Author: trevongross

Numbers 19:1-20:29; Luke 1:1-25; Psalm 56:1-13; Proverbs 11:8

The persecution of others can take a toll on you if you are not careful. Persecution is a subtle pressure that comes from people to challenge you for the position you hold or the favor you possess. Either way, if we are not careful, we will give into that pressure and act in a way that shows unbelief in God.

Moses did just that. He had faithfully led Israel and he saw some amazing events take place. He had weathered a lot of criticism and in a rash moment, he disobeyed God. As a result, he lost it all! Everything he had lived for was denied him. Though God would allow him to see the Promised Land, he would not enter in. Unbelief is dangerous.

In a similar manner, without the persecution, Zechariah demonstrates unbelief to God. Zechariah was the Father of John the Baptist but he could not believe what God promised was possible. He was struck with silence until the birth of his son.

You will face pressure to doubt God. It may come from external pressure or your own internal fears. Either way, dismiss doubt and keep trusting God. Take Him at His Word because God always backs up His Word. It may seem impossible but its not! Keep on trusting.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Numbers 21:1-22:20; Luke 1:26-56; Psalm 57:1-11; Proverbs 11:9-11

Numbers 16:41-18:32; Mark 16:1-20; Psalm 55:1-23; Proverbs 11:7

You would have thought that after all of Korah’s companions were destroyed, the complaining and rebellion would have ended. But, it didn’t. Moses and Aaron were still under attack.

Isn’t it interesting that after all these chapters, the real, fundamental reason comes out. They were jealous that Moses and Aaron had been chosen by God to lead. They could go into the Most Holy Place and the other Israelites could not. The truth is: God’s favor will set you apart and you must develop the ability to gracefully accept it.

Have you ever noticed that some people cannot handle the blessings of God on your life? Try as they may, they just cannot understand how God could have chosen you and not them. This was the fundamental issue with the Israelites. They wanted to know what made Moses and Aaron so special. The people’s persistent rebellion against Moses and Aaron angered God to the extent that He was ready to punish them.  Moses and Aaron literally interceded for the people so that their sin would not completely destroy them.  Who would help rescue the same people who are persecuting them?

When you recognize that you are favored by God, you won’t jeopardize it with retaliation. Wear your favor with grace. You can’t stop the persecution but you can live above it. Moses and Aaron did it and you can too.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Numbers 19:1-20:29; Luke 1:1-25; Psalm 56:1-13; Proverbs 11:8

Numbers 15:17-16:40; Mark 15:1-47; Psalm 54:1-7; Proverbs 11:5-6

How do you handle when you are persecuted? You cannot live for too long without the painful reality of people who do not like you and desire to undermine you by saying evil things against you. Our human inclination is to fight our own battles and defend our own name.

However, there is another, better way to respond to these events. Let God be your defender! Moses had faithfully served God and God was with him. At various points people challenged Moses’ decisions. Moses’ response was to call out to God and that opened the door for God to work in that situation.

When Korah rebelled and lead 250 men to revolt against Moses, this was the biggest challenge that Moses faced. But, Moses knew how to handle it. He cried out to God and God showed up on his behalf. God will do the same thing for you. There is no need for you to defend yourself on your job or among your friends or family. You are God’s child and He will defend you and your Name. Trust God to make your name great and keep it great!

Tomorrow’s Reading: Numbers 16:41-18:32; Mark 16:1-20; Psalm 55:1-23; Proverbs 11:7

Numbers 14:1-15:16; Mark 14:53-72; Psalm 53:1-6; Proverbs 11:4

As powerful as God is, He cannot operate beyond our ability to believe Him. He promised Abraham that he would have a family line that was blessed and have their own land. He confirmed this promise to Abraham’s descendants. After all those years, the children of Israel were ready to go into the land.

And, as much as God wanted them to go into the land, He could not force them to go. The spies confirmed everything God said about the land and they even brought back evidence that it was a prosperous land. Yet, Israel did not think there were worthy to enter in.

After Moses prays for the people, God instructs them to turn around and go back to the region around the Red Sea. Are there areas in your own life where you have worked against your own future? Are you stuck in life? Check to see if you have disbelieved God’s promises or disobeyed His direct commands.

If so, repent and start moving towards your future. Don’t waste another day in the wilderness!

