end, God basically says, “You won’t
know everything, for all things are not
meant for you to know.” Because He is God,
and we are not. His ways are higher than
our ways, and our puny little human brains
will never make sense of it, especially
if we aren’t spiritually mature enough to
handle it.
If
we are demanding to know everything, then
we are claiming that we know better than
Him, by thinking that is somehow owed to
us. However, the things that ARE for us
to know, He reveals it to us. And as of
right now, we have everything we need to
know in the message of the gospel and His
command to love Him and love people. So
the inability to understand the “why” behind
everything is not an excuse for us not to
obey Him. If we choose not to, it’s a matter
of unwillingness and not a lack of knowledge.
And what He does reveal to us, we must do
something with it, for it is not just for
us to collect knowledge. Heart Check.
What
are you doing with what God has revealed
to you?
Deep
Dive
How
does the promise of these blessings and
curses compare to God’s promises to us?
Why
were there far more curses named than blessings?
How
can we discern when we are dealing with
consequences of our actions or just circumstance?
What can we do when it doesn’t line up with
blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience?
How
does individual obedience affect society
as a whole?
How
can we discern between the “secret things”
that are not to be revealed to us and spiritual
blindness?
Heavenly
Father, than you for comforting us in knowing
that we are simply not privy to everything
you're doing.
Help
us to rest in knowing that when we seek
you and love you with our whole being, that
you will continue to reveal things to us,
but on a need-to-know basis. I pray that
we will not grow frustrated when we have
a hard time understanding, but rather trust
in you while keeping the windows of our
soul open for your light to shine in. We
know that you will appropriate that light
in proportion to our obedience and willingness
to do what you are telling us to do.
We
know that we are blessed because of who
we are in you, and not because of our righteousness.
But there are greater degrees of blessings
waiting in the wings for us when we do choose
that life of obedience. I pray that we will
not judge everything by this, for it is
not absolute. But you are. So I pray that
instead of chasing the tail of the blessings,
we will instead chase the Head—the Almighty—running
after you with a fierceness and zeal that
is exclusive to you. And when we do that,
the blessings will follow, for you are the
source of our strength and joy and peace.
Thank
you that we are the head and not the tail,
we are victorious, we are blessed in our
coming and in our going, simply because
we are in you. What a great promise we have
to know that no one can take that from us
unless we allow them to. So help us to protect
our peace and rest in that promise today.
Help
us to be an example to everyone around us,
declaring with our words, conduct, faith,
love and purity, that we bear the name of
Jesus, and we are a child of God. If we
are ignorant of any misdeeds or misconduct,
I pray that you will show it to us immediately
so that we can cease from doing anything
that will cast a shadow on your glory that
you wish to reveal through us. We want to
be light bearers and not shadow casters.
For
anyone who may be feeling as though they
are somehow under a curse today, help them
to break free from that. I renounce any
confusion or fear that the enemy is trying
to hold over them, and I pray that you will
make the scales on their eyes fall o£
so that they can see you clearly. For anyone
feeling frustrated or overwhelmed, Holy
Spirit, will you calm their anxieties and
breathe understanding into them. We know
that there are some things that you will
withhold, but sometimes we are the ones
who are in our own way. So help us to get
out of the way so that you can do your work.
And
if we are dealing with consequences that
have come from our own actions, give us
the strength to get through it. We know
that you are the Redeemer and that you will
turn all things to good for those who love
you and are called according to your purpose.
This
includes the mistakes we have made. So just
as you got Israel through the battles with
Sihon and Og, battles that seemed impossible,
you will do the same for us. You will bring
us through. And when we come out on the
other side, I pray that we never forget
your mighty hand and outstretched arm that
brought us out. May we always respond with
joyfulness and gladness of heart, even if
we come out scathed. Help us to show others
that we will rise up out of the ashes because
we desire to serve and honor you.
Deuteronomy
30-31 details the end of Moses’ leadership
role and the commissioning of Joshua to
take his place.
In
chapter 30, the Israelites are reminded
of their ability to repent and be forgiven.
Moses declares that when the blessings and
curses occur, and the people turn back to
Him and obey, He will have mercy and restore
them to their land. He will gather the people
from all over the earth and prosper them
beyond any generation before it. He promises
to circumcise their hearts so that they
will faithfully love and obey Him.
When
they return, God will curse their enemies
as they fiourish in their land. The Lord
declares that His commandments are not too
hard or too far o£ to find and obey,
therefore they should choose life. When
they do, they will inevitably choose blessing
and prosperity, and they will live long
in the land.
In
Deuteronomy 31, Moses, at 120 years old,
is nearing the end of his life and therefore
the end of his leadership role. Knowing
he will not lead the Israelites into the
Promised Land, he publicly passes the baton
to Joshua, telling him to be strong and
courageous and promising the Lord’s guidance
and continual presence. Moses writes the
Law and gives it to the priests, commanding
for it to be read aloud to the congregation
every seven years at the Feast of Tabernacles.
In hearing the word, they will learn about
and fear Him. Moses then prophesies that
the people will break the covenant and turn
to other gods. The Lord commands Moses to
therefore write a song that will serve as
a remembrance of all that He has done and
how they were unfaithful. Moses places the
Law in the ark and warns the people of their
future disobedience and its consequences.
TOO
HARD, TOO FAR | Deut. 30:11
I
don’t know about you, but when I’m reading
through these laws, statutes, curses and
blessings, it seems like a pretty impossible
standard.
But
here God says that it isn’t impossible.
Yet no one was ever able to stay within
the covenant. That remains today, as none
of us are without sin. Heart Check.
What
seems too hard or far off for you to maintain
faithfulness to God?
CHOOSE
LIFE | Deut. 30: 19-20
Sometimes
we will hear this phrase “choose life” and
assume that for Christians, that simply
means to choose Jesus so you can have eternal
life, end of story. But it goes well beyond
that. God isn’t transactional, where he’s
on a register up there cashing us in like
objects.
Choosing
life means choosing to love God and love
people instead of walking around like a
curmudgeon. It’s choosing to hold fast to
him so you lessen your worries and anxieties
and prolong the length of your days, because
stress physically manifests through sickness
and disease. It’s choosing to be grateful
and finding the good in your day because
the world is slapping us in the face all
that is bad. So it’s not just a one and
done type of thing when you choose life.
It’s
something we do on the daily. Heart Check.
Do
you truly choose life every single day?
FEARFUL
OR FAITHFUL WORDS | Deut. 31:6
We
see this very phrase 7 times in this book,
and later on, we will see Joshua speaking
these same words to the people. Because
there is power in our words— the power of
life and death is in our tongue (Pr. 18:21).
So faith is not just sitting back and expecting
God to just work His magic. Again, He’s
all about partnership—He always has been.
That’s
why He told Moses to speak to the rock,
the same way that Jesus will tell us that
if we want the mountain to move, we need
to speak to it.
But
in the same manner, we can kill our own
faith by speaking words of fear. Because
remember, the enemy doesn’t know your thoughts,
but he can surely hear your words.
So
when you start uttering doubt and negativity,
that is fuel for him to come in and magnify
the very things that are scaring you and
making you question God’s faithfulness.
Heart Check.
What
kind of words are you speaking? Ones of
faith or fear?
FOR
YOU SHALL | Deut. 31:7
Here
we see the transfer of leadership taking
place. While God called Moses to initially
lead the people into the Promised Land,
his disobedience keeps him from ultimately
fulfilling this. God will always get His
plan accomplished no matter what. And while
He could very well do it all on His own,
He works through those who are willing and
who make themselves available.
The
spiritual life isn’t a one-man show. Right
now, I’m leading this Bible Study, but my
heart is to get others who are willing to
step up and who will make themselves available
to do the same thing. You don’t have to
do it the way I’m doing it, but I believe
now more than ever, that God is calling
His children to step up and start making
disciples as we have all been called to
do. That will look di£erent for every
person. And the Lord will reveal the how,
as long as you say yes to Him. Heart Check.
Have
you made yourself available to God in order
to bring people into the Promised Land?
PROCRASTINATION
| Deut. 31:22
Moses
wrote the song the same day—he didn’t procrastinate,
which is one of the greatest qualities of
a good leader. They aren’t going to sit
around and wait for the perfect opportunity
or for a time when they “feel like'' doing
it.
They
are getting stu£ done, and Moses was
all about it. I am the biggest procrastinator,
and I have had to learn how not to be with
this Bible study, because if I even let
an hour go by when I should be studying,
it will compound so quickly and I will fall
behind. And studies show that it is directly
linked to depression, anxiety, stress and
dissatisfaction with life.
And
guess what it is usually rooted in? Fear.
Fear of the ability to accomplish something.
Fear of the outcome. Fear of missing out.
Fear of failure. But God does not give us
a spirit of fear, but of power, love and
a sound mind. So that is how we combat it—with
faith.
Taking
a step, getting a task done, because TikTok
is not gonna get it done for you. Heart
Check.
Is
there something you're procrastinating on?
Or when you know you need something to get
something done, do you do it the same day?
Deep
Dive
What
does the circumcision of the heart look
like?
How
has the power of choice impacted society
as a whole in recent days? What spiritual
implications can be seen?
How
important is restoration in the spiritual
life? Have you experienced personal restoration?
What
leadership qualities do you see of Moses
and Joshua? How are the alike or different?
Why
would God choose a song? How does it impact
one’s faith?
Heavenly
Father, thank you that no matter how far
we might fall away, you always welcome us
backand are willing to restore us.
We
are grateful for the power of choice, but
sometimes it’s the very thing that trips
us up, for our flesh wages war against our
spirit and what we know is right. Forgive
us for the times that we have not chosen
life or chosen you. But thank you again
for allowing us to come back to your open
arms of grace. I pray that every aspect
of our flesh that needs to be cut away will
be severed and cauterized by your Spirit,
never to be exposed or vulnerable again.
Circumcise our hearts so that we will genuinely
commit our whole being to you. We know that
these curses no longer apply to us personally,
but this word still holds powerful implications
for our spiritual walk. For the world could
never offer what a life lived with
you does. We can gain everything in the
world, but we would forfeit our soul if
we don’t live a life submitted before you.
So
I thank you for picking up our scattered
and broken pieces and restoring us once
again. You are a God of restoration, and
there is nothing too big that you cannot
fix. There is nothing that we could’ve ever
done in our lives that is not redeemable
by you.
We
believe that you still desire to make us
abundantly prosperous. I pray that we will
gain a better understanding of what that
looks like. It’s not necessarily money or
possessions, but intangible and invaluable
blessings that we will never find on this
side of heaven.
I
pray for our nations to turn back to you.
We see them moving further away from the
foundation upon which they were built, and
when we begin to build upon anything other
than our Solid Rock, it is sinking sand.
Oh Lord have mercy for those who are righteous
and humble before you. But help our nations
see you for the good God you are and turn
and repent so that you will hear our prayers
when we pray.
You
are the source of all living things, and
we find our strength in you. Even if things
haven’t panned out the way we dreamed or
planned, we trust that the life beyond this
one will far surpass even our greatest day
here on this earth. So we look forward to
that and will not grow weary when we feel
as though we have somehow failed to live
and choose well. You won’t let us go out
in failure. If we breathe our last breath
with the Holy Spirit dwelling within us,
we know that we are walking into the Promised
Land.
So
I pray that we will all pull up our big
kid pants and stop fearing and worrying
about tomorrow. We choose to trust that
you will never leave us or forsake us. We
will be strong and courageous, knowing that
you go before us and stand behind us, even
surrounding our enemies. We renounce any
fear that is holding us back from doing
today what you have asked us to do. Thank
you for that reminder. May we not procrastinate
and miss the very window that you have opened
for a limited time.
In
chapter 32, the song that Moses penned is
declared as he calls upon all creation to
be a witness to his teaching. He describes
the perfect nature of God and His faithfulness,
ascribing the name of “the Rock” to God,
declaring Him secure and unchanging, just
and righteous.
