Deuteronomy 4:1-43
Moses continued talking to the people before they entered the Promised Land. He reiterated the many things God had shared with them such as remembering God, avoiding idols, avoiding evil, and knowing what a special people they were.
My favorite verses though?
39 Know and believe today that the Lord is God. He is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other god! 40 Obey his laws and commands that I am giving you today so that things will go well for you and your children. Then you will live a long time in the land that the Lord your God is giving to you forever.
Don't we all need that reminder? Know HE is God. He is in heaven and on earth, one God. There is NO other God.
We say those words (or at least I do) but do I live like I truly believe them?
Hmmm...
More soon,
Reba
Monday, May 30, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
Week 11 Day 7 and Week 12 Day 1 Remember when...?
Introduction/ Deuteronomy 1-3
A new book! We have moved out of Numbers and finally reached Deuteronomy, also written by Moses
In these chapters, Moses recaps the journey the Israelites have taken, He reminds them of the good and the bad. He recalls the many times the people refused to listen to God and what the consequences were. But he also reminded them of the things they did do, the times they listened.
One of the things that stuck out to me was that while the Israelites were "God's people", that didn't mean that God wasn't taking care of others. Over the course of 40 years, He had twice directed the people to pass through a land without hurting the people of the land. Why? Because He had promised that land to Esau and to Lot.
No matter what, He is a God of promises.
He makes them. He keeps them.
Enough said...for tonight. :)
Reba
Tomorrow's reading: Deuteronomy 4:1-43
A new book! We have moved out of Numbers and finally reached Deuteronomy, also written by Moses
In these chapters, Moses recaps the journey the Israelites have taken, He reminds them of the good and the bad. He recalls the many times the people refused to listen to God and what the consequences were. But he also reminded them of the things they did do, the times they listened.
One of the things that stuck out to me was that while the Israelites were "God's people", that didn't mean that God wasn't taking care of others. Over the course of 40 years, He had twice directed the people to pass through a land without hurting the people of the land. Why? Because He had promised that land to Esau and to Lot.
No matter what, He is a God of promises.
He makes them. He keeps them.
Enough said...for tonight. :)
Reba
Tomorrow's reading: Deuteronomy 4:1-43
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Week 11 Day 6 On the Road Again...and Again...and Again
Numbers 33-36
I really am trying to stay on track with my reading. But this time of year, my nights are hit and miss. And having storms every night with tornado potential doesn't help!
Let's see...four chapters tonight.
Chapter 33
This chapter is mainly a recap of the many places the Israelites had camped since leaving Egypt.
A lot.
They were a very mobile people.
The thought of moving that much, even with tents and fewer personal items, makes me tired. I don't like moving. I like staying in one place. I can kind of see why those people grumbled so much. I would to if I kept moving like that.
The end of the chapter is the most sobering. Basically God tells Moses to tell the people that when they move into Canaan, they are to force out all of the people living there and get rid of ALL idols and places of worship. If not, they (the Israelites) will be punished in the same way the other people would have been.
Ouch.
Chapter 34
In this chapter, God tells the Moses to tell the people what the borders of their new land would be. He also chooses the leaders who will choose lots to divide up the land among the tribes.
Chapter 35
This chapter has two parts. The first part is about land that belongs to the Levites, including making "safety cities". I had never noticed that before. That relates to the second part which is about murderers. Intentional murderers were to be put to death where accidental murderers were to stay in the cities of safety until the priest died. A little confusing, I confess. And not as much fun to read. But it was part of establishing rules and guidelines for the new land.
Chapter 36
This chapter was dedicated to the daughters of Zelophehad who were to inherit some land. The tribe wanted to make sure the land stayed in the tribe if they were to marry. So God said they could marry BUT they would have to marry within their own tribe so the land would stay within the tribe rather than be given to other tribes. A bit interesting again, but I suppose it made sense to the people!
Tomorrow's reading: Deuteronomy!
Reba
I really am trying to stay on track with my reading. But this time of year, my nights are hit and miss. And having storms every night with tornado potential doesn't help!
Let's see...four chapters tonight.
Chapter 33
This chapter is mainly a recap of the many places the Israelites had camped since leaving Egypt.
A lot.
They were a very mobile people.
The thought of moving that much, even with tents and fewer personal items, makes me tired. I don't like moving. I like staying in one place. I can kind of see why those people grumbled so much. I would to if I kept moving like that.
The end of the chapter is the most sobering. Basically God tells Moses to tell the people that when they move into Canaan, they are to force out all of the people living there and get rid of ALL idols and places of worship. If not, they (the Israelites) will be punished in the same way the other people would have been.
Ouch.
Chapter 34
In this chapter, God tells the Moses to tell the people what the borders of their new land would be. He also chooses the leaders who will choose lots to divide up the land among the tribes.
Chapter 35
This chapter has two parts. The first part is about land that belongs to the Levites, including making "safety cities". I had never noticed that before. That relates to the second part which is about murderers. Intentional murderers were to be put to death where accidental murderers were to stay in the cities of safety until the priest died. A little confusing, I confess. And not as much fun to read. But it was part of establishing rules and guidelines for the new land.
Chapter 36
This chapter was dedicated to the daughters of Zelophehad who were to inherit some land. The tribe wanted to make sure the land stayed in the tribe if they were to marry. So God said they could marry BUT they would have to marry within their own tribe so the land would stay within the tribe rather than be given to other tribes. A bit interesting again, but I suppose it made sense to the people!
Tomorrow's reading: Deuteronomy!
Reba
Monday, May 23, 2011
Week 11 Day 5 Bridge Over Troubled Water
Numbers 32
The Reuben and Gad tribes had lots and lots of animals. As they camped out, they looked around and noticed that the land was a prime animal flock kind of land. So the leaders approached Moses about staying in this land rather than crossing the Jordan.
