Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 18-20; Psalm 91

Has the task ahead of you ever seemed bigger than you have the ability to conquer? Do you ever feel discouraged by everything that presses against us, making it hard to accomplish the mission to which God has called us? I am so grateful when someone among us stands us and reminds us that God is with us! He is fighting for us and His is the victory!

“When you go out to fight your enemies and you face horses and chariots and an army greater than your own, do not be afraid. The Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you! When you prepare for battle, the priest must come forward to speak to the troops. He will say to them, ‘Listen to me, all you men of Israel! Do not be afraid as you go out to fight your enemies today! Do not lose heart or panic or tremble before them. For the Lord your God is going with you! He will fight for you against your enemies, and he will give you victory!’” – Deuteronomy 20:1-4

DO NOT BE AFRAID; THE LORD WILL FIGHT FOR YOU!

Our God is with us. He does not send us into the battlefield alone. He who has already won the victory goes with us, just like he crosses over ahead of us. He is behind us, beside, before us, and all around us. He does not leave us alone on the journey of obedience, and He does not forsake us when times get difficult.

“Today you are about to cross the Jordan River…But recognize today that the Lord your God is the one who will cross over ahead of you like a devouring fire to destroy them. He will subdue them so that you will quickly conquer them and drive them out, just as the Lord has promised.” – Deuteronomy 9:1,3

DO NOT BE AFRAID; BE PREPARED FOR WHAT IS AHEAD.

This 20th chapter of Deuteronomy goes on as the leaders of the the Lord’s army asked some interesting questions:
• Is there anyone among you who is unprepared for the battle? Go home and do what you need to do to return ready for battle.
• Is there anyone among you who is afraid or worried? Go home before you spread a spirit of fear among those around you.
• Come expecting peace but ready for the fight.
• Get rid of the customs and philosophies of this world that would cause you to sin deeply against the Lord your God.
• Pick the fruit without cutting down the trees. Look for signs of growth and fruit without destroying the potential to bear fruit in the future.

Moses cautioned God’s people to consider if they had any unfinished business. Have you started something that needs to be finished? Did you plant something that has yet to be harvested? Did you make a promise that you need to fulfill? Get your house in order before you go into battle. Finish what you started, and be true to your word.

“Then the officers will also say, ‘Is anyone here afraid or worried? If you are, you may go home before you frighten anyone else.’ When the officers have finished speaking to their troops, they will appoint the unit commanders.” – Deuteronomy 20:8-9

DO NOT BE AFRAID; YOU WILL MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY!

Often fear gets in our way of stepping into opportunities. When given the choice to return to safety or be used by God on the battlefield, how will we respond? What will it take for us to let go of worry, push away fear, and step into our purpose? What unfinished business do we need to settle in order to experience victory? May the Spirit speak to you through the words of Psalm 91 today:

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
He is my God, and I trust him.
For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor the arrow that flies in the day.
Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.
Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished.

If you make the Lord your refuge,
if you make the Most High your shelter,
no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home.
For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go.
They will hold you up with their hands
so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
You will trample upon lions and cobras;
you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them.
I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.” — Psalm 91

Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 13–17; Psalm 134

Have you ever sliced a pie and then eyed the piece you want for yourself? Have you ever looked at the cake and thought – I want the piece with the most icing? Have you ever rushed to the front of the potluck line to get your pick of the food before the best is gone? Have you ever had a “me first” attitude, or an “every man for himself” spirit?

FROM A ME-FIRST MENTALITY TO A GOD-FIRST PASSION

In Deuteronomy, we can see that God is calling His people from a “me-first” mentality to a “God-first” passion. The words of Moses to God’s people as they were entering the Promised Land hold great advice for us today. By studying Moses’ instructions to the Israelites, we increase our understanding of the holiness to which God has called us. Moses starts by calling God’s people to obedience and love.

“Be careful to obey all my commands, so that all will go well with you and your children after you, because you will be doing what is good and pleasing to the Lord your God.” – Deuteronomy 12:28

Do not follow the example of the world and its ways; do not follow their customs or inquire about their gods. You have been set apart as holy and God has chosen you as His own special treasure (14:2,21b). There will be those who will try to lead you away from your walk with God. They will try to talk you out of doing all that the Lord your God has commanded you to do. Do not give in or listen to them.

“The Lord your God is testing you to see if you truly love Him with all your heart and soul. Serve only the Lord your God and fear Him alone. Obey His commands, listen to His voice, and cling to Him.” – Deuteronomy 13:3b-4

And here is Moses’ advice to those in leadership – to the king or the one the Lord chooses to lead His people: Do not store up wealth for yourself. Do not build up a large stable of horses for yourself or take many wives for yourself, or accumulate large amounts of wealth in silver and gold.