However,
he draws to remembrance their unfaithfulness
as they became corrupt and abandoned their
Creator. Moses recalls the way God rescued,
cared for, and protected His people, while
bringing them prosperity and security. Yet
the people still rebelled and broke covenant
with Him by worshiping other gods, bringing
them into God’s judgment including famine,
plagues, sickness, and enemy defeat. Their
lack of wisdom and understanding leaves
them unable to consider the consequences
of their actions.
The
Lord declares that despite all of this,
He will rescue His faithful ones and bring
vengeance upon His adversaries. Moses concludes
with a charge to teach these words to their
children. The Lord tells Moses to go to
the top of Mount Nebo to view the land one
last time and to remember why he was not
allowed to cross over. There on that mount,
Moses will die.
In
chapter 33, Moses gives his final blessings
upon the tribes of Israel. He begins by
declaring God’s loving care for His people
as He reigns over them. Each tribe receives
an individual blessing: Reuben, an inglorious
future. Judah, military strength and success.
Levi, wisdom to teach and divine protection.
Benjamin, peace and safety.
Joseph,
fruitfulness and military strength. Zebulun
& Issachar, faithfulness and prosperity.
Gad, readiness for war and justice. Dan,
a small and mighty tribe.
Naphtali,
contentment and abundant favor. Asher, abundant
favor and strength. The chapter concludes
with rejoicing over the Lord’s divine protection
and victory.
In
chapter 34, the Lord meets Moses on the
top of Mount Nebo to show him the whole
Promised Land. He reminds him that the land
was given by covenant to his forefathers
and while he can see it, he cannot enter
in. Moses dies at 120 years old and is buried
in a valley in Moab. The Israelites mourn
for 30 days before the people follow after
Joshua as their new wise and faithful leader.
It is stated that no other prophet has arisen,
as he is the only one to have met face to
face with God and who performed the amount
of powerful wonders that he did.
In
Psalm 91, the psalmist (likely Moses) begins
with a declaration of faith that whoever
dwells with the Almighty will be protected
from their enemies, sickness and plagues.
They will have no need to fear, as they
hide under the shadow of his wings. The
angels of the Lord will provide divine protection
and they will be able to tread on the lion,
adder and serpent. Those who hold fast to
the Lord will be under the protection, provision
and power of God’s presence, and they will
be saved.
FORGETTING
GOD | Deut 32:15
As
parents, our hearts want to give to our
children whatever they want, for when you
love someone, it’s natural to want to give
them the world. And the Lord feels the same
way about us. Yet most of us know that even
though anything is permissible, it isn’t
always beneficial. So as much as we would
love to take our kids to the candy store
and let them pick out anything they want
every single day, we know it isn’t the best
thing for them.
Because
they would get cavities, they would probably
become overweight and sick, and they would
be on an emotional rollercoaster with the
peaks and crashes of blood sugar. Think
about when you go to a bu£et or simply
eat until you’re really full—the last thing
you want to do is go run a marathon. Instead,
we want a wheelchair to take us straight
to our beds so we can sleep o£ the
lethargy.
The
Bible even talks about this in Proverbs
when it says “If you have found honey, eat
only enough for you lest you have your fill
of it and vomit” (Pr. 25:16). So too much
of a good thing can actually be harmful,
which is what the Lord is declaring here.
He has blessed Israel beyond every other
nation, and because of their fatness, they’ve
completely forgotten him. Heart Check.
What
leads more to forgetting God in your life?
Problems or prosperity? What can we do to
prevent this?
HE
IS GOD | Deut. 32:39
This
verse can be very hard to swallow for a
lot of people—to hear God declare that He
kills and wounds. Most of us will either
get stuck on those words, or we will tend
to turn a blind eye to them because we can’t
fathom why a loving God would do such a
thing.
But
this is another one of those moments where
we trust that He is God, and we are not.
We cannot box God into what we feel or think
He should be. This is a crossroads verse,
where we are either going to say, “Yes,
I believe in who you are and what you say
as truth,” or “I refuse to believe in who
you are and what you say as truth.” Heart
Check.
Do
you trust that God is who He says He is?
CONTINUING
TO BLESS | Deut. 33:1
Wow,
Moses was just told that He is leaving this
world, losing out on the one dream that
he worked his entire life for.
And
yet he is able to turn around and bless
the people. He didn’t say, “Peace out,”
and sail o£ into the sunset. This
goes against the very grain of human nature.
From the time that we are babies, if you
take something away from us, the natural
inclination is to scream and cry about it.
But that isn’t the way of the Lord. Jesus
tells us that when someone slaps us on the
cheek, we turn the other to them as well.
Or if they take our cloak, we give them
your tunic (Matthew 5:40).
He
is the one who kept walking toward the cross
that was about to be his executor—because
He wanted to bless us. Heart Check.
When
you are stripped of blessings, are you still
able to turn around ans bless others?
SEEKING
ANSWERS | Deut. 33:8-10
The
urim and thummim were the means by which
the priests would decide on certain cases
or decisions, and ultimately, the Lord gave
the answer through them. While we do sometimes
fiip a coin, we all know that is left to
chance and it is not a divine decision.
But
we still have a High Priest who we can go
to when we need an answer.
But
rather than seeking an audible answer from
Him, the scripture tells us that He IS the
way, meaning He IS the answer. So if we
simply abide in Him, meaning we stay in
His car on this journey of life, we will
end up where we are supposed to be. We don’t
need to force it or leave it to some sort
of universal fate. Heart Check.
When
you are looking for an answer or guidance,
where do you look?
SPEAK
BLESSINGS | Deut. 33:1-29
In
the end, we see that these blessings are
quite different from the more judgmental
blessings spoken by their father Jacob.
As parents, we tend to be either the greatest
cheerleaders or the hardest critics. But
I love how Moses, as a spiritual father,
pronounces blessings of potential. He is
choosing to leave them with encouragement
rather than criticism. And when you compare
both these blessings and those spoken by
Jacob, they are both prophetic in the way
that they came to fruition. So this tells
us that what we speak over the future of
our own children matters.
Even
for those who are not parents, what we say
about the future generation also matters,
because we are spiritual parents. As Christians,
the words we speak over people, the church,
and our communities should be ones that
build up. Heart Check.
What
kinds of blessings are you pronouncing?
One of judgement or words of encouragement?
Here
we end the book of Deuteronomy, which started
with a man who didn’t believe in himself.
Who asked, “Who am I to do this?” Yet here
he faithfully delivered three powerful messages
that make up this entire book. And he went
from being a stuttering shepherd to the
greatest prophet of his time, and yet none
of it went to his head. He remained humble,
courageous and full of wisdom. And even
though his failure kept him from the promise,
he knew how valued he still was by the Lord.
It’s the same way with us. We may be shackled
by something, messing up all the time, or
may just feel like we’re merely existing.
But God sees you. He values you. And it’s
often the ones who question their e£ectiveness
that God uses to the greatest degree. That
was Moses. I believe that when he was atop
that mountain, he heard the words, “Well
done my good and faithful servant.” Just
the same way that we will hear those words
despite our mistakes.
Deep
Dive
List
the di£erent traits of God that Moses
describes in his song.
Do
you think God’s judgments are fair?
Does
the song of Moses challenge or strengthen
your faith in God?
Which
of the blessings can you relate to personally?
How does this inspire you to apply these
blessings to your life?
Does
the blessing upon Israel in vs. 26-29 give
you confidence? In what way?
Heavenly
Father, than you for leaving the ultimate
legacy of blessings for us?
Happy
are we, who have been saved by the Lord.
Thank you for helping us when we are in
need and for shielding us when danger lurks.
You are the source of victory still today,
so we will choose to continue to dwell in
your everlasting arms of safety. We do not
need to fear, despite what people say about
the state of the world and what is to come.
We set our hope on you and your promises,
not the faulty words of people.
I
pray that we are able to find that contentment
in the abundant favor you have given to
us. If we are unable to see how blessed
we really are, show us today so that we
do not go a step further with hearts of
ingratitude.
Thank
you for loving us with an everlasting love.
I pray that we will find freedom within
the boundaries that you have set forth so
that we aren’t seeking a cheap thrill on
the outskirts. Moses had his promise taken
from him, yet he was still so content with
your presence alone that he was able to
finish well with so much dignity. Help us
to do the same so that we too can leave
a life of legacy for others.
I
pray that we speak words of life and encouragement—not
phony words of fiattery, but words of truth
and potential.
Help
us to trust you for who you are and accept
every Word as true, even as hard as it may
be to digest. You are sovereign. There is
none like you. You are God and we are not,
so I pray that we never try to rise above
you. Fill us afresh with wisdom and understanding
so that we will always discern the outcome
of our choices and decisions. May we consider
the consequences before we simply jump into
anything head first without thinking. Please
don’t ever allow us to forget you. What
a lousy place it would be to be hidden from
your face. So I pray that we build ourselves
on our Solid Rock so that we will not be
moved.
Thank
you for the gift of salvation that has the
promise of your Presence, your power, your
provision, and your protection. I pray that
we will allow you to take us to that secret
place, high up out of the worries of this
world. There we will discover a true intimacy
with you—something that can’t be learned
in a book. It must be experienced by full
surrender. So help us to do that today.
What an honor it is that we are known by
you.
Thank
you for the life of Moses, who we feel is
like a friend of ours. He’s that friend
that we all want around because he’s just
good company. May we be people like that,
who carry his heart, knowing that he ultimately
carried yours. And I pray that when we reach
that mountaintop with you, that we too will
hear the words, “Well done my good and faithful
servant.”
In
Joshua 1-4, the Israelites, now under the
leadership of Joshua, cross over the Jordan
to take possession of the land.
In
Joshua 1, the Lord speaks to Joshua, Moses’
assistant, after Moses’ death, commissioning
him to lead the people into the Promised
Land. He promises to be with Joshua just
as He was with Moses. He assures Joshua
that as long as he is strong and courageous,
meditates on the Word, and does all that
the Lord tells him, he will be successful
and prosperous. Joshua commands the leaders
to prepare for war, as they will take over
the land God has given them in 3 days. Joshua
reminds the tribes of Reuben, Gad and Manasseh
of their duties to cross over the Jordan
and fight with their brothers before returning
to their land. They agree and pledge obedience
and loyalty to Joshua.
In
Joshua 2, Joshua secretly sends two spies
to Jericho. The men stay with a prostitute
named Rahab, who hides the spies on her
roof, out of sight of the king’s search
party. Rahab deceives the soldiers by telling
them to search outside the city. Once they
leave the city, Rahab declares her belief
in the Lord and asks for mercy to be extended
to her family in exchange for her kindness
to them. They agree, and she helps the men
escape by lowering them down the city wall
by a rope. She instructs the men to fiee
to the hills and stay there for 3 days to
allow for the search party to return. The
men command that when they return, she is
to tie a scarlet cord to her window as a
sign for them to spare her family. The men
return to their land and report that the
land is ready to be conquered.
In
Joshua 3, Joshua leads the Israelites out
of their camp at Shittim to the edge of
the waters of the Jordan. They are instructed
after three days to follow the Ark of the
Covenant and consecrate themselves in anticipation
of the Lord’s miracles. The Lord encourages
Moses, assuring him that the people will
know that He is with him, the same way He
was with Moses. Joshua summons the people
to reassure that God is with them and will
go before them to drive out the Canaanites.
The moment the priests step foot into the
water, the Lord stops the fiow upstream
and allows them to cross on dry land.
In
Joshua 4, after the people have crossed
over the Jordan, the Lord instructs Joshua
to take one man from each tribe and have
them take a stone from the dry riverbed
to set up as a memorial on the other side.
This should serve as a conversation piece
for their children about the Lord’s miracle
in allowing them to cross over. Joshua sets
up an additional twelve stones in the middle
of the riverbed. The priests remain with
the Ark of the Covenant in the middle until
every person crosses over safely. The waters
return to their original fiow, and the people
set up camp at Gilgal. Joshua explains the
meaning and purposes of the memorial—for
all people to know the mighty hand of God
and fear Him.
