The Daily Dose

None too great or small

But He said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.” ~ Mark 1:38

There are moments when life feels steady and then suddenly everything shifts. Problems appear without warning and it can feel like a storm has settled in with no clear end in sight. In those moments, confusion, exhaustion, and discouragement can come on very quickly. That’s when we need to remember to cry out for peace, for comfort, and for restoration to be reminded that our Lord Jesus is still the source of triumph and deliverance.

The remainder of Mark chapter one is filled with real life encounters. Jesus cast out demons, healed the sick, restored those suffering with disease, and cleansed a leper. People came to Him carrying burdens of every kind and He met them with compassion and power. Nothing brought to Jesus was ever too big to overwhelm Him or too small to matter to Him. Every need received His attention and care.
That truth still stands today. When pressure builds and answers feel far away, every concern can be brought to Jesus. Whether the weight is emotional, physical, relational, or spiritual, He remains willing and able to meet you where you are. He does not rank problems by importance. What weighs on your heart matters to Him.

Here are some practical ways to apply this passage:

• Bring every concern to Jesus, begin by naming the situation honestly in prayer instead of minimizing it or carrying it alone.
• Ask Jesus for His peace before answers appear, take a moment each day to pause, breathe, and invite His presence to calm your thoughts and emotions.
• Trust His compassion in the waiting, remind yourself daily that Jesus sees your need and is already working even when answers feel slow in coming.

In my own life, I realized that when I carry struggles silently, they grow heavier. When I bring them openly to Jesus, peace begins to settle even before circumstances change. Time and again, He has met me with strength when I felt weak and clarity when confusion tried to take over. His faithfulness has proven that nothing I place in His hands is ever ignored.

Today I want to encourage you to bring every burden, worry, and need to Jesus without hesitation. Trust that nothing in your life is too great for His power or too small for His reach. Let His presence be your peace, His compassion be your comfort, and His power carry you through to victory.

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 1:21-45

21 Then they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught. 

22 And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

23 Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 

24 saying, “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!”

25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” 

26 And when the unclean spirit had convulsed him and cried out with a loud voice, he came out of him. 

27 Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.” 

28 And immediately His fame spread throughout all the region around Galilee.

29 Now as soon as they had come out of the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 

30 But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick with a fever, and they told Him about her at once. 

31 So He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her. And she served them.

32 At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were sick and those who were demon-possessed. 

33 And the whole city was gathered together at the door. 

34 Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him.

35 Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. 

36 And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him. 

37 When they found Him, they said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.”

38 But He said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.”

39 And He was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and casting out demons.

40 Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.”

41 Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” 

42 As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed. 

43 And He strictly warned him and sent him away at once, 

44 and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing those things which Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

45 However, he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the matter, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter the city, but was outside in deserted places; and they came to Him from every direction.

Journal:

• What situation am I carrying that I need to place fully in Jesus’ hands
• Where do I need to invite His peace instead of striving for control
• How has Jesus shown His faithfulness to me in past struggles    

To good to be true  

“These are the names of the men who shall divide the land among you as an inheritance: Eleazar the priest and Joshua the son of Nun. ~ Numbers 34:17

Have you ever understood that God had promised you something, but it seems like it was just too good to be true? Maybe you’re waiting for a breakthrough or striving for a vision He has placed in your heart, but it feels as though you’re stuck at the starting line, overwhelmed and afraid to take that next faith step. Today’s scripture reading is a reminder that God has already set apart the “land” or the victory He promises His people, and He gives us the plan to step into it.

As God’s people in the world today, it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle of trying to make things happen on our own. But God’s promise still stands, and He will lead us into the places He has planned and arranged for us. The key is to trust His direction, follow His instructions, and walk in His timing.

Here are three truths to consider as you read this passage in Numbers 34, especially when God’s promises feel too good to be true.

1. God has a designated an inheritance for each one of us.

God did not give the Israelites a vague or general promise. He clearly defined the borders and boundaries of their inheritance, showing that what He had prepared for them was intentional and specific. In the same way, God has a personal and purposeful plan for each one of our lives, even when it feels bigger or better than expected.

Be intentional in seeking God for His vision for your life and the calling He has placed within you. When His plan feels overwhelming or too good to be true, remember that God works in seasons. Trust that He is guiding you step by step into the blessings and purpose He has already prepared for you.

2. God’s promises require action.

Although the land was promised, the Israelites still had to step in, possess it, and fight battles along the way. God’s plan did not unfold without obedience and courage. A promise that feels overwhelming or too good to be true still requires faith to move forward.  It will not happen without your cooperation and following His leading.

Ask God to show you the next step of faith He is asking you to take. You do not need to see the entire plan or understand how it will unfold. Keep moving forward, trusting that God will equip you for each step as He reveals them to you.

3. God is the One who divides the land.

The distribution of the inheritance was not left to human decision but was entrusted to God’s appointed leaders. This reminds us that God’s plan inclueds the timing, placement, and path of every blessing. What He prepares for you is never accidental and requires you to be intentional with each step.

Surrender the outcome to God. Trust that He will bring you into the right place at the right time, even when the path does not look easy or logical. God strategically places His blessings along the path He designed, and following His direction positions you to receive what He has already planned.

I remember when I finally began pressing in to hear God’s direction instead of asking Him to bless my own plans. At first, it felt slow and uncertain. He had to walk me out of pits and traps I had fallen into by doing things my way. There were moments when His plan felt too good to be true, especially when I could not see how I would ever get from where I was to where He was leading me. Step by step, He stayed with me, even when I felt like I was not making progress. As I chose obedience and pressed into the Holy Spirit for His guidance for each decision, God began to reveal His purpose and gently redirected me from my own path onto His blessed plan. Ultimately, I realized that He had been trying to lead me into my inheritance all along.

My experience of God’s goodness showing up in my life only came after I surrendered my way of thinking and chose to believe that He wanted more for me than I could ever design on my own. That truth was revealed in practical ways, including the home I moved into when I was convinced I wanted to live somewhere else. I kept searching in the wrong places, focused on the moment, while God was seeing my lifetime. Following His leading to that location became one of the greatest blessings of my life and spared me from many heartaches. After that, I learned to trust Him with every decision, from custody of my children to my place of ministry and employment, to stepping into His blessed plan for my marriage and new and existing relationships. Each time I released control, I discovered that God’s plan, though it once felt too good to be true, was always better than anything I could have forced or manipulated on my own. All of these areas required me to take the steps that He gave, even when most times I had no idea how it was going to work out.

Today I want to encourage you to trust that God has already set your inheritance before you, and even though you may not see all of it yet, He is faithful to lead you into it. Remember that He has a “too good to be true” life designed for you as you keep taking steps of obedience, and know that He is with you, guiding you every step of the way.

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 34

1 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 

2 “Command the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘When you come into the land of Canaan, this is the land that shall fall to you as an inheritance—the land of Canaan to its boundaries. 

