The Daily Dose

Encouraged in your storm

Saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’  ~  Acts 27:24

Sometimes the storms of life rage so fiercely that it feels impossible to hear anything, let alone the still quiet voice of the Holy Spirit speaking inside of me. When everything is swirling out of control, my natural instinct is to panic. It can feel overwhelming to try to make wise decisions when urgency and pressure are pushing in from every side. If you are anything like me, there is almost a sense of responsibility to do something, anything, to calm the storm instead of waiting for direction. Yet the truth is that peace is available to all of us even when everything around is shaking.

In today’s reading, the ship carrying Paul to Rome became trapped in a violent storm. The crew fought day after day to survive, and the passage says they reached the point where all hope of making it through alive was lost. They were seasick, exhausted, and completely defeated. Then, right in the middle of the chaos, God sent an angel to the apostle Paul with a message of peace and assurance. Paul was strengthened on the inside before anything changed on the outside. Then he shared that hope and peace with everyone else on the ship. Nothing about the storm shifted in that moment. The winds continued to blow, and the waves continued to pound, but their hearts changed. They ate, regained strength, and pressed forward until they reached land.

That is exactly what happens when I hear from the Holy Spirit inside my heart. Circumstances may not shift immediately, but something shifts inside me first. When a scripture comes alive or a whisper from my heavenly Father brings assurance, hope rises and becomes an anchor. Peace settles in. The storm may still be raging, but now I have something steady to hold on to.

Here are some practical ways to apply this passage and how to get started:

• Pause instead of panicking and take a moment to ask God what He wants you to hear about the situation
• Open your Bible and read until a verse strengthens your heart and gives you peace
• Thank God for His presence and care even before anything changes around you
• Choose to speak words of hope instead of fear by saying what God has said about the situation
• Remind yourself of past storms God has brought you through and let those memories build your confidence again
• Take one small obedient step today instead of trying to fix everything all at once
• Share encouragement with someone else who may be facing a storm of their own

Today I want to encourage you to press in until you hear what the Lord is speaking to your heart. Stay there in thanksgiving until His peace fills you, then hold tightly to the scripture or promise He gives you in that moment. Thank Him for that promise every time you think of the storm and watch how things start to shift. He will take you through to victory, and when He does, write it down so you can go back and be strengthened the next time a storm rises against you.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 27:13-26

13 When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their desire, putting out to sea, they sailed close by Crete. 

14 But not long after, a tempestuous head wind arose, called Euroclydon. 

15 So when the ship was caught, and could not head into the wind, we let her drive. 

16 And running under the shelter of an island called Clauda, we secured the skiff with difficulty. 

17 When they had taken it on board, they used cables to undergird the ship; and fearing lest they should run aground on the Syrtis Sands, they struck sail and so were driven. 

18 And because we were exceedingly tempest-tossed, the next day they lightened the ship. 

19 On the third day we threw the ship’s tackle overboard with our own hands. 

20 Now when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest beat on us, all hope that we would be saved was finally given up.

21 But after long abstinence from food, then Paul stood in the midst of them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss. 

22 And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 

23 For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, 

24 saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ 

25 Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be just as it was told me. 

26However, we must run aground on a certain island.”

 Journal:

• What storm am I facing right now that feels overwhelming?
• What scripture brings peace to my heart in this season?
• How has God brought me through storms in the past?
• What is one thing I can thank God for today while I wait for the situation to change?
• What step of obedience is God leading me to take right now?

Missed opportunity

And because the harbor was not suitable to winter in, the majority advised to set sail from there also, if by any means they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete opening toward the southwest and northwest, and winter there. ~ Acts 27:12

Earlier in Acts I wrote about alternate endings. When Paul wanted to go to Asia to preach the gospel, nothing he tried seemed to work. Then God gave him a dream calling him to Macedonia. If Paul had ignored that leading and pushed through with his own plan, the outcome of his ministry would have been entirely different. The world I live in today would look nothing like it does now.

In the same way, the reading today holds another potential alternate ending. Paul was on his way to Rome, and the ship needed a safe place to stay for the winter. The harbor they were in was not ideal, so the majority of the crew decided to set sail and try to reach a different harbor in Crete. Paul warned them, but they did not listen. If they had stayed, they could have saved their cargo, their ship, and their peace. More than that, they would have spent the winter with the apostle Paul. Can you imagine the impact? Sitting under his teaching every day would have changed their lives. Anywhere the apostle Paul stayed, signs followed, hearts were changed, and people were saved. Instead of growing spiritually, they nearly lost their lives in a violent storm.

When I think about alternate endings, I also see missed opportunities. Many missed opportunities in my past came from moving too quickly or trusting what I could see instead of what God was quietly nudging me to do. Some opportunities were missed because I was afraid, tired, or talked myself out of them. Others were missed because I allowed logic to override the leading of the Holy Spirit. Looking back, I now understand that many of those moments were not just missed opportunities for success. Some were missed opportunities to avoid unnecessary trouble.

God wants us to recognize the opportunities He brings our way, even when they seem small or unexpected. Many times His leading looks illogical in the natural, but it is actually a setup for progress in the spirit realm. The crew in Acts trusted what seemed reasonable, but they missed what God was trying to do through the apostle Paul. I do not want to miss what God is trying to do through me and in me.

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

• Slow down when making decisions so you don’t move ahead of God
• Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see opportunities He is placing in front of you
• Practice listening for internal peace instead of external pressure
• Notice repeated opportunities that come back more than once and start taking them
• Choose obedience even when God’s direction seems unusual

Pay attention to situations that keep returning to and ask God if He is speaking through them. Write down decisions you are considering and pray over them slowly. Ask God to help you recognize when an opportunity is from Him and not just from your own desires. Spend a few quiet minutes inviting the Holy Spirit to speak guidance into your heart each day. Choose one area where you have been unsure and ask God for clarity today.

There have been moments in my life when I ignored God’s prompting because I was looking at circumstances instead of listening to His whisper in my heart. Every time I followed my own logic instead of His voice, I missed something He intended for me. But when I listened, even when His leading felt uncomfortable or unusual, I realized that the opportunity He offered always carried peace, provision, and growth.

Today I want to encourage you to be on the lookout for the opportunities your heavenly Father is placing in front of you. Not the ones that look obvious or easy, but the ones that keep returning to your heart. Ask God to make His direction plain and clear, then invite Him to increase your faith and direct your steps. As you follow His leading, you will begin to see that what looked like a setback is actually a setup. Others will eventually ask how everything seems to work out in your life, and you will be able to tell them that the leading of the Holy Spirit is your secret advantage, your divine connection, and the reason you walk in confidence.