ARISE
AND GO | Josh. 1:1-2
You
will see in this chapter alone, how many
times the Lord has to encourage Joshua.
And it’s likely because he needs to hear
it. If we put ourselves in Joshua’s shoes,
they must feel mighty small compared to
the gigantic shoes that he is needing to
fill. I can only imagine how many insecurities
must be welling up within him, having been
the second-in-command this whole time, and
suddenly given the baton to run full force.
And having been by Moses’ side this whole
time, he knows what to do. And the Lord
is telling him that it’s time to step up
and move forward. Moses is dead. He can’t
stay in that assistant mentality anymore.
There’s no time for shoulda coulda woulda.
He has to leave the past in the past and
move forward in his promise. So many of
us are still replaying the cassette tapes
of things that were said to us when we were
younger or the way we felt we never measured
up. There’s still a running joke in our
family that I’m like the Ugly Duckling,
and that a broken and insecure little girl
loves to make an appearance every now and
then. But the closer I stay to the Lord,
the easier it is to rise above it. This
is why Paul encourages us by saying that
anyone who is in Christ is a new creation—the
old has passed, the new has come. Heart
Check.
Are
you still carrying around childhood insecurities?
Is it time for you to leave it in the past
and move forward?
KEYS
TO SUCCESS | Josh. 1:6-9
So
what’s the key to success? Here it says
that we must: 1.) Learn the Word so that
we will know how to stay in the middle lane.
2.) We must meditate on it day and night.
3.) We must DO the Word. The Hebrew word
that is used for meditating is “hagah” which
translates to “mutter.” This means we don’t
just read the Word and let it go in one
ear and out the other, nor does it mean
we just let it wander aimlessly through
our brains. It means we turn it over in
our minds and speak it out audibly so that
it becomes more than a thought. Studies
show that when we speak, something called
the “production e£ect” happens, where
the hearing of ourselves speaking actually
helps to commit the text to memory. How
else will we know how to do what the Word
says if we can’t even remember it? Heart
Check.
Are
you meditating on the Word? Do you speak
it out audibly? Are you talking to others
about it?
**Some
things you can do is weekly memorization
of scripture, simply talking to others about
the Word, or even singing about it. The
more you do, you will see how much easier
it is for it to roll o£ your tongue
in both prayer and conversation.**
TRUE
FAITH | Josh. 2
One
of the things that I love most about this
story is not necessarily what happened in
these particular moments—it’s what happens
far later—when this prostitute and liar
is inducted into the hall of faith in Hebrews
11. She is one of the few women who are
listed in the genealogy of Jesus—this non-Israelite
harlot! And her faith is described as one
that is “true” in James 2. This gives me
so much hope, because despite her lifestyle
and mistakes, she is seen as a hero in the
Bible. Her faith is recognized. And I believe
this is how it will be in the end when we
stand before Jesus. He isn’t going to sit
there and judge us for all the things we
did wrong. Instead, He is going to take
all of that, toss it away, and talk to us
about our genuine faith and love for Him.
That’s what’s most important.
This
doesn’t give us a free pass to continue
living in sin. But it does shut up the taunting
whispers of the enemy who wants us to think
we are a constant failure or not worthy.
Because God loves to use ordinary and unlikely
heroes to prove that faith doesn’t require
perfection. Heart Check.
Do
you have a true faith that is worthy of
reward and honor?
FOLLOW
THE LEADER | Josh. 3:4
The
Ark of the Covenant would be carried by
the Levites about a half mile in front of
the Israelites for everyone to be able to
follow His glory. This is a classic game
of follow the leader. We have that same
guidance by way of the Holy Spirit! But
because His Presence was in the Ark, they
also needed to maintain a healthy fear and
distance from it, the same way that while
we follow the Lord, we must have a healthy
fear and maintain a respectful distance.
This doesn’t mean that we don’t draw near
and stay close—I’m speaking about not forcing
our will upon Him or placing ourselves above
Him the way that Lucifer tried to do. Heart
Check.
Are
you following the Lord? Or trying to lead
Him?
STEP
INTO THE WATER | Josh. 3:13-16
One
thing to note here is that this wasn’t a
sweet little stream that typically trickled
down the banks. The Jordan was at its peak
of overfiowing because of the spring rains
and the melting of the winter snow caps.
And
while the Lord promises that they will cross
over on dry land, just the way they did
at the Red Sea, they must first step into
the water. What an incredible act of faith!
Because
faith is being able to do something when
you don’t know the outcome. It’s the same
way Jesus told the disciples to step out
of the boat in the midst of the storm. There
will be times in our lives when the waters
are raging and the storms are brewing, and
we are going to have to take a step of bold
faith BEFORE the Lord works the miracles.
Heart Check.
Is
the Lord calling you tostep into the water?
Or are you waiting for dry ground to appear
first?
MEMORIAL
MARKERS | Josh. 4
How
many of our kids know the Christmas story
better than they know our story? It’s because
the Christmas story is told over and over
again through all di£erent means—stories,
plays, movies, and songs. Imagine if we
took the opportunity to retell the story
of our lives—how the Lord saved us, delivered
us, blessed us, forgave us, supplied our
needs, answered our prayers. Even if we
do talk about it, we don’t always retell
the story over and over. This was the importance
of the memorial stones—they were conversation
pieces. They were reminders of the victory
and the miracle of God that would’ve otherwise
been likely forgotten. Because we tend to
forget the things that we should remember
and focus on past losses rather than the
victories. We must leave behind spiritual
markers if we want this next generation
to know the miracles of our Living God.
Heart Check.
What
are your memorial markers? When you leave
this earth, will your story be able to be
retold?
Deep
Dive
How
important is preparation for success?
How
can we meditate on the Word practically?
What
does success and prosperity look like?
Are
there times when lying is justifiable?
What
does true faith look like compared to Rahab?
When
remembering your past, how has it shaped
your present day? How does intentionally
remembering what God has done shape your
future?
Heavenly
Father, thank you for all the ways and times
you have divinely intervened in our lives.
Forgive
us for forgetting and focusing more on the
losses or failures. Help us to sit down
and truly remember your goodness, in both
the small things and the mighty ones. I
pray that we will talk about it and start
setting up both visible and invisible memorial
markers so that when we leave this earth,
your glory will still be seen in the memory
of our lives.
I
pray for anyone who is on the edge of the
waters, not knowing how they will find sure
footing in the midst of the raging waters,
that they will set their eyes on your Promise
to take them through and your Presence which
will lead them. Give them the strength to
step into the water.
We
want to always follow after you instead
of demanding that you follow our lead and
do what we want. Help us to trust that you
know what is best for us and you will always
do it as long as we truly love you and are
heeding the call on our lives. May we always
be tuned in to hear that call.
For
anyone who cannot see beyond their insurmountable
challenges, I pray that you will increase
their faith today to trust that you are
upstream doing a work that may not be visible,
but soon enough, the waters will part. The
seas will calm. And there will be stable
and dry ground to walk on. With you, all
things are possible, so may we never allow
our own limitations to be projected on to
you. Your divine power is just as real today
as it was when you parted these waters.
Thank
you for your unending grace, especially
when it is extended to the worst of us.
Thank you for showing us that you can and
will use the ordinary and the unlikely.
You will take someone with a broken past
or a tainted reputation and redeem them
for your glory.
I
pray that if anyone is haunted by their
past mistakes, that you will free them from
that today so that they can move forward
in glory. The old has passed and the new
has come. Give us the courage of Rahab to
do the unthinkable and trust that you will
save us. May all fear be broken so that
we are not held back from the fight.
I
pray that we will be strong and courageous,
trusting that you are indeed with us wherever
we go. You will never leave us or forsake
us. And as long as we are abiding in you,
we will always be in the place of rest,
despite the battles we may be facing.
I
pray that we will all continue to meditate
on your word day and night so that we will
know exactly what to do. I pray for opportunities
to speak your Word so that we can commit
it to memory. Help us to be faithful in
doing all that you ask and command so that
we will be successful and prosperous in
all that we do. Thank you Jesus, for being
our Joshua, who is leading us home to the
Promised Land.
In
Joshua 5-8, the Israelites take their first
conquests in Jericho and Ai.
In
chapter 5, the kings of the Amorites and
Canaanites begin to fear the reputation
of Israel after hearing of their crossing
over the Jordan. The Lord commands Joshua
to circumcise the second generation, as
none had been circumcised since leaving
Egypt. After the men heal, the Lord names
their camp Gilgal, implying that He “rolled
away” the reproach of Egypt. The people
celebrate their first Passover in Canaan,
and the next day, the manna stops. They
will now work the land and eat from its
produce. As Joshua nears Jericho, he encounters
a man with a drawn sword who claims to be
the “Commander of the Lord.” Joshua immediately
worships Him, and He commands Joshua to
take his sandals o£, as he is standing
on holy ground.
In
chapter 6, knowing that they’re surrounded,
the city of Jericho has shut itself in.
The Lord reminds Joshua that He has given
the city to them and their fighting men
shall march around the city once a day for
six days. Seven priests are to accompany
them with ram’s horns and the ark. On the
seventh day, they are to march around the
city seven times before blowing the trumpets
and shouting. The Lord promises that when
they do this, the walls around the city
will come down. The people obey and do as
Joshua commands them. When the walls come
down, the Israelites destroy all within
the city, sparing only Rahab and her family.
The men bring them into the city to live
among them. Joshua declares that anyone
who rebuilds the city of Jericho will be
cursed. Joshua becomes famous throughout
the land.
In
chapter 7, the Israelites face discouragement
after they are defeated at the battle of
Ai. This defeat comes on the coattails of
the sin of a man named Achan who took some
of the devoted things from Jericho. Unaware
of this, Joshua questions God who makes
him aware of this violation. He commands
Joshua to consecrate the people and destroy
the devoted things. He calls for the tribes
to come forth, and the guilty man will be
destroyed by fire. Achan confesses to having
taken a beautiful cloak, 200 shekels of
silver and a bar of gold. Joshua sends men
to seize the items, and Achan and his family
are stoned to death and burned in the Valley
of Achor. A memorial of stones is built
over him to remind the people of the consequences
of disobedience.
In
chapter 8, the Lord commands Moses to ambush
Ai by making them think they are retreating
so that they can draw the men away from
the city. Joshua sets the plan into action
and is able to defeat the city, killing
12,000 and taking captive the king.
The
Israelites plunder and burn the city, and
the king is later executed. Joshua renews
the covenant by building an altar on Mount
Ebal, offering sacrifices and reading the
Law to all the people.
SPIRITUAL
NEGLECT | Josh. 5:8-12
Here
we see the reconsecration of the people,
as they had been neglecting the very things
that proved they were set apart from other
nations. Sometimes we can think we are set
apart because we said the salvation prayer,
or we go to church and even read our Bibles.
Yet we haven’t truly circumcised our hearts—our
attitudes are still the same, our speech
is still vulgar, we gossip… and we are allowing
social media and apple music to raise our
kids instead of spending quality family
time in the Word and exposing them to worship
music. Half the time my kids have Beats
over their ears and I can’t even have a
conversation with them (this was a big heart
check for me by the way). Heart Check.
What
things of God might you be neglecting?
ACCEPTING
CHANGE | Josh. 5:12
The
Israelites’ supernatural provision has now
come to an end. The thing they were sick
of would no longer be. I’m sure this came
as a shock to them, because now they are
going to have to work for their food. But
I believe this is good parenting—it’s the
same way we wean our kids o£ their
sippy cups or take away their pacifiers.