3 Your southern border shall be from the Wilderness of Zin along the border of Edom; then your southern border shall extend eastward to the end of the Salt Sea; 

4 your border shall turn from the southern side of the Ascent of Akrabbim, continue to Zin, and be on the south of Kadesh Barnea; then it shall go on to Hazar Addar, and continue to Azmon; 

5 the border shall turn from Azmon to the Brook of Egypt, and it shall end at the Sea.

6 ‘As for the western border, you shall have the Great Sea for a border; this shall be your western border.

7 ‘And this shall be your northern border: From the Great Sea you shall mark out your border line to Mount Hor; 

8 from Mount Hor you shall mark out your border to the entrance of Hamath; then the direction of the border shall be toward Zedad; 

9 the border shall proceed to Ziphron, and it shall end at Hazar Enan. This shall be your northern border.

10 ‘You shall mark out your eastern border from Hazar Enan to Shepham; 

11 the border shall go down from Shepham to Riblah on the east side of Ain; the border shall go down and reach to the eastern side of the Sea of Chinnereth; 

12 the border shall go down along the Jordan, and it shall end at the Salt Sea. This shall be your land with its surrounding boundaries.’ ”

13 Then Moses commanded the children of Israel, saying: “This is the land which you shall inherit by lot, which the Lord has commanded to give to the nine tribes and to the half-tribe. 

14 For the tribe of the children of Reuben according to the house of their fathers, and the tribe of the children of Gad according to the house of their fathers, have received their inheritance; and the half-tribe of Manasseh has received its inheritance. 

15 The two tribes and the half-tribe have received their inheritance on this side of the Jordan, across from Jericho eastward, toward the sunrise.”

16 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 

17 “These are the names of the men who shall divide the land among you as an inheritance: Eleazar the priest and Joshua the son of Nun. 

18 And you shall take one leader of every tribe to divide the land for the inheritance. 

19 These are the names of the men: from the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh; 

20 from the tribe of the children of Simeon, Shemuel the son of Ammihud; 

21 from the tribe of Benjamin, Elidad the son of Chislon; 

22 a leader from the tribe of the children of Dan, Bukki the son of Jogli; 

23 from the sons of Joseph: a leader from the tribe of the children of Manasseh, Hanniel the son of Ephod, 

24 and a leader from the tribe of the children of Ephraim, Kemuel the son of Shiphtan; 

25 a leader from the tribe of the children of Zebulun, Elizaphan the son of Parnach; 

26 a leader from the tribe of the children of Issachar, Paltiel the son of Azzan; 

27 a leader from the tribe of the children of Asher, Ahihud the son of Shelomi; 

28 and a leader from the tribe of the children of Naphtali, Pedahel the son of Ammihud.”

29 These are the ones the Lord commanded to divide the inheritance among the children of Israel in the land of Canaan.

Journal:

• What is one area of my life where I feel God is calling me to move forward?
• How can I trust God more fully in the steps He is asking me to take?
• What is one way I can surrender the outcome to God and trust His timing?

Remember the Journey

Now Moses wrote down the starting points of their journeys at the command of the Lord. And these are their journeys according to their starting points: ~ Numbers 33:2

Have you ever looked back on your life and wondered why God allowed certain things to take as long as they did, or why the road felt so winding when you trusted Him? Today’s scripture reading is a detailed record of Israel’s journey, step by step, place by place. It reminds me that God was paying attention to every move, even when the people did not always understand where they were or why they were there. This chapter speaks powerfully to God’s people today who are walking by faith in a world that values speed, shortcuts, and instant results.

The journey listed in this chapter shows us that God is intentional in every season, so these three truths can help anchor our heart as we keep moving forward with Him.

1. God remembers every step, even the hard ones.

Israel’s journey was written down, not just the victories, but every camp and every stop along the way. Nothing was wasted or forgotten.

Acknowledge that even difficult or confusing times in your journey are part of God’s care over your life. Thank Him for carrying you through places you did not choose, trusting that He is still working through them.

2. Progress with God is often made one step at a time.

The chapter shows movement from place to place, not one giant leap into the promise. Growth happened gradually as they obeyed and moved when God said to move.

Focus on receiving and following God’s direction in the next right step instead of worrying about the entire future. Choose faithfulness today, whether that looks like staying committed, forgiving someone, or continuing when you feel tired.

3. God calls you forward without forgetting where you have been.

Israel was reminded of where they had come from as they prepared to settle the land ahead. Remembering the journey strengthened their understanding of God’s faithfulness.

Look back and notice how God has already carried you through past challenges. Let those reminders build confidence to trust Him with what lies ahead.

I have seen this truth in my own life. There have been many times where I questioned why progress felt slow or why I had to walk through certain places at all. Over time, I realized that God was marking each step, even when I was only aware of the struggles. Looking back on my journey, I can see how each step shaped the person I have become today and prepared me with endurance, humility, and trust that I could not have gained any other way. God was faithful in every stage and walked right with me every step of the way.
Today I want to encourage you to trust that God is present in every step of your journey, not only the moments that feel successful or clear. He sees where you have been, He knows where you are now, and He is faithfully leading you forward with purpose and care, strategically placing you to make a great impact in the world around you.

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 33

1 These are the journeys of the children of Israel, who went out of the land of Egypt by their armies under the hand of Moses and Aaron. 

2 Now Moses wrote down the starting points of their journeys at the command of the Lord. And these are their journeys according to their starting points:

3 They departed from Rameses in the first month, on the fifteenth day of the first month; on the day after the Passover the children of Israel went out with boldness in the sight of all the Egyptians. 

4 For the Egyptians were burying all their firstborn, whom the Lord had killed among them. Also on their gods the Lord had executed judgments.

5 Then the children of Israel moved from Rameses and camped at Succoth. 

6 They departed from Succoth and camped at Etham, which is on the edge of the wilderness. 

7 They moved from Etham and turned back to Pi Hahiroth, which is east of Baal Zephon; and they camped near Migdol. 

8 They departed from before Hahiroth and passed through the midst of the sea into the wilderness, went three days’ journey in the Wilderness of Etham, and camped at Marah. 

9 They moved from Marah and came to Elim. At Elim were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees; so they camped there.