FROM A MORE-STUFF LIFESTYLE TO A MORE-GOD PURSUIT

Your focus should be on God’s word. Keep a copy with you and read it daily as long as you live. Then you will learn to fear the Lord by obeying all His instructions and decrees. This regular reading of God’s word will prevent you from becoming proud and acting as if you are above those God has given you the privilege of leading (Deuteronomy 17:15-20).

In fact, it is your responsibility to take care of the church and of those who are less fortunate – the poor, the widows, the orphans and the foreigners. If you truly love the God you are serving, you will serve those He calls you to serve; you will share your blessings with those in need.

“Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do. There will always be some in the land who are poor. That is why I am commanding you to share freely with the poor and with other Israelites in need.” – Deuteronomy 15:10-11

So, before you slice the pie and enjoy what God has blessed you with, give God His portion and share generously with those in need. Then you can enjoy what God has given you.

Father God, thank you for your words of wisdom for us today. As we sit in your presence and drink from your cup, fill our hearts with a spirit of generosity that we may think of others more than we think of ourselves. May our love for you increase and pour out toward others. Whatever you have called us to do, whatever land you have laid out before us, remind us that our calling is still about you and not about us.

Lord, we love you and it is our heart’s cry to obey and please you in all that we do. We give today to you, recognizing that this day was first given to us by you. Show us the needs of those around us and give us opportunities today to bless others with the blessings you have given us.

Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord
who minister by night in the house of the Lord.
Lift up your hands in the sanctuary
and praise the Lord.
May the Lord bless you from Zion,
he who is the Maker of heaven and earth. — Psalm 134

Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 11-12; Psalm 146

“See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse — the blessing if you obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today; the curse if you disobey the commands of the Lord your God and turn from the way that I command you today by following other gods, which you have not known.” — Deuteronomy 11:26-28

GOD’S PEOPLE DID AND STILL DO HAVE A CHOICE TO MAKE.

God is not forcing us to obey and follow the life He has prepared for us, but He does want us to know what is available to us. God gives clarity to what our choices are. He longs for us to receive His blessings and choose life, but He gives us the opportunity to make our own decision, even if that means we choose death. God knows that obedience is what will lead to our peace and joy, and He loves us enough to pursue our heart, while also giving us the freedom to make our own decision whether or not we will serve Him.

“Therefore, be careful to obey every command I am giving you today, so you may have strength to go in and take over the land you are about to enter. If you obey, you will enjoy a long life in the land the Lord swore to give to your ancestors and to you, their descendants—a land flowing with milk and honey! For the land you are about to enter and take over is not like the land of Egypt from which you came, where you planted your seed and made irrigation ditches with your foot as in a vegetable garden. Rather, the land you will soon take over is a land of hills and valleys with plenty of rain — a land that the Lord your God cares for. He watches over it through each season of the year!” — Deuteronomy 11:8-12

God knew the battles that were ahead of the Israelites; He knew they needed His strength to take over the land He had promised to them. He knew that if they obeyed him, they would enjoy a long and wonderful life in this place He was giving them. He was not promising there would never be difficulty. He reminded them they would have enemies and that there would be battles to fight, but He would be with them to protect and provide for them.

GOD WANTS TO WATCH OVER YOU AND FIGHT YOUR BATTLES, BUT YOU MUST CHOOSE HIM.

“If you carefully obey the commands I am giving you today, and if you love the Lord your God and serve him with all your heart and soul, then he will send the rains in their proper seasons—the early and late rains—so you can bring in your harvests of grain, new wine, and olive oil. He will give you lush pastureland for your livestock, and you yourselves will have all you want to eat.” — Deuteronomy 11:13-15

God was calling His people to relationship; He was calling them to a life where they would serve him with all their heart, and He would provide them with all they would need. But, if they chose to serve other gods, His jealous anger would burn against them and He would withdraw the rain. Without the rain there would be no harvest, and without the harvest, there would be no food. It was their choice to make, but they needed to be aware of the consequences that were attached to each option. God makes those same consequences clear to us in His word.

GOD IS CALLING US TO BE ALL IN — TO LOVE HIM AND SERVE HIM WITH ALL OUR HEART AND SOUL — SO THAT WE CAN LIVE IN RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM.

