This Is the Old Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. As we read, we’ll gain a broader understanding of the redemptive story of Scripture. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture.
What Is Numbers? The book of Numbers records Israel’s failure to enter the promised land and, consequently, the nation’s forty years of wilderness wandering. The book also details the census of Israel, describes the second Passover feast, and reaffirms God’s just judgment in response to continued disobedience.
How Numbers Fits Into the Story: By showing us how God responded to the Israelites’ unbelief, the book of Numbers emphasizes the importance of obedience in the Christian life. Numbers demonstrates that there are consequences to our disobedience, while also reminding us that God’s grace remains the same and His redemptive plan will not be stopped.
Reflection Questions:
1. How does Numbers 14:1–25 demonstrate God’s merciful and just nature? How do these two characteristics work together?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
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94 thoughts on "Numbers"
Our God is a god of Mercy.
God’s forgiveness is massive! Slow to anger and abounding in love.
When you’re reading through Numbers, you often wonder how the Israelites could be so disobedient and full of fear when they’ve obviously seen miracles at work. But then I look at my own life — the way God has shown up, blessed up, given us miracles — and I am reminded just how easily we let our sinful nature rule. My fear of the future, of our finances, of anything really is a constant and I’m reminded that I am no better than the Israelites wandering in the desert. I have been in the desert of my own lately — wandering and giving into fear and questioning rather than obeying. Numbers is a good reminder of how easy it is to fall off the path and get lost in our own ways and our doubts. But Jesus provides all and is all. We must only turn to him and submit — only then will there be perfect peace that surpasses understanding .
When reading through Numbers, you wonder how they could be so disobedient and
The passages from numbers make me think of how in moments of uncertainty or distress in life I too have been like the Israelites forgetting Gods goodness and his wonders and relying too much on circumstance and my own understanding. Praises for Gods mercy and steadfast love!
It is so easy to read about the Israelites and think “how foolish are they?? They have seen all these miracles and still question God?!”
Yet we do it everyday! What a humbling thought to know the God who showed them this mercy and grace is the same God who does the same for me everyday in my foolishness. This same God set the path for his only son to be a living sacrifice for all of us ♥️
It is so easy to read about the Israelites and think “how foolish are they?? They have seen all these miracles and still question God?!”
13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13
This reading truly had a profound impact on me today. I think we can all relate to the Israelites
Israel’s pessimism and rebellion against God challenged His perfect purpose and power. However, God’s generous forgiveness and His just judgment show that His nature is infallible.
Numbers 14:17-18 We don’t often equate “power” with “slow to anger,” “abounding in faithful love,” “forgiving iniquity and rebellion.” His character is so unlike my own. His patience abounds far beyond what I can muster. His will prevails and disobedience does have consequences, but He holds in perfect balance and tension His grace and His judgment.
God is so good. He loves us and teaches us and guides us always
We need to trust God even if things get scary. God will forgive us if we sin but if we dis obey him and not ask for forgiveness we are straying from him and won’t be able to rest with him.
Amen!
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Thankful for Gods mercy even in our wrong doing
Ewply
He is merciful and just because God doesn’t punish as our sins deserve. He loves us but doesn’t cast us out when we sin. He forgives and keeps us in His fold.
Justice and mercy work together as was described in our service a few weeks ago. True justice is merciful. Justice is not revenge. The punishment is not only appropriate, but it also has an understanding of the humanity of the situation. As Bryan Stevenson said, a human is not the worst thing he has ever done. These people were not the worst thing they had done—which was to disobey God. He also loved them, but He also had to teach them that disobedience is not acceptable because it is dangerous. Their children were watching. Nations were watching. And God is holy. His glory cannot be compromised by people who fear, who do not trust. He had to deal justly. Moses feared the nations would think God failed, but God was had to deal with the people who were to the point of murder.
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SM, I have a 17 yr old Caleb, and and praying for both our boys! Gods great love is relentless; He is desperately pursuing them, and by His infinite grace, mercy and kindness will draw them in. There is nothing they do that our God cannot redeem!
Encouraged today to hear about Caleb- how he has a different spirit and remained loyal to Him. We have our own Caleb who is 18 and struggling- just found out he will be a dad. He knows Jesus, but has wandered in his own wilderness for the last year. So thankful to read about our God, how He continually pursues and although we have to face the consequences of our sin, He is right there to draw us back in. Praying for my Caleb that God continually pursue him in the same way.
