The Daily Dose

Unstoppable Faith

Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him. ~ Acts 28:30-31

In today’s dose, I am closing the book of Acts and seeing again how the Spirit of God established, strengthened and multiplied the Christian faith. It is much more than a historical account. It is the foundation for living a life of faith that does not quit.

Below are four foundations that challenge me to examine whether my walk with Jesus is being lived on solid ground.

1. Walking out God’s mission in the middle of adversity

Jesus told the disciples to go and share the good news with all nations. He did not give a list of warnings about the obstacles and troubles they would face. The disciples already knew hardship from their years walking with Jesus, yet they held His command close and persevered. Their focus stayed on reaching those who needed salvation, no matter what the cost.

Our assignment from God is the same. We am called to grow up in my faith so we can help lead others to Him. Like the disciples, we may need seasons of learning and developing with the Holy Spirit, but even while we grow, we can encourage others. Trouble will come, but keeping our eyes on the One who sent us will help us to overcome every challenge.

Practical ways to put this truth into action:

• Decide to stay committed to your calling even when life gets difficult, because adversity cannot stop God’s purpose. You can get started by choosing one area where you will not quit this week.
• Look for opportunities to encourage someone else while you are growing, because God uses you even in your imperfect seasons. You can get started by sending a simple word of hope to one person each day.
• Stay focused on the mission God gave you, because distractions can cause you to lose momentum. You can get started by removing one habit that pulls your attention away from God.

2. Be confident in God’s promises

Throughout Acts, believers strengthened each other by reminding one another of God’s promises. These promises fueled their joy and gave them courage to continue. When fear tried to steal their peace, they turned back to what Jesus said and found strength.

God’s promises are still alive for us today. Spending time in His word gives us truth to stand on when fear or anxiety tries to pressure. When we hide His promises in our hearts, they rise up when we need them most. Fear loses its grip when God’s word fills our mouths.

Practical ways to put this truth into action:

• Read God’s promises daily, because they become your strength when you feel overwhelmed. You can get started by choosing one verse to memorize this week.
• Replace fearful thoughts by speaking God’s word out loud, because your words shape the atmosphere of your heart. You can get started by declaring one truth every morning.
• Run to Scripture immediately when anxiety rises, because God’s peace is found in His promises. You can get started by keeping a short list of verses close.

3. Continue in prayer

The early church prayed together often. Their unity strengthened their mission, and as they prayed for boldness, the Holy Spirit empowered them to stand firm. Prayer was not optional. It was essential.

The same is true for us today. We need time in God’s presence and connection with other believers. Sharing our struggles and victories encourages others, and their stories encourage us. Prayer together builds strength that carries us through tough seasons. Attending weekend services and gathering in small group settings gives life to our faith and keeps us grounded.

Practical ways to put this truth into action:

• Make prayer a daily priority, because your strength is found in God’s presence. You can get started by setting a simple five-minute appointment with God each morning.
• Stay connected to other believers, because spiritual community keeps you from drifting. You can get started by attending one service or group this week with an open heart.
• Share your story with someone, because testimonies breathe courage into others. You can get started by telling one person how God helped you recently.

4. Always be watching for divine appointments

As believers ministered to one another and shared the gospel, God continually arranged divine connections. People appeared at just the right time to hear truth. The early Christians welcomed everyone with confidence, unhindered by their circumstances.

God still orchestrates divine moments for us today. When we position our heart in prayer each morning, we become more aware of the people God sends across our path. Opportunities to encourage, invite or quietly help someone are scattered throughout each day.

Practical ways to put this truth into action:

• Start your day by asking God to make you aware of people who need encouragement, because sensitivity opens the door to divine moments. You can get started by praying this simple sentence each morning: “Lord, help me see who You want me to bless today.”
• Stay ready to act when God nudges your heart, because obedience plants seeds of salvation. You can get started by giving an encouraging word or small gift to someone today.
• Welcome interruptions with grace, because divine appointments often look ordinary at first. You can get started by viewing unexpected moments as possible assignments.

Today I want to encourage you to look to the book of Acts as a guide when challenges press in. Embrace God’s calling with courage and persistence. Do not ask for difficulties to disappear. Instead, ask for the power of the Holy Spirit to help you continue in prayer, trust God’s promises and welcome every divine appointment. No matter what stands in your way, God is working through you. Let the example of the early believers strengthen your heart and ignite a fire of unstoppable faith that carries you forward with confidence and joy.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 28:17-31

17 And it came to pass after three days that Paul called the leaders of the Jews together. So when they had come together, he said to them: “Men and brethren, though I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans, 

18 who, when they had examined me, wanted to let me go, because there was no cause for putting me to death. 

19 But when the Jews spoke against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything of which to accuse my nation. 

20 For this reason therefore I have called for you, to see you and speak with you, because for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.”

21 Then they said to him, “We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brethren who came reported or spoken any evil of you. 

22 But we desire to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere.”

23 So when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening. 

24 And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved. 

25 So when they did not agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had said one word: “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers, 

26 saying, ‘Go to this people and say: “Hearing you will hear, and shall not understand; And seeing you will see, and not perceive;

27 For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them.” ’

28 “Therefore let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!” 

29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had a great dispute among themselves.

30 Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, 

31 preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.

Journal:

• Which of the four foundations do I need to grow in the most right now?
• What promise from God do I need to keep close to my heart this week?
• Who can I encourage or pray for today?
• What divine appointment may God be preparing for me, and how can I stay aware of it?

The portion that sustain you

_{Then the Lord said to Aaron: “You shall have no inheritance in their land, nor shall you have any portion among them; I am your portion and your inheritance among the children of Israel. ~ Numbers 18:20}

What if the very thing you have been striving to secure is not about what you can to possess, but about Someone you are meant to trust in? Today’s scripture reading speaks to a people serving faithfully behind the scenes, carrying responsibility, pressure, and holy work, yet God makes something clear. Provision does not always come through land, titles, or visible reward. Sometimes provision comes through His presence. This chapter reminds every believer today that God Himself is the sustaining portion for those who serve Him. You were never designed to carry out His purpose on your own.

Below are three truths from today’s passage:

1. God calls His people to serve without relying on worldly security.

The Levites had no land of their own, but God promised to be their inheritance. In today’s world, it is easy to measure success by income, position, or recognition.

Instead, choose to trust God’s faithfulness even when your efforts do not immediately produce visible reward. When you feel overlooked at work, in ministry, or even in family life, remind yourself daily that God sees your faithfulness and sustains you beyond what a paycheck or applause can offer.

2. God provides through obedience and shared responsibility.

Numbers 18 outlines how offerings were used to support those serving in the tabernacle. This was not accidental, it was God’s design.

Stay faithful in what God has assigned you, even if it feels small. Trust that God uses community, generosity, and obedience to meet needs in ways you may not expect. When resources feel tight or support feels thin, continue doing what God has placed in your hands and allow Him to work through others on your behalf.

3. God takes responsibility for the weight of His calling on your life.

The priests and Levites carried heavy responsibility, but God clearly defined their roles and boundaries.

Stop carrying what God never asked you to hold. In your current circumstances, whether leadership, caregiving, or ministry, ask God to help you discern what belongs to you and what belongs to Him. Release guilt, pressure, and unrealistic expectations, trusting that God guards what He assigns.