Today’s Scripture Reading: Acts 27:9-12

 9 Now when much time had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, 

10 saying, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.” 

11 Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul. 

12 And because the harbor was not suitable to winter in, the majority advised to set sail from there also, if by any means they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete opening toward the southwest and northwest, and winter there.

 Journal:

• What opportunity might God be bringing to my attention that I have overlooked?
• Where have I been making decisions based only on what I can see?
• What is one area where I sense the Holy Spirit nudging me to wait or move forward?
• When have I seen God turn what looked like a setback into a breakthrough?

I am praying for each one of you to experience a truly Merry Christmas and to step into a beautiful, faith filled 2026 filled with God’s peace, joy, and fresh purpose.

The holiday season is such a meaningful time to slow down, gather close, and let truth and encouragement fill our hearts. If the Daily Dose has encouraged you this year, this is a wonderful moment to share that gift with someone you love. Sometimes a simple message of hope is exactly what another heart needs during the holidays.

Below are the Daily Dose Journal books released in 2025, now available on Amazon and perfect for last minute Christmas gifts. These journals are more than books, they are daily invitations to spend time in God’s Word, to grow in faith, and to be reminded that you are never walking alone. Sharing one is a powerful way to extend encouragement beyond your own life this Christmas season.

Thank you for allowing the Daily Dose to be part of your days this year. I pray it continues to strengthen and encourage you as you move into the new year, and that you will pass it along to others as the Lord places it on your heart.

My love and prayers are with you all,
Lynette Lyden

Ordered for the journey

“Everyone of the children of Israel shall camp by his own standard, beside the emblems of his father’s house; they shall camp some distance from the tabernacle of meeting. ~ Numbers 2:2

Have you ever felt scattered, pulled in many directions, or unsure where you fit in the bigger picture of God’s plan? Today’s reading may look like a chapter about tents and placement, but it shows us something deeply encouraging. God did not allow His people to camp randomly. He placed them intentionally, with purpose, identity, and direction centered around His presence. That truth is still part of His design in the lives of His people today.

God organized the camp of Israel around the tabernacle, the place of His presence. Every tribe had a position, a banner, and a role. This was not about rank or value, it was about order for the journey ahead. God knew that the way they were positioned would affect how they moved, how they fought, and how they stayed unified.

Below are 3 points connected to this passage for you to consider:

1. God places you where you belong

Each tribe camped under its own banner, not someone else’s. Their placement was intentional.

You can stop questioning whether you belong where God has placed you right now. You can ask Him how to serve faithfully in your current season instead of wishing to be somewhere else. When comparison tries to creep in, you can remind yourself that God chose your position on purpose.

2. God centers life around His presence

The tabernacle was in the middle of the camp. Everything revolved around God’s presence.

You can choose to center your daily life around God’s kingdom by spending time with Him, even when responsibilities are heavy. You can begin your day with prayer, invite Him into decisions, and pause to listen before reacting. Pray for your life to impact others for His purpose each day. When God is at the center, confusion begins to settle and peace takes its place.

3. God brings unity through order

The camp moved together because everyone knew their place. Order created stability and unity.

You can seek unity instead of control in your relationships. You can respect the roles God has given others without trying to take them over. When everyone walks in their calling, the body functions with strength and harmony.

It doesn’t seem like too long ago that I felt frustrated because I wanted to move ahead faster in my life than my circumstances allowed. I felt like I was standing still while others advanced. Worse yet, I thought others were holding me back from God’s plan because they didn’t seem to be growing in the mission at all. When I finally took time to seek wisdom and turn to God’s Word about my situation, I realized that God had positioned me exactly where I needed to be. As I stayed faithful and kept Him at the center, I noticed growth happening quietly. Later, when my life shifted, I understood how important that placement had been for my stability and confidence.

Today I want to encourage you to trust where God has placed you and how He has ordered your life. Keep His presence at the center of everything you do and allow Him to position you in the place He designed for you in His kingdom plan. You are not misplaced, forgotten, or delayed. You are positioned for the journey ahead, and when it is time to move, God will lead you forward with clarity and peace.

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 2

1 And the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying: 

2 “Everyone of the children of Israel shall camp by his own standard, beside the emblems of his father’s house; they shall camp some distance from the tabernacle of meeting. 

3 On the east side, toward the rising of the sun, those of the standard of the forces with Judah shall camp according to their armies; and Nahshon the son of Amminadab shall be the leader of the children of Judah.” 

4 And his army was numbered at seventy-four thousand six hundred.

5 “Those who camp next to him shall be the tribe of Issachar, and Nethanel the son of Zuar shall be the leader of the children of Issachar.” 

6 And his army was numbered at fifty-four thousand four hundred.

7 “Then comes the tribe of Zebulun, and Eliab the son of Helon shall be the leader of the children of Zebulun.” 

8 And his army was numbered at fifty-seven thousand four hundred. 

9 “All who were numbered according to their armies of the forces with Judah, one hundred and eighty-six thousand four hundred—these shall break camp first.

10 “On the south side shall be the standard of the forces with Reuben according to their armies, and the leader of the children of Reuben shall be Elizur the son of Shedeur.” 

11 And his army was numbered at forty-six thousand five hundred.

12 “Those who camp next to him shall be the tribe of Simeon, and the leader of the children of Simeon shall be Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.” 

13 And his army was numbered at fifty-nine thousand three hundred.

14 “Then comes the tribe of Gad, and the leader of the children of Gad shall be Eliasaph the son of Reuel.” 

15 And his army was numbered at forty-five thousand six hundred and fifty. 

16 “All who were numbered according to their armies of the forces with Reuben, one hundred and fifty-one thousand four hundred and fifty—they shall be the second to break camp.

17 “And the tabernacle of meeting shall move out with the camp of the Levites in the middle of the camps; as they camp, so they shall move out, everyone in his place, by their standards.

18 “On the west side shall be the standard of the forces with Ephraim according to their armies, and the leader of the children of Ephraim shall be Elishama the son of Ammihud.” 

19 And his army was numbered at forty thousand five hundred.

20 “Next to him comes the tribe of Manasseh, and the leader of the children of Manasseh shall be Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.” 

21 And his army was numbered at thirty-two thousand two hundred.

22 “Then comes the tribe of Benjamin, and the leader of the children of Benjamin shall be Abidan the son of Gideoni.” 

23 And his army was numbered at thirty-five thousand four hundred. 

24 “All who were numbered according to their armies of the forces with Ephraim, one hundred and eight thousand one hundred—they shall be the third to break camp.

25 “The standard of the forces with Dan shall be on the north side according to their armies, and the leader of the children of Dan shall be Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.” 

