Quantum leap?

We have finished the Pentatuch, the first 5 books of the Bible. Moses has delivered the people out of Egypt, given the law twice (to different generations), and has them on the edge of the promised land. Rest in peace Moses.

The giving of the law twice? Yep. So there must be something worth paying attention to. God is no cosmic killjoy, out to make you miserable with needless rules & regs. His commands and warnings are for our ultimate good! Think about the simple laws of the highway today...without em, there'd be problems galore!


Moses was faithful, honest with God, and obedient. In fact his lone act of disobedience was enough to keep him out of the promised land. He provided a legacy for others.

Don't be afrraid to look back in any of the 1st five books. There is much to glean and pass on!

Finishing strong!

he 2nd month (Feb that is).

Deut 31--34 closes in blazing fashion. Moses reminds the nation of who they are, where they are going, but most importantly, who is leading! You thought I meant Joshua didn't you. Tsk tsk.

In 31v7-8, Moses prepares Joshua assuring him that God will be with him. Keep that in mind later this week when we read Josh 1:9. Also, ch 33v7, note 1 Chron 4:10 beside it...that is now known as the prayer of Jabez....amazing how consistent this book is!!!

Leaving a legacy is key! Moses did and we'll see that the nation followed God and was blessed. Joshua, not so much....we'll get to that soon. Who is your legacy???

Obedience and the price for not

We are plowing through Deut,, hitting ch 27-30. Wow, if you read those chpts and that doesn't GRAB your attention, seek medical treatment. Interesting how much of that came to pass at the times of the Assyrian, Babylonian and esp the Roman assults, exile and defeat (see 70ad).

It should be a wake up call for us today as well. God still desires our obedience. We veer off track, pursuing things of the world...plastic stuff as Dave Ramsey might say. Well, plastic might not rot or decay as easy as wood, but it will give you similar response when you talk to it or worship it.

Keep in mind that when we do go off path, God will restore us when we seek him (30v2). He loves us in a way we can never fully understand. How are we loving each other?

is God enough...

Today in Deut 17-20 we read about Moses directing the people on how to run the nation, how to test a prophet and even how to wage war!
Look closely at ch 18. V15-22 are key. As we read along about other prophets, keep this criteria in mind.
Also, it may seem esp cruel to us how God told the Israelites to wipe out completely the inhabitants of the land...but check out Ch 18v8-14. Reason behind the instruction.

One lesson to take away from this is that God will provide. We'll see that struggle again in the book of Samuel where the nation desires a king.....Is God enough?

Twice is Nice...

Reading today in Deut 12-16, you could say this sounds familiar. It should! Moses is reviewing the law he recieved in Ex and Lev with the nation almost 40 years later. The generation that left Egypt has died for their unbelief. Now, the descendants are poised to take the land and Moses is reviewing all of the law and regulations.

It must be important if God allowed it to be in scripture twice! The point to take away is not the process, rather obedience!!! God still calls us to obedience today!!!

Rememberance and Grace

Ever meet an Anakite? Probably not. These were a nation of giants that God wiped out for the Israelites to take their land. We see Moses recounting these events to the children of the wandering Israelites in Deut 8-11.

Rememberance is key. A good question to ask oneself is "if the Lord never did another thing for you, would it be enough? Has He done enough for us already?". We tend to ask God for more, making requests about health, finance, success, etc....

Has He done enough? The good news is that He has done enough, but keeps giving out of His grace and love. Romans 5:8 is a clear message of how He still gives...."while we were still sinners, Christ died FOR us"......

True God, or other gods?????

In Deut 5-7, Moses is reviewing the 10 commandments as well as reminding the Israelites about their history and what will be required of them once in the promised land. Moses warned them not to abandon God. He knew the ever present danger of substituting something for the all important someone!

Interesting reading in ch 6:4-5......perhaps we've heard that somewhere else.....let's see....where could....oh yes, Matt 23:37.....the words of Jesus himself!!!

