Deuteronomy 8

He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the LORD Deut 8:3 This is the first scripture we see Jesus use in Matthew 4 to combat Satan's attempts to lure Jesus into sin. Even though Jesus is hungry after fasting for forty days, He says the most important thing to sustain life is not bread, but the Word of God. Does that mean it is unimportant to eat? Not at all, but this Scripture is teaching us about priorities. When the previous Israelites got to the promised land, their priorities got mixed up. They trusted themselves more than the Lord. We have to watch our priorities at all times; they can betray us. The founder of McDonald's, Ray Krock, was asked by a reporter what he believed in. "I believe in God, my family and McDonald's," he said. Then he added, "When I get to the office, I reverse the order." The challenge for us as Christians is to never reverse our order of priorities. Even when we face difficulties, we give ourselves completely to the Lord and trust Him in the good and bad times. The reason so many cannot trust Him in the bad times, is that they never really trust Him in the good ones. Do you live by the Word of God? Is Jesus your first priority? If He is, your life will be one of obedience, sharing of the gospel, asking forgiveness when you make mistakes, and love. Are you honoring God for your life, both when things are good and bad? Remember that He often teaches us more in the "bad" times, as the difficulty leads us to greater faith in our great God.

Deuteronomy 7

The LORD did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any of the peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples Deut 7:7 I remember a kid in Jr. High named Nathan. Nathan apparently lived the Cosby Show in real life; his dad was a doctor and his mom was a lawyer. As a result, Nathan had everything he wanted, and a few things he probably didn't want but took anyway. He always had a new pair of the most expensive shoes, nearly every other week. He had the coolest clothes before anyone else. Nathan walked around like he was the was the most popular person in school, and to a degree he was. But what made Nathan? His stuff. Take all that away from him and what do you have. A guy who is defined by his stuff. He thought he was special and more deserving of attention than anyone else in the school. Sometimes as Christians, I think we begin to act a bit like Nathan. We start to think that we're better than people who may be living together instead of being married, or we think we're better than the drunk who can't quit the bottle, or we think we're better than the screaming family in the house next door. But, do you know who you're better than? No one. The only thing I can point to of value in my life, is my relationship with Jesus Christ. Because of Him, I am the man I am today, and I wouldn't and couldn't be this man without Him. Some people point to their family and job and wealth and say that makes them who they are. As Christians, we realize that there is more to life than that. I believe the health of my family is a direct blessing of my relationship with Jesus. Why do we have fighting families in the church? Because they don't allow Jesus to be at the center of their family in their home. Put Jesus at the center of everything you do. Then all aspects of your life will revolve around Him: your speech, your attitudes, your efforts. Remember, the only one that causes a difference in your life and keeps you from the gutter, is Jesus Christ. He gets the credit for our lives, not us.

Deuteronomy 6

You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. Deut 6:7 When I was in high school, I didn't mind have substitute teachers for certain classes. Some were boring and I knew that we would probably just watch a video or read. However, I took a lot of agriculture classes that I did like and cared about, and I disliked having a substitute for those classes. Usually that teacher would assign work for us to complete while he was gone. And what happened if you had a real question? Nothing. The substitute would walk over, look at it, look at the teacher notes, and then tell us to ask the regular teacher when he came back. It was a basically a wasted day and wasted opportunity for us to learn the subjects we were studying. One area you cannot afford wasted days and opportunities is with your children. Maybe you have children, maybe they're out of the house, or maybe you're not there yet. In any case, it's important that you realize that children of all ages, need guidance. The reason that so many children never embrace the faith of their parents is because there were mixed messages. Moses tells the people to teach their children diligently about the Lord. Not just at church, but at home, in the car, on the ball field, anywhere you are with your child. I often find chances to give my children a spiritual lesson when we're doing something simple. Are you a diligent teacher? Do you take every opportunity to teach your child spiritual things? Or do you leave that work to the church? A couple hours a week will never change a child, but a lifetime of learning about the Lord, will cause a change. We're not trying to change their behavior, but to lead them to a relationship with Jesus Christ. He will change their behavior and save them from their sins. Is the message in your home consistently about Christ? Or do you allow too many ungodly things to influence your children (their choice of music, magazines, movies, etc)?

Deuteronomy 5

You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God brought you out of there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm; therefore the LORD your God commanded you to observe the sabbath day. Deut 5:15 I started getting decent at basketball in sixth grade. I remember I was dribbling the ball and I crossed half-court, and suddenly the defender jumped at me. I started dribbling back across half-court. That's a turnover, and the other team gets the ball. I knew that I was supposed to be going towards my own basket, but I don't recall information about not crossing center court again. It shouldn't have mattered, because I shouldn't have gone that direction. It was information I could have used to make better decisions. I asked why we couldn't do that, and coach said you just can't. As Moses has been giving a history lesson, he comes to repeating the 10 commandments. We see a bit more information on the Sabbath at this time. Moses is just telling what God told him. However, now we see that the Sabbath is also for remembering that they were rescued from Egypt. Why didn't Moses share that the first time? Perhaps because it wasn't written on the tablets, and Moses wanted them to get the commandments down first. But now Moses is explaining the Sabbath in greater detail, and giving them more information to help them avoid the mistakes of their parents. What information do you feel you lack? You know the church says to give, but do you know why? You know you should pray, but do you know why? It's often not the rules we lack, but the understanding for them. Ask God for the understanding. When you see His heart and why God approves and disapproves certain things, you will follow Him more closely. It's the reason kids ask "Why" all the time. They're not challenging authority, but just trying to understand the reasoning of the authority. Don't be afraid to ask God "Why". Rules you understand, you're more likely to keep. Understand the "Why" of being faithful in your marriage, of being an example in your workplace, and being a godly example to your kids.