“So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, so that as long as the sky remains above the earth, you and your children may flourish in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors.” — Deuteronomy 11:18-21

ARE YOU ALL IN? HAVE YOU MADE YOUR DECISION?

Are you willing to serve God wholeheartedly? He is calling out to you, asking you to give Him everything. He wants your love for Him to be displayed in the way you serve only Him — for your decision to be evident in the choices you make each day. Show your love for God by walking in His ways and holding tight to Him (11:22).

The way of the godly leads to life; that path does not lead to death. — Proverbs 12:28

But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper,
whose hope is in the Lord their God.
He made heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them.
He keeps every promise forever.
He gives justice to the oppressed
and food to the hungry.
The Lord frees the prisoners.
The Lord opens the eyes of the blind.
The Lord lifts up those who are weighed down.
The Lord loves the godly.
The Lord protects the foreigners among us.
He cares for the orphans and widows,
but he frustrates the plans of the wicked. – Psalm 146:5-9

Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 9–10; Psalm 130

“Today you are about to cross the Jordan River…But recognize today that the Lord your God is the one who will cross over ahead of you like a devouring fire to destroy them. He will subdue them so that you will quickly conquer them and drive them out, just as the Lord has promised.” — Deuteronomy 9:1,3

GOD WILL CROSS OVER AHEAD OF YOU.

It is because of God’s grace that the people of Israel experienced victory over their enemies, not because of their own righteousness. It is because of God’s undeserved favor in our lives that we experience His blessings, not because of anything we have done to earn His love. I am overwhelmed with gratitude this morning that God crosses over ahead of us, that He allows us to experience His presence, that He sets out a road for us to follow. I will daily choose to love Him, serve Him and obey Him.

“After the Lord your God has done this for you, don’t say in your hearts, ‘The Lord has given us this land because we are such good people!’ No, it is because of the wickedness of the other nations that he is pushing them out of your way. It is not because you are so good or have such integrity that you are about to occupy their land. The Lord your God will drive these nations out ahead of you only because of their wickedness, and to fulfill the oath he swore to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. You must recognize that the Lord your God is not giving you this land because you are good, for you are not – you are a stubborn people.” – Deuteronomy 9:3-6

WE DO NOT DESERVE THE GRACE OF GOD IN OUR LIVES, YET HE FORGIVES US AND LEADS US FROM THE WILDERNESS TO ALL HE HAS PROMISED US.

Moses reminded God’s people of how angry they had made the Lord when they rebelled against him. He told them the story again of how they had melted down their gold and made a calf to worship, while Moses was on the mountain receiving instructions from God. When Moses pleaded with God to forgive His people once again, He chose to give them another chance — another pair of tablets with the ten commandments written on them. They had another opportunity to get it right, so Moses imparted wisdom to them before they started this new chapter in history.

“And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the Lord your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul. And you must always obey the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good.” – Deuteronomy 10:12-13

Live out your faith. Let your surrender show through your obedience to all that God wants to do in you and through you. Ask the Lord to help you love him and serve him with ALL of your heart and soul!

THE LORD CHOSE YOU. CHANGE YOUR HEARTS AND STOP BEING STUBBORN.

“For the Lord your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords. He is the great God, the mighty and awesome God, who shows no partiality and cannot be bribed. He ensures that orphans and widows receive justice. He shows love to the foreigners living among you and gives them food and clothing. So you, too, must show love to foreigners, for you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt. You must fear the Lord your God and worship him and cling to him. Your oaths must be in his name alone. He alone is your God, the only one who is worthy of your praise, the one who has done these mighty miracles that you have seen with your own eyes. When your ancestors went down into Egypt, there were only seventy of them. But now the Lord your God has made you as numerous as the stars in the sky!” – Deuteronomy 10:17-22

Just as Jesus taught the crowds of people in Jerusalem, Moses spoke a message of love to the Israelites before they crossed the Jordan River. Love God by loving others. Express your covenant relationship with God through your generous actions to those around you. Do not just let go of sin; cling to the Lord your God. God has brought you to this moment, now follow his lead — go where He tells you to go and do what He tells you to do.

FOLLOW THE ROAD SET FOR YOU.

Father God, I cannot help but smile as I think of your goodness! My heart is overflowing with all you have done! Thank you for being a generous God, even when we fail and struggle. Lord, thank you for the privilege to be called to holiness, to be set apart for your glory and for your excellence. We feast in your presence this morning as we rejoice in all you have accomplished! Fill us with your strength and your righteousness today, we pray.