10 They moved from Elim and camped by the Red Sea. 

11 They moved from the Red Sea and camped in the Wilderness of Sin. 

12 They journeyed from the Wilderness of Sin and camped at Dophkah. 

13 They departed from Dophkah and camped at Alush. 

14 They moved from Alush and camped at Rephidim, where there was no water for the people to drink.

15 They departed from Rephidim and camped in the Wilderness of Sinai. 

16 They moved from the Wilderness of Sinai and camped at Kibroth Hattaavah. 

17 They departed from Kibroth Hattaavah and camped at Hazeroth. 

18 They departed from Hazeroth and camped at Rithmah. 

19 They departed from Rithmah and camped at Rimmon Perez. 

20 They departed from Rimmon Perez and camped at Libnah. 

21 They moved from Libnah and camped at Rissah. 

22 They journeyed from Rissah and camped at Kehelathah. 

23 They went from Kehelathah and camped at Mount Shepher. 

24 They moved from Mount Shepher and camped at Haradah. 

25 They moved from Haradah and camped at Makheloth. 

26 They moved from Makheloth and camped at Tahath. 

27 They departed from Tahath and camped at Terah. 

28 They moved from Terah and camped at Mithkah. 

29 They went from Mithkah and camped at Hashmonah. 

30 They departed from Hashmonah and camped at Moseroth. 

31 They departed from Moseroth and camped at Bene Jaakan. 

32 They moved from Bene Jaakan and camped at Hor Hagidgad. 

33 They went from Hor Hagidgad and camped at Jotbathah. 

34 They moved from Jotbathah and camped at Abronah. 

35 They departed from Abronah and camped at Ezion Geber. 

36 They moved from Ezion Geber and camped in the Wilderness of Zin, which is Kadesh. 

37 They moved from Kadesh and camped at Mount Hor, on the boundary of the land of Edom.

38 Then Aaron the priest went up to Mount Hor at the command of the Lord, and died there in the fortieth year after the children of Israel had come out of the land of Egypt, on the first day of the fifth month. 

39 Aaron was one hundred and twenty-three years old when he died on Mount Hor.

40 Now the king of Arad, the Canaanite, who dwelt in the South in the land of Canaan, heard of the coming of the children of Israel.

41 So they departed from Mount Hor and camped at Zalmonah. 

42 They departed from Zalmonah and camped at Punon. 

43 They departed from Punon and camped at Oboth. 

44 They departed from Oboth and camped at Ije Abarim, at the border of Moab. 

45 They departed from Ijim and camped at Dibon Gad. 

46 They moved from Dibon Gad and camped at Almon Diblathaim. 

47 They moved from Almon Diblathaim and camped in the mountains of Abarim, before Nebo. 

48 They departed from the mountains of Abarim and camped in the plains of Moab by the Jordan, across from Jericho. 

49 They camped by the Jordan, from Beth Jesimoth as far as the Abel Acacia Grove in the plains of Moab.

50 Now the Lord spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan, across from Jericho, saying, 

51 “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘When you have crossed the Jordan into the land of Canaan, 

52 then you shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, destroy all their engraved stones, destroy all their molded images, and demolish all their high places; 

53 you shall dispossess the inhabitants of the land and dwell in it, for I have given you the land to possess. 

54 And you shall divide the land by lot as an inheritance among your families; to the larger you shall give a larger inheritance, and to the smaller you shall give a smaller inheritance; there everyone’s inheritance shall be whatever falls to him by lot. You shall inherit according to the tribes of your fathers. 

55 But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then it shall be that those whom you let remain shall be irritants in your eyes and thorns in your sides, and they shall harass you in the land where you dwell. 

56 Moreover it shall be that I will do to you as I thought to do to them.’ ”

Journal:

• Where have I seen God carry me through seasons I once questioned
• What is one step of obedience God is asking me to take right now
• How can remembering God’s past faithfulness strengthen my trust in my current situation

Choosing faith over comfort

But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the Lord; and be sure your sin will find you out. ~ Numbers 32:23

Have you ever found yourself settling for what feels comfortable now, even when you know God may be calling you to something more later? In today’s world, it is easy to choose what looks good, feels safe, or meets immediate needs, rather than trusting God’s long-term promise and direction. In Numbers 32 we will read about the tribes of Reuben and Gad, who saw fertile land and wanted to settle there instead of crossing into the Promised Land. Their request reveals a tension every believer faces, choosing between comfort and calling.

Below are three important truths from this chapter about following God faithfully, especially when comfort and obedience seem to pull in different directions.

1. Short term comfort can distract from long term purpose.

The land looked perfect for livestock, and on the surface their request made sense. But Moses challenged them because settling early could discourage others from fully obeying God.

Ask God to show where comfort may be influencing your decisions more than calling. Make a simple list of what feels easy right now and compare it with what God has already asked of you. Choose one step of obedience that may feel uncomfortable but honors Him.

2. God cares about how choices affect others.

Moses reminded them that their decision could weaken the courage of the rest of Israel. Faith or unbelief is never lived in isolation, it always impacts those around you.

Pay attention to how personal decisions affect family, church, or coworkers. Choose actions that strengthen others in faith, even if it requires extra effort or sacrifice from you.

3. Obedience requires follow through, not just good intentions.

Reuben and Gad promised to help fight alongside Israel before settling down. Moses held them accountable to keep their word.

Finish what God has already placed in front of you. As you committed to serve, forgive, give, or step out in faith, ask the Holy Spirit for strength to complete it, even when enthusiasm fades.

I still have moments in my life when I want to settle into what feels manageable and familiar. I know God is continually asking me to trust Him beyond my comfort zone and take the next step, yet it can feel easier to pause and stay where I am. Even though I understand that delayed obedience often comes from fear rather than wisdom, every time I choose to move forward anyway, God meets me with clarity, strength, and growth I could never grow in by staying comfortable. In those moments, I remember that obedience always carries purpose, especially when it requires a step of faith and complete reliance on God’s empowering grace to meet me there.

Today I want to encourage you to trust God beyond what feels comfortable and familiar. Choose obedience over ease, follow through on what He has asked, and believe that His promises are worth the journey. God sees your faithfulness, and through your obedience He will strengthen you and those around you as you move forward into all He has prepared.

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 32

1 Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of livestock; and when they saw the land of Jazer and the land of Gilead, that indeed the region was a place for livestock, 

2 the children of Gad and the children of Reuben came and spoke to Moses, to Eleazar the priest, and to the leaders of the congregation, saying, 

3 “Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Shebam, Nebo, and Beon, 

4 the country which the Lord defeated before the congregation of Israel, is a land for livestock, and your servants have livestock.” 

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

6 And Moses said to the children of Gad and to the children of Reuben: “Shall your brethren go to war while you sit here? 

7 Now why will you discourage the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which the Lord has given them? 

8 Thus your fathers did when I sent them away from Kadesh Barnea to see the land. 

9 For when they went up to the Valley of Eshcol and saw the land, they discouraged the heart of the children of Israel, so that they did not go into the land which the Lord had given them. 

10 So the Lord’s anger was aroused on that day, and He swore an oath, saying, 

11 ‘Surely none of the men who came up from Egypt, from twenty years old and above, shall see the land of which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, because they have not wholly followed Me, 

12 except Caleb the son of Jephunneh, the Kenizzite, and Joshua the son of Nun, for they have wholly followed the Lord.’ 

13 So the Lord’s anger was aroused against Israel, and He made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until all the generation that had done evil in the sight of the Lord was gone. 

14 And look! You have risen in your fathers’ place, a brood of sinful men, to increase still more the fierce anger of the Lord against Israel. 

15 For if you turn away from following Him, He will once again leave them in the wilderness, and you will destroy all these people.”