26 And his army was numbered at sixty-two thousand seven hundred.

27 “Those who camp next to him shall be the tribe of Asher, and the leader of the children of Asher shall be Pagiel the son of Ocran.” 

28 And his army was numbered at forty-one thousand five hundred.

29 “Then comes the tribe of Naphtali, and the leader of the children of Naphtali shall be Ahira the son of Enan.” 

30 And his army was numbered at fifty-three thousand four hundred. 

31 “All who were numbered of the forces with Dan, one hundred and fifty-seven thousand six hundred—they shall break camp last, with their standards.”

32 These are the ones who were numbered of the children of Israel by their fathers’ houses. All who were numbered according to their armies of the forces were six hundred and three thousand five hundred and fifty. 

33 But the Levites were not numbered among the children of Israel, just as the Lord commanded Moses.

34 Thus the children of Israel did according to all that the Lord commanded Moses; so they camped by their standards and so they broke camp, each one by his family, according to their fathers’ houses.

Journal:

• Where do I feel unsettled about my current season
• How can I place God more clearly at the center of my daily life
• In what ways might God be using my current position to prepare me
• What comparison do I need to release so I can walk confidently where I am

I am praying for each one of you to experience a truly Merry Christmas and to step into a beautiful, faith filled 2026 filled with God’s peace, joy, and fresh purpose.

The holiday season is such a meaningful time to slow down, gather close, and let truth and encouragement fill our hearts. If the Daily Dose has encouraged you this year, this is a wonderful moment to share that gift with someone you love. Sometimes a simple message of hope is exactly what another heart needs during the holidays.

Below are the Daily Dose Journal books released in 2025, now available on Amazon and perfect for last minute Christmas gifts. These journals are more than books, they are daily invitations to spend time in God’s Word, to grow in faith, and to be reminded that you are never walking alone. Sharing one is a powerful way to extend encouragement beyond your own life this Christmas season.

Thank you for allowing the Daily Dose to be part of your days this year. I pray it continues to strengthen and encourage you as you move into the new year, and that you will pass it along to others as the Lord places it on your heart.

My love and prayers are with you all,
Lynette Lyden

Ordered for the journey

“Everyone of the children of Israel shall camp by his own standard, beside the emblems of his father’s house; they shall camp some distance from the tabernacle of meeting. ~ Numbers 2:2

Have you ever felt scattered, pulled in many directions, or unsure where you fit in the bigger picture of God’s plan? Today’s reading may look like a chapter about tents and placement, but it shows us something deeply encouraging. God did not allow His people to camp randomly. He placed them intentionally, with purpose, identity, and direction centered around His presence. That truth is still part of His design in the lives of His people today.

God organized the camp of Israel around the tabernacle, the place of His presence. Every tribe had a position, a banner, and a role. This was not about rank or value, it was about order for the journey ahead. God knew that the way they were positioned would affect how they moved, how they fought, and how they stayed unified.

Below are 3 points connected to this passage for you to consider:

1. God places you where you belong

Each tribe camped under its own banner, not someone else’s. Their placement was intentional.

You can stop questioning whether you belong where God has placed you right now. You can ask Him how to serve faithfully in your current season instead of wishing to be somewhere else. When comparison tries to creep in, you can remind yourself that God chose your position on purpose.

2. God centers life around His presence

The tabernacle was in the middle of the camp. Everything revolved around God’s presence.

You can choose to center your daily life around God’s kingdom by spending time with Him, even when responsibilities are heavy. You can begin your day with prayer, invite Him into decisions, and pause to listen before reacting. Pray for your life to impact others for His purpose each day. When God is at the center, confusion begins to settle and peace takes its place.

3. God brings unity through order

The camp moved together because everyone knew their place. Order created stability and unity.

You can seek unity instead of control in your relationships. You can respect the roles God has given others without trying to take them over. When everyone walks in their calling, the body functions with strength and harmony.

It doesn’t seem like too long ago that I felt frustrated because I wanted to move ahead faster in my life than my circumstances allowed. I felt like I was standing still while others advanced. Worse yet, I thought others were holding me back from God’s plan because they didn’t seem to be growing in the mission at all. When I finally took time to seek wisdom and turn to God’s Word about my situation, I realized that God had positioned me exactly where I needed to be. As I stayed faithful and kept Him at the center, I noticed growth happening quietly. Later, when my life shifted, I understood how important that placement had been for my stability and confidence.

Today I want to encourage you to trust where God has placed you and how He has ordered your life. Keep His presence at the center of everything you do and allow Him to position you in the place He designed for you in His kingdom plan. You are not misplaced, forgotten, or delayed. You are positioned for the journey ahead, and when it is time to move, God will lead you forward with clarity and peace.

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 2

1 And the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying: 

2 “Everyone of the children of Israel shall camp by his own standard, beside the emblems of his father’s house; they shall camp some distance from the tabernacle of meeting. 

3 On the east side, toward the rising of the sun, those of the standard of the forces with Judah shall camp according to their armies; and Nahshon the son of Amminadab shall be the leader of the children of Judah.” 

4 And his army was numbered at seventy-four thousand six hundred.

5 “Those who camp next to him shall be the tribe of Issachar, and Nethanel the son of Zuar shall be the leader of the children of Issachar.” 

6 And his army was numbered at fifty-four thousand four hundred.

7 “Then comes the tribe of Zebulun, and Eliab the son of Helon shall be the leader of the children of Zebulun.” 

8 And his army was numbered at fifty-seven thousand four hundred. 

9 “All who were numbered according to their armies of the forces with Judah, one hundred and eighty-six thousand four hundred—these shall break camp first.

10 “On the south side shall be the standard of the forces with Reuben according to their armies, and the leader of the children of Reuben shall be Elizur the son of Shedeur.” 

11 And his army was numbered at forty-six thousand five hundred.

12 “Those who camp next to him shall be the tribe of Simeon, and the leader of the children of Simeon shall be Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.” 

13 And his army was numbered at fifty-nine thousand three hundred.

14 “Then comes the tribe of Gad, and the leader of the children of Gad shall be Eliasaph the son of Reuel.” 

15 And his army was numbered at forty-five thousand six hundred and fifty. 

16 “All who were numbered according to their armies of the forces with Reuben, one hundred and fifty-one thousand four hundred and fifty—they shall be the second to break camp.

17 “And the tabernacle of meeting shall move out with the camp of the Levites in the middle of the camps; as they camp, so they shall move out, everyone in his place, by their standards.

18 “On the west side shall be the standard of the forces with Ephraim according to their armies, and the leader of the children of Ephraim shall be Elishama the son of Ammihud.” 

19 And his army was numbered at forty thousand five hundred.

20 “Next to him comes the tribe of Manasseh, and the leader of the children of Manasseh shall be Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.” 