Deuteronomy 4

For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. Deut 4:24 I have been a Missouri Tiger basketball fan for many years. We've had many close calls with greatness, but more shortfalls than anything. When the March Madness Basketball Tournament starts, Missouri is either out or barely in. I remember one year that we lost our first game. People said I should root for Kansas, because they are in the same conference and we want to see our conference do well. One problem with that...I don't care about our conference. Kansas is the enemy and I wouldn't root for them if they were all Christians (and Southern Baptists at that!). I refuse to turn my allegiance. I root for Missouri, or for no one! This may be a trivial example to you, but it works for my point. Moses continues to walk the people down memory lane, and now begins to talk to them about obeying the commandments that were broken before. He makes the statement that God is a consuming fire and a jealous God. God desires to consume evil among His people, and has shown that He will take drastic steps to keep evil from among the people (remember Korah's rebellion against Moses in the desert?). He is a jealous God. What does that mean? He wants the same respect from us that He shows us. God is jealously protective and concerned about His people. He loves all people, but only works good for those who belong to Him. In the same way, we should be concerned and focused on God. We root for God and for no one and nothing else. His jealousy is sparked by people who split their attention between God and something else. Do you want God to divide His attention from you? I know that I don't. Do you serve God jealously? Are you one to resist distractions that attempt to take you away from the Lord? If not, God will be prepared to take drastic measures in order to restore you to working order in the kingdom, even if it's difficult and hurts a bit. A statement that I can't get out of my head is that "God doesn't want you happy, as much as He wants you holy."

Deuteronomy 3

'Do not fear them, for the LORD your God is the one fighting for you.' Deut 3:22 If God has set out a course for your life, He is the one who does the work. However, we still must be obedient to see it accomplished. When I first started getting serious about sharing my faith, I still had the fear that everyone seems to experience. I don't know what we're afraid of. Maybe of being made fun of, or not knowing the answers. One day, I understood what's really going on when I share the gospel with people. When people say no to the gospel, they're not saying no to the person who shared, but to Jesus. Even when people don't respond positively to the gospel, it is still the Lord who is doing the work, and we can only be obedient to share. The results are in His hands. It's the same situation in many areas of life. We do the work, but ultimately we have to leave the final result with the Lord. I teach my kids how to know and honor the Lord, but I ask the Lord to make Himself known to them. I may deal with enemies, but if I am following the Lord's will and not just randomly making my own decisions, then I know the Lord is fighting for me. It comes down to trust. We can be obedient to pray, and be used by the Lord, but our battles belong to Him. Are you willing and able to to trust the Lord in this way? Do you find yourself anxious as you wait on a patient God to handle your situations? I've been there before, but when you attempt to rush a situation that the Lord is dealing with slowly, you never get God's best for you. Trust Him, wait on His time, and remember that He has not forgotten you, or your concerns.

Deuteronomy 2

For the LORD your God has blessed you in all that you have done; He has known your wanderings through this great wilderness. These forty years the LORD your God has been with you; you have not lacked a thing. Deut 2:7 Mark Driscoll, pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, recently preached regarding the prosperity preaching of Joel Osteen and others. These ministers tell you that you are to have blessed relationships, never experience pain, and have an abundance of everything. Driscoll points out that not even Jesus had those things. He had many strained and difficult relationships, He certainly experienced pain, and being born to a poor family, He didn't have an abundance of anything from a material standpoint. However, the Lord always provided for His human needs, and He does the same for us when times are difficult. We may be experiencing a job loss or family difficulty of some kind. In the midst of that, God is still faithful to provide us with what we need. God says you won't lack, but doesn't say that you will have an unnecessary abundance of things. God gives this message to the children of Israel. They have grown up to be the adults that go into the promised land. Moses has been giving them a history lesson, and reminding them that God never took His hand off of them. They needed to learn those lessons and not to repeat them. How satisfied are you with the provision of God? Do you find yourself dissatisfied? It may be that God is attempting to protect you in some way through the provision that He gives. Many people have hoped for a little more money, and once they received it, have found new problems created in their lives. If you don't lack for anything that you need, praise the Lord. If you do lack, ask Him for the provision and examine your life. It may not be that you lack, but you're hoping for something beyond your daily bread. Perhaps some disobedience is causing Him to withhold in order that you make the connection between your disobedience and your personal situation as a result.

Deuteronomy 1

The LORD our God spoke to us at Horeb, saying, 'You have stayed long enough at this mountain. Deut 1:6 The NCAA will not allow college championships to be held in Mississippi because their flag contains elements of the confederate flag. Black people say that the confederate element shows that hatred for blacks still exists. Whites say that it is a part of their history, and should not be forgotten. There are a few across racial lines that hold different positions. I've always believed that it's important not to forget that chapter of our history, so we never go back there. Unfortunately, even if you teach it in high school history, the majority of students come out not knowing much about the Civil War or Civil Rights. In this chapter, Moses lays out the history of Israel. He doesn't hold anything back, but gives both the good and bad details. As he does so, he shows that there were many elements that should have allowed Israel to have success the first time that they came to the promised land. Moses chose wise leaders and judges over the people. He sent spies into the land to verify the word of the Lord regarding their new home. However, all those opportunities were eliminated by the choices of the people. Moses is showing them they have exactly the same choice now. Remember the past failure and work for future success. What failures are in your past? Maybe a divorce or separation. Perhaps you've ignored the Lord for many years, despite professing to be a Christian. It doesn't matter what it is, as long as you seek to be different. The life of a Christian is made known by the actions of the person. Christ saves us, and leads us to make different decisions than we normally would on our own. Give yourself to Him today. Remember your past, not to live in guilt, but in order to avoid those mistakes. Remember how you felt and the separation you felt from the Lord. Seek to never enter that place again.