16 Then they came near to him and said: “We will build sheepfolds here for our livestock, and cities for our little ones, 

17 but we ourselves will be armed, ready to go before the children of Israel until we have brought them to their place; and our little ones will dwell in the fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land. 

18 We will not return to our homes until every one of the children of Israel has received his inheritance. 

19 For we will not inherit with them on the other side of the Jordan and beyond, because our inheritance has fallen to us on this eastern side of the Jordan.”

20 Then Moses said to them: “If you do this thing, if you arm yourselves before the Lord for the war, 

21 and all your armed men cross over the Jordan before the Lord until He has driven out His enemies from before Him, 

22 and the land is subdued before the Lord, then afterward you may return and be blameless before the Lord and before Israel; and this land shall be your possession before the Lord. 

23 But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the Lord; and be sure your sin will find you out. 

24 Build cities for your little ones and folds for your sheep, and do what has proceeded out of your mouth.”

25 And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben spoke to Moses, saying: “Your servants will do as my lord commands. 

26 Our little ones, our wives, our flocks, and all our livestock will be there in the cities of Gilead; 

27 but your servants will cross over, every man armed for war, before the Lord to battle, just as my lord says.”

28 So Moses gave command concerning them to Eleazar the priest, to Joshua the son of Nun, and to the chief fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel. 

29 And Moses said to them: “If the children of Gad and the children of Reuben cross over the Jordan with you, every man armed for battle before the Lord, and the land is subdued before you, then you shall give them the land of Gilead as a possession. 

30 But if they do not cross over armed with you, they shall have possessions among you in the land of Canaan.”

31 Then the children of Gad and the children of Reuben answered, saying: “As the Lord has said to your servants, so we will do. 

32 We will cross over armed before the Lord into the land of Canaan, but the possession of our inheritance shall remain with us on this side of the Jordan.”

33 So Moses gave to the children of Gad, to the children of Reuben, and to half the tribe of Manasseh the son of Joseph, the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, the land with its cities within the borders, the cities of the surrounding country. 

34 And the children of Gad built Dibon and Ataroth and Aroer, 

35 Atroth and Shophan and Jazer and Jogbehah, 

36 Beth Nimrah and Beth Haran, fortified cities, and folds for sheep. 

37 And the children of Reuben built Heshbon and Elealeh and Kirjathaim, 

38 Nebo and Baal Meon (their names being changed) and Shibmah; and they gave other names to the cities which they built.

39 And the children of Machir the son of Manasseh went to Gilead and took it, and dispossessed the Amorites who were in it. 

40 So Moses gave Gilead to Machir the son of Manasseh, and he dwelt in it. 

41 Also Jair the son of Manasseh went and took its small towns, and called them Havoth Jair. 

42 Then Nobah went and took Kenath and its villages, and he called it Nobah, after his own name.

Journal:

• Where might comfort be influencing a decision God is asking me to surrender
• What has God already asked me to follow through on
• How can my obedience encourage someone else in their faith today

Called to finish well

So Moses spoke to the people, saying, “Arm some of yourselves for war, and let them go against the Midianites to take vengeance for the Lord on Midian. ~ Numbers 31:3

Have you ever wondered why some battles linger longer than others, even after God has already promised victory? Today’s reading reminds us that obedience is not only about showing up for the fight, it is about finishing what God has assigned with faith, courage, and integrity. As a Christian in today’s world, the battles may not look the same, but the call to walk in obedience and trust God completely still stands.

As you read today’s chapter, consider three powerful truths that speak directly to how obedience, victory, and stewardship work together in your life as a child of God today.

1. Obedience requires action even when the assignment feels uncomfortable.

God asked Israel to step forward and engage in a difficult task, trusting that He would bring the victory.

When God prompts you to have a hard conversation, make a necessary change, or step into a role that stretches you, choose to move forward in obedience instead of waiting for perfect conditions. That step of faith invites God’s strength into the situation and He will empower you to complete it with His grace.

2. God brings victory, but He also cares about how the victory is handled.

In this chapter, instructions followed the battle to ensure purity, order, and accountability.

When God gives you success at work, in ministry, or in a relationship, pause and honor Him by handling the outcome with humility, gratitude, and integrity, allowing His standards to guide your next steps.

3. What God entrusts after the battle must be stewarded wisely.

The spoils were counted, shared, and dedicated according to God’s direction.

When God entrusts you with influence, resources, or responsibility, seek His wisdom on how to use what you have gained in a way that blesses others and honors Him.

I remember a season when God asked me to confront an issue I would rather have avoided. I wanted the victory without the discomfort, but He kept pressing me to follow through completely. As I obeyed, step by step, I saw how God not only resolved the situation but also taught me discipline, courage, and trust. The outcome was not just external change, it was also internal growth. God showed me that finishing well matters just as much as starting strong.

Today I want to encourage you to trust God enough to obey fully, to step into the battles He has placed before you, and to steward every victory with faith and humility, knowing that He is shaping your character and strengthening your walk through each assignment He gives.

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 31

1 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 

2 “Take vengeance on the Midianites for the children of Israel. Afterward you shall be gathered to your people.”

3 So Moses spoke to the people, saying, “Arm some of yourselves for war, and let them go against the Midianites to take vengeance for the Lord on Midian. 

4 A thousand from each tribe of all the tribes of Israel you shall send to the war.”

5 So there were recruited from the divisions of Israel one thousand from each tribe, twelve thousand armed for war. 

6 Then Moses sent them to the war, one thousand from each tribe; he sent them to the war with Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, with the holy articles and the signal trumpets in his hand. 

7 And they warred against the Midianites, just as the Lord commanded Moses, and they killed all the males. 

8 They killed the kings of Midian with the rest of those who were killed—Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba, the five kings of Midian. Balaam the son of Beor they also killed with the sword.

9 And the children of Israel took the women of Midian captive, with their little ones, and took as spoil all their cattle, all their flocks, and all their goods. 

10 They also burned with fire all the cities where they dwelt, and all their forts. 

11 And they took all the spoil and all the booty—of man and beast.

12 Then they brought the captives, the booty, and the spoil to Moses, to Eleazar the priest, and to the congregation of the children of Israel, to the camp in the plains of Moab by the Jordan, across from Jericho. 

13 And Moses, Eleazar the priest, and all the leaders of the congregation, went to meet them outside the camp. 

14 But Moses was angry with the officers of the army, with the captains over thousands and captains over hundreds, who had come from the battle.

15 And Moses said to them: “Have you kept all the women alive? 

16 Look, these women caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to trespass against the Lord in the incident of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the Lord. 

17 Now therefore, kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman who has known a man intimately. 

18 But keep alive for yourselves all the young girls who have not known a man intimately. 

19 And as for you, remain outside the camp seven days; whoever has killed any person, and whoever has touched any slain, purify yourselves and your captives on the third day and on the seventh day. 

