Leaders keep leading!

Numbers 17: ⁴ “Put the staffs in the Tent of Meeting. Place them in front of the ark where the tablets of the covenant are kept. That is where I meet with you. ⁵ The staff that belongs to the man I choose will begin to grow new shoots. The people of Israel are never happy with what you do. I will put an end to what they are saying.”

⁶ So Moses spoke to the people of Israel. Their leaders gave him 12 wooden staffs. They gave one for the leader of each of Israel’s tribes. Aaron’s staff was among them. ⁷ Moses put the staffs in front of the Lord in the tent where the tablets of the covenant were kept.

⁸ The next day Moses entered the tent. He looked at Aaron’s staff. It stood for the tribe of Levi. Moses saw that it had not only begun to grow new shoots. It had also produced buds and flowers and almonds.

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Upon arrival I was met at the door with urgent news about whatever situation was going on at the time. When I got up to my desk there were a number of voicemails expressing dissatisfaction with the problem of the day. After a number of calls, messages and speeches I put the fires out.

Then someone walked in my office and complained about where their desk was located and how I had not addressed the situation. I stayed at work longer to put a move plan together. After their move the person complained about something else. I almost fired that person but kept my cool.

• There are some who I will never please.
• There are some who will always have a problem with me.
• There are some who will complain at the drop of a hat rather than developing solutions.

All I have to say is “GOD sees my efforts.” At times it is difficult to lead a group of complainers because the freedom to develop solutions isn’t involved. As a leader I cannot fall prey to their complaints nor can I be a victim. GOD wants something different.

• GOD wants me to follow HIS lead.
• GOD wants me to let HIM clear my path.
• GOD wants me to allow HIM to work out the situation.

GOD ALWAYS has the final word. HE said HE would “put an end” to Moses situation and HE always has done the same for me.

• Are you facing a mountain of complaints?
• Are you trying to lead a group of people who are not providing solutions?
• Can you stop trying to please people and start pleasing GOD?
• Won’t you ask the LORD for wisdom on how to lead through difficult times?

Throwing a tantrum isn’t a good idea

Numbers 16: ³ They came as a group to oppose Moses and Aaron. They said to Moses and Aaron, “You have gone too far! The whole community is holy. Every one in it is holy. And the Lord is with them. So why do you put yourselves above the Lord’s people?”

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¹² Then Moses sent for Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab. But they said, “We won’t come! ¹³ You have brought us up out of a land that has plenty of milk and honey. You have brought us here to kill us in this desert. Isn’t that enough? Now do you also want to act as if you were ruling over us?

¹⁴ “Besides, you haven’t brought us into a land that has plenty of milk and honey. You haven’t given us fields and vineyards of our own. Are you going to poke out the eyes of these men? No! We won’t come!”

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³¹ As soon as Moses finished speaking all of those words, what he had said came true. The ground under them broke open. ³² It opened its mouth. It swallowed up those men. In fact, it swallowed up everyone who lived in their houses. It swallowed all of Korah’s men. And it swallowed up everything they owned. ³³ They went down into the grave alive. Everything they owned went down with them. The ground closed over them. They died. And so they disappeared from the community.

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Sometimes I forget that GOD doesn’t like it when I complain and throw tantrums.  When I view situations and people with a critical eye, I must be careful to remain on GOD’s side.

If I barge into circumstances with the wrong attitude, I may find myself facing GOD’s wrath instead of HIS grace.

• Are you grumbling about your situation to the LORD?
• Why do you think HE has you in this situation in the first place?
• Can you see how HE is working HIS marvelous plan in your life to grow you?
• Will you fight GOD?

I am reminded to follow GOD

Numbers 15: ⁴⁰ “‘You will remember to obey all of my commands. And you will be set apart for your God. ⁴¹ I am the Lord your God. I brought you out of Egypt to be your God. I am the Lord your God.’”

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“How many houses do you have?” was the topic of the conversation that let me know I was in the wrong place. It was one of those discussions about cars that cost well into the 6 figures and cruises in extravagant places. I felt quite inadequate and it seemed like a crossroad appeared in front of me.

Do I work extra hard changing my personality and hang out with those who could care less about GOD or do I pursue GOD outside of comforts of opulence?

