Worship the LORD in holy array Ascribe to the LORD the glory due to His name Worship the LORD in holy array he appointed those who sang to the LORD and those who praised Him in holy attire Worship the LORD in holy attire; Tremble before Him, all the earth.

Fully Abandoned

Our high school football team went to the State Championship for the very first time. It was held on December 18th in Cowboy stadium. What a fine arena! It was amazing the number of people cheering on their home teams! The sheer volume and roar of the excited fans was deafening.

As we sat next to the band and cheered in unison, "Plus 1" to the opposing side, I was taken aback. Everyone was cheering and excited. I didn't know the people we were sitting by but we all had a comraderie because we were unified in our common purpose. Look at our faces.

And I thought as I looked around at the forty plus thousand people around me, "Why do I hold back in my worship of the Lord, Jesus Christ?" "Why am I not fully abandoned as I was at the championship game?" "Are not the people around me my brothers and sisters in Christ and unified in our purpose?"

I'm still lingering on this today.

O come, let us sing for joy to the LORD,
Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation.
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving,
Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.
For the LORD is a great God
And a great King above all gods,
In whose hand are the depths of the earth,
The peaks of the mountains are His also.
The sea is His, for it was He who made it,
And His hands formed the dry land.
Come, let us worship and bow down,
Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.
For He is our God,
And we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand. --Psalm 95: 1-7 NASB

New Every Morning

"The LORD'S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,

For His compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;

Great is Your faithfulness."
- - Lamentations 3: 22-23


I saw this comic this morning and immediately thought of the above verse. God mercies are new every morning. Each day is a gift from the Lord. Am I extending new mercies to those I come in contact? My husband, my children, and/or my coworkers?

"'Master, how many times do I forgive a brother or sister who hurts me? Seven?'
Jesus replied, 'Seven! Hardly. Try seventy time seven.'"
--Matthew 18: 21-22 The Message

Psalm 130

Psalms 130

The Message

A pilgrim song

Help, GOD — the bottom has fallen out of my life!

Lord, I woke up discouraged this morning.

Master, hear my cry for help!

Listen hard! Open your ears! Listen to my cries for mercy.
Sometimes I don't feel you're listening.

If you, GOD, kept records on wrongdoings,

who would stand a chance?

Thank you for removing our sin as

far as the east is from the west when we confess to You.

As it turns out, forgiveness is your habit,

and that's why you're worshiped.

You are faithful and righteous to cleanse us

from all unrighteousness.
I pray to GOD — my life a prayer — and wait for

what he'll say and do.

May my lifesong sing to You this day.

My life's on the line before God, my Lord,

waiting and watching till morning,

waiting and watching till morning.

Even though there are no cattle in the stalls,

I still will praise You.O Israel, wait and watch for GOD —

with GOD's arrival comes love,

with GOD's arrival comes generous redemption.

Thank you, God, for Jesus, our Redeemer!

No doubt about it — he'll redeem Israel,

buy back Israel from captivity to sin.

I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on.

There will be an end to these struggles

but until that day comes

Still I will praise You,

still I will praise You.

Lord Jesus, may we get a glimpse of Your glory today.

-- michele

Asking God for Help

II Chronicles 13 - 16

But you asked GOD for help and he gave you the victory. GOD is always on the alert, constantly on the lookout for people who are totally committed to him. You were foolish to go for human help when you could have had God's help. Now you're in trouble — one round of war after another."

At that, Asa lost his temper. Angry, he put Hanani in the stocks. At the same time Asa started abusing some of the people.

A full account of Asa is written in The Chronicles of the Kings of Judah. In the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa came down with a severe case of foot infection. He didn't ask GOD for help, but went instead to the doctors. Then Asa died; he died in the forty-first year of his reign. They buried him in a mausoleum that he had built for himself in the City of David. They laid him in a crypt full of aromatic oils and spices. Then they had a huge bonfire in his memory. 2 Chronicles 16:8-14 THE MESSAGE

As I read through today's Bible reading, I was reminded of when I was a first-time mom. Our son was at the age where he should have been sleeping through the night. My pediatrician gave me suggestions as what to do and my ladies home fellowship was giving me wonderful advice as what to do. I was growing more and more weary because our son wasn't sleeping through the night.

No one seemed to understand. If my son started crying too hard, it would easily trigger him to throw up. Then we would really be awake, because I was up changing his clothes and crib sheets. This went on for several weeks.