20 Purify every garment, everything made of leather, everything woven of goats’ hair, and everything made of wood.”

21 Then Eleazar the priest said to the men of war who had gone to the battle, “This is the ordinance of the law which the Lord commanded Moses: 

22 Only the gold, the silver, the bronze, the iron, the tin, and the lead, 

23 everything that can endure fire, you shall put through the fire, and it shall be clean; and it shall be purified with the water of purification. But all that cannot endure fire you shall put through water. 

24 And you shall wash your clothes on the seventh day and be clean, and afterward you may come into the camp.”

25 Now the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 

26 “Count up the plunder that was taken—of man and beast—you and Eleazar the priest and the chief fathers of the congregation; 

27 and divide the plunder into two parts, between those who took part in the war, who went out to battle, and all the congregation. 

28 And levy a tribute for the Lord on the men of war who went out to battle: one of every five hundred of the persons, the cattle, the donkeys, and the sheep; 

29 take it from their half, and give it to Eleazar the priest as a heave offering to the Lord. 

30 And from the children of Israel’s half you shall take one of every fifty, drawn from the persons, the cattle, the donkeys, and the sheep, from all the livestock, and give them to the Levites who keep charge of the tabernacle of the Lord.” 

31 So Moses and Eleazar the priest did as the Lord commanded Moses.

32 The booty remaining from the plunder, which the men of war had taken, was six hundred and seventy-five thousand sheep, 

33 seventy-two thousand cattle, 

34 sixty-one thousand donkeys, 

35 and thirty-two thousand persons in all, of women who had not known a man intimately. 

36 And the half, the portion for those who had gone out to war, was in number three hundred and thirty-seven thousand five hundred sheep; 

37 and the Lord’s tribute of the sheep was six hundred and seventy-five. 

38 The cattle were thirty-six thousand, of which the Lord’s tribute was seventy-two. 

39 The donkeys were thirty thousand five hundred, of which the Lord’s tribute was sixty-one. 

40 The persons were sixteen thousand, of which the Lord’s tribute was thirty-two persons. 

41 So Moses gave the tribute which was the Lord’s heave offering to Eleazar the priest, as the Lord commanded Moses.

42 And from the children of Israel’s half, which Moses separated from the men who fought— 

43 now the half belonging to the congregation was three hundred and thirty-seven thousand five hundred sheep, 

44 thirty-six thousand cattle, 

45 thirty thousand five hundred donkeys, 

46 and sixteen thousand persons— 

47 and from the children of Israel’s half Moses took one of every fifty, drawn from man and beast, and gave them to the Levites, who kept charge of the tabernacle of the Lord, as the Lord commanded Moses.

48 Then the officers who were over thousands of the army, the captains of thousands and captains of hundreds, came near to Moses; 

49 and they said to Moses, “Your servants have taken a count of the men of war who are under our command, and not a man of us is missing. 

50 Therefore we have brought an offering for the Lord, what every man found of ornaments of gold: armlets and bracelets and signet rings and earrings and necklaces, to make atonement for ourselves before the Lord.” 

51 So Moses and Eleazar the priest received the gold from them, all the fashioned ornaments. 

52 And all the gold of the offering that they offered to the Lord, from the captains of thousands and captains of hundreds, was sixteen thousand seven hundred and fifty shekels. 

53 (The men of war had taken spoil, every man for himself.) 

54 And Moses and Eleazar the priest received the gold from the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and brought it into the tabernacle of meeting as a memorial for the children of Israel before the Lord.

Journal:

• What battle has God been asking you to face with obedience and trust
• Where might you need to follow through instead of stopping short
• How can you honor God with what He has already entrusted to you
• What would finishing well look like in your current season

Words that carry weight

_{If a man makes a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by some agreement, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth. ~ Numbers 30:2}

Have you ever spoken words in a moment of pressure, emotion, or good intention, only to realize later how much weight they carried? In today’s world, words are spoken quickly and often casually, yet Scripture reminds us that what comes out of our mouth matters deeply to God and shapes the direction of our life.

Today’s scripture reading highlights the seriousness of vows, promises, and spoken commitments. God showed His people that integrity began with words, because words reveal the condition and intention of the heart and set spiritual direction. This chapter invites you to live with intention, honesty, and wisdom in how you speak before God and others.

Below are three powerful truths about honoring God with your words and how spoken commitments shape spiritual growth and daily faithfulness.

1. Words spoken before God matter.

God took vows seriously because they represented trust and devotion. A spoken promise was not casual, it was an act of worship and responsibility.

Pause before making commitments in prayer, conversations, or service. Ask God for wisdom before agreeing to something new and speak only what you are willing to follow through on with faithfulness.

2. Integrity is built through follow through.

Scripture emphasizes keeping one’s word. Faithfulness was shown not only in intention but in completion.

Review commitments already made. Finish what has been started with excellence, even when motivation fades. Small acts of consistency strengthen character and deepen trust with God and others.

3. God protects and guides through wise accountability.

This chapter also shows how God provided protection for those who were vulnerable by allowing wise oversight and accountability. God cares deeply about order, covering, and guidance.

Invite trusted spiritual voices to speak into major decisions. Allow godly counsel to help guard your heart and guide commitments so they remain life giving and honoring to God.

There was a time in my life when I made decisions based on how I felt in the moment. I often made commitments and said I would do something, but when the time came, if I no longer felt like it or wanted to follow through, I would find an excuse or simply not show up. I remember the day when I realized that my faith is directly connected to what I say. When I give my word, I am saying by faith that God will give me the strength to do what I promised. If I wait until the moment of action to decide whether to follow through, I do not truly believe or trust my own words. That is when I made a decision that if I said I would do something, I would rely on the strength of the Holy Spirit to carry it out with everything in me. When I make the commitment is when I make the decision.  I will do it no matter what the cost. Now I know not to commit out of emotion, pressure, or a desire to please others, understanding that my words would require effort, sacrifice, and humility to honor. Over time, the Holy Spirit showed me to slow down, seek His direction first, and speak with intention. I have seen how faithfully keeping my word, even when it was difficult, prepared me for greater responsibility, deeper trust, and spiritual maturity. God was shaping my character through obedience long before I understood the purpose.

Today I want to encourage you to honor God with your words, to speak with wisdom, and to walk out your commitments with faithfulness and grace. Let your yes be directed by prayer, your promises be rooted in integrity, and your follow throug become a testimony of trust in the God who is always faithful to you.

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 30

1 Then Moses spoke to the heads of the tribes concerning the children of Israel, saying, “This is the thing which the Lord has commanded: 

2 If a man makes a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by some agreement, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.

3 “Or if a woman makes a vow to the Lord, and binds herself by some agreement while in her father’s house in her youth, 

4 and her father hears her vow and the agreement by which she has bound herself, and her father holds his peace, then all her vows shall stand, and every agreement with which she has bound herself shall stand. 

5 But if her father overrules her on the day that he hears, then none of her vows nor her agreements by which she has bound herself shall stand; and the Lord will release her, because her father overruled her.

6 “If indeed she takes a husband, while bound by her vows or by a rash utterance from her lips by which she bound herself, 

7 and her husband hears it, and makes no response to her on the day that he hears, then her vows shall stand, and her agreements by which she bound herself shall stand. 