If we don’t, there will be an unhealthy
dependence on something they don’t need,
and they will never mature. So as much as
we may not like it when things change, sometimes
we have to be open to it, as the Lord may
be wanting to do some growing in us. This
includes the way churches will adapt to
grow with the generations. The music may
have a di£erent beat, we are using
di£erent means of communication, and
sometimes this can rock the boat. But we
must remember that God isn’t a status quo
kind of God. He’s on the move, and either
we are going to move with him, or stay grumpy
in our seats with our arms crossed. Heart
Check.
Are
you moving with God? Are you open to changes
He's making?
FUTURE
WORSHIP | Josh. 5:15
I
often have dreams of the Lord appearing
in the sky, and without fail, I fall to
my face in worship. I often wonder if this
is what our bodies will naturally do in
the visible Presence of God. And then it
makes me wonder if we’ve lost the wonder
and awe of God? If He hasn’t changed, why
wait until we are standing before Him to
actually worship Him with a holy fear and
reverence? Heart Check.
How
will you react when you are visbly standing
before Jesus? Does it look different from
the way you worship now?
GOD
AT THE CENTER |Josh. 6:4-11
Notice
the prominence that the ark has here. They
knew how important it was to have the Presence
of God at the center of their battle. If
we enter any fight with the Lord at the
center, there’s no way we can lose—because
either we are going to realize we are wrong
and back off, or He will vindicate us.
Heart
Check.
Where
is God during your fights and battles? Is
He at the center?
DEALING
WITH SIN |Josh. 7
This
entire chapter is centered around sin, which
is never a feel good subject to read or
talk about. It makes us uncomfortable because
it’s convicting since we are all sinners.
But in the end, we see how destructive it
is and how it can and will still lead to
death if we don’t deal with it. We also
see that when we do put the sin to death,
there is freedom, for the Spirit of the
Lord will return. And where the Spirit of
the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Cor. 3:17).
So let’s face this head on with this. Heart
Check.
Is
there a sin that you are hiding in your
heart that needs to be confessed? Or are
you walking down the road of sin by continuing
to look, by coveting, by taking what isn't
yours, or by rationalizing?
Deep
Dive
How
might we reconsecrate ourselves?
In
what ways do we show reverence or respect
for God?
What
is your Jericho (greatest struggle or temptations)?
Has the Lord given you a plan to conquer
it?
What
was the purpose of destroying the entire
city? Is this the same God of the New Testament?
Why
was there a memorial set up for Achan’s
sin?
How
might an ambush take place in the spiritual
life?
Heavenly
Father, thank you for giving us anew opportunity
each day to reconsecrate ourselves unto
you.
Forgive
us where we may have been neglecting holy
matters. Please reveal to us how we can
honor you and treat your holiness with the
respect that it deserves. Help us to have
a pure understanding of your greatness so
that we maintain humility before you and
a willingness to always listen and learn
the way Joshua did.
If
there is anything that we need to cut away
from our fiesh in order to set ourselves
apart, I pray that you will convict our
hearts so that we can get the knives of
fiint ready. We don’t want to live a life
of compromise, but one that is fully submitted
to you. We know that circumcision doesn’t
always feel good, and there may be a period
of healing and restoration that needs to
take place, so I pray that we will stay
safely hidden in your refuge so that we
do not make ourselves vulnerable for attack.
Thank
you for rolling away the reproach of our
sin and setting us free. While we may no
longer celebrate the Passover, we maintain
a daily heart of gratitude and thankfulness
for the way you delivered us and provided
for our needs in both supernatural and natural
ways.
Thank
you for the gift of change. I pray that
we will be open to it when you are the agent
of change. Help us not to remain stuck in
our old ways and be immovable, for you are
not a static God. When it’s time to get
back to work, help us to gird up our loins
so that we can use the gifts and abilities
to work, which all comes from you. Forgive
us where we may have complained about our
jobs or the work that we have to do. I pray
that we will instead see it as the gift
that it is.
Thank
you for allowing us to encounter your Presence
all the days of our lives. But because we
have holiness running through our veins,
I pray that we will not allow the dirt of
our sandals to tarnish it. I pray that we
will remove our old kicks and put on the
new sandals of peace, knowing that this
will equip us for the journey of life.
Help
us to keep you at the center of all battles
so that we can fight with sandals of peace.
Help
us to remain silent when we want to shout
and fight. I pray that we will trust that
when we do that, you will break down what
seems to be impenetrable walls. We know
the war is already won, so help us to maintain
our trust in the midst of the clean up battles.
May we never turn to self-confidence or
pride in thinking that we can do anything
on our own, for we know that no battle is
ever won by might nor by power but by your
spirit.
If
anyone is dealing with a secret sin, we
know that it is not hidden from you. We
cannot deceive you. I pray that we do not
ignore the opportunities that we have to
confess and repent. I pray that you will
continue to convict our hearts, Holy Spirit,
so that we do not continue to walk down
a road that will eventually destroy us.
But thank you for your grace and forgiveness
and the ability to be set free when we do.
We never want to live a life apart from
your Presence, and we know that your holiness
cannot coexist with our rebellion. May we
never rationalize our sin or diminish it.
The enemy will make us think that because
we aren’t experiencing the consequences
right now, that perhaps it is permissible.
But we ultimately know what is right. So
may we choose wisely.
Thank
you for being the God of the second chance.
Thank you for not allowing us to stay in
our sin or to become a heap of ruins. We
know that you are in the business of rebuilding
and repurposing, so I pray that we do not
allow our defeat to keep us from doing your
will. We never want to live apart from your
Presence, so we fully surrender all as we
recommit our lives to you today. And in
doing so, we know that we will ultimately
be victorious.
Joshua
9-11 outlines the Israelites’ conquest of
the southern and northern cities of Canaan.
In
chapter 9, the surrounding nations begin
to hear of Israel’s victories and become
afraid. The Gibeonites attempt to deceive
the Israelites by appearing as though they
have traveled from afar and they ask for
mercy by way of a peace treaty. Without
seeking God’s counsel, Israel agrees and
finds out within three days that they have
been deceived by their neighbors. The leaders
keep the oath despite their anger, and Joshua
declares that the Gibeonites are cursed
to work as woodcutters and water carriers.
The Gibeonites plead out of fear for mercy,
and Joshua grants it by sparing their lives.
In
chapter 10, the king of Jerusalem hears
of Israel’s victories and treaty made with
the Gibeonites and forges alliances with
four other Amorite kings to rise up against
Gibeon. Gibeon pleads with Joshua for support,
and they are victorious. Joshua commands
the sun and moon to stand still so they
can have more time to completely defeat
the Amorites in daylight. The five kings
are found hiding in a cave and are executed
and hanged on five trees. Joshua successfully
defeats several southern cities of Canaan.
In
chapter 11, Jabin, the King of Hazor, forms
alliances with a cohort of kings in the
north to defeat Israel. The Lord assures
Joshua that they will defeat these armies
and they need not fear. Joshua does as the
Lord commands and defeats the king of Hazor
and all its people and burns the city down.
Having taken control of the entire territory,
Joshua devotes all cities to complete destruction
except for the Gibeonites. The Anakim are
removed from the land and the allotments
of land are given to the tribes, with all
threats now at bay.
SEEKING
COUNSEL | Josh. 9:15
Even
though they were explicitly commanded by
the Lord to always inquire of Him (Num.
27:21), clearly they failed here and are
operating on their own initiative once again.
A lot of the times when we end up in disastrous
situations, it is because we did not seek
the Lord or wise counsel. Heart Check.
When
you have a decision to make, do you go to
the Lord, His Word, and to wise counsel?
BEST
FOOT FORWARD | Josh. 10:9
This
would’ve taken quite a bit of stamina. They’re
marching more than 20 miles uphill, reaching
an altitude of about 4000’.
Plus
they have their gear, it’s nighttime, it’s
stressful, and there’s still a battle up
ahead!
Most
of us say, “I wouldn’t be able to do that.”
And maybe we wouldn’t, because we’re not
called to do that. But I assure you, that
whatever you’re called to, God will give
you the strength you need to get it done.
Every
single day feels like a 20 mile trek uphill
for me. I’m exhausted, I often want to cry,
and almost always feel as if I’m not going
to get it done. Yet somehow, he pulls me
uphill. And again, many people say, “I don’t
know how you do it.” But I’m sure I would
say the same about your life.
The
thing that will set us apart from others,
is whether we actually give it our all.
God ain’t gonna carry you up the hill—He
expects us to put the best of our energy
and e£ort into what He's asking us
to do. So the next time you think to yourself,
“I couldn’t do that.” I would challenge
you to question if you’ve ever tried. Heart
Check.
Are
you putting your best foot forward or at
the bottom of the hill saying you can't
do it?
PRAY
BIG PRAYERS |Josh. 10:12-13
This
is a mighty big prayer that Joshua prayed
here—to ask God to interrupt the laws of
nature so that he could have a longer day
to defeat the enemy. That’s crazy talk!
Yet it’s spoken.
And
this makes me realize that there is a place
in God’s heart for big prayers to be prayed.
Nothing is o£ limits. Heart Check.
What's
the biggest pray you've ever prayed? Do
you truly believe that God can do anything?
FAITH
& STRATEGY | Josh. 11
In
the end, we see that this was not a one-sided
victory—God wanted to partner with Israel
to divide and conquer. This shows us that
faith and strategy work hand in hand. It
isn’t one or the other. The Bible says that
faith without works is dead. And if Joshua
and Israel didn’t put in the work, they
would be dead. But strategy is always second
to faith. And the way we begin our day is
a good indicator of which one of these we
put first. Heart Check.
How
do you start your day? In faith and prayer?
Or on your phone and planning?
Deep
Dive
How
might knowledge of others’ victories affect
our outlooks?
What
can we learn about blatant deceit and the
use of a shabby appearance?
What
alliances do we make today? Are they held
to a high standard of honor?
Do
you believe God interrupts laws of nature
to make His will happen? How do you think
this day may have been extended?
How
do you face fearful and formidable situations?
Heavenly
Father, I pray that we always seek you in
all things
May
we never operate on our own strength or
smarts, thinking that because we were victorious
in the past, that we will be able to do
all things without you. Help us also to
have patience when making decisions unless
you specifically tell us to hurry up. We
know that patience is not always our strength,
so help us not to be hasty, for we know
that the consequences that follow are much
farther reaching than if we had just waited
on you.
If
anyone has deceived us, help us to deal
justly with them. Give us wisdom on what
to do and say. Lead us to the right people
to speak with who will be able to give us
counsel.
I
pray that we do not make any kinds of agreements
with the enemy. There is nothing that he
can o£er that will lead to peace,
so I pray that we will recognize his schemes
right away and be able to resist him so
that he will fiee.
When
the enemy does come up against us with his
unruly forces, I pray that we will not waver
in our faith and fully trust that you will
empower us to be victorious, just as you
did with Joshua, for we know that when you
are for us, no one can be against us. I
pray we will help and lead others who may
be fighting battles of their own.
Thank
you for the victory from which we fight.
The war is already won—you did all the work
Jesus. We too are able to rest because of
what you’ve done. We are so eternally grateful.
But I pray this does not make us lazy but
rather motivates us to partner with you
in all things.
Joshua
12-15 gives a detailed record of Israel’s
allotments to the tribes.
In
chapter 12, the kingdoms conquered under
the leadership of Moses are detailed. Noteworthy
lands are those ruled by Sihon, King of
the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, which
are located east of the Jordan and inherited
by Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh.
A list of defeated kings under Joshua’s
leadership is also given, thirty one in
total. The lands acquired extend from Baal-gad
to Mount Halak.
In
chapter 13, the land that is yet to be conquered
is detailed by the Lord. Despite his old
age, Joshua is promised God’s faithfulness
in driving out the people from the land
and he is responsible for dividing the land
among the tribes. Details are given on the
allotment of Transjordan land divided among
the tribes of Reuben, Gad and the half tribe
of Manasseh. It is noted that some Geshurites
and Maacathites still live among them. The
tribe of Levi receives no portion, as they
receive their inheritance from the Lord
Himself. More details are given on the specific
cities and territories given to these Transjordan
tribes.