At some point, I realized that I had not asked Godfor help. I remember specifically praying Psalm 139, "Lord, you know my son, Terren, and how he is made. The doctor and friends are all giving me good advice but I haven't sought you for help. You know how tired I am and need Your help . . ." That very evening, Terren slept through the night!

God does want us to seek Him for help. I realized that He cares that we come to Him, our Creator. I try to remember this before I give someone else advice or ask, "Have you asked God about it?" I don't mean it to be a trite response but He does care for us and desires us to seek Him, first.

My son didn't sleep through the night every night after this. But God made Himself very evident and present that night.
But you asked GOD for help and he gave you the victory.

The Family Tree

I Chronicles 9 - 11

This is the complete family tree for all Israel, recorded in the Royal Annals of the Kings of Israel and Judah at the time they were exiled to Babylon because of their unbelieving and disobedient lives. I Chronicles 9:1

I was thinking as I was reading through all the names and how interconnected they are and how God preserved, always kept a remnant, to prepare the way of the Lord Jesus. God was careful to leave us the details in His word. I am amazed from those who have studied how these family groups are relevant today in our current events.

My mom did quite a bit of research on our family tree. It was surprising to find out that one line of the family had several preachers or ministers over several generations. I am also finding it interesting the interconnection of personal relationships in my life and how they are coming around full circle.

I don't know if I have the right words to illustrate what I am meaning or feeling.

When I was in ninth grade, my parents and I joined a new church that had an active youth choir ministry. The church at that time did not have a youth ministry as you see in churches today. Sonny Steed, the minister of music, has had an amazing impact on the kingdom of God. As I reflect on the people that have come through his ministry, many have gone on into full-time Christian service, or they are faithful servants in their churches and their children have gone on to full-time ministries. I am aware of the spiritual impact that is has and is going to have on the generations to come.

Just prior to my senior year in high school, the church called its first Minister of Youth. Although I had grown up in church, David Gentiles, was the first who taught me about the disciplines of the Christian walk; how to have a quiet time, meditating on the Word and other disciplines such as fasting, etc. We had our first discipleship weekend called "Salt/Light." My small group leader for that brief weekend was Don Piper. I don't remember if he was even married then. Don was a good friend of David's.

Just this week, I read Don's book Ninety Minutes in Heaven. In his book, he shares the impact that David had been in his life. Don later was on staff with Sonny Steed. I read the book with mixed feelings because David Gentiles is presently with the Lord since December 2009. David has also had a great spiritual impact on many lives, mine being one of them. When I think of David, I think of Jesus. He loved in that way. He had a special gift. David also believed God. His kind of belief is contagious.

I have always "believed" in God and I do have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus. I have a growing awareness of God's presence and it is overwhelming. As I am reading through the Bible, I had been convicted about if I really believe that God is still powerful and can do great and mighty things. To this I say, "Yes!" and may we see a glimpse of His glory.

Lord, You are the great God!

He's the King of all kings, and the Lord of all lords, He's the great and mighty maker of all things. Yet this God of all gods, and Lord of all lords chose to give His Son for you and me. What a great God of all is He! He's a great God! He's the God of all gods!

Your Will be Done

Hezekiah said to Isaiah, "If GOD says it, it must be good." But he was thinking to himself, "It won't happen during my lifetime — I'll enjoy peace and security as long as I live." 2 Kings 20:19 THE MESSAGE

Isaiah had just shared with Hezekiah what was to come. It wasn't a pretty picture. Yet, Hezekiah's response was "If God says it, it must be good." As I am learning to live moment to moment, it is my desire to have that kind of attitude to rest in knowing God is good no matter what cirmcumstances I find myself in.

As we are commanded in Philippians 4: 4-9, Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you.

Lord, help me to have an attitude of rejoicing, that confidence that comes from prayer and dwelling on the things that are true, good and honorable. Lord, if You say it, it must be good.

--michele

Just As I Am

2 Samuel 5 - 8

King David went in, took his place before GOD, and prayed: "Who am I, my Master GOD, and what is my family, that you have brought me to this place in life? But that's nothing compared to what's coming, for you've also spoken of my family far into the future, given me a glimpse into tomorrow, my Master GOD! What can I possibly say in the face of all this? You know me, Master GOD, just as I am. You've done all this not because of who I am but because of who you are — out of your very heart! — but you've let me in on it.