Numbers 36

Then Moses commanded the sons of Israel according to the word of the LORD, saying, "The tribe of the sons of Joseph are right in their statements. Num 36:5 The iPhone has been one of the most anticipated gadgets in a long time. It's a phone, but then does everything else you need except regulating your heart beat. People waited in lines to be the first one to purchase an iPhone and from all accounts, no one was disappointed with the purchase. That is, until the price dropped $200 six months later. People who had already purchased the phone were outraged. Usually people in our country like knowing that they paid the most for their new toys. They had paid what they thought was a fair price, until other people were able to enjoy the iPhone at a cheaper price. Lawsuits were attempted against Apple, even after they promised a $200 rebate to customers who purchased at the original price. We can never be happy for someone else's good situation, but always seem jealous of them. The tribes with the issue here in Numbers 36 were of the same sick heart. God had promised that inheritance could go to daughters if no sons were present. Some became concerned these daughters would marry outside the tribe, and the inheritance would be lost. More than likely, this would have happened across all tribes and balanced out. But, people were only concerned about what they could keep. The Lord says these men are right in their statements, but I don't believe they were right in their hearts. Legally they had a point, but you're talking about your fellow Israelites. They had a bond that no other nation could claim! Do you find yourself jealous of other people's good situations? Are you unwilling to be happy for someone who's received a blessing? You have to remember that all good things come from the Father, so we should rejoice when someone has received blessing. If you'll focus on your own situation you'll have less time to be distracted by others. Seek out God's plan in your finances and family and how He seeks to bless you through your obedience. Just remember, because you may have a point of fact, doesn't mean that you are right. God is concerned with our heart attitudes.

Numbers 35

These six cities shall be for refuge for the sons of Israel, and for the alien and for the sojourner among them; that anyone who kills a person unintentionally may flee there. Num 35:15 When I was a teenager I heard someone say "There's two sides to every story." It may sound weird, but that's a statement I've thought about a lot. I don't know why I do that, but I tend to often really think about statements like this. As I got into college, I felt that this statement is wrong though. To me it seems that there is only one side to a story, namely the true one. Two people may be involved, but certainly both of them can't be right. When my parents asked me about a situation, I knew there was only one story they were looking for; the true one. Ministry has changed my mind a bit. I've been in ministry since 2000, and I have heard many stories, and many different points of view. Early on, I would listen to both sides, and then determine who was telling the truth. However, over time I began to realize that there was a little truth in both sides. What was different was the point of view. Each person honestly believed the events to have happened as they were saying, because of their personal point of view. Moses was concerned about multiple sides to a story. He had accidentally murdered a man in Egypt, when he killed the Egyptian taskmaster who was beating a Jewish man. Moses struck the Egyptian only once, and was probably surprised to see the Egyptian slump down dead. So God established cities of refuge, for people who had accidentally committed a murder. The family often wanted instant revenge, and these cities allowed the guilty party protection until the truth could be determined. Probably some people were killed before these cities were created, and were condemned by the words of just one other person. God says one witness is not enough. How are you at listening to a story? Do you find yourself siding with someone out of friendship? If you are being asked to evaluate a situation, you must be an honest and open listener. Seek God for help to determine what really happened. Do not go to condemn the second person after hearing the first person's story. I once went to someone after hearing the other person's story, and I was mad. But, after listening to the other side, I realized the events had been blown out of proportion. Remember that different people see events from different sides. To show the love of Christ means you at least listen to their story, and then make a determination. Do this with your friends, your children or any situation.

Numbers 34

And the border shall go down to the Jordan and its termination shall be at the Salt Sea. This shall be your land according to its borders all around. Num 34:12 By 1840, America had a good understanding of the shape of the North American continent. Politics began to hear the term "manifest destiny", the idea that the United States should stretch westward to the Pacific Ocean. Over time, settlers continued away from civilization and into the wild, until eventually the entire country was settled to present day California. There were some who felt that America should extend into Canada and Mexico under the cheers "All Canada" and "All Mexico". Eventually, people decided to simply support the rebellion of people in Canada against the British. The decision was also made that the people of Mexico were too ethnically diverse to easily include into the country. America was very much consumed with the idea of domination...not in terms of military domination but territorial. God was not interested in a Jewish domination of the entire Middle East. God gave them the promised land, and then the tribes were to divide the land into an inheritance to stay within the tribes (except for the tribes that settled in Gilead). Since that initial inheritance, Israel has been satisfied with their allotment. They have been attacked many times in the hope of eliminating Israel, and Israel has attacked other nations in order to protect themselves. Today Israel is asked to give up more of their land in order to bring about peace with the Palestinians. However, Israel can never give enough land away to satisfy its enemies in the region. They're not looking to gain or lose land, but to keep their inheritance from the Lord. How content are you? Are you willing to sacrifice time with your family in order to provide them with extra things they don't need? Do you live in constant jealousy that drives you to your purposes instead of the Lord's? God has provided you with everything you need, and often with things that are simply wants. You must be careful not to prioritize your wants above your needs, or you may find yourself hurting your family relationships and certainly your spiritual ones.