Lord, if you kept a record of our sins,
who, O Lord, could ever survive?
But you offer forgiveness,
that we might learn to fear you.
I am counting on the Lord;
yes, I am counting on him.
I have put my hope in his word.
I long for the Lord
more than sentries long for the dawn,
yes, more than sentries long for the dawn.
O Israel, hope in the Lord;
for with the Lord there is unfailing love.
His redemption overflows.
He himself will redeem Israel
from every kind of sin. – Psalm 130:3-8

Lord, we take this time to pray for our country. We know we are not a nation that deserves your blessings. Please forgive us for our hardheadedness and cut away the thick calluses of our stubbornness. Help us to find a balance between protecting our freedoms and protecting our country. Help us to always be a refuge for those in need, to be compassionate towards ALL people. You are a God immense and powerful and awesome, taking loving care of all your children. Give us hearts that extend that same love to one another, treating foreigners with the same loving care we receive from you. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 6-8, Psalm 113

“Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves WHOLEHEARTEDLY to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” – Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Moses continued his farewell speech to the Israelites by encouraging them to remember how the Lord had rescued them. He told them to fear the Lord and serve Him only, for God is a jealous God and He desires for us to DILIGENTLY obey His commands. He calls us to do what is right and good in His sight so that all will go well with us (Deut. 6:18).

GOD GIVES US MOMENTS OF REFLECTION IN ORDER FOR US TO RENEW OUR COMMITMENT.

I love those pivotal moments in my life when a new chapter is beginning or a new season is just around the corner. These big life changes give me the opportunity to look back over the last season — to remember ALL that God has done and that HE has accomplished in my life and through my life. I celebrate God’s generosity and the evidence of His grace in my life. I look forward to what is ahead, asking God for His guidance and His blessing. I seek His will, His way, in His time.

My husband and I are going through a new stage of life — a season when it seems we spend more time in hotels than we do in our own home. Our daughters are adults now pursuing all that God has for their lives, and we continue to look ahead for what God is calling us to do in this next season. As we reflect on the last 33 years of our story together, we see decisions we can feel really good about and also moments we would choose to do over if we could. Thankfully there are more memories to celebrate than there are decisions to regret.

Perhaps you have gone through this same process at the beginning of a new year or at the start of a new stage of your life. Perhaps you felt like the Israelites as they saw the mistakes they had made and the consequences of their decisions. There were probably moments to celebrate and memories to regret. Looking forward to what is ahead might have felt like getting a blank slate or a chance to start a new chapter of your life.

GOD GIVES US MOMENTS LIKE THESE TO PURPOSEFULLY STAND BETWEEN WHAT HE HAS DONE FOR US AND WHAT HE PROMISES TO DO IN THE COMING YEARS — LOOKING BACK AND LOOKING FORWARD WHILE PRAISING GOD FOR EVERY MOMENT.

Moses was having a similar moment with God’s people as they stood between the wilderness and the promised land — looking back and looking forward. He told them their children would ask questions: Why do we do what we do? Why do we follow these traditions and rules? LET THEM HEAR THE STORIES. Make them aware of where God has brought us from and that we will be counted as righteous when we obey all God’s commands (Deut. 6:20-25).

“…Of all the people on earth, the Lord your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure… Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands. But he does not hesitate to punish and destroy those who reject him.” – Deut. 7:6-10

YOU HAVE SEEN IT WITH YOUR OWN EYES! GOD HAS LED YOU — SOMETIMES HUMBLING YOU, SOMETIMES TESTING YOU, BUT ALL THE TIME TEACHING YOU.

He has provided in order to teach you that people do not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Your clothes have not worn out; your journey has been long, but your feet are neither blistered nor swollen. Now praise the Lord for this good land He has given you. In the midst of your plenty, do not become proud and forget the source of all blessings. Don’t think you have achieved anything by your own strength and energy, but remember that it is the Lord who gives you the power to be successful (Deut. 8).

Father God, when we begin to feel rejected, when we feel we have lost your favor, we will remember the years you have stretched out your right hand over us. We will remember your wonderful deeds; we will recount the miracles we have witnessed in our lifetime. When we feel your unfailing love has vanished or your promise has failed, we will consider all your work and meditate on all your mighty deeds. When others say you have forgotten to be merciful or that you have withheld your compassion, we will say…

Praise the Lord!
Yes, give praise, O servants of the Lord.
Praise the name of the Lord!
Blessed be the name of the Lord
now and forever.
Everywhere—from east to west—
praise the name of the Lord.
For the Lord is high above the nations;
his glory is higher than the heavens.
Who can be compared with the Lord our God,
who is enthroned on high?
He stoops to look down
on heaven and on earth.
He lifts the poor from the dust
and the needy from the garbage dump.
He sets them among princes,
even the princes of his own people!
He gives the childless woman a family,
making her a happy mother.
Praise the Lord! – Psalm 113

Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 1-5; Psalm 107

Have you ever anticipated something for a long time? Then you get to that moment and someone makes you pause for a moment of reflection. Have you felt the anticipation of what is about to happen and the anxiety of something delaying that moment you have been waiting for? It’s Christmas morning, but wait — the Christmas story hasn’t been read yet. You have arrived at the amusement park and you can hear the screams of those who are already on the roller coaster, but wait — time to pose for a picture. You are finally at the beach, but wait — you have to let your sunscreen dry and your lunch settle before you run into the waves!

I wonder if this is what the Israelites were feeling as they stood between the desert they had wandered in for so long and the beautiful Promised Land. The time had finally come to enter Canaan, but Moses took the time to address the people he had led this far. What could have taken eleven days had taken forty years due to the Israelites’ disobedience. Moses took this time to remind the people of what God had done for them and of the covenant relationship He had entered into with His people.

PAUSE AND REMEMBER.

The majority of the book of Deuteronomy is Moses’ last speech to the Israelites before handing leadership over to Joshua. He looked back over his time with God’s people, reminding them of God’s faithfulness to them through some of the hardest times. He intentionally reminded them of the last time God said to go into the Promised Land and take possession of it.

Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them. The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the desert. There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place. In spite of this, you did not trust in the Lord your God, who went ahead of you on your journey, in fire by night and in a cloud by day, to search out places for you to camp and to show you the way you should go. — Deuteronomy 1:29-33

The Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has WATCHED OVER your journey through this vast desert. These forty years the Lord your God has BEEN WITH YOU and you have not lacked anything. — Deuteronomy 2:7

DO NOT MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE.

“Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. Remember…” — Deuteronomy 4:9-10a

There will be tough times ahead of you, “But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deuteronomy 4:29).

Moses’ strong desire was that history would not repeat itself – that Israel would learn from their past mistakes and move forward in righteousness and faithfulness to their covenant relationship with God. He reminded them of the 10 Commandments and then gave them this very wise advice:

“Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other.” — Deuteronomy 4:39

“So be careful to do what the Lord your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. Walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.” — Deuteronomy 5:32-33

NOTICE YOU HAVE LACKED FOR NOTHING.

Dear God, we thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you for the times in our lives when you have carried us as a father carries his child. We praise you for those times when you have made us pause — when you have gone ahead of us in our journey, preparing the way and directing us down the right path. Your plan has never been for us to fear but always for us to trust in your provision. Thank you for watching over us, for remaining with us even when we struggled to trust you; thank you for providing even though we do not deserve your generous love.

Abba Father, we thank you for being a God who is there for us — a God we find every time we seek you with all our heart and with all our soul. Lord, we patiently wait in anticipation of what you have next for us. Give us courage through the unknowns and patience in the waiting. We choose to walk in your way today, to remain in a covenant relationship with you. Guide us into your perfect plan, we pray. Amen.

Some wandered in the wilderness,
lost and homeless.
Hungry and thirsty,
they nearly died.
“Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble,
and he rescued them from their distress.
He led them straight to safety,
to a city where they could live.
Let them praise the Lord for his great love
and for the wonderful things he has done for them.
For he satisfies the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things. – Psalm 107:4-9

Today’s Reading: Numbers 32-36; Psalm 85

The tribes of Reuben and Gad owned vast numbers of livestock. So when they saw that the lands of Jazer and Gilead were ideally suited for their flocks and herds, they came to Moses, Eleazar the priest, and the other leaders of the community. They said, “Notice the towns of Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sibmah, Nebo, and Beon. The Lord has conquered this whole area for the community of Israel, and it is ideally suited for all our livestock. If we have found favor with you, please let us have this land as our property instead of giving us land across the Jordan River.” – Numbers 32:1-5

After all the years of traveling and all the years of wandering, Israel was on the verge of receiving all that the Lord God had promised to them. With the help of their God, they had defeated their enemies on this side of the Jordan River. They had an abundance of flocks and herds because God had allowed them to keep the plunder from the victories He had won for them.

The tribes of Reuben and Gad were surrounded by the evidence of God’s blessings, yet unwilling to step into the greater blessing of their promised inheritance. The fulfillment of the Lord’s promises was on the other side of the river, but they defined their current situation as ideal instead of trusting in what the Lord had for them. You could even say they chose to stay in their comfort zone instead of crossing into the unknown.

