Psalms 90

Psalms 90 is a prayer of Moses for the people of God. We can use this as an example on how to pray. Moses made intercession to God on behalf of His people. He acknowledges the Lord God as being our safe-haven or refuge. He recognizes God's sovereignty, power, and wisdom in His actions. He shows respect for Him as our creator, our sustainer and revealer of our spiritual condition. He then asks for mercy and to be our satisfaction and provider of joy, love and gladness. He ends asking the Lord to reveal His works, have His favor or beauty rest upon us and establish the works of our hands. Learning to pray God's way helps us to know him more intimately.

Tomorrow I intend to read Numbers 14 - 15

Numbers 11-13

In chapter 11 we see the Lord's anger aroused when the non-believers in the group complained about the food (no meat). I hope this speaks to all of us about complaining about the Lord's provision. It is a lack of vision on our part. We sometimes can't see how the Lord is providing because of the things we want. He gave them what they want, but it came with a price.
Then Moses asked for help with the responsibilities of His assignment, and the Lord provided. He also sent His power on the seventy elders that were given the assignment. The Lord's assignment always comes with evidence of God's power to confirm and accomplish the task.

Chapter 12 begins with Miriam and Aaron questioning God's choice of a wife for Moses. That meddling caused God's discipline leprosy on Miriam (the culprit). Moses pleaded for her restoration and the Lord granted His request. He waited for her to be cleansed before they moved on.

Chapter 13 the exploration of Canaan and the tribes choice of representatives. They brought back some fruit and their view of what they had witnessed. They perceived the people there to be a force greater than they could conquer. They were right in that, but failed to let God deliver them into their hands. How many victories have we missed by not letting God give us the power to overcome? God wants to make the impossible become reality. Thats one way He shows His power in our lives.

Tomorrow I intend to read Psalms 90

Numbers 8-10

Chapter 8 starts with the Lord speaking to Moses. He gave Him specific instructions about the lampstands and temple and specific instructions concerning them. We then see purification procedures for the Levites Aaron's family. We see them presented as a living offering to the Lord.

In chapter 9 we then see the Lord making provisions for those who could not celebrate the passover for uncleanliness or in the case of being away on a journey. I thought it was interesting how the Lord included aliens living among them that wanted to celebrate the passover. On the day the tabernacle was set up a cloud covered it. When the cloud moved, they would follow the Lord's lead. They would stay put as long as He remained still. They obeyed the Lord's command He gave to Moses.

In chapter 10 we see the Lord instructing them to make silver trumpets to command the people to move out and follow the Lord or to use in battle. in battle we see the Lord promising to deliver the enemies into their hands.

Tomorrow in intend to read Numbers 11-13

Leviticus 26-27

We see in chapter 26 God's blessing for our genuine devotion to Him. He will send rain and we will be able to enjoy the fruits of obedience. In contrast we see that forsaking God and putting others in front of Him will be devastating in many ways. We see the obedient will have peace and the disobedient will be fearful of everything (even a windblown leaf will make them flee). True confession and a walk with the father will put everything in proper perspective.

Chapter 27 talks about dedicating servants or possessions to the Lord. These could be redeemed by adding one fifth of the value to it. This is above our tithe. There are provisions for being redeemed. I am grateful God made a provision for redemption. The price for us being redeemed was paid by His own son Jesus. You were valuable enough for Christ to pay the price to save us and bring us to the father. Your value is established by the father and Christ is the only one who could pay the price to bring you into his presence.

Tomorrow I intend to read Numbers 1 - 2

Leviticus 16-18

In Leviticus we see where Aaron's sons were killed by fire for approaching the holy place and doing things that God did not ask for and did it thier own way. We then see God give detailed intructions about how to carry out His ordinances. We must always make sure we do our best to make sure our service is acceptable to God and not ourselves or man.

In Chapter 17 we see acceptable guidelines for holiness. The only acceptable way to sacrifice an animal was to sacrifice it to God, or it was considered bloodshed and they were to be cut off from their people. Life is sacred and death is the consequences of sin. We are shown how serious that is when the payment demanded is another life. Christ payed that penalty for us.

In chapter 18 we see the guidelines for sexual relations. We should always respect God's ways because He knows what is best. He knows the consequences of sin and the pain it causes each of us. Trusting Him in and in his plan for these areas is always the raod to an abundant life, and the good things He has in mind for us.

Leviticus 14 - 15

In Leviticus 14 we see instructions about being cleansed from skin diseases and having our house cleansed from mildew. It is so important that we be cleansed by the father from anything in our life that would harm us. We should make sure we take the steps necessary to make that happen.

Leviticus 15 covers cleanliness concerning certain discharges and activities. The Lord knows how disease spreads and what is needed for cleanliness. Only God can heal and make us clean. The priest would confirm the work that God had already done and perform the ceremony in obedience to God's commands. Today we have Jesus as our High Priest. He cleanses us from all sins and pronounces us clean. We are to be a living sacrifice to the father. Our life should reflect that cleansing and we should take the steps to live a clean life physically and spiritually.

Tomorrow I intend to read Leviticus 16 - 18

Leviticus 11 - 13

In chapter 11 we see specific instructions for the Israelites for cleanliness. These would help the whole nation to be safe in the desert and set apart or consecrated to God. His word says He would make them a holy nation. We need to know that He wants us to be holy because He is Holy.