Moses was not a happy camper. He went off on a tangent. He reminded them all about the people's doubts when the spies visited the Promised Land and returned with negative reports. The consequence? Those people would not be entering the Promised Land. And they didn't.
Now Moses asks the tribes if they are repeating the history of their ancestors.
However, the people of Reuben and Gad strongly deny such accusations.
They instead make promises.
They want to build walls. They want their wives, their animals, their children to remain in the walled cities. But they (the men) would go fight with the other Israelites. However, they personally wanted to reside right where they were...no crossing the Jordan to find a different land to live.
Moses reluctantly agrees.
Hmmmm...what do you think? Will they follow through?
Tomorrow's reading: Numbers 33-36
The Reuben and Gad tribes had lots and lots of animals. As they camped out, they looked around and noticed that the land was a prime animal flock kind of land. So the leaders approached Moses about staying in this land rather than crossing the Jordan.
Moses was not a happy camper. He went off on a tangent. He reminded them all about the people's doubts when the spies visited the Promised Land and returned with negative reports. The consequence? Those people would not be entering the Promised Land. And they didn't.
Now Moses asks the tribes if they are repeating the history of their ancestors.
However, the people of Reuben and Gad strongly deny such accusations.
They instead make promises.
They want to build walls. They want their wives, their animals, their children to remain in the walled cities. But they (the men) would go fight with the other Israelites. However, they personally wanted to reside right where they were...no crossing the Jordan to find a different land to live.
Moses reluctantly agrees.
Hmmmm...what do you think? Will they follow through?
Tomorrow's reading: Numbers 33-36
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Week 11 Day 4 Paybacks
Numbers 31
I have to admit. I am a Christian. I believe in God. I believe He is a God of justice and of love...yes, He can be both (even when I can't). I believe the Bible is true. But I won't lie, there are parts of it I just don't understand.
This chapter is one of those times.
It starts off with the Lord telling Moses that it was time for the Israelites to pay back the Midianites for what they had done to the Israelites...with war.
It is hard for me to reconcile this part of God with the God who tells us to turn the other cheek.
I have no answers. This is one time I am walking by faith and just believing that God is God and I am not. I do not understand and am not made to understand...
I won't go into details about all of it. Have I ever mentioned I don't watch most movies dealing with violence? It makes me sick to my stomach.
I will say, on a much lighter note, my name (or rather nickname) is IN this chapter! Unfortunately, it was one of the Midianite kings who didn't fare so well. But still, kind of cool to see in print. :)
I will also say that even though God made it clear that Moses time was coming to an end, Moses continued God's work. He didn't question God. He just did what God said.
That is what I need to do a lot more often...
I think tomorrow's reading is chapter 32 or maybe 32 and 33...the lights are off and I can't see the book. :)
Reba
I have to admit. I am a Christian. I believe in God. I believe He is a God of justice and of love...yes, He can be both (even when I can't). I believe the Bible is true. But I won't lie, there are parts of it I just don't understand.
This chapter is one of those times.
It starts off with the Lord telling Moses that it was time for the Israelites to pay back the Midianites for what they had done to the Israelites...with war.
It is hard for me to reconcile this part of God with the God who tells us to turn the other cheek.
I have no answers. This is one time I am walking by faith and just believing that God is God and I am not. I do not understand and am not made to understand...
I won't go into details about all of it. Have I ever mentioned I don't watch most movies dealing with violence? It makes me sick to my stomach.
I will say, on a much lighter note, my name (or rather nickname) is IN this chapter! Unfortunately, it was one of the Midianite kings who didn't fare so well. But still, kind of cool to see in print. :)
I will also say that even though God made it clear that Moses time was coming to an end, Moses continued God's work. He didn't question God. He just did what God said.
That is what I need to do a lot more often...
I think tomorrow's reading is chapter 32 or maybe 32 and 33...the lights are off and I can't see the book. :)
Reba
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Week 11 Day 3 Pinkie Promise
Numbers 28-30
Okay, the first two chapters of tonight's reading are reviews of the many different offerings the Israelites had to make each yer at certain times, with certain animals, and all of the other offerings (drink, grain, fellowship, etc). Thankfully the whole sacrifice thing wasn't too detailed...
The last chapter was kind of an odd fit after reading about sacrifices. It was about women making promises or pledges. If a woman made a pledge, she had to follow through UNLESS her husband or her father denied it. It was just a funny little chapter after reading about all of the bulls losing their lives over offerings...
Tomorrow's reading:
Numbers 31
Okay, the first two chapters of tonight's reading are reviews of the many different offerings the Israelites had to make each yer at certain times, with certain animals, and all of the other offerings (drink, grain, fellowship, etc). Thankfully the whole sacrifice thing wasn't too detailed...
The last chapter was kind of an odd fit after reading about sacrifices. It was about women making promises or pledges. If a woman made a pledge, she had to follow through UNLESS her husband or her father denied it. It was just a funny little chapter after reading about all of the bulls losing their lives over offerings...
Tomorrow's reading:
Numbers 31
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Week 11 Day 2 Girl Power
Numbers 26-27
Sorry I have been MIA. I have been knee deep in tulip bulbs. Long story but they have consumed my life for a couple of days. :)
So in Numbers 26, it is Census time again. Time to count the people. Makes me think of the commercials of the tired guy, "Time to make the donuts".
Anyway, Moses was told to count the people again (right after the sickness that was all over the camp). It is interesting to note that at this point, the people he is counting are not the same people he counted in the last census.
As I was reading this chapter, I noticed something I hadn't seen before in previous census counts. Women. Usually women are not mentioned in this manner. Yet in this list, one man's daughters are listed (there were no brothers) and another woman is mentioned. I was kind of surprised.
Even more, in chapter 27, Moses is told to dive the land according to the tribe's numbers. The man I mentioned in the previous chapter had died earlier. His daughters came to Moses and requested that they get his fair share of the land. Moses took it before God who agreed that was right.
I think we often think that God is partial to men.