1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has come upon you except what is common to humanity…” that whole verse stood out to me today. So many times we make excuses for our sin and temptation because it’s different. These times are different. As if what we are experiencing is any different from what they experienced in biblical times. Lol. It says right here that we are all experiencing the same temptation for the same sins that have always been. We are without excuse. But God is faithful and “he will also provide a way out so that you may be able to bear it.”
amen sister!
Yes,Carlee!
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Praying for you!
Renee, praying for your surgery this week. May the physician’s hands be guided by God who will be right there with you side-by-side.
When I was a little girl, I was terrified of hell. I plaid every night that I wouldn’t go there and I praise for true faith. While certainly a certain amount of fear can be beneficial to motivating people to seek God I don’t think it is how God primarily operates, because he does not desire the death of the wicked.
I find this idea of entering into the rest that begins in numbers with the invitation for that first generation to take the land and continued in the Hebrews reading of our invitation to enter in his rest. God calls us to obedience for our own good that we may enter in the rest and re enter the garden of eden, with full communion of him. It’s a call out of love. God could demand our obedience by sheer power as would be his right as a supreme being, but he desires relationship, our hearts, and knows the biggest tragedy of Eden, that we fell thinking that we would become wise like God. He created us and therefore knows in what way we will truly flourish and so patiently he invites us into his rest and too often I reject it. Help us all take care and enter into his rest.
This passage showed me that even though most of the Israelites didn’t get this were not able to enter the promised land, God still have the next generation that awesome opportunity and they got to go. It also showed me we need to take are call to salvation seriously. God doesn’t want us to play at being one of his children.
Amen
God got down on a human-relationship level with Moses, to the point of actually talking through the actions God would take, to not act on what He knows is immediately best, to have a significant conversation with Moses, because the all-knowing God knows that what is best is having a relationship with us. For our sake, and His own wanting to love us. Something I will never understand!
The promised land was not a picture of heaven, but of a victorious Christian live. They had to go into the promised land and conquer the nations as we have to conquer sin in our lives to have victory. In heaven we will not fight the enemy or have to conquer sin. The Israelites did not enter the promised land because of their unbelief, just as many Christians are saved but do not live a victorious life because they do not believe and do not want to conquer sin in their lives. There are many other comparisons that are there in the story in Leviticus.
Kiera sometimes if you use a different version of the Bible, such as the Message, it might help you to understand it better. This helps me.
Amen I feel the same
Yes, totally agree.
It’s so easy to read back on the story of the Israelites (Numbers 13) and see how their faithlessness clouded their trust in the Lord. Because of their own faithlessness they weren’t able to see the truth of what God had planned for them, even when it was clearly spoken to them! They let their emotions take over which led them astray. How much that is like me and my own faith! It reminds me of the verse in Colossians, “see to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world, rather than Christ.” The Israelites were taken captive by words of human understanding, rather than trusting in the Lord’s understanding. May my faith lead me to trusting in the Lord’s understanding, even when I can’t see it for myself.
My Jesus has “pardoned” me so very often…even when, after witnessing SO MANY SIGNS in my life, the life of my ancestors and Scripture, I have been faithless.
Lord Jesus, forgive me when I allow the memory and knowledge of your unfailing and repeated grace and mercy poured over me to make me lax with my obedience and devotion to You. Oh my Saviour, I know there are consequences…but, You have spared me so often. Guide my heart and mind to You always. Blessed be Your name.
@CHURCHMOUSE – Thank you for “I fall short yet I know He has His heart set on me (Dt.7:7). His great love encourages me to repent and His discipline draws me closer. God has been and is faithful to me. May I be faithful to Him.”
@Kiera E God will honor your desire for him. Scripture reading is often a cumulative thing and you will see him in surprising ways. When I first started Bible Study Fellowship I had 3 young children. I can’t tell you specifics of what I learned but I noticed that I had much more patience with my kids. I’ve known Jesus a lifetime and I’m still discovering new things. Do what you can to focus on God. He will honor your steps toward him.
@Dorothy Saller, I find Morgan Harper Nichols to produce lovely encouraging work on Instagram. You might look her up. I think she is a Christian but I’m not positive.