"This is what makes you so great, Master GOD! There is none like you, no God but you, nothing to compare with what we've heard with our own ears." 2 Samuel 7:18-23 THE MESSAGE

Believing God

I Samuel 18 - 24

Saul got word of the whereabouts of David and his men. He was sitting under the big oak on the hill at Gibeah at the time, spear in hand, holding court surrounded by his officials. He said, "Listen here, you Benjaminites! Don't think for a minute that you have any future with the son of Jesse! Do you think he's going to hand over choice land, give you all influential jobs? Think again. Here you are, conspiring against me, whispering behind my back — not one of you is man enough to tell me that my own son is making deals with the son of Jesse, not one of you who cares enough to tell me that my son has taken the side of this, this . . . outlaw!" 1 Samuel 22:6-8

David continued to live in desert hideouts and the backcountry wilderness hills of Ziph. Saul was out looking for him day after day, but God never turned David over to him. David kept out of the way in the wilderness of Ziph, secluded at Horesh, since it was plain that Saul was determined to hunt him down. 1 Samuel 23:14-15

"What does the king of Israel think he's doing? Who do you think you're chasing? A dead dog? A flea? GOD is our judge. He'll decide who is right. Oh, that he would look down right now, decide right now — and set me free of you!"
When David had finished saying all this, Saul said, "Can this be the voice of my son David?" and he wept in loud sobs. "You're the one in the right, not me," he continued. "You've heaped good on me; I've dumped evil on you. And now you've done it again — treated me generously. GOD put me in your hands and you didn't kill me. Why? When a man meets his enemy, does he send him down the road with a blessing? May GOD give you a bonus of blessings for what you've done for me today! I know now beyond doubt that you will rule as king. The kingdom of Israel is already in your grasp! Now promise me under GOD that you will not kill off my family or wipe my name off the books."
David promised Saul. Then Saul went home and David and his men went up to their wilderness refuge. 1 Samuel 24:14-22 THE MESSAGE

As I reflected on today's passage, I had more questions than answers.

Why was Saul afraid of David? Saul had been appointed the first king, chosen by God. Saul's fears were misdirected. Saul should have been concerned about his relationship with Holy God.

Why was David afraid of Saul? With God's help, he conquered the giant and several battles. He knew of God's mighty power, then why did he fear Saul and hideout? Why did he need to run away and hide?

God demonstrated His glory through David's encounter with Saul in the cave when both realized who they were in light of Holy God.

If I believe God to be who He says he is and His Word is truth, then why do I find myself afraid? I need to be concerned about my relationship with Holy God and that should determine my steps and how I approach the relationships around me. What does holiness look like in my daily life?

I've been thinking on the Lord's holiness throughout the day. I have thoughts and feelings that I can't put into words. Sometimes music communicates what I cannot say myself.

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain!

What do I know of Holy?

Judges 20: 17-28 The Message

17 The men of Israel, excluding Benjamin, mobilized four hundred divisions of sword-wielding fighting men.
18 They set out and went to Bethel to inquire of God. The People of Israel said, "Who of us shall be first to go into battle with the Benjaminites?" God said, "Judah goes first."
19 -21 The People of Israel got up the next morning and camped before Gibeah. The army of Israel marched out against Benjamin and took up their positions, ready to attack Gibeah. But the Benjaminites poured out of Gibeah and devastated twenty-two Israelite divisions on the ground.
22 -23 The Israelites went back to the sanctuary and wept before God until evening. They again inquired of God, "Shall we again go into battle against the Benjaminites, our brothers?" God said, "Yes. Attack."
24 -25 The army took heart. The men of Israel took up the positions they had deployed on the first day. On the second day, the Israelites again advanced against Benjamin. This time as the Benjaminites came out of the city, on this second day, they devastated another eighteen Israelite divisions, all swordsmen.
26 All the People of Israel, the whole army, were back at Bethel, weeping, sitting there in the presence of God. That day they fasted until evening. They sacrificed Whole-Burnt-Offerings and Peace-Offerings before God.
27 -28 And they again inquired of God. The Chest of God's Covenant was there at that time with Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, as the ministering priest. They asked, "Shall we again march into battle against the Benjaminites, our brothers? Or should we call it quits?"

And God said, "Attack. Tomorrow I'll give you victory."