I have personally experienced this truth while serving faithfully in ministry in church through small group leadership, care ministry and my position on staff. Many times the work has felt unseen and responsibility heavy. Yet God always reminds me that He is my portion. Through unexpected encouragement, timely provision, and quiet reassurance, He has shown me that faithfulness to His calling matters more than visible results. As I focus on serving Him instead of striving for outcomes, I am filled with His peace and His provision is abundant.

Today I want to encourage you to trust God as your portion, your provider, and your sustainer. Just as He cared for the Levites, He sees your service, honors your obedience, and supplies what you need in every season. You are not forgotten, you are not unsupported, and your faithfulness matters deeply to Him.

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 18

1 Then the Lord said to Aaron: “You and your sons and your father’s house with you shall bear the iniquity related to the sanctuary, and you and your sons with you shall bear the iniquity associated with your priesthood. 

2 Also bring with you your brethren of the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, that they may be joined with you and serve you while you and your sons are with you before the tabernacle of witness. 

3 They shall attend to your needs and all the needs of the tabernacle; but they shall not come near the articles of the sanctuary and the altar, lest they die—they and you also. 

4 They shall be joined with you and attend to the needs of the tabernacle of meeting, for all the work of the tabernacle; but an outsider shall not come near you. 

5 And you shall attend to the duties of the sanctuary and the duties of the altar, that there may be no more wrath on the children of Israel. 

6 Behold, I Myself have taken your brethren the Levites from among the children of Israel; they are a gift to you, given by the Lord, to do the work of the tabernacle of meeting. 

7 Therefore you and your sons with you shall attend to your priesthood for everything at the altar and behind the veil; and you shall serve. I give your priesthood to you as a gift for service, but the outsider who comes near shall be put to death.”

8 And the Lord spoke to Aaron: “Here, I Myself have also given you charge of My heave offerings, all the holy gifts of the children of Israel; I have given them as a portion to you and your sons, as an ordinance forever. 

9 This shall be yours of the most holy things reserved from the fire: every offering of theirs, every grain offering and every sin offering and every trespass offering which they render to Me, shall be most holy for you and your sons. 

10 In a most holy place you shall eat it; every male shall eat it. It shall be holy to you.

11 “This also is yours: the heave offering of their gift, with all the wave offerings of the children of Israel; I have given them to you, and your sons and daughters with you, as an ordinance forever. Everyone who is clean in your house may eat it.

12 “All the best of the oil, all the best of the new wine and the grain, their firstfruits which they offer to the Lord, I have given them to you. 

13 Whatever first ripe fruit is in their land, which they bring to the Lord, shall be yours. Everyone who is clean in your house may eat it.

14 “Every devoted thing in Israel shall be yours.

15 “Everything that first opens the womb of all flesh, which they bring to the Lord, whether man or beast, shall be yours; nevertheless the firstborn of man you shall surely redeem, and the firstborn of unclean animals you shall redeem. 

16 And those redeemed of the devoted things you shall redeem when one month old, according to your valuation, for five shekels of silver, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, which is twenty gerahs. 

17 But the firstborn of a cow, the firstborn of a sheep, or the firstborn of a goat you shall not redeem; they are holy. You shall sprinkle their blood on the altar, and burn their fat as an offering made by fire for a sweet aroma to the Lord. 

18 And their flesh shall be yours, just as the wave breast and the right thigh are yours.

19 “All the heave offerings of the holy things, which the children of Israel offer to the Lord, I have given to you and your sons and daughters with you as an ordinance forever; it is a covenant of salt forever before the Lord with you and your descendants with you.”

20 Then the Lord said to Aaron: “You shall have no inheritance in their land, nor shall you have any portion among them; I am your portion and your inheritance among the children of Israel.

Tithes for Support of the Levites

21 “Behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work which they perform, the work of the tabernacle of meeting. 

22 Hereafter the children of Israel shall not come near the tabernacle of meeting, lest they bear sin and die. 

23 But the Levites shall perform the work of the tabernacle of meeting, and they shall bear their iniquity; it shall be a statute forever, throughout your generations, that among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance. 

24 For the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer up as a heave offering to the Lord, I have given to the Levites as an inheritance; therefore I have said to them, ‘Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.’ ”

25 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 

26 “Speak thus to the Levites, and say to them: ‘When you take from the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them as your inheritance, then you shall offer up a heave offering of it to the Lord, a tenth of the tithe. 

27 And your heave offering shall be reckoned to you as though it were the grain of the threshing floor and as the fullness of the winepress. 

28 Thus you shall also offer a heave offering to the Lord from all your tithes which you receive from the children of Israel, and you shall give the Lord’s heave offering from it to Aaron the priest. 

29 Of all your gifts you shall offer up every heave offering due to the Lord, from all the best of them, the consecrated part of them.’ 

30 Therefore you shall say to them: ‘When you have lifted up the best of it, then the rest shall be accounted to the Levites as the produce of the threshing floor and as the produce of the winepress. 

31 You may eat it in any place, you and your households, for it is your reward for your work in the tabernacle of meeting. 

32 And you shall bear no sin because of it, when you have lifted up the best of it. But you shall not profane the holy gifts of the children of Israel, lest you die.’ ”

 
Journal:

• Where am I seeking security apart from God right now
• In what area of my life do I need to trust God as my portion
• How can I serve faithfully today without needing immediate recognition
• What responsibility do I need to release back into God’s hands

Chosen and confirmed

Now it came to pass on the next day that Moses went into the tabernacle of witness, and behold, the rod of Aaron, of the house of Levi, had sprouted and put forth buds, had produced blossoms and yielded ripe almonds. ~ Numbers 17:8

Have you ever wondered how to know for sure that God is the one who opened a door, confirmed a calling, or placed you where you are? Maybe you thought the Holy Spirit pointed you in a certain direction, but now that some time has passed, you are not so sure anymore?

Today’s scripture reading speaks directly to these times of uncertainty when voices are loud, opinions are divided, and you are tempted to prove yourself. After rebellion, confusion and dissention rose up among the Israelites, God chose a simple yet powerful way to confirm His choice. He caused a dead rod to come to life. This chapter reminds believers today that God does not need your effort to validate what He has already chosen. He is able to bring fruit from places that look lifeless when His hand is on it.

Below are three thoughts to consider as you read today:

1. God confirms who He chooses

The rods all looked the same when they were placed before the Lord, but only one carried His power. Aaron’s rod budded because he was the one God had chosen.

Trust God to confirm your calling without striving. In current circumstances, this may look like continuing to serve faithfully when recognition is delayed, staying obedient when others question your role, and allowing God to show His favor through lasting fruit instead of quick approval.

2. Life flows from God, not human effort

A rod has no ability to produce life on its own, yet God caused it to blossom. This showed the people that His authority brought growth where there was none.

Stop exhausting yourself trying to make things happen. In everyday life, this can look like praying before pushing harder, resting when you feel pressure to perform, and trusting God to bring growth in your work, relationships, or ministry even when you feel empty or unsure.

3. God’s confirmation brings peace, not chaos

God used the budding rod to silence arguments and restore order among the people. His confirmation removed confusion and settled hearts.

Let God settle questions that create anxiety. In present circumstances, this may look like placing a decision before Him and waiting for clarity, releasing the need to defend yourself, and choosing peace over constant explanation.