In
chapter 14, Eleazar the priest and Joshua
are responsible for the allocation of the
land. Transjordan land has already been
divided under Moses and the Levites have
no inheritance. Caleb comes to Joshua with
a request for the land that was promised
to him when he remained faithful during
the time of spying out the land. Joshua
grants his request with Hebron as his inheritance,
formerly known as Kiriath-arba. The chapter
ends with rest declared over the land.
In
chapter 15, the details of Judah’s borders
are given from the wilderness of Zin in
the south to the border of Edom. Caleb is
given Hebron, as commanded by the Lord,
and he drives out three sons of Anak. He
gives his daughter Achash to Othniel for
having successfully captured Kiriath-sepher.
Achsah urges her new husband to ask for
a field as she requests for irrigation springs.
Caleb gives her both the upper and lower
springs. A detailed list of Judah’s cities
is given, but Judah fails to drive out the
Jebusites. The Jebusites therefore continue
to dwell among them.
APPRECIATING
GIFTS | Josh. 12
When
I was younger, we used to make the rounds
at Christmas, visiting our aunties and cousins.
And one of the memories I have is sitting
there watching my cousins open their gifts.
I
had a myriad of emotions running through
me—from sadness to envy to boredom. And
it was because my Christmas wasn’t as grand
as theirs, so I was feeling childish emotions.
Of course, today, it’s one of the greatest
joys watching children from any household
open their gifts because I know what joy
they are feeling at that moment. And as
we read today, the listing of the land may
feel the same—it’s a bit tedious, but we
need to remember that this is like Israel’s
greatest Christmas.
It
was important to them to have this account
written so there would be no mistakes as
to who got what. Their “siblings” couldn’t
come into their room and take their brand
new perfume, claiming that was their gift.
This is also a reminder to us that these
are very real places with real people and
real kingdoms. So let’s check our heart
before we even begin reading.
Are
you able to appreciate watching (reading
about) other people's gifts?
REMEMBERING
NAMES | Josh. 12
Does
anyone know the names of any of these kings?
Probably not. But back then, they would’ve
been all over TMZ or People magazine and
they probably had “Swiftie” fans. Yet we
don’t know their names!
The
day will come when no one knows who Taylor
Swift is either, for the things that are
seen are temporary (2 Cor. 4:18). But isn’t
it interesting how while we’re here, we
want so badly to have some sort of significance?
We want to be known. And that’s normal human
tendencies, even if you’re an introvert
(I know some of you all are like, no thank
you, hide me under a rock).
We
will work our whole life trying to “make
it.” But truly, the only place our name
matters, is in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
That’s
the only place we need to be worried about
our name appearing because once it’s there,
it will never be forgotten. Heart Check.
Are
you more concerned about your nameor earth
or in heaven?
LATTER
YEAR PURPOSE | Josh. 13
Notice
in the Bible, there’s not a lot of talk
about working towards retirement. Here the
Lord is telling Joshua, “You’re old sir,
but there’s still so much in store for you.”
In
society today, when we get a job, we have
all kinds of conversations and have to fill
out paperwork concerning social security
and 401k plans– and the goal is to get to
retirement so we can enjoy the latter years
of our lives. But in the Bible, they worked
until their dying breath. And even though
we may not labor in retirement, there is
still work to be done in the kingdom—our
purpose doesn’t end when our career does.
And I truly believe that you will maintain
a quality of life until the very end if
you continue to serve that purpose. Whereas
if you lose it, that’s where you will see
a quick decline in your life.
My
90-year-old aunty is a wonderful example.
She’s always been so vibrant, and to this
day, she’s bowling, traveling, and just
recently stopped delivering newspapers!
But most importantly, she loves the Lord
and loves people. She continues to serve
her purpose in life as if there’s still
so much in store for her. Heart Check.
How
do you envision your latter years? Does
it continue to serve a purpose?
DRIVING
OUT THE LURKERS | Josh. 13:1-7
If
God promised the land, and is now at rest,
why is there still territory to be taken?
It’s because while God has secured their
future, they still have resistance among
them and battles they will still have to
fight to maintain that security. Each tribe
was individually responsible for going in
and taking possession of their territory.
It’s
just like our salvation—our eternal future
is secure, but we will still face battles
in the present.
We
still have cleaning up to do. Because the
enemy of our soul is still lurking in our
land, and it is up to us to resist him so
that he will fiee. But the beautiful promise
we have is that we fight from victory and
not for it. Heart Check.
What
is lurking in your territory that you need
to drive out?
LAND
OF GIANTS | Josh. 14
Being
that Caleb was one of two faithful spies
(the other being Joshua), it would make
sense that he is the first of the tribe
of Judah to receive his allotment of land.
And he was unafraid to boldly ask for what
he wanted. We may or may not get what we
want in this life, but it never hurts to
ask.
The
Bible says, “We have not because we ask
not” (James 4:2-3). But what really gets
me is what Caleb is asking for—he doesn’t
want the penthouse suite overlooking the
ocean. He wants the land full of giants.
Perhaps it’s because he wants to keep his
85-year-old sword sharp. He doesn’t want
to become complacent or lazy in his faith.
And the very thing that will keep us coming
back to our Hebron or our fellowship with
the Lord are the giant issues in our lives.
It allows us to continue to build muscle
of faith until the very end. Heart Check.
How
do you view the giants in your life? Do
you trust that the Lord is sharpening your
sword for the victory?
Deep
Dive
What
heartbeats of God can be found in these
chapters?
How
is the conquering and distribution of the
land significant to us today?
How
does the land that is still to be conquered
apply to you personally?
How
does Joshua’s old age inspire you or change
your perspective about “getting old”?
How
does defining borders apply to our lives
spiritually? What about specific allotments?
What
do these chapters tell us about God’s attention
to detail?
Heavenly
Father, thank you for every gift that you
have allotted for us and given to us.
I
pray that we will be able to recognize our
gifts and not allow them to get buried beneath
the duties and distractions of life. Help
us to see them for what they are and to
be able to put them to use for your kingdom.
Thank
you for every victory that we have had in
our lives. For anyone who is dealing with
losses, I pray that you will remind them
today that you are a God who turns all things
together for good for those who love you
and are called according to your purpose.
We will see the good—we will see you—if
we focus our eyes on you. Your promise to
us is still unfailing, and your divine guidance
is still just as evident today, so I pray
that the GPS of our lives will reroute back
to you.
If
anyone is stressed out today in their striving
for significance, I pray that you will cover
them with your peace, knowing that this
temporary life on earth will one day come
to an end. And the only place we truly need
our names to be written in lights is in
your book. Thank you Jesus for what you’ve
done to get our names on the list. We look
forward to the day that we get to stand
in that VIP line and get into the party.
But
this doesn’t mean we don’t have significance
in this life—because with you—we are able
to freely live a life that is abundant and
purposeful. I pray that we will remain passionate
and vibrant until we take our last breath.
May our latter years be better than our
former ones. And while we still have the
energy, I pray that we will use it wisely,
continuing to focus on what’s most important,
and sharpening our swords for the right
battles. Don’t let us waste our time on
what is petty but only focus on what will
be the agent of the change from glory to
greater glory.
Whatever
grime is lurking in our territory, help
us to drive it out. I pray that we will
not fear the giants but face them head on
with you at the helm, knowing that your
Spirit is what will bring the victory,
Thank
you for always fulfilling your promises.
You are so faithful, so I pray that we will
refiect that through our own faithfulness.
There is still so much territory to be taken.
There are lives to be saved. There are promises
to be fulfilled. The best is yet to come.
Thank you for this promise today. May we
be obedient to all you ask of us as we look
forward to the beautiful reward that lies
ahead.
Joshua
16-18 describe the allotments of land for
the tribes of Ephraim, Manasseh, the daughters
of Zelophehad, and Benjamin.
In
chapter 16, the boundaries for the tribes
of Ephraim and Manasseh are defined, extending
from the Jordan at Jericho to Bethel and
ending at the sea. A detailed list of the
territories Ephraim conquers is given. However,
the Canaanites from Gezer are not driven
out and therefore forced to live as slaves
among the people of Ephraim.
In
chapter 17, Manasseh’s inheritance is divided
among his firstborn son Machir, being given
Gilead and Bashan, and his six other sons
and the four daughters of Zelophehad. A
detailed list of the territories of Manasseh’s
inheritance is given. Some Canaanites were
not driven out and therefore forced to live
as slaves among the people of Manasseh.
The people of Joseph question their one
lot that is divided among many people, claiming
it insignificant for their size. Joshua
commands them to clear the land of the hill
country and drive out the Canaanites if
they do desire additional land.
In
chapter 18, the entire congregation assembles
at Shiloh to set up the Tent of Meeting.
With seven tribes without an inheritance,
Joshua devises a plan to survey the land
that is left by having three men from each
tribe map out their own land. He reminds
them that the Levites have no portion, and
the Transjordan tribes had already received
their land. When the men return with their
findings, Joshua casts lots to distribute
the land among them. The first lot goes
to the tribe of Benjamin, and their boundaries
are defined and a list of the territories
they receive are given.
COMPROMISE
FOR CONVENIENCE |Josh. 16:10
We
will see that not driving out the Canaanites
as commanded was a pretty common issue.
The interesting thing is that while they
claim they couldn’t drive them out, they
are somehow able to get the people to do
forced labor. The implication is that they
actually kept these Canaanites around because
they wanted the slave labor so that they
could have wealth and convenience—so they
were willing to compromise in order to get
it. Sadly, this will spiral into intermarrying
and idol worship. That’s how sin is—it doesn’t
introduce itself as evil. It puts its best
foot forward and makes you think you need
it.
Before
you know it, you’ve spiraled out of control.
Heart Check.
Is
there an area of your life where you are
trading compromise for convenience?
CLEAR
THE TREES | Josh. 17:14-18
Notice
how different the people of Joseph reacted
to their allotment compared to Caleb. Caleb
had a superhero attitude saying, “Give me
the land with the giants and I’ll clear
out the land.”
He
was confident that God would be with him
and therefore he carried out God’s plan
for his life. Whereas here, the people of
Joseph were given some of the best land
due to the faithfulness of their father—so
it wasn’t so much due to their own merit!
And yet they’re complaining that it isn’t
good enough.
To
make matters worse, when Joshua agrees to
give them the hill country too, they don’t
want to put in the work to clear the trees
and instead expect a handout. That’s what
fear will do—it will make you duck the things
of God and take the easy road to compromise.
And
you will ultimately be rerouted away from
God’s plan for your life. Heart Check.
Are
you satisfied with the territory you have
been given? Have you cleared the trees to
make way for more? Or are you expecting
a handout?
NEGLECTING
THE PROMISE | Josh. 18:3
The
fact that Joshua is asking how long they
will continue to put o£ taking possession
of their land says that the ball is in their
court, but something is holding them back.
It could’ve been fear, laziness, complacency,
a lack of courage… but failing to follow
up is blatantly disregarding God’s command
to occupy their land that he defeated for
them.
Imagine
being the Transjordan tribes who agreed
to wait until everyone took their land!
It’s like everyone being given a TV dinner
and refusing to put it into the microwave
while everyone else is at the table with
their food, ready to eat.” The bottom line
is that they’re neglecting the promise.
Heart
Check.
Are
you neglecting the promise God has for you?
What's holding you back from fully possessing
it?
FAITH
IN ACTION | Josh. 18:4-6
Here
we see that there is nothing haphazard about
God. Everything He does has planning involved.
There are action steps because faith without
works is dead. They’ve already been saved
and given a new life, but there’s still
work to do, just as it is with us when we
get saved.
The
great commission on our lives is to GO out
and MAKE disciples of all nations. We have
work to do! This is called faith in action.
But first they must spock it out, write
down their findings, and then go back to
Joshua to describe it before the Lord. This
mirrors the spirit filled life—we spock
out the Word, we write it on our hearts,
and we go back to the Lord in prayer to
talk about it. When we do that, He gives
us direction through His Holy Spirit. Heart
Check.
