Date: 03-11-2021

Title: Priests Among The People

(S) cripture:
    Numbers 35:1-3 (NLT2) While Israel was camped beside the Jordan on the plains of Moab across from Jericho, the LORD said to Moses, 2 “Command the people of Israel to give to the Levites from their property certain towns to live in, along with the surrounding pasturelands. 3 These towns will be for the Levites to live in, and the surrounding lands will provide pasture for their cattle, flocks, and other livestock.

(O) bservation:
    Moses has just told the people how to divide the land for each tribe. The Levites were not given a portion of land, but each tribe was to provide them cities and pastureland for their animals and crops. This way the priests, the religious leaders, would not be centralized in one portion of land but would be living throughout the land among the people.

(A) pplication:
    This is an important concept for the church also. As pastors, called by God to lead the church, we should not be in a central location but rather living among the people we are to serve and lead. It is important to know the challenges and joys of the people in order to serve them best. Each place we have served Becky and I have purchased a home so the people knew we were owners and not just passing renters. We were fortunate to serve churches that allowed us the privilege of home ownership. Living among the people was a great asset to our ministry

(P) rayer:
    Lord, thank you for calling me to lead a congregation in your church. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to live among the people I was called to serve. Amen

Date: 03-10-2021

Title: Remember Your Journey

(S) cripture:
    Numbers 33:1-4 (NLT2) This is the route the Israelites followed as they marched out of Egypt under the leadership of Moses and Aaron. 2 At the LORD’s direction, Moses kept a written record of their progress. These are the stages of their march, identified by the different places where they stopped along the way. 3 They set out from the city of Rameses in early spring—on the fifteenth day of the first month—on the morning after the first Passover celebration. The people of Israel left defiantly, in full view of all the Egyptians. 4 Meanwhile, the Egyptians were burying all their firstborn sons, whom the LORD had killed the night before. The LORD had defeated the gods of Egypt that night with great acts of judgment!

(O) bservation:
    The Lord instructed Moses to write down the stages of the Israelites journey. This was so the Israelites would remember how God brought them out of Egypt and also all that had happened along the way. It helped them remember places but more importantly what God had done for them and his provision along the way.

(A) pplication:
    It is important for us to recall our personal journey. As we remember God’s provision in the past, we are encouraged to trust him now and in the future. Remembering our journey helps us not to repeat the mistakes of the past and also gives us confidence to follow the Lord into the future, wherever that leads. This remembering of the journey is not to bind us but rather to free us for the future. The saying goes something like this, “those ignorant of history are bound to repeat it“. Today I remember and am amazed at God’s goodness to me through the years. I am encouraged and look forward to following Him in the days and years ahead.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, thank you for your faithfulness and provision in my life. Thank you for bringing me this far and I look forward to following you each day. Use me today in your kingdom. Amen

Date: 03-09-2021

Title: Vows and Promises

(S) cripture:
    Numbers 30:2 (NLT2) A man who makes a vow to the LORD or makes a pledge under oath must never break it. He must do exactly what he said he would do.

(O) bservation:
    A vow to the Lord or to others is a serious matter and not to be taken lightly. In this passage there is no taking back or forgiveness for a man who makes a vow or pledge. It is important to first consider what you are about to vow because once you do you are bound by the vow.    

(A) pplication:
    This is a simple but yet profound command. If you promise something, keep the promise. Solomon in Ecclesiastes 5:5 said, “it is better not to vow than to vow and not keep it.” Jesus made it even simpler by teaching, “Let your yes be yes and your no be no.” How much simpler would our lives be if we just lived out these commands. We get into so much trouble by carelessly making promises that we know we will not keep. This is such practical advice. If we took our vows as seriously as God does we would be much more careful in what we promise. Today I want to watch what I say and then do what I promise. I want to live a life that honors the Lord.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, help me to stop and think before I promise to do something. Help me to live a life that honors you by honoring the promises I have made. Amen