• When I will do anything for money, I have lost my way.
• When I desire money over a relationship with GOD then I have lost my way.
• When I wish to be around money more than serving I have lost my way.

Please don’t get me wrong, money is not the problem, it’s when I desire security in money that causes a riff between me and GOD.  It’s not just money, it’s anything that I put over my relationship with GOD will cause problems.

• GOD said “remember to obey HIS commands.”
• GOD said “I will be set apart for my GOD.”
• GOD said “HE is the LORD my GOD.”
• GOD said “HE brought me out of Egypt.”

GOD is thoroughly in control of all my situations. HE gently guides me to the correct path and ensures that I have what I need. All HE asks is that I “remember” HIM.

• Do you set aside time to remember all of the things GOD has done for you?
• Can you reflect a moment to understand what HE is doing for you now?
• Can you help someone else understand what GOD is doing in their life?

Complain or Compliment

Numbers 14: ⁹ “But don’t refuse to obey him. And don’t be afraid of the people of the land. We will swallow them up. The Lord is with us. So nothing can save them. Don’t be afraid of them.”

¹⁰ But all of the people talked about killing Joshua and Caleb by throwing stones at them.

Then the glory of the Lord appeared at the Tent of Meeting. All of the people of Israel saw it. ¹¹ The Lord spoke to Moses. He said, “How long will these people make fun of me? How long will they refuse to believe in me? They refuse even though I have done many miraculous signs among them. ¹² So I will strike them down with a plague. I will destroy them. But I will make you into a greater and stronger nation than they are.”

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Slander was the weapon of choice in the corporate environment. I didn’t even think I was using it because I had convinced myself I was right in the situation. We sat in a room and came up with rebuttals and retorts to the other groups’ desires.

When I presented our desires after the other group pitched theirs I knew I had the upper hand. To my dismay Senior Management said, both ideas would not be funded and they were going to merge our fighting departments.

• Complaints are despicable.
• Complaints are low.
• Complaints are excuses wrapped in situations that I want my way and I’m not getting it.

GOD knows when I’m throwing a tantrum.  HE knows my motives and doesn’t take kindly to my complaints especially when I have fooled myself into thinking I am right.  With blind eyes I blurt out a complaint about what someone else is doing and I forget to look at how I am contributing to the situation.

• GOD loves when I accept HIS plan no matter how difficult it may look.
• GOD loves when I listen to HIM and can face difficult tasks without disobeying HIS ways.
• GOD loves when I use compliments instead of conflict to accomplish HIS goals.
• GOD loves when I let HIM do my fighting.

“My ways are not your ways” says the LORD. HE has incredible plans for me because HE has forgiven me, but HE doesn’t like when I treat HIS grace as if I deserve it. HE has blessed me thoroughly and I am eternally grateful!

• Are you complaining about something or someone?
• Have you lost your grace?
• Have you asked GOD to manage the situation no matter how bleak it looks?
• Won’t you let GOD direct the situation?

Get your “But” out of here!

Numbers 13: ⁷ They gave Moses their report. They said, “We went into the land you sent us to. It really does have plenty of milk and honey! Here’s some fruit from the land.

²⁸ “But the people who live there are powerful. Their cities have high walls around them and are very large. We even saw members of the family line of Anak there. ²⁹ The Amalekites live in the Negev Desert. The Hittites, Jebusites and Amorites live in the central hill country. The Canaanites live near the Mediterranean Sea. They also live along the Jordan River.”

³⁰ Then Caleb interrupted the men who were speaking to Moses. He said, “We should go up and take the land. We can certainly do it.”

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“Please represent us” was the cry at work from a group of people who seemed to have no voice. Who am I to speak to senior management about issues the employees were having. I mean they are savvy, have short attention spans and besides, our issues are big to us and small to them. I sat there wondering if I should speak up to these giants.

• People in high positions have made me nervous.
• People who seem stronger than I am have made me cringe.
• People and situations that seem much larger than me cause me to want to shrink back into the shadows and do nothing.

When I am faced with a large task I begin playing the outcomes in my mind.  I see what barriers there are, calculate the effort and multiply the time and money needed, subtract the bank account and it usually equals worry! “How can I do this” is usually what I wind up asking myself!