So powerful, churchmouse! The Israelites were focused horizontally on their circumstances and all the ways they wished life was, a trap so so easy to fall prey to. Joshua and Caleb were focused vertically on Jesus and his promises. They trusted. They had faith.
Yes, Churchmouse. So very well said!
Churchmouse here is your post. I was able to copy it from the website for you.
God knew the fickleness of His people. He commanded them to completely destroy the pagan nations lest they entice them to idolatry. God required faithfulness but they proved to be fair-weather followers. How like them I can be. I’m sometimes slow to remove myself from that which distracts me from full devotion to the Lord. I can be a fickle and fair-weather follower rather than a faithful one. God desires an unwavering allegiance to Him and steadfast obedience to His Word. I fall short yet I know He has His heart set on me (Dt.7:7). His great love encourages me to repent and His discipline draws me closer. God has been and is faithful to me. May I be faithful to Him.
God knew the fickleness of His people. He commanded them to completely destroy the pagan nations lest they entice them to idolatry. God required faithfulness but they proved to be fair-weather followers. How like them I can be. I’m sometimes slow to remove myself from that which distracts me from full devotion to the Lord. I can be a fickle and fair-weather follower rather than a faithful one. God desires an unwavering allegiance to Him and steadfast obedience to His Word. I fall short yet I know He has His heart set on me (Dt.7:7). His great love encourages me to repent and His discipline draws me closer. God has been and is faithful to me. May I be faithful to Him.
I highly recommend taking one of Jen Wilkins’ studies. She teaches you how to read and understand scripture and her intention is Bible literacy.
It can be so hard to feel Him at times. We all go through this.
Father, I lift up Kiera to You and ask for You to comfort and guide her closer into Your presence. May she feel Your Spirit with her even now. Give her peace and understanding as she goes through her studies and seeks You. Thank You for her obedience and the desires of her heart. May Your will be done, in Jesus’ name, AMEN.
I really want to know Him but I can’t feel Him.
I really want to understand scripture but when I read it I don’t get it.
In everything we do, God will continue to pursue us and offer salvation. It is through him we gain forgiveness and redemption. How amazing we get to be reunited with him in heaven.
To quote my Pastor, the cross of Christ is where the Justice of God met the grace of God and the rightful wrath of God was satisfied in Christ Jesus and objects of wrath (you and me) become objects of affection.
God’s justice must be meted out, but thank God for a path to redemption through his son, Jesus, whose blood covers over our sin and rebellion.
Dorothy Saller, sometimes all someone needs to hear is “I love you” “God loves you” “I’m praying for you” “how can I pray for you today?” Scripture is a wonderful addition to that.
I loved connecting Caleb here back to the Joshua study as well! The Lord honored His promise decades later because of Calebs faithfulness.
This passage is such a clear example of God’s justice AND mercy. It seems like those two things should not be able to exist perfectly in one being but somehow they do. And this mercy and justice culminates in Jesus- the perfect payment required by justice, given by a merciful God.
Justice demands a debt be paid. Mercy finds a way for the debt to be paid without costing the offender the price of her soul.
Sisters I would like to ask for your help, I would like to start sending my sister daily encouragement. It doesn’t have to be scripture just some words of encouragement. Thanks
God loves us and wants to lead us to the promised land (Heaven) but we must want to follow Him, believe in Him, and be obedient to Him or there are consequences. This reminds me of the importance to stay on track and obey God’s commands.
I noticed in the readings today that God, though unchanged in the essence of His grand purpose (for the nation), but to those individuals who departed from Him willfully, He let them perish. Access to Promised land was straight up denied, the door was shut. They withdrew themselves from God’s blessing and His promise, by ways of disobedience and unbelief. It cost them dearly (while being God’s people). What a warning! Therefore, let him who thinks that he is standing, watch out that he does not fall. This is such a key verse for me today! Let us be very careful and vigilant that we don’t murmur, provoke God, or harbor unbelief in our heart (making our heart evil) (Hebrews 4:12 KJV), for though our God is richly merciful but on the other hand, He is just. He won’t compromise sin.
Let us fear, while the promise of entering His rest still remains and is freely offered today, let us take great caution that we won’t fall short to experience it (Hebrews 4:1). Thank you SRT for such a powerful selection of readings today, they really tie in collectively. Be blessed sisters! Praying for all of us to experience God’s touch today that will transform our lives.