If a god is defined as anything that has the potential to replace God as the focus of your life, what will be the most dangerous god you encounter today? Be ye careful.....

Strength in the wilderness

Looking back to what we read over the past week in Numbers, we see the nation of Israel working through the wilderness. Through their disobedience, they wandered the wilderness for 40 years. But it purified and strengthen the nation.
A season in the wilderness does something interesting for a tree. It causes the roots to go down deeper in search of water. The result is a stronger tree, able to weather the storms of life.

There are lessons to be learned from our wilderness. Be careful not to camp there too long though.....

Play it again Moses

Monday, I say Good Monday. No i haven't gone crazy, i am merely previewing the book of Deuteronomy....the 2nd giving of the law.

Deut ch 1-4 provide an intro for Moses' review of the last 40 years to the nation of Israel. Moses is about to die and turn the leadership over to Joshua. This is his time to be certain about his legacy. He esp wants to be certain to pass down the fear and respect of God and what He has done for the nation.

This 2nd giving of the law and history was so important and relevant, that 1500 years later,Jesus himself quote from it to fend off Satan in the wilderness (Matt ch 4:1-10).

It is still relevant and applicable to us today. Obedience is key....

Numbers Up!!!

Our number is up! Today we finish the book of Num ch 34-36. The central message in these chapters is that victory is already guaranteed! God has given them the land. They plan how to divide it up and where people will live.

God has provided us victory as well through Jesus! As Ro 8:37 indicates, we are MORE than conquerers!!!
Do you live with that confidence? Do we approach life with the knowledge that we will be victorious? Don't be fooled, there will be weeds to deal with. Keep you eye on the prize.....Jesus!!!

All means all....

In Num 31-33 we see the concept of ALL misunderstood and not followed. God required the Israelites to wipe out the Midianites. Completely. Seems a bit cruel and unlike the loving God eh? But He knew that if any were allowed to survive and join the Israelites, they would compromise the nation. It is like a handful of splinters. You don't care about how many you have removed, it is the ones left that cause the pain.

As you read ch 33, think of a journey you have taken. The places you will recall will remind you of events that have shaped your life. Same here. Recall the journey, understand obedience.

Reminders and leaving a legacy...

Time flies....in Num 26-30, we have advanced nearly 40 years from the previous ch.

Moses' time is becoming short. The grumbling generation has passed away. Time for a succession plan. Leaving a legacy is crucially important. This will become a real problem for later generations.

Moses recounts the tribes, allocates land and reminds them of their sacrificial duties and observances. In ch 28, the various sacrifices are reviewed. After each is described, it is noted that each is made by fire, very pleasing to the Lord. Which do you think is more pleasing.....the smell of burning or obedience? This is the legacy that must be passed down....

Snakes, donkeys, bronze and blessings....

Today, in Num 21-25, we have some interesting reading about the bronze snake (see the side of any ambulance today), and the brash seer Balaam. The snake was made for the Israelites to look at when bitten by a real snake. These snakes were sent by God as a way of punishing Israel's disobedience and complaining. Ever wonder if that is why life seems rough to some of us today?

Balaam was a prophet hired by the Midianite king to curse Israel. Rather than cursing, he blessed Israel 3 times! In fact, on his way to curse them, God sent an angel to destroy him. His donkey saw the angel and basically spared him from death. What roadblocks are in your path today that help you avoid doom?

Once more, we see God in control, and the people still trying to do it their way (even today)....when will we learn?

Rock water....talk about your natural spring!

Don't strike the rock!!! Welcome to the middle of Feb.

Today, in Num 17-20, we read about more grumbling from the Israelites, more rules to follow for the Levite priests, and the passing of Moses' sister and brother. Very much a sad chapters. But, still lessons to be learned.

One big lesson is our responsibility for others. It is both a blessing and a burden not to be taken lightly. Our actions will impact the future generation.

God's righteousness is also displayed in ch 20. Moses is commanded to speak to the rock to release water for the people. Instead, he strikes it twice with the staff. Months and years of dedicated service, climbing mountains, facing difficult obstacles, wiped out through a single act of disobedience. Moses will not enter the promised land. But he will have to lead the nation for many years still.