As I read through God's word from the perspective as God's personal love letter to me, I am having to "work out my faith." As the Israelites desired the "good life," I realize that I too desire the good life. God desires obedience and holiness. What does that mean for me?

In my present struggles, I have questioned God. My counselor recently asked me difficult questions about what if I am exactly where God wants me to be. It is hard to comprehend but if the Lord is using it to bring me to Him, then let it be. I realize my desperate need for Him. I see that my desire for the good life is greater than my desire to know Him. Lord, bring about holiness in me.

In the passage above, the first two battles had many casualties and the battle was not won. In the third battle, the Israelites were given the victory.

Lord, I think of You and Your holiness. I'm in the midst of the battle. What do I know of holy?

By faith . . .

Joshua son of Nun secretly sent out from Shittim two men as spies: "Go. Look over the land. Check out Jericho." They left and arrived at the house of a harlot named Rahab and stayed there. The king of Jericho was told, "We've just learned that men arrived tonight to spy out the land. They're from the People of Israel." The king of Jericho sent word to Rahab: "Bring out the men who came to you to stay the night in your house. They're spies; they've come to spy out the whole country." The woman had taken the two men and hidden them. She said, "Yes, two men did come to me, but I didn't know where they'd come from. At dark, when the gate was about to be shut, the men left. But I have no idea where they went. Hurry up! Chase them — you can still catch them!" (She had actually taken them up on the roof and hidden them under the stalks of flax that were spread out for her on the roof.) So the men set chase down the Jordan road toward the fords. As soon as they were gone, the gate was shut. Before the spies were down for the night, the woman came up to them on the roof and said, "I know that GOD has given you the land. We're all afraid. Everyone in the country feels hopeless. We heard how GOD dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you left Egypt, and what he did to the two Amorite kings east of the Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you put under a holy curse and destroyed. We heard it and our hearts sank. We all had the wind knocked out of us. And all because of you, you and GOD, your God, God of the heavens above and God of the earth below. "Now promise me by GOD. I showed you mercy; now show my family mercy. And give me some tangible proof, a guarantee of life for my father and mother, my brothers and sisters — everyone connected with my family. Save our souls from death!" "Our lives for yours!" said the men. "But don't tell anyone our business. When GOD turns this land over to us, we'll do right by you in loyal mercy." She lowered them down out a window with a rope because her house was on the city wall to the outside. She told them, "Run for the hills so your pursuers won't find you. Hide out for three days and give your pursuers time to return. Then get on your way." The men told her, "In order to keep this oath you made us swear, here is what you must do: Hang this red rope out the window through which you let us down and gather your entire family with you in your house — father, mother, brothers, and sisters. Anyone who goes out the doors of your house into the street and is killed, it's his own fault — we aren't responsible. But for everyone within the house we take full responsibility. If anyone lays a hand on one of them, it's our fault. But if you tell anyone of our business here, the oath you made us swear is canceled — we're no longer responsible." She said, "If that's what you say, that's the way it is," and sent them off. They left and she hung the red rope out the window. Joshua 2:1-21 THE MESSAGE

I am thankful the Lord left this story for us. God sees and knows our hearts and one woman knew in her heart that this was The God. It was by her faith that she and her family were saved. How history was changed because of her faith!

Also, God left us another historical marker as I had mentioned in a previous post:
http://strongbloomer.blogspot.com/2010/01/genesis-8-11.html These historical markers of the Bible and those in our own lives are important for our children and those who come behind us. Joshua erected a monument at The Gilgal, using the twelve stones that they had taken from the Jordan. And then he told the People of Israel, "In the days to come, when your children ask their fathers, 'What are these stones doing here?' tell your children this: 'Israel crossed over this Jordan on dry ground.' Joshua 4: 20-22

Make a New Start Deuteronomy 30 - 31

Come back to GOD, your God, and obey him with your whole heart and soul according to everything that I command you today, GOD, your God, will restore everything you lost; he'll have compassion on you; he'll come back and pick up the pieces from all the places where you were scattered. No matter how far away you end up, GOD, your God, will get you out of there and bring you back to the land your ancestors once possessed. It will be yours again. He will give you a good life and make you more numerous than your ancestors. Deuteronomy 30:2-5 THE MESSAGE

And you will make a new start, listening obediently to GOD, keeping all his commandments that I'm commanding you today. GOD, your God, will outdo himself in making things go well for you: you'll have babies, get calves, grow crops, and enjoy an all-around good life. Yes, GOD will start enjoying you again, making things go well for you just as he enjoyed doing it for your ancestors.