21 And his army was numbered at thirty-two thousand two hundred.

22 “Then comes the tribe of Benjamin, and the leader of the children of Benjamin shall be Abidan the son of Gideoni.” 

23 And his army was numbered at thirty-five thousand four hundred. 

24 “All who were numbered according to their armies of the forces with Ephraim, one hundred and eight thousand one hundred—they shall be the third to break camp.

25 “The standard of the forces with Dan shall be on the north side according to their armies, and the leader of the children of Dan shall be Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.” 

26 And his army was numbered at sixty-two thousand seven hundred.

27 “Those who camp next to him shall be the tribe of Asher, and the leader of the children of Asher shall be Pagiel the son of Ocran.” 

28 And his army was numbered at forty-one thousand five hundred.

29 “Then comes the tribe of Naphtali, and the leader of the children of Naphtali shall be Ahira the son of Enan.” 

30 And his army was numbered at fifty-three thousand four hundred. 

31 “All who were numbered of the forces with Dan, one hundred and fifty-seven thousand six hundred—they shall break camp last, with their standards.”

32 These are the ones who were numbered of the children of Israel by their fathers’ houses. All who were numbered according to their armies of the forces were six hundred and three thousand five hundred and fifty. 

33 But the Levites were not numbered among the children of Israel, just as the Lord commanded Moses.

34 Thus the children of Israel did according to all that the Lord commanded Moses; so they camped by their standards and so they broke camp, each one by his family, according to their fathers’ houses.

Journal:

• Where do I feel unsettled about my current season
• How can I place God more clearly at the center of my daily life
• In what ways might God be using my current position to prepare me
• What comparison do I need to release so I can walk confidently where I am

Counted and called

“Take a census of all the congregation of the children of Israel, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of names, every male individually,  ~ Numbers 1:2

Have you ever wondered if what you do really matters in the big picture of God’s work? In a world where people often feel overlooked or unseen, today’s reading opens with a powerful reminder that God sees, knows, and intentionally counts His people. This chapter may appear to be only a census, but it carries deep meaning for every believer today. God was not counting numbers for information. He was preparing His people for purpose.

Numbers 1 shows God organizing Israel as they prepared to move forward. Each tribe was named. Each family was acknowledged. Each person had a place. As a Christian today, this speaks directly into moments when life feels scattered or uncertain. God is still a God of order, purpose, and calling, and He still prepares His people before movement happens.

Below are three truths for you to consider today:

1. God knows you by name and purpose

God instructed Moses to count the people tribe by tribe. This was not random. Each person mattered in God’s plan.

You can remind yourself daily that God sees you personally. You can speak truth over your life when you feel invisible by saying that God has numbered your days and placed you where you are for a reason. When discouragement comes, you can ask God to show you how your current role fits into His greater plan.

2. God prepares you before He positions you

The census happened before Israel moved forward. God prepared them before battle, before transition, before promise.

Allow yourself a times of preparation instead of rushing ahead. You can trust that waiting seasons are strengthening moments. You can grow in prayer, God’s direction, and consistency even when it feels like nothing is happening yet. Preparation always comes before promotion.

3. God assigns responsibility, not comparison

Each tribe had a role and a count. No tribe was asked to be another. They were asked to show up fully as they were established.

Stop measuring your life against someone else’s calling. You can focus on being faithful with what God has entrusted to you. You can ask God to help you steward your gifts well instead of wishing for different ones.

Many times in my life it felt like I was doing a lot but going nowhere. I questioned whether my efforts mattered and whether God even noticed the quiet steps of faith I took with His direction. When I looked to God’s word during that time, it shifted something in me. God reminded me that He counts faithfulness, not visibility. I realized that He was preparing me in unseen ways. Later, when new opportunities opened, I saw how those quiet seasons built confidence, discipline, and trust. God had been counting me in long before I felt ready.

Today I want to encourage you to remember that you are seen, known, and counted by God. You are not an afterthought. You are part of His plan right now. Trust the season you are in, embrace the preparation, and walk confidently in the place God has assigned you. He is organizing your steps even when you cannot see the full picture.

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 1

1 Now the Lord spoke to Moses in the Wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of meeting, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they had come out of the land of Egypt, saying: 

2 “Take a census of all the congregation of the children of Israel, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of names, every male individually, 

3 from twenty years old and above—all who are able to go to war in Israel. You and Aaron shall number them by their armies. 

4 And with you there shall be a man from every tribe, each one the head of his father’s house.

5 “These are the names of the men who shall stand with you: from Reuben, Elizur the son of Shedeur; 

6 from Simeon, Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai; 

7 from Judah, Nahshon the son of Amminadab; 

8 from Issachar, Nethanel the son of Zuar; 

9 from Zebulun, Eliab the son of Helon; 

10 from the sons of Joseph: from Ephraim, Elishama the son of Ammihud; from Manasseh, Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur; 

11 from Benjamin, Abidan the son of Gideoni; 

12 from Dan, Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai; 

13 from Asher, Pagiel the son of Ocran; 

14 from Gad, Eliasaph the son of Deuel; 

15 from Naphtali, Ahira the son of Enan.” 

16 These were chosen from the congregation, leaders of their fathers’ tribes, heads of the divisions in Israel.

17 Then Moses and Aaron took these men who had been mentioned by name, 

18 and they assembled all the congregation together on the first day of the second month; and they recited their ancestry by families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and above, each one individually. 

19 As the Lord commanded Moses, so he numbered them in the Wilderness of Sinai.

20 Now the children of Reuben, Israel’s oldest son, their genealogies by their families, by their fathers’ house, according to the number of names, every male individually, from twenty years old and above, all who were able to go to war: 

21 those who were numbered of the tribe of Reuben were forty-six thousand five hundred.

22 From the children of Simeon, their genealogies by their families, by their fathers’ house, of those who were numbered, according to the number of names, every male individually, from twenty years old and above, all who were able to go to war: 

23 those who were numbered of the tribe of Simeon were fifty-nine thousand three hundred.

24 From the children of Gad, their genealogies by their families, by their fathers’ house, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and above, all who were able to go to war: 

25 those who were numbered of the tribe of Gad were forty-five thousand six hundred and fifty.

26 From the children of Judah, their genealogies by their families, by their fathers’ house, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and above, all who were able to go to war: 

27 those who were numbered of the tribe of Judah were seventy-four thousand six hundred.

28 From the children of Issachar, their genealogies by their families, by their fathers’ house, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and above, all who were able to go to war: 

29 those who were numbered of the tribe of Issachar were fifty-four thousand four hundred.

30 From the children of Zebulun, their genealogies by their families, by their fathers’ house, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and above, all who were able to go to war: 

31 those who were numbered of the tribe of Zebulun were fifty-seven thousand four hundred.

