Numbers 9 - 7.19.2024

Scripture - Pick one verse that stood out to you.

Numbers 9: 15-18

On the day the tabernacle, the tent of the covenant law, was set up, the cloud covered it. From evening till morning the cloud above the tabernacle looked like fire. That is how it continued to be; the cloud covered it, and at night it looked like fire. Whenever the cloud lifted from above the tent, the Israelites set out; wherever the cloud settled, the Israelites encamped. At the Lord’s command the Israelites set out, and at his command they encamped. As long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle, they remained in camp. 

Observation - What about this verse stands out to you?

Numbers chapter 9 verses 15 through 18 records the nature defying cloud-by-day fire-by-night system used by the Lord to communicate with the Israelites. When the cloud lifted, the nation moved out. When the cloud settled, the nation encamped. When evening came the cloud looked like fire.

Application - How will you apply this to your life?

What exactly is God’s will in my life?

I have been pondering this question for so long now that it is part of a subconscious daily routine. It is amazing however how God’s word draws me into His revelation when I least expect it. In a season where the nation of Israel was preparing to enter the promised land, God provided clear and concise directions.

And in a world where the power of algorithms is the latest hot topic, I believe that the word of God has been there and done that. While the cloud-fire lasted for but a season in the life of Israel, I yearn for it in my life today.  

Prayer - Write out a prayer.

Lord, God please order my steps today. Tell me when to move. Tell me when to stay. May you be the fire inside me when night falls. May you be the guide of my path, my way. I thank you for the opportunity to draw closer to You. I treasure the moments I have here on earth to ponder what it is like to be close to You. I pray that these thoughts that I have about You are not simply thoughts but that I would live a life where the Holy Spirit would guide my own spirit to be closer with You. I am in awe of your cloud by day and fire by night, and I would truly be humbled by such guidance. Where the world has given over to worship of AI, I choose to remain true to you. I worship You, the one and only God, the creator of the Universe, the living Savior, and my Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

-kenneth lee 

Psalm 6 - 7.18.24

Psalm 6:1-3; 6

S - 1 Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger
    or discipline me in your wrath.
2 Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint;
    heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony.
3 My soul is in deep anguish.
    How long, Lord, how long?

 6 I am worn out from my groaning.

    All night long I flood my bed with weeping
    and drench my couch with tears.

O – This Psalm is a lamentation by David who sensed he was under the chastisement of God, but he still knew he should ask God to shorten the trial. There is a place for humble resignation to chastisement, but God wants us to yearn for higher ground and to use that yearning as a motivation to seek Him and get things right with Him.

In his agony David pleads for deliverance – but on the ground of God’s mercy, not his own righteousness. David knew that the LORD’s chastisement was righteous, but he also knew that God is rich in mercy. (endouringword.com)

A – I know so many of us this morning who can relate to David’s anguish for many of the different things we are experiencing. Those things may or may not be the result of our own sin, but the pain and frustration is all the same. We NEED God to get us through these things. We need to cry out and lay each of our needs at His feet and let Him take the load. And if we believe sin has played a part in our circumstances, then let’s take the opportunity to confess those things and let God move us past them. As we just wrapped up our 7-day rooted challenge, I pray that each person who was seeking Him and growing those roots deeper, truly came away from that time feeling connected! I think most of us would say they have memorized this scripture:

John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

That verse carries so much truth! Well, don’t they all? But this one always packs a punch for me. When I am going through the chaos and crying out to God, I must stop and ask myself if I am even taking the time to connect with Jesus. Most of the time, I have been “too busy” to put in the time and effort, not giving Him the chance to speak to my heart or lead me where I need to go. In this Psalm God’s chastising hand was heavy upon David. His life seemed to be nothing but tears and misery. David felt God was angry with him and he lacked a sense of God’s presence (familiar?) and the only reason we would not feel God’s presence is because we have not been connecting to the source. He does not turn his back on us and as we go through each of our own trials, it is imperative that we call on the Lord to bring us through them. He has already promised us that He will!

P – Lord I thank you that your promises never change. That you said there is nothing that can separate us from your love. You said there will be trouble on this earth, but we need not fear any of it because you have already given us victory over every battle. Help us to hold onto that promise and live like we remember that! Help our lives be a testimony to those around us who are watching. Please help myself and others to always go to you amid the pain and suffering and not turn to any of the many other things we can get so caught up in to help ourselves feel better. Let us always turn to YOU for our comfort and our sanity! Thank you, Jesus, that you hear our cries and our desperation, and being the good Father that you are, are right beside us holding us up as we get through our pain.

Amen!

Crystal Penrod Flory

Psalm 5 - 7.17.24

Scripture - Psalms 5

Listen to my words, Lord,

   consider my lament.

Hear my cry for help,

   my King and my God,

   for to you I pray

In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;

   in the morning I lay my requests before you

   and wait expectantly.

Observation

God does not expect you to put on a brave face or pretend to be happy in times of trial. Over and over in the Psalms, David sets the example for us, going to God and pouring out his sorrow, anger and pain. He is real and raw. Complaining and crying out, he lays his needs at God's feet. He sits before God and lets God work on his heart. By the end of every Psalm, not every situation is changed, but David is changed through his time spent with God. 

Application

I like to say, "You need to feel your feelings - for a while." David is a great example of that! But we can't stay there. We need to learn to lay our troubles at the feet of God and trust Him. We need to learn to trust Him even when we don't see anything happening. We need to trust that He works in ways we can't see or understand. Learning to trust is a spiritual discipline. 

In the morning - David starts his days meeting with God

My King and my God - he acknowledges God's sovereignty, his supreme authority and power

Wait expectantly - spend time, learn to trust

By the end of the Psalm, you see that David's heart has changed.

"David began his devotions seeking help for himself but ended by seeking blessing for all the people, including his enemies. That’s the way our devotional times ought to end." Warren Wiersbe Bible Study

Prayer

Thank you God for this reminder today. I don't need to carry my burdens alone. You love me and You want me to come to You with everything. You want to listen, comfort me, change my heart, and teach me to trust in You.

- Debbie Dunn