But only if you listen obediently to GOD, your God, and keep the commandments and regulations written in this Book of Revelation. Nothing halfhearted here; you must return to GOD, your God, totally, heart and soul, holding nothing back. Deuteronomy 30:8-10 THE MESSAGE



Lord, thank you for new starts. Your compassions are new every morning. You want nothing less than all of me. Your Word is full of promises but we have to do our part. Help me to listen and be obedient to You with my whole heart, soul and mind.


"And you shall love the Lord with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength." Mark 12:30

--michele

GOD, our God! GOD the one and only! Deuteronomy 5 - 7

As it turned out, when you heard the Voice out of that dark cloud and saw the mountain on fire, you approached me, all the heads of your tribes and your leaders, and said, "Our GOD has revealed to us his glory and greatness. We've heard him speak from the fire today! We've seen that God can speak to humans and they can still live. But why risk it further? This huge fire will devour us if we stay around any longer. If we hear GOD's voice anymore, we'll die for sure. Has anyone ever known of anyone who has heard the Voice of GOD the way we have and lived to tell the story?" "From now on, you go and listen to what GOD, our God, says and then tell us what GOD tells you. We'll listen and we'll do it." GOD heard what you said to me and told me, "I've heard what the people said to you. They're right — good and true words. What I wouldn't give if they'd always feel this way, continuing to revere me and always keep all my commands; they'd have a good life forever, they and their children! Deuteronomy 5:23-29 THE MESSAGE

Why didn't the Israelites want to come and hear God's voice? God said because they revered Him. As I read God's word, it lights up the ugliness and sin is exposed. I'm sure it is an uncomfortable place to be. As we approach God and His holiness, it is sure to expose what is within our hearts.

So be very careful to act exactly as GOD commands you. Don't veer off to the right or the left. Walk straight down the road GOD commands so that you'll have a good life and live a long time in the land that you're about to possess. Deuteronomy 5:32-33 THE MESSAGE

I love the promises of God's word! His word gives clear direction that "if" we do as He commands, "then" He will do what He says He will do. Sometimes we want to make following His will difficult when He gives very specific directions.

Attention, Israel!

GOD, our God! GOD the one and only!

Love GOD, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that's in you, love him with all you've got!

Write these commandments that I've given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children. Talk about them wherever you are, sitting at home or walking in the street; talk about them from the time you get up in the morning to when you fall into bed at night. Tie them on your hands and foreheads as a reminder; inscribe them on the doorposts of your homes and on your city gates. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 THE MESSAGE

Lord, continue to give me the desire to know Your word and to get it inside me so I may honestly reflect You to my children and those around me.

--michele

The king said, "Not on Your Life!" - Numbers 18 - 20

Moses sent emissaries from Kadesh to the king of Edom with this message: "A message from your brother Israel: You are familiar with all the trouble we've run into. Our ancestors went down to Egypt and lived there a long time. The Egyptians viciously abused both us and our ancestors. But when we cried out for help to God, he heard our cry. He sent an angel and got us out of Egypt. And now here we are at Kadesh, a town at the border of your land.

"Will you give us permission to cut across your land? We won't trespass through your fields or orchards and we won't drink out of your wells; we'll keep to the main road, the King's Road, straying neither right nor left until we've crossed your border."
The king of Edom answered, "Not on your life. If you so much as set a foot on my land, I'll kill you."

The People of Israel said, "Look, we'll stay on the main road. If we or our animals drink any water, we'll pay you for it. We're harmless—just a company of footsore travelers."

He answered again: "No. You may not come through." And Edom came out and blocked the way with a crowd of people brandishing weapons. Edom refused to let them cross through his land. So Israel had to detour around him. Numbers 20: 14 - 21 The Message

I realize my thoughts today aren't deep or necessarily meaningful but it is what came to mind as I read today's passage. When I was a child I couldn't comprehend numbers. Well, today I have a better grasp on them. Reading the book of Numbers and the 600,000 plus men that were counted did not take into account the total number of people such as women, children, cattle, goats, sheep and personal possessions. As I read, I realized that a million plus people were moving from Egypt toward the Promised Land (per Crabb's book it was over 2 million people). Wow!