32 From the sons of Joseph, the children of Ephraim, their genealogies by their families, by their fathers’ house, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and above, all who were able to go to war: 

33 those who were numbered of the tribe of Ephraim were forty thousand five hundred.

34 From the children of Manasseh, their genealogies by their families, by their fathers’ house, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and above, all who were able to go to war: 

35 those who were numbered of the tribe of Manasseh were thirty-two thousand two hundred.

36 From the children of Benjamin, their genealogies by their families, by their fathers’ house, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and above, all who were able to go to war: 

37 those who were numbered of the tribe of Benjamin were thirty-five thousand four hundred.

38 From the children of Dan, their genealogies by their families, by their fathers’ house, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and above, all who were able to go to war: 

39 those who were numbered of the tribe of Dan were sixty-two thousand seven hundred.

40 From the children of Asher, their genealogies by their families, by their fathers’ house, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and above, all who were able to go to war: 

41 those who were numbered of the tribe of Asher were forty-one thousand five hundred.

42 From the children of Naphtali, their genealogies by their families, by their fathers’ house, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and above, all who were able to go to war: 

43 those who were numbered of the tribe of Naphtali were fifty-three thousand four hundred.

44 These are the ones who were numbered, whom Moses and Aaron numbered, with the leaders of Israel, twelve men, each one representing his father’s house. 

45 So all who were numbered of the children of Israel, by their fathers’ houses, from twenty years old and above, all who were able to go to war in Israel— 

46 all who were numbered were six hundred and three thousand five hundred and fifty.

47 But the Levites were not numbered among them by their fathers’ tribe; 

48 for the Lord had spoken to Moses, saying: 

49 “Only the tribe of Levi you shall not number, nor take a census of them among the children of Israel; 

50 but you shall appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of the Testimony, over all its furnishings, and over all things that belong to it; they shall carry the tabernacle and all its furnishings; they shall attend to it and camp around the tabernacle. 

51 And when the tabernacle is to go forward, the Levites shall take it down; and when the tabernacle is to be set up, the Levites shall set it up. The outsider who comes near shall be put to death. 

52 The children of Israel shall pitch their tents, everyone by his own camp, everyone by his own standard, according to their armies; 

53 but the Levites shall camp around the tabernacle of the Testimony, that there may be no wrath on the congregation of the children of Israel; and the Levites shall keep charge of the tabernacle of the Testimony.”

54 Thus the children of Israel did; according to all that the Lord commanded Moses, so they did.

Journal:

• Where do I feel unseen or overlooked right now
• What season of preparation might God be using in my life
• How can I be faithful with what God has placed in my hands today
• What truth do I need to speak over myself when doubt tries to take over

What belongs to Him

And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s. It is holy to the Lord. ~ Leviticus 27:30

Have you ever stopped and considered what it really means when God says something belongs to Him? In a world that constantly tells you to hold tighter, protect more, and depend on yourself, today’s reading gently but firmly reminds us that everything we have ultimately comes from God, and the tithe is His by design. This chapter closes Leviticus with a call to honor God not only with our words, but with tangible trust. He invites us to see giving not as loss, but as worship and honor in everyday life.

Here are three truths to walk in today:

1. God defines what belongs to Him

The tithe was not optional or emotional, it was declared holy by God Himself. It belonged to Him before it ever touched the hands of His people.

Start to acknowledge that everything you receive comes from God, decide in advance that the first tenth is His, treat giving as an opportunity to worship and honor Him rather than a reaction to circumstances.

2. Trust grows when obedience comes first

This chapter shows that honoring God with what belongs to Him required faith. The people had to give before knowing what the rest of the season would bring.

Choose to honor God even when finances feel tight. Give consistently rather than sporadically. Trust that obedience positions your heart to depend on God instead of fear. Your Father in heaven does not require the tithe to punish you. Instead, it opens the door for Him to move within your finances and bring His blessing in ways you could never accomplish on your own. Remember, God can do more with 10% than you can do with 100%.

3. God works through surrendered resources to shape surrendered hearts

The tithe was not about amounts alone, it was about acknowledging God’s authority and care. When something is surrendered to Him, He uses it to grow faith and maturity.

Pray over your finances and decisions, ask God to show you areas where trust needs to grow, view generosity as part of spiritual growth rather than obligation.

When my husband and I were getting married, one of the first decisions we made was to tithe no matter what our circumstances felt like. From day one, we chose to honor God with the first fruits of all our increase. Even though our income did not change at that time and we were carrying a significant amount of debt, God somehow made a way to steadily provide and help us eliminate what felt overwhelming. Needs were met, peace replaced anxiety, and our trust in Him grew stronger every day. Over time, we realized that the tithe was shaping our hearts far more than it was shaping our budget. Honoring God with the first did not just open the way for provision in our finances, it opened the door for Him to work in every area of our lives. Today, we experience supernatural protection, unexpected provision, divine health and emotional strength that carries us through the good times and the rough ones.

Today I want to encourage you to trust God with what already belongs to Him. Honor Him first, even when it feels uncomfortable or uncertain. When you place obedience ahead of fear, you open the door for God to work in ways you cannot predict. He is faithful to care for you, guide you, and provide for you as you walk in trust and obedience.

Today’s scripture reading: Leviticus 27

1 Now the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 

2 “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘When a man consecrates by a vow certain persons to the Lord, according to your valuation, 

3 if your valuation is of a male from twenty years old up to sixty years old, then your valuation shall be fifty shekels of silver, according to the shekel of the sanctuary. 

4 If it is a female, then your valuation shall be thirty shekels; 

5 and if from five years old up to twenty years old, then your valuation for a male shall be twenty shekels, and for a female ten shekels; 

6 and if from a month old up to five years old, then your valuation for a male shall be five shekels of silver, and for a female your valuation shall be three shekels of silver; 

7 and if from sixty years old and above, if it is a male, then your valuation shall be fifteen shekels, and for a female ten shekels.

8 ‘But if he is too poor to pay your valuation, then he shall present himself before the priest, and the priest shall set a value for him; according to the ability of him who vowed, the priest shall value him.

9 ‘If it is an animal that men may bring as an offering to the Lord, all that anyone gives to the Lord shall be holy. 

10 He shall not substitute it or exchange it, good for bad or bad for good; and if he at all exchanges animal for animal, then both it and the one exchanged for it shall be holy. 

11 If it is an unclean animal which they do not offer as a sacrifice to the Lord, then he shall present the animal before the priest; 

12 and the priest shall set a value for it, whether it is good or bad; as you, the priest, value it, so it shall be. 