But to me, these chapters say otherwise...
Oh, the end of chapter 27...Joshua becomes leader of the people. It is time for Moses to pass on the baton.
Not sure on the next reading. I guess I will look tomorrow. :)
Reba
Sorry I have been MIA. I have been knee deep in tulip bulbs. Long story but they have consumed my life for a couple of days. :)
So in Numbers 26, it is Census time again. Time to count the people. Makes me think of the commercials of the tired guy, "Time to make the donuts".
Anyway, Moses was told to count the people again (right after the sickness that was all over the camp). It is interesting to note that at this point, the people he is counting are not the same people he counted in the last census.
As I was reading this chapter, I noticed something I hadn't seen before in previous census counts. Women. Usually women are not mentioned in this manner. Yet in this list, one man's daughters are listed (there were no brothers) and another woman is mentioned. I was kind of surprised.
Even more, in chapter 27, Moses is told to dive the land according to the tribe's numbers. The man I mentioned in the previous chapter had died earlier. His daughters came to Moses and requested that they get his fair share of the land. Moses took it before God who agreed that was right.
I think we often think that God is partial to men.
But to me, these chapters say otherwise...
Oh, the end of chapter 27...Joshua becomes leader of the people. It is time for Moses to pass on the baton.
Not sure on the next reading. I guess I will look tomorrow. :)
Reba
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Week 11 Day 1 Cursed
Numbers 22-25
Three out of four chapters here deal with two men...Balak and Balaam. Balak was the king of Moab. He was a bit worried about the large group of Israelites camping nearby. So he sent messengers to a man named Balaam who lived down the road...or rather the river. The Euphrates to be exact. He offered big bucks if Balaam would put a curse rather than a blessing on the Israelites.
So Balak's leaders approached Balaam. They offered him money. Balaam tells them he needs to find out what God wants. (It looks so nice on the surface but some commentary I read says that Balaam was not really that tight with God and probably didn't intend to talk to Him at all...instead God approached him.) God tells Balaam to send the messengers home. So he did.
Well, Balak didn't take that news well. He sends MORE messengers and is ready to offer more money.
Again, Balaam insists he needs to hear what God says on the matter.
This time, God tells Balaam to go but to only say what He tells him to say.
This is the point I got a bit confused. The next day Balaam hopped on his donkey and headed down the road. God was not happy. He send a messenger to stand in front of the donkey. The donkey went off the road so it wouldn't run into the messenger. Balaam kept striking the donkey to get him to go. The donkey finally SPEAKS to Balaam. Can you imagine that scene?
I will admit. I was a bit confused about why God would tell Balaam to go then be angry when he does. I honestly don't know the answer. I just have to trust God had His reasons. I don't know if He was irritated that Balaam insisted on listening to the messengers though he had already been told no. Or whether we are missing some information. Either way, it all worked out.
Balaam did talk to Balak who kept taking him to different areas of his country to "curse" the Israelites. Each time, God gave Balaam the words to say, all a blessing for His children. Each time, Balak doesn't like the answer and takes Balaam to a different spot in hopes of a curse. None comes. Balak is irritated beyond words. The whole thing is kind of comical.
One part I particularly loved was that Balaam, speaking for God, told Balak that He found no wrong with His people, no fault. In some ways, I am scratching my head. These people were always doing dumb stuff. Lots of wrong stuff. But that isn't how God saw them, in spite of their grumbling and whining. It gives me hope for a very imperfect me. :)
The last chapter is just your typical "The Israelites forget about God for a while, do their own thing, and suffer the consequences" kind of chapter. I would elaborate but I must go to bed...
More later,
Reba
Tomorrow's reading: Numbers 26-27
Three out of four chapters here deal with two men...Balak and Balaam. Balak was the king of Moab. He was a bit worried about the large group of Israelites camping nearby. So he sent messengers to a man named Balaam who lived down the road...or rather the river. The Euphrates to be exact. He offered big bucks if Balaam would put a curse rather than a blessing on the Israelites.
So Balak's leaders approached Balaam. They offered him money. Balaam tells them he needs to find out what God wants. (It looks so nice on the surface but some commentary I read says that Balaam was not really that tight with God and probably didn't intend to talk to Him at all...instead God approached him.) God tells Balaam to send the messengers home. So he did.
Well, Balak didn't take that news well. He sends MORE messengers and is ready to offer more money.
Again, Balaam insists he needs to hear what God says on the matter.
This time, God tells Balaam to go but to only say what He tells him to say.
This is the point I got a bit confused. The next day Balaam hopped on his donkey and headed down the road. God was not happy. He send a messenger to stand in front of the donkey. The donkey went off the road so it wouldn't run into the messenger. Balaam kept striking the donkey to get him to go. The donkey finally SPEAKS to Balaam. Can you imagine that scene?
I will admit. I was a bit confused about why God would tell Balaam to go then be angry when he does. I honestly don't know the answer. I just have to trust God had His reasons. I don't know if He was irritated that Balaam insisted on listening to the messengers though he had already been told no. Or whether we are missing some information. Either way, it all worked out.
Balaam did talk to Balak who kept taking him to different areas of his country to "curse" the Israelites. Each time, God gave Balaam the words to say, all a blessing for His children. Each time, Balak doesn't like the answer and takes Balaam to a different spot in hopes of a curse. None comes. Balak is irritated beyond words. The whole thing is kind of comical.
One part I particularly loved was that Balaam, speaking for God, told Balak that He found no wrong with His people, no fault. In some ways, I am scratching my head. These people were always doing dumb stuff. Lots of wrong stuff. But that isn't how God saw them, in spite of their grumbling and whining. It gives me hope for a very imperfect me. :)
The last chapter is just your typical "The Israelites forget about God for a while, do their own thing, and suffer the consequences" kind of chapter. I would elaborate but I must go to bed...
