Monthly Archives: May 2012
in retrospect: challenges of leadership
Deuteronomy 1 Moses reflects upon some of the particular challenges he had faced as leader of God’s people. This sets the tone of Deuteronomy — a book of reflection. We don’t get a lot of new material in this book, … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, discernment, leadership, perseverance, wisdom
Tagged Deuteronomy 1
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a protective walk
Numbers 35-36 By granting refuge to individuals who were accused of murder, the LORD protected those falsely accused. By prescribing limits, he assured that people could not abuse the law. The same was true of the inheritance rights. Zelopehad’s daughters … Continue reading
Posted in church, consideration of others, discernment, freedom, responsibility
Tagged Numbers 35, Numbers 36
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a specific walk
Numbers 33:50-34:29 The LORD did not set the Israelites free for freedom’s sake alone. He had a plan and a promise — to bring them to a specific place and settle them there to represent him specifically. He did not … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, dependence upon God, discernment, discipleship, kingdom of God, will of God
Tagged Numbers 33, Numbers 34
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looking back as we walk
Numbers 33:1-49 Here Moses records the places where Israel had camped on their journey to Canaan and their wandering in the wilderness. Where they had walked was a testimony both to the LORD’s provision, and to their own stubbornness and … Continue reading
Posted in discernment, discipleship, plan of God, relationship with God
Tagged Numbers 33
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a considerate walk
Numbers 32 Moses did not first oppose Reuben and Gad because they saw an opportunity to take care of their families. His objection was twofold. First, they had not considered what staying in the Transjordon would do to the other … Continue reading
Posted in consideration of others, courage, faithfulness, perseverance, wisdom
Tagged Numbers 32
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a victorious walk
Numbers 31 Moses had already known for some time that he would not accompany his people to the promised land. He had sinned, and there would be consequences. Nevertheless, God gave him one final victory to show that he was … Continue reading
Posted in confidence, courage, dependence upon God, encouragement, grace, mercy
Tagged Numbers 31
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a responsible walk
Numbers 30 The Israelites were expected to keep their word, just as they expected the LORD to keep his promises to them. Men, widows and divorced women were under their own authority, so they were responsible to keep their vows, … Continue reading
a costly walk
Numbers 28-29 The ESV Study Bible states “It has been calculated that, over the course of a year, these sacrifices involved a total of 113 bulls, 1,086 lambs, over a ton of flour, and 1,000 bottles of oil and wine!” … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, future, grace, money, trust, worship
Tagged Numbers 28, Numbers 29
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a cooperative walk
Numbers 27 This chapter records the LORD’s answer to two of Moses’ prayers. Moses wanted to know how to answer the appeal of Zelopehad’s daughters. God told him that the daughters were right, and deserved an inheritance so that their … Continue reading
Posted in consideration of others, dependence upon God, future, prayer
Tagged Numbers 27
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a prepared walk
Numbers 26 This census has more to do with preparing for the future occupation of the land rather than fighting for it. The concern was that each tribe get a fair share of the coming blessing. Every family was listed. … Continue reading
Devotions 