13 But if he wants at all to redeem it, then he must add one-fifth to your valuation.

14 ‘And when a man dedicates his house to be holy to the Lord, then the priest shall set a value for it, whether it is good or bad; as the priest values it, so it shall stand. 

15 If he who dedicated it wants to redeem his house, then he must add one-fifth of the money of your valuation to it, and it shall be his.

16 ‘If a man dedicates to the Lord part of a field of his possession, then your valuation shall be according to the seed for it. A homer of barley seed shall be valued at fifty shekels of silver. 

17 If he dedicates his field from the Year of Jubilee, according to your valuation it shall stand. 

18 But if he dedicates his field after the Jubilee, then the priest shall reckon to him the money due according to the years that remain till the Year of Jubilee, and it shall be deducted from your valuation. 

19 And if he who dedicates the field ever wishes to redeem it, then he must add one-fifth of the money of your valuation to it, and it shall belong to him. 

20 But if he does not want to redeem the field, or if he has sold the field to another man, it shall not be redeemed anymore; 

21 but the field, when it is released in the Jubilee, shall be holy to the Lord, as a devoted field; it shall be the possession of the priest.

22 ‘And if a man dedicates to the Lord a field which he has bought, which is not the field of his possession, 

23 then the priest shall reckon to him the worth of your valuation, up to the Year of Jubilee, and he shall give your valuation on that day as a holy offering to the Lord. 

24 In the Year of Jubilee the field shall return to him from whom it was bought, to the one who owned the land as a possession. 

25 And all your valuations shall be according to the shekel of the sanctuary: twenty gerahs to the shekel.

26 ‘But the firstborn of the animals, which should be the Lord’s firstborn, no man shall dedicate; whether it is an ox or sheep, it is the Lord’s. 

27 And if it is an unclean animal, then he shall redeem it according to your valuation, and shall add one-fifth to it; or if it is not redeemed, then it shall be sold according to your valuation.

28 ‘Nevertheless no devoted offering that a man may devote to the Lord of all that he has, both man and beast, or the field of his possession, shall be sold or redeemed; every devoted offering is most holy to the Lord. 

29 No person under the ban, who may become doomed to destruction among men, shall be redeemed, but shall surely be put to death. 

30 And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s. It is holy to the Lord. 

31 If a man wants at all to redeem any of his tithes, he shall add one-fifth to it. 

32 And concerning the tithe of the herd or the flock, of whatever passes under the rod, the tenth one shall be holy to the Lord. 

33 He shall not inquire whether it is good or bad, nor shall he exchange it; and if he exchanges it at all, then both it and the one exchanged for it shall be holy; it shall not be redeemed.’ ”

34 These are the commandments which the Lord commanded Moses for the children of Israel on Mount Sinai.

Journal:

• what emotions come up when you think about trusting God with your finances?
• Where is God inviting you to obey Him more fully?
• How has God shown His faithfulness to you in past seasons of obedience?
• What would it look like to honor Him first starting today.

The promise of His faithfulness

_{‘If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments, and perform them, then I will give you rain in its season, the land shall yield its produce, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. ~ Leviticus 26:3-4}

Have you ever wondered if obedience to God really makes a difference when life still feels uncertain or difficult? In the scripture reading today we are reminded that God is deeply involved in every detail of life and that walking with Him is never pointless. This chapter clearly shows that God desires to bless His people, guide them, and restore them when they turn back to Him. His heart has always been relationship, not rules, and His promises are rooted in His faithfulness, not human perfection. This truth still applies to you as a believer today.

Below are three truths from Leviticus 26 that encourage you to walk confidently with God in every season.

1. Obedience opens the door for God’s provision

God promised Israel that walking in His ways would result in provision, peace, and fruitfulness. Obedience was never about earning blessings or being controlled but about staying positioned to receive what God already desired to give.

Choose to obey God in the small, daily decisions, even when no one else sees them. When you choose honesty, patience, forgiveness, or trust instead of fear, you create space for God to work. Start by asking God each morning how He wants you to walk that day, then follow through with the simple instructions He brings to your heart.

2. God remains faithful even when you struggle

Leviticus 26 also speaks about what happens when God’s people drift away, yet it ends with restoration, mercy, and covenant love. God never abandoned them. He always made a way back.

When you realize you have wandered or grown tired, turn back to God without hesitation. Confess what feels off and invite Him into it. You do not need to fix yourself first. Begin by praying honestly and asking Him to restore your peace and direction one step at a time.

3. God works in every season to draw you closer

This chapter reveals that even correction was meant to bring God’s people back into relationship with Him. Nothing was wasted. Every season carried purpose.

Look at the season you are currently in and ask God how He wants to meet you there. If it feels fruitful, thank Him and stay close to Him. If it feels difficult, ask Him how you can grow closer to Him through the difficulty. Start by surrendering control and trusting Him to guide you through it.

I remember many times in my life where I tried to follow God yet still felt stretched, unsure, and weary. Times when it felt too hard to live God’s way and follow His plan. Still, each time I chose to trust Him and keep walking forward, I saw His faithfulness unfold in ways I could not have planned. Even when I stumbled, He never withdrew His presence. He was at work in every step, every delay, and every correction to draw me closer and deepen my trust in Him. Looking back, I can see that nothing was wasted and every area of my life has always been under His care and protection.

Today I want to encourage you to keep walking with God, even when the road feels unclear or challenging. Choose obedience over emotion, trust over fear, and surrender over control. God sees your faithfulness and He is committed to fulfilling His promises in your life. He is the same God who blessed, corrected, restored, and remained faithful in Leviticus, and He is walking with you today. Nothing you place in His hands is ever wasted.

Today’s scripture reading: Leviticus 26

1 ‘You shall not make idols for yourselves; neither a carved image nor a sacred pillar shall you rear up for yourselves; nor shall you set up an engraved stone in your land, to bow down to it; for I am the Lord your God.

2 You shall keep My Sabbaths and reverence My sanctuary: I am the Lord.

3 ‘If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments, and perform them,

4 then I will give you rain in its season, the land shall yield its produce, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.

5 Your threshing shall last till the time of vintage, and the vintage shall last till the time of sowing; you shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely.

6 I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none will make you afraid; I will rid the land of evil beasts, and the sword will not go through your land.

7 You will chase your enemies, and they shall fall by the sword before you.

8 Five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight; your enemies shall fall by the sword before you.

9 ‘For I will look on you favorably and make you fruitful, multiply you and confirm My covenant with you.

10 You shall eat the old harvest, and clear out the old because of the new.

11 I will set My tabernacle among you, and My soul shall not abhor you.

12 I will walk among you and be your God, and you shall be My people.

13 I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, that you should not be their slaves; I have broken the bands of your yoke and made you walk upright.

