Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go up this mountain in the Abarim Range and see the land I have given the Israelites. After you have seen it, you too will be gathered to your people, as your brother Aaron was, for when the community rebelled at the waters in the Desert of Zin, both of you disobeyed my command to honor me as holy before their eyes.”

Numbers 27,32-35, Deuteronomy 4:41-43

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go up this mountain in the Abarim Range and see the land I have given the Israelites. After you have seen it, you too will be gathered to your people, as your brother Aaron was, for when the community rebelled at the waters in the Desert of Zin, both of you disobeyed my command to honor me as holy before their eyes.” Numbers 27:12-14

Day 44 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on the selection of Joshua by the Lord to succeed Moses as leader of Israel, and in preparation for battle to secure and settle in the Promised Land, God orders complete destruction of the inhabitants of the land.  He also gives detailed instructions regarding the borders of the land, as well as assignment of leaders by tribe to assist in the allocation of the land.

Prominent in today's scripture are the consequences of sin experienced by Moses who has otherwise been a faithful servant of God.  God may forgive our sin but this does not mean we get to avoid the consequences of sin - of course this is in God's hands as He is Judge and His justice is perfect.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and whose justice is perfect - I am grateful for how You have exercised compassion and mercy in my life and grateful as well for the discipline I've received as well - Your justice is perfect.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a God - Abba - as You.  I sin...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Not one of them was among those counted by Moses and Aaron the priest when they counted the Israelites in the Desert of Sinai. For the Lord had told those Israelites they would surely die in the wilderness, and not one of them was left except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun.

Numbers 26

Not one of them was among those counted by Moses and Aaron the priest when they counted the Israelites in the Desert of Sinai. For the Lord had told those Israelites they would surely die in the wilderness, and not one of them was left except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun. Numbers 26:64-65

Day 43 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on God's command to take a another census as a means to allot portions of the promised land according to each tribe's numbers.  We also see a promise kept by God (see Numbers 14:21-24) as He does not allow any of those who grumbled, complained, and rebelled against Moses to enter the promised land as all of these save Caleb and Joshua did not enter the land.

Here we have yet another reminder of how God keeps His promises - both positive and negative.  He is faithful and we can rely on what He says. Another reminder as well that we are not to grumble and complain as God wants us to view our circumstances through His eyes as He is in control and we are to be thankful.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me, who is faithful and will never leave or forsake me, and always provides - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a God.  I sin...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with Moabite women, who invited them to the sacrifices to their gods. The people ate the sacrificial meal and bowed down before these gods. So Israel yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor. And the Lord’s anger burned against them.

Numbers 25,31

While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with Moabite women, who invited them to the sacrifices to their gods. The people ate the sacrificial meal and bowed down before these gods. So Israel yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor. And the Lord’s anger burned against them. Numbers 25:1-3

Day 42 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on God's wrath against both the men of Israel who lusted after the women of Midian and yoked themselves to their god, as well against Midian itself, which was completely destroyed save young virgin girls and plunder of livestock and valuables. 

Lust and sexual immorality are enticing sins for many and per my link (which is not exhaustive) the Bible addresses it quite often.  John Piper offers advice to man struggle here.

Jesus refers to adultery or sexual sin as a matter of the heart - even your illicit thoughts are sinful (Matthew 5:27-30).

John Piper's post is spot on here as I have felt the power of the Spirit to gain victory over sexual sin.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who has helped me gain power of sexual sin and many other sins - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and protection.  I sin...daily.  Please help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind, and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

"Did I not tell the messengers you sent me,‘Even if Balak gave me all the silver and gold in his palace, I could not do anything of my own accord, good or bad, to go beyond the command of the Lord—and I must say only what the Lord says’?

Numbers 22-24

"Did I not tell the messengers you sent me,‘Even if Balak gave me all the silver and gold in his palace, I could not do anything of my own accord, good or bad, to go beyond the command of the Lord—and I must say only what the Lord says’? Numbers 24:12-13

Day 41 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on Israel's movement from the east of the Jordan River as they prepare to enter the promised land.  They encounter the Moabite people and their king - Balak - who fear the Israelites and seek assistance from Balaam (whom my commentary* refers to as "a spiritualist" who is "by no means a good man", and by John MacArthur as a "soothsayer, a diviner of sorts, a prophet").  Balak seeks a curse on the Israelites from Balaam but God speaks to Balaam (including through Balaam's donkey) and according to my commentary* "God has allowed Balaam to go for the sole purpose of teaching Balak how wrong it is to put God’s will to the test in hope of personal gain".  Balaam is certainly intrigued by the possibility of wealth (as offered by Balak in exchange for a curse on the Israelites) but God makes it crystal clear that His will shall be done (faithfulness of His promise to deliver Israel to the Promised Land). 