As Christians when we sin we can walk in God’s grace and mercy, but there are still consequences for our actions.
My heart is heavy for our nation today. So many are turning from God and ignoring the signs of His coming. I pray they turn to Him and don’t miss the “promised land”—heaven.
As soon as the Israelites faced hardship, they immediately wanted to return back to the bondage of Egypt. Convicting for me, since so many times when circumstances get difficult, I want to return to the bonds of sin. Also, so sad to see how a fleeting moment of complaining and disobedience and doubt led them to a lifetime of punishment. That fleeting moment changed their lives forever, they were doomed to wander in the wilderness instead of enjoying the Promised land. A warning for us to not trade the blessings and promises of God because a moment of satisfaction from sin.
I love the sections of the books of the Old Testament SRT chose, I don’t remember this section of Numbers. I’m sure I’ve heard it before but, especially the sixteen verses. I have heard the memory verse many times.
I wonder ho many times I’ve been like the Israelites, and wanting to know why God has brought me this far just to abandon me. Then I will read something or hear a song or hear a message on the radio and realize He hasn’t abandoned me He has answered in His way but not in my way.
Lord thank you for all that you have given me. Thank you for being a friend in my time of need. But Lord most of all thank you for send Your Son to die on the cross for my sins so that I might have everlasting life. Amen.
Be blessed today sisters.
A thought I had while reading: if the Israelites didn’t want God’s promises and blessings, then they won’t get them. Simple as that. But I can only imagine the pain God and young believers went through to soften hardened hearts and strengthen faith, only for stubbornness and sin to push them away.
A thought that stood out to me today: if the Israelites didn’t want God’s blessings and promises, then they won’t get them. It’s as simple as that. But I can only imagine how much pain God and young believers went through, trying again and again to n hard heart’s and strengthen faith.
1. How does Numbers 14:1–25 demonstrate God’s merciful and just nature? How do these two characteristics work together?
God is very clear. He is willing to hear us out and He hears our heart’s desire. He also makes clear that what we do has consequences, even in the heat of the moment we don’t care, those consequences are still there. He is gracious to still keep His promise to us and is there when we decide to come back but the expectation of our obedience is still there. We must still obey Him to follow Him they way we are called to.
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
God wants and needs us to obey to become holy through Him. We must believe in Him. It is in our unbelief of God and the belief in our own strength and might that we fall on our faces. God is there for a reason and He is God for a reason. We are to believe in Him, obey Him, to live in a way that gives Him the glory and the honor He is worthy of.
You guys I love this passage. I have come across it probably four times over the past month and it has really elucidated the importance of faith and believing God over believing circumstances. No matter how big your “giants” look, God is bigger than they are ! I really loved the NT passages chosen to go along with it, this to me highlights even more how important this story is that it is referenced again and again in the NT. Taylor- be encouraged today! I will be praying for you. ERB I will be praying for your brother today as well. Thank you to all who prayed for me regarding my infertility treatment, we got a good report yesterday! And believe that God will fulfill His promises to us.
I love that there are examples for us to follow of how to really be in relationship with God and how to obey Him completely. This passage was definitely good to see how to slow down and listen to what God is telling me to do.
Lord, may we be a Caleb in our day!
I feel 1 Cor. 10 describes the church (especially in America) today.
I often wonder how many “Christians” are in the body, eating of the same spiritual food and drink – yet God is not pleased with them.
Lord, correct our hearts and minds to be in alignment with you and your Word. May we chose to fulfill Hebrews 3 today.
“Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in rebellion”
God loves us all so much! He does not want any of us to perish without Him. Yet. It’s our choice. May we chose Him.
Oops, I accidentally sent that before I was done! Anyways, I memorized that passage because I was in a relationship with someone who wasn’t a Christian. I still recite that verse often when I am struggling to give up something that’s not healthy for me. Hope this verse gives you continued courage and peace.
