29 Nov, 2021

The Journey!

Numbers 33

READ – “At the LORD’s direction, Moses kept a written record of their progress. These are the stages of their march, identified by the different places where they stopped along the way.” Numbers 33:2 NLT EXAMINE – Following the command of the LORD, Moses kept a written record of their progress and the different places they stopped along the way. From the starting point in Egypt (Numbers 33:3) to their stopping point on the plains of Moab (Numbers 33:48-49), Moses listed all the places along the way (Numbers 33:5-47). God also told Moses that when Israel crosses the Jordan River into the Promised Land, they must drive out the people, destroy their idol gods, and distribute the lands so that the tribes can settle down and enjoy their new home (Numbers 33:50-56). APPLY – Do you keep a journal of your journey? Have you captured your progress through this pandemic with a photo diary? Do you ever just go back over the year and create a yearbook to highlight the past year? God gave a clear commandment – keep a written record of your progress. You have a story to share, a testimony to tell, a year to remember! Take some time this week and think creatively as to how you will record this year of 2021! If you have a few ideas already, leave a comment. (One of my ideas will be a Yearbook of Selfies because the selfies remind me that I’ve not been alone in 2021.) PRAY – Father God, help us to remember our joyful moments, record our journey, and rejoice over our Promised Land You have given us to enjoy. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

26 Nov, 2021

What’s In A Name!

Numbers 32

READ –  “Nebo, baal-meon, and Sibmah. They changed the names of some of the towns they conquered and rebuilt.” Numbers 32:38 NLT EXAMINE – The tribes of Reuben and Gad wanted to settle on the east side of Jordan River because the land was suited for their animals (Numbers 32:1). Moses at first objected because he thought their actions would discourage the other tribes from entering the Promised Land (Numbers 32:2-15). But their motives were pure, and they committed to go across the Jordan River and fight with their fellow tribes (Numbers 32:17). As they conquered and rebuilt towns, they changed the names of the place (Numbers 32:38). One man, Nobah, renamed the area he captured after himself (Numbers 32:42). APPLY –  Names matter. A new day brought about a new name for some places. They weren’t rewriting past history but just recording their present blessings. Some of the towns even had false gods in their names (i.e., Baal-meon – v.38). Changing the names of the towns testified to the blessings of the LORD and the accomplishments of the people.  What a practical and relevant lesson for us today that some names of places, buildings, etc. need to be changed to reflect the current times or present heroes. PRAY – Father God, in these divisive times, give us wisdom on what changes we need to make to bring unity as we celebrate our diversity. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!