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) . Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition. 

There are times in our life when, just as God spoke through Balaam's donkey and placed angels in Balaam's path (Numbers 22:21-35), God must do something drastic to make it very clear that our path is sinful.  We should all hope that God does this for all of us.  As I prepare for an interview this Friday for a new job, I am prayerful that God will make it clear regarding whatever path may open up for me - that I have clarity and wisdom to discern whether such new paths may be God's will or not.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has helped throughout my career and all areas of my life - You have blessed me beyond what I deserve and never failed to provide.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  I sin...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.”

Numbers 20-21,33

But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.” Numbers 20:12

Day 40 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on the Israelites as they prepare to enter the promised land.  Aaron and Moses commit a grave sin and are denied entry to the promised land.  God is faithful in defeating several armies as He carries Israel to the promised land, but also faithful in fulfilling His word that the Edomites - descendants of Esau - will be a source of hostility for Israel.

As the Israelites cry out and grumble for lack of water (Numbers 20:2), The Lord gives Moses' instructions:

“Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water. You will bring water out of the rock for the community so they and their livestock can drink.” Numbers 20:8

Yet Moses - indicated in my commentary* as "not simply [a] failure to follow God’s specific directions, but manifestations of pride and self-importance which minimize God’s power—a potential danger for all who would be spiritual leaders - does not follow these instructions specifically but instead strikes the rock twice (Numbers 20:11).

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) . Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition. 

God's rebuke of Aaron and Moses is both swift and sharp.

But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.” Numbers 20:12

Pride, arrogance and self-importance are dangerous sins as they imply a lack of need of God and placing self above God.

Humility is key - all that we possess, including skills and abilities, come from God.  Of course, obedience is also key.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who provides for all that I possess and all of my skills and abilities - without You I am nothing and would have nothing.  Thank You for providing for me...daily.  I am not deserving.  I sin daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The Israelites said to Moses, “We will die! We are lost, we are all lost! Anyone who even comes near the tabernacle of the Lord will die. Are we all going to die?”

Numbers 16-18

 The Israelites said to Moses, “We will die! We are lost, we are all lost! Anyone who even comes near the tabernacle of the Lord will die. Are we all going to die?” Numbers 17:12-13

Day 39 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on an insurrection from Korah, Dathan, and Abiram and 250 men from among the Israelite community leaders (council).  The grumbling and complaining extends to a large pocket of the Israelites (14,700 of them).  God pours out His wrath on Korah, Dathan, and Abiram (including all of the 250 associated men), as well as on the 14,700 Israelites.

Yes, God is slow to anger and abounding in love, but we should not put the Lord Your God to the test (Deuteronomy 6:16) by constantly grumbling and complaining, and by questioning who is put above us in positions of leadership.  God is in control and we need to view our circumstances through His eyes and fear Him.  We should also be aware that God's patience is not unlimited. The Israelites react in fear after seeing God's wrath and this is a good thing because such fear acts as preservative drawing us near to Him and keeping us from sinning.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God who loves me and who is slow to anger and abounding in love - I have felt this compassion and mercy in my life time and time again and I am grateful.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love.  I sin...daily.  Please forgive me and help me turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

Nevertheless, in their presumption they went up toward the highest point in the hill country, though neither Moses nor the ark of the Lord’s covenant moved from the camp. Then the Amalekites and the Canaanites who lived in that hill country came down and attacked them and beat them down all the way to Hormah.

Numbers 12-14

    Nevertheless, in their presumption they went up toward the highest point in the hill country, though neither Moses nor the ark of the Lord’s covenant moved from the camp. Then the Amalekites and the Canaanites who lived in that hill country came down and attacked them and beat them down all the way to Hormah. Numbers 14:44-45

Day 38 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on gossip between leaders, and grumbling and complaining of the Israelites who feel powerless to overtake those who live in the Promised Land.  God burns in anger against those who gossip and against those who grumble and complain. 

Moses marries a Cushite woman and although the exact reason why is not stated, Miriam disapproves and slanders Moses (albeit indirectly) behind his back to Aaron (Numbers 12:1-2).  God is not pleased and He punishes her with a skin disease.  God is also angry with the spies He sends out to examine the Promised Land they are about to enter.  Nearly all of the spies return indicating that although the land is good they feel powerless to overcome those who inhabit the land.  Only Caleb and Joshua believe in God and trust that He will help them overtake those in the land. God punishes the Israelites for their failure to believe in Him - He forces the Israelites to wander in the desert for another 40 years.

If we truly believe in God, we must have confidence in Him to accomplish His will.  When God makes a promise, He is faithful and nothing can stop His plan.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God and You are faithful.  I have seen Your faithfulness in my life time and time again - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and faithfulness.  I sin...every single day.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.