THEIR EYES WERE FIXED ON WHAT COULD BE SEEN RATHER THAN HAVING FAITH IN THE UNSEEN.

“We would rather live here on the east side and accept this as our grant of land.” – Numbers 32:19b

The leaders of these two tribes explained their plan to Moses. They would build pens for their animals and fortified cities for their wives and children. They would create protection around their possessions and their families, and then they would cross the Jordan River to help the other tribes defeat the Canaanites and secure places for their women, children and livestock. First they would tend to their own needs and wants, and then they would help the rest of the Israelites win the battles ahead.

THEY WERE MORE CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT THEY WANTED THAN ABOUT WHAT GOD WANTED FOR THEM.

So Moses assigned land to the tribes of Gad, Reuben, and half the tribe of Manasseh son of Joseph. He gave them the territory of King Sihon of the Amorites and the land of King Og of Bashan—the whole land with its cities and surrounding lands. – Numbers 32:33

Because they settled for less than all that God had planned for them, these two and half tribes missed out on the abundance of God’s blessings. They were too impatient to wait for God’s timing and too selfish to consider the needs of the other tribes. Their priority was to take care of their own first, focused on what they could build for themselves rather than the life God could build for them.

HOW OFTEN DO WE PASS UP WHAT GOD WANTS US TO DO SO THAT WE CAN DO WHAT WE WANT TO DO? HOW OFTEN DO WE GIVE TO GOD OUT OF OUR EXCESS RATHER THAN OUR FIRSTFRUITS?

As the rest of the people camped along the Jordan River across from the city of Jericho, the Lord gave Moses these instructions. Drive out all of the people who live in Canaan, and destroy their idols and pagan shrines. Divide the land into portions based on the sacred lot of the tribes as well as their size. The Lord chose Eleazar the priest and Joshua son of Nun to divide the land among the remaining nine and a half tribes (34:17). Each tribe was to give a portion of their land to the Levites, as well as create cities of refuge for those whose actions unintentionally end the life of another person.

We serve a patient God, a just God and a merciful God. The Lord both provides for and protects His people. But He is also a God of instruction and He expects us to do what He has told us to do. He knows what is best for us; He wants us to choose the life He has planned for us. This requires our obedience and devotion — our full surrender to the God of unfailing love and generous abundance.

“But if you fail to drive out the people who live in the land, those who remain will be like splinters in your eyes and thorns in your sides. They will harass you in the land where you live. And I will do to you what I had planned to do to them.” – Numbers 32:55-56

Lord, reveal in us the ways in which we have settled for what the world has to offer us instead of craving all that you have planned for us. Forgive us for our selfishness and greed, for the times when we have put our own needs ahead of the needs of others. Lord, create in us a clean heart and fill us with your Spirit. May we be sold out to all that you desire in our lives, and may we recognize the evidence of your blessings. Amen.

Show us your unfailing love, O Lord,
and grant us your salvation.
I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying,
for he speaks peace to his faithful people.
But let them not return to their foolish ways.
Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him,
so our land will be filled with his glory.
Unfailing love and truth have met together.
Righteousness and peace have kissed!
Truth springs up from the earth,
and righteousness smiles down from heaven.
Yes, the Lord pours down his blessings.
Our land will yield its bountiful harvest.
Righteousness goes as a herald before him,
preparing the way for his steps. – Psalm 85:7-13

Today’s Reading: Numbers 25-31; Psalm 79

The next few chapters describe the many offerings God asked His people to make, and the timing of each of those offerings. Each offering had a purpose and came with detailed instructions. These sacrificial moments were described as a pleasing aroma to the Lord (28:2, 29:8). He then expressed to them the importance of keeping any vow or promise made.

“This is what the Lord has commanded: A man who makes a vow to the Lord or makes a pledge under oath must never break it. He must do exactly what he said he would do.” – Numbers 30:2

If you say you are going to do something, you should do it. If you commit yourself to something, you should faithfully follow through on your commitment.

OBEDIENCE TO GOD IS EXPECTED AND SACRIFICIAL LIVING IS LIKE A PLEASING AROMA TO HIM.

The Israelite people were fickle and lacked the integrity God was calling them to. As they settled into the land of Canaan, there were Midianites living in the area (descendants of Abraham from his wife Keturah). The Israelites were strongly influenced by the Midianites, having sex with their women and participating in the worship of idols. This brought about a plague on God’s people.

