Justice with Compassion

March 5

Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 34 – 36

Verse of the Day: Numbers 30:2 – “These are the commandments and the ordinances which Jehovah commanded by Moses unto the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho.”

We end our journey through the Book of Numbers with these chapters. We find God directing the people on the boundaries of Canaan. He gives through Moses directions on dividing up the land and providing for the Levites. Also, we find the cities of refuge – cities that one who has killed someone can go until they receive a fair trial. Many see the Old Testament as a harsh revengeful book. Instead, with a careful reading we find that God establishes limits and protection for His people. Today, consider where you would be, if God was a revengeful God.

Prayer: Merciful and Gracious God, thank You that You have sought to maintain justice while maintaining compassion through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Protect, Provide, Propel

March 4

Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 32 – 33

Verse of the Day: Numbers 30:2 – “These are the journeys of the children of Israel, when they went forth out of the land of Egypt by their hosts under the hand of Moses and Aaron.”

Today we see the 40 stops that the Children of Israel made between Egypt and Moab. Some have called this Moses’ obituary. But, I believe that it is a record of how God enabled the nation to overcome the obstacles of the past. As the people were reminded of where they had been, how far they had come, and how often God showed up and protected, provide, and propelled them forward, they could be sure He would bring them into the Promised Land.

Look back over your life. How has God protected, provided, and propelled you forward? As He has been faithful in the past, we can be assured He will bring us into our Promised Land.

Prayer: Loving provider and protector, help me remember Your hand of mercy seeing me through. I can trust You for Tomorrow.

Credible?

March 3

Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 30 – 31

Verse of the Day: Numbers 30:2 – “When a man voweth a vow unto Jehovah, or sweareth an oath to bind his soul with a bond, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.”

Quiz time. When you make a promise to someone – do you ever break it? How often today do we look for legal loopholes to get out of something? If it is inconvenient shouldn’t we seek to get out of what we have promised? After all, God understands.

Well. According to this verse in the section we are reading, God expects us to keep all the promises we make – to Him and to others. You see, we need to make sure that we have a great credibility, and not keeping promises widens the gap of our credibility. We need to be motivated by the highest standards, and this is one of them. Integrity.

Prayer: God of Integrity, help me to make sure that I too am credible so that others will look and listen to what I say about You. Amen 

Appointed Times and Plans

March 2

Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 28 – 29

Verse of the Day: Numbers 28:2 – “Command the children of Israel, and say unto them, My oblation, my food for my offerings made by fire, of a sweet savor unto me, shall ye observe to offer unto me in their due season.”

These two chapters give the instructions on the offerings and feasts that the nation of Israel observed. Notice that he people were to observe not only the way to give, but when to give.

Many religions have an arbitrary god who changes as the mood strikes them. It is virtually impossible to know if you are truly in compliance because the rules keep changing. God here shows that He is a God of decency and order. He has a plan, a purpose, and a progression for us to follow. We can know what He wants, because He never changes.

Prayer: Compassionate and caring Lord, thank You that You have shown us what is expected in Your word. Help us to follow You and obey You today. Amen.

Replacement Commissioned

March 1

Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 25 – 27

Verse of the Day: Numbers 27:18 – “And Jehovah said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay thy hand upon him;”

Good has instructed Moses to prepare to go up into the mountain, view the Promised Land from afar, and die. Moses after all the struggles, heartaches, complaints, and mistreatment, still cares for the people of God and is concerned that they need a leader.

God instructs Moses in choosing Joshua, placing him before the people, placing his hands on him, and commissioning him to be his replacement.

God will always provide what we need – materially and spiritually. Nothing takes Him by surprise and He will meet our needs in every area according to His Divine will.

Prayer: Jehovah-Jirah, today I trust you to meet every need I have according to Your plan. Amen.