25 Nov, 2021

The Power of Sharing!

Numbers 31

READ – “Then divide the plunder into two parts and give half to the men who fought the battle and half to the rest of the people.” Numbers 31:27 NLT EXAMINE – The LORD commanded Moses to raise an army from each tribe and send them into war to take revenge on the Midianites (Numbers 31:2) for following Balaam’s advice and causing the people of Israel to fall into idolatry and immorality (Numbers 31:16). God gave Israel victory and even allowed them to take much plunder from the war. The plunder was divided between the fighters and the people (Numbers 31:25-54). Everyone received something, including the LORD. APPLY – Happy Thanksgiving! Today’s devotional reading reminds us of the power of sharing. God has richly blessed us and given us victories. We are to share these blessings with others. What can you share today? Share a word of encouragement with a family member. Share a financial blessing with someone who has had a tough time due to sickness or job displacement. Share your time with a friend who just needs to get out of the house and breathe a little. Share the gospel with a lost person and give him or her the hope of JESUS! PRAY – Father God, since You have richly blessed us with all things for our enjoyment (I Timothy 6:17), help us to be rich in good works, to be generous, and to always be ready to share with others (I Timothy 6:18). In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

24 Nov, 2021

Make It Right!

Numbers 29-30

READ – “These special sacrifices are in addition to your regular monthly and daily burnt offerings, and they must be given with their prescribed grain offerings and liquid offerings. These offerings are given as a special gift to the LORD, a pleasing aroma to Him.” Numbers 29:6 NLT EXAMINE – God continued His instructions regarding the Festival of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement and the Festival of Shelters (Numbers 29). These three feasts happened in the seventh month of their religious calendar and were the final special feasts of the year. When it came to single women and married women making a vow to the LORD, the single young lady living at home needed her father’s permission (Numbers 30:3-5). The married woman needed her husband’s agreement (Numbers 30:6-15). APPLY – The sacrificial system was designed so that the people could worship the LORD and “make themselves right with the LORD” (Numbers 29:5). The sacrifice of Christ on the cross has satisfied the penalty of our sins “once and for all” and has forever made us right with God (Hebrews 10:10, 12, 14, 18). Although we don’t have to offer animal sacrifices, we are still required to offer ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1-2). We ought to do this daily, weekly, and monthly. Daily, surrender to the Holy Spirit and spend quiet time with the LORD. Weekly, gather in worship and share weekly at least a worship service and a devotional blog, prayer, or bible study. Monthly, participate in the BMBC 24-hour Prayer for Memphis and the Mid-South on the 25th of each month. So, if you haven’t done so, take 30 minutes from your Thanksgiving Day, and in your own space and in your own way, pray for Memphis and the Mid-South. PRAY – Father God, as Your disciples give us a regular routine we can use to grow spiritually in our walk with You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!