The other big lesson is obedience. Do we alter what is asked of us? Even slightly? For results of doing it "our way", see Moses in Num ch 20.

My heart longs for you today....

My heart longs for you all today.....

Similarly, God loved the Israelites so much that allowed them to struggle through learning to trust and rely on Him. He still allows us the same lessons. In Num 13-16, the Israelites grumble, complain, rebel and die. God's anger, wrath, and frustration are felt by the people. There are a few notables that stay faithful. We know the names and actions of Moses, Aaron, Caleb and Joshua. To which do you model after?

We all face times of trouble and despair. God has shown time and again that nothing is too big for him. Even death, see Christ, Jesus. So if God can handle things with eternal consequences, don't you think he can handle the "mountains" you are facing? The decendants of Anak eventually died.

Doubting God's ability is not a good idea, see Dathan, Korah or Abiram. He is a big God.

Meatloaf, again??????

Are we having THAT again???? Have you ever thought that about your dinner?

In Num 9-12, the Israelites became weary of their journey, as well as the provisions God was giving. In ch 11, the people cried out for meat. Moses doubted the Lord's ability to provide this in v 21. In v23, the Lord replies,"Is there any limit to my power?". How big is your God?

Do we see the provisions God has made for us? Do we graciously thank Him, or are we longing for something else? Seems that this feeling is not new. Even in our discontent, God still provides and cares for us. We would be wise to realize this and remain grateful.....

Owings Corning to the rescue?

: It is Sat here in the cold north...and we are thankful for insulation against the elements.....

Speaking of insulating, in Num ch 5-8, Moses records how God set up rules to insulate the Israelites from the influence of evil, but not to isolate them from the people to whom they could be aa testimony. God was preparing them to enter a land filled with Pagan people.

God will insulate us as well. After all, we are a chosen people in this fallen world. God provides guidance through His word, and through people who are more mature in their walk. But do not think that we are to stay set apart. We are to be disciples of all nations. Hard to do if we stay isolated.....

One, Two, Three...

Count Von Count of Sesame St would be excited with today's foray.....NUMBERS!!!

Numbers was usually one of those books that I would gloss over or rush through. What a mistake that was. There is much to learn from this book. Like a military campaign, the plan God gives to Moses provides the best protection, the swiftest ability to move, and various duties to be carried out.

God made sure the numbers worked out by assigning the tribes to various areas. As seen in Ch3 v39-43, God even knew the number of first born people in the entire camp!

Organization, discipline, accountability, and duty were characteristic God commanded from the beginning....And He still does.

Finishing the law.....

Today's reading in Lev ch 24-27 takes us to the end of the law given to Moses by God. Quite a lot to know and remember!

Reading ch 26 v 9-13, if only we had obeyed. God promises blessings, but we decided to do things our way. This even applies today. How many decisions do we rush into without praying for guidance? Do we even search through scripture for the answers?

Also, take note of ch26v33-35. Forshadowing the Babylonian captivity....God keeps his promises. Do you think He has a plan?

What do I have to do?

In Lev 21-23, we read about priestly purity, the duties and requirements for serving God. There are quite a few rules, and life of a priest was not easy.

Ever stop to ask why God has so many rules for his priests? Could it be to remind them not to take their duties lightly? What about us today? We might not rules for following the Lord, but do we take it too lightly? Are we truly purposeful in our actions? Or does simple random chance determine our path? When Jesus died, the veil in the temple was torn open. This signifies our access to God. That definitely is something not to be taken lightly....just look at what His priests had to do for the same access.....

Following the instructions

Post Super Bowl blues? The draft is only 75 days away!!!

Speaking of drafting, looking back over the past several days, we had finished Exodus, reading how God instructed Moses to build the Tabernacle (very detailed), and waded through much of Leviticus, in which God directed Moses how to use the Tabernacle. Good to have instructions.