8 But if her husband overrules her on the day that he hears it, he shall make void her vow which she took and what she uttered with her lips, by which she bound herself, and the Lord will release her.

9 “Also any vow of a widow or a divorced woman, by which she has bound herself, shall stand against her.

10 “If she vowed in her husband’s house, or bound herself by an agreement with an oath, 

11 and her husband heard it, and made no response to her and did not overrule her, then all her vows shall stand, and every agreement by which she bound herself shall stand. 

12 But if her husband truly made them void on the day he heard them, then whatever proceeded from her lips concerning her vows or concerning the agreement binding her, it shall not stand; her husband has made them void, and the Lord will release her. 

13 Every vow and every binding oath to afflict her soul, her husband may confirm it, or her husband may make it void. 

14 Now if her husband makes no response whatever to her from day to day, then he confirms all her vows or all the agreements that bind her; he confirms them, because he made no response to her on the day that he heard them. 

15 But if he does make them void after he has heard them, then he shall bear her guilt.”

16 These are the statutes which the Lord commanded Moses, between a man and his wife, and between a father and his daughter in her youth in her father’s house.

Journal:

• What commitments have I made that God is asking me to honor faithfully
• Where do I need to slow down and seek God before speaking or agreeing
• How can I grow in integrity through the words I choose today

Follow Me

Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”  Mark 1:17

“Follow Me.” This was the call Jesus gave to the fishermen standing on the shore that day. “I will make you fishers of men.” It was not an impressive sales pitch and it came with very few details, yet it was all they needed to hear. Jesus did not say, Follow Me and I will make you a great leader in the New Testament church. He did not say, Follow Me and I will fill you with My Spirit so you can do great signs and wonders. He did not say, Follow Me and I will make you a mighty warrior, even though that is what many were expecting the Messiah to do. Jesus did not explain every hardship they would face or every victory they would experience. He simply told them they would still be fishermen, only what they would fish for would change.

Jesus is still calling people to follow Him today. He calls you to follow Him right where you are and to do what you are already doing, but with a new purpose. He invites you to live with an eternal focus, reaching people with His love and truth. He does not promise that following Him will keep you out of storms or dry places, and He does not say the path will always feel easy. What He does promise is victory, His presence, and a life that truly matters.
Life brings challenges whether you follow Jesus or not. The difference is that when you follow Him, you never face those challenges alone. Scripture promises that God always leads you in triumph through Christ, that you are more than a conqueror, and that faith gives you victory in every season. Following Jesus does not remove hardship, but it does transform the outcome.

Here are a few practical ways to live out Jesus’ invitation to follow Him in everyday life and how to get started.

• Follow Him with daily obedience, start by asking God each morning where He wants to lead you today, then take one intentional step of obedience even if it feels small or ordinary.
• Follow Him through uncertainty, when you face a decision or challenge, choose prayer before panic, trust that God will guide you even when the path is unclear.
• Follow Him with a heart for people, look for one opportunity each day to show kindness, share encouragement, or point someone toward hope in Christ Jesus through your words or actions.

Following Jesus does not mean knowing every detail ahead of time. Many times I have questioned the path, felt stretched beyond my comfort, and wondered if my obedience truly mattered. But every time I chose to follow Him anyway, I saw how He turned those moments to grow my faith, deepen my compassion, and open doors I could not have planned on my own. The fulfillment came not from ease, but from trusting the One who was leading me step by step, day by day.

Today I want to encourage you to follow Him with confidence and trust, even when the road feels uncertain or challenging. Jesus is calling you to a life that has purpose, impact, and eternal value. He will not abandon you on the journey, and He will use your obedience to bring victory, growth, and lasting fruit in your life and in the lives of others.

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 1:16-20

16And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 17Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18They immediately left their nets and followed Him.

19When He had gone a little farther from there, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the boat mending their nets. 20And immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went after Him.

Journal:

• Where is Jesus inviting me to follow Him more closely right now
• What fears or distractions might be holding me back from saying yes
• Who might God be calling me to reach or encourage as I follow Him today

Sustaining worship

 _{“Command the children of Israel, and say to them, ‘My offering, My food for My offerings made by fire as a sweet aroma to Me, you shall be careful to offer to Me at their appointed time.’ ~ Numbers 28:2}

Worship is one of the most powerful ways God releases His presence, peace, and strength into your life and circumstances. In a world that celebrates big moments, quick results, and constant change, it is easy to treat worship as something reserved for weekends or special gatherings. Today’s scripture reading reminds us that worship is meant to be continual, intentional, and woven into everyday life. God responds to worship that is offered consistently, not only when it feels convenient or emotionally stirring.

Below are three powerful truths about worship that show how consistent praise releases God’s presence and power into everyday life:

1. Daily worship keeps God’s power active in your life.

In this chapter, God gives clear instructions for daily offerings. These acts of worship were not occasional, they were meant to happen every single day.

Choose a regular time to worship God even when life feels ordinary or busy. Start small by praying, reading Scripture, or worshiping with music for a few minutes each day. Daily worship keeps your heart sensitive to God and strengthens you for whatever the day brings.

2. Worship sustains you in every season, not just the joyful ones.

The offerings were ongoing reminders that God was present with His people through routine, pressure, and uncertainty. Worship was not dependent on emotions or circumstances.

Worship God when you feel tired, discouraged, or waiting for answers. Thank Him out loud for Who He is and what He has already done. Worship shifts your focus from what is lacking to the faithfulness of God who never changes.

3. Obedient worship creates space for God’s presence to move.

God described these offerings as a pleasing aroma, showing that obedient worship invites closeness with Him. The people made room for God by honoring Him regularly.

Take the next step God has already shown you, whether it is forgiveness, trust, or obedience in a small decision. Worship is not only sung but also lived through choices that honor God and invite His presence into daily circumstances.

At the beginning of this year, God impressed on my heart the need to be more intentional about worship. As I spent time in this passage, I realized that while worship was present in my life, it had not yet become a consistent part of my daily quiet time with God. I believe that including worship in my morning time in His presence, even if it means getting up a little earlier is worth the sacrifice because it fills my days with His power and steadies my heart. I understand the connection between worship and releasing more of His power into my circumstances and the lives of those around me. Worship is not optional, it is essential for living with ongoing peace, strength, and spiritual authority. Over time, the strength I need in difficult times will be built during the days when I choose to worship and allowed God to sustain me.

Today I want to encourage you to make worship a daily priority, not just a moment but a lifestyle. Keep showing up before God with your heart, your obedience, and your praise. As you do, trust that He is using your worship to sustain you, strengthen you, and prepare you for what is ahead.

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 28

1 Now the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 

2 “Command the children of Israel, and say to them, ‘My offering, My food for My offerings made by fire as a sweet aroma to Me, you shall be careful to offer to Me at their appointed time.’

3 “And you shall say to them, ‘This is the offering made by fire which you shall offer to the Lord: two male lambs in their first year without blemish, day by day, as a regular burnt offering. 