More later,
Reba
Tomorrow's reading: Numbers 26-27
Saturday, May 14, 2011
week 10 Day 7
Numbers 19-21
Just when I thought the sacrifices were over, there they are again. Ick. Again.
There was also some war/fighting stuff.
And Moses lost two siblings during this period.
But the part of the reading today that really struck out to me...
The people were complaining again. Again, they called out, asking Moses why he brought them from Egypt where life was so good. Oh, how quickly they forget.
So God gave Moses a command. He told Moses to talk to a rock and it would bring forth water.
A rock?
I still don't exactly know what went wrong. But Moses chastised the people (I can't say I blame him for that one :). Then he struck the rock with a stick TWICE. And it did bring forth water.
But somewhere along the way, Moses disrespected God.
I don't know if it was the chastisement of the people which God never technically told him to do. Or the fact that he decided to strike the rock rather than talk to it. Moses technically did not follow God's directions.
Either way, God was displeased. Unhappy. Cross.
Because of this mistake, Moses and Aaron would die rather than enter the Promised Land. Not die right there but they wouldn't live long enough to enter the Promised Land.
Wow. Seems kind of harsh after all Moses had done.
But like I say often, I am not God and I don't understand all He does.
I just know He had a reason.
He is God.
I don't have my Bible in front of me so I can't tell you the next reading...
I guess I will let you know tomorrow. :)
Reba
Just when I thought the sacrifices were over, there they are again. Ick. Again.
There was also some war/fighting stuff.
And Moses lost two siblings during this period.
But the part of the reading today that really struck out to me...
The people were complaining again. Again, they called out, asking Moses why he brought them from Egypt where life was so good. Oh, how quickly they forget.
So God gave Moses a command. He told Moses to talk to a rock and it would bring forth water.
A rock?
I still don't exactly know what went wrong. But Moses chastised the people (I can't say I blame him for that one :). Then he struck the rock with a stick TWICE. And it did bring forth water.
But somewhere along the way, Moses disrespected God.
I don't know if it was the chastisement of the people which God never technically told him to do. Or the fact that he decided to strike the rock rather than talk to it. Moses technically did not follow God's directions.
Either way, God was displeased. Unhappy. Cross.
Because of this mistake, Moses and Aaron would die rather than enter the Promised Land. Not die right there but they wouldn't live long enough to enter the Promised Land.
Wow. Seems kind of harsh after all Moses had done.
But like I say often, I am not God and I don't understand all He does.
I just know He had a reason.
He is God.
I don't have my Bible in front of me so I can't tell you the next reading...
I guess I will let you know tomorrow. :)
Reba
Friday, May 13, 2011
Week 10 Day 6 Continued
Oops...apparently Week 10 Day 6 (this is the only way I can keep up with it in my Bible) was Numbers 16-18. I somehow missed those last two chapters. So I will finish that up before starting a new day...
Chapter 17
A very short chapter. I kept looking to make sure I hadn't missed any verses. I couldn't find any. It is just short.
As you recall, the people were grumbling in the last chapter. So God had a solution. He had Moses collect a walking stick from each of the leaders of each tribe. Moses had to write their names on the sticks. He had to put them in the Meeting Tent in front of the Ark of the Agreement so God could choose one man whose walking stick would grow leaves.
The next day, one stick was not only growing leaves but also growing almonds!
Whose stick?
Aaron's...for the family of Levi.
God had spoken.
God then told Moses to put the stick in front of the Ark of the Agreement to remind the people that if they didn't stop complaining, they would surely die.
Sounds easy enough, right? :)
Ha.
We know those Israelites better than that...
Why? Because we are just like that.
Numbers 18
Chapter 18 is mainly about the role of the Levites as priests. They were a separate people, the only people who could go near the Holy Place or the altar. They would never own land but instead would have the Lord. The Levites would be responsible for the Holy Place and any sins against it. They would be able to partake of the offerings, whatever was not burnt. And the ten percent the Israelites tithed would go to the Levites as payment for their work. But even then the Levites would tithe 10 percent also.
That is about it in a nutshell. :)
Next Reading:
Numbers 19-21
Chapter 17
A very short chapter. I kept looking to make sure I hadn't missed any verses. I couldn't find any. It is just short.
As you recall, the people were grumbling in the last chapter. So God had a solution. He had Moses collect a walking stick from each of the leaders of each tribe. Moses had to write their names on the sticks. He had to put them in the Meeting Tent in front of the Ark of the Agreement so God could choose one man whose walking stick would grow leaves.
The next day, one stick was not only growing leaves but also growing almonds!
Whose stick?
Aaron's...for the family of Levi.
God had spoken.
God then told Moses to put the stick in front of the Ark of the Agreement to remind the people that if they didn't stop complaining, they would surely die.
Sounds easy enough, right? :)
Ha.
We know those Israelites better than that...
Why? Because we are just like that.
Numbers 18
Chapter 18 is mainly about the role of the Levites as priests. They were a separate people, the only people who could go near the Holy Place or the altar. They would never own land but instead would have the Lord. The Levites would be responsible for the Holy Place and any sins against it. They would be able to partake of the offerings, whatever was not burnt. And the ten percent the Israelites tithed would go to the Levites as payment for their work. But even then the Levites would tithe 10 percent also.
That is about it in a nutshell. :)
Next Reading:
Numbers 19-21
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Week 10 Day 6 Don't Kill the Messenger
Numbers 16
You just kind of have to feel for Moses. Here he was living this quiet life, keeping to himself, when a burning bush sent him to Egypt to repeatedly ask Pharaoh to let God's people go. And then he got to hear "NO" over and over, sometimes in some not so nice ways. Finally, they get the go-ahead to leave. Then the poor man is left wandering with bunches and bunches of Israelites. And the Israelites are not happy people. They complain about everything. Anything. ALL things. And their messenger? Poor Moses. He gets messages from God then shares them with the people who in turn get really angry with Moses when they don't like what they hear (which is often).
