LEADERSHIP

Today’s Reading: Numbers 16

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).

A photo looking inland from the southern shore of the Dead Sea, 1,300 feet below sea level, the lowest place on earth. The Rift Valley starts in Syria and continues into Africa. As in our reading today, the earth opened up here at some ancient time.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Numbers 16:9a, 10

Is it a small thing to you…that He has brought you near to Himself, you and all your brethren, the sons of Levi, with you? And are you seeking the priesthood also?

Twice in our reading, Moses fell on his face before God (verses 4 & 45) in intercession for the people. He was desperate for God’s mercy upon the rebellious people. The one thing we learn from history is that we don’t learn from history. First, the judgment of God came upon those who coveted the positions of Moses and Aaron, and then by a plague that took the lives of 14,700 people. Earlier we read about the carefully crafted laws for the health of the people, and we don’t know what disease hit them. Perhaps, if those who rejected Moses’ leadership had left quietly, the tragedies could’ve been avoided. Judgment can be averted by genuine repentance.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Dear Lord, please help me to be loyal to the leaders You have chosen, and if I cannot support them, may I have the grace to leave quietly so as not to damage Your work in any way. I repent for my failure to recognize from time to time Your appointments to positions of leadership authority. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I’ve been learning about leadership this week in the life of Moses. We read earlier this week from Numbers 11 where God gave Moses 70 elders to stand with him and advise him. Regardless of our opinions on President Trump in the USA…or Prime Minister Trudeau in Canada, we are instructed in Scripture to pray for all leaders. Politics is not an easy calling and it can be extremely divisive. Let’s make it a point to pray for those in authority over us…that God would lead them in righteous decisions (see 1 Timothy 2:1-4).

Yours for recognition and support of leaders God has allowed to be in positions of authority,

David

WWJD

Today’s Reading: Numbers 15

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Orthodox Jews (perhaps the successors of the Pharisees) at the Western Wall or “Wailing Wall” of the Old City of Jerusalem. This wall is part of the retaining wall around the peak of Mount Moriah on which the Temples of Solomon, Ezra, and Herod once stood.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Numbers 15:41

I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the Lord your God.

Religion vs. relationship!! There is a very big difference. Jesus brought us into a living and loving connection with God. The Pharisees, one of the denominations within Judaism, is still present. This movement, according to Jesus, practised an intricate observance of a multitude of details. We might do well to read now Matthew 23:1-33. According to Jesus, the Scribes and Pharisees claimed to “sit in Moses’ seat.” Today’s reading from Moses would’ve made them feel so “holier than thou.” Moses wrote of the man who died from stoning. Jesus said, “Let him who is without sin among you cast the first stone” (John 8:7). James, the first Pastor of the Jerusalem Church, wrote, in James 1:26-27, what true religion is.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

I’m ever so thankful, Lord Jesus, for the “great exchange,” as Martin Luther put it. I have given You my sin in confession and repentance, and You have put Your holiness, Your righteousness, on my account with God. Please give me Your grace so that I may live in a constant state of repentance and, as a result, a consistent assurance of my salvation. You’ve given me peace and joy. I’m eternally grateful. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I believe in what James called “pure religion.” The word “religion” comes from the same root word as “ligament.” Ligaments are essential in order to keep our body together. I sought to identify what “religion” is in a presentation I made to the Radio and Television Commission a number of years ago. That hearing resulted in Crossroads being granted licenses for TV stations. “One’s religion,” I said, “is what a person holds as their highest value in life.” If that is true, James, who was also known as “the brother of our Lord,” nailed it right on. Perhaps we could sum it up with the WWJD campaign, What Would Jesus Do? What would He say and do with the man picking up sticks on the Sabbath in today’s reading? I’m thinking about it. I think He would probably lend him a hand. Jesus changes everything!

Yours for rejoicing in the fact that Jesus came to live as One of us,

David

P.S. Below is a photo at the place on the shore of the Sea of Galilee where Jesus, after His resurrection, asked Peter three times, “Do you love Me?” Each time Peter affirmed his love, and Jesus followed up with “Feed My sheep” (John 21:15-17).