4 The one lamb you shall offer in the morning, the other lamb you shall offer in the evening, 

5 and one-tenth of an ephah of fine flour as a grain offering mixed with one-fourth of a hin of pressed oil. 

6 It is a regular burnt offering which was ordained at Mount Sinai for a sweet aroma, an offering made by fire to the Lord. 

7 And its drink offering shall be one-fourth of a hin for each lamb; in a holy place you shall pour out the drink to the Lord as an offering. 

8 The other lamb you shall offer in the evening; as the morning grain offering and its drink offering, you shall offer it as an offering made by fire, a sweet aroma to the Lord.

9 ‘And on the Sabbath day two lambs in their first year, without blemish, and two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour as a grain offering, mixed with oil, with its drink offering—

10 this is the burnt offering for every Sabbath, besides the regular burnt offering with its drink offering.

Monthly Offerings

11 ‘At the beginnings of your months you shall present a burnt offering to the Lord: two young bulls, one ram, and seven lambs in their first year, without blemish; 

12 three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour as a grain offering, mixed with oil, for each bull; two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour as a grain offering, mixed with oil, for the one ram; 

13 and one-tenth of an ephah of fine flour, mixed with oil, as a grain offering for each lamb, as a burnt offering of sweet aroma, an offering made by fire to the Lord. 

14 Their drink offering shall be half a hin of wine for a bull, one-third of a hin for a ram, and one-fourth of a hin for a lamb; this is the burnt offering for each month throughout the months of the year. 

15 Also one kid of the goats as a sin offering to the Lord shall be offered, besides the regular burnt offering and its drink offering.

16 ‘On the fourteenth day of the first month is the Passover of the Lord. 

17 And on the fifteenth day of this month is the feast; unleavened bread shall be eaten for seven days. 

18 On the first day you shall have a holy convocation. You shall do no customary work. 

19 And you shall present an offering made by fire as a burnt offering to the Lord: two young bulls, one ram, and seven lambs in their first year. Be sure they are without blemish. 

20 Their grain offering shall be of fine flour mixed with oil: three-tenths of an ephah you shall offer for a bull, and two-tenths for a ram; 

21 you shall offer one-tenth of an ephah for each of the seven lambs; 

22 also one goat as a sin offering, to make atonement for you. 

23 You shall offer these besides the burnt offering of the morning, which is for a regular burnt offering. 

24 In this manner you shall offer the food of the offering made by fire daily for seven days, as a sweet aroma to the Lord; it shall be offered besides the regular burnt offering and its drink offering. 

25 And on the seventh day you shall have a holy convocation. You shall do no customary work.

26 ‘Also on the day of the firstfruits, when you bring a new grain offering to the Lord at your Feast of Weeks, you shall have a holy convocation. You shall do no customary work. 

27 You shall present a burnt offering as a sweet aroma to the Lord: two young bulls, one ram, and seven lambs in their first year, 

28 with their grain offering of fine flour mixed with oil: three-tenths of an ephah for each bull, two-tenths for the one ram, 

29 and one-tenth for each of the seven lambs; 

30 also one kid of the goats, to make atonement for you. 

31 Be sure they are without blemish. You shall present them with their drink offerings, besides the regular burnt offering with its grain offering.

  
Journal:

• What daily habit could help you stay connected with God
• Where might God be inviting you to practice quiet obedience
• How has God used worship in your past to prepare you for a harder season

Standing on Holy ground

And they stood before Moses, before Eleazar the priest, and before the leaders and all the congregation, by the doorway of the tabernacle of meeting, saying: ~ Numbers 27:2

Have you ever felt like you were standing in a place where the rules did not seem to account for your situation, yet you knew deep in your heart that God still cared about your future? There are moments in life when faith requires courage to speak up, patience to trust God’s process, and humility to follow His direction even when change feels uncomfortable. Numbers 27 shows us that God values obedience, righteous boldness, and faithful leadership, and those truths still matter for His people today.

1. God honors faith that steps forward with humility and courage.

The daughters of Zelophehad approached Moses because they believed God’s promises applied to them too, even when tradition said otherwise. They did not demand or complain, they presented their case with trust in God’s justice.

When you face a situation where you feel overlooked or uncertain, bring your request to your heavenly Father in prayer before reacting. Then speak with wisdom and respect, trusting that God sees you and knows your heart. Take one small step of obedience instead of waiting for perfect conditions.

2. God’s guidance often comes through seeking Him, not assuming.

Moses did not make a quick decision on his own. He brought the matter before the Lord and waited for God’s answer and instruction. God responded clearly and affirmed what was right.

When you are making a decision about family, work, or ministry, pause and ask God for direction instead of relying only on experience, pressure or what look like the sensible thing to do. Open Scripture, pray specifically, and give God space to guide your next step. Clarity grows when you invite Him into the process.

3. God prepares the next season through faithful leadership and obedience.

Later in the chapter, Moses was instructed to commission Joshua as the next new leader of God’s people. God showed him that leadership is not about control, but about stewardship and preparation for what comes next.

If you are leading or serving others, look for ways to invest in people around you. Encourage growth, share wisdom, and release control where God is calling you to trust Him. Faithful leadership always points others toward God, not self.

There was a time that I was uncertain about my place and if I even had a future. When I finally brought these questions before the Lord, He showed me that He had a plan and purpose all along for my life.  It was immediately and I couldn’t see everything, but as I began to ask for direction, He started directing my steps to get me on track with what His design was for my life. Each time I chose to trust Him instead of forcing my own solution, He met me with direction and peace. It didn’t take long before I understood that asking God for clarity didn’t mean I was weak, it just showed a willing and humble heart to follow the life He had planned for me before the foundation of the world. Turning to Him for wisdom also showed me that following His lead, even when it stretched me, prepared me for responsibilities I could not have handled before.

Today I want to encourage you to trust that God sees your situation, hears your prayers, and cares deeply about your future. Step forward in faith when He prompts you, seek His guidance before acting, and walk confidently in obedience knowing that He is faithful to lead you well.

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 27

1 Then came the daughters of Zelophehad the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, from the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph; and these were the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. 

2 And they stood before Moses, before Eleazar the priest, and before the leaders and all the congregation, by the doorway of the tabernacle of meeting, saying: 

3 “Our father died in the wilderness; but he was not in the company of those who gathered together against the Lord, in company with Korah, but he died in his own sin; and he had no sons. 

4 Why should the name of our father be removed from among his family because he had no son? Give us a possession among our father’s brothers.”

5 So Moses brought their case before the Lord.

6 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 

7 “The daughters of Zelophehad speak what is right; you shall surely give them a possession of inheritance among their father’s brothers, and cause the inheritance of their father to pass to them. 

8 And you shall speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘If a man dies and has no son, then you shall cause his inheritance to pass to his daughter. 