• All tasks are large to me without GOD.
• Even the easiest task is impossible without GOD.
• What seems impossible to me is extremely simple for GOD.

GOD doesn’t want me to think I can do anything without HIM.  In fact HE wants me to depend on HIM to deliver me into the “promised land.” I only need to recognize that if it is HIS plan, it won’t fail! Today I use GOD’s words given to Caleb… “We certainly can do it!”

• Are you facing a very large task?
• Do you feel overwhelmed?
• Can you seek the power of GOD instead of depending on your power?
• Won’t you bow to HIS plan, grace and might in order to accomplish what HE want you to?

Rating the sermon

Numbers 12: ⁶ Then the Lord said, “Listen to my words.

“Suppose one of my prophets is among you.
    I make myself known to him in visions.
    I speak to him in dreams.
⁷ But that is not true of my servant Moses.
    He is faithful in everything he does in my house.
⁸ With Moses I speak face to face.
    I speak with him clearly. I do not speak in riddles.
    I let him see something of what I look like.
So why were you not afraid
    to speak against my servant Moses?”

⁹ The anger of the Lord burned against them. And he left them.

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“I didn’t get anything out of that sermon” were the words I said many times after leaving various churches. I mean I sat for an hour or two or three, the least thing they can do is say stuff that I can use!

• Sometimes my pride makes me not hear what GOD is saying.
• Sometimes my heart is too stony to hear what GOD is saying.
• Sometimes my ears are closed to hearing what GOD is saying.

When I think I am the one who needs to be entertained by GOD’s messengers then my pride gets in the way of really hearing HIS message. I find myself rating church instead of applying what GOD is saying to me. I even get bold enough to critique the person who said the message.

• GOD wants me to respect HIS messengers because I don’t know how HE is using the message.
• GOD wants me to listen to every message and test it with scripture to understand how to apply it to my life.
• GOD wants me to reduce the judgment of HIS messages and figure out how to apply it to my life to draw others to HIM.

Listening to GOD takes ears on my heart.  I must be open to hearing what HE has to say no matter who is saying it.

• Are you critiquing GOD’s messages?
• Do you feel it is good to be a church critic?
• Can you stop for a moment and listen to what GOD has to say no matter who is saying it?

Watch what you ask for!

Numbers 11: ⁴ Some people who were with them began to long for other food. Again the people of Israel began to cry out. They said, “We wish we had meat to eat. ⁵ We remember the fish we ate in Egypt. It didn’t cost us anything. We also remember the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic. ⁶ But now we’ve lost all interest in eating. We never see anything but this manna!”

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¹⁰ Moses heard people from every family crying. They were sobbing at the entrances to their tents.

The Lord burned with hot anger. So Moses became troubled.

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God has a plan for the “good” times and the “bad.” When I decide I don’t like the trial I’m in, I try to steer GOD in the direction of comfort.  I want to be as comfortable and wealthy as possible. This may or may not be GOD’s plan for me.

• GOD has a plan for me and doesn’t like altering it for my selfish desires.
• GOD has a plan for me that is built with love and doesn’t like changing it to suit my preferences.
• GOD has a plan for me that considers what is best and doesn’t like modifying it to put me in a worse situation.

I can long for the wrong thins all I want BUT GOD knows what is best for me and protects me from myself at times. HE carries me away from things that will harm me. I may cry and throw a tantrum but HE knows how to grow me in ways I never could consider!

• Are you in a trial and trying to pray your way out of it?
• Why do you think GOD has left you in the trial?
• Can you look at how HE is growing you?
• Won’t you let HIM steer the plan HE has for you?

Think before complaining

Numbers 11:The people weren’t happy about the hard times they were having. The Lord heard what they were saying. It made him burn with anger. Then the Lord sent fire on them. It blazed out among the people. It burned up some of the outer edges of the camp.

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“What is it” I jokingly sneered at the dorm food plopped on my plate! It looked funny, smelled funny and tasted not so funny but bad! I passed on that meal knowing another was on its way in a few hours. I complained about the food.

The next year I had my own apartment. I stepped into the kitchen waiting on someone to hand me my meal and there wasn’t anyone there. I looked in the refrigerator and there was no food there either. I begged to get into the dorm cafeteria and couldn’t. When I got out I had a ticket on my car and had no money to pay it!