14 ‘But if you do not obey Me, and do not observe all these commandments,

15 and if you despise My statutes, or if your soul abhors My judgments, so that you do not perform all My commandments, but break My covenant,

16 I also will do this to you: I will even appoint terror over you, wasting disease and fever which shall consume the eyes and cause sorrow of heart. And you shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it.

17 I will set My face against you, and you shall be defeated by your enemies. Those who hate you shall reign over you, and you shall flee when no one pursues you.

18 ‘And after all this, if you do not obey Me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins.

19 I will break the pride of your power; I will make your heavens like iron and your earth like bronze.

20 And your strength shall be spent in vain; for your land shall not yield its produce, nor shall the trees of the land yield their fruit.

21 ‘Then, if you walk contrary to Me, and are not willing to obey Me, I will bring on you seven times more plagues, according to your sins.

22 I will also send wild beasts among you, which shall rob you of your children, destroy your livestock, and make you few in number; and your highways shall be desolate.

23 ‘And if by these things you are not reformed by Me, but walk contrary to Me,

24 then I also will walk contrary to you, and I will punish you yet seven times for your sins.

25 And I will bring a sword against you that will execute the vengeance of the covenant; when you are gathered together within your cities I will send pestilence among you; and you shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy.

26 When I have cut off your supply of bread, ten women shall bake your bread in one oven, and they shall bring back your bread by weight, and you shall eat and not be satisfied.

27 ‘And after all this, if you do not obey Me, but walk contrary to Me,

28 then I also will walk contrary to you in fury; and I, even I, will chastise you seven times for your sins.

29 You shall eat the flesh of your sons, and you shall eat the flesh of your daughters.

30 I will destroy your high places, cut down your incense altars, and cast your carcasses on the lifeless forms of your idols; and My soul shall abhor you.

31 I will lay your cities waste and bring your sanctuaries to desolation, and I will not smell the fragrance of your sweet aromas.

32 I will bring the land to desolation, and your enemies who dwell in it shall be astonished at it.

33 I will scatter you among the nations and draw out a sword after you; your land shall be desolate and your cities waste.

34 Then the land shall enjoy its sabbaths as long as it lies desolate and you are in your enemies’ land; then the land shall rest and enjoy its sabbaths.

35 As long as it lies desolate it shall rest— for the time it did not rest on your sabbaths when you dwelt in it.

36 ‘And as for those of you who are left, I will send faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies; the sound of a shaken leaf shall cause them to flee; they shall flee as though fleeing from a sword, and they shall fall when no one pursues.

37 They shall stumble over one another, as it were before a sword, when no one pursues; and you shall have no power to stand before your enemies.

38 You shall perish among the nations, and the land of your enemies shall eat you up.

39 And those of you who are left shall waste away in their iniquity in your enemies’ lands; also in their fathers’ iniquities, which are with them, they shall waste away.

40 ‘But if they confess their iniquity and the iniquity of their fathers, with their unfaithfulness in which they were unfaithful to Me, and that they also have walked contrary to Me,

41 and that I also have walked contrary to them and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if their uncircumcised hearts are humbled, and they accept their guilt—

42 then I will remember My covenant with Jacob, and My covenant with Isaac and My covenant with Abraham I will remember; I will remember the land.

43 The land also shall be left empty by them, and will enjoy its sabbaths while it lies desolate without them; they will accept their guilt, because they despised My judgments and because their soul abhorred My statutes.

44 Yet for all that, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, nor shall I abhor them, to utterly destroy them and break My covenant with them; for I am the Lord their God.

45 But for their sake I will remember the covenant of their ancestors, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the nations, that I might be their God: I am the Lord.’ ”

46 These are the statutes and judgments and laws which the Lord made between Himself and the children of Israel on Mount Sinai by the hand of Moses.

Journal:

• Where is God inviting me to trust Him more deeply right now
• What small step of obedience can I take today
• How have I seen God remain faithful to me in past seasons
• What area of my life do I need to surrender back to Him

Living free in God’s timing

‘The land shall not be sold permanently, for the land is Mine; for you are strangers and sojourners with Me. ~ Leviticus 25:23

Have you ever felt pressured to keep striving, producing, and fixing everything on your own? Have you ever wondered what might happen if you trusted God enough to stop, rest, and receive what He is offering instead of pushing through exhaustion? If you have, today’s reading speaks directly to this tension. God introduces the Sabbath year and the Year of Jubilee as gifts of rest, release, and restoration. These rhythms were not rewards for hard work but invitations to trust Him. This chapter reminds us that rest is not earned, it is received by faith, and our life, provision, and future are held by God, not sustained by endless effort and busyness.

Below are three points to help you take a step of faith into His rest this holiday season:

1. Rest is a gift that requires faith and trust

In Leviticus 25, God commanded the people to let the land rest. This rest was not based on their circumstances or comfort level. It was a gift from God that had to be received through obedience and faith. Choosing rest meant trusting that God would still provide even when the work stopped.

Receive rest as something God desires for you, not something to feel guilty about. Intentionally choose times to pause, worship, and be still, trusting that God is working even when you are not.

I used to feel so guilty slowing down because so much needed to be done. When I finally chose to intentionally receive rest as a gift from God, even when it felt inconvenient, I saw Him carry what I put down and restore strength I did not know I was missing.

2. God invites you to receive provision, not control it

The Year of Jubilee reminded the people that everything belonged to God. Land was returned, debts were released, and families were restored. God was teaching them that security comes from trusting Him, not from holding tightly to what they had. Receiving His provision required faith to let go.

Start opening your hands to God with your finances, plans, and responsibilities. Ask Him how He wants you to steward what He has given instead of trying to control every outcome.

When I was a single mom, there were many moments when finances felt overwhelming. Learning to trust God as my provider meant receiving His help one step at a time instead of demanding instant solutions. Each provision reminded me that He was faithful and fully aware of my needs.

3. Restoration comes when rest is received

Jubilee was not immediate, but it was certain. Restoration came at the appointed time. God showed His people that loss was not permanent and that rest positioned them to receive what He had promised. In this way there would never be able to say that they did it all by themselves.

Trust God’s timing in seasons of waiting. Choose faith over frustration and remain obedient even when restoration feels delayed.

There have been many times in my life when I wondered if certain losses would ever be redeemed. Over time, God restored what I thought was gone forever, often in ways that looked different but turned out to be far better than I imagined. Today, when I take an honest look at my life, I can clearly see His restoration through the blessings He has given me. These blessings go far beyond material things and show up in the priceless gifts only God can give like: peace, freedom, divine protection, and health.