Chapter 12 talks about even more specific processes for being pure. Today the blood of Christ purifies us from any uncleanliness. In acts 15 we see where we are no longer bound to the laws that so easily make a yoke to heavy to bear. We should be grateful for that.

In chapter 13 we see how to identify infectious diseases and mildew in clothing and leather. Lord help us to know what is clean and what is acceptable to you. Help us to be consecrated to you in a way that will be beneficial to those whom you bring into our lives. Help us to know what you understand about holiness and model that in a way that would have an uplifting and uniting effect on others around us.

Tomorrow I intend to read Leviticus 14-15

Leviticus 5 - 7

In chapter 5 we see the Lord describing unintentional sin. There will be times when we realize we have done something wrong and have the opportunity to confess and do what the Lord requires.

In chapter 6 we see sin by deception. They were required to return the property and add one fifth of the value to it. Making restitution is still important. It teaches us so much as we complete the process the Lord has for each of us. Seeking God's instructions about making restitution for our sins is still important today. Taking responsibility for our actions is a crucial part of our relationship with God and others.

In chapter 7 we see instructions for the guilt offering. This was where a sin was committed where restitution for the sin was possible and therefore required. There was a specific instruction required for each type of sin. Today we confess directly to the Lord. Jesus Christ is our High Priest. We should always ask if more than confession is appropriate. He will always let us know. Then we see the fellowship offering. This is the only offering in which the person presenting it was able to partake. They had fellowship with the priest and the Lord God. The Lord created us to have fellowship with Him. This fellowship should be pursued daily.

Tomorrow I intend to read Leviticus 8 - 10

Today we see the clothing being made for Aaron and the priests (his sons). It's interesting that God not only chose Aaron, but also his sons for being priests. How does He know Aaron and his sons would serve? He gives us all specific instructions about how to teach our family and those He brings about His will. He and His sons will have some hard lessons to learn about listening and obeying. The craftsmen followed God's instruction and were blessed by God.

In chapter 40 we see the tabernacle being set up exactly as the Lord commanded. He was listening and being obedient in His service and offered sacrifices and the presence of the Lord settled on the tabernacle in the form of a cloud and they could see fire in the cloud at night. The Lord wants His presence to be evident in our lives. That still comes from drawing near to him and resisting the temptation to do things our way.

“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”- 1 Corinthians 13: 6-7 (NIV)

Tomorrow I intend to read Leviticus 1-4

Exodus 22-24

In chapter 22 we see instructions that build character, integrety, and honesty. They show how to interact with others and how we should treat each other. It shows social responsibility and applying that in our life. It's interesting that blaspheming God and cursing the ruler of our people are in the same sentence. We should always keep our offerings in the proper order and not withhold them or our children from the Lord.

Chapter 23 starts about sreading false reports. Honesty is something that will bring us honor. Taking bribes always twists honesty. He says He will send an angel to guide us. Today we have the Holy Spirit to do that. In the following verses we see God's promises to the obedient - 25 Worship the LORD your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you, 26 and none will miscarry or be barren in your land. I will give you a full life span. (NIV)

In chapter 24 we see the people responding to God and accepting His covenant. We should always look for his plan and be willing to respond.

Tomorrow I intend to read Exodus 25-27

Exodus 19-21

We see how important it is for us all to inquire of the Lord, especially for leaders. In Chapter 19 the Lord told Moses:5 "Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites."
God gave Moses great promise while inquiring His direction. (NIV)

In Chapter 20 God gives the 10 commandments. The people greatly feared the Lord and was afraid to hear his voice. 20 Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning." (NIV)

In 21 we see the penalty for various sins. God's mercy keeps us from what we deserve. Grace and forgiveness are God's gift to us. Lets confess to Him and not take his power and position as God for granted.

Tomorrow I intend to read Exodus 22-24

Exodus 10-12

In chapter 10 we see how the Lord works. He wants us to experience his hand in our life so we may tell others how we have seen him at work in our life. We have the privilege of having His word to confirm how God works. The signs He gives us are to help us believe.

In chapter 11 we see God had to get serious and show Pharoah who was in charge. Remember earlier when Pharoah tried to kill all the Israelite baby boys? Remember that God is always just and He will be our vengeance to deliver us and take care of our sufferings, whatever they may be. Our role is to trust and let God do His job.

We see in chapter 12 Pharoah response to God's firm hand. He did let them go and the Egyptians did provide them with Gold for their people as God had said they would. We see Moses passing on specific instruction for the Passover and the journey. They had seen God's power firsthand and they were ready to obey. God had kept his word. A total of around 2 million people made the journey, along with their livestock and provisions.

Tomorrow I intend to read Exodus 14-16

Exodus 7-9

In chapter 7 we see God performing many miracles. We also see the power of the evil one displayed trying to imitate the real God. We should all be aware of that. God continued to harden Pharaoh's heart to get him to a decision point to follow him. The next two chapters show the process. God will do this today to reach whom He has intended to reach. That is why it is so important for us to be fully devoted to Him. It avoids much pain. I know it greives Him to put someone He loves through that. We can avoid that by seeking Him.