Is
your faith in action? Have yiu surveyed
your territory, written things down, and
mulled it over with the Lord?
Deep
Dive
What
in our lives can be compared to the Canaanites
that are left to live in the land?
What
are the consequences of incomplete obedience?
If
there were more Israelites than Canaanites,
why weren’t they able to infiuence them
rather than being influenced themselves?
How
do allotments of land to each of the tribes
and to the daughters of Zelophehad fulfill
God’s promises?
How
can Joshua’s response to Joseph’s people
be applied to the challenges in your life?
Is
there a place for casting lots in our lives?
What would that look like?
Heavenly
Father, Thank youthat we don't need to leave
anything to chance, for you hva everything mapped
out already.
May
we not fail to carry out your plans and
promises for our lives. Show us where we
may be falling short. We so desire to live
right in the middle of your purpose, never
turning to the right or left, so I pray
that you will position us today so that
we are not out of bounds.
Thank
you for the gift that you have given to
us in this life. I pray that we will always
have grateful hearts within our territory—
in our homes, in our jobs, with our families
and people who surround us. Please help
us to realize what a gift it all is so that
we do not have an apathetic attitude that
is set on complacency. We don’t want to
be nomads—we want to dig our roots down
so that we have a solid foundation from
which we are able to carry out your will.
If
there are giants in our land, I pray that
we do not fear them but trust that you are
with us. Help us to have a Caleb faith—one
that carries a superhero attitude that we
can all things through Christ who gives
us strength. We are more than conquerors.
We have the power to trample on scorpions
and serpents. Thank you for that promise.
Help
us to continue pushing forward when times
get tough or when we feel like we don’t
have what it takes. The truth is, we don’t.
But you do. So in knowing that, I pray that
we will clear the trees and take full possession
and occupation of the land that you have
given to us. I pray for the action steps
to be revealed to us so that we do not misstep
along the way.
Thank
you for the way that you have shown so much
care for women, especially in a society
that treated them as less than. We see how
big of a role they played in both the history
of our lives but also in the history of
you Jesus. Even if there is far less written
about them, it doesn’t make them any less
significant, for you are a God of small
beginnings but mighty endings. We look forward
to our own glorious ending, knowing that
it is only the beginning of an eternal future
The
tribes receive their inheritances. Joshua
receives his inheritance in Timnath-serah,
concluding the land division. The cities
of refuge are established, providing sanctuary
for unintentional manslayers from avengers.
These cities o£er asylum on both sides
of the Jordan for Israelites and foreigners
alike. The Levites receive their cities
and pasturelands. Thirteen cities are designated
for the descendants of Aaron, and the total
of forty-eight Levitical cities, brings
rest to the land, fulfilling God's promises.
In
Joshua 19, the inheritances for the rest
of the tribes is given.
Simeon
receives a scattered allotment within the
territory of the tribe of Judah and includes
seventeen cities. Zebulun’s territory is
in lower Galilee and includes twelve cities.
Issachar receives fertile land south of
Galilee. Asher gains Mediterranean coastal
lands that extend to the mountains and include
twenty-two cities. Naphtali’s lot is near
Galilee and includes nineteen cities. Dan
receives a territory with seventeen cities
but later migrates up north to Leshem.
Joshua
is the last to receive his inheritance and
is given the city of Timnath-serah in the
hill country of Ephraim, which he rebuilds
and dwells in. The division of the land
has o£icially come to an end.
In
chapter 20, the Lord defines the cities
of refuge as Moses had spoken about previously.
These
cities will serve as a place of refuge for
those who have committed unintentional manslaughter
and will protect them from the avengers
who may be seeking their life.
When
a manslayer reaches the city, they are to
present their case to the elders there.
The city is responsible for protecting them
until they are sent to trial. If acquitted,
they are to remain in the city until the
death of the high priest. The refuge cities
west of the Jordan include Kedesh in Galilee,
Shechem in Ephraim, and Kiritah-arba in
Judah.
The
refuge cities to the east of the Jordan
include Bezer in Reuben, Ramoth in Gilead,
and Golan in Bashan. The cities are open
for asylum for both Israelites and foreigners.
In
chapter 21, the last act of land distribution
is described through the allotments of cities
and pasturelands to the Levites.
● The
receive thirteen cities from
Judah, Simeon, and Benjamin, and ten cities
from Ephraim, Dan, and the half tribe of
Manasseh.
● The
receive thirteen cities from
Asher, Naphtali, and the half tribe of Manasseh.
● The
receive twelve cities from Reuben,
Gad and Zebulun.
● Thirteen
cities from the tribes of Judah, Simeon,
and Benjamin, including Hebron and fields
previously given to Caleb, are given to
the priestly descendants of Aaron.
● Thirteen
cities come from Ephraim, Dan, and the half
tribe of Manasseh, including the refuge
city of Shechem.
● The
receive thirteen cities from
Issachar, Asher, Napthali, and the half-tribe
of Manasseh, including the refuge city of
Golan.
● The
are given twelve cities from
Zebulun, Reuben, and Gad, including the
city of Refuge of Ramoth.
● The
total number of Levitical cities is and
they include the surrounding pasturelands
for the livestock.
God
gives the land rest, and all of His promises
are fulfilled through the distribution of
the land.
THE
EASY ROAD | Josh. 19:40-48
The
tribe of Dan was given the least desirable
of all the lots, but it also proved to be
a challenging territory to conquer.
And
because of this, they decided to go up north
for an “easier” victory. But sadly, the
easier route led them straight into idolatry
and living under constant attack. This is
what will happen when we don’t carry out
God’s will. He does not promise us an easy
life—because anyone can have faith when
life is easy peasy.
The
rubber of our faith hits the road when life
gets di£icult or seems impossible,
and we can no longer rely on ourselves to
get through it. We need to stay in our territory—running
away from our problems is not the answer,
especially if we are running away from where
God’s Presence is. Heart Check.
Do
you run from the challenging fights in life?
Or are you looking for the easy road?
BOUNDARIES
| Josh. 19
Here
we come to the end of the specific inheritances
for the tribes of Israel.
Establishing
these boundary lines was so important because
it did several things: It defined the area
of ownership and kept everyone in their
lanes or from wanting what wasn’t theirs.
This promoted unity and loyalty within the
individual tribes and among the nation as
a whole. Having individual responsibility
helped to develop and mature the tribes.
And ultimately, it fulfilled the promises
of God and the blessings of Jacob that were
spoken in Genesis. Heart Check.
Do
you know where your boundary lines are?
Where has God called you, and are you within
the lines?
SEEKING
VENGEANCE | Josh. 20:1-5
The
avenger of blood is also translated to “protector
of family rights.”
This
was typically a close relative who would
seek vengeance and retribution for their
slain relative. This practice was typical
throughout society—it wasn’t unique to Israel.
So, what God did to make them unique was
set up these cities of refuge because He
declared that vengeance was His—He was putting
a limit on private revenge.
This
same limit is placed on us as Christians.
But the human tendency is to “get them back,”
or to hold grudges when we are called to
forgive and set people free. This doesn’t
mean we set ourselves up for abuse. But
it does mean that we don’t keep ourselves
shackled to another person by unforgiveness,
nor do we seek out revenge. Heart Check.
When
someone offends or hurts you, do you bite
back in revenge? Or do you allow the Lord
to take care of it?
SEEKING
REFUGE | Josh. 20
A
lot of the time, when we mess up, the last
thing we want to do is run into the arms
of the one who knows what we did wrong.
We
tend to fiee to free our consciences. But
that only leaves us in the arms of the enemy
who will hold that condemnation over our
heads and make us miserable. True freedom
is found when we seek refuge in the one
who freely gives us grace and forgiveness.
This is the story of our salvation—Jesus
is our refuge city— it wasn’t until His
death as the Great High Priest, that our
sins are atoned for and we are truly saved.
He
is easily accessible, within reach, and
a place where we can go to find freedom,
protection, and forgiveness. Heart Check.
When
you mess up, where do you run? To your refuge
or do you try to get away from Him?
GREATER
THINGS | Josh. 21
In
the end, we see how God reverses the curse
of the Levites.
While
Levi and Simeon both acted cruelly toward
Shechem, the tribe of Levi redeemed itself
at the incident of the golden calf when
it was the only tribe to stand for the Lord.
Two
tribes had the same opportunity, but only
one repented and was blessed abundantly
in the end. The others lost out on their
reward and were absorbed into another tribe.
This
is what will happen when we don’t repent—yes,
we may still be saved and we will still
go to heaven, which is better than any other
alternative.
But
God has something greater here as it is
in heaven!
We
all have this opportunity to repent, to
make things right, and to allow God to take
our sin and turn into a blessing.
I
was the worst of sinners, and He did it
with me.
And
I believe He does this to give hope for
anyone else who feels they may have lost
out on their chance to do something significant
in the kingdom of God. If we have breath
in our lungs, it’s not too late. Heart Check.
Is
your goal just to get to heaven? Or are
you allowing God to do greater things through
you?
Deep
Dive
How
are the principles of divine providence
and sovereignty expressed through the division
of land? How is it reflected in your life?
How
is Jesus seen through the life and leadership
of Joshua?
How
do the cities of refuge point to Jesus?
What
might a “city of refuge” look like practically
in our lives?
What
might the Levitical cities represent today?
Is
God’s faithfulness seen through fulfilled
promises today?
Heavenly
Father, thank you for your promises that
always come to pass.
Thank
you that it always happens under your watchful
eye and divine providence. When we finally
understand that we truly matter to you,
oh how it opens our eyes to be able to see
our lives in a new way. The boundary lines
become so much more defined, and we can
understand that our lives are significant
both here on earth and in the kingdom of
God. I pray that you will help us to see
this more clearly so that we are grateful
for where we are and what we have. If we
are outside the boundary lines, guide us
to where we need to be. We don’t want to
do anything apart from you.
Help
us to stay focused on our area of influence
rather than envying what others are doing.
Yes, we can glean from them, but we never
want to get to a place where we covet what
they have, knowing that it is not our gift
for the taking. Help us to stay in our own
lane, even if it is a small one. The size
of our territory does not always equal significance
in your eyes. In fact, you operate out of
humble places. So keep our hearts in that
place of humility, the way that Joshua so
beautifully represented Jesus.
If
we are facing challenges today, we will
face it with a heart that knows this is
an opportunity to grow in our faith. We
also know that we are not alone in the fight
if we have put our stakes in the solid foundation
of the Rock of Ages. No weapon formed against
us can prosper, and we will be victorious.
Thank
you for your commitment to justice and mercy.
We see how much you value human life. I
pray that we will be the same in the way
that we extend mercy to others.
Thank
you for being our City of Refuge—our ever-present
help in trouble. We, therefore, never need
to fear, knowing that you see and know all
things. Even so, you pour out undeserved
grace and mercy. I pray that we never take
that for granted but allow it to transform
us into the people you created us to be.
Thank
you for reversing the curse that was on
our lives the way you did with the Levites.
When we repent and turn to you, you will
turn our sin for good. We may still have
scars that remain, but they are mere reminders
of your very scars that you bore on the
cross. We know that with you, there will
be new opportunities and new open doors.
I pray that we will all come to repentance
so that we are able to walk through them.
Thank
you for being so faithful to every promise
you make. We have seen it with our own eyes
through your Word, and I pray that we will
be able to see it continue in our own lives
so that we can proclaim it to those who
will never lay eyes on your Word. You have
placed us where we live for a reason. Just
as you distributed the Levites, you have
done so with your church. So I pray that
instead of focusing on how the community
treats us, that we will be those who show
what justice, mercy, grace and love should
look like. May we be the ones who do the
infiuencing for good rather than allowing
evil to win. Strengthen us for the good
fight of faith. You’ve already prepared
us for such a time as this.