Numbers 33

But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then it shall come about that those whom you let remain of them will become as pricks in your eyes and as thorns in your sides, and they will trouble you in the land in which you live. Num 33:55 I've always been fascinated by the sinking of the Titanic. It's certainly a story of man trusting his creation a little too much. The Titanic did have a sister ship that was later built called Britannic. It was larger and had an improved feature to prevent sinking. The Titanic had bulkheads, like tall walls, from the bottom of the ship that went about halfway up each deck. It slowed the Titanic from sinking quickly, but eventually the water ran over these walls. So the Britannic was built with bulkheads that went all the way to the B deck, just below the top deck. The Britannic was an ocean liner, but had to be used during WWI as a hospital ship. It struck a mine and was sunk. The Titanic was sunk in 2 hours and 40 minutes. The new improved design of Britannic caused it to sink in 55 minutes! Why so much faster despite the improvements? Because the bulkheads would have worked, if the portholes had been closed. Due to the wounded who were on the ship, and the stench, the nurses and doctors opened most all of the portholes for ventilation. The water run into each compartment through hundreds of openings, and caused a quick demise for the ship. They had certainly fixed one problem, but had over looked some others. This chapter of Numbers 33 would really benefit you to look at a map in your Bible of the journey Israel took in the wilderness. When the people of Israel are finally getting back to the promised land, they've had 40 years to convince themselves that they should go in this time. God tells them to drive everyone out of the land. They are not to leave anyone living within the boundaries of their new land. God says that if they do, those people will become a constant source of trouble in the land. God was bringing judgement on these people living in the promised land. God didn't just randomly choose to kick these people out. Their worship of Baal and other false gods, was an abomination that God could not overlook. So Israel had to take care of all the problems in their new land, not just one or two. Think of the sin problems in your own life. Do you think you'll be ok just eliminating one or two? If you do, the ones that remain will just grow larger and likely lead you to more rebellion. Jesus taught us to pray "lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." The reason so many face temptation, is they've not sought the power or protection of God to avoid it. He wants to help us, but we are still responsible for the requests. We have to show we care for our lives, just like Israel was to care for their new land, enough to eliminate the problems and be effective for the Lord.

Numbers 32

For we will not have an inheritance with them on the other side of the Jordan and beyond, because our inheritance has fallen to us on this side of the Jordan toward the east." Num 32:19 When I was in third grade, we were learning our times tables. We were supposed to memorize all the tables up through 9x9. If you did all your memorization, you got to have a pizza party at the end of the semester. I didn't really put any work into it outside of school, and had always had trouble understanding math. So I got up to around 7x8, and things got hazy. I never progressed past that for the rest of the year. The time came for our pizza party, and apparently, our teacher thought that everyone would get them. She was shocked to report that me and another boy hadn't finished. So we were put into a room in the library for over an hour, while the kids ate pizza and watched a movie. They put some little tunnel thing for me and the other boy to climb through, but it wasn't any fun. It was a pretty disappointing day. It was my own actions that caused me to miss out on the pizza promise. In Numbers 32, the those from the tribe of Reuben and Gad decide they like the land outside of the promised land. They tell Moses they're going to stay there, and Israel can have a nice time fighting across the river. Moses tells them that this is not their inheritance, and they can't leave their brothers to fight alone. So, these tribes agree to fight, but that they are going to come back when it is over. The land across the Jordan was much better, but they were willing to take the first acceptable piece of land they could find. Often times we are willing to settle for less than God's best. He has a promise of rewards in Heaven, and a life of purpose on this earth. However, many of us miss these blessings because they are going to require too much work. It's amazing how someone will work overtime to build their dream home, but won't give got a couple hours to build the Kingdom. What are you settling for? Are you happy with a marginal prayer life? Are you happy with just going to church? Are you satisfied to accomplish the bare minimum for God, even though it means you miss out on blessings for being obedient? Then you have a weak relationship with the Lord. He desires so much of you and for you. Stop settling. Settling causes your marriage to be rocky, your children to be wayward, and your bank account to be your driving influence. God has more for you than this.

Numbers 31

Now therefore, kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman who has known man intimately . Num 31:17 I feel I would be remiss to skip this difficult passage of scripture here in Numbers 31. I heard a testimony recently about a man who was unsaved and driving drunk and he struck another vehicle and killed a person. Everyone in the audience seemed saddened, but then it was mentioned that the person who was killed was a child. Now there were gasps from people who were listening. The man later became a Christian and has had to deal with the consequences of his actions. But why is the life of a child more valuable than an adult? Is an adult tragically losing his life not also worth a gasp? It comes down to how we view children. Precious...innocent...their whole lives ahead of them. The Midianites had brought destruction on Israel, and God was now bringing judgement on them. It seems difficult to see that God would allow the destruction of an entire people. It was never Israel influencing them, but the survivors influencing Israel for idol worship and other sins against the Lord. The warriors of Israel spared the women and children. Maybe out of compassion, but probably just to claim them for themselves. God instructs them to finish the job. A difficult request, but the Midianites were not just some peaceful, God-fearing people. They were receiving judgment as a result of their sin and rebellion. What difficult thing are you refusing to do? Do you know that you need to tell a co-worker about Christ, but you haven't? Have you not really shared with your children, fearing you may be a brain-washer? Maybe you have conviction that you should be giving financially to the Lord, and you fear that you cannot trust Him. The difficult passages of the Bible confront us with the difficulties of our faith. These always arise when our will collides with God's.

