Arise and Abide

Reading Numbers 14:13-25 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion.  The importance of repeating the LORD’s word back to God in prayer. The children walk through the consequences of their parent’s sin for forty years. As the people’s identity is tied to the LORD, the LORD is tied to the people as well (Covenant). Reminding God of His Word and asking God to remind you too.

Reading Numbers 14:1-12 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion.  The people have already decided the outcome will not be as the LORD said. The LORD has continued to provide yet the people still do not trust God. Satan working through doubts. The parallel between the people wanting to return to Egypt and the Enemy trying to keep people in bondage to sin. Humanity wanting to exalt someone and look to someone other than the LORD. Caleb and Joshua’s repeated message is “Do not be afraid.” Spiraling thoughts, anxiety, and reminders from God’s Word.

Reading Numbers 13:1-33 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. People may say that if they see a miracle, they would believe in God; yet the old testament shows us that even the miracles of provision, protection, deliverance, and all the other miraculous signs were not enough for the people of Israel to trust the LORD. The people forgot to account for the strength of God fighting for them. God giving us more than we can handle so that we can rely on God to carry us through and give Him the glory!

Reading Psalms 50:1-23 (NLT) ~ A judgement day prophecy with a call to repent. The charges against the wicked show their failure to love God and love people. God’s call has been the same throughout time. The image of God’s beauty and the storm clearing the way for Him to bring justice. God does not need us to do things for Him. The repeated call to make thankfulness your sacrifice to God. Gratefulness, a life of gratitude, honors God. Giving thanks is an expression of our heart.  

Reading Numbers 12:1-16 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Aaron and Miriam did not like Moses new wife, criticized him, and downplayed his relationship with the LORD. The tactics of belittling someone to elevate self is displeasing to God. Ways God had already used Aaron and Miriam. Jealousy rooted in pride vs jealousy rooted in love. Moses being a type of Jesus here. Matthew 23:12, the humble will be exalted and those who exalt themselves will be humbled.

Reading Numbers 11:16-30 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The responds and provides to the whining of the people and the prayers of Moses. Reminders of Jethro advising Moses to appoint judges to help ease the burden. To lead God’s people, one needs the Spirit of God, not just human appointment. They Quail God gave because people whined for meat would never bring satisfaction or contentment, and the people needed to learn that truth. God provided real help for Moses because his heart was for God and God’s people. Moses is a good example of humble leadership and how humility makes him usable by God.

Reading Numbers 11:1-15 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The people failing to take their requests to the LORD and choosing to complain to each other and blame Moses for what they don’t have. Moses continues to go to God. Grumbling behind someone’s back is a poor way to treat your relationships. When you are working towards the goal, you do not focus on what you have left behind to reach the goal, you focus on the goal. Keeping our eyes set on God’s plan and promises and living in gratitude as we go. Learning from the Good Father.

Reading Numbers 10:29-36 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Judges 1:16 tells of the Kenites, the descendants of Moses’ father-in-law, so Hobab likely stayed with Israel. Moses calls Hobab to stay and not go back to his land and family. A similar call Jesus gives repeatedly to “Come, follow me.” Some respond and some do not, but the call is to follow and share in the blessings of God. Spiritual warfare and the power of God to make our enemies scatter. God’s presence now with His people. The picture of the Good Father leading His family.  

Reading Numbers 10:1-10 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. God giving the people a way to know when its time to follow God’s instructions. Reminding God of His promises is part of our response to God’s instructions and shows God that we remember we are the people of His covenant. It all so tells the people that God does indeed remember.   

Reading Numbers 9:15-23 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The goodness of God to be clear as to when it was time to go, and when to set up camp. Liking to plan but being surrendered to God’s lead. Having to break camp after just setting up. The experience of following the cloud by day and fire by night. The cool experience with realities of life. Chasing after God’s presence, peace, favor, and knowing contentment with God. A subtle reference to Matthew 6:33.