• I sometimes forget GOD doesn’t like complaints about HIS plan.
• I sometimes forget GOD doesn’t like grumbles about HIS gifts to me.
• I sometimes forget GOD doesn’t like protests about HIS creatures.

When times were difficult, I complained to GOD and guess what… things got worse! Wait a minute, you mean GOD doesn’t like it when I have a request? A request is different than a complaint.  When I grumble about my situation, no matter how bleak it is, I am saying “GOD you don’t know what you are doing and I DO.”

• GOD cannot stand any form of pride from me especially when it’s wrapped in a complaint.
• GOD does not like it when I have my life all figured out and pout when I am not getting my way.
• GOD will not yield to my rants or complaints because HE is GOD.

Making GOD “GOD” means I have to accept when HE will say “No” or “No” or “NO!” I may have a plan in mind but without HIS blessing, nothing will come to fruition. If it is HIS will HE will bring me through difficult times and lead me beside still waters, if not the HE will provide the endurance and testimony to draw many to HIM.

GOD doesn’t want me to be phony and pretend to be “happy” but HE does want me to respect HIS choice and “joyfully” serve HIM and those HE chooses to send to me.

• Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired?
• Why does GOD have you in this position?
• Don’t you understand HE knows where you are and what’s best for you?
• Can you turn this difficult time into a testimony instead of burying the opportunity in a complaint?

The battle is not yours

Numbers 10: ³⁵ When the ark started out, Moses said,

“Lord, rise up!
    Let your enemies be scattered.
    Let them run away from you.”

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Gold chains and stick pins were the fashion of the day. Well this day my gold was snatched and another guy grabbed my bank book. (I have no idea why I was carrying that). I grabbed the bank book back somehow and I ran.  “He’s going into a door” they yelled. This caused my enemies to flee.

• GOD causes HIS enemies to flee.
• GOD makes HIS foes fail.
• GOD laughs at anyone who is against HIM.

Protection is what GOD offers me.  HE sees those who are trying to harm me a mile away.  HE puts HIS fence of protection around me and no one can remove the SPIRIT from within me.  They may be able to punch me or much worse BUT GOD’s eternal plan is marvelous!

• Do you seek revenge?
• Are you thoroughly angry at someone?
• Can you find some grace from within?

Call on the LORD!

Numbers 10: ⁹ Suppose you go into battle in your own land. And suppose it is against an enemy who is beating you down. Then blow a blast on the trumpets. If you do, I will remember you. I will save you from your enemies. I am the Lord your God. 

¹⁰ You must also blow the trumpets when you are happy. Blow them at your appointed feasts. Blow them at your New Moon Feasts. Blow them when you sacrifice your burnt offerings. Blow them when you sacrifice your friendship offerings. They will remind me of you. I am the Lord your God.”

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Scowling faces and suspicious glances made us notice a group of guys strategically positioning themselves. My brother and I were headed to a baseball game and decided to get something to eat.  About two blocks into our five block trek we saw an ambush collecting.

My brother calmly said “RUN!” Of course he would seeing his skill was in track. I could barely keep up! “LORD please help us!” We made it to the game. I pretty much forgot about GOD from that point and enjoyed the game.

• When problems arise I call on GOD to help me but when things are going well I may forget.
• When I am in dire straits I call on GOD for assistance but in times of plenty I may forget.
• When issues are all around me I call on GOD for comfort but during times of leisure I may forget.

GOD wants me to remember HIM in times of need and in times of plenty. He wants to see when I am crying and definitely wants to join in on times of celebration. I mean it does make sense. HE created me to be with me all the time. HE actually enjoys my company!

• Do you have a relationship with GOD that only asks for things?
• When is the last time you praised HIM for something?
• Can you have a balance of requests and praise?
• Won’t you include GOD in your celebration today?

Obedience takes patience

Numbers 9: ²¹ Sometimes the cloud stayed only from evening until morning. When it lifted in the morning, they started out. It didn’t matter whether it was day or night. When the cloud lifted, the people started out. ²² It didn’t matter whether the cloud stayed above the holy tent for two days or a month or a year. The people of Israel would remain in camp. They wouldn’t start out. But when the cloud lifted, they would start out.