Date: 03-08-2021

Title: A New Leader

(S) cripture:
    Numbers 27:12-23 (NLT2) One day the LORD said to Moses, “Climb one of the mountains east of the river, and look out over the land I have given the people of Israel. 13 After you have seen it, you will die like your brother, Aaron, 14 for you both rebelled against my instructions in the wilderness of Zin. When the people of Israel rebelled, you failed to demonstrate my holiness to them at the waters.” (These are the waters of Meribah at Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.) 15 Then Moses said to the LORD, 16 “O LORD, you are the God who gives breath to all creatures. Please appoint a new man as leader for the community. 17 Give them someone who will guide them wherever they go and will lead them into battle, so the community of the LORD will not be like sheep without a shepherd.” 18 The LORD replied, “Take Joshua son of Nun, who has the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him. 19 Present him to Eleazar the priest before the whole community, and publicly commission him to lead the people. 20 Transfer some of your authority to him so the whole community of Israel will obey him. 21 When direction from the LORD is needed, Joshua will stand before Eleazar the priest, who will use the Urim—one of the sacred lots cast before the LORD—to determine his will. This is how Joshua and the rest of the community of Israel will determine everything they should do.” 22 So Moses did as the LORD commanded. He presented Joshua to Eleazar the priest and the whole community. 23 Moses laid his hands on him and commissioned him to lead the people, just as the LORD had commanded through Moses.

(O) bservation:
    Moses is not spared God’s punishment for his sin at Meribah. In this passage God tells Moses to climb a mountain and look at the promised land but that he would not enter it because of his sin. Moses asks for God to appoint a new leader for the people and God tells Moses to appoint Joshua. Moses presents Joshua to the priest and before the people. Moses lays hands on Joshua, a symbol of transferring authority to Joshua, just as the Lord had commanded.

(A) pplication:
    The transfer of authority and leadership is difficult. We see too often a former pastor leaving a church but not really leaving. When the new leader is doing things differently and people inquire it is difficult to remain silent. Our American Baptist Code of Ethics, which I signed, says that when you leave you leave and do not interfere with the leadership of the church. I am thankful for the two churches I served and have people I love deeply in both congregations. I am no longer their pastor and so I stay out of trying to influence what the church should or should not do. I left as pastor but not as friend. I was convinced in my prayer life that it was time for me to leave and a new leader to come and I believe that is what God wanted.

(P) rayer:
    Lord thank you for allowing me to lead some incredible congregations of your people. Thank you for the friendships that were developed and continue to this day. Thank you for the leader you have brought to those churches. I pray that they lead the congregations to follow you. Amen

Date: 03-07-2021

Title: A Jealous God

(S) cripture:
    Numbers 25:1-4 (NLT2) While the Israelites were camped at Acacia Grove, some of the men defiled themselves by having sexual relations with local Moabite women. 2 These women invited them to attend sacrifices to their gods, so the Israelites feasted with them and worshiped the gods of Moab. 3 In this way, Israel joined in the worship of Baal of Peor, causing the LORD’s anger to blaze against his people. 4 The LORD issued the following command to Moses: “Seize all the ringleaders and execute them before the LORD in broad daylight, so his fierce anger will turn away from the people of Israel.”

(O) bservation:
    The worship of other gods would bring God’s wrath on the people. That is what happened here. Some of the Israelite men were having sex with the Moabite women and then worshipped the Moabite gods with the women. God’s anger was kindled and their sin and unfaithfulness cost these men their lives.

(A) pplication:
    The Lord is a jealous God and will not share our worship with any other. The progression of sin here is important to see. One sin leads to another and that leads to death. Sin has always led to death. I wonder how often we are lured to worship another god in seemingly innocent ways and think that God will give us a pass. I am thankful that because of Jesus’ death on the cross my sins are forgiven and that by confession I can be restored to a right relationship with the Lord. I want to be sure that I worship only God alone and walk by faith in the power of the Holy Spirit. This is a good reminder of how serious God takes sin.