Dear ERB, I am so glad you are getting time with your Mom and some time to breathe. thank you for sharing all that you shared this morning. Having worked in an ER in Admissions for 3 years, It hurts my heart that your brother has gone through such things. Having had a bulging disc in my neck and a doctor that was vigilant in telling me how serious it was and an insurance that would not approve or deny the surgery. I can’t imagine the craziness your brother must be feeling. Sisters please join me in prayer for ERB and her family, for we know the power of our God, and when two or more of us pray together in His name, He does move mountains. As I have really been learning more about the Gods power and the Holy Spirit ERB Zechariah 4:6 came to my mind this morning. The Holy Spirit prays what we don’t know to pray for ourselves. Lord Jesus, we are asking Lord for your power, your presence, your healing and your people to come alongside ERB’s brother. Your protection Lord that this injury would not get any worse. God we know You are the maker of all, and you know the intricacy of this injury in this brother, your child and I ask Lord that you bring the ears, and the eyes and the heart of someone to help. Holy Spirit our helper, reveal the path needed, give your peace in this storm Jesus for ERB and her SIL, and the rest we can only find in you for each of these hearts that you love. Jesus I pray in your name, knowing that You God are fighting for these beloved and that we will see your miracles. Also, I ask for healing your miraculous touch on ERB and her brother. To You be all glory, honor and praise Lord God. The last thing I will say ERB is that if he has to return to the ER to have an advocate with him and visually document everything in front of the doctor. Hoping that won’t be needed. I agree with you on Isaiah 31. My takeaway was the fierceness against evil and declaring that the Egyptians are men not God. reminded me of the clay, not the Potter. And again His mercy for His people in Isaiah 31:6 ERB and all Sisters we know His mercy is so very good to us. We tend to forget like the Israelites, sometimes on a daily basis the goodness and the glory of God. May we encourage one another and shine these little lights and pour out His love and grace that we’ve been given and remember to have grace with ourselves as well. Praying this for you today as well as myself Taylor. Hugs all.
@Taylor, when I was probably around your age 1Cor. 10:13
I love the way you explained this! Sometimes I know what my heart is feeling and what my head is thinking but I can’t put it into words.
11The Lord said to Moses, “How long will these people despise me? How long will they not trust in me despite all the signs I have performed among them?
This verse has caused me to pause and consider, how does distrust or unbelief feel to God? Despise seems like such a hard word.
Hey, Erin, I learned in a Bible overview course I did last year that it was for two census reports in 1, 26. Also, there are two generations (1-14; 21-36) two journeyings (10-14, 21-27) and two sets of instructions (5-9, 28-36).
Dearest Taylor, Don’t be so hard on yourself, I have been right where you are! I have read your comments from the beginning and know you have struggled with that “past” relationship that you felt wasn’t right. And you will move forward, it is just hard. But you are young…I feel like we are all trying to get it right through so many mistakes in our twenty’s, and thirtys,…and 40’s! haha. I think I finally am getting it right! After 2 divorces and feeling like a failure..I wrote in my journal daily and called out to God! I waited “patiently” (sure! lol) for HIM to bring my wonderful husband into my life! (almost our 11 anniversary!) He is exactly what I prayed for! But God had to work on me first, growing in his faith and His power and love for me! My eyes had to look above instead of forward! Good things are coming for you! Hold on to those promises! And I recommend writing them down so you can see the miracles He grants!
In Numbers we see a lack of faith by the Israelites. As sinful, self absorbed humans it’s so easy for us to be faithless when we don’t see our prayers being answered RIGHT THAT SECOND. This is what was happening with the Israelites. God had proven to them He was a Good God; he delivered them out of bondage in Egypt. However, because He had not brought them to the promise land (as He promised them) JUST YET, their faith in Him was gone.
Despite their lack of faith, in Numbers 14: 1-25 we still see both Gods mercifulness and justness. We see God’s mercy when we see Him save the Israelites from instantly and completely being wiped out after Moses called out to him and begged for His mercy for the people of Israel. We see His justness by making sure the Israelites who were rebellious would not see the promise land; but Caleb and Joshua, whom were faithful to God would be the only two in that generation to see the promise land.
Numbers shows us the redemption story by giving us that glimpse of God’s mercifulness. Although the first generation of Israelites would not see the promise land, by not wiping them out completely and instantly He allowed future generations of Israelites to enter into the promise land; ensuring that His promise to the Israelites remained. What a good God we have to know that his promise of eternal life (thanks to His grace and mercy) still holds true for us, despite our moments of unfaithfulness and sin.