In
Joshua 22, Joshua commends the tribes of
Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh
for proving themselves faithful in securing
the territory for all of Israel before returning
to their homeland. He charges them to continue
to observe the commandments, love the Lord,
and walk in obedience before sending them
off with a blessing. When they return
home, the Transjordan tribes build a large
altar on the west side of the Jordan, and
when the Israelites hear of it, they declare
war on their brothers. The Israelites send
Phineas the priest and ten leaders to confront
this breach of faith, but the Transjordan
tribes declare this was not an act of rebellion,
but rather an e£ort to remind their
children of their portion in serving the
Lord. Phineas and the leaders take them
at their word and believe the Lord is indeed
among them. The altar is named “Witness,”
for it serves as a witness that the Lord
is their God.
In
Joshua 23, Joshua, in his older age, gives
a farewell address to the leadership of
Israel. Joshua credits the Lord with their
victories and encourages them to continue
to maintain their faithfulness to the Law,
to hold fast to the Lord, and not to turn
back and intermingle with the other nations
and their gods. For if they do, they will
subject themselves to defeat, discomfort,
and disgrace, as the Lord would no longer
fight for them. Joshua reminds them that
the Lord has been faithful to fulfill all
his promises and blessings and that He will
not fail to maintain His justice if they
do not keep covenant with Him.
In
Joshua 24, Joshua gathers all the people
before the Lord to renew the covenant with
Him. Joshua recounts the previous idolatry
and God’s calling and leading of Abraham,
Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, their wilderness
survival, and Amorite victory. He also recalls
the way God intervened during the attempt
of Balaam’s cursing. Joshua commands the
people to fear the Lord and sincerely and
faithfully serve Him by ridding themselves
of all idols. They are called to choose
between serving the Lord or serving other
gods. Joshua declares he and his household
will serve the Lord. Israel declares their
allegiance to do the same. However, Joshua
says this is not possible, for the Lord
is holy and a jealous god and will turn
against them if they disobey. They insist,
and Joshua once again demands that all idolatry
be eliminated and declares that they will
be a witness against themselves on this
day. Joshua therefore forms a covenant with
the people at Shechem and sets up a memorial
as a witness against them before sending
them back home. Joshua dies and is buried
in his city of Timnath-serah in Ephraim.
The bones of Joseph are buried at Shechem,
and Eleazar the priest dies and is buried
at Gibeah.
RELATIONSHIP
ORDER | Josh. 22:6
Notice
the order of this command here—observe the
Word, then love, then obey, then serve.
If we get this out of order, there will
be disarray. Because if you serve without
love and obedience, you will burn out. If
you love without knowing the Word, then
you can easily drift into heresy, where
“love is love” and there is no boundary
of holiness. And if you only obey without
love, that can lead to self-righteousness,
where your strong convictions lead to finding
faults and criticizing instead of seeking
truth and building up. This is all a part
of Satan’s ploy to divide and conquer. It’s
important to note that we are not taking
away from the fact that love is the greatest
commandment—this commandment Joshua is giving
is based on and encased in love first and
foremost. But if love is a choice and not
based on feelings, we must know the why
and the how behind our love for God and
that comes from the hearing of the Word.
It’s the same in any relationship. Good
marriages are not based on feeling—they’re
based on choosing to love a person the way
they need to be loved. That’s based on knowledge
of who they are and what their love language
is. But we usually start o£ in relationships
based on feeling, and as soon as the feeling
goes away, we suddenly feel we don't like
the person and therefore we don’t love them
anymore. But if we had taken the time to
know them first, we could probably avoid
a lot of heartache later. Heart Check.
Do
you have this in order: (Out of love) OBSERVE,
LOVE, OBEY, SERVE.
HEARSAY
| Josh. 19
Here
we come to the end of the speific inheritances
for the tribes of Israel.
Establishing
these boundary lines was so important because
it did several things: It defined the area
of ownership and kept everyone in their
lanes or from wanting what wasn’t theirs.
This promoted unity and loyalty within the
individual tribes and among the nation as
a whole. Having individual responsibility
helped to develop and mature the tribes.
And ultimately, it fulfilled the promises
of God and the blessings of Jacob that were
spoken in Genesis. Heart Check.
Do
you know where your boundary line are? Where
has God called you, and are you within the
lines?
SEEKING
VENGEANCE | Josh. 22:12
This
is a tough situation—on one hand, they’re
zealously standing for holiness regardless
of their relationship, which is commendable.
But on the other hand, they’re willing to
go to war based on hearsay. Physical distance
can foster this kind of reaction because
there’s a breakdown in communication and
misunderstandings fueled by rumors. And
unattended rumors will often start wars.
The Bible says that it’s shameful to draw
conclusions before hearing the whole story
(Prov. 18:13). The Bible says that we must
inquire, search out, and ask diligently
before assuming an abomination” (Deut. 13:14).
Heart Check.
Do
you operate on hearsay? Or do you seek to
find the truth before drawing a conclusion?
WILLING
TO SACRIFICE | Josh. 22:19
Here
we see that the tribes are redeeming their
killer instinct with a willingness to sacrifice.
They didn’t just come at their brothers
with an accusation and leave them in it.
They were willing to give up some of their
land if it meant they would be able to save
them all from destruction and judgment.
It’s easy to accuse and criticize people
and harder to help them. Heart Check.
Do
you criticize others for the sake of pointing
out their wrong? Are you willing to sacrifice
something for their betterment?
BELIEVING
THE BEST | Josh. 22:30
I
love that Phineas is willing to take them
at their word—in the end, he’s believing
for the best rather than assuming the worst.
Nowadays
we are seeing more and more conspiracy theories
attached to everything. The worst is being
assumed in every situation and we are creating
enemies where we should be uniting. People
are killing each other in the name of peace.
There is more division now than ever, and
if we are taking part in that, we are fighting
on the wrong side of enemy lines. Heart
Check.
Are
you spending more time fighting or pursuing
peace? Do you believe the best or
assume the worst in people?
**This
does not mean we live carelessly and without
wisdom and discernment. But discernment
should not always breed a war. For the Bible
says to be wise as serpents and innocent
as doves (Mt. 10:16).**
HOLD
FAST | Josh 23: 8
These
chapters that we’ve managed to study through
are some of the hardest, and I’ve been seeing
people ask how they can stay committed when
they feel bored or don’t seem to have the
same passion for the Word that they did
when they first started. And the answer
is right here. Cling to it. Hold fast. Because
our feelings will always fail us. I would
be lying if I said that I feel like doing
this every single day. Because I’m not a
unicorn! But I cling to His Word. I hold
fast to Him and my commitment to show up
regardless of how I feel. And blessing will
always follow that obedience, Heart Check.
Are
you clinging to the Lord? Do you hold fast
to Him even when you don't feel like it?
IDOLATRY
| Josh. 24
The
book of Joshua ends with an urgent note
of warning against idolatry. We never want
to close a book without heeding the warning
that is left with us.
Are
there any passions, compromises, desires,
habits, or relationships that are taking
up more importance in your life than the
Lord and your obedience to Him?
Deep
Dive
What
good can we find on both sides of the confiict
in chapter 22?
How
does assuming the worst create global confiict?
How
can our lives serve as a witness for future
generations?
Are
you able to accept all aspects of God’s
nature? How does this a£ect your faith?
What
did Joshua mean when he said it was impossible
to serve the Lord?
Heavenly
Father, we are grateful for change, as it
allows for you to do greater things.
Sometimes
the times of transition can be di£icult,
as separation can lead to feelings that
we don’t know how to deal with. But rather
than allowing those emotions to assume the
worst in people or allowing a lack of communication
to make us draw our own conclusions, I pray
that we will be diligent in seeking out
the truth rather than ensuring that we have
evidence. We don’t want to be hasty in drawing
conclusions, for we know that will fuel
the enemy’s ploy in conquering and dividing.
So
I pray that we will instead use our energy
to pursue peace. We realize that that may
require some sacrifice on our part, so I
pray that you will increase our ability
to be selfiess if it means that it will
lead to the betterment of others.
Forgive
us if we have ever created disorder in the
way people view you and your holiness. Help
us to do all things in agape love and to
continue to know you and what your word
says. When we do this, we will know how
to love and why we love. That will then
lead to obedience and the ability to serve
with a pure heart. I pray that this will
spill over into our relationships as well.
I pray that we will not base our love for
you or others on the way we feel or what
our heart is telling us, for our hearts
are deceitful above all things and desperately
wicked. It will lead us astray if we do
not have you dwelling within to guide us
in our every step.
So
may we be di£erent, holy, and set
apart from those who are always looking
for the worst in people and situations.
Help us to be finders and revealers of the
good that is still in this world. May we
focus more on you than on evil.
This
doesn’t mean we ignore evil, but it means
that we shine a light so that we can eliminate
it. We don’t want to be agents of confiict,
but rather agents of unity and peace. May
we be a people who bind the community together
at the altar rather than sacrificing it
to an altar built on falsehood.
May
we stay true to his words to hold fast to
our God and be very careful to love you.
We want to stay right in the center of your
will, not turning to the left or to the
right, for we know extremes are dangerous
territory.
If
we are clinging to anything other than you,
we give you permission to cut o£ the
shackles for us. We do not want to live
a life of compromise but one of obedience.
So
we renew our covenant with you today, losing
all strongholds that have been in our lives
and ridding ourselves of all things that
have taken up more importance than you.
Forgive us for that. And we declare today
that as for me and my house, we will serve
the Lord. And we know that it begins with
us, and it is acted out in love. Even if
everyone in our homes is not following in
this moment, we lift them up to you and
ask that you will do a work in their hearts
and lives.
Surround
them with people who will speak truth into
their hearts where they are closed o£
from hearing it from us. So help us to show
them who you are Jesus through our love
and faith in action. Our greatest preaching
will be the way that they see the changes
you’re making in us. So change us first
and foremost—make us more loving and more
kind. May our words be seasoned salt, our
countenance ones of peace and contentment,
and may all anger and rage be gone in the
name of Jesus. Let us be a beacon of hope
and light for our families.
Thank
you for the life of Joshua and his wise
and faithful leadership. I pray that we
can all encompass Joshua like qualities,
for they ultimately mirror you Jesus. I
pray that we will remain steadfast, even
in our older age, continuing to encourage
and build up others.
But
more than anything else on this Good Friday,
we remember you today and what you’ve done
for us. The su£ering and pain that
you went through is not lost on us. You
so willingly did that so we could be set
free. What a sacrifice it was to give us
the gift of eternal life. I pray that we
never take this gift for granted, for in
this gift also comes grace and healing from
all things. Thank you that we can declare
today that “it is finished” knowing that
death has indeed lost its sting and you
are making all things new.
Judges
is a collection of stories that take place
after the leader Joshua passes away and
leaves a leadership vacuum for the people
of Israel. It is speculated the book of
Judges is written by Samuel or an apprentice.
The book covers the time from Joshua to
Samuel some 300-400 years. The main theme
of the book is the cyclical nature of the
people - their sinful rebellion against
God, His retribution for their sin nature
through oppression, their repentance, and
God’s unrelenting love by providing deliverance
through a “judge”.
In
chapter 1, the people of Israel ask God
who should start the conquest against the
Canaanites. Judah is chosen and enlists
the tribe of Simeon. The first gruesome
tale of the book includes the capture and
humiliation of Adoni-bezek. A recount of
Caleb’s daughter's request and the beginning
of the Israelities disobedience. They were
commanded to eradicate the people of Canaan
yet they failed to do so.
In
chapter 2, a messenger delivers the Lord’s
will upon the sinful Israelites and they
begin to weep. It recounts the servant of
the Lord, Joshua, and his great leadership
while also highlighting the rebellious nature
of the following generations. The rest of
the chapter is a preview of the majority
of the book. The people rebel, the Lord
hears their cry, provides a deliverer then
they return to their rebellious ways even
more corrupt than before.