INTERCESSION/FERVENT PRAYER

Today’s Reading: Numbers 14

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The Temple of Kom Ombo stands on the east bank of the Nile, right next to the river, about 4 km from the town of Kom Ombo. It was dedicated to two Egyptian gods, Horus and Sobek. Lucifer inhabited these temples in order to receive the worship he coveted in Heaven but failed to receive. He was cast out of Heaven and banished to the planet Earth where his final incarceration in the Lake of Fire is guaranteed in the final judgment.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Numbers 14:19

Pardon the iniquity of this people, I pray, according to the greatness of Your mercy, just as You have forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.

How strange! The majority wanted to go back to Egypt. This, in spite of the Red Sea miracle, the water from the rock, the manna, the pillar of cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night. Before we judge them harshly, consider how attractive the old world can be to us when the going gets tough. When Moses preached God’s judgment on backsliding, it’s amazing how quickly the plan was changed (14:35). Then they made another big mistake. They presumed that God would restore everything as it was (14:44). Not so! There are consequences to a rebellious spirit. Yes, they were forgiven and God did not destroy them. It’s true that God is great in mercy. Nevertheless, they had forfeited the Promised Land. I expect to meet most of these people in Heaven, but in this life there are God-given opportunities which, if missed, will never be ours again.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I ask, by Your grace, as I daily submit to Your will, that I will not miss opportunities to follow Your plan. Help me to make You my #1 Priority. In the Name of the One who always did what He saw You doing, the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen! (See John 5:17-20).

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I gave my life to Jesus at 16 and at 18 decided to give myself fully to Him for His Ministry through me. In my early years, I struggled often with the assurance that I was doing the will of God. Then I learned Jesus’ secret as to where He found the will of His Father. Remember, He never used His divinity to help Himself. He lived His life as a Man. His favourite name for Himself was “Son of Man.” Here’s the way Jesus did it. Read with me Mark 1:35…”Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.” Also, Matthew 14:23…”And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on a mountain to pray.” Then Luke 6:12…”And it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray.” My passion is to be like Jesus. With God’s help, I’ve made early morning prayer a daily priority.

Yours for a consistent daily life in prayer and in God’s Word, so that knowing and doing God’s will becomes a way of life,

David

P.P.S. Check out the pictures below at the Sea of Galilee. They were taken during our Israel Tour in 2012 and posted when we were at today’s same Bible reading portion. This is a two-year through the Bible reading program. In the early years of the Crossroads ministry, we published the reading challenge in magazines and in ten different books. Now here is this 80-year-old man embracing hi-tech Internet blogging. Thanks very very much for joining me daily!!!

Singing aboard a boat on the Sea of Galilee.

MILK & HONEY

Today’s Reading: Numbers 12-13

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A Bee Keeper set up his operation in the north of Israel at the foot of Mount Hermon – “A Land flowing with milk and honey.”

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Numbers 13:30

Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.”

In Chapter 12, a very difficult lesson was learned by Moses’ brother Aaron and sister Miriam. God reaffirmed Moses’ leadership in no uncertain terms. Miriam had led the song and dance celebrating their deliverance from Pharaoh and the Red Sea (Exodus 15:20-21). Now she is punished temporarily with leprosy. Why not Aaron? Miriam was the leader in questioning Moses’ leadership. After all, she had cared for Moses when he was a little baby. No doubt she thought she had the right. Let’s learn the lesson of intercession. Aaron and Moses cried out to God for her healing (12:11-13). Nevertheless, she suffered the consequences given in Leviticus chapters 13 & 14. In seven days she was restored.

In chapter 13, there are 11 names that live in disgrace and 2 in honour. Only one tribal leader, Caleb of Judah, lived to see God at work. Also, Joshua, the personal assistant to Moses, who had been one of the spies, survived and succeeded Moses as leader.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, You promised a land flowing with milk and honey to Your people. May I be given the grace to believe You for the fulfillment of all Your promises that pertain to me. I ask these mercies in Your Name, Lord Jesus, and I claim the promised land of Your Kingdom. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

What an amazing time to be alive with this technology linking the world! The old blessings are in Israel today too, with which the land “flows.” When in Israel for breakfast we would enjoy the sweetest honey ever and, from the milk of this land, we would enjoy at least three kinds of cheese.

Today is Remembrance Day in Canada. Canadians are remembering those who died in times of war. I cannot help but remember that it was in the Promised Land that Jesus died waging war on sin and evil. Jesus has won that battle for all who will receive His sacrifice on our behalf. This blog is one way to make every day a “REMEMBRANCE” day!