Numbers 30

But if her father should forbid her on the day he hears of it, none of her vows or her obligations by which she has bound herself shall stand; and the LORD will forgive her because her father had forbidden her. Num 30:5 When I was in college, I decided to buy a new car. My old one had quit, and I did need one. So I went to a car dealership and found a car, and I liked it. The payments were a bit much, but I was young and didn't understand that sticker price is sucker price. I hadn't really told my parents about it, because I had credit built up from my previous car payoff. So I bought the car and went home and later that day, I told my parents that I thought I had made a mistake. The car was too much, and I had already signed everything. My parents could have made me keep the car and decided that I should learn my lesson. But instead, they decided to protect me from my own bad decision. My mom told me that Missouri had a three day buyers remorse law, and I could turn the car back in. I took it back, explained the situation to the dealership, and they took the car back. Parents have to be ready to protect their kids. I read recently in the newspaper, a bunch of quotes from teenagers. The majority of them said that they should be allowed to make their own decisions, so they can learn from their mistakes. I'd rather learn from my parents than from mistakes. God set up a provision here in Numbers 30, that if a father heard his daughter make a foolish vow, that he would stop it. Perhaps she hadn't thought it through, or felt pressure. The father was to take responsibility for his daughter, and stand up for her. Parenting in our day is too hands off. Parents have little idea where their kids are at a particular moment in the day. Do your kids know you care? It's not by the things you buy them, but care is shown when you are there to help them in a difficult situation. Can your kids really talk to you, or do they know that you don't want to hear about the tough stuff in their life? You need to be hands on with your kids. Talk to them a lot. Get them to open up with you. Even if your kids aren't teenagers yet, this is your opportunity to build a lasting relationship with them. Then when your child begins to enter into the years of tough choices, he will be more likely to come ask you for help.

Numbers 29

'On the eighth day you shall have a solemn assembly; you shall do no laborious work. Num 29:35 A new missionary to Zimbabwe, Africa had a chance to meet some local Christians. Their church was outside under a tree, and they were singing a song when he arrived. It was very upbeat, joyful, and fast. He was still learning the language, and so he asked his interpreter what they were singing. The interpreter said "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross." That is actually a very slow song, usually sung with no feeling and just barely on the conscious side of sleeping. These Christians only had hymnals, but couldn't read the music. So they read the words and put what they thought was an appropriate pace and tune. They thought the message of the cross was one of great joy, so they sang it that way! I think I wouldn't mind being a part of that little church under the tree. For the Jews, the seventh month was a time normally of rest. It was the time between harvest and seed time, just spent waiting. God wanted the people to use that time to lift up offerings for their sins and transgressions. God called for them to have a solemn assembly, and come together for this purpose. It seems like many churches today have solemn assemblies. But, not as a result of being broken over their sin. They're solemn with no emotion, no life, and no excitement for the things of God. What has happened to our churches? When people look at their watches more than their Bibles, I'm pretty sure something has gotten lost in the translation. People don't come into church solemn, but sleepy and ready to go somewhere else. Church has become as routine as going to the workplace, except church doesn't pay you. What is your attitude towards worship? Do you view your church as a solemn assembly where you come together in seriousness AND in praise. Many churches don't seem very solemn at all, but perhaps in their enthusiasm to worship the Lord and hear from Him, they are solemnly seeking Him out. As a Baptist I believe our denomination is on track biblically. But, I think some of our people have jumped the track spiritually. It's not your church...it's you. Every church issue starts with the individuals.

Numbers 28

It is a continual burnt offering which was ordained in Mount Sinai as a soothing aroma, an offering by fire to the LORD. Num 28:6 Army Basic Training lasts about 8 weeks, and at the end of that time, you take a physical fitness test to make sure that you are up to Army physical standards. I went to basic on Halloween (fitting), and so we were there when Christmas came. The Army required that we be sent home for two weeks for the holiday, even though we were just two weeks from graduation. So they moved our Physical Fitness test up to be done in six weeks. The Drill Sergeant said "You're going to go home and get all fat and happy off momma's cookin', and then you'll come back here and flunk your test." So we all took it, with a couple who didn't pass. They told us to do some running and physical training while home, but I just couldn't get motivated. When we got back, the first two day were a nightmare. Hardly anyone had done PT while they were home, and we were hurting bad when we got back. We were all back up to speed after a couple days, but it showed us that we couldn't just quit on our workouts. Some things in our physical and spiritual lives have to remain constant. God told Israel that these offerings were to be continual. It was a continual reminder for the people to offer up sacrifices for their sin. The reminder served to keep them aware of how serious their sin was. Thankfully, Jesus doesn't take breaks in our salvation. We are continually saved by the blood of Jesus Christ, once we have accepted Him as Savior and Lord. But, are you taking breaks with God? Are you taking a break from church? From praying and reading the Bible? Are you willing to miss God's blessings in order that you are able to do whatever you want? Sin never contains more value than God's blessings. God doesn't take breaks with you, so don't take them with Him either. He has something for you each and every day...plans and purposes for your life.

