A weekend reflecting on the frailty of life, celebrating one and losing one. Evaluating what is most important and how to walk forward in obedience ensuring that priorities stay intact. Remembering priorities of God, Wife, Kids, and then everything else and how part of the everything else feeds into all three of the previous.
Being Obedient:
Genesis 31 spoke to getting out and going back and trusting God to go with me. Numbers 13 affirming the direction to take, and the faith required to trust God moving forward. And now a week in, two applications pending, and a great set of meetings with friends with the encouragement of getting to put in at least a third application in this week (possibly today). Not turning away from what God has put before me but preparing to go back and step into the promise God has given me to move forward in faith, knowing that He is larger, greater, better than any obstacles or weapons the enemy can try to use.
Doing it God’s Way:
'For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. ' -- 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
We can’t allow the ways of the world to trick us and keep us from moving forward on the offense, and taking what God is giving us. Let’s choose to not be held back like the 10 spies who came back with a bad report but rather to move forward trusting God like Caleb and Joshua into what God has before us. Today let’s be people who are making a difference and challenging the world around us to raise the bar to higher standards. Let’s be the people who choose to use the weapons of God rather than those of the world. Today, let’s produce God’s works and use the right tools to accomplish them. We shouldn’t be tricked by the facade of this world but rather keep living with God as our strongholds.
Lean into God and allow Him to direct your path as you plan your time today!
'Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. ' - Proverbs 3:5-6
'In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.' --Proverbs 16:9
Today’s Reading:
My Notes:
What better place to start your day than in the Word of God that never returns void. Don’t limit yourself to my notes but use the links above to be the source of hearing from God and creating your own notes to help you move into today. God’s Word is active and alive and can cut to the core of any situation. Make God’s Word for today something you hear or read, then grasp the key takeaways and then put them into practice.
Numbers 34: Establishing Borders According to God’s Plan
Divine Guidance in Establishing Boundaries
God instructs Moses to delineate the boundaries of the Promised Land, ensuring that each tribe receives its rightful inheritance. This chapter underscores the importance of following God’s divine guidance in establishing boundaries and territories. Just as the Israelites were allotted specific portions of land by God, we are called to discern and honor the boundaries that God has set in our lives. This includes respecting personal boundaries, maintaining healthy relationships, and adhering to moral and ethical principles outlined in Scripture. By seeking God’s direction and obeying His commands regarding boundaries, we align ourselves with His will and experience His blessing. Practical application involves prayerfully discerning boundaries in various areas of life, such as work-life balance, relationships, and personal convictions, and then consistently upholding them in accordance with biblical principles.
Key Takeaway:
Establishing and respecting boundaries according to God’s guidance leads to order, peace, and spiritual growth.
Practical Application:
Take time to reflect on your current boundaries in different aspects of life. Seek God’s wisdom through prayer and Scripture to discern if any adjustments are necessary to align more closely with His will. Then, take proactive steps to uphold these boundaries with integrity and grace.
- Boundaries of Canaan
Numbers 35: Cities of Refuge: Finding Safety in God’s Provision
Sanctuary of Grace: Finding Refuge in God’s Provision
God commands the establishment of cities of refuge as a sanctuary for those who unintentionally cause harm to others. These cities serve as a symbol of God’s mercy and justice, providing a place of refuge and protection for individuals facing unintended consequences. Just as God provided cities of refuge for the Israelites, He offers us refuge in times of trouble and forgiveness for our mistakes through Jesus Christ. This chapter emphasizes the importance of seeking shelter in God’s provision and relying on His mercy for redemption and restoration. As believers, we are called to extend grace and compassion to others, recognizing that we too depend on God’s forgiveness and protection. Practical application involves cultivating a culture of forgiveness and grace in our relationships, offering support and assistance to those in need, and seeking refuge in God’s presence during times of difficulty and uncertainty.
Key Takeaway:
God’s provision of refuge demonstrates His compassion and mercy toward those in need, offering hope and restoration.
Practical Application:
Reflect on areas in your life where you may need God’s refuge and forgiveness. Seek His presence and guidance, trusting in His provision and extending grace to others in need of refuge and restoration.
- Towns for the Levites
- Cities of Refuge
Numbers 36: Honoring Family Heritage and God’s Sovereignty
Legacy and Lineage: Honoring Family Heritage in God’s Sovereignty
The daughters of Zelophehad raise a concern about inheriting land when they marry outside their tribe. In response, God establishes regulations to ensure that family inheritances remain within their respective tribes, while also affirming the rights of women to inherit property. This chapter highlights the importance of honoring family heritage and God’s sovereignty in matters of inheritance and lineage. While God values individual rights and freedoms, He also prioritizes unity within families and communities. Practical application involves honoring family traditions and legacies, stewarding inheritance with wisdom and integrity, and trusting in God’s sovereignty over our lives and futures.
Key Takeaway:
Honoring family heritage and God’s sovereignty fosters unity and continuity within communities.
Practical Application:
Take time to appreciate and preserve your family heritage and traditions. Seek God’s guidance in stewarding inheritance and making decisions that honor both family legacy and His sovereignty. Trust in His provision and faithfulness as you navigate matters of inheritance and lineage.
- Inheritance of Zelophehad’s Daughters
Guided by Obedience: Embracing God’s Provision and Sovereignty
As we reflect on the events of this weekend and delve into the biblical chapters of Numbers 34 to 36, we are reminded of the paramount importance of obedience to God’s guidance in every aspect of our lives. Just as Moses faithfully followed God’s instructions in delineating the boundaries of the Promised Land, we too are called to discern and honor the boundaries that God has set for us, whether in relationships, work, or personal convictions. By aligning ourselves with God’s will and upholding these boundaries with integrity, we experience His blessings and guidance in our journey.
Moreover, as we navigate the complexities of life, we find solace in the provision of God’s refuge, symbolized by the cities of refuge established for the Israelites. In times of trouble or unintentional harm, God offers us sanctuary and forgiveness, reminding us to extend grace and compassion to others as well. Finally, we are reminded of the importance of honoring our family heritage and trusting in God’s sovereignty over our lives, as exemplified by the regulations set forth for the inheritance of Zelophehad’s daughters. As we move forward, let us lean into God’s guidance, seek His provision, and honor His sovereignty, knowing that in obedience and trust, we find order, peace, and spiritual growth.
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... 