Today I want to encourage you to receive rest as a gift from God, not something you have to earn. Trust Him with your time, your resources, and your future. You are not defined by how much you produce or how tightly you hold on. You belong to a faithful God who restores, provides, and brings freedom in His perfect timing. As you intentionally receive His rest by faith, you will experience the peace and freedom He designed for you.

Today’s scripture reading: Leviticus 25

1 And the Lord spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai, saying, 

2 “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘When you come into the land which I give you, then the land shall keep a sabbath to the Lord. 

3 Six years you shall sow your field, and six years you shall prune your vineyard, and gather its fruit; 

4 but in the seventh year there shall be a sabbath of solemn rest for the land, a sabbath to the Lord. You shall neither sow your field nor prune your vineyard. 

5 What grows of its own accord of your harvest you shall not reap, nor gather the grapes of your untended vine, for it is a year of rest for the land. 

6 And the sabbath produce of the land shall be food for you: for you, your male and female servants, your hired man, and the stranger who dwells with you, 

7 for your livestock and the beasts that are in your land—all its produce shall be for food.

The Year of Jubilee

8 ‘And you shall count seven sabbaths of years for yourself, seven times seven years; and the time of the seven sabbaths of years shall be to you forty-nine years. 

9 Then you shall cause the trumpet of the Jubilee to sound on the tenth day of the seventh month; on the Day of Atonement you shall make the trumpet to sound throughout all your land. 

10 And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year, and proclaim liberty throughout all the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a Jubilee for you; and each of you shall return to his possession, and each of you shall return to his family. 

11 That fiftieth year shall be a Jubilee to you; in it you shall neither sow nor reap what grows of its own accord, nor gather the grapes of your untended vine. 

12 For it is the Jubilee; it shall be holy to you; you shall eat its produce from the field.

13 ‘In this Year of Jubilee, each of you shall return to his possession. 

14 And if you sell anything to your neighbor or buy from your neighbor’s hand, you shall not oppress one another. 

15 According to the number of years after the Jubilee you shall buy from your neighbor, and according to the number of years of crops he shall sell to you. 

16 According to the multitude of years you shall increase its price, and according to the fewer number of years you shall diminish its price; for he sells to you according to the number of the years of the crops. 

17 Therefore you shall not oppress one another, but you shall fear your God; for I am the Lord your God.

18 ‘So you shall observe My statutes and keep My judgments, and perform them; and you will dwell in the land in safety. 

19 Then the land will yield its fruit, and you will eat your fill, and dwell there in safety.

20 ‘And if you say, “What shall we eat in the seventh year, since we shall not sow nor gather in our produce?” 

21 Then I will command My blessing on you in the sixth year, and it will bring forth produce enough for three years. 

22 And you shall sow in the eighth year, and eat old produce until the ninth year; until its produce comes in, you shall eat of the old harvest.

23 ‘The land shall not be sold permanently, for the land is Mine; for you are strangers and sojourners with Me. 

24 And in all the land of your possession you shall grant redemption of the land.

25 ‘If one of your brethren becomes poor, and has sold some of his possession, and if his redeeming relative comes to redeem it, then he may redeem what his brother sold. 

26 Or if the man has no one to redeem it, but he himself becomes able to redeem it, 

27 then let him count the years since its sale, and restore the remainder to the man to whom he sold it, that he may return to his possession. 

28 But if he is not able to have it restored to himself, then what was sold shall remain in the hand of him who bought it until the Year of Jubilee; and in the Jubilee it shall be released, and he shall return to his possession.

29 ‘If a man sells a house in a walled city, then he may redeem it within a whole year after it is sold; within a full year he may redeem it. 

30 But if it is not redeemed within the space of a full year, then the house in the walled city shall belong permanently to him who bought it, throughout his generations. It shall not be released in the Jubilee. 

31 However the houses of villages which have no wall around them shall be counted as the fields of the country. They may be redeemed, and they shall be released in the Jubilee. 

32 Nevertheless the cities of the Levites, and the houses in the cities of their possession, the Levites may redeem at any time. 

33 And if a man purchases a house from the Levites, then the house that was sold in the city of his possession shall be released in the Jubilee; for the houses in the cities of the Levites are their possession among the children of Israel. 

34 But the field of the common-land of their cities may not be sold, for it is their perpetual possession.

35 ‘If one of your brethren becomes poor, and falls into poverty among you, then you shall help him, like a stranger or a sojourner, that he may live with you. 

36 Take no usury or interest from him; but fear your God, that your brother may live with you. 

37 You shall not lend him your money for usury, nor lend him your food at a profit. 

38 I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, to give you the land of Canaan and to be your God.

39 ‘And if one of your brethren who dwells by you becomes poor, and sells himself to you, you shall not compel him to serve as a slave. 

40 As a hired servant and a sojourner he shall be with you, and shall serve you until the Year of Jubilee. 

41 And then he shall depart from you—he and his children with him—and shall return to his own family. He shall return to the possession of his fathers. 

42 For they are My servants, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt; they shall not be sold as slaves. 

43 You shall not rule over him with rigor, but you shall fear your God. 

44 And as for your male and female slaves whom you may have—from the nations that are around you, from them you may buy male and female slaves. 

45 Moreover you may buy the children of the strangers who dwell among you, and their families who are with you, which they beget in your land; and they shall become your property. 

46 And you may take them as an inheritance for your children after you, to inherit them as a possession; they shall be your permanent slaves. But regarding your brethren, the children of Israel, you shall not rule over one another with rigor.

47 ‘Now if a sojourner or stranger close to you becomes rich, and one of your brethren who dwells by him becomes poor, and sells himself to the stranger or sojourner close to you, or to a member of the stranger’s family, 

48 after he is sold he may be redeemed again. One of his brothers may redeem him; 

49 or his uncle or his uncle’s son may redeem him; or anyone who is near of kin to him in his family may redeem him; or if he is able he may redeem himself. 

50 Thus he shall reckon with him who bought him: The price of his release shall be according to the number of years, from the year that he was sold to him until the Year of Jubilee; it shall be according to the time of a hired servant for him. 

51 If there are still many years remaining, according to them he shall repay the price of his redemption from the money with which he was bought. 

52 And if there remain but a few years until the Year of Jubilee, then he shall reckon with him, and according to his years he shall repay him the price of his redemption. 

53 He shall be with him as a yearly hired servant, and he shall not rule with rigor over him in your sight. 

54 And if he is not redeemed in these years, then he shall be released in the Year of Jubilee—he and his children with him. 

55 For the children of Israel are servants to Me; they are My servants whom I brought out of the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.

Journal:

• Where is God inviting me to intentionally receive rest instead of striving
• What am I holding onto that God is asking me to release in trust
• How can I exercise faith while waiting for restoration in God’s timing