I used to wonder if I would ever be in a place where I was led by God’s Spirit. I questioned whether I was truly called or if I needed to do more to prove it. Even after I knew I was in the right place, it still took some time before I really started to step into His giftings on my life. As I continued to pray and stay faithful, I watched God quietly bring fruit from my faithfulness. Opportunities opened, peace replaced insecurity, and confirmation came without me forcing it. Now I understand that God was showing me to trust His voice over my doubts and His timing over my impatience.

Today I want to encourage you to trust God to confirm what He has placed in your life. Let Him bring growth where you feel weak and clarity where you feel unsure. When God chooses, He also sustains, and His confirmation will always bring life, peace, and lasting fruit.

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 17

1 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 

2 “Speak to the children of Israel, and get from them a rod from each father’s house, all their leaders according to their fathers’ houses—twelve rods. Write each man’s name on his rod. 

3 And you shall write Aaron’s name on the rod of Levi. For there shall be one rod for the head of each father’s house. 

4 Then you shall place them in the tabernacle of meeting before the Testimony, where I meet with you. 

5 And it shall be that the rod of the man whom I choose will blossom; thus I will rid Myself of the complaints of the children of Israel, which they make against you.”

6 So Moses spoke to the children of Israel, and each of their leaders gave him a rod apiece, for each leader according to their fathers’ houses, twelve rods; and the rod of Aaron was among their rods. 

7 And Moses placed the rods before the Lord in the tabernacle of witness.

8 Now it came to pass on the next day that Moses went into the tabernacle of witness, and behold, the rod of Aaron, of the house of Levi, had sprouted and put forth buds, had produced blossoms and yielded ripe almonds. 

9 Then Moses brought out all the rods from before the Lord to all the children of Israel; and they looked, and each man took his rod.

10 And the Lord said to Moses, “Bring Aaron’s rod back before the Testimony, to be kept as a sign against the rebels, that you may put their complaints away from Me, lest they die.” 

11 Thus did Moses; just as the Lord had commanded him, so he did.

12 So the children of Israel spoke to Moses, saying, “Surely we die, we perish, we all perish! 

13 Whoever even comes near the tabernacle of the Lord must die. Shall we all utterly die?”

Journal:

• Where am I trying to prove something God has already spoken
• What area of my life feels dry or lifeless right now
• How can I give God space to confirm His work without rushing the process
• What fruit has God already produced that I need to recognize and thank Him for

Marked to remember

_{“Speak to the children of Israel: Tell them to make tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and to put a blue thread in the tassels of the corners. ~ Numbers 15:38}

Have you ever wondered how to stay faithful to God when life feels repetitive, busy, or spiritually quiet? What about trusting God with the small things in life as well as the big and overwhelming situations?  Today’s scripture reading shows us that God cares deeply about the small, consistent choices that shape our lives of trust and obedience.

This chapter in the book of Numbers is filled with instructions that may seem ordinary at first glance, yet they carry a powerful message about daily obedience and intentional remembrance. God gave His people visible reminders to keep His commands close to their hearts, especially as they prepared to move forward after failure.

Below are three key points from Numbers 15:

1. God provides grace after failure and invites continued obedience.

After the rebellion in the previous chapter, God did not abandon His people, He gave them guidance for moving forward.

Recognize that mistakes do not disqualify you from walking with God. In current circumstances, this may look like returning to prayer after a setback, choosing obedience even after discouragement, or trusting that God still has a plan despite missing the mark.

2. Daily reminders help guard your heart and direction.

The tassels with the blue thread were meant to keep God’s commands visible and present.

Create intentional reminders of God’s truth in your everyday life. In present circumstances, this can look like placing scripture where you will see it, setting reminders to pause and pray, or establishing habits that keep your focus on God throughout the day.

3. Following God’s direction shapes your identity and purpose over time.

God’s instructions were not meant to burden the people but to remind them who they belonged to.

Let obedience become part of your daily structure instead of a reaction to crisis. In everyday life, this may look like choosing integrity when no one is watching, honoring God in routine decisions, or trusting that small acts of faithfulness build lasting spiritual strength.

For me, I often use fasting meals during the day as a way to keep my mind and heart stayed on Him. When I feel hungry or weak, I use those moments as reminders to spend time praying in the Spirit or reading a promise from His Word. It is not always easy to resist the temptation to eat, but when I ask Him for help, He strengthens me with His grace so that I can stand. Other days I schedule time and set an alarm to step aside during that day to intentionally pause and thank Him for the blessings I am experiencing in that moment.

I began doing this during a season when I felt spiritually disconnected and disappointed in myself for not being as consistent as I wanted to be. God gently showed me that I did not need a dramatic moment to return to Him, I simply needed to make daily choices of faith and intentionally check in with the Holy Spirit. As I started setting aside small moments to pray, read Scripture, and thank Him throughout the day, my heart slowly changed. Those small reminders became anchors that continue to keep me grounded in His presence and purpose even today.

Today I want to encourage you to embrace the power of daily obedience and intentional remembrance. God meets you in ordinary moments and uses consistent faithfulness to shape your heart, your future, and your trust in Him. Set up some reminders today to start turning to Him with the small steps, keep His truth close, and remember that He will help you when you ask. Hold on to the hope that you belong to Him in every season of life you are in.

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 15

1 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 

2 “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘When you have come into the land you are to inhabit, which I am giving to you, 

3 and you make an offering by fire to the Lord, a burnt offering or a sacrifice, to fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering or in your appointed feasts, to make a sweet aroma to the Lord, from the herd or the flock, 

4 then he who presents his offering to the Lord shall bring a grain offering of one-tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with one-fourth of a hin of oil; 

5 and one-fourth of a hin of wine as a drink offering you shall prepare with the burnt offering or the sacrifice, for each lamb. 

6 Or for a ram you shall prepare as a grain offering two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with one-third of a hin of oil; 

7 and as a drink offering you shall offer one-third of a hin of wine as a sweet aroma to the Lord. 

8 And when you prepare a young bull as a burnt offering, or as a sacrifice to fulfill a vow, or as a peace offering to the Lord, 

9 then shall be offered with the young bull a grain offering of three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with half a hin of oil; 

10 and you shall bring as the drink offering half a hin of wine as an offering made by fire, a sweet aroma to the Lord.

11 ‘Thus it shall be done for each young bull, for each ram, or for each lamb or young goat. 

12 According to the number that you prepare, so you shall do with everyone according to their number. 

13 All who are native-born shall do these things in this manner, in presenting an offering made by fire, a sweet aroma to the Lord. 

14 And if a stranger dwells with you, or whoever is among you throughout your generations, and would present an offering made by fire, a sweet aroma to the Lord, just as you do, so shall he do. 

15 One ordinance shall be for you of the assembly and for the stranger who dwells with you, an ordinance forever throughout your generations; as you are, so shall the stranger be before the Lord. 

16 One law and one custom shall be for you and for the stranger who dwells with you.’ ”

17 Again the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 

18 “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘When you come into the land to which I bring you, 

19 then it will be, when you eat of the bread of the land, that you shall offer up a heave offering to the Lord. 

20 You shall offer up a cake of the first of your ground meal as a heave offering; as a heave offering of the threshing floor, so shall you offer it up. 