Yours for remembering,

David

P.S. Below is the official government symbol for visitors to Israel. It’s the story of Joshua and Caleb who brought back, from the land of milk and honey, the largest bunch of grapes anyone had ever seen.

RISE UP

Today’s Reading: Numbers 10-11

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A replica of the Ark of the Covenant located at Timna National Park in Israel’s Jordan Valley.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Numbers 11:14

I am not able to bear all these people alone, because the burden is too heavy for me. If You treat me like this, please kill me here and now — if I have found favor in Your sight — and do not let me see my wretchedness!

Imagine how excited all the people were as…”They started out for the first time” (10:13). It is plain to see that the emotions they felt were not grounded in faith. Almost immediately they began to complain about the food. They remembered the menu back in Egypt, and they were not happy campers. Complaining always has a ripple effect. Now Moses is complaining to God. God has a solution as He always does. We need to read twice Numbers 11:16-30. Moses’ response was prophetic, “O that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them.” Joel’s prophecy (Joel 2:28) predicted this. Peter quoted Joel (Acts 2:14-21) to explain that God was now doing what Moses longed for. God put His Spirit upon the Lord’s people and they prophesied. What is New Testament prophecy? “The testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy” (Revelation 19:10b).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, John the Baptist said of You, “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” I ask for today, and every day, that You will immerse me in Your Holy Spirit, and keep me submerged in the Spirit always so that I will constantly speak, “the testimony of Jesus.” Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

When I first became a Dad, I remember reading Numbers 11. There were two “dads” (I’m stretching it a bit here)…Eldad and Medad, who were home, and while they had responsibilities as elders, they had not made it to Moses’ meeting. Nevertheless, God put His Spirit upon them at home, just as He did on those who were in the tent of meeting. They prophesied (11:26) right where they were. I expect God’s Spirit to come upon me when I’m at a meeting, but also when I’m not. Moses was so depressed over the complaints of the people that he asked God to kill him. Then, he and Elijah (who also asked God to take him out of this life) showed up on the Mount of Transfiguration to strengthen Jesus who, in His humanity, needed the ministry of these men. If Jesus needed their company, so do I. I don’t actually expect Moses to show up. However, Moses’ words are showing up before me, and his words encourage me to press on.

Yours for uplifting messages from Moses, Peter, Elijah, and most of all from Jesus!

David

GUIDANCE

Today’s Reading: Numbers 8-9

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The Tabernacle of Moses replica was set up at Crossroads in Burlington, Ontario, for the summer of 2012. This is looking from just in front of the divide of the Holy of Holies through the Holy Place toward the Outer Courts. The Golden Lampstand is on the right, and the Table of Showbread on the left.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Numbers 9:15

Now on the day that the tabernacle was raised up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the Testimony; from evening until morning it was above the tabernacle like the appearance of fire.

Our reading begins with the arrangement of the lamps so that they give maximum light in the Tabernacle. The lamps enabled them to see with their physical eyes. Guidance when it’s dark is provided this way; there was light like the appearance of fire above the Tabernacle at night (verse 9:15). There is an inner light described here (verse 9:8). Hearing from God brings insight. That inner light shines for us as we read God’s Word each day. For example, we can observe that the Levites are a type of Christ as they represent the people before God (verses 8:17-18). In the Bible, this is called “typology”. There are many examples of this illumination so that we may see Christ with greater understanding as we read the Old Testament. To show how this works in the light of our reading, I suggest you read now Romans 8:29 and Colossians 1:15-18. Jesus is revealed in this light as the Firstborn among God’s children and the Firstborn in all creation.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, please shine the Light of Your presence so that I may see You always. As we saw in our reading two days ago, You make Your face shine upon me. I love You Lord, and see both outwardly and inwardly that You love me. Thank You for revealing Yourself to me. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

One of my favourite places to visit in Israel is the ruins of Caesarea, the place where Pontius Pilate had his seat of power as Roman Governor. Back in the 1960’s, when I first visited there, great sand dunes covered what we now can see. Through the centuries, sand from the Sahara Desert had blown into the sea and been transported from the south coast to the east coast. Then the winds blew the sand into piles along the shore. There were, for example, so-called scholars who claimed the story of Pilate was fiction. But then, in the 1970’s, as much of the sand was removed, a large stone was discovered with an engraving which revealed the accuracy of the Biblical account. To show this fact, I arranged for a replica of this stone to be displayed in our Expo ’86 Vancouver Pavilion of Promise. Later, as we opened the Crossroads Centre in Burlington, the same stone was displayed, along with replicas of many archaeological discoveries, all of which help us to see that if God’s Word is true as history, and it is, then it is also true when the Light of the World shows us eternal truth.

