Walk in The Word: God's Story of Redemption

Bible Study 3/8/10
Reading Passages: Numbers (chapters 6-28); Psalm 90; Psalm 95

In Numbers chapter 13, the Lord had commanded Moses to send 12 men to explore the land of Canaan, and then report back. Upon their return, 10 of the men gave very negative, discouraging reports. Although they found the land to be as great as the Lord had described, they were fearful of the giants living in the land, too big and strong to conquer. Even after witnessing first hand the miracles by God, the people still distrusted God's power and promise....all except for two men. One of these, Caleb, told the people "we should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it." It was he who encouraged them to go forwarded, and then seconded by Joshua.

How many times do we stand in the way of God's promises by our own doubts? Unbelief causes us to overlook God's power - it magnifies every danger and fills our heart with discouragement, allowing Satan a foot hold in our lives. Are we missing out on God's promises and eternal truth's because of worry and fear? We are not promised that this life would be easy, but our difficulties can be greatly diminshed through a live, active faith in Jesus Christ. All things are possible in Him! Let's put our our trust and faith in Him, so that just like Caleb and Joshua, we may enter into His promised land.


Bible Study 3/15/10
Reading Passages: Numbers (chapters 29-32) & Deuteronomy (chapters 1-15)

When Moses received his calling from the Lord to lead the Hebrew people from slavery, he was marked by a reluctance to go, or to speak. But now, at 120 years old, and the last month of his life, he is now very bold and eager to speak to a new generation of people. In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses delivers 3 farewell speeches, recapping the last 40 years of God's faithfulness, despite the people's continued disobedience. God had already revealed to Moses that this older generation of disbelieving, disobedient people would not enter into the promised land. Even Moses, God's hand-picked servant, would not enter Canaan, because of the incident in Numbers chapter 20.

All throughout the book of Deuteronomy, Moses explained that the key to God's blessings is obedience. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength" (Deut. 6:5), which is repeated by Jesus in Matthew 22 as being the most important commandment of all. God requires and deserves our obedience! In John chapter 14, Jesus said "if you love me, you will obey what I command." This is how we can show Him our love.

Is the Lord calling you to ministry? Is He calling you to care for orphans? Is He calling you to trust in His Word and follow Him? Whatever the Lord is calling you to do, remember that God will equip you, just as He equipped Moses for leadership. "The what always precedes the how" - and God will provide a way! Let us pray for complete obedience to the Lord today - trusting Him to fulfill His promises.

Only by His grace,
Deanna Crist