21 Of the first of your ground meal you shall give to the Lord a heave offering throughout your generations.

Laws Concerning Unintentional Sin

22 ‘If you sin unintentionally, and do not observe all these commandments which the Lord has spoken to Moses— 

23 all that the Lord has commanded you by the hand of Moses, from the day the Lord gave commandment and onward throughout your generations— 

24 then it will be, if it is unintentionally committed, without the knowledge of the congregation, that the whole congregation shall offer one young bull as a burnt offering, as a sweet aroma to the Lord, with its grain offering and its drink offering, according to the ordinance, and one kid of the goats as a sin offering. 

25 So the priest shall make atonement for the whole congregation of the children of Israel, and it shall be forgiven them, for it was unintentional; they shall bring their offering, an offering made by fire to the Lord, and their sin offering before the Lord, for their unintended sin. 

26 It shall be forgiven the whole congregation of the children of Israel and the stranger who dwells among them, because all the people did it unintentionally.

27 ‘And if a person sins unintentionally, then he shall bring a female goat in its first year as a sin offering. 

28 So the priest shall make atonement for the person who sins unintentionally, when he sins unintentionally before the Lord, to make atonement for him; and it shall be forgiven him. 

29 You shall have one law for him who sins unintentionally, for him who is native-born among the children of Israel and for the stranger who dwells among them.

Law Concerning Presumptuous Sin

30 ‘But the person who does anything presumptuously, whether he is native-born or a stranger, that one brings reproach on the Lord, and he shall be cut off from among his people. 

31 Because he has despised the word of the Lord, and has broken His commandment, that person shall be completely cut off; his guilt shall be upon him.’ ”

32 Now while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man gathering sticks on the Sabbath day. 

33 And those who found him gathering sticks brought him to Moses and Aaron, and to all the congregation. 

34 They put him under guard, because it had not been explained what should be done to him.

35 Then the Lord said to Moses, “The man must surely be put to death; all the congregation shall stone him with stones outside the camp.” 

36 So, as the Lord commanded Moses, all the congregation brought him outside the camp and stoned him with stones, and he died.

37 Again the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 

38 “Speak to the children of Israel: Tell them to make tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and to put a blue thread in the tassels of the corners. 

39 And you shall have the tassel, that you may look upon it and remember all the commandments of the Lord and do them, and that you may not follow the harlotry to which your own heart and your own eyes are inclined, 

40 and that you may remember and do all My commandments, and be holy for your God. 

41 I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the Lord your God.”

Journal:

• What daily reminders help me stay connected to God
• Where have I allowed discouragement to interrupt obedience
• What small act of faithfulness can I commit to today
• How does remembering who I belong to change my daily choices? 

Standing on the edge of His promises

Only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them.” ~ Numbers 14:9

Today’s scripture reading captures a heartbreaking moment where God’s people stood on the edge of His promise yet chose fear over trust. After hearing the report of the land, the people gave in to discouragement, complained against God, and longed to return to what was familiar, even though God had already proven Himself faithful. This chapter asks a hard question that still applies today, what do you do when obedience feels risky and fear feels loud? As Christians navigating uncertainty, pressure, and change, this passage reminds us that how we respond at the threshold of God’s call and promises matters deeply.

Below are three to recognize about fear:

1. fear distorts memory and blinds hope.

The people forgot God’s miracles and only remembered their discomfort.

For us today, it is important to intentionally recall what God has already done when fear starts rewriting the story. In current circumstances, this may look like writing down answered prayers, speaking what you are thankful for aloud when anxiety comes, or reminding yourself that God has carried you through impossible seasons before and He will do it again.

2. Complaining delays growth and direction.

The Israelites voiced their fear through grumbling, and it cost them years of time and progress.

We must practice pausing before speaking frustration and choose prayer instead. In everyday life, this can look like turning a complaint into a conversation with God, asking Him what He is showing you in the waiting, or choosing words that build trust instead of discouragement.

3. Faith requires forward movement even when emotions resist.

Caleb and Joshua believed God despite the crowd’s fear and were willing to move forward.

This is just as important for us today to obey God one step at a time without needing every detail. In present circumstances, this may look like saying yes to a calling that stretches you, staying faithful in a difficult assignment, or trusting God’s promise when the outcome is not yet visible.

I remember a time when God clearly placed an opportunity before me, but fear quickly followed. The unknowns felt heavy, and the voices of doubt sounded reasonable. I knew what God had spoken, yet my emotions wanted safety instead of obedience. As I prayed, I sensed the Holy Spirit asking me to trust Him with the next step, not the whole picture. When I finally chose obedience, peace followed even before circumstances changed. It became one of the greatest lessons for me showing me that fear often shows up right before growth, and choosing trust positions my heart to see God move.

Today I want to encourage you to trust God at the edge of His promise and not allow fear to talk you out of obedience that lead to His promised land of blessings. Choose faith when emotions feel unsettled and believe that God’s presence goes with you into unfamiliar territory. He is patient, faithful, and powerful to complete what He has started in your life, even when the journey feels uncomfortable.

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 14

1 So all the congregation lifted up their voices and cried, and the people wept that night. 

2 And all the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, “If only we had died in the land of Egypt! Or if only we had died in this wilderness! 

3 Why has the Lord brought us to this land to fall by the sword, that our wives and children should become victims? Would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?” 

4 So they said to one another, “Let us select a leader and return to Egypt.”

5 Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel.

6 But Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes; 

7 and they spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying: “The land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. 

8 If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, ‘a land which flows with milk and honey.’ 

9 Only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them.”

10 And all the congregation said to stone them with stones. Now the glory of the Lord appeared in the tabernacle of meeting before all the children of Israel.

Moses Intercedes for the People

11 Then the Lord said to Moses: “How long will these people reject Me? And how long will they not believe Me, with all the signs which I have performed among them? 

12 I will strike them with the pestilence and disinherit them, and I will make of you a nation greater and mightier than they.”

13 And Moses said to the Lord: “Then the Egyptians will hear it, for by Your might You brought these people up from among them, 

14 and they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land. They have heard that You, Lord, are among these people; that You, Lord, are seen face to face and Your cloud stands above them, and You go before them in a pillar of cloud by day and in a pillar of fire by night. 

15 Now if You kill these people as one man, then the nations which have heard of Your fame will speak, saying, 

16 ‘Because the Lord was not able to bring this people to the land which He swore to give them, therefore He killed them in the wilderness.’ 

17 And now, I pray, let the power of my Lord be great, just as You have spoken, saying, 

18 ‘The Lord is longsuffering and abundant in mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression; but He by no means clears the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation.’ 

19 Pardon the iniquity of this people, I pray, according to the greatness of Your mercy, just as You have forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.”

20 Then the Lord said: “I have pardoned, according to your word; 

21 but truly, as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord— 

22 because all these men who have seen My glory and the signs which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have put Me to the test now these ten times, and have not heeded My voice, 

23 they certainly shall not see the land of which I swore to their fathers, nor shall any of those who rejected Me see it. 

24 But My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit in him and has followed Me fully, I will bring into the land where he went, and his descendants shall inherit it. 

25 Now the Amalekites and the Canaanites dwell in the valley; tomorrow turn and move out into the wilderness by the Way of the Red Sea.”

26 And the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, 

27 “How long shall I bear with this evil congregation who complain against Me? I have heard the complaints which the children of Israel make against Me. 