Yours, to help us “Walk in the light as He is in the light” (1 John 1:5-7),

David

AN OFFERING

Today’s Reading: Numbers 7

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Sheep grazing on the hillside by the Sea of Galilee. The Children of Israel brought all their sheep and other livestock with them from Egypt into their wilderness journey.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Numbers 7:1-3

Now it came to pass, when Moses had finished setting up the tabernacle, that he anointed it and consecrated it and all its furnishings, and the altar and all its utensils; so he anointed them and consecrated them. Then the leaders of Israel, the heads of their fathers’ houses, who were the leaders of the tribes and over those who were numbered, made an offering. And they brought their offering before the Lord, six covered carts and twelve oxen, a cart for every two of the leaders, and for each one an ox; and they presented them before the tabernacle.

Today’s reading may make us wonder as to why it’s here. It is so repetitive. The gifts which the leaders of the tribes present to God at the dedication of the Tabernacle are listed 12 times over. Could a reason be to show generosity? Could another reason be to teach the children what it means to take responsibility as the heads of households? God instructs parents to show leadership, teaching, not only in word, but by example. If we, as parents, are givers, chances are that our children will also be givers.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Dear Lord Jesus, You are the greatest Giver, and according to Your Word, You live in and through me. Please grant me the grace to channel Your Spirit of giving through me. In Your Name I pray. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I believe that the most grievous evil in God’s sight is the slaughter of the precious little lives still in the womb. We have a granddaughter who entered Brisbane Australia as newborn when her parents were employed at our Expo ’88 Pavilion there. She came 13 weeks early. Today she has a heart for young girls and has developed an amazing curriculum for 11-13 year-old girls. Every life matters! (click here for Rachelle’s ministry, Princess 911).  In Canada and the USA, a little body like hers (at the time of her birth) can be ripped apart in the womb by cruel instruments of death and even crueler people. The main question for us is, “Who will be most committed to protecting these amazing new lives?”

Yours for the great joy of living,

David

BENEDICTION

Today’s Reading: Numbers 5-6

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In 1947, the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in these caves in the region known as Qumran, next to the Dead Sea. The scrolls are a collection of 972 texts, consisting of Biblical manuscripts from the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament). It has been considered the greatest archaeological discovery of the 20th Century. Many of the Scrolls date back to the first century and earlier. They attest to the accuracy of the Biblical text through the centuries.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Numbers 6:24-26

The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.

Quarantine for communicable disease is an example of the care God had for His people. God gave instructions for physical blessings. Restitution for wrongs committed is an example of the social care God has for His people. God blesses His people by love and mercy, and because He cannot and will not tolerate sin, He makes provision for forgiveness through atonement. In this way He provides for restoration of relationships. “At-ONE-ment” is gained through restitution and a sacrifice for sin. Jesus provides all this for us through His life and death.

We might want to read an example of the “Nazirite vow” in Judges 13:5, the story of Sampson. Let us also consider giving someone today a benediction. The meaning of benediction is to “say a blessing.” Our key verses are magnificent words of blessing.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, You promised that “When He the Spirit of Truth is come, He will guide you into all truth.” I’m reading from an English translation of Your Hebrew Bible. I have difficulty understanding all You are saying to me, Lord, so I ask for Your Holy Spirit to teach me. Thank You for speaking such a marvelous blessing over me as found in the key verses. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I was honoured to be the Pastor of a wonderful congregation in the northern city of Sudbury. I was blessed to find the great strength of love and unity among the people. This strength produced in me a confidence that God could and would do big things in Sudbury. My predecessor was the late Rev. Homer Cantelon. His ministry produced that strength I experienced. I was thinking of him as I read the Sampson story. Homer was not only strong spiritually but also physically. I was told lots of stories such as Homer picking up one end of a Volkswagen beetle. The men were suitably impressed. At one time, Homer worked in the nickle mines after returning from Europe as a WWII veteran. A miner came to our church looking for Homer to perform the marriage of his son. He reflected back on his former workmate and said, “The men would tease Homer about his faith. Homer was so strong that he could’ve beaten them easily in a fight, but he was kind to them instead.” He then said, “Homer is the only real Christian who is a minister in Sudbury.” I explained that Homer had moved away and offered my services. Against his better judgement, he agreed for me to do the marriage. Later, the whole family gave their lives to Jesus. Thank You Jesus, and thank you Homer.