Tomorrow’s Reading: Numbers 15:17-16:40; Mark 15:1-47; Psalm 54:1-7; Proverbs 11:5-6

Numbers 11:24-13:33; Mark 14:22-52; Psalm 52:1-9; Proverbs 11:1-3

Today, we see another example of how complaining causes negative effects in our lives. Miriam and Aaron complained about Moses’ leadership. They questioned if Moses had an exclusive claim on hearing from God and speaking for God. They even questioned the ethnicity of his wife. All of this negative speaking caused a negative effect on their lives.

God spoke up for Moses. He told Miriam and Aaron what Moses meant to Him and the depth of relationship that Moses and God had. “But not with my servant Moses. Of all my house, he is the one I trust” (Numbers 12:7). When God’s presence lifted from the tabernacle, Miriam contracted leprosy. The very person whom she criticized had to pray for her to be healed.

Then in the very next chapter, we see the spies return from surveying the Promised Land. They testified that it was exactly how God said it would be. Rather than focusing on the fulfillment of God’s promise, the majority of the spies talked about the obstacles that would have to be overcome. They gave a bad report of the land and turned the hearts of the people against moving forward. Do you know what happened? All those who doubted and believed the bad report, never saw the Promised Land. Even though God promised them this land and was prepared to do whatever it took to get them into the land, their negativity caused them to miss it.

Are there promises in your life that are unclaimed because you believed a negative report? Are you stuck in life without any forward movement because of constant complaining? Is your glass always half empty? Complaining and negativity are too costly. Renounce them and speak words of life and hope over your life and watch what God does.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Numbers 14:1-15:16;Mark 14:53-72;Psalm 53:1-6;Proverbs 11:4

Numbers 10:1-11:23; Mark 14:1-21; Psalm 51:1-19; Proverbs 10:31-32

Today, we see the dangers of being a complainer. God showed Israel his unfailing love. He rescued them from Egypt. He provided resources to them because they had nothing. God gave them favor and the Egyptians gave them linen clothes and gold. But, it didn’t stop there.

God performed the miracle of parting the Red Sea and taking them through on dry ground. He provided food, water, shelter and protection. In light of all this, you would think they would be full of gratitude. But, Israel complained. They complained about Moses, God, and God’s provision. Israel even wanted to return to Egypt. God became very angry. Complaining does not please God.

What causes us to complain? It’s real simple: we forget all God’s blessings. Today, don’t look at the prayers that you are still waiting for God to manifest. Don’t focus on the challenges that you face. Don’t allow your deficiencies to overshadow God’s sufficiency. God’s unfailing love will always sustain you. Look at today with a heart of gratitude and you will fill your mouth with praise and not complaining.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Numbers 11:24-13:33; Mark 14:22-52; Psalm 52:1-9; Proverbs 11:1-3

Numbers 8:1-9:23; Mark 13:14-37; Psalm 50:1-23; Proverbs 10:29-30

The Israelites had a unique opportunity. They were visibly guided by God’s presence. In the hot, arid dessert of Sinai, God’s presence was a Cloud which shielded them from the rays of the sun. In the cool nights, when animals and wild beasts would attack, His presence was a fiery pillar to light the way and protect them.

When the Cloud lifted, the people simply moved with the Cloud. When it stopped, they set up camp. They never had a guarantee of how long God’s presence would remain in one place. So, they always had to be ready to move when the Cloud moved. They did not have permission to move before God moved or remain after God had moved.

The Bible says of Israel: “So they camped or traveled at the Lord’s command, and they did whatever the Lord told them through Moses.” (Numbers 9:23) This created a safe and secure environment for Israel.

Today, you don’t have a Cloud or Fire but you have God’s Spirit and a pastor. In the same way God led and provided for the Israelites, He desires to lead and provide for you. Start each day sensing where His Spirit is leading and commit to follow that direction. Listen to the teachings of your pastor. Before you make any moves in life, see where God is moving first. Let God’s Spirit and God’s servant lead you everyday just like the Israelites and you will live each day in peace!

Tomorrow’s Reading: Numbers 10:1-11:23; Mark 14:1-21; Psalm 51:1-19; Proverbs 10:31-32

Numbers 6:1-7:89; Mark 12:38-13:13; Psalm 49:1-20; Proverbs 10:27-28

As they dedicated the Tabernacle, God gives more instructions about what the tribes are to bring as dedicatory offerings. In addition, he gives Moses a special blessing to pronounce over the people.

