When a transition time in life appears it is important to make time to reflect on what’s going on. New experiences, new opportunities, and new connections. Making time on a schedule that is used to being full to do things that are out of the ordinary. Having time with people to share our hearts, lives, and experiences. Today will include time to reflect upon a pastor who recently passed away too as a celebration of life is on the schedule for today too.
New Experiences:
This week I learned how the system works and got it kicked off going through the process. I got to meet with a friend who I haven’t spoken to in a while after crazy attacks took place in Israel and to share my situation and learning about how with all the new systems in place to apply for a job that uses an ATS and bots requires a resume per job tuned for the specific job description and requirements. I got to meet with a recruiter and this insight was reaffirmed which is a new way of thinking about applying for and looking for a job. A lunch where I got to share my heart for kids in the foster care system in order to allow them to understand how camp works and answer any questions they had.
New Opportunities:
When the old is gone and the new has come, it opens the door to something new. It opens the door to get to meet with and talk to new people or people about new opportunities. Learning about the application and resume changes, opens up opportunities to adjust and consider new ways to experiment and experience the systems in place. It opened the door to new opportunities to bring a friend who was in treatment at a hospital into a bible study using technology so that he could be present with us. Getting to get together with former coworkers and sharing the story of Genesis 31 as it applied to my life was fun too and to learn about what they are working on and to receive encouragement that they are happy to be referrals for me.
New Connections:
When you have time to do things you’ve never done before it opens the door to make new connections and learn and share. Getting to go out and do lunch with a friend’s pastor and make a real connection was a great time. Having time to get introduced a recruiter and understand the process and possibilities was interesting too. And yet in the midst of days without a work schedule, to discover how quickly the time could and does get filled up and used up when you focus your time and efforts towards what God’s prompting leads. Having your heart and mind open to making new connections and getting to share and speak life into others is so incredible.
Embracing Change: Reflections on a Week of Divine Encounters
Reflecting on a week unlike many others prompts us to pause and ponder the myriad experiences, opportunities, and connections that have come our way. Amidst transitions, it is crucial to carve out moments for introspection, to sift through the influx of newness, and to seek divine guidance in navigating the path ahead. As Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us,
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven."
In the whirlwind of novelty, we encounter new experiences that challenge our perspectives and broaden our horizons. From learning the intricacies of job application systems to sharing our passions with others, each encounter shapes us and presents an opportunity for growth (Proverbs 27:17). Moreover, new opportunities emerge from the ashes of the old, beckoning us to embrace change with open arms. Just as 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares,
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
In seizing these opportunities, we forge new connections, forging bonds that enrich our lives and deepen our understanding of God’s purpose for us (Proverbs 18:24). By prioritizing meaningful interactions and aligning our pursuits with His will, we pave the way for divine connections and divine appointments. As we look ahead, let us remain steadfast in faith, trusting that God’s hand guides our every step (Proverbs 3:5-6). Let us continue to embrace the journey, knowing that each twist and turn is part of His greater plan (Jeremiah 29:11). And may we carry forward the lessons learned, applying them daily as we walk in His grace and purpose (James 1:22).
Today’s Reading:
My Notes:
God’s Word is active and alive, never returning void, and able to cut to the core of the situation. So don’t just read my notes but rather use the links above to read or have today’s reading read to you so that you can hear from God and create your own notes based on where you are at today and what is going on in your life. Don’t miss out on what God has to tell you by limiting your reading to my notes.
Numbers 28: Daily Offerings
Daily Devotion: Cultivating a Habit of Reflection
We see instructions for the daily offerings to be presented before the Lord. These offerings were to be made consistently, day by day, without fail. Similarly, just as the Israelites were called to offer sacrifices daily, we are called to cultivate a habit of daily reflection in our lives. Setting aside time each day to reflect on our experiences, opportunities, and connections allows us to maintain spiritual alignment and discern God’s guidance in our lives. As Psalm 119:105 affirms,
"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."
Through daily reflection grounded in prayer and Scripture, we gain clarity and direction for the journey ahead.
- Daily Offerings
- Sabbath Offerings
- Monthly Offerings
- The Passover
- The Festival of Weeks
Numbers 29: Special Offerings
Seizing Opportunities: Embracing Special Moments of Encounter
Numbers 29 outlines the various special offerings to be made at appointed times throughout the year, including the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles. These occasions were marked by unique rituals and celebrations, providing opportunities for the Israelites to draw near to God in worship and fellowship. Similarly, in our lives, we encounter special moments—opportunities for deeper connection with God and others. Whether it be a retreat, a mission trip, or a special gathering of believers, we must seize these opportunities to immerse ourselves in God’s presence and community. As Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, there is
"a time for every matter under heaven."
By embracing these special moments of encounter, we grow in faith and deepen our relationship with the Lord and His people.
- The Festival of Trumpets
- The Day of Atonement
- The Festival of Tabernacles
Numbers 30: Vows and Oaths
Covenant Connections: Honoring Commitments and Building Trust
Numbers 30 addresses the importance of honoring vows and oaths made before the Lord. In making a vow, an individual commits to a course of action or behavior, binding themselves to their word. Similarly, in our relationships and connections with others, we are called to honor commitments and uphold trust. Whether it be in marriage, friendships, or professional endeavors, keeping our word demonstrates integrity and reliability. As Proverbs 20:25 advises,
"It is a trap to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider one’s vows."
By honoring our commitments and fostering trust in our connections, we reflect the faithfulness of our God and cultivate flourishing relationships built on a foundation of mutual respect and love.
- Vows
These reflections from Numbers 28-30 remind us of the importance of daily devotion, seizing opportunities for encounter, and honoring commitments in our journey of faith and connection with God and others.
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... 