WHERE
ARE YOU GOING? | Judges 1:1
It
may come as no surprise to you that as a
mama five road trips can be a little di£icult.
Yes they have become easier because gone
are the days of using a paper map to go
from one place to another.
We
have these beautiful handy-dandy things
called smartphones that spell out every
turn from point A to point B but one thing
that these things don't do is answer the
questions of my littles in the back - who
have no concept of time or direction. They
look at us, their parents, as their guide,
constantly asking “are we there yet?”, “are
we there yet?” “where are we going?”, “when
are we stopping?”, “I need to use the restroom”
(even though they just used the restroom
5 minutes before).
So
just like children, the children of God,
the Israelites, turned to their God and
inquired who shall go first into this Promised
Land because they were seeking answers from
the only one who had answers so heart check…
Are
you asking the one who has all the answers
about where you are going or are you using
the GPS of the world to provide you directions?
REPETITION
| Judges 1:12-15
Why
is repetition important? Because these repeating
stories like these help us NOT to forget.
Joshua set up monuments throughout the Promised
Land to help them remember. So is there
anything that you remember from school like
rote memory due to repetition? For example,
the rainbow - ROYGBIV is an acronym for
the colors of the rainbow: red, orange,
yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.
Repetition is key – like getting in God's
word daily even if you already read it,
even if you read it 10 million times, it's
going to come alive to you in a di£erent
way and eventually it's going to be written
on your heart. Heart Check.
Is
there something in your life that you could
be repeating to remember God's will or perhaps
you are repeating something that is a pattern
that should be removed from your life?
IMITATION
OF EVIL | Judges 2:3
All
right so what we got here is that by failing
to remove the Canaanite people to protect
HIS chosen people - the Israelites are tolerating
the evil and then assimilating to the evil
and then imitating the evil.
Okay,
let's look at that again, this cycle of
Tolerate/Assimilate/Imitate may look di£erent
in your home. At first you tolerate it.
SO, perhaps there's a sin or a secret that
you're just kind of tolerating and not addressing
it. You're not coming to it with humility
and love then you get assimilated to it.
It's like “oh okay it's alright -not that
bad” and then you start imitating it.
Now
I don't know what that may look like for
you but for me it could be vulgar language,
gossiping, a bad TV show that I kind of
like and kept watching it. I just kind of
get assimilated to the vulgarness of the
show then imitate it in my life. With my
kids, I have to be very careful with what
they're viewing. I am constantly reminding
them what not to watch because if they tolerate
that evil they're going to think that behavior
is okay, then assimilate. BUT WHEN, I see
them imitating it, my heart is broken because
I have allowed this evil to permeate into
our lives. Heart Check.
Have
you started to imitate the evil around you
or are you an imitator of God?
REMEMBRANCE
OF HIS PROVISION | Judges 2: 11-12
The
people neglected a fundamental precept of
spiritual transference - to train their
children in the ways of the lord (pro. 22:6)
(Dr. David Jeremiah)
Moses
instructed the people to share the stories
of redemption, god’s miracles, god’s covenant,
even Joshua erected monuments/pillars of
stones to remind the people to share the
stories with their children. (Deut 6:7-9)
(i.e. stones of Gilgal during the conquest
with Joshua)
Why
do this? To remind the people of God’s love
and provision, to remind them why they are
in the promised land - because God promised
it to them! But alas they have forgotten
God's goodness and his faithfulness has
faded from their awareness and from the
memory of the nation as a whole. Heart Check.
How
can we be good stewards and transfer the
spirit of God unto our children?
TEST
TIME | Judges 2
Everyday
is a test. It's a test for… Are we going
to wake up and prepare for the day ahead
of the children? Are we going to put God's
word first or our own selfish ambitions?
Are we going to help that person that we
feel convicted in our heart to pray over
them or to go by their house and check on
them? OR send a text message? Are we going
to do our job well? And no matter what the
boss says that day, we will choose to show
them respect? Everyday is a test and it's
your choice if you're going to walk in obedience
and discipline to the Lord or not. Heart
Check.
What
test are you facing right now that could
give givr to the Lord and follow in his
ways?
Deep
Dive
What
is lighting your way in this world when
you are seeking direction?
What
are you using to light the path of your
decisions? God’s word or the world’s opinions?
Are
we only one generation away from the decline
or has it already declined?
How
can we be good stewards and transfer the
spirit of God unto our children?
Are
you repeating the cycle of the Israelites?
Tolerating, assimilating, and imitating
the evil around you or are you imitating
god?
Heavenly
Father, thank you for this time and for
the opportunity to get into your Word.
Even
though this is going to be a di£icult
book -we just lay down our burdens at your
feet. That you will come alongside us and
be with us as we walk through these trials
of fire.
As
our own sin nature wants to also turn away
or lean into our own understanding and not
yours. As we try to use our own GPS of the
world instead of following the Commandments
that you set before us.
You
have given us promise after promise, redeemed
us and been faithful to us. Help us keep
our eyes on you Lord.
That
you will provide for us through your goodness.
Keep our eyes on you Lord.
Let
the spirit of the Lord come down and be
with us and for those who may not fully
understand your will - let a seed be planted
so that you will be known. That no matter
what test they're facing, they will feel
the peace beyond understanding. That they
will lean into you and not tolerate, assimilate
and imitate the world around them.
So
heavenly father we just lift up everyone
here and especially Kanoe that she will
get the rest that she needs. As we trudge
along through the Book of Judges. May we
learn to not repeat the stories that we
see here. That we will also not repeat the
downward spiral into more corruption but
instead we will have an upper posture aiming
towards being closer to you Heavenly Father.
Judges
3-5 covers the first of the judges for Israel
- Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, and Deborah as
well as Deborah and Barak’s song.
In
chapter 3, it highlights the reasoning of
testing for the new generation. The exploits
of Ehud and Shamgar against the Moabites.
Israel faces oppression due to their disobedience,
leading to the rise of Ehud, a left-handed
judge who delivers them from the Moabites
by assassinating King Eglon.
In
chapter 4, Deborah and Barak lead a successful
campaign against the Canaanites. The chapter
introduces Deborah, a prophetess and judge,
who summons Barak to lead an army against
the Canaanites under Sisera's command, resulting
in their defeat by the hand of Jael.
In
chapter 5, Deborah and Barak celebrate their
victory with Deborah's song, recounting
the role of key figures like Jael and praising
God's intervention in battle.
INEXPERIENCE
NEEDS TESTING | Judges 3: 2
Being
new on this YouTube channel feels like learning
to walk on a wobbly boat; I don’t have my
sea legs yet! I'm scared of making mistakes
and messing up. But just like soldiers get
stronger by going to war, I know I need
to try and learn from my mistakes to get
better at making videos.
It
is out of necessity that we learn new ways
to cope with the fiery darts of the enemy
who likes to use stress, doubt, worry, and
fear. Just like the young inexperienced
Israelites. You see, the promised land was
their inheritance but they had to work to
keep it - not only through physical battles
with their enemies which were coming from
all sides but against the enemy inside causing
a spiritual oppression. Heart Check.
Are
you in a testing period? Have you learned
new ways to prepare for battle or are you
at mercy of the enemy?
ROTTEN
FRUIT| Judges 3:6
In
unequal matches, there's a greater risk
that the bad will corrupt the good than
the hope that the good will reform the bad,
like putting together a rotten pear with
a sound one. When people choose to worship
other gods, they forget the Lord their God.
This highlights the dangers of relativism
and following one's own moral compass, as
seen in the phrase, "In those days
there was no king in Israel; every man did
that which was right in his own eyes."
Heart Check.
How
can you avoid letting harmful influences
spoil the good in our lives, much like a
rotten fruit can ruin a bunch?
SPIRIT
OF THE LORD | Judges 3:10
Othneil
had his commission (assignment from the
Lord to deliver the people).
He
was chosen by the Spirit of the Lord, gifting
him wisdom, courage, and power for his divine
task.
Unlike
school assignments or tasks delegated by
parents or bosses, a commission from God
carries a profound significance. It transcends
mere human authority, tapping into a divine
calling that ignites a sense of purpose
and spiritual empowerment beyond earthly
measures. It's not just about completing
a task; it's about aligning with God's plan
and stepping into a sacred journey guided
by His wisdom and strength. Heart Check.
Now
consider the great commission, are you excited
about our assignment from the Lord?
SMALL
YES | Judges 3:31
Saying
a small yes to God matters because even
seemingly insignificant acts of obedience,
like Shamgar's - yeah even his one line
in Judges, can have a profound impact in
God's kingdom. Just as Shamgar, with his
simple act of faith, played a crucial role
in delivering Israel from oppression, our
willingness to obey God in even the smallest
matters can lead to significant outcomes
and bring glory to His name. Heart Check.
Have
you said YES to the Lord?
CREDENTIALS
| Judges 4
Who
is this woman of infiuence? Who is this
woman that people go and seek wise counsel
with?
Because
I want to meet her! I want this Titus II
woman in my life.
When
I hear about women in the Bible bucking
up against the traditions - I know our God
is just just so amazing and that it doesn't
matter what the traditions or the status
quo.
He's
placing a woman at the top here. She is
a judge. Shoot, Barak was scared to go into
battle without her. That says amazing things.
Because it means that there's no set credentials
to be an e£ective servant of the Lord.
What
is the only essential credential you need
to be a servant of the Lord? It says right
here to be an e£ective servant of
God - you need a heart that is willing to
be used by him. Heart Check.
Do
you have a willing heart to serve the Lord?
AVAILABLE
TOOLS| Judges 4:21
A
hammer and a tent peg, the most unlikeliest
of tools.
My
reflection that I have with this passage
is that even though she was a woman , she
was used by God in a system that didn’t
normally allow women to go against the system
and the traditions. Jael used whatever she
had at her fingertips which the Ingenuity
of using it just tells me that God is bigger
and greater than we can fathom. He uses
whatever he can with willing hearts.
Are
you using all the available tools at your
fingertips?
EYES
OPEN | Judges 5
Deborah
sung about waking up. She reminded the reader
that even she required an awakening and
rose from her slumber and listened to the
Lord. We too are meant to wake up from our
own spiritual slumber and awake to God’s
love.
Are
you wide awake?
Deep
Dive
Are
you walking out the great commission? How
could you better equip yourself to share
the gospel more boldly?
Are
you using your unique gifts to bring honor
to the Lord? Or yourself?
How
does God’s sovereignty over purpose make
you feel?
In
light of Easter, what sacrifice have you
made to further the gospel lately?
What
does praise look like to you? Is it important
to incorporate it into your spiritual disciplines?
And is it easier to worship corporately
or privately? And why is it?
Write
your own song of praise giving God the glory!
Place yourself into Deborah’s poem.
Heavenly
Father, thank you that your son died on
the cross for us today.
Today,
we come before you with hearts full of gratitude
for the ultimate sacrifice your Son made
on the cross for us. We acknowledge that
we are unworthy, and our deeds are like
filthy rags. Yet, you love us unconditionally
and offer us redemption through Jesus Christ.
As
we refiect on the journey of the Israelites
from Joshua to Samuel, we recognize our
own struggles in focusing on what truly
matters—obeying your commandments, listening
to your voice, and walking in surrender
to your will.
Just
as Deborah was sought after for her wisdom
under the palm tree, may we also seek wisdom
and knowledge in your Word. May our lives
radiate with your light, drawing others
to seek you.
Empower
us, Lord, to face the battles of life with
courage, even with the smallest of tools
and the most unlikely of weapons, knowing
that victory is already ours through Christ.
May we never forget the redemption and deliverance
you have provided for us throughout history.
Lord,
we offer our small yes to you today,
surrendering our lives to your purpose and
glory.
Fill
us afresh with your Spirit, transforming
us from the inside out, so that we may live
out our calling to spread the good news
of your gospel.
Thank
you for the Comforter, your Spirit, who
guides us, comforts us, and leads us according
to your good and pleasing will.