So in this chapter, four men come before Moses with an army of 250 people behind them (Really? 250. Out of thousands and thousands, you found 250 to back you?)
Now I am just thinking, God has shown Himself over and over to these people. He has also shown Moses' favor with Him. I mean, He took Moses up on the mountain and showed Himself to Moses, so much that Moses' face was radiant when he came down.
Wouldn't you think that the people would kind of know where Moses and God stand with each other?
Hmmm...
Guess not.
These four men come to Moses and tell Moses that ALL of the people are holy (aren't these the same people who crafted a golden cow when Moses was on the mountain TALKING to God???). They want to know why Moses think he is better than they are.
I have to say, I would have been tempted, had I been Moses, to call out to God, "God, strike these people down."
Alas, Moses is a better man than I. Of course, I am not a man or anything...
Anyway, Moses tells the people to come back the next day.
I think they should have been shaking in their boots.
Instead, they met Moses at the Meeting Tent.
As expected, God was unhappy. REALLY unhappy. So unhappy that he had the ground swallow up the men and their families and anyone else who didn't vacate the premises. Swallow them up! Then fire burned up the army of 250.
God had spoken.
So the people knew what happened. Don't you think there would have been a little fear there? Um, guess not.
The next day the people started grumbling against Moses and Aaron again. They actually tell Moses that HE is responsible for the death of the people the day before.
I know, I know. It is hard not to shake my head a thousand times.
Really?
All that comes to mind right now is the old saying, "Here's Your Sign..."
Oh, the consequences for that? Sickness that killed several thousand. A sickness that only stopped when Aaron (one they had complained against) prayed for the people and asked God to stop...
Sigh.
Shake of the head.
What are these people thinking?
Tomorrow's reading? Numbers 17 (I think)
Reba
You just kind of have to feel for Moses. Here he was living this quiet life, keeping to himself, when a burning bush sent him to Egypt to repeatedly ask Pharaoh to let God's people go. And then he got to hear "NO" over and over, sometimes in some not so nice ways. Finally, they get the go-ahead to leave. Then the poor man is left wandering with bunches and bunches of Israelites. And the Israelites are not happy people. They complain about everything. Anything. ALL things. And their messenger? Poor Moses. He gets messages from God then shares them with the people who in turn get really angry with Moses when they don't like what they hear (which is often).
So in this chapter, four men come before Moses with an army of 250 people behind them (Really? 250. Out of thousands and thousands, you found 250 to back you?)
Now I am just thinking, God has shown Himself over and over to these people. He has also shown Moses' favor with Him. I mean, He took Moses up on the mountain and showed Himself to Moses, so much that Moses' face was radiant when he came down.
Wouldn't you think that the people would kind of know where Moses and God stand with each other?
Hmmm...
Guess not.
These four men come to Moses and tell Moses that ALL of the people are holy (aren't these the same people who crafted a golden cow when Moses was on the mountain TALKING to God???). They want to know why Moses think he is better than they are.
I have to say, I would have been tempted, had I been Moses, to call out to God, "God, strike these people down."
Alas, Moses is a better man than I. Of course, I am not a man or anything...
Anyway, Moses tells the people to come back the next day.
I think they should have been shaking in their boots.
Instead, they met Moses at the Meeting Tent.
As expected, God was unhappy. REALLY unhappy. So unhappy that he had the ground swallow up the men and their families and anyone else who didn't vacate the premises. Swallow them up! Then fire burned up the army of 250.
God had spoken.
So the people knew what happened. Don't you think there would have been a little fear there? Um, guess not.
The next day the people started grumbling against Moses and Aaron again. They actually tell Moses that HE is responsible for the death of the people the day before.
I know, I know. It is hard not to shake my head a thousand times.
Really?
All that comes to mind right now is the old saying, "Here's Your Sign..."
Oh, the consequences for that? Sickness that killed several thousand. A sickness that only stopped when Aaron (one they had complained against) prayed for the people and asked God to stop...
Sigh.
Shake of the head.
What are these people thinking?
Tomorrow's reading? Numbers 17 (I think)
Reba
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Week 10 Day 5 Seeing Blue
Numbers 15
Just when I thought I was done reading about sacrifices, there is Numbers, Chapter 15. And a good first part of the chapter is all about...sacrifice. At least it doesn't go into too much detail. But still...
Ironically, this morning in our Bible Fellowship, we referred to some of the verses in this very chapter!
One of the main things we talked about was the "sins". The unintentional sins were still called sins. And they still required a sacrifice. But even more, the intentional sins? There was no sacrifice for it. That person just had to be cut off. Turned out. Removed from the group. Ow! I wonder if that made the people think at all before they did anything?
The other thing I found interesting in this chapter is that the Israelites were asked to tie several pieces of thread together on the corner of their clothes. There had to be a blue thread among the threads. Why? To always remind the people of God's commands. Every time they saw it, they would remember.
I wonder if I sewed something like this together and gave it to my children if it would remind them at all what God's commands (which are also our commands) are.
Hmmm, something to try. :)
Next reading: Numbers 16
Reba
Just when I thought I was done reading about sacrifices, there is Numbers, Chapter 15. And a good first part of the chapter is all about...sacrifice. At least it doesn't go into too much detail. But still...
Ironically, this morning in our Bible Fellowship, we referred to some of the verses in this very chapter!
One of the main things we talked about was the "sins". The unintentional sins were still called sins. And they still required a sacrifice. But even more, the intentional sins? There was no sacrifice for it. That person just had to be cut off. Turned out. Removed from the group. Ow! I wonder if that made the people think at all before they did anything?
The other thing I found interesting in this chapter is that the Israelites were asked to tie several pieces of thread together on the corner of their clothes. There had to be a blue thread among the threads. Why? To always remind the people of God's commands. Every time they saw it, they would remember.
I wonder if I sewed something like this together and gave it to my children if it would remind them at all what God's commands (which are also our commands) are.
