10 Nov, 2021

Who’s Guiding You?

Numbers 9-10

READ –  “’Please don’t leave us,’ Moses pleaded. ‘You know the places in the wilderness where we should camp.  Come, be our guide.’”  — Numbers 10:31 NLT

EXAMINE – A year after Israel’s departure from Egypt, God gave Moses instructions for the children of Israel to celebrate the second Passover (Numbers 9:1-3). If for some reason, they couldn’t celebrate the Passover at the prescribed time, they had to “make it up” a month later (Numbers 9:11-12).  To neglect the Passover had severe consequences (Numbers 9:13). The cloud, representing the Presence of God, served as their guide leading them through the wilderness (Numbers 9:15-23).  The priests sounded trumpets to signal war, to call the people to worship, and even to tell the people that it was time to leave (Numbers 10). Moses asked his brother-in-law, Hobab, to accompany them on the journey as a guide (Numbers 10:29-32).

APPLY –  No substitute for the Real Deal! The children of Israel had the Cloud (the Presence of God) to lead them. “They camped or traveled at the LORD’s command, and they did whatever the LORD told them through Moses” (Numbers 9:23). But for some strange reason, Moses saw the need to ask his brother-in-law to be their guide.  Who do you listen to for direction and guidance? Do you rely on the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you (John 16:13)? Do you trust the Scriptures to give you wisdom and insight (Psalm 119:105)? Or do you sometimes rely on family and friends to serve as a back-up guide to God? Just a reminder . . . the Bible is better than any brother-in-law!

PRAY – Father God, as we walk this uncharted journey, may Your Presence be with us to guide us and to guard us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

8 Nov, 2021

Speak To My Heart!

Numbers 7:55 – 8:26

READ –  “Whenever Moses went into the Tabernacle to speak with the LORD, he heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the Ark’s cover – the place of atonement – that rests on the Ark of the Covenant. The LORD spoke to him from there.”  — Numbers 7:89 NLT

EXAMINE – The tribal leaders continued bringing their dedication offering to the LORD for the Tabernacle (Numbers 7:55-88). When they finished dedicating the Tabernacle, it became the place where Moses went to speak to the LORD and to hear from the LORD (Numbers 7:89). God gave Moses specific instructions for setting up the golden lampstand (Numbers 8:1-4). Finally, now that the place (The Tabernacle) had been consecrated for service; God consecrated the people (the Levites) for service within the Tabernacle (Numbers 8:5-22). God even commanded the time frame for the Levites to serve before retiring (Numbers 8:23-26).

APPLY –  Moses went to the Tabernacle to talk to God and to hear from God. The same should happen to us when we go to church. We should go to church to talk to God – praising Him for His greatness and praying to Him about our needs. We should go to church to hear from God – especially through the preaching, reading and hearing of His Word. What did God say to you through this weekend’s worship? How will you grow in your giving during this week? If you didn’t go to church this weekend, take time today to go back and worship God virtually. The LORD still speaks to us at Church!

PRAY – Father God, we want to hear from You this week. Speak to our hearts clearly as we dedicate ourselves to Your service. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!