NUMBERING ISRAEL
Today’s Reading: Numbers 1
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).
This replica of the Tabernacle of Moses was set up behind the Crossroads Centre in Burlington, Ontario, Canada, during the summer of 2012.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: Numbers 1:50
…but you shall appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of the Testimony, over all its furnishings, and over all things that belong to it; they shall carry the tabernacle and all its furnishings; they shall attend to it and camp around the tabernacle.
Here we are in Numbers. It’s a difficult book to read, but we need to stick with it. Completing the entire Bible in two years is a worthy goal. The first chapter initiates a census, from which comes the name of the book. Almost as soon as Mount Sinai is out of sight, the people begin to complain (Numbers 11). Even Moses’ brother and sister speak against his leadership (Numbers 13). Finally, the ultimate in faithlessness, the people refuse to move into the Promised Land, wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. At the book’s end, Israel is again numbered in preparation for acting on God’s promise (Numbers 26). Only two names appear in both numberings, Joshua and Caleb. There is more to come about these two heroes of obedience and faith. Israel developed two armies, one to stand before God and one before men…the Levites and all the others. These armies ensure the integrity of Israel, both spiritual and temporal.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I realize that I live in two worlds as did the Israelites. Grant me grace to faithfully execute my spiritual responsibilities, and from the strength received from You, to carry out my responsibilities to help ensure the integrity of my nation. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I accepted an invitation from Col. White of the Canadian Armed Services to address a gathering of Christian military personnel some years ago. That Sunday morning, I brought a message from God’s Word to both the Roman Catholic and the Protestant services. I noticed a Ukrainian Army Colonel sitting in the front pew of both services. Following the second service, he approached me and said, “If I could arrange for you to address our officer corp in Ukraine on the subject of having Padres or Chaplains in our military, would you come to us?” “Yes,” I responded. About two years later, under the sponsorship of the Military Christian Fellowship, Norma-Jean and I arrived in Kiev. At the opening banquet, I told the story of the army officer Cornelius (Acts 10) and made a toast to him. I suggested that he be honoured by their army. They rose, lifted their vodka-filled glasses, and I heard loud cries of “Da, Da, Yes, Yes.” It was a way to share the message of Jesus with officers who had been raised under official communist atheism.The gathering continued the next day with several speakers, as well as myself. Within two years, the Army of the Ukraine had Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Baptist and Pentecostal Chaplains. Their concern militarily at that time was the presence of Islamic countries on their borders. They had been attacked by the Tartars over the centuries. They heard, received, and acted upon the message that they needed a spiritual army as well as earthly military might.
Yours for God and country,
David
Thanks so much for the way you summarized the book of numbers in your comments. I found that very helpful. I chose to read it in the New Living Translation . Found it much easier to read.
Thanks so much for everything you David and your whole family/Team do in spreading the gospel.
I was impressed by the naming of individuals and families in Numbers 1. Having been illegitimate in the eyes of the world, I was adopted at birth and later, into God’s forever family. I have been recognized and blessed, thank you, Jesus!
Amen. Enjoy hearing the story about your involvement with Ukraine. Also recognize the words, Da, Da. I am very grateful for my trip there in the Balkans this year as well. God bless you David, Norma Jean, family and fellow bloggers.
Amen
I appreciate your words of wisdom David and input to enlighten the Word of the Lord, Thank you!! I liked your story re the Ukraine Army and their need for a spiritual army as well as earthly military might.
I got goosebumps reading about the invitation to speak in the Ukraine! This was the work of the Holy Spirit!. The Gospel is not forced, instead, an invitation was issued! This is how Jesus Christ operates! He does not push nor force! He waits to be invited! That brings me to my knees! Up to the last inth of our breath, He waits to be invited to come into our hearts Lord Jesus, He will never forsake us nor leave us!
My cousin Pastor Edwin Lehman I believe also did work in the Ukraine! He was invited also to minister to the people!
Prayers of thanksgiving for the birth of a healthy baby boy born to a fabulous lifeguard and his beautiful wife! We praise and thank God for this birth! Please pray the Holy Spirit will speak to this family to perhaps look into baptism.
Prayers for Eva! She is waiting to be placed into a care facility if possible right in her town, near her church family!
Prayers of thankfulness for Bible Study on Tuesday evenings! AMEN AMEN AMEN
Blessings to everyone!
Amen Sah!
Amen Sah.
You speak from the heart always, I feel the Holy Spirit works through you helping other people. God Bless You sister in Christ.
God bless all those who pray for one another!
I am needing BIG prayers, I need a financial breakthrough to clear debts, help family/friends/missions/purchase a newer 2nd vehicle, fix retaining wall, invest rest for a better income, then begin talks to get place ready for sale. this will take some time….I ask all this in Jesus Name AMEN…….