(P) rayer:
    Father, thank you for giving us a way to have a right relationship with you through faith in your Son. Make me aware when I place anything ahead of you. My desire is to worship You and You alone. Amen

Date: 03-06-2021

Title: What To Say

(S) cripture:
    Numbers 22:34-35 (NLT2) Then Balaam confessed to the angel of the LORD, “I have sinned. I didn’t realize you were standing in the road to block my way. I will return home if you are against my going.” 35 But the angel of the LORD told Balaam, “Go with these men, but say only what I tell you to say.” So Balaam went on with Balak’s officials.

(O) bservation:
    The story of Balaam is one of my favorites. It is just after a conversation with his donkey (yes, the donkey speaks to Balaam) that Balaam realizes that it is the Lord’s angel that has been blocking his way. Balaam has been summoned by king Balak to speak a curse on the Israelites. There is much more to this story for you to explore. Balaam is allowed to continue but with this command from the Lord. “Say only what I tell you to say.” Balaam is true to this command and in the end blesses the Israelites much to the disappointment of Balak.

(A) pplication:
    The lesson of Balaam should not be lost on preachers today. It seems to me that we hear a great deal of “pop” psychology and self-improvement talk disguised as preaching. We as preachers are called to preach God’s Word and not our own. Nearly each week when I would talk to my mom, she would end the conversation with a comment something like this, “Son, are you prepared to preach tomorrow? Remember that people come to hear a word from the Lord and not from you, so you better be sure that is what you are doing.” All through my ministry she kept my feet to the fire. I am to say what the Lord tells me to say and that will be enough and sufficient for the day. Today I renew my commitment to preaching the Word.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, thank you for your call in my life. As I preach let it be your word and not just what I think. Amen

Date: 03-05-2021

Title: No Favorites

(S) cripture:
    Numbers 20:12 (NLT2) But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!”

(O) bservation:
    When the people complain about being thirsty again God tells Moses and Aaron to gather the people and to speak to the rock and they would have their fill of water to drink and plenty for their animals too. Moses though was so frustrated with the people that instead of speaking to the rock he struck it with his staff. The penalty was that neither Aaron or Moses would lead the people not the promised land. Their disobedience brought God’s punishment. God does not play favorites so He could not let their sin slide.

(A) pplication:
    Even on this side of the cross there are consequences that we suffer because of our sin. We do not lose entrance to heaven, but we are not spared the consequences of our sin either. There may be “crow” to eat, apologies to be made, restitution to be paid and relationships to be restored. If Moses did not spare Moses how can I think He would let me slide through. Today I want to live by faith trusting and following the Lord. I want to be quick to acknowledge my sin and make things right with those I sinned against. I want to walk close with the Lord today.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, make me aware when I sin and give me courage to acknowledge it and make things right with the people I have offended. Thank you for forgiving my sin through Jesus’ death on the cross and placing your Spirit in me. Thank you for allowing me to confess my sin to you and to experience your forgiveness fresh each day. Amen

Date: 03-04-2021

Title: Dealing With Conflict

(S) cripture:
    Numbers 16:22 (NLT2) But Moses and Aaron fell face down on the ground. “O God,” they pleaded, “you are the God who gives breath to all creatures. Must you be angry with all the people when only one man sins?”

(O) bservation:
    Koath, Dathan and Abiram have incited a rebellion against Moses and Aaron among the people. Moses tells them that their rebellion is really against God but they do not listen. They have attacked Moses and Aaron’s leadership. Moses tell them to assemble the next morning at the tabernacle and to bring incense burners and then the Lord will show who is holy. When they assemble the Lord tells Moses he is going to destroy the people. Moses and Aaron intercede on behalf of the people and ask God to spare those not guilty of the rebellion. God tells Moses to have them move away from the tents of the guilty and God spares them.