28 Say to them, ‘As I live,’ says the Lord, ‘just as you have spoken in My hearing, so I will do to you: 

29 The carcasses of you who have complained against Me shall fall in this wilderness, all of you who were numbered, according to your entire number, from twenty years old and above. 

30 Except for Caleb the son of Jephunneh and Joshua the son of Nun, you shall by no means enter the land which I swore I would make you dwell in. 

31 But your little ones, whom you said would be victims, I will bring in, and they shall know the land which you have despised. 

32 But as for you, your carcasses shall fall in this wilderness. 

33 And your sons shall be shepherds in the wilderness forty years, and bear the brunt of your infidelity, until your carcasses are consumed in the wilderness. 

34 According to the number of the days in which you spied out the land, forty days, for each day you shall bear your guilt one year, namely forty years, and you shall know My rejection. 

35 I the Lord have spoken this. I will surely do so to all this evil congregation who are gathered together against Me. In this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die.’ ”

36 Now the men whom Moses sent to spy out the land, who returned and made all the congregation complain against him by bringing a bad report of the land, 

37 those very men who brought the evil report about the land, died by the plague before the Lord. 

38 But Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh remained alive, of the men who went to spy out the land.

39 Then Moses told these words to all the children of Israel, and the people mourned greatly. 

40 And they rose early in the morning and went up to the top of the mountain, saying, “Here we are, and we will go up to the place which the Lord has promised, for we have sinned!”

41 And Moses said, “Now why do you transgress the command of the Lord? For this will not succeed. 

42 Do not go up, lest you be defeated by your enemies, for the Lord is not among you. 

43 For the Amalekites and the Canaanites are there before you, and you shall fall by the sword; because you have turned away from the Lord, the Lord will not be with you.”

44 But they presumed to go up to the mountaintop. Nevertheless, neither the ark of the covenant of the Lord nor Moses departed from the camp. 

45 Then the Amalekites and the Canaanites who dwelt in that mountain came down and attacked them, and drove them back as far as Hormah.

Journal:

• Where has fear tried to distort my view of God’s faithfulness?
• What promises has God already spoken over my life?
• How can I replace complaining with prayer this week?
• What is one step of obedience God is asking me to take right now?

What is the next step

Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.” ~ Numbers 13:30

How often do you face a situation where God has given direction, yet the circumstances feel overwhelming and intimidating? This chapter speaks directly to believers today who are learning how to walk by faith instead of being ruled by fear. Today’s scripture reading tells the story of God sending leaders to explore the Promised Land, a place He had already promised them. The land was good, fruitful, and exactly as God said it was, yet fear rose when the people focused on obstacles instead of God’s word. Ten spies saw giants and felt defeated before the battle ever began, while Caleb and Joshua saw the same land and trusted the God Who promised it with confidence.

Here are three take aways from today’s passage:

1. What you focus on shapes what you believe.

The spies all saw the same land, but their conclusions were different because their focus was different. Some focused on the size of the giants, while others focused on the size of God.

Pay attention to what fills your thoughts when challenges arise. In current circumstances, this may look like limiting negative voices, choosing scripture over constant worry, and reminding yourself of past moments when God carried you through.

2. Fear spreads quickly, but faith can steady the room.

The fearful report discouraged the entire community, while Caleb’s faith filled response brought calm and clarity.

Choose words that build trust instead of panic. In everyday life, this may look like speaking hope in a tense family conversation, encouraging a coworker during uncertainty, or refusing to join conversations that magnify problems without faith.

3. Obedience requires trust before certainty.

God had already promised the land, yet the people wanted proof that felt safe. Caleb trusted God before the outcome was visible.

Move forward in obedience even when all details are not settled. In present circumstances, this can look like taking a step of faith toward what God has placed on your heart, continuing to serve faithfully when results feel slow, or trusting Him with decisions that stretch your comfort zone.

Just last week, God placed an opportunity before me to visit a friend early one morning before work. I wanted to go, but the timing was not what I had planned. I already had my day mapped out in my mind, starting with the morning hours. After a brief internal wrestling match with the Holy Spirit, I decided I would go see her after I finished working. I continued to pray for her throughout the day, but halfway through my work shift I felt completely depleted. I told the Lord it simply could not happen that day because I did not have the strength. As I was leaving work, I received a message that my friend was very sick that morning and was not even able to see anyone. Although she was doing much better by the afternoon, I realized there was no way I could have gone to see her that morning anyway. I immediately wondered why I had such a strong urge to go see her that morning when it wasn’t even a possibility to go. Then I realized that a simple call or text message (which would have been my first step if I had followed the Holy Spirit’s leading instead of debating with Him) would have immediately revealed that visiting was not possible and would have shifted how I prayed for her that day.

I know this situation does not compare to what the Israelites faced in the wilderness, but it taught me such a powerful lesson. Instead of saying no or not now, or arguing that it cannot be done when the Holy Spirit puts something on my heart, a better response would be “What is the next step to get there?” Then, when you know what that step is, ask for the grace, empowerment and desire to take that step. When we see the entire picture at once, it often feels overwhelming and impossible. But when we learn to ask God how to begin, He faithfully leads us step by step into the promises He has already given.

In my case, I could clearly sense His leading, yet the unknown details caused hesitation and fear that it wouldn’t work in my schedule. Instead of trusting what God had already prompted in my heart, I allowed my plans to take priority and missed out on the blessings and purpose the Holy Spirit was trying to lead me to. When I choose to take a faith step at His beckoning, doors open, confidence grows, and I witness God’s provision in ways I never expect. This experience reminded me that faith does not deny challenges, it simply refuses to let them be the loudest voice. All God was asking from me was to take the next faith step.

Today I want to encourage you to see your situation through the lens of God’s promises instead of the size of the obstacles before you. Do not let fear or uncertainty steal what God has already said belongs to you. When He puts something on your heart or leads you in a direction that feels overwhelming, don’t be afraid or worried that you can’t do that. Instead, ask Him for the next step, then move forward with trust and courage, even when the path feels unclear. The same God who promised the land goes before you, walks with you, and empowers you to step into everything He has prepared.

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 13

1 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 

2 “Send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the children of Israel; from each tribe of their fathers you shall send a man, every one a leader among them.”

3 So Moses sent them from the Wilderness of Paran according to the command of the Lord, all of them men who were heads of the children of Israel. 

4 Now these were their names: from the tribe of Reuben, Shammua the son of Zaccur; 

5 from the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat the son of Hori; 

6 from the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh; 

7 from the tribe of Issachar, Igal the son of Joseph; 

8 from the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Nun; 

9 from the tribe of Benjamin, Palti the son of Raphu; 

10 from the tribe of Zebulun, Gaddiel the son of Sodi; 

11 from the tribe of Joseph, that is, from the tribe of Manasseh, Gaddi the son of Susi; 

12 from the tribe of Dan, Ammiel the son of Gemalli; 

13 from the tribe of Asher, Sethur the son of Michael; 

14 from the tribe of Naphtali, Nahbi the son of Vophsi; 

15 from the tribe of Gad, Geuel the son of Machi.

16 These are the names of the men whom Moses sent to spy out the land. And Moses called Hoshea the son of Nun, Joshua.

17 Then Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said to them, “Go up this way into the South, and go up to the mountains, 

18 and see what the land is like: whether the people who dwell in it are strong or weak, few or many; 

19 whether the land they dwell in is good or bad; whether the cities they inhabit are like camps or strongholds; 

20 whether the land is rich or poor; and whether there are forests there or not. Be of good courage. And bring some of the fruit of the land.” Now the time was the season of the first ripe grapes.