Hmmm, something to try. :)
Next reading: Numbers 16
Reba
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Week 10 Day 4 Spies Among Us
Numbers 13-14
I would apologize for not posting last night but will just say I was wiped out and couldn't do another thing. I have come to the conclusion that I am always going to attempt to post on here each day and read my verses each day but at the same time, I am not going to beat myself up if I can't. Or don't. I don't want to find myself so overwhelmed with "catching up" that I miss the whole point of what I am doing...digging into His word!
In these chapters, Moses sent out a leader from each tribe to check out the "Promised Land". Basically, they were going to spy on the land and the people there and report back upon their return.
They visited the land. Interestingly, the actual description of the visit is very positive (in my mind). They found some fruit (grapes) to take back and carried it with them.
So they finally get back to camp. The Israelites eagerly await their report.
Suddenly things went wrong. Very wrong.
10 of the 12 "spies" reported back everything they saw that was wrong. They admitted it was a great land but that they talked about the "giants" who lived there. They said that the Israelites were mere grasshoppers in their eyes.
Joshua, dear Joshua, tried to explain that with God on their side, who could ever be against them. But in life, it is the negatives that stay with us, not the positives. And that is what happened here...
As tends to happen, bad news travels fast. Suddenly that mob mentality took control. Panic broke out. The people started weeping. They started wailing. They started complaining again about the fact that they had ever left Egypt and slavery.
Joshua and Caleb tried to calm them down.
The people wanted to stone them.
Sigh.
I wish I could say this is a thing of the past but this is human nature. I think we have seen this kind of situation happen way too many times...
Finally God stepped in. He was not a happy camper.
After much discussion with his servant Moses, God rendered his verdict.
The people, other than the two spies who saw things through God's eyes, would die in the desert. No Promised Land for them.
So sad.
Next reading: Numbers 15
I would apologize for not posting last night but will just say I was wiped out and couldn't do another thing. I have come to the conclusion that I am always going to attempt to post on here each day and read my verses each day but at the same time, I am not going to beat myself up if I can't. Or don't. I don't want to find myself so overwhelmed with "catching up" that I miss the whole point of what I am doing...digging into His word!
In these chapters, Moses sent out a leader from each tribe to check out the "Promised Land". Basically, they were going to spy on the land and the people there and report back upon their return.
They visited the land. Interestingly, the actual description of the visit is very positive (in my mind). They found some fruit (grapes) to take back and carried it with them.
So they finally get back to camp. The Israelites eagerly await their report.
Suddenly things went wrong. Very wrong.
10 of the 12 "spies" reported back everything they saw that was wrong. They admitted it was a great land but that they talked about the "giants" who lived there. They said that the Israelites were mere grasshoppers in their eyes.
Joshua, dear Joshua, tried to explain that with God on their side, who could ever be against them. But in life, it is the negatives that stay with us, not the positives. And that is what happened here...
As tends to happen, bad news travels fast. Suddenly that mob mentality took control. Panic broke out. The people started weeping. They started wailing. They started complaining again about the fact that they had ever left Egypt and slavery.
Joshua and Caleb tried to calm them down.
The people wanted to stone them.
Sigh.
I wish I could say this is a thing of the past but this is human nature. I think we have seen this kind of situation happen way too many times...
Finally God stepped in. He was not a happy camper.
After much discussion with his servant Moses, God rendered his verdict.
The people, other than the two spies who saw things through God's eyes, would die in the desert. No Promised Land for them.
So sad.
Next reading: Numbers 15
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Week 10 Day 3 A Piece of Humble Pie
Numbers 12
Yes, two posts in one day. Two. I am still not caught up. But I am more caught up than before. :)
Oh, siblings. You gotta love them. Most of the time.
In this chapter, Moses' siblings begin talking behind his back about the woman he married. They even asked OUT LOUD if God only spoke to Moses. Weren't they there too?
I love the statement in ( ). Moses. He was humble. He was the least proud person on earth at this time. How cool is that???
Anyway, God calls out to Moses, Miriam, and Aaron. He tells them to meet at the Tent. NOW.
I am thinking it would be like when sitting in the office waiting to talk to the principal. Were they nervous at all? If not, they should have been!
God spoke. And He made His point clear. He would talk to others how He wanted to, whether in visions or in dreams. But Moses. Moses was different. He would speak to Moses face to face with him. End of story. Then He ended with this statement that should have had them shaking in their shoes. Or sandals. Or whatever they wore.
"You should be afraid to speak against my servant Moses."
When the cloud lifted, Miriam was white. REALLY white. Like skin disease white.
Aaron, alarmed, called out to Moses. Yes, the same Moses they had been ya ya-ing about. Moses asked God to fix it. And He did. After 7 days.
Still not sure why Aaron didn't get it.
But that is for God to know. And me to wonder about.
Reba
Next reading:
Numbers 13-14 (I think)
Yes, two posts in one day. Two. I am still not caught up. But I am more caught up than before. :)
Oh, siblings. You gotta love them. Most of the time.
In this chapter, Moses' siblings begin talking behind his back about the woman he married. They even asked OUT LOUD if God only spoke to Moses. Weren't they there too?
I love the statement in ( ). Moses. He was humble. He was the least proud person on earth at this time. How cool is that???
Anyway, God calls out to Moses, Miriam, and Aaron. He tells them to meet at the Tent. NOW.
I am thinking it would be like when sitting in the office waiting to talk to the principal. Were they nervous at all? If not, they should have been!
God spoke. And He made His point clear. He would talk to others how He wanted to, whether in visions or in dreams. But Moses. Moses was different. He would speak to Moses face to face with him. End of story. Then He ended with this statement that should have had them shaking in their shoes. Or sandals. Or whatever they wore.
"You should be afraid to speak against my servant Moses."
When the cloud lifted, Miriam was white. REALLY white. Like skin disease white.
Aaron, alarmed, called out to Moses. Yes, the same Moses they had been ya ya-ing about. Moses asked God to fix it. And He did. After 7 days.
