Arise and Abide

Reading Numbers 21:10-20 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The Israelites needing water yet not complaining about the need, the Lord provides. The people rejoicing with a song. The hearts of the people begin to shift. Choosing your words when singing praise, directing people to God. God is pulling us to give Him praise through it all. A little faith can move mountains as the LORD provides.

Reading Numbers 21:1-9 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Instead of complaining when they are attacked, they go to God for the victory over the Canaanites. Yet right after the victory they begin grumbling again and provoke the LORD’s anger. Even when we do it right, we are likely to mess up again. Keeping the last victory in mind encourages you to go to God for the next one. John 3:14 Jesus lifted on a cross for our healing.

Reading Numbers 20:22-29 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The significance of going up the mountain, reaching the goal. The consequence of rebellion. Choosing our own way is a rebellion against God. All of the “heroes” of the Old Testament fall short of the Glory of God and fail to earn their way into the promises of God. Isaiah 53:5, “pierced for our rebellion.” Death separating us from relationship with those who have joined their ancestors. The promises of more than what we see and experience. The royal colors of the priestly garments. 1 Peter 2:5, living stones, royal priests, a holy nation.  

Reading Numbers 20:14-21 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Edom were descendants of Esau, distant relatives by this time. The history of Jacob and Esau and how the distrust carried through the generations. Esau’s descendants shaking the yoke of Jacob off their neck (Genesis 27:39-40). Points in our life when we are forced to turn back. God not intervening in the circumstance. Doors of opportunities closing is God’s redirection of His people. The Israelites obedience in turning around and not putting up a fight for their way. The Israelites growing and learning. Turning back may take longer and require more work but God’s plan is better than our own.

Reading Numbers 20:1-13 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Moses & Aaron, grieving for Miriam, again deal with the people complaining against them, Moses and Aaron hear from God but  lose their faith as they speak deliver the message. They use words that are directed towards their actions and fail to point to God’s Holiness. The good things in life can distract us from the goodness of God when we only focus on the blessings. We all fall short. If Moses faltered how much more likely are we to need to grow in our faith. Acting out of anger, frustration, or trying to force it to happen is a lack of faith that God will do what He said He will do.

Reading Numbers 17:1-13 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. To settle any dispute about who God has selected lead the people and serve in the Priesthood, God gives a sign by causing Aaron’s staff to bud, blossom, and produce almonds. Jerimiah 1:11, God shows Jerimiah a branch from an Almond tree meaning that God is watching and will certainly carry out all His plans. Shoqed is Hebrew for “watching”, Shaqed is Hebrew for “Almond”. Aaron being able to learn from his mistakes and submit to God’s will be done. Not focusing on self but what God is calling us to in this life. We follow Jesus into the tomb, and we follow Him out.

Reading Psalms 51:1-19 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Mercy as a by produce of Love, and compassion is shown through forgiveness. Forgiveness is because of God’s unfailing love. A prideful heart does not say it needs forgiveness. Acknowledging our own rebellious nature. David chose to live by his own moral code and broke God’s moral code in the process. Sinning against other people is sinning against God. The Joy of Salvation, His forgiveness is reason to sing. Going to God with your heart broken wide open in humility and submit to God who is Love.

Reading Numbers 16:41-50 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The pattern of the people blaming Moses and Aaron, and Moses’ and Aaron’s pattering of falling face down and interceding for the people despite their accusations. Not the first time the LORD threatened to wipe the people out. How quickly people forget and find themselves in need of being reminded.

Reading Numbers 16:1-40 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion.  The tribe of Reuben being first no longer, as unruly as a flood. Refusing to respond to the call of God does not keep you from the reach of God. The rebels taking the truth and twisting it in their pride to elevate self. The humility of Moses. God’s presence making the incense burners Holy, God’s Holy Spirit makes His people Holy. They are the living stones. The call of God to die to our rebellious nature and selfish flesh. Moses and Jesus not taking the credit for what has been done, instead give glory to God.

Reading Numbers 14:26-45 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion.  The LORD tells the people that they will not be the generation to occupy the land promised to Abraham. The people have a hard time believing God’s promises. Cain and Able’s offerings, stepping out in faith vs. walking in fear and selfishness. I believe, help my unbelief. They liked the first promise better, but it was too late. The encouragement to walk by faith.  The goal of the people of the Kingdom is to turn hearts towards God.