Numbers 27

So the LORD said to Moses, "Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him; Num 27:18 Do you know what "it" is? (I know I've been using lots of sports illustrations, but it's that time of year). I heard a coach asked why his quarterback was so good. The coach said that his quarterback had "it". Then I started to hear other coaches say that about their players. "It" is just something that tremendous players have. It's unexplainable, but it is the reason they are so good. When it's crunch time, or a big play is needed, your "it" player is the guy you turn to. It's a special quality that is possessed by that player. When it comes to Christians, some just seem to have "it". They are the kind of Christians that you want to know (there are plenty out there that you don't). What is ultimately different between Christians? Their fellowship with the Holy Spirit of God. All Christians are indwelt with the Holy Spirit, but not all Christians live in His power and leading each day. The ones who do, you notice them: they witness to people, they are kind and caring to brothers and sisters in Christ, they are willing to do whatever will benefit the church. Joshua was this kind of guy. If you have the Spirit, it's not some "it" quality, but simply means you invited the Spirit in, and live in His power. This is what Joshua's life showed. What does your life show? A Christian who still looks a lot like the average person walking around on the street? Or is there something different about your life that draws believers and non-believers to you? You need to be in the Spirit, and allow people to clearly see the Spirit in you. Only when you intentionally yield yourself to the Spirit of God, will you see dramatic and godly changes in your life.

Numbers 26

For the LORD had said of them, "They shall surely die in the wilderness." And not a man was left of them, except Caleb the son of Jephunneh and Joshua the son of Nun. Num 26:65 In college athletics, the window of opportunity can be pretty small. People want to win and to win now. One of the difficulties for a new college coach, is that they have someone else's team. If the old basketball coach liked to run a slow offense, and a new one likes a running offense, the new coach is going to have to get his players into the system. The first couple of years will be rough as the coach uses players who don't play well in his system. But, then as kids graduate, and the new coach gets his recruits in, the team starts to play like he wants. You can have a great game plan, but you have to make sure your players are equipped to pull it off. God had a great plan for Israel. He rescued them from Egypt, put Egypt in a huge hurt so they couldn't rise up against Israel, and then He led Israel to the promised land. But, along the way, the people instead of remembering how God saved them, grumbled that they had better lives in Egypt. So when the people rejected going into the promised land (except Caleb and Joshua), they became unusable. So God had a census taken, and the people of Israel would not enter until those who were 20 and older died. The new generation of Israel would know nothing of Egypt, but they'd remember the wilderness. And when the time comes for them to go into the promised land, God will have a group of people who are ready to follow that plan out of the wilderness. How willing are you to be used by God? Have you gone through difficult circumstances and find yourself unwilling to trust God? Or do the difficult issues of your past cause you to trust Him more than anyone else? He has designed your life. His desire is that everything, good or bad, be used for good and to bring you into a closer relationship with Him. Be a willing instrument for the Lord. Remember where you've been, but allow Him to do a work through your regardless of your past.

Numbers 25

So Israel joined themselves to Baal of Peor, and the LORD was angry against Israel. Num 25:3 I read in our local paper recently, about how girls in high school don't care much about boys. I have a hard time believing this, because the way that teenage girls dress in 2007 is certainly for showing off to someone. I remember in high school, several fights between girls that had to do with one girl moving in on another girl's boyfriend. But, when it came to guys, I never saw a fight over a girl. I saw fights over their manhood (if you can have that at 16). I saw some guys in the dumps over losing a girl, but I never saw a fight. For the girls, they understood they were looking for relationships, so the loss of one was more important to them. Boys were looking for encounters, so the loss of a girl was just a difficult setback. God's anger was stirred against Israel, because they were choosing to "join" themselves to the false god Baal. I'm not saying God acts as a jealous girlfriend, but He told Israel in Exodus 20 that He is a jealous God. He demands that He be worshipped and served, and that no one serve created things. To join in the Hebrew means to "bind". It would be a similar thought to being married. So these Israelites were essentially divorcing God to marry Baal. They were attracted by the people and the lose living of the followers of Baal. These people were looking for encounters, not relationship. Their Baal encounter seemed exciting compared to the constant relationship with God. Fewer rules seemed like a good idea. Do you sometimes wish you could lose some rules? If you constantly see your Christian life as a situation of do's and don'ts, you've missed the bigger picture of the rules. The rules of the Bible are there to help you understand right and wrong until you figure them out. Dr. Adrian Rogers said that when God said "Thou Shalt Not", He is saying "I'm protecting you from this". When God said "Thou Shalt", He is saying "This is your blessing". Let's realize that God has things He wants us to do and not to do. Let's trust Him for the results.