²³ When the Lord gave the command, they camped. And when he gave the command, they started out. They obeyed the Lord’s order. They obeyed him, just as he had commanded them through Moses.

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Sitting in my dorm room in the middle of my first semester, I wanted to be done! I had enough of school but I was only just beginning. After finally graduating I sat in my cubicle frustrated that I wasn’t getting a promotion. After finally getting a promotion years later I moved on to another position.

Weary from years of travel from this position I moved on to another position at a large company. It seemed like GOD is taking forever to get me to where I need to be. What’s taking HIM so long?

• My impatience causes me to be frustrated.
• When I hear I have to wait years instead of minutes I lose my patience.
• My impatience causes me to want to stop, sit and give up.

GOD’s timing definitely isn’t my timing.  I want things the way I want them, when I want them and how I want them.  I place a huge expectation on GOD and when HE doesn’t come through with my timing, I complain to HIM as if HE made a wrong decision.

• GOD wants me to cheerfully obey HIM on a daily basis.
• GOD wants me to release my expectations of the day and open my eyes to HIS grace.
• GOD wants me to increase my patience by accepting HIS daily gifts rather than pouting over not getting my desires.

When I lose my patience it is hard for me to be obedient. In fact I probably get quite the opposite and become rebellious. GOD has HIS timing and has plenty of love for me. HIS plans are great!

• Are you in a situation where you are losing your patience?
• Do you think GOD has forgotten you or is punishing you?
• Won’t you stop for a moment and remember the grace HE has given you?
• Can you ask HIM to remove any pouting you may have and replace it with grace for someone?

How long should I serve?

Numbers 8: ²⁵ “But when they reach the age of 50, they must not work any longer. They must stop doing their regular work. ²⁶ They can help their brothers with their duties at the Tent of Meeting. But they themselves should not do the work. That is how you must direct the Levites to do their work.”

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Driving to the church, I realized I hadn’t even noticed the new buildings in the neighborhood. In fact I had my usual route and I had not noticed anything about the neighborhood. I was busy running all the facts and figures of the “church building” in my mind.

Upon arrival the same people would be there waiting with questions or complaints. Didn’t they know I had other concerns to think about? This ministry would be great if it weren’t for the people!

• Sometimes I forget that ministry is for people.
• Sometimes I lose my dedication to the ministry I’m in.
• Sometimes I get too comfortable with a ministry and put it on auto-pilot.

Looking back on the times I have served it seems I was most effective when I was uncomfortable in my service and it was new and fresh.  My conversations with the LORD were fervent and I had more questions than answers. But when I have served a while in the ministry I have all the reasons why something will or will NOT work.

• GOD wants me to serve HIM my entire life but transition some of the duties to others.
• GOD wants me to remain effective so I may have to change my ministry.
• GOD wants me to have faith in HIM not faith in my performance.

Be careful when looking at this passage of scripture. Keep your job and work until the LORD says so. I do question my effectiveness when my ministry becomes the same old ministry. GOD wants me to stay fresh.

• Are you serving in the same old capacity and its draining?
• Do you hear GOD or are you listening to yourself?
• Are you helping someone else take over the ministry or do you feel you are the only one?
• Is it time for you to do another ministry?

Where can I find a quiet place?

Numbers 7: ⁸⁹ Moses entered the Tent of Meeting. He wanted to speak with the Lord. There Moses heard the Lord talking to him. The Lord’s voice was speaking to him from between the two cherubim. The cherubim were over the place where sin is paid for. It was the cover on the ark where the tablets of the covenant were kept. The Lord spoke with Moses there.

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Seven o’clock in the morning was my flight so I had to make sure I had the rental car returned in enough time which meant I had to check out of the hotel early enough to leave in time! On the way to the airport, I mulled the day over in my mind. I thought about the agenda, who I was speaking to and what emphasis I was going to make.

Crowd of people crammed into the shuttle, then on the plane. From that point on it seemed like I was around someone all day! At least 1275 questions were asked of me that day. I went to bed exhausted.

• Some days I get too busy to stop and listen to GOD.
• Some days I don’t have time to talk to the LORD.
• Some days I have too much to do and my time with GOD just gets away from me.