In September 2005, Hurricane Rita was the 4th most instense hurricane on record and its target destination at the time was Houston. Because of what happened a month earlier in New Orleans from Hurricane Katrina, a mass exodous of people from the Gulf Coast cities started evacuating. It made national news. If you remember the mass of cars stuck on the highways trying to get away. My family was one of them.

As we traveled along, restaurants had run out of food, gas stations had no fuel, and the traffic moved only inches per hour. Because places had run out of food and supplies, they just closed. I remember our family needing a bathroom break. We walked over to a hotel and the lobby doors were locked. We knocked as asked if we could please use the restroom. The lady said she wasn't supposed to, but did let us in and locked the door behind her. As we came out of the restrooms, there were others at the door wanting in and the lady told them, "no." Unfortunately, I think their "no" was because of their skin color. We were all just "footsore travelers" very weary trying to move our families to a safer place.

The Bible does not tell us why the king said no to Moses; but, I can most certainly imagine why! Even though Moses said they would stick to the road to pass through, I imagine the king was concerned for the mass number of people and what it might do to his city. Think of the gridlock created as a million plus people moved through his town. Moses tried to plea with the king about what had happened to his people as they were fleeing from Egypt. I was pleaing with a hotel clerk just to let our family use a bathroom as we were fleeing the storm.

Hurricane Katrina and Rita forever changed how we look at things. My hometown has changed significantly because of the large influx of people from New Orleans that has taken up a permanent residence in my town. In the past, I may not have understood the impact of the Israelites traveling through the wilderness but have a little more understanding of the hardship they may have encountered along the way.

Lord, I do not always understand the thoughts that come to mind while I am reading through Your word. It doesn't seem all that significant. Thank you for a little more understanding and perspective.

--michele

Get off Your High Horse: Numbers 16 - 17

Getting on his high horse one day, Korah son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, along with a few Reubenites — Dathan and Abiram sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth — rebelled against Moses. He had with him 250 leaders of the congregation of Israel, prominent men with positions in the Council. They came as a group and confronted Moses and Aaron, saying, "You've overstepped yourself. This entire community is holy and GOD is in their midst. So why do you act like you're running the whole show?" Numbers 16:1-3 THE MESSAGE

Have you ever been mift about something or gotten on your "high horse" to let someone know you weren't very happy about something that was going on in your life? I can imagine Moses and Aaron are standing on the ground when this group approaches on horseback to complain how Moses is handling his job. The men were sitting above them to demonstrate their strength or position. Moses' and Aaron's response was to throw themselves to the ground and call on God.

Moses continued to address the community: "This is how you'll know that it was GOD who sent me to do all these things and that it wasn't anything I cooked up on my own. If these men die a natural death like all the rest of us, you'll know that it wasn't GOD who sent me. But if GOD does something unprecedented — if the ground opens up and swallows the lot of them and they are pitched alive into Sheol — then you'll know that these men have been insolent with GOD." The words were hardly out of his mouth when the Earth split open. Earth opened its mouth and in one gulp swallowed them down, the men and their families, all the human beings connected with Korah, along with everything they owned. And that was the end of them, pitched alive into Sheol. The Earth closed up over them and that was the last the community heard of them. At the sound of their cries everyone around ran for dear life, shouting, "We're about to be swallowed up alive!" Numbers 16:28-34 THE MESSAGE

Grumbling broke out the next day . . . Numbers 16:41 THE MESSAGE

Unbelievable. After the people witnessed what had occurred, they began to grumble, again.

Have you ever after leaving a worship service, or quiet time, find yourself struggling with this very thing of grumbling? I have just spent time with our Father and immediately turn my thoughts to how I wish things were different. Reading 66 Love Letters and The Message is changing how I look at current circumstances. It turns my thoughts to wonder at what the Lord is doing and preparing to do in my life and those around me.

Lord, thank You for what You are doing in my heart and life. Thank You for Your word and Your personal love story.

