Victory in Christ

God never promised His followers a life on this earth free of trouble.  But as the Psalmist said, He is the one we can look to for strength at all times.  “I will say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” (Psalms 91:2)  Our Heavenly Father knows that we will sometimes struggle with making the right decisions.  He knows that this life will sometimes wear us down.  But He is never weak.  He is always there for us with the right answers.  “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:28-31)  As Paul told the Christians in Philippi, we just need to bring everything to God and He will take care of it.  “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

Today’s reading: Numbers 14-15; Psalm 90

Moses sent twelve men to spy out the land of Canaan.  Ten of the twelve spies were afraid of the large men that lived there.  Two of the spies had a totally different opinion.  “And Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes and said to all the congregation of the people of Israel, ‘The land, which we passed through to spy it out, is an exceedingly good land. If the LORD delights in us, he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land that flows with milk and honey. Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them, and the LORD is with us; do not fear them.’” (Numbers 14:6-9)  We should have the same attitude as Joshua and Caleb.  If we are living according to God’s word, He will be with us and protect us.

Today’s reading: Numbers 11-13

The Bible records many times when the Israelites complained about something.  On one occasion they were complaining because they had food but they did not have any meat.  God was not happy with their lack of contentment.  “And the people complained in the hearing of the LORD about their misfortunes, and when the LORD heard it, his anger was kindled, and the fire of the LORD burned among them and consumed some outlying parts of the camp.” (Numbers 11:1)  Paul tells us thru his letter to the Philippians that complaining is not something Christians should do.  “Do all things without grumbling or disputing,” (Philippians 2:14)  He continues on giving us reasons why we should not complain.  “that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,” (Philippians 2:15)  In most every situation we can find something to complain about.  In that same situation we can also find something to be thankful for, but it just depends on what we are focusing on.  We know which way God wants us to focus.  “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Today’s reading: Numbers 8-10

Moses was able to directly hear the powerful voice of God. “Now when Moses went into the tabernacle of meeting to speak with Him, he heard the voice of One speaking to him from above the mercy seat that was on the ark of the Testimony, from between the two cherubim; thus He spoke to him.” (Numbers 7:89 NKJV) The Hebrew writer describes how we can still feel that power of God’s voice today. “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) 

Today’s reading: Numbers 7

We read here of some of the many sacrifices that had to be made under the old law.  There were offerings of grain, oil, goats, bulls, ram, and lambs.  I am thankful that we do not live under that law.  It sounds like a lot of work and a lot to remember.  The one Sacrifice came to this earth and suffered to be a replacement for the requirements of the old law.  “For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” (Hebrews 10:4)  “And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Hebrews 10:10)  When we struggle in this life, we can look to the One who understands what we are going thru.  “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15)  He was our sacrifice and perfect example and we should strive daily to glorify and honor Him.

Today’s reading: Numbers 5-6

In this chapter, God commanded Moses and Aaron to take a census. “Take a census of the sons of Kohath from among the children of Levi, by their families, by their fathers’ house,” (Numbers 4:2 NKJV) These people were counted and also given responsibilities of service. “According to the commandment of the LORD they were numbered by the hand of Moses, each according to his service and according to his task; thus were they numbered by him, as the LORD commanded Moses.” (Numbers 4:49 NKJV) Today as children of His we also have responsibilities of service. “This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.” (Titus 3:8 NKJV) 

Today’s reading: Numbers 4

Aaron’s four sons were the anointed priests, but he lost two of them.  “But Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD when they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children. So Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests in the lifetime of Aaron their father.” (Numbers 3:4)  The event is also mentioned in Leviticus 10:1-2.  In neither place are we told what this “unauthorized fire” was exactly.  Some translations call it “strange fire”.  Whatever it was did not agree with God’s commands.  He had given very specific instructions for the duties of these priests and the way He wanted to be worshiped.  These two men obviously did not follow God’s specific commands.  Their deaths are not the typical punishment from God, but we are promised that He will discipline us in the way that we need it.  “And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? ‘My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.’ It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?” (Hebrews 12:5-7)  In all that he went thru, Job still reminded us to be happy when God disciplines us.  “Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves; therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty.” (Job 5:17)

Today’s reading: Numbers 1-3

Under the old law the people had very specific commands about how much of their material blessings that they were to return to the Lord. In this section of Scripture we see examples of those tithes. “And concerning the tithe of the herd or the flock, of whatever passes under the rod, the tenth one shall be holy to the LORD.” (Leviticus 27:32 NKJV) We are not under the Old Law anymore, but God still wants us to return a portion of what He has so richly blessed us with. “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7 NKJV) 

Today’s reading: Leviticus 26-27

In God’s words to the Isrealites that He sent thru Moses, He wanted to make sure that they knew His feelings toward idol worship.  “You shall not make idols for yourselves or erect an image or pillar, and you shall not set up a figured stone in your land to bow down to it, for I am the LORD your God.” (Leviticus 26:1)  An idol does not have to be something made as an image or something that is bowed down to.  When talking about putting on a new self, Paul told the Colossians to put away certain things.  “Put to death therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry;” (Colossians 3:5)  Paul explains that being covetous is making those material things an idol to be worshiped in the same way idols were worshiped during Moses’ time.

Today’s reading: Leviticus 24-25

Under the old law punishments could be very severe.  “Whoever takes a human life shall surely be put to death. Whoever takes an animal’s life shall make it good, life for life. If anyone injures his neighbor, as he has done it shall be done to him, fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; whatever injury he has given a person shall be given to him.  Whoever kills an animal shall make it good, and whoever kills a person shall be put to death.  You shall have the same rule for the sojourner and for the native, for I am the LORD your God.” (Leviticus 24:17-22)  These were laws to be enforced by those in power, but some people had tried to use them as excuses to carry out retaliation for themselves.  In His sermon on the mount, Jesus refutes the idea of retaliation.  “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.  And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.” (Matthew 5:38-41)  As Christians this is the law that we are to follow today.  No matter how bad we may want to get revenge on someone, God tells us to do good toward that enemy and leave the revenging to Him.  “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:19)

Today’s reading: Leviticus 22-23