When I prioritize GOD as the lowest on my list then everything else gets put in front of HIM.  I mean I have to work right? Yes, but GOD wants me to speak to HIM first and listen to what HE has to say. It’s not enough to throw an obligatory prayer at HIM to appease my “talk” quota with HIM.

• GOD wants me to find a quiet place to speak to HIM.
• GOD wants me to settle down so I can hear what HE has to say to me.
• GOD wants me to actually seek HIM every day to figure out what HE wants me to do.

Moses couldn’t wait to hear from the LORD. I have finally reached a point in my life where I need to speak to HIM to reduce the confusion and anxieties the day has to offer.

• Do you have a quiet place where you can actually speak to the LORD?
• Can you hear what HE is saying to you or do you feel HE is speaking to everyone else but you?
• Won’t you stop trying to steer GOD and let HIM work HIS plan out for you?
• Can you take time today to praise HIM for the good and bad because it’s HIS plan?

Blessings on you today!

Numbers 6: ²² The Lord spoke to Moses. He said, ²³ “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘Here is how I want you to bless the people of Israel. Say to them,

²⁴ “‘“May the Lord bless you
    and take good care of you.
²⁵ May the Lord smile on you
    and be gracious to you.
²⁶ May the Lord look on you with favor
    and give you his peace.”’

²⁷ “In that way they will put the blessing of my name on the people of Israel. And I will bless them.”

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Sometimes it feels great to break the negative habit of begging GOD for more stuff or to fix something else.  Blessing someone means encouraging them, growing them and pointing them to GOD.

When I bless someone, my attitude changes. I mean how can I stay mad at the person I blessed? In fact, the more I wish well on others, the more I realize how GOD desires the best for me.

Here is what I desire…

• May GOD thoroughly bless you this day!
• May your cares and concerns be minimized by GOD to provide you with a moment of peace.
• May you see HIS plan unfold in front of you this day!

Admitting it gives me power

Numbers 5: ⁵ The Lord said to Moses, ⁶ “Speak to the people of Israel. Say to them, ‘Suppose a man or woman does something wrong to someone else. Then that person is not being faithful to the Lord. People like that are guilty.

⁷ “‘They must admit they have committed a sin. They must pay in full for what they did wrong. And they must add a fifth to it. Then they must give all of it to the person they have sinned against.

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One day I decided to stop lying and admit stuff.  It seemed like the weeks that followed were full of opportunities for me to stretch the truth. My boss had asked me if I had completed a certain report. I thought to myself “say I’ve started it but I ran into difficulty” but the real answer was “no” and that’s what I told him but I also explained I was busy with other items. He accepted the truth.

You mean all I had to do was admit I was wrong.  I started doing this all over. Soon I was able to face my fears and sometimes I didn’t get the thing I really desired but my conscience remained clear.

• When I do something wrong to someone I don’t want to admit it.
• When I shirk my responsibility I don’t want to admit it.
• When I mess up I don’t want to admit it.

GOD made an enormous number of laws for humans to follow.  If one law was broken, then I would be guilty of all. HE made it much easier on me by dying for my guilt. I must admit I am in need of HIS death, burial and resurrection in order to have a relationship with HIM.

• GOD wants me to admit I am a person who doesn’t like HIS ways.
• GOD wants me to admit I deserve to be separated from HIS love.
• GOD wants me to admit I need HIM rather than thinking I can clean myself up.
• GOD wants me to admit I am guilty but I can be freed from guilt by belief in HIS actions.

Admitting things to humans is difficult but liberating. The sin holds no power when I admit my wrong. Admitting things to GOD is even more powerful!

• Are you in the wrong and haven’t admitted it?
• Have you committed a sin and in your mind you have spun it around to make it look like the other person?
• Can you admit your guilt to GOD?
• Don’t you want to be free?

Are you chosen?

Numbers 3: ¹¹ The Lord also said to Moses, ¹² “I have taken the Levites from among the people of Israel. I have taken them in place of the oldest son who is born to each woman in Israel. The Levites belong to me. 

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Several times I have ignored any questions regarding “going” someplace to serve or “doing” something to help others.  It had gotten to the point where I didn’t want to attend church regularly because they seemed to always be asking for something.

• There were moments where I avoided people who are in need.
• There were moments where I didn’t want to hear any requests.
• There were moments where I literally crossed the street to avoid getting begged.