We cannot be indifferent to the sinful world around us. If God calls us to make a change in our life, we must do it. If He reveals in us a sinful attitude or a temptation that is pulling us away from him, we must rid ourselves of all that is causing us to drift away from him. We must keep our promise to the Lord.

WE MUST MAKE SURE NOTHING BECOMES MORE IMPORTANT THAN LIVING OUT OUR FAITH IN HIM.

Help us, O God of our salvation!
Help us for the glory of your name.
Save us and forgive our sins
for the honor of your name. – Psalm 79:9

God gave Moses one more mission — to lead the people of Israel in a battle against the Midianites. The army was successful in winning the battle but they compromised by bringing back the women and children along with the plunder. They held onto that which had caused them to sin in the first place — the sexual relationships with those who did not believe in God. The Lord had plans to bless His people but they were not fully following His instructions.

It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration, so Jesus went to Jerusalem. In the Temple area he saw merchants selling cattle, sheep, and doves for sacrifices; he also saw dealers at tables exchanging foreign money. Jesus made a whip from some ropes and chased them all out of the Temple. He drove out the sheep and cattle, scattered the money changers’ coins over the floor, and turned over their tables. Then, going over to the people who sold doves, he told them, “Get these things out of here. Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!” – John 2:13-16

WHAT HAVE WE ALLOWED INTO OUR LIVES THAT IS CAUSING US TO SLOWLY DRIFT AWAY FROM GOD?

What is causing our hearts to be unfaithful to the One we have committed our lives to? Is there anything we have made room for in our lives that needs to be driven out in order to serve God with integrity and purity? What have we allowed into our lives that is causing us to slowly drift away from God?

Lord, thank you for being a holy God who cares to have a relationship with us. Reveal in us all we have let slip into our lives, drawing our attention away from you. Cleanse us from the impurities of this world and the desire for earthly gain, so that our lives can be a pleasing aroma to you and to those in need of salvation. May our love for you be displayed in our lives with integrity and obedience. Amen.

But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God. – 2 Corinthians 2:14-17

Today’s Reading: Numbers 23-24; Psalm 124

God had a purpose for Balaam – a place he needed him to be. Because Balaam responded in obedience when God blocked his way, God was able to use him in this next story.

After hearing from the Lord, Balaam traveled to King Balak but warned him, “Look, now I have come, but I have no power to say whatever I want. I will speak only the message that God puts in my mouth” (Numbers 22:38). Next Balaam sought out that message.

SEARCHING FOR SIGNAL

King Balak took Balaam up to Bamoth-baal, built altars and made sacrifices with him in hopes that Balaam would curse Israel. Balaam went alone to the top of the hill and God met him there, giving Balaam the words to say and the message to give – a message blessing Israel instead of cursing them. Frustrated, Balak took Balaam to another place overlooking the Israelites. Balak asked Balaam to at least curse some of the Israelites if he couldn’t curse all of them. They built more altars and offered more sacrifices. God commanded Balaam again to bless the people of Israel.

“Rise up, Balak, and listen! Hear me, son of Zippor. God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through? Listen, I received a command to bless; God has blessed, and I cannot reverse it!…” – Numbers 23:18-20

Balak took Balaam to a third place, hoping it would please God to curse the Israelites from there. God again blessed His people and Balak flew into a rage. God gave Balaam a final message for King Balak. Not only would He bless the people of Israel, He would use Israel to crush and destroy the nation of Moab.

CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?

I wonder if we ever communicate with God in the same way that King Balak did. Like moving from place to place to get better cell phone reception, do we refuse to listen to God’s first reply to us and continue to manipulate our circumstances to get a different result? “Can you hear me now?” When God gives us clear instructions, do we stall and try other methods to get what we want instead of obeying and accepting His plan? Do we find ourselves asking God for confirmation when He has already been clear with us?

God, this morning we have gone alone to our mountaintop and you have met us there. Show us your plan and give us direction, giving us also the strength to accept your will. Reveal if there is anything you have told us to do and we have ignored it, hoping for a different message next time we hear from you. Forgive us for manipulating our situation instead of submitting to your Lordship. God, may our heart’s desire to please and serve you be stronger than our own selfish desires. We love you, Lord. Amen.

WHAT IF GOD HAD NOT ANSWERED OUR CALL?

I am grateful this morning that we serve the God who watches over us and protects us from our enemies. How many times has the Lord blocked the schemes of those who wish us harm? How many times has He confused our enemies or refused to let their curses land on us? What if the Lord had not been on our side? This morning I long to climb to a bare hill and thank the Lord for the times He has protected me and I was unaware of the threat of evil. May God hear our voices uniting in thanksgiving to Him this morning.