Numbers 24

"Therefore, flee to your place now. I said I would honor you greatly, but behold, the LORD has held you back from honor." Num 24:11 I had some friends in high school that I hung out with alot. There were alot of students in my school who took almost all agriculture classes for their electives, and I was one of them. As a result of having so many classes together, we just all become close. Many of them went out to a dance hall on the weekends called "Good Time Country". There was no alcohol served, but they allowed you to bring it in. There was no accountability by the place, as teenagers liked to go there to get drunk. My friends kept inviting me to come, and said that I didn't have to drink. I came one night, but I could tell they wanted me to drink. I refused, but tried to have a good time. Eventually I decided it was time to go, and that some of my friends were too drunk to drive. I drove a couple of them home, stopping to let them out of my dad's car when they had to hurl. I thought as I drove home, "This was so stupid." I went that night, hoping that my friends might get off my back about my stand with alcohol. In a sense, I was looking for some honor from them. However, you cannot receive honor from the world and the Lord on a consistent basis. Every once in a while they may line up, but generally our actions are honored by only the world or only the Lord. Balak tried to make Balaam think he had really missed out on something by not cursing Israel. However, if you're being obedient, you will never miss out on receiving honor from the Lord. Are there places you are willing to compromise to be honored by the world? Sometimes you wish that you could bend a bit, but if we're with Christ we truly can't. Friendship with God means that you choose to be an enemy of the world. Not that we're mean to lost people, but we recognize that their motivation is not a godly one. Some of those kids I was with that night, claimed to be Christians. However, they had chosen to receive honor from the world. Perhaps their claims of Christ were nothing more than claims.

Numbers 23

But Balaam replied to Balak, "Did I not tell you, 'Whatever the LORD speaks, that I must do'?" Num 23:26 I can't get summer league ball out of my mind I guess. I've made it clear that I was certainly not being scouted by any big league teams during my playing days. But, I remember a game towards the end of our season when I was in 7th grade. I did what made me the most valuable at the plate...I got a walk. Coach would tell me not to be afraid of a pitch coming at me, and to let it hit me. I'm dumb, but I'm not stupid, so I got out of the way of those (especially after that shot to the face). Maybe I looked menacing coming off the bench, but for whatever reason, the pitcher walked me. There were two outs, last inning and we were down a run. I was on first base, and I looked over at the third base coach. He gave the steal sign. We never practiced stealing bases in practice. I knew I wasn't fast. I had no idea how to try to get a jump on the pitcher. So I saw "steal", and I freaked out! The pitcher started to go, but I didn't take off as quick as I could, and then I bolted (or scurried) to second. I saw the second baseman prepare for the throw, and I slid feet first. "You're out!". The umpire called. I looked up to see I hadn't even touched second. It was my first attempt at a steal, and I had slid too early. I was about a foot and a half short of even reaching the bag. Sometimes God asks us to do things that we just don't think we're ready for. Maybe we're asked to teach a Sunday School class. Perhaps God convicts us about sharing Jesus with a friend or relative. In the times that we think we can't do it, are the times we have to remember Paul's words in 2 Cor. 12:10 "...for when I am weak, then I am strong." When we admit our weakness, we admit that we need God's power to accomplish God's purposes. Are you listening to God? Are you asking for his power, or trying to operate in your own? Admit your weakness, because that's when we have the potential for the greatest work in the kingdom of God. Relying on ourselves gets only our best. God's best is infinitely superior to anything we can do on our own.

Numbers 22

But the angel of the LORD said to Balaam, "Go with the men, but you shall speak only the word which I tell you." So Balaam went along with the leaders of Balak. Num 22:35 My wife has devised a plan to encourage our children to be willing to go above and beyond. If they do something without being asked, we might give them 50 cents or even a dollar. This has been working out, and they don't get paid often, but we look to reward them. The other day, my 4 year old daughter began sweeping the kitchen, and Nikki was pleased to see her do it. Then while in the middle of the job, my daughter said "Mommy, remember that you said you'd give us some money if we did something without being told?" We quickly realized that she wasn't doing this out of obedience, or the kindness of her heart. Her motivation had changed. Some people find this situation with Balaam very confusing. God says to go, then He tries to kill Balaam for going. Every account of Balaam talking to Balak's men, shows Balaam giving the correct words and actions the Lord wanted. Apparently the second time, the king's men were more insistent and likely offering more compensation. It seems that while Balaam was on the way to the king, his motivation changed. Maybe he thought he could give the people of Moab a small blessing, or curse Israel just a little bit and then get paid. It's telling that the angel of the Lord (who appears to be Christ), gives exactly the same words that God gave before about going, but saying only the words God gives him. Has your motivation changed? Is there someone you felt that you wanted to confront regarding their sin? You don't hate them, and don't desire to start a fight, but you see sin in his or her life and you want to help them overcome it. Now your hestitant and decided not to get involved. Perhaps God is leading you to make some changes, and you get very excited about being obedient to God. But, as time passes, your motivation changes. You decide you're not willing to give up the enjoyment of your sin. Check your motivation today. Is God the one who leads you to and fro, or are you led by your own decisions, apart from Christ?