I actually don’t understand when people say they don’t hear GOD.  I actually hear HIM all the time.  HE usually speaks to me during inconvenient times, like when I don’t have much money and someone in need pops up; or when there is a request to serve and I have “my” project I have to complete.

• GOD asks me to serve someone each day it’s up to me to listen.
• GOD asks me to pray to HIM each day it’s up to me to desire to talk to HIM.
• GOD asks me to share HIS SON to many each day it’s up to me to seek those who will listen.

Just as GOD called the Levites HE has called me.  I don’t have to become a preacher or a title in the church to accept HIS calling.  HE provides all I need and will formulate the right words at the right time for the right person. GOD says I am chosen.

• Are you ignoring GOD’s call on you?
• Do you feel HE wants you to do something?
• Won’t you make yourself available to serve HIM in a deeper way?

Keeping GOD’s message special

Numbers 1: ⁴⁷ But the families of the tribe of Levi were not counted along with the others. ⁴⁸ The Lord had spoken to Moses. He had said, ⁴⁹ “You must not count the men from the tribe of Levi. Do not include them when you list the other men of Israel.

⁵⁰ “Instead, put the Levites in charge of the holy tent. That is where the tablets of the covenant are kept. The Levites will be in charge of everything that belongs to the holy tent. They must carry the tent and everything that belongs to it. They must take care of it. They must set up camp around it.

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Dress in a suit and don’t walk behind the pulpit were the rules that seemed to be upheld the most in the church of my childhood. Meanwhile I missed many sermons because I would fall asleep. “When I get older, I may not attend church” I said to myself.

I tried reading the Bible but it got boring real quick. I mean why should I know a genealogy? And besides, many of the old folks who were teaching me this stuff didn’t seem to be living any better than other folks.

• When GOD’s message is not special to me I develop reasons to move away from HIM.
• When GOD’s message is not special to me I treat everything about HIM as common.
• When GOD’s message is not special to me I compare what others are doing and never look at myself.

GOD went through great lengths to make HIS message to me special.  HE wrote HIS laws on my heart and taught many great people to hold HIS word in great esteem. HE knew I would reject HIS ways so when HIS SON volunteered to die for me HE agreed. HE loves when I pursue HIM.

• GOD understands when I don’t follow HIS ways but rewards me when I do.
• GOD understands when I don’t read about HIM but loves when I get to know HIM.
• GOD understands when I don’t treat HIS message special but grows me when I seek wisdom, knowledge and understanding from HIM.

HE put a group of people in charge of carrying HIS message when the Israelites were in the desert and told them to keep this message special. GOD wants me to do the same.

• Are you keeping GOD’s message special?
• Do you yield to HIS ways whenever you can?
• Won’t you start seeking HIM by letting go of your expectations of HIM and allowing HIM to work?

Sometimes it stings to give!

Leviticus 27: ³⁰ “‘A tenth of everything the land produces belongs to me. That includes grain from the soil and fruit from the trees. It is holy. It is set apart for me.

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Scouring the internet I pieced together the ideal vacation.  With hotel points and airline miles, we could go to one of the top resorts and live first class.  This was phenomenal! Since I saved so much, I decided to throw in a cruise! I mean I earned it!

• Sometimes I don’t think GOD owns “my” money.
• Sometimes I think I am doing GOD a favor by “giving.”
• Sometimes I think I deserve stuff and get mad when someone breaks, steals or loses “my” stuff.

It’s hard to believe that GOD owns all things. I say, “yeah, yeah HE owns everything” but I turn around and get highly upset when HE allows some of my stuff to be taken or destroyed. When I have an abundance of cash I conveniently forget to give and when I’m low on cash I use the excuse, “I don’t have it right now.”

• GOD says “give ME a tenth” which releases my greedy grip on stuff.
• GOD says “I expect everyone to give” which means I should give when it is difficult.
• GOD says “Do not be worried over the things of this world” simply because HE owns it all and knows what is best for me to have.

Wanting more stuff is sometimes a problem for me.  The more I have the more I try to protect what I have.  I want a lot of stuff so I won’t me worried but the stuff makes me worry! GOD wants me to release the tight grip “stuff” has on me by giving it away just like HE gives to me daily!