21 So they went up and spied out the land from the Wilderness of Zin as far as Rehob, near the entrance of Hamath. 

22 And they went up through the South and came to Hebron; Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the descendants of Anak, were there. (Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.) 

23 Then they came to the Valley of Eshcol, and there cut down a branch with one cluster of grapes; they carried it between two of them on a pole. They also brought some of the pomegranates and figs. 

24 The place was called the Valley of Eshcol, because of the cluster which the men of Israel cut down there. 

25 And they returned from spying out the land after forty days.

26 Now they departed and came back to Moses and Aaron and all the congregation of the children of Israel in the Wilderness of Paran, at Kadesh; they brought back word to them and to all the congregation, and showed them the fruit of the land. 

27 Then they told him, and said: “We went to the land where you sent us. It truly flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. 

28 Nevertheless the people who dwell in the land are strong; the cities are fortified and very large; moreover we saw the descendants of Anak there. 

29 The Amalekites dwell in the land of the South; the Hittites, the Jebusites, and the Amorites dwell in the mountains; and the Canaanites dwell by the sea and along the banks of the Jordan.”

30 Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.”

31 But the men who had gone up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we.” 

32 And they gave the children of Israel a bad report of the land which they had spied out, saying, “The land through which we have gone as spies is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great stature. 

33 There we saw the giants (the descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.”

Journal:

• What situation in my life feels intimidating right now
• Where might fear be influencing my thoughts or decisions
• What has God already promised that I need to trust today
• How can I choose faith filled words and actions in my current circumstances

Finally

Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him. ~ Acts 28:16

Have you ever been on a long trip with children who kept acking the question every parent dreads, “Are we there yet?” Sometimes the question comes only minutes into the journey. Children struggle to understand time and distance, and the longer the ride feels, the more impatient they become. I sometimes wonder if Paul ever felt something similar during his long journey to Rome. His trip was not a few hours or even a few days. It stretched over months, carrying him from Caesarea to Fair Havens, through a fourteen-day storm, across the sea to Malta where he spent three winter months, and finally onward with more stops along the way. Yet Scripture gives me no hint that Paul ever complained or questioned the timing. Instead, he seemed to understand that God was leading him step by step, and he was ready to share the message of salvation no matter where he was.

What I love about Paul is that he did not wait until he arrived at Rome to begin ministry again. He lived his calling at every stop along the way. Whether facing trials, storms, delays or shipwreck, he used each moment as an opportunity to lead people to Jesus. There was no “Are we there yet?” mindset for Paul because wherever he was, he was already there. He lived each day with purpose and carried the mission of God into every situation.

When he finally reached Rome, he was once again ready to get to work. He did not wait for his meeting with Caesar to begin ministry. He simply continued doing what he always did, sharing the love of God with everyone around him. Paul had no idea that God would provide such mercy when he arrived, giving him freedom to live by himself with his own guard and with Luke and Aristarchus by his side. It was a reminder that God thinks of every detail long before we see the evidence of His plan.

This makes me ask myself an honest question. Do I grow impatient during the long stretches of my journey, or do I choose to live out my calling right where I am, today? Ideally, I want to recognize God’s hand in each step and continue to proclaim His goodness wherever He places me. I do not want to wonder, “When will things get easier?” or “When will I reach the good part?” I want to live with confidence that God is with me in every season, guiding me through storms, delays and unexpected turns with purpose.

Below are some ways you can apply this passage in your life:

• Choose to serve God right where you are today, because your purpose does not begin at your destination. You can get started by asking God for one assignment you can fulfill in your current situation.
• Practice patience when the journey seems long, because God is still guiding each step you take. You can get started by speaking gratitude instead of frustration whenever delays show up.
• Treat each day as part of your mission, because every moment carries purpose that God has already prepared. You can get started by looking for someone to bless, encourage or help before the day ends.

I want to leave you with this final encouraging scripture in 1 Peter 3:10-12 that says: “He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit.  Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do and speak evil.”

The Formula for Loving Life and Seeing Good Days from 1 Peter:

1. Refrain your tongue from evil speaking, complaining and deceitful words.
2. Turn away from evil and do good acts of kindness and love.
3. Seek peace in every situation and chase after it.

The Rewards of Living This Way:

1. God’s eyes of protection and grace will be on you.
2. His ears will be open to your prayers and requests.
3. His face will not be against you but for you.

Today I want to encourage you to love the life God has given you and enjoy each day of your journey. Live out your purpose right where you are. Do not let impatience or the unknown weigh you down. Trust the Holy Spirit to guide you, and when it feels like the destination is far away, choose praise over complaint. God is using every step to prepare you, strengthen you and place you where you need to be.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 28:11-16

11 After three months we sailed in an Alexandrian ship whose figurehead was the Twin Brothers, which had wintered at the island. 

12 And landing at Syracuse, we stayed three days. 

13 From there we circled round and reached Rhegium. And after one day the south wind blew; and the next day we came to Puteoli, 

14 where we found brethren, and were invited to stay with them seven days. And so we went toward Rome. 

15 And from there, when the brethren heard about us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum and Three Inns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.

16 Now when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard; but Paul was permitted to dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him.

 Journal:

• Where am I growing impatient in my journey, and what is God teaching me through it?
• How can I serve God today in the place I currently stand?
• What words do I need to stop speaking so I can love life and see good days?
• Where is God asking me to pursue peace more intentionally?

kindness has a cost

And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold. ~ Acts 28:2

When Paul and the rest of the shipmates arrived on the island of Malta, the natives showed them unusual kindness. Everyone had survived the shipwreck, which was a miracle in itself, but once they reached land, a new question waited for them. Now what? I imagine the moment they made it to shore and stood cold, soaked and exhausted, they wondered what to do next. Yet right on time, God had already prepared help. The natives stepped forward with kindness and hospitality. Scripture tells us it was unusual kindness, which means this was not their typical response. Something God was doing in that moment stirred them to care for strangers.

As I read this passage, I see how each group played a part in what God was unfolding. The natives welcomed them and used their own resources to build a fire large enough to warm and dry 276 people. That must have taken time, effort and sacrifice. Even Paul joined in by gathering wood to keep the fire burning. He was not the host and had no obligation to help, yet he gave through kindness because that was his way of life. Paul continually lived with a willingness to serve, no matter where he was or what his circumstances were.

Kindness was not an occasional gesture for Paul. It was a pattern. His actions showed that kindness costs something. It costs time, resources, energy, comfort and in many cases, a willingness to put someone else first. Kindness is a fruit that appears when the Holy Spirit is at work in our lives, but it is also a gift we can choose to give. When we show kindness, we are demonstrating something about Jesus, because kindness always gives. Jesus gave everything, even His very breath, so we could be reconciled to God. Now we carry His heart into my world, giving fully without limits so others can experience His love, too.

You cannot be kind without giving something. And the more you give, the more you will recognize that God uses your kindness as a doorway for His presence.

