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by Suellen | Uncategorized
God is determined to let the people know who their leader is.
Numbers 17 – 19
Yesterday we were reading about the rebellion of some leaders, and how the Lord dealt so sharply with them. Well, today He is determined to let the people know who is their leader.
So God orders that twelve rods – one from the leader of each tribe – be brought and put in the tent of testimony. The rod of the man God chooses shall sprout as a sign of His calling.
It’s interesting what God says here, “Thus I shall lessen from upon Myself the grumblings of the sons of Israel, who are grumbling against you.” He is saying that when people grumble against God’s man, they are grumbling against Him. How about that?
Well we see that Aaron’s rod not only sprouted, but put forth blossoms, and even bore ripe almonds. I would say that this pretty well endorsed Moses and Aaron before the people.
When God is trying to accomplish something in the earth, He is still using individuals to lead the way. He calls a man or woman and gives them directions concerning His plan. God doesn’t stand still and tread water the way we humans do. He wants to continue to move forward.
Very often, as God moves forward, He introduces new ways of doing things, and that’s where the problem comes in. Many people want to keep the status quo, or they want to continue in the path they know. So often, when God is using a man to do something different, he constantly encounters grumblers.
Grumblers, however, will never be on God’s cutting edge. They will never be able to see a new path forward, and they will seldom be able to recognize God’s man. It’s sad for them, because often these grumblers, just like the rebellious ones in Moses’ day, think that they are right with God and that their attitudes are legitimate.
If you will think about it, the one attitude which always goes with this grumbling is pride. Yes, pride, the very nature of Satan, who thought he could rise up against God Himself. Whew!!
Dear Lord, today I want you to forgive me for any grumbling I may have had against your leaders which you have put in my life. I want to honor them and see your hand upon them. I want to be humble enough to be willing to change direction when you say. I know that they are human and make mistakes, but I also know that this is your way of bringing new concepts to your church.
I love you, Lord, and trust you to lead us forward.
Mark 6:30-56
The miracles increase!
In this passage we see Jesus, not only healing the sick and casting out demons, but performing miracles involving the elements. Creative miracles. When the crowd needs food, the fish and loaves multiply exponentially. When Jesus needs to get out to the boat of His disciples, He walks on the water.
What we are seeing is the Kingdom of God trumping the natural kingdom. As a reminder, there are two kingdoms operating in the earth today. The natural one and God’s kingdom, the more powerful one.
Even though God’s kingdom is more powerful, it doesn’t frivolously operate, but when there is need. Jesus didn’t multiply the loaves and fish just to do a “magic trick,” but He did it because the people were hungry. He walked on the water because He needed to get to the boat.
Today miracles are still happening where there is need – and belief. Faith is required, along with a humble heart truly dedicated to God.
I have seen a few miracles, but I want to see more, don’t you? I want to be one whom God can use to open blind eyes and deaf ears. One who can be entrusted with the gifts of the spirit to operate in a great way.
Dear Father, let us see your majesty and glory displayed in a greater way than ever before. Increase our faith, and let us see your mighty Hand at work.
![Read The Bible Through, Feb 28]()
by Suellen | Uncategorized
I hope you are enjoying this daily reading as much as I am. There is always more to learn, every time we read the Bible through. Be sure to post your comments as you might have some.
Numbers 3,4
Who ever said that our God does things randomly? They didn’t read these chapters in Numbers.
When you think of all the order in the universe, and all of the consistency – of seasons, of plant life, animals, you know that our God is an orderly God. Think of all of the design work it took to make this all run smoothly.
Well we see some of that concept in Numbers. The tabernacle was in a tent and it had to be moved when the Israelites moved. God didn’t just say, “Pick it up and move it.” He said who was to be in charge of each item, and exactly how they were to cover it (even which color the cloth was to be), how to wrap it, and how that it was to be carried on poles to the next location. Such detail! Nothing was left for questioning. (more…)
by Suellen | Uncategorized
Leviticus 25
In our driven, fast-moving society, it’s sometimes hard to grasp the concept of true rest. Yet that concept is extremely important to God. We’ve already seen that the sabbath rest is one of the ten commandments. Now here we go again, and He even digs in deeper – with the seventh year and the fiftieth year. So what’s this all about?
In the first place, busy lives can often be a hindrance to our walk with God. On the seventh day, if we would take the time to spend with Him in a larger measure than usual – reading the Word, praying, and listening to Him, we would see our spiritual lives soar. Just think about it. A day to focus on Him and Him alone. Of course, we have our families to take care of, but we could keep the extras to a minimum, and let Him be the center.
Years ago I learned about this first hand. When my three daughters were young I had lots to do. Lots of work at home, as well as on my job. But I started taking Sunday off. Of course, there are always some things you have to do with a family, but I would keep it to a minimum – even letting some things go until later. It was so beneficial to do that. On Monday morning I had more energy and more clarity as I hit the new week. Amazing. (more…)
by Suellen | Uncategorized
Exodus 12, 13
The first Passover is instituted for the Israelites, and it is loaded with symbolism for us.
The entire story of the Hebrews’ deliverance is a type for the new birth to be provided by Jesus. Pharoah is like the Devil, holding people in bondage. God’s mighty hand is what delivers them from bondage.
On the first Passover night, the Israelites were instructed to cover their doorpost with the blood of their sacrifice – a symbol of the blood of Jesus today. We are covered by the blood of Jesus, and that keeps us from harm by the enemy.
Then the sacrifice of a “perfect lamb” is a type for the eventual sacrifice of the perfect Lamb od God, who saves us from our sins and delivers us from the powers of darkness. (more…)
by Suellen | Uncategorized
Exodus 4-6
Almighty God, who has identified Himself as “I Am” to Moses, is about to fulfill one of the greatest promises of all times. He calls Himself “the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,” and He is ready to accomplish the next phase of His plan. He is ready to carry out the promise He has made to His covenant people: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Because of their bondage and their separation from the Egyptians, the Hebrews have become a cohesive nation. And because of the blessing of God they have grown in number and strength. When Jacob came with his family, he brought 70. Now they number in the millions. In fact, there are more Hebrews than there are Egyptians.
When Moses left Egypt 40 years before, he too was different. He was bold enough to kill an Egyptian who was hurting a Hebrew. Now, when God approaches him, he feels incapable of speaking to the Pharoah. The 40 years on the backside of the desert have humbled him.
God waited until Moses was humble enough to depend on Him for his ministry. If God had called him sooner, Moses probably would have tried to accomplish it in his own strength. Now he knows that he has to depend on God. (more…)
by Suellen | Uncategorized
Genesis 41-42
Promotion time, at last. It has now been 13 years since Joseph was thrown into the pit by his brothers and sold into slavery. Over that period Joseph has been falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife so that he was thrown into prison. Then, after having properly interpreted the dreams of the baker and the butler, he had been betrayed. The butler forgot to tell Pharoah about him, and he remained in prison.
But suddenly, God…does His thing! As we read through the Bible , we will see again and again how God can turn impossible situations around in a moment of time. This is what He does for Joseph.
As Pharoah needs to have his dream interpreted, the butler suddenly remembers Joseph. You can see how God’s plan has been working all along. Pharoah is so impressed with Joseph’s dream-interpreting ability, he is sure that God is with him. He makes Joseph in charge of all of Egypt.
Suddenly Joseph receives his reward for his faithfulness. Suddenly his dream is being fulfilled. Suddenly we can see how all that preparation time was worth it. Joseph is not only free, he is promoted to the highest place in the land – next to Pharoah. He is even given a wife along with the honor. Wow!! (more…)
God is determined to let the people know who their leader is.