• Are you worried about cash?
• Do you think GOD is punishing you by not giving you a lot of cash?
• Can you give when you have plenty AND when you don’t have much?
• Won’t you face your fears of losing stuff by giving stuff away?

GOD’s promise to me

Leviticus 26: ¹¹ “‘I will live among you. I will not turn away from you. ¹² I will walk among you. I will be your God. And you will be my people. ¹³ I am the Lord your God. I brought you out of Egypt. I did not want you to be slaves in Egypt anymore. I threw off your heavy load. I helped you walk with your heads held high.

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Looking back at the mountain of sins I have committed I sometimes wonder “am I forgiven.”  I mean can GOD really forgive me for the candy I took when I was four? Or how about the time I lied about where I was going at sixteen? Or how about my present sins, can GOD really forgive these?

GOD says “Follow MY rules” but I break them all the time.

GOD says “Obey MY commands” but I ignore them at the drop of a hat.

GOD says “Trust in ME” yet I complain, doubt and worry.

These promises seem conditional and I have not met the conditions. What am I to do? I can’t go back and fix the sins I have already committed and I certainly am not crazy enough to think I will ever be sinless. Is there any hope?

GOD says “This is MY SON whom I am well pleased” which means I should focus on HIM.

GOD says “I am the way the truth and the life” which means my thought of saving myself is ludicrous.

GOD says “I helped you walk with your heads held high” which means I am saved from my lack of being able to follow HIS commands by believing in JESUS.

Many writers have said, “I am sinful” without saying “they are sinful.” GOD’s promises seem so distant until I realize HE loves me and pursues me in spite of me.

Are you feeling distant from GOD?
Do you think HE no longer loves you?

Can you stop feeding that lie and start believing HE really, really cares for you in spite of your actions?

Won’t you stop thinking your actions can control GOD and start believing HIS love for you is unconditional and everlasting?

Bread is special

Leviticus 24: ⁸ “The bread must be set out in front of me regularly. Do it every Sabbath day. It will be Israel’s duty to provide it for all time to come.

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Pondering what bread meant to GOD made me curious today. HE provided Israel Bread from heaven. HE made very specific rules in how to make it and how to use it until the end of the age.

• Bread makes me remember GOD because I need to eat and I need HIM.
• Bread makes me remember GOD because I would easily forget HE provides for me.
• Bread makes me remember GOD because it is in so many meals, how could I forget?

There are very special meals that are ritualistic and should be taken seriously that include bread however, I’m speaking about day to day bread should be a reminder also. In fact every meal that I eat, I should be reminded of GOD’s deliverance of humans through HIS SON.

HIS SON who is GOD decided to sacrifice HIMSELF by allowing HIS own creation to murder HIM when HE became a human. Before HIS death and after HIS resurrection HE ate bread.

HE simply wants me to remember what HE did for me and left a simple reminder “eating” to do so.

• Do you remember GOD?
• Are you taking time to ponder your relationship with HIM?
• Can you thank HIM for HIS guidance?

I need rest!

Leviticus 23: ³ “‘There are six days when you can work. But the seventh day is a Sabbath. You must rest on it. Come together on that sacred day. You must not do any work on it. No matter where you live, it is a Sabbath day in my honor.

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Lately I have realized I have been working absolutely too much. After driving and pushing and trying, I realize I am tired! Does GOD want me this tired? NO!

• When I am trying too hard I do not rest.
• When I am not trusting I do not rest.
• When I am working instead of worshipping I do not rest.

Rest is very important to the LORD.  He mentions rest many times because it is a sign of trust. When I lose my trust in GOD’s plan I lose sleep over it and try very hard to make up the inefficiencies that I may have dreamt up. This causes me to work around the clock forgoing any rest I may need.

• GOD says I can have six day to work and that should be enough.
• GOD says I should give HIM an entire day to rest which shows my trust in HIM.
• GOD says I should rest no matter where I am.

Resting is in GOD’s honor.  It is a form of worship.  It seems like sitting around would be worship but it is. HE will communicate to me when I slow down, sit and listen to HIM. HE wants me to rest!

• Are you working too hard?
• Do you need to take a moment off?
• Won’t you stop for a day and give GOD the rest type of worship?