Below are some ways to put this truth into action:

• Look for someone who is cold spiritually or emotionally, then provide warmth through a listening ear or encouraging words. You can get started by asking God each morning who needs comfort near you.
• Notice opportunities to serve in simple ways, such as helping someone with a task or taking initiative before being asked. You can get started by choosing one place today where you will give practical help.
• Give even when it stretches you, whether through time, money or energy, because kindness often requires sacrifice. You can get started by identifying one area where you can give more than what is comfortable.

There have been times God has asked me to be kind when it was inconvenient or costly. I remember moments when I felt tired or overwhelmed, yet God nudged me to help someone or give something away. Each time I followed His prompting, I saw God work in ways I did not expect. The gift I thought I was giving away returned to me in peace, joy, a greater awareness of His presence and sometimes opened doors I didn’t even know were there. Kindness has repeatedly shown me that giving opens up the way for God to move.

Today I want to encourage you to give kindness freely, even when it costs you something. Do not let hesitation, fear or limited resources stop you. Instead give your time, energy and money as an investment into the eternity of the people around you. As you do, you will discover why God has given you life, strength and resources, because someone needs the love of Jesus that flows through your kindness.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 28:1-10

1 Now when they had escaped, they then found out that the island was called Malta. 

2 And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold. 

3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. 

4 So when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live.” 

5 But he shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm. 

6 However, they were expecting that he would swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had looked for a long time and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.

7 In that region there was an estate of the leading citizen of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and entertained us courteously for three days. 

8 And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him. 

9 So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed. 

10 They also honored us in many ways; and when we departed, they provided such things as were necessary.

Journal:

• Where is God inviting me to show unusual kindness today?
• What resource do I struggle to give and why?
• Who around me needs warmth, comfort or support right now?
• What has kindness cost me in the past, and what did God teach me through it?

Humble and heard

_{(Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth.) ~ Numbers 12:3}

Have you ever been misunderstood, criticized, or spoken about unfairly and felt the urge to defend yourself or prove your worth? This chapter reminds every believer today that how you respond in those moments matters deeply to God.

The chapter opens with tension, criticism, and wounded pride, yet it reveals something powerful about how God responds when His servant chooses humility over explanation and excuses. Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses, questioned his leadership, and compared their calling to his, but Moses did not argue, explain himself, or fight back. Instead, God stepped in.

Here are three truths about humility:

1. Humility invites God’s defense.

Moses was not weak, he was submitted. He trusted God to speak on his behalf.

Pause when criticism comes, resist the urge to explain yourself immediately, and take the situation to God in prayer. In current circumstances, this may look like choosing silence in a tense conversation, journaling your feelings before God, or asking Him to guard your words until peace settles.

2. God takes words seriously.

Miriam and Aaron’s issue began with comparison and turned into dishonor. God responded quickly because their words touched His chosen servant.

Examine how you speak about leaders, coworkers, family members, or people God has placed in authority. In everyday life, this may mean stopping gossip mid conversation, choosing prayer instead of venting, or asking God to soften your heart when jealousy tries to rise.

3. Correction from God is meant to restore, not destroy.

Miriam faced consequences, but God also provided healing and restoration. Moses even interceded for her.

Receive correction without shame and allow God to heal areas exposed by His truth. In present circumstances, this can look like admitting when an attitude has gone unchecked, asking forgiveness, and trusting God to rebuild what was damaged.

I remember times when I felt overlooked and misunderstood, especially when decisions were made that affected me without my input. I wanted to explain myself, defend my position, and make sure my voice was heard. Instead, God kept pressing my heart to stay quiet and trust Him. It was uncomfortable, and at times it felt unfair. Over time, I watched God open doors, clarify misunderstandings, and speak on my behalf in ways I never could have orchestrated. Those moments taught me that humility is not silence out of fear, it is confidence that God sees everything and can handle anything.

Today I want to encourage you to choose humility when criticism comes and trust God to be your defender. Let Him handle what you cannot control and guard your heart from comparison or resentment. When you walk in humility, God steps in with clarity, protection, and restoration. He sees your faithfulness, He hears your prayers, and He will respond in His perfect timing.

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 12

1 Then Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married; for he had married an Ethiopian woman. 

2 So they said, “Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has He not spoken through us also?” And the Lord heard it. 

3 (Now the man Moses was very humble, more than all men who were on the face of the earth.)

4 Suddenly the Lord said to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, “Come out, you three, to the tabernacle of meeting!” So the three came out. 

5 Then the Lord came down in the pillar of cloud and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam. And they both went forward. 

6 Then He said,

“Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the Lord, make Myself known to him in a vision; I speak to him in a dream.

7 Not so with My servant Moses; He is faithful in all My house.

8 I speak with him face to face, Even plainly, and not in dark sayings; And he sees the form of the Lord. Why then were you not afraid To speak against My servant Moses?”

9 So the anger of the Lord was aroused against them, and He departed. 

10 And when the cloud departed from above the tabernacle, suddenly Miriam became leprous, as white as snow. Then Aaron turned toward Miriam, and there she was, a leper. 

11 So Aaron said to Moses, “Oh, my lord! Please do not lay this sin on us, in which we have done foolishly and in which we have sinned. 

12 Please do not let her be as one dead, whose flesh is half consumed when he comes out of his mother’s womb!”

13 So Moses cried out to the Lord, saying, “Please heal her, O God, I pray!”

14 Then the Lord said to Moses, “If her father had but spit in her face, would she not be shamed seven days? Let her be shut out of the camp seven days, and afterward she may be received again.” 

15 So Miriam was shut out of the camp seven days, and the people did not journey till Miriam was brought in again. 16And afterward the people moved from Hazeroth and camped in the Wilderness of Paran.

Journal:

• Where have I felt misunderstood or criticized recently
• How have I been tempted to defend myself instead of trusting God
• What would humility look like in my current situation
• How can I invite God to handle what feels unfair today

What are you complaining about

Now when the people complained, it displeased the Lord; for the Lord heard it, and His anger was aroused. So the fire of the Lord burned among them, and consumed some in the outskirts of the camp. ~ Numbers 11:1

Happy New Year everyone!  I pray 2026 will be your best year yet!  Full of breakthroughs and victories like never before!  I believe whatever comes your way this year will be a stepping stone into a greater relation with your heavenly Father and a deeper understanding of the purpose He designed for your life!  I hope today’s Daily Dose message will inspire you to remove the bitter root of complaining from your life and inspire you to intentionally let His joy flow through you to all the world around you.

Today’s scripture reading opens with a sobering picture of God’s people growing restless. Even after experiencing God’s deliverance, provision, and guidance, they allowed dissatisfaction to take root. What begins as complaint quickly turns into craving, and craving begins to cloud their trust in God. This chapter asks a hard but necessary question, what happens when desire speaks louder than gratitude in your life? This message is especially relevant today, when comparison, impatience, and unmet expectations constantly compete for your attention as a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Not only that, but it is actually the popular way to be dissatisfied and outraged with the way things are today’s world.

Below are three points to consider to restore your joy:

1. Complaining reveals where trust has weakened

The people had manna every day, yet they focused on what they lacked instead of what God provided. Complaining did not change their circumstances, but it did change their hearts toward God.

Notice what comes out of your mouth when life feels uncomfortable. Instead of rehearsing what is missing, choose to thank God for what He is already supplying. Start each day by naming one specific provision you can see right now, even if it feels small. Thankfulness restores trust when discouragement tries to take over.

