As I wake up this morning, I am reflecting on a memorial for a great pastor friend and the news of another mentor friend. I am wondering about what matters most and what is the best use of time that will bless my family and glorify God. Time on earth is limited and yet eternity goes on forever, so how can we use the limited to prepare for the limitless, how can we use the perishable in advance of receiving the imperishable, and what can we do with the temporary to be ready for the eternal?
For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. -- 1 Corinthians 15:53-57 NIV
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. — 2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV
Rest:
Rest is not merely the absence of work but a deliberate act of rejuvenation, both physically and spiritually. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus invites us, saying,
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
This rest isn’t passive idleness but an active trust in God’s provision and sovereignty. Key takeaway: Embrace rest as a gift from God, trusting in His care and finding renewal in His presence. Practice Sabbath rest by setting aside time for spiritual refreshment and physical rejuvenation.
Reflection:
Reflection allows us to pause, evaluate, and learn from our experiences and encounters. Psalm 119:105 declares,
"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."
Scripture illuminates our journey, guiding us in reflection and introspection. Through prayer and meditation on God’s Word, we gain insight into His character and our own hearts. Key takeaway: Cultivate a habit of reflection by regularly examining your thoughts, actions, and motives in light of Scripture. Use journaling or quiet contemplation to deepen your understanding of God and yourself.
Meditation:
Meditation involves pondering God’s truths and seeking His presence with focused attention. Joshua 1:8 instructs,
"Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."
By meditating on Scripture, we align our minds with God’s wisdom and align our hearts with His will. Key takeaway: Set aside dedicated time for meditation, allowing God’s Word to permeate your thoughts and shape your perspective. Practice mindfulness of God’s presence throughout the day, staying attuned to His guidance and grace.
Integration:
The Sabbath encompasses rest, reflection, and meditation as essential components of honoring God’s rhythm for our lives. Genesis 2:2-3 recounts,
"By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day, he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done."
The Sabbath serves as a weekly reminder of God’s sovereignty, provision, and intention for our well-being. By embracing rest, engaging in reflection, and practicing meditation, we participate in God’s plan for holistic renewal and spiritual growth. Key takeaway: Embrace the Sabbath as a sacred gift, dedicating time to rest in God’s presence, reflect on His goodness, and meditate on His Word. Align your rhythms with God’s design, experiencing His peace and purpose in every aspect of your life.
Today’s Reading:
My Notes:
Let’s turn to God’s Word so that we can each have our own copy of “my notes” where we capture what God has to say to us individually. God’s Word is active and alive and so we need to turn to it and listen to what God has to tell us. So rather than just reading my notes, use the links above to hear from God in relationship to what you are going through so that He can speak into and over your life today.
Numbers 31: Restoring Spiritual Focus
The Israelites engage in battle against the Midianites at God’s command. After the victory, they are instructed to purify themselves and their plunder. This chapter highlights the importance of spiritual purity and focus amidst the chaos of life’s battles.
Key Takeaway:
Just as the Israelites purified themselves after battle, we must regularly cleanse our hearts and minds through repentance and prayer. It’s essential to maintain spiritual focus even in the midst of life’s challenges.
Application:
Dedicate time for regular spiritual purification through confession and prayer. Reflect on areas of your life where you need to refocus your attention on God’s will and guidance. Allow God’s Word to cleanse and renew your spirit.
- Vengeance on the Midianites
- Dividing the Spoils
Numbers 32: Reflecting on God’s Promises
The tribes of Reuben and Gad request to settle on the east side of the Jordan River, away from the Promised Land. Moses challenges them to reconsider, reminding them of the importance of fulfilling God’s promise to inherit the land.
Key Takeaway:
The story of Reuben and Gad reminds us to reflect on God’s promises and remain committed to His plan, even when it requires sacrifice and perseverance.
Application:
Take time to reflect on God’s promises in your life. Consider any areas where you may be tempted to settle for less than God’s best. Trust in His faithfulness and commit to following His plan, even when it seems challenging.
- The Transjordan Tribes
- ‘Moses said to the Gadites and Reubenites, “Should your fellow Israelites go to war while you sit here? Why do you discourage the Israelites from crossing over into the land the Lord has given them? This is what your fathers did when I sent them from Kadesh Barnea to look over the land. After they went up to the Valley of Eshkol and viewed the land, they discouraged the Israelites from entering the land the Lord had given them. The Lord ’s anger was aroused that day and he swore this oath: ‘Because they have not followed me wholeheartedly, not one of those who were twenty years old or more when they came up out of Egypt will see the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob— not one except Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite and Joshua son of Nun, for they followed the Lord wholeheartedly.’ The Lord ’s anger burned against Israel and he made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until the whole generation of those who had done evil in his sight was gone. ‘ — Numbers 32:6-13
Numbers 33: Meditating on God’s Faithfulness
The Israelites journey through the wilderness is recounted, highlighting the faithfulness of God in guiding and providing for His people despite their disobedience and struggles.
Key Takeaway:
The Israelites’ journey serves as a reminder of God’s unwavering faithfulness and presence throughout our own life’s journey.
Application:
Set aside time for meditation on God’s faithfulness. Reflect on past experiences where God has been faithful to you personally. Allow His faithfulness to strengthen your trust and confidence in Him as you navigate life’s challenges.
- Stages in Israel’s Journey
Integration: Embracing God’s Rhythm
As you integrate the lessons from Numbers 31-33 into your day of rest, reflection, and meditation, remember to embrace God’s rhythm for your life. Just as the Israelites honored God’s commands and experienced His provision and guidance, you too can find renewal and purpose by aligning your rhythms with God’s design.
Key Takeaway:
Embrace God’s rhythm for your life by prioritizing rest, reflection, and meditation on His Word. Trust in His faithfulness, reflect on His promises, and meditate on His presence as you journey through each day.
Application:
Dedicate intentional time for Sabbath rest, reflection on God’s promises, and meditation on His faithfulness. Allow these practices to deepen your relationship with God and bring clarity and direction to your life journey. Trust in His sovereignty and guidance, knowing that He is always with you, leading you toward His perfect will.
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... 