Thank You Lord that You had a plan and despite so many ways Your people have failed You, Your mercy is greater. You are faithful to Your promises.❤
What jumped out to me again and again is: Do not harden your heart! Sometimes I feel my heart hardening, feel the doubt creeping in. I want to sing of his marvelous deeds, but instead, I meander in the wilderness. I pray for a softening and opening of my heart and my husband’s heart. I don’t ever want to forget all the goodness God has showered upon us, all the paths in which he’s led us, the way he’s protected our family throughout the years.
Oh my!! Numbers is so NAMED… Forgive me for that typo lol
The book of Numbers is so naked because of the census that was taken.
The community of Israelites fell prey to a bad case of “if only.” Joshua and Caleb however held on to “if the Lord is pleased with us…” The Israelites had their eyes on their current circumstances. Joshua and Caleb had their eyes on the Lord. Let’s be Joshua and Caleb.
Anyone know why this book is titled Numbers?
It begins with a census, a numbering of the people.-see Chapter 1.
The example of the Isrealites disbelief after seeing miracle after miracle seems unfathomable. But I know I am also found guilty of the sin of doubting God is good and able. Thank you God for your grace. Help my unbelief to know your hand in my life and be obedient to your everlasting word.
God
Wow! I am having a really hard time focusing this morning! There’s a lot of activity going on and my usual super quiet and still morning is filled with activity!! Lord help me to focus!! Amen!!
Q1: The second part of numbers 14:18 really captured my attention!!! I am so thankful for God’s GRACE but it is SUPER important to realize that our thoughts, words and actions have consequences and that they can affect up to 3 and 4 generations ahead of us!! Makes me want to slow down and be mindful…God’s will above my own!!!
Q2: Redemption happens when we stand with God. He ALWAYS keeps His promises and is faithful to fulfill!! ❤️
A few studies back (Joshua) I learned of Caleb and his story just brings so much joy to me. He believed from the beginning, he fought for God (literally and figuratively) and he and his inheritance (Joshua 14) is proof God keeps His promises. I can’t help but feel like the Israelites – how many times have I missed out on blessings because of my fear/unbelief ?? Praying for you sisters today that we all be a little more like Caleb and have a “different spirit” and “remain loyal” to our father so we can inherit the blessings/promises of peace, hope and love in this lifetime and the next!!
So cool to stumble upon the 2nd highlighted passage in my Bible (I normally underline and star): 1 Corinthians 10:13! So reassuring in this time of singleness as I battle feelings of loneliness, unworthiness, guilt, shame, and hopelessness. These feels are all NOT of God so a great reminder that He is faithful and is walking right besides me. I also loved Hebrews 3:13 it made me think of our SRT community how we encourage one another daily :)
I still sometimes wrestle with the both/and of God’s just and merciful nature. I have fallen short SO many times, and I fear God is going to punish me because of my recurrent disobedience. I know He disciplines His children because He loves us but I also hope he goes easy on me because I don’t like pain and hardship lol. Thank you Lord that you are “forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.” (Psalm 86:5)
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MAURA, dearest sister, THANK YOU so much for your prayers, they mean more than you know!!! You asked about my strength… I am gaining more and more each day!! Am still having problems with memory loss, and my absence seizures aren’t helping with this! But the doctors have given me the all clear to travel and socialize again, as long as someone familiar with my medical issues is with me! PraiseJesus!! …so today I am actually going with my Mum to a friends house for a girls getaway weekend!! I’m super excited to be going, but will still be taking it easy, taking each day as it comes…
My brother…I can’t tell you how MUCH your prayers mean!!! He has REALLY been going through it!!! I can’t remember exactly where I left off in my last update, but 5days after his ‘loss of consciousness’ (that set off a seizure) incident, he was FINALLY able to get in to see a neurologist (who happens to also be my neurologist, who is the head neurologist in New England) she promptly gave him an intense EEG (it seems to be a perfect storm kind of seizure that he had) she also prescribed fancy bluelight glasses which he got and is already noticing a difference!! She ordered xrays for him too! The first he’s had!! They showed that he fractured his back (vertebrae t8 with compression of 25%) ..he is still in an incredible amount of uncomfortable pain. He has attempted to see his PCP several times, as that is who needs to look after his back/make referrals etc and has NOT been able to see them!!! He has only been able to see a nurse practitioner, ONCE in person, and a couple times over the phone, who keeps telling him “if it hurts don’t do it” …his PCP’s medical offices are refusing to work with the ER hospital he went to, as it’s “outside their system” and they haven’t even taken the time to look at the actual images of his xrays, only the written report!! Which to me is unfathomable, unconscionable, unethical and seems to go against the very oath a doctor takes!! …He has gotten 2 calls from 2 different physical therapists, saying they had set up appointments for him, which was super surprising because the NP he saw never mentioned anything about that, and like I said, his PCP has yet to see or even talk with him!!! It’s absolutely outrageous!!! He and his wife are BEYOND frustrated!!!! So continued prayers for this whole situation would be MORE than welcomed and GREATLY appreciated!!