(A) pplication:
    How often to we avoid dealing with conflict and challenges from those that have selfish agendas. Moses gives us a couple of lessons. 1) Remember your call, face the conflict head on and trust God with the outcome. 2) Let the Lord deliver the punishment and discipline, He is much better at it than we are. 3) Pray for and protect the people that are being targeted. If we handle conflict this way, we will have the trust of the people. My uncle Ward, a pastor, gave me this advice about being able to serve as pastor of a church for a long time. 1) Treat everyone with respect. 2) You will have favorites, but you can never play favorites. 3) Deal with conflict immediately, do not let it fester. I tried to practice those three things and I served two churches as pastor, one for 13 years and the next for 12 years and for a Baptist those were both long-term pastorates.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, thank you for Moses and Aaron’s example and for the wise counsel of my Uncle Ward. Thank you for two great pastorates and thank you for my current place of ministry on the staff at New Baptist. Let me continue to practice the wise counsel of scripture and those mentors you placed in my life. Amen

Date: 03-03-2021

Title: God’s Protection

(S) cripture:
    Numbers 14:10 (NLT2) But the whole community began to talk about stoning Joshua and Caleb. Then the glorious presence of the LORD appeared to all the Israelites at the Tabernacle.

(O) bservation:
    When Joshua and Caleb went against the majority opinion of the other ten spies and encouraged and challenged the people to move forward and trust God and take the land the people began to talk about stoning them. God’s presence appeared before the people at the tabernacle and protected Joshua and Caleb. God tell Moses he is going to destroy these unfaithful and rebellious people, but Moses intercedes and God does not destroy them but does say that none of the people over 20 will enter the promised land, only Joshua and Caleb. They are then sentenced to wander in the wilderness for 40 years, one year for each day the spies were in the land.

(A) pplication:
    It is difficult to take a stand against the majority opinion even when you are right. I am compelled to stand for what is right regardless of the opposition, but I stand knowing that God will protect me. That does not mean that I am exempt from all consequences of the majority action. Joshua and Caleb still wandered in the wilderness for the 40 years. What I am promised is God’s provision and presence and strength and power as I live faithful to Him.

(P) rayer:
    Lord give me courage and strength to stand for your truth regardless of the opposition or majority opinion to the contrary. Let me be a light in a dark world. Amen

Date: 03-02-2021

Title: How Do You See Yourself

(S) cripture:
    Numbers 13:30-33 (NLT2) But Caleb tried to quiet the people as they stood before Moses. “Let’s go at once to take the land,” he said. “We can certainly conquer it!” 31 But the other men who had explored the land with him disagreed. “We can’t go up against them! They are stronger than we are!” 32 So they spread this bad report about the land among the Israelites: “The land we traveled through and explored will devour anyone who goes to live there. All the people we saw were huge. 33 We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak. Next to them we felt like grasshoppers, and that’s what they thought, too!”

(O) bservation:
    When the spies returned to the people only two thought they could take the land as God promised. The remaining ten agreed with the great report concerning the land but said they could not take it because they were afraid of the people in the land. Two, Joshua and Caleb saw themselves as victors and the other ten saw themselves as defeated. The ten saw giants in the land and saw themselves as grasshoppers in comparison. The ten convinced the people to rebel against the direction the Lord had given to Moses.

(A) pplication:
    Too often we see our circumstances as greater and more powerful than we can handle and we let that control and determine how we see ourselves. We neglect to allow what God has said is true about us and his promises to us shape our view of ourselves and our ability to face the circumstances in front of us. The Father has placed the Holy Spirit in us to empower us to live life as He intended. Today I choose to trust the Holy Spirit rather than the circumstances around me to determine how I view myself and the direction I will take.

(P) rayer:
    Lord, teach me to trust you and not be afraid or to see myself as less than you see me and call me to be. Give me courage to follow you wherever that leads. Amen