What an interesting week and set of conversations. It helped me in preparation as I spoke to a friend and a recruiter who confirmed how things have changed from the days of 1 resume to rule them all. Do you realize that in today’s world, with ATS (Applicant Tracking System) and bots that it requires that you rewrite your resume to customize it for each application? You still need your full version but when you go to apply it requires personalization to align with the requirements of the job you are applying for or else the ATS and bots will disqualify you before any human gets to see it. In today’s world, when an opening is posted the number of applications is so large they’ve come up with systems to limit the number of qualified candidates to help the employers.
It was also a week of reconnecting with some old work friends as well as finalizing details related to camp like core team updates, campground readiness, and training preparations. For a week where I didn’t have to do the usual, it was a pretty full week and it’s not done yet. So today as I get started in God’s Word and then have connection times over lunch, later in the afternoon, and then for dinner, I give this day into God’s hands praying that He will help me to finish the week strong and with insight into how the applications already submitted did so that I know if I need to rework the resume and apply again for same or different jobs. God’s timing is perfect and so no worry and no anxiety as I wait upon the Lord who is renewing my strength.
Today’s Reading:
My Notes:
God’s Word is active and alive and can cut to the core of any situation. God’s Word never returns void and so whatever you are going through today, put it on the table and give it up to God, casting your cares upon Him. Don’t limit today’s reading to my notes but use the links above to allow God to speak to you too and provide you with your own notes and how He can work in and through you. How will God use His Word to speak to each of us today and help us to press in and press on?
Numbers 25: Avoiding Spiritual Compromise
Guarding Against Spiritual Compromise
Numbers 25:1-3 (NIV) - "While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with Moabite women, who invited them to the sacrifices to their gods. The people ate the sacrificial meal and bowed down before these gods. So Israel yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor."
We see the Israelites falling into spiritual compromise by engaging in idolatry and sexual immorality with the Moabite women. This chapter serves as a cautionary tale for us today, reminding us of the dangers of compromising our faith and values in the face of worldly temptations. Just as the Israelites faced consequences for their actions, we too must be vigilant in guarding our hearts and minds against influences that lead us away from God.
Key Takeaway:
Stay faithful to God and His commandments, even when faced with temptations and pressures from the world.
Application:
Cultivate a strong relationship with God through prayer, reading His Word, and surrounding yourself with fellow believers who can offer support and accountability. When faced with temptations, remember to rely on God’s strength and guidance to resist them.
- Moab Seduces Israel
- ‘The Lord said to Moses, “Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, the priest, has turned my anger away from the Israelites. Since he was as zealous for my honor among them as I am, I did not put an end to them in my zeal. Therefore tell him I am making my covenant of peace with him. He and his descendants will have a covenant of a lasting priesthood, because he was zealous for the honor of his God and made atonement for the Israelites.” ‘ — Numbers 25:10-13
Numbers 26: Counting the Cost
Recognizing Our Role in God’s Kingdom
Numbers 26:2 (NIV) - "Take a census of the whole Israelite community by their clans and families, listing every man by name, one by one."
Numbers 26 details the census of the Israelites, highlighting the importance of counting and organizing God’s people. In today’s context, this chapter reminds us of the significance of knowing and understanding our spiritual family, as well as recognizing our role within it. Just as the Israelites were counted and organized for God’s purposes, we too are called to be active participants in God’s kingdom work.
Key Takeaway:
Take stock of your spiritual life and the community of believers around you, recognizing the importance of accountability and fellowship.
Application:
Regularly assess your spiritual growth and involvement in your local church or community of believers. Seek opportunities to serve and build relationships within your spiritual family, understanding that each member has a unique role to play in God’s kingdom.
- The Second Census
- ‘These are the ones counted by Moses and Eleazar the priest when they counted the Israelites on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho. Not one of them was among those counted by Moses and Aaron the priest when they counted the Israelites in the Desert of Sinai. For the Lord had told those Israelites they would surely die in the wilderness, and not one of them was left except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun.’ — Numbers 26:63-65
Numbers 27: Trusting in God’s Provision
Trusting in God’s Justice and Provision
Numbers 27:1-5 (NIV) - "The daughters of Zelophehad son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Makir, the son of Manasseh, belonged to the clans of Manasseh son of Joseph. The names of the daughters were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milkah and Tirzah. They came forward and stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders and the whole assembly at the entrance to the tent of meeting and said, 'Our father died in the wilderness... Why should our father’s name disappear from his clan because he had no son? Give us property among our father’s relatives.'"