Still not sure why Aaron didn't get it.
But that is for God to know. And me to wonder about.
Reba
Next reading:
Numbers 13-14 (I think)
Week 10 Day 2 Woe is Me...
Numbers 11
So the people had been doing pretty good up to this point, moving out like the Lord had told them to do, you know they can't stay that way. Sure enough, after a little time, they started crying, whining, complaining. And God got mad. Really mad. Burning mad. (Literally. A fire burned among the people at the edge of the camp.) The fire didn't stop until the people ran to Moses who prayed to God. Good old Moses.
Speaking of Moses, I love His talk with God in this chapter.
The people were still eating a whole lot of manna. But like most people I know, that choice wasn't enough. They wanted more. We always want more, don't we? They started grumbling and complaining. They wanted meat. Really wanted meat. So much so, it says every family stood at the doorway of their tent crying. Is that a sad scene or what???
Moses, who to me has been a fairly patient man up until this point, finally lost it. He started ranting and raving. He asked God why God brought all this trouble on him. (I can't say I blame him for feeling this way!) He reminded God that he was NOT their father or their mother. He even goes so far as to tell God that if He is going to continue to "do this to him" (Love that phrasing), just kill him now. I would say Moses is at the end of his rope.
Of course, God could have struck Moses down at that point. But He didn't.
He instead had Moses gather 70 elders to help him. Then he told the people to cleanse themselves. They wanted meat. They would get meat.
I have to admit, when I first read this, I thought, "God? You are just giving in? That is so not how I parent." But I hadn't read far enough.
God tells Moses that He will give the people meat. And they will eat it. For a month. Not like optional, but WILL do eat it for a month. They will eat it until it comes out of their nose. That is a lot of meat. In fact, God told Moses that the people would end up hating the meat.
God did what He said. He shared His Spirit with the 70 elders. And they prophesied for that time. (Even a couple who weren't at the Tent at the time)
Then God brought in the meat. Quails.
Lots of quails.
Then the people were happy. They gathered up bushels and bushels of it.
And they eagerly ate it.
And they got sick. Terribly sick. While the meat was in their mouth.
Uh oh.
Next reading:
Numbers 12
So the people had been doing pretty good up to this point, moving out like the Lord had told them to do, you know they can't stay that way. Sure enough, after a little time, they started crying, whining, complaining. And God got mad. Really mad. Burning mad. (Literally. A fire burned among the people at the edge of the camp.) The fire didn't stop until the people ran to Moses who prayed to God. Good old Moses.
Speaking of Moses, I love His talk with God in this chapter.
The people were still eating a whole lot of manna. But like most people I know, that choice wasn't enough. They wanted more. We always want more, don't we? They started grumbling and complaining. They wanted meat. Really wanted meat. So much so, it says every family stood at the doorway of their tent crying. Is that a sad scene or what???
Moses, who to me has been a fairly patient man up until this point, finally lost it. He started ranting and raving. He asked God why God brought all this trouble on him. (I can't say I blame him for feeling this way!) He reminded God that he was NOT their father or their mother. He even goes so far as to tell God that if He is going to continue to "do this to him" (Love that phrasing), just kill him now. I would say Moses is at the end of his rope.
Of course, God could have struck Moses down at that point. But He didn't.
He instead had Moses gather 70 elders to help him. Then he told the people to cleanse themselves. They wanted meat. They would get meat.
I have to admit, when I first read this, I thought, "God? You are just giving in? That is so not how I parent." But I hadn't read far enough.
God tells Moses that He will give the people meat. And they will eat it. For a month. Not like optional, but WILL do eat it for a month. They will eat it until it comes out of their nose. That is a lot of meat. In fact, God told Moses that the people would end up hating the meat.
God did what He said. He shared His Spirit with the 70 elders. And they prophesied for that time. (Even a couple who weren't at the Tent at the time)
Then God brought in the meat. Quails.
Lots of quails.
Then the people were happy. They gathered up bushels and bushels of it.
And they eagerly ate it.
And they got sick. Terribly sick. While the meat was in their mouth.
Uh oh.
Next reading:
Numbers 12
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Week 10 Day 1 Numbers 10 Deserted
Oops! I was supposed to read part of Numbers 9 and all of Numbers 10. Except I did all of Numbers 9 in the last post. Well, I guess the good news is that I may catch up on a missing day tomorrow. Maybe...
So...
Numbers 10
The first part of this chapter was about the silver trumpets God told Moses to make. He told him what to make and how to use them. I like that the trumpets were to not only be used for "bad" reasons (like being under attack) but also for good reasons, like happy times or feasts. Since there was no Twitter, I am thinking the trumpets were the only way to spread some news among all of these Israelite people!
Oh, I like that people could just call on the trumpet and God would hear them. of course, I would guess God, being all knowing and all, would already know they were about to call...
The next part of the chapter talks about the order the Israelites are to move out of their camp when God tells them to. They had a plan to follow.
Sure enough, the day came that God moved the cloud meaning the people needed to move too.
Here is a great thing.
They followed directions! They did it just as God had asked.
It gives me hope for the four children I have living at my house. Surely if that many people wandering in the desert can do this, my kids can too. Right?
One last thing I found interesting: The people were moved from one desert to another. I wonder if the people were a little disappointed? They kept hearing about this Promised Land. Instead they ended up in the desert (a new one at that) again...
Tomorrow's Reading:
Numbers 11
So...
Numbers 10
The first part of this chapter was about the silver trumpets God told Moses to make. He told him what to make and how to use them. I like that the trumpets were to not only be used for "bad" reasons (like being under attack) but also for good reasons, like happy times or feasts. Since there was no Twitter, I am thinking the trumpets were the only way to spread some news among all of these Israelite people!
Oh, I like that people could just call on the trumpet and God would hear them. of course, I would guess God, being all knowing and all, would already know they were about to call...