What if the Lord had not been on our side?
Let all Israel repeat:
What if the Lord had not been on our side
when people attacked us?
They would have swallowed us alive
in their burning anger.
The waters would have engulfed us;
a torrent would have overwhelmed us.
Yes, the raging waters of their fury
would have overwhelmed our very lives.
Praise the Lord,
who did not let their teeth tear us apart!
We escaped like a bird from a hunter’s trap.
The trap is broken, and we are free!
Our help is from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth. – Psalm 124:1-8

Today’s Reading: Numbers 22; Psalm 128

Now King Balak of Moab saw everything that happened and watched the Israelites camp across the river from Jericho. He sent for Balaam, a Midianite prophet, offering him money to curse the people of Israel. Unlike King Sihon, Balaam understood the power of the Israelites’ God because he was a descendant of Abraham through his wife Keturah. Balaam invited the elders of Moab (descendants of Lot) and Midian to spend the night while he called on the Lord for direction.

DO NOT GO. DO NOT CURSE THESE PEOPLE I HAVE BLESSED.

The next morning he sent the elders back to King Balak with the message that he could not come because the Lord would not let him. But Balak was not ready to give up. This time he sent a group of more distinguished officials to Balaam with a generous financial offer if he would just come and curse the Israelites.

But Balaam responded to Balak’s messengers, “Even if Balak were to give me his palace filled with silver and gold, I would be powerless to do anything against the will of the Lord my God. But stay here one more night, and I will see if the Lord has anything else to say to me.” – Numbers 22:18-19

YOU MAY GO BUT DO ONLY WHAT I TELL YOU TO DO.

The next morning, Balaam started out but the Lord sent an angel to block the way. Although Balaam could not see anything in the road, the donkey could see the angel of the Lord standing with a drawn sword in his hand. The donkey bolted so Balaam beat it and turned it back to the road. As they moved towards the place in the road that narrowed between two vineyard walls, the angel of the Lord again blocked the way. When the donkey tried to squeeze by the angel, it crushed Balaam’s foot against the wall. Again, Balaam beat the donkey. Farther down the road the donkey saw the angel again and laid down, causing Balaam to beat the animal a third time.

Balaam was so focused on his own plan, what he thought he should do, that he was both blind and deaf to God’s attempts to block his plan. So the Lord gave the donkey the ability to ask Balaam what he had done to deserve being beaten three times. Balaam was mad that the donkey had made him look like a fool.

Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the roadway with a drawn sword in his hand. Balaam bowed his head and fell face down on the ground before him.

“Why have you beaten your donkey these three times?” the angel of the Lord demanded. “Look, I have come to block your way because you are stubbornly resisting me. Three times the donkey saw me and shied away; otherwise, I would certainly have killed you by now and spared the donkey.”

Then Balaam confessed to the angel of the Lord, “I have sinned. I didn’t realize you were standing in the road to block my way. I will return home if you are against my going.” – Numbers 22:31-34

YOU MAY GO BUT SAY ONLY WHAT I TELL YOU TO SAY.

Once God had his attention, Balaam’s response was one of repentance and obedience. Now Balaam’s heart was ready for the journey ahead. He set out to do only what God told him to do and to say only what God told him to say.

We live in a world of smartphones, smart tvs and smart cars. If we need an answer to a question, we ask Siri. If we need directions, we go to Google Maps. If we want to hear a song, we ask Alexa. Our exercise bike has become a Peloton with online trainers, and we do more talking on social media than we do face to face. But has our culture become so “smart” that we have stopped following God’s word and stopped hearing His voice?

So I ask myself this question again today — Do I trust in my own leadership or in the God who led me to this moment? Am I focused on my own plan or listening for God’s plan? Am I pushing after what I want instead of listening for God’s instruction? I want to respond as Balaam did. I want to be the one who has a heart of repentance and is willing to go with God’s plan the moment I realize that I am doing my own thing or that I have taken my eyes off the Lord. I want to be smarter than my mode of transportation.

I told you my plans, and you answered. Now teach me your decrees. Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds. — Psalm 119:26–27

Thank you for the reminder, Lord, to live in faith and not fear. Please show me if at any moment today I am trusting more in myself than in You. Quiet the distractions and circumstances in my life so that I can better listen for your clear instructions and your plan. My desire is for your way and not mine. I love you, Lord. Amen.

How joyful are those who fear the Lord — all who follow his ways! – Psalm 128:1