Numbers 21

And Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on the standard; and it came about, that if a serpent bit any man, when he looked to the bronze serpent, he lived. Num 21:9 When I was in high school, we rarely took short car trips. As a result of the long interstate drives, there was a lot to look around at during the trip. I always looked at the overpasses to read the graffiti. For some reason, Missouri highways have always had a problem with that epidemic. Along the way, I would learn that "Eric loves Cindy 4EVR" or that "Central High Rules". Then as you drove, eventually there would be that God honoring graffiti "Jesus loves you" or "John 3:16". I remember at the time thinking that I was glad that someone wrote something about Jesus. But, is that really a communication of anything about Jesus? If you wrote something on an overpass, could you step back and say "Well, I've done my work for the kingdom. Thousands of people will see this"? Some people read in Numbers 21 and think that God instructed Moses to make an idol. It was not, because it was not an item to be worshipped. It was simply the mode by which the people showed faith in God to heal them. It says that anyone who looked at it lived, so that would seem to imply that some still refused afterwards. Maybe they said "I'm not spending my last few moments of life looking at some dumb fake snake" (apparently they were all great rhymers...). For whatever reason, some didn't believe. Do you think Moses made the snake, and silently held it up? No! I'm sure he shouted to the people what they had to do in order to be spared from death. Otherwise, how would they have known. Jesus said in John 3:14, that His salvation would come by the same way. He would be lifted up (on the cross), and people would look at Him, and based on their decision of faith or foolishness, they would be saved or condemned. But, Jesus gave the message clearly, so that when He was on the cross, people knew what decision they should make. Do you clearly share the gospel? Or do you find yourself more like a graffiti writer with vague references to the Bible and Jesus, in the hopes that a friend or family member might come to know Christ. Be as Moses and Christ Himself. Make the message clear, and truly seek to lead people to salvation. Not that you can save them, but you can share the life-changing message that only comes through Jesus. A great and inexpensive resource, is Billy Graham's gospel tract "Steps to Peace with God. I usually use the Bible to witness, but people who are unfamiliar with the Bible, benefit from the illustrations that are in that tract. You can get them through the bookstore at www.billygraham.org

Numbers 20

But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you have not believed Me, to treat Me as holy in the sight of the sons of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them." Num 20:12 One night when I was about 13, my parents told me to unload the dishwasher. I wasn't happy about it, but I was doing it. We had gotten new dishes, and I was grabbing plates out in a handful at a time, and they would clank together as I did. My dad told me not to grab them that way, but to do them one at a time. For some reason that I still can't explain (mainly I still had a bad attitude about being made to clean the kitchen), I grabbed out two plates and rubbed them together. My dad proceeded to wear me out with the paddle, which ended up being the last spanking of my life. I finally was broke of big-time disobedience. Moses was given instruction on how to bring water from the rock. He was told to speak to it, but instead he struck it with his rod. You have to think of Moses mental condition. His sister just died, and instead of being buried in the promised land, she's buried in the wilderness. Moses thought his leadership of the people was coming to a close. They could take up their places of inheritance in the promised land, and govern by tribes. But instead, now they're just as helpless and needing leadership as ever as a result of their disobedience. Not exactly Moses' plans for the next 40 years. Do you understand how your mindset leads you to results? Bad days often lead to bad decisions. We have to make the effort to now allow the excuse of a bad day to cause us to sin and grieve the Lord. Seek Him today, and purpose that you will not allow circumstances to diminish your relationship with your Lord.

Numbers 19

'But the man who is unclean and does not purify himself from uncleanness, that person shall be cut off from the midst of the assembly, because he has defiled the sanctuary of the LORD; the water for impurity has not been sprinkled on him, he is unclean. Num 19:20 When I was in college, the university had a free writing lab. The purpose of the lab was for you to take your papers in and allow someone who worked there to evaluate your work, give you suggestions, and help you improve your writing and your grade. I never went, because I generally received good grades on my papers. But, some students who knew that their papers were not good enough, wouldn't use the writing lab. Maybe it's because they didn't want to have to do the work over. Or they wanted to hang out with friends and didn't think they could spare a couple of hours to get a better grade. As a result I constantly heard professors tell students "I'm not giving you any leniency, because you had the chance to go to the writing lab, and you ignored it." In the same way, a person who was unclean and had the ability to be purified, was expected to do so. Some situations didn't allow immediate purification (i.e. women's menstrual cycles), but if the opportunity was there, it was expected that you would take it. Those who didn't were cut off from the camp, because their attitude of rebellion could spread. That is always a concern of God; not how our sin affects us only, but also how it affects our family, friends, and church. Is there some sin that God has been clearly convicting your of? Are you choosing to ignore God on it. For me, I had some tv channels that when I would flip through them often had inappropriate content. I didn't flip to them purposely, but going by them was a temptation. So I removed those channels from the tv. You have to take appropriate steps to prevent sin. And when you do fall, ask for forgiveness. Not because your salvation is in jeopardy, but as evidence that your relationship with Christ is important enough that you would ask forgiveness and to be lead away from that disobedience.

Numbers 18

"This also is yours, the offering of their gift, even all the wave offerings of the sons of Israel; I have given them to you and to your sons and daughters with you as a perpetual allotment. Everyone of your household who is clean may eat it. Num 18:11 There are few things that feel as bad as going to church, and being strongly convicted about something. Not because you're immune to sin, but sometimes you just become calloused and miss something in your daily routines. I cannot remember the preacher, but people during the Welsh revival would often leave during the message because the conviction was so strong. Others would stand up in the middle and ask "How can we be saved from our sin?!" That kind of conviction and spiritual care is rare and hard to find in American Christianity. There is an expectation of God, for us to come with our offerings in a state of spiritual cleanliness. Your attendance in a worship service is an offering of your time and your concentration. To come into a worship service, knowingly harboring sin, puts a block up between you and the Holy Spirit. That doesn't mean only cleaned up people should come to church, but people should put as much effort into their spiritual grooming as they do their physical grooming on Sundays. Do you focus on the Lord on Sunday mornings? Or do you find yourself so distracted in getting ready that you sometimes forget to bring your Bible, let alone read it? Sunday is no less important to come before God, on your own, with clean hands and a pure heart. Allow your life to be a pleasing offering before Him. Hold nothing back, and bend under His conviction, and seek His will.