9 If he has no daughter, then you shall give his inheritance to his brothers. 

10 If he has no brothers, then you shall give his inheritance to his father’s brothers. 

11 And if his father has no brothers, then you shall give his inheritance to the relative closest to him in his family, and he shall possess it.’ ” And it shall be to the children of Israel a statute of judgment, just as the Lord commanded Moses.

Joshua the Next Leader of Israel

12 Now the Lord said to Moses: “Go up into this Mount Abarim, and see the land which I have given to the children of Israel. 

13 And when you have seen it, you also shall be gathered to your people, as Aaron your brother was gathered. 

14 For in the Wilderness of Zin, during the strife of the congregation, you rebelled against My command to hallow Me at the waters before their eyes.” (These are the waters of Meribah, at Kadesh in the Wilderness of Zin.)

15 Then Moses spoke to the Lord, saying: 

16 “Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation, 

17 who may go out before them and go in before them, who may lead them out and bring them in, that the congregation of the Lord may not be like sheep which have no shepherd.”

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

19 set him before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation, and inaugurate him in their sight. 

20 And you shall give some of your authority to him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient. 

21 He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall inquire before the Lord for him by the judgment of the Urim. At his word they shall go out, and at his word they shall come in, he and all the children of Israel with him—all the congregation.”

22 So Moses did as the Lord commanded him. He took Joshua and set him before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation. 

23 And he laid his hands on him and inaugurated him, just as the Lord commanded by the hand of Moses.

Journal:

• Where might God be inviting you to step forward in faith right now
• What decision do you need to bring before the Lord instead of rushing ahead
• Who might God be calling you to encourage or prepare for their next season

Counted and known

“Take a census of all the congregation of the children of Israel from twenty years old and above, by their fathers’ houses, all who are able to go to war in Israel.” ~ Numbers 26:2

Have you ever wondered if your faithfulness really counts when things change and people come and go in your life? Today’s scripture reading looks like just a long list of names and numbers, but it carries a powerful reminder for God’s people still today. It reminds us that God sees generations pass, circumstances shift, and still He knows every person by name and the purpose they were created for in their time in this world.

Below are three truths to consider as you read this passage:

1. God values faithfulness across seasons.

This chapter records a new generation counted after a difficult wilderness journey, showing that God continues His work even when the things change in the world.

Apply this truth by staying faithful to where He has placed you and the direction He gives you in the place you are in right now. Whether it feels productive or quiet, showing up daily in prayer, service, and obedience, trusting God to use your consistency for a future impact.

2. God prepares inheritance before you arrive.

The census was used to assign land, showing that God was already planning provision before the people stepped into it.

Today trust that God is preparing opportunities, relationships, and spiritual growth ahead of you, even if you cannot see them yet, by making wise choices now that honor Him and position you well for what is coming.

3. God remembers lessons from the past to guide the future.

The chapter notes who did not enter the promised land, reminding the people that obedience mattered and choices carry lasting weight and consequences.

Learn from past mistakes without shame, allow God to teach you through experience, and choose a better path forward by listening closely to His direction in everyday decisions.

I have lived my life in both faithfulness and unfaithfulness, so I know there are clear and obvious distinctions. I am so thankful that today those unfaithful times can be redeemed through repentance and cleansing by the blood and sacrifice of my Lord Jesus. The difference now is that I ask for His empowering grace to help me hear His direction and follow it, instead of doing what I think is best for me or what I want most. It is not always easy but living life by following the One who designed it, doing my best work, and living with a Kingdom of God mind set and motivation truly is the blessed life. There have been times when I questioned whether my efforts mattered, but in the end, I always see how God used my faithfulness to prepare me for new responsibility, deeper compassion, and clearer purpose. He was counting my obedience even when I was only aware of the struggle.

Today I want to encourage you to remember that you are seen, counted, and known by God, your faithfulness today is shaping tomorrow, and the Lord who carried His people from generation to generation is still at work in your life, preparing provision, purpose, and promise as you continue to walk with Him.

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 26

1 And it came to pass, after the plague, that the Lord spoke to Moses and Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, saying: 

2 “Take a census of all the congregation of the children of Israel from twenty years old and above, by their fathers’ houses, all who are able to go to war in Israel.” 

3 So Moses and Eleazar the priest spoke with them in the plains of Moab by the Jordan, across from Jericho, saying: 

4 “Take a census of the people from twenty years old and above, just as the Lord commanded Moses and the children of Israel who came out of the land of Egypt.”

5 Reuben was the firstborn of Israel. The children of Reuben were: of Hanoch, the family of the Hanochites; of Pallu, the family of the Palluites; 

6 of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites; of Carmi, the family of the Carmites. 

7 These are the families of the Reubenites: those who were numbered of them were forty-three thousand seven hundred and thirty. 

8 And the son of Pallu was Eliab. 

9 The sons of Eliab were Nemuel, Dathan, and Abiram. These are the Dathan and Abiram, representatives of the congregation, who contended against Moses and Aaron in the company of Korah, when they contended against the Lord; 

10 and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up together with Korah when that company died, when the fire devoured two hundred and fifty men; and they became a sign. 

11 Nevertheless the children of Korah did not die.

12 The sons of Simeon according to their families were: of Nemuel, the family of the Nemuelites; of Jamin, the family of the Jaminites; of Jachin, the family of the Jachinites; 

13 of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites; of Shaul, the family of the Shaulites. 

14 These are the families of the Simeonites: twenty-two thousand two hundred.

15 The sons of Gad according to their families were: of Zephon, the family of the Zephonites; of Haggi, the family of the Haggites; of Shuni, the family of the Shunites; 

16 of Ozni, the family of the Oznites; of Eri, the family of the Erites; 

17 of Arod, the family of the Arodites; of Areli, the family of the Arelites. 

18 These are the families of the sons of Gad according to those who were numbered of them: forty thousand five hundred.

19 The sons of Judah were Er and Onan; and Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. 

20 And the sons of Judah according to their families were: of Shelah, the family of the Shelanites; of Perez, the family of the Parzites; of Zerah, the family of the Zarhites. 

21 And the sons of Perez were: of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites; of Hamul, the family of the Hamulites. 

22 These are the families of Judah according to those who were numbered of them: seventy-six thousand five hundred.

23 The sons of Issachar according to their families were: of Tola, the family of the Tolaites; of Puah, the family of the Punites; 

24 of Jashub, the family of the Jashubites; of Shimron, the family of the Shimronites. 

25 These are the families of Issachar according to those who were numbered of them: sixty-four thousand three hundred.

26 The sons of Zebulun according to their families were: of Sered, the family of the Sardites; of Elon, the family of the Elonites; of Jahleel, the family of the Jahleelites. 

27 These are the families of the Zebulunites according to those who were numbered of them: sixty thousand five hundred.

28 The sons of Joseph according to their families, by Manasseh and Ephraim, were: 

29 The sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites; and Machir begot Gilead; of Gilead, the family of the Gileadites. 

30 These are the sons of Gilead: of Jeezer, the family of the Jeezerites; of Helek, the family of the Helekites