Numbers 16 :41-18 :32, Mark 16, Psalms 55 :1-23, Proverbs 11 :7

What God said to me – From the time I brought Israel out of Egypt, they were constantly grumbling and rebelling and questioning the authority of Moses and Aaron.  Several times the intercessions of Moses and Aaron were what kept them from My judgment and total annihilation.  Once when a plague of judgment was spreading through the people, Aaron ran into their midst with a censer of incense from the altar to stop the plague and save the people.  The world today is on the verge of judgment.  Are you willing to follow the example of Moses and intercede for them to come to Me before it is too late?  Are you willing to follow the example of Aaron and go out into the crowd so that some might be saved?  I have called you to be salt and light in a world that is tumbling quickly toward destruction.  Just as the people grumbled against Moses and Aaron, your reception will not always be positive but stand firm and remain faithful and you will hear Me say “well done”.

Numbers 15 :17-16 :40, Mark 15, Psalms 54 :1-7, Proverbs 11:5-6

What God said to me – When an alcoholic decides to turn from their addiction and to live soberly, they might join AA for help and support.  They are appointed a sponsor to help them and advise them when they are struggling, and they attend regular meetings with others in the same situation for support and encouragement.  When they reach various milestones in their sobriety they receive a coin.  It’s not just a memento but also a reminder to encourage them to continue to move forward and also to cling to for encouragement when they are struggling.  When I called you and you repented of your sin and turned to Me for salvation, you became My child, and I placed you in a body of believers for support and encouragement.  I gave you My Spirit to live within you and to teach you and to help you.  At a time when the Jews were struggling with their obedience, I instructed them to sew tassels on the corners of their garments as a reminder of My word and a visual sign to encourage them to follow Me with all their heart whenever they saw them.  Much of your sin is inadvertent, thoughtless, and unintended, so a reminder of who you are and how you should act is often helpful – whether it’s a cross around your neck or your Bible on your desk or a sticky note with scripture, find things that will help you to keep your focus on walking in a manner worthy of your calling.

Numbers 14 :1-15 :16, Mark 14 :53-72, Psalms 53 :1-6, Proverbs 11:4

What God said to me – Have you ever known a family with two kids who were total opposites – one was obedient and compliant and one who questioned every instruction and constantly rebelled?  Israel was like the rebellious child.  They were constantly questioning everything I told them and promised them.  I took them to the edge of the promised land and showed them how wonderful it was – I told them I would give it to them and bless them in it, but while they agreed it was wonderful, they doubted My promise and My sovereignty and refused to go in.  Later after I declared their punishment would be wandering in the wilderness until everyone over twenty except Caleb and Joshua died then they could go in.  They again doubted My promise and My sovereignty and in disobedience, they tried to go in rather than take their punishment.  They paid a heavy price both times for their lack of trust and for their rebellion.  The things I have written in My word are not just interesting “stories”, but they were written for your benefit – to instruct you or to warn you or to reveal Myself to you or to be an example for you.  As you come to know Me and see My faithfulness and sovereignty demonstrated throughout scripture, you must purpose in your heart to be like the obedient child obeying immediately because you trust My promises and My sovereignty in your life.