But do we follow the instructions? A simple reading through Proverbs might enlighten one on how far short we fall. An interesting aspect of the Tabernacle is that God met man there. He made himself available. He still does.


Our potter cares for His clay. We would be wise to accept that connection. As Oswald Chambers notes in MUFHH, "the purpose of prayer is that we get ahold of God, not the answer".....

The GIANT list....

In Lev 18-20, there are numerous reminders on how to live as a holy people. Sins to avoid, practices to detest and ways to protect themselves and the community.

Amazing how almost 3500 years later, society is still struggling with these sames issues. Ch 18 v 22 is especially troubling for society today. Seems also like the gluttony and excess of the annual Super Bowl event fits into today's reading. God works in ways we don't understand at times.

If you are struggling with issues like those mentioned in today's reading,, don't try to go it alone. Others are struggling with them also, but have learned to get strength from God and others to get through.

Talk about Giant steps....recovery and staying strong and pure are the biggest ones you can take.....

Super Bowl "Game Day"

In somewhat of an ironic twist (no such thing), today we are in Leviticus Ch 16-17. These chapters are about the holiest day of the year, the day of atonement (Yom Kippur). God has separated out this one day for ultimate ANNUAL sacrifice. Only the high priest could enter. Special ceremonial acts had to be observed.

The awful reality of the Day of Atonement was this: sins were never fully cleansed. The sacrifice was only temporary and had to be repeated ANNUALLY!


Of course, the good news is that Jesus took care of this for us PERMANENTLY! How we live our lives is a simple indication of how we choose to celebrate this victory.....

Wash your hands!!!

In Lev Ch 11-15, God sets forth the laws governing personal purity. What to eat, how to reproduce, how to handle skin ailments, and rules related to discharges. Truly a messy topic list, but rules that were designed to protect His people. In fact rules are designed to look out for the best interests of others.

Obeying rules can be a drag...who really wants to drive 25mph? But it can save lives. Think about the various rules in your life and that without them, there could be chaos.

We teach our kids to follow certain rules, not because we love the power of ordering them around. Rather it is based on our experience or understanding. We just want to do what is best for them. Wouldn't our heavenly father who is perfect want the same?

Don't take this lightly

In Leviticus 8-10, the Lord commands Moses how the priests are to go about making the various sacrifices. This was not open to their wants or desires...there was a certain ritual that had to be followed. Two of Aaron's sons detoured from the regement and it cost them their lives!

God does not place such heavy rules on us today. We do not have to do things in certain ways. A point to all of the rituals was that man could not be perfect as God is. Obedience, not perfection is the message Jesus taught. Do we care to honor God today with how we conduct ourselves? Just as He was observant and present at the sacrifices mentioned in Lev 8-10, He is present in our lives today. We would be wise to act accordingly. Stay strong!!

Remembering the finality at the altar

In Leviticus 4-7, Moses is writing instructions for sin and guilt offerings. After reading this, I have concluded that the altar of sacrifice must have been quite the messy place. Still, the detail that God instructs Moses is quite overwhelming. Once again, this proves that man cannot achieve the perfection of God.

I am thankful today that Jesus has ultimate taken the required sacrifice upon himself. The ghastly rituals of sacrifice are completed. It is good to understand what was required just to show how much Jesus accomplished.

We have relationship with God today because of that completed work. Like any relationship though, it requires attention. How are you doing connecting today?

Offerings and rules for offering

Welcome to February!!!

We enter the Book of Leviticus. Ch 1-3 outline burnt, grain and peace offerings. There was a special way to prepare the offering and only a choice subject would suffice.

We might not burn animals today (Jesus took care of that for us), but we can still be mindful of what we present to the Lord. When we work, are we working for God, or a paycheck. When we interact with others, is it to build us up or God? When we spend our resources, is it for our glory or God's?


It is amazing how detailed the instructions on offerings are. Perhaps it is to remind us that God's perfection is not attainable, thus we must rely on the work of Jesus.