John 8:34
“ Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.”

James explains the process of sin,

James 1:14-16
“But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.”

The gist of what he is saying is, while sin promises to bring pleasure, it can only produce death. We have all found that to be true. We all face temptations, and those temptations make promises, but when sin gets its hooks in us we find that it really destroys. We find that instead of serving us, we are the slaves of sin. One of the worst elements of slavery is the hopelessness  it produces. When a person is bound up in sin…

Numbers 35:12
“They shall be cities of refuge for you from the avenger, that the manslayer may not die until he stands before the congregation in judgment.”

God established a system in Israel which ensured the safety of a person who had accidentally caused the death of another. Instead of allowing vigilantes to run rampant, Moses was instructed to have six cities built where a person could flee, find protection, and await his day in court.

Four things stand out to me about the cities of refuge. First, we are told the cities were to be distributed throughout the land for easy access. Second, in Deuteronomy 19:3, we read that good roads were to be built and maintained, so nothing would hinder a person from reaching the city. Third, these cities were for all people, whether they were the Children of Israel, foreigners or travelers. Fourth, the person must remain in…

John 7:13 “However, no one spoke openly of Him for fear of the Jews.”

2000 years have passed and this still remains a problem; we withhold the message of Christ out of fear. What are we afraid of? It seems to me, Jesus has always been misunderstood. Popular opinion is often based on these misunderstandings. During His life, some were afraid to associate with Him because He was thought to have been a “wine bibber,” a glutton, and even one who condoned sin by hanging out with sinners. Many respectable people were afraid to associate with Christ because of their reputations.

Things have really not changed all that much. Today, many make their decision about Christ based upon popular opinion. They determine who Jesus is, or what Christians are, based upon what they see on television or the big screen. As a result, they think of Jesus as a…

John 6:20 “It is I; do not be afraid.”

Galilee was known for sudden and unpredictable storms. The wind increases rapidly, causing the Sea of Galilee to become a turbulent and dangerous sea. We read, on a few occasions, the lives of the disciples were at risk because of these great storms. In a very practical way, their experience illustrates for us the trials of life.

Jesus went up the mountain to pray and sent the disciples across the sea toward Capernaum. As they traveled, they faced a great storm. John tells us they had been rowing for close to four miles against the wind and the rising sea. Matthew explains they had been rowing all night and adds, they were “Being tossed by the sea because the wind was contrary.” At the rate they were going, it may have seemed this storm would never end and their final…

Numbers 32:5
“Therefore they said, “If we have found favor in your sight, let this land be given to your servants as a possession. Do not take us over the Jordan.”

The request of Reuben and Gad to remain on the East side of the Jordan, outside the land of promise, was as shocking to Moses as it is to us. When he first heard it, Moses was reminded of the events almost forty years earlier, when the ten spies refused to enter the land, and discouraged the hearts of the people. After thirty-eight years of circling the desert, watching countless numbers of his friends and loved ones die, Moses wanted nothing to do with part time commitments or compromise. The tribal leaders assured Moses their request had nothing to do with compromise; they would accompany Israel into the land to further the work of God. While they ardently declared they…

John 5:21 “For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will.”

This is amazing! Jesus promises to give life. It is always tragic to watch people killing themselves, in an attempt to find life. Our country, our world, our communities, even many of our homes, are plagued with substance abuse, as people search for life. We seem to have an epidemic of extreme sports, with people risking life in order to experience life. All the while, Jesus is promising to give it away freely to any who will come to Him.

John 5:24 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.”

The life Jesus offers not only gives meaning to living…

Numbers 29:13
“You shall present a burnt offering, an offering made by fire as a sweet aroma to the Lord…”

Moses goes into great detail to explain the sacrifices that were to be offered to the Lord. Every morning, and again, every evening, a spotless lamb was offered, with a grain and drink offering. On the Sabbath, new moon, and for each of the seven feast, additional sacrifices were added. As long as the Tabernacle or Temple stood, these offerings were to be continually presented to the Lord. An entire staff of priests were required to officiate at these offerings. Some were responsible to examine the offering for defect, others to perform the sacrifices, and still others to attend to the daily maintenance and care for the Temple, itself. When the days work was completed, they understood the next day bore the same responsibilities. There was no end to…

Numbers 27:18
“And the Lord said to Moses: ‘Take Joshua the son of Nun with you, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him; . . .’”

There seems to be a simple pattern to the work of God: He chooses a man, fills him with His Spirit, and surrounds him with others. While the work is done through a man, it is always accomplished by the Spirit of the Lord. When Moses’ time on earth had run its course, the mantle was passed to another man. Out of the entire congregation of Israel, we read God chose Joshua, the son of Nun. I think it is worth considering why Joshua was selected.

First, we must consider the Sovereignty of God.
1Corinthians 12:11 states:
“But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.”

Each one of…

John 3:13 “No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven.”

I remember as a sixteen year old asking myself, “What happens when we die?” Then just as quickly I answered, “We go to Heaven.” Then I asked, “What is Heaven?” Again I answered, “Heaven is doing whatever you like to do forever.” Then I asked “Who gets to go to Heaven?” And again I had an answer. “Those who are good.” Finally, I had to ask, “Who was good?” My answer was that I was good, and anyone who did not kill, or rape, but lived a life like mine, was also good. This answer satisfied me. If anyone had asked what would happen if I died I was convinced that I had an answer. The problem was it was completely made up. It…

Numbers 26:54

“To a large tribe you shall give a larger inheritance, and to a small tribe you shall give a smaller inheritance. Each shall be given its inheritance according to those who were numbered of them.”

Israel’s inheritance in the Promised Land was determined by two factors. First, where they would live was chosen by the Lord. Second, how much land they had was determined by the size of the tribe. One of the main factors affecting the size of the tribe was how much they grew during the wilderness years. These same factors will determine what our experience of The Lord will be as well. 

Much of life is outside of our control. Like Israel having to trust God with what part of the land they would inhabit, we have to trust God through the things in life that are beyond our control. When we lose our job, come…