Yours to help us all “say a blessing” on others,

David

MINISTRY

Today’s Reading: Numbers 4

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In this replica of the Tabernacle of Moses, the High Priest worships in the Holy Place, just outside of the Holy of Holies.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Numbers 4:49

According to the commandment of the Lord they were numbered by the hand of Moses, each according to his service and according to his task; thus were they numbered by him, as the Lord commanded Moses.

God has a job for everyone, the willing workers, and even those who are willing to let the self-starters with drive do it all. Sharing our time, our energies, and our resources with others in God’s work is absolutely essential. God, in His wisdom, wants each individual to serve, functioning as a member of the team, so that the burden is not carried by the few but by the many. The Tabernacle was the forerunner to the Church. In the Church, God calls people to serve (see Ephesians 4:11-16). Paul tells us about the leadership in the Church and also gives the reasons why we need those who are gifted by God in ministry. Check out also 1 Corinthians 12:28-31. None of us are left out. I particularly like God’s appointment of “Helps.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Dear Lord Jesus, show me that to which You have appointed me for this time of my life. I know that spending time daily with You and Your Word are definitely part of my appointment. Please show me what else You have for me today. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I was about to turn 17 when I knew God was calling me into ministry. God did not give me any details. I thought about the word “ministry” and realized that it meant that I was simply to be a servant and to serve wherever and whenever the opportunity arose. It could be in the form of a request from others, or it could be at God’s initiative. It could be as a result of my own initiative as well. My job was to get busy. I’ve often come across people who are waiting for God to open doors. That’s never been my problem. I’ve seen open doors everywhere. I believe that every street corner is a ministry location. I don’t need to wait for a formal call to Pastor a Church, for example. On a Monday morning at 4 a.m. I committed to this blog. I’m not computer savvy, but I knew I could learn. Four months later, 100words.ca showed up. Thank you to those who have written blog comments encouraging me to continue. My job is not to answer questions, for that’s where God has put the ministry gifts in the local Church. Someone has that job and God has gifted that person to be a help.

Yours for all of us finding the job God has for each one of us,

David

FAMILIES

Today’s Reading: Numbers 3

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A Jewish man holds his Hebrew writings and prays at the Western “Wailing” Wall of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Numbers 3:12

Now behold, I Myself have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of every firstborn who opens the womb among the children of Israel. Therefore the Levites shall be Mine.

Moses was a descendant of Levi, one of the sons of Jacob. Here, God commands Moses to separate the Levites from all of the other Children of Israel so they can be consecrated to Him for the service of the Tabernacle, and to represent God to the people and the people to God. God chose Moses when he was a tiny baby and gave him favour with Pharaoh’s daughter so that Moses was raised in the culture and learning of Egypt. God sent Moses into the wilderness for 40 more years of education and experience before he was ready to lead all the tribes out of Egypt.

In our key verse, God hints at His great plan of redemption. In this case, it is one Levite for each firstborn of all Israel; eventually, it was to be God’s Firstborn and only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, for all mankind.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, just as You organized the Children of Israel, organize me and my descendants so that we may fulfill Your purpose. Please continue to do this for every family who seeks to follow Your will for their lives. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I believe God made a choice when my great-grandfather was converted in a Methodist revival. His Dad was a drunk who gambled away the farm and then disappeared from the scene, never to be found. The future of the Mainse side of my family was determined by an act of God in the salvation of Joseph Mainse. His sons, Allen, my grandfather, and Edward, my great-uncle, were known as great men of prayer. My Father, Roy, was called of God to preach and teach the Word of God. God separated me for His purpose. My children, Elaine and Bruce Stacey, Ellen and Nizar Shaheen, Reynold and Kathy Mainse, and Ron and Ann Mainse, all have the call of God on their lives.

Yours to emphasize that God is at work in your family too,

David