2. Cravings can distract you from God’s purpose

Israel longed for what they left behind in Egypt, forgetting that those memories were tied to bondage. Their desire for something different caused them to lose sight of why God had brought them out of slavery.

Pay attention to what you are longing for. Ask God if that desire is drawing you closer to Him or pulling you away. When you feel tempted to chase comfort, success, or approval outside of His will, pause and invite Him to reshape your desires so they match His purpose for your life right now.

3. God meets you with grace even when you are overwhelmed

Moses reached a breaking point in this chapter, openly admitting he could not carry the burden alone. God responded by sharing the load and providing help through others.

Admit when you are overwhelmed instead of pretending you can handle everything. Ask God for support and be willing to receive help through community, prayer, and wise counsel. Humbly receive that help and don’t poison the atmosphere by allowing complaining into that environment. Strength often comes when you stop carrying things alone and allow God to provide support in His way.

I used to complain a lot, and I found myself surrounded by others who did the same. I complained about my job, how hard it was, and how unappreciated I was. I complained about my bosses, what they didn’t know, what they did know, and everything in between. I complained about the weather, the traffic, and the people around me. I even complained about why things were the way they were and how difficult my life seemed. Honestly, I complained about nearly everything. I thought it helped me cope, but the truth was that I was deeply unhappy. One day I realized I had a choice, I could continue talking about my circumstances as if I had no control, or I could talk to the Lord and ask Him to lead me, give me wisdom and the strength to walk in peace while holding my peace.

I don’t even know if anyone noticed when I decided to stop grumbling. By that point, I had probably pushed people away with my rotten attitude. What truly changed was what the Holy Spirit revealed to me. Complaining was not harmless, it was a direct expression of my lack of trust in God. It showed that I believed I could handle life better than He could. That realization deeply humbled me. I am so thankful for His love and kindness in opening my eyes. Now, when things are not going “my way” I turn them over to Him. I cannot control my circumstances, but I can control my response. When I place things in my Father’s hands and follow His direction, He leads me to victory every time.

Over time, I had to face the truth that I was criticizing, complaining, and condemning far more than I realized. Even when I prayed for change, the moment things became uncomfortable, my focus shifted to what was hard instead of what God was doing. I remember feeling emotionally exhausted and asking Him why nothing seemed to move faster. That was when He gently showed me that my constant dissatisfaction was draining my joy. When I began thanking Him daily for even the smallest signs of His faithfulness, my attitude shifted. The circumstances did not change overnight, but my peace returned, and my trust in Him grew stronger. He taught me to depend on Him rather than my own expectations, and that changed everything.

Today I want to encourage you to guard your heart when disappointment tries to turn into complaining. Trust that God knows what you need even when your desires feel loud. Invite Him to shape your cravings, strengthen your gratitude, and provide support where you feel overwhelmed. He is patient with your process and faithful to lead you to your victory when you choose trust over dissatisfaction.  Most of all, your faith will increase, your joy will return and you will discover that He can take care of your life’s circumstances far better than you can.

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 11

1 Now when the people complained, it displeased the Lord; for the Lord heard it, and His anger was aroused. So the fire of the Lord burned among them and consumed some in the outskirts of the camp. 

2 Then the people cried out to Moses, and when Moses prayed to the Lord, the fire was quenched. 

3 So he called the name of the place Taberah, because the fire of the Lord had burned among them.

4 Now the mixed multitude who were among them yielded to intense craving; so the children of Israel also wept again and said: “Who will give us meat to eat? 

5 We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; 

6 but now our whole being is dried up; there is nothing at all except this manna before our eyes!”

7 Now the manna was like coriander seed, and its color like the color of bdellium. 

8 The people went about and gathered it, ground it on millstones or beat it in the mortar, cooked it in pans, and made cakes of it; and its taste was like the taste of pastry prepared with oil. 

9 And when the dew fell on the camp in the night, the manna fell on it.

10 Then Moses heard the people weeping throughout their families, everyone at the door of his tent; and the anger of the Lord was greatly aroused; Moses also was displeased. 

11 So Moses said to the Lord, “Why have You afflicted Your servant? And why have I not found favor in Your sight, that You have laid the burden of all these people on me? 

12 Did I conceive all these people? Did I beget them, that You should say to me, ‘Carry them in your bosom, as a guardian carries a nursing child,’ to the land which You swore to their fathers? 

13 Where am I to get meat to give to all these people? For they weep all over me, saying, ‘Give us meat, that we may eat.’ 

14 I am not able to bear all these people alone, because the burden is too heavy for me. 

15 If You treat me like this, please kill me here and now—if I have found favor in Your sight—and do not let me see my wretchedness!”

16 So the Lord said to Moses: “Gather to Me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them; bring them to the tabernacle of meeting, that they may stand there with you. 

17 Then I will come down and talk with you there. I will take of the Spirit that is upon you and will put the same upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, that you may not bear it yourself alone. 

18 Then you shall say to the people, ‘Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, and you shall eat meat; for you have wept in the hearing of the Lord, saying, “Who will give us meat to eat? For it was well with us in Egypt.” Therefore the Lord will give you meat, and you shall eat. 

19 You shall eat, not one day, nor two days, nor five days, nor ten days, nor twenty days, 

20 but for a whole month, until it comes out of your nostrils and becomes loathsome to you, because you have despised the Lord who is among you, and have wept before Him, saying, “Why did we ever come up out of Egypt?” ’ ”

21 And Moses said, “The people whom I am among are six hundred thousand men on foot; yet You have said, ‘I will give them meat, that they may eat for a whole month.’ 

22 Shall flocks and herds be slaughtered for them, to provide enough for them? Or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, to provide enough for them?”

23 And the Lord said to Moses, “Has the Lord’s arm been shortened? Now you shall see whether what I say will happen to you or not.”

24 So Moses went out and told the people the words of the Lord, and he gathered the seventy men of the elders of the people and placed them around the tabernacle. 

25 Then the Lord came down in the cloud, and spoke to him, and took of the Spirit that was upon him, and placed the same upon the seventy elders; and it happened, when the Spirit rested upon them, that they prophesied, although they never did so again.

26 But two men had remained in the camp: the name of one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad. And the Spirit rested upon them. Now they were among those listed, but who had not gone out to the tabernacle; yet they prophesied in the camp. 

27 And a young man ran and told Moses, and said, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.”

28 So Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, one of his choice men, answered and said, “Moses my lord, forbid them!”

29 Then Moses said to him, “Are you zealous for my sake? Oh, that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them!” 

30 And Moses returned to the camp, he and the elders of Israel.

31 Now a wind went out from the Lord, and it brought quail from the sea and left them fluttering near the camp, about a day’s journey on this side and about a day’s journey on the other side, all around the camp, and about two cubits above the surface of the ground. 

32 And the people stayed up all that day, all night, and all the next day, and gathered the quail (he who gathered least gathered ten homers); and they spread them out for themselves all around the camp. 

33 But while the meat was still between their teeth, before it was chewed, the wrath of the Lord was aroused against the people, and the Lord struck the people with a very great plague. 

34 So he called the name of that place Kibroth Hattaavah, because there they buried the people who had yielded to craving.

35 From Kibroth Hattaavah the people moved to Hazeroth and camped at Hazeroth.

Journal:

• What am I most tempted to complain about right now
• What desire has been competing with my trust in God
• Where do I need to ask God for help instead of carrying the weight alone