The next part of the chapter talks about the order the Israelites are to move out of their camp when God tells them to. They had a plan to follow.
Sure enough, the day came that God moved the cloud meaning the people needed to move too.
Here is a great thing.
They followed directions! They did it just as God had asked.
It gives me hope for the four children I have living at my house. Surely if that many people wandering in the desert can do this, my kids can too. Right?
One last thing I found interesting: The people were moved from one desert to another. I wonder if the people were a little disappointed? They kept hearing about this Promised Land. Instead they ended up in the desert (a new one at that) again...
Tomorrow's Reading:
Numbers 11
Monday, May 2, 2011
Week 9 Day 7 Follow that Cloud
Numbers 7-9
Chapter 7
The Holy Tent
Moses finished setting up the Holy Tent. Then he poured olive oil over it. (Have I ever mentioned how much I LOVE olive oil???)
Then it was time to present each tribe to the altar.
The tribes brought needed materials like the oxen and the carts that would be needed to move the Holy Tent by the Levites.
They also brought forth sacrifices. Each day, a leader from one of the 12 tribes brought forth a sacrifice to the altar. Yes, there is that "sacrifice" word...did you hear my stomach turn?
The neatest part of this chapter though was in the last two verses. Moses went to the Meeting Tent to talk to God, and he heard God talking to instead! The voice was coming from over the winged creatures above the lid on the Ark of the Agreement. How cool would that be? To hear God? An audible God?
Chapter 8:
It was finally time for the Levites to being their tasks in the Holy Tent. But first...they had to be clean. So they had to have the cleansing waters sprinkled on them, shave themselves (it doesn't just faces...but bodies!), then wash their clothes (which makes me think clothes watching didn't happy regularly). Then there would of course be more sacrifice involved. Ugh. I can't escape the sacrifice.
One thing that stuck out to me in this chapter was again, the Bible mentions that while the firstborns of Egypt were taken by God, He set apart the firstborn of Israel for Himself. A substitution...reminds me of one who hung on the cross once upon a time. And then there is a further "substitution" when the Levites, separated from the other tribes in their service.
The other interesting detail was the job requirement for the Levite males. They had to be at least 25 years old but at age 50 were required to retire.
Chapter 9
The first part of this chapter was about celebrating Passover.
The second part of this chapter was about the cloud above the tent. In the daylight, it was a cloud. By night, it looked like fire. When the Lord was ready for the Israelites to move on to a new location, the cloud moved. When He wanted them to stay for a while, the cloud stayed
In some ways, I wish life still worked like that. When God wants me to move on, the "cloud" could move. And when I was in the right place, God would let me now that too...
Wouldn't it be nice?
Reba
Chapter 7
The Holy Tent
Moses finished setting up the Holy Tent. Then he poured olive oil over it. (Have I ever mentioned how much I LOVE olive oil???)
Then it was time to present each tribe to the altar.
The tribes brought needed materials like the oxen and the carts that would be needed to move the Holy Tent by the Levites.
They also brought forth sacrifices. Each day, a leader from one of the 12 tribes brought forth a sacrifice to the altar. Yes, there is that "sacrifice" word...did you hear my stomach turn?
The neatest part of this chapter though was in the last two verses. Moses went to the Meeting Tent to talk to God, and he heard God talking to instead! The voice was coming from over the winged creatures above the lid on the Ark of the Agreement. How cool would that be? To hear God? An audible God?
Chapter 8:
It was finally time for the Levites to being their tasks in the Holy Tent. But first...they had to be clean. So they had to have the cleansing waters sprinkled on them, shave themselves (it doesn't just faces...but bodies!), then wash their clothes (which makes me think clothes watching didn't happy regularly). Then there would of course be more sacrifice involved. Ugh. I can't escape the sacrifice.
One thing that stuck out to me in this chapter was again, the Bible mentions that while the firstborns of Egypt were taken by God, He set apart the firstborn of Israel for Himself. A substitution...reminds me of one who hung on the cross once upon a time. And then there is a further "substitution" when the Levites, separated from the other tribes in their service.
The other interesting detail was the job requirement for the Levite males. They had to be at least 25 years old but at age 50 were required to retire.
Chapter 9
The first part of this chapter was about celebrating Passover.
The second part of this chapter was about the cloud above the tent. In the daylight, it was a cloud. By night, it looked like fire. When the Lord was ready for the Israelites to move on to a new location, the cloud moved. When He wanted them to stay for a while, the cloud stayed
In some ways, I wish life still worked like that. When God wants me to move on, the "cloud" could move. And when I was in the right place, God would let me now that too...
Wouldn't it be nice?
Reba
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Week 9 Day 6 Bless You
Numbers 6
The first part of the chapter is about a special group of people called the Nazirites. This was a group of people who promised themselves to God in a special way. It didn't matter if it was male or female. The promise was what set them apart. If they chose to do that, then there were specific rules to follow as far as what they ate/drank (nothing from a vine, not even a raisin!) and wore their hair (uncut).
But it is the second part of the chapter that caught my attention. It was a blessing that the priests would bless the Israelites with in verses 24-26
"May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord show you his kindness
and have mercy on you.
May the Lord watch over you
and give you peace."
What a beautiful blessing.
Hope you have a blessed day!
Next reading:
Number 7-9
Reba
The first part of the chapter is about a special group of people called the Nazirites. This was a group of people who promised themselves to God in a special way. It didn't matter if it was male or female. The promise was what set them apart. If they chose to do that, then there were specific rules to follow as far as what they ate/drank (nothing from a vine, not even a raisin!) and wore their hair (uncut).
But it is the second part of the chapter that caught my attention. It was a blessing that the priests would bless the Israelites with in verses 24-26
"May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May the Lord show you his kindness
and have mercy on you.
May the Lord watch over you
and give you peace."
What a beautiful blessing.
Hope you have a blessed day!
Next reading:
Number 7-9
Reba
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