We encounter the story of Zelophehad’s daughters, who boldly approached Moses to request their inheritance rights. Their courage and trust in God’s justice serve as a powerful example for us today. In the face of uncertainty or injustice, we can rely on God’s provision and guidance, knowing that He is a faithful and just God who cares for His children.
Key Takeaway:
Trust in God’s provision and justice, even when circumstances seem unfair or uncertain.
Application:
Have faith in God’s sovereignty and provision, even in challenging circumstances. Boldly advocate for justice and righteousness, trusting that God sees and cares about our concerns. Seek wisdom and guidance through prayer and the study of God’s Word, knowing that He will lead and guide us in His perfect timing.
- Zelophehad’s Daughters
- ‘So Moses brought their case before the Lord, and the Lord said to him, “What Zelophehad’s daughters are saying is right. You must certainly give them property as an inheritance among their father’s relatives and give their father’s inheritance to them. “Say to the Israelites, ‘If a man dies and leaves no son, give his inheritance to his daughter. If he has no daughter, give his inheritance to his brothers. If he has no brothers, give his inheritance to his father’s brothers. If his father had no brothers, give his inheritance to the nearest relative in his clan, that he may possess it. This is to have the force of law for the Israelites, as the Lord commanded Moses.’” ‘ — Numbers 27:5-11
- Joshua to Succeed Moses
- ‘Moses said to the Lord, “May the Lord, the God who gives breath to all living things, appoint someone over this community to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the Lord ’s people will not be like sheep without a shepherd.” ‘ — Numbers 27:15-17
- ‘So the Lord said to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit of leadership, and lay your hand on him. Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the entire assembly and commission him in their presence. Give him some of your authority so the whole Israelite community will obey him. He is to stand before Eleazar the priest, who will obtain decisions for him by inquiring of the Urim before the Lord. At his command he and the entire community of the Israelites will go out, and at his command they will come in.” Moses did as the Lord commanded him. He took Joshua and had him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole assembly. Then he laid his hands on him and commissioned him, as the Lord instructed through Moses.’ — Numbers 27:18-23
Trusting God Through Every Season
As we reflect on the lessons from Numbers 25-27 and the experiences of this week, it becomes evident that our journey of faith is not without its challenges. Just as the Israelites faced temptations, uncertainties, and the need for organization, we too encounter similar trials in our modern lives. However, amidst these challenges, we find assurance and guidance in God’s Word.
Like the Israelites, we are called to guard against spiritual compromise, recognizing the importance of remaining faithful to God’s commandments in a world filled with temptations. We must cultivate a strong relationship with God and seek accountability within our spiritual community.
Furthermore, we are reminded of the significance of recognizing our role in God’s kingdom. Just as the Israelites were counted and organized, we are called to actively participate in God’s work, serving and building relationships within our spiritual family.
Finally, the story of Zelophehad’s daughters teaches us the importance of trusting in God’s provision and justice, even in the face of uncertainty. We can boldly approach God with our concerns, knowing that He cares for us and will guide us in His perfect timing.
As we navigate the challenges of life, let us hold fast to the promises of God, trusting in His faithfulness and sovereignty. May we find strength and courage in His Word, knowing that He is with us in every season, helping us to finish strong and prepare for what is to come.
Today is a day that thanks to Jesus is filled with inspiration. So let us make sure we receive the gift of grace through Jesus by faith in Him and step up and out to accomplish all the good works He has prepared in advance for us to accomplish. If you haven’t received Jesus as your Lord and Savior, why not choose today to be the day your life is transformed and you become a new creation and start the journey of becoming everything God created, purposed, and planned for you to be?
Let’s pray:
God's story through my life from 2005 to eternity... 