--michele

The Whole Community was in an Uproar

Numbers 14 - 15

The whole community was in an uproar, wailing all night long. All the People of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron. The entire community was in on it: "Why didn't we die in Egypt? Or in this wilderness? Why has GOD brought us to this country to kill us? Our wives and children are about to become plunder. Why don't we just head back to Egypt? And right now!" Numbers 14:1-3 THE MESSAGE

The Israelites memories are so very short. In today's society of instant information and so much technology, I feel our memories are very, very short. We expect change to happen as quickly as hitting "enter" on our keyboards. The Israelites should have had the mindset that since God had helped us in Egypt, since He has guided us in the wilderness and since provided for us, Our God would not have brought us this far to kill us. God must have something mighty in store! Caleb had that kind of vision. I like what The Message says about Caleb:

"But my servant Caleb — this is a different story. He has a different spirit; he follows me passionately. I'll bring him into the land that he scouted and his children will inherit it." Numbers 14:24 THE MESSAGE


Lord, I am presently in that place where I can't see what is ahead. I don't want to be guilty of complaining about my current circumstances. Help me to see that since You have been faithful in Your word, since You have been faithful in the lives of others around me, since You have been faithful in my past, that I will have a "different spirit and follow you passionately." You have something mighty in store!

--michele

Is there a Caleb among Us?

Numbers 11 - 13

The people fell to grumbling over their hard life. GOD heard. When he heard his anger flared; then fire blazed up and burned the outer boundaries of the camp. The people cried out for help to Moses; Moses prayed to GOD and the fire died down. They named the place Taberah (Blaze) because fire from GOD had blazed up against them. Numbers 11:1-3 THE MESSAGE

I remember in our earlier readings that when we complain, we are really complaining against God. The last few days have been really difficult and felt inwardly the struggle to complain versus the message the Lord may have for me to shape me to be more like Him. Reading through the Bible as a personal love letter is changing my perspective and the events that life bring my way. I have to stop and pause and see what God may be doing in me and my heart.

GOD answered Moses, "So, do you think I can't take care of you? You'll see soon enough whether what I say happens for you or not." Numbers 11:23 THE MESSAGE

I was reminded again that God does take care of me even in the difficult times. God IS faithful!

Miriam and Aaron talked against Moses behind his back because of his Cushite wife (he had married a Cushite woman). They said, "Is it only through Moses that GOD speaks? Doesn't he also speak through us?"

GOD overheard their talk.

Now the man Moses was a quietly humble man, more so than anyone living on Earth. GOD broke in suddenly on Moses and Aaron and Miriam saying, "Come out, you three, to the Tent of Meeting." The three went out. GOD descended in a Pillar of Cloud and stood at the entrance to the Tent. He called Aaron and Miriam to him. When they stepped out, he said,

Listen carefully to what I'm telling you.
If there is a prophet of GOD among you,
I make myself known to him in visions,
I speak to him in dreams.
But I don't do it that way with my servant Moses;
he has the run of my entire house;
I speak to him intimately, in person,
in plain talk without riddles:
He ponders the very form of GOD.
So why did you show no reverence or respect
in speaking against my servant, against Moses?

The anger of GOD blazed out against them. And then he left. Numbers 12:1-9 THE MESSAGE

I have been guilty of this, maybe not outwardly, but within my thought life. I have wondered why someone has been put into leadership or given an opportunity to do something. When I examine my heart through the lens of Scripture, I am like Miriam. Ouch! That stings!

Caleb interrupted, called for silence before Moses and said, "Let's go up and take the land — now. We can do it." Numbers 13:30 THE MESSAGE

I just love it when there is a "Caleb" among us! Who are the Calebs in your life?

Lord, it has been some difficult days. I trust in You. You are faithful to do what You say! Help me not to complain! Thank you for the Calebs you have put in my life that generate excitement that can see through Your eyes what is in store!

--michele

Numbers 7 - 10

Numbers 7 - 10

http://covertocoverchronologically.blogspot.com/2010/02/february-15-numbers-8-10-leave-me-alone.html

--michele

Numbers 5 - 6

GOD spoke to Moses: "Tell Aaron and his sons, This is how you are to bless the People of Israel. Say to them,

GOD bless you and keep you,

GOD smile on you and gift you,

GOD look you full in the face and make you prosper.

In so doing, they will place my name on the People of Israel —

I will confirm it by blessing them." Numbers 6:22-27 THE MESSAGE

Lord, place Your name on me.

--michele

http://covertocoverchronologically.blogspot.com/2010/02/january-13-numbers-5-6-shalompeace-in.html

Numbers 3 - 4

And that's the story of their numbering, as God commanded Moses. Numbers 4: 49

http://covertocoverchronologically.blogspot.com/2010/02/february-12-numbers-3-4-something-wrong.html

Lord, you know what is before me. Thank you for your faithfulness and strength.

--michele