This declaration revealed God’s passion for His people and His desire to see them walk in the fullness of all His blessings. It also foreshadowed what God had already planned for us in Jesus Christ. Let these Words be a prophesy of your future:

‘May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.’

The Man of God speaks blessings on God’s creation. He also professes God’s protection for us. He then says God will smile on us! What a thought, God is smiling at you and sending grace towards you. The Blessing ends by requesting that God show His favor (raising up someone, somewhere to use their ability, influence and power to help you). Lastly, He declares peace over us.

All of this was fulfilled in Jesus. If you are ever wondering what God desires to do in your life, this is it. Memorize this and speak it over your life. God even said that once Aaron spoke this, He would personally bless His people! This blessing has been spoken and God has affirmed it. It’s already yours. Believe it and receive it! Today!

Tomorrow’s Reading: Numbers 8:1-9:23; Mark 13:14-37; Psalm 50:1-23; Proverbs 10:29-30

Numbers 4:1-5:31; Mark 12:18-37; Psalm 48:1-14; Proverbs 10:26

 

God is Holy! As you read through all these passages about the Tabernacle and how careful people had to be around the sacred objects, it re-enforces the Holiness of God. You see, God’s Holiness cannot allow any impurity around it.

Many people will read the Old Testament and not understand how a loving God can have such strict rules and extreme punishments. God can neither deny His holiness nor His love! He is both. All these Old Testament rules were put in place to protect the priests and people from crossing His holiness and incurring His wrath. Remember this was NOT the way God wanted it. He desired for us to be as He is: holy. But, through Adam and Eve, sin entered humanity and made us impure. We could no longer enjoy that close fellowship with God in our sinful state.

All through the Old Testament, God came as close to us as He could, through still small voices, pillars of cloud and fire, prophets, and angels. He even set up his Tabernacle in the center of the tribes. But, God could get no closer in the Old Testament because it would violate His Holiness and the Israelites would die!

Thank God for Jesus! Jesus was God’s way to get us back to Him. If someone died to satisfy (pay the price for) our sins, then we would be in right standing with God (Righteous), then we could be back in fellowship with God. No one was qualified because they needed to be a perfect sacrifice. So, God sent His only Son, who was tempted just like we are yet He never sinned. When He died on that cross, He paid all of our sin debts (past, present and future) so we can enjoy close fellowship with God every moment of every day.

Praise God today for Jesus and the fact that we can have a real relationship with our Heavenly Father! Oh, how He loves us!

Tomorrow’s Reading: Numbers 6:1-7:89; Mark 12:38-13:13; Psalm 49:1-20; Proverbs 10:27-28

Numbers 2:1-3:51; Mark 11:27-12:17; Psalm 47:1-9; Proverbs 10:24-25

God is orderly in everything He does. Once the Tabernacle was erected for all the Israelites to see, He told each tribe on what side they were to camp. They were to proudly display their family banner. On each side of the Tabernacle there were 3 families. Over 600,000 people were around the Tabernacle.

When God signaled that it was time to move, they had to disassemble every part of the Tabernacle and prepare it for travel. Then all 600,000 people had to pack and follow. When they arrived at their new location, they had to unpack and get settled again in the same positions around the Tabernacle.

You can imagine how much work this was. But, the Israelites did not see it as work. Because as long as they were in the vicinity of the Tabernacle, which represented God’s presence, they knew they were safe. They knew nothing could harm them or overtake them as long as the presence of God was in their midst (the center of their camp).

How about you? Do you have that confidence? You should! The God of all Gods, the King of All Kings, the Lord of all Lords (Jesus) lives within you!! It may seem like “work” to read through the Bible or dedicate time to pray every day but this is what keeps God at the center of our lives! And, this is where we gain our hope for the future. Acknowledge Him as the center of your life and be secure that nothing can shake you because “the hopes of the godly will be granted” and “when the storms of life come, …the godly have a lasting foundation.”

Tomorrow’s Reading: Numbers 4:1-5:31; Mark 12:18-37; Psalm 48:1-14; Proverbs 10:26