..My SIL decided to go to TX last weekend (days after my brother’s incident, it was a planned trip) to see her sister graduate, it was an awesome time for her and her wonderful family, and it blessed her sister very much!! …but she has been experiencing a HUGE amount of anxiety and guilt because of everything that’s going on with my brother and also because of some growth (mentally & spiritually) that’s happening in her own life… so continued prayers for my SIL are also welcomed and appreciated!!!
Isaiah 30, I too noticed this!!! God is ALWAYS giving us hope, grace and encouragement in the midst of our darkest most turbulent times!! I am SO grateful that He takes the time to do this!!! ❤️
Isaiah 31… Wow! What a chapter!!! I pretty much highlighted the whole chapter, AGAIN!! Haha!! LOVE how the Holy Spirit sweeps in with power, authority and GRACE!!!
The verses that stood out to me were:
Isaiah 31:1 …specifically about not looking to the Holy One
Isaiah 31:4-9 …loved the word pictures and promises made here!!
Verses 6 & 7 really spoke to me, May it be so Lord!!!
Be Blessed today dear sister!! ❤️
The consequences of our actions can cause us to miss out on the many blessings the Lord has in store for us but He is never changing and so merciful to us. I am grateful for what Jesus did for me and I want to show that with a grateful heart in how I treat others. Do unto others…
God was merciful to them in that He did not destroy them as a people when they failed to believe or trust him. Yet his justice assured these specific people would not enter His rest because of their unbelief. I wonder how much of His rest am I missing out on by my own unbelief. I am so thankful that because of Jesus I do not fear God destroying me or giving up on me. However I see the role obedience plays in my own day to day peace and rest.
Our Holy, Pure, Just God does not, will not, cannot tolerate sin. To do so would go against everything He is. He has a plan and purpose to draw us to Him and give REST. But people, fight and complain against that plan and chose unbelief. He offers REST, hands out spread a cross and open to us. Sometimes our attitude and heart is like Caleb’s and we REST. Other times like a tired child we push against what is best, to our detriment.
There are so many tired people. Some like the lost children of Israel are pushing against the REST God is offering and it simply wears a body out to fight God. And maybe sometimes even believers need to be drawn back into His REST because we are carrying weights and responsibilities we weren’t meant to carry. He loves us and wants the best for us, which is His best, and His best includes REST in Him, even among the fullness of each day.
Last night with the teen ladies group we read in Luke of our Good Shepherd that leaves the 99 to find the one lost. I always thought of that story as 100 believers (sheep) and one gets lost/distracted so our Shepherd goes to get him. However, last night I saw that the verses right before that are the people complaining because Jesus is hanging around with tax collectors and sinners. While I know Jesus, our Shepherd, comes for believers who get into trouble and saves us, I saw last night this as an example of the Shepherd going after the lost sheep, meant for His pasture and bringing them home. Jesus gave his life for that purpose.
Like the Good Shepherd who goes after the sheep. The woman who searches for the one lost coin because she values it. And the father, watching daily for his prodigal son to return home. Our good God has a plan and purpose and draws us into His best for us, His REST.
As much as I don’t like to admit it, I feel like my attitude reflects the Israelites sometimes. This reading spoke to me today and reminded me of God’s grace, steadfast love and that he is slow to anger but don’t dare to test Him. Also a good reminder that God will not test us beyond our limits! I want to memorize that passage!
I love the passage about God not letting us be tempted beyond our limits.
Numbers 14:24 “But since my servant Caleb has a different spirit and has remained loyal to me,”
Sometimes we enter God’s presence and work with the wrong spirit, I must remember the importance of this in all I do. I do know when I am tired my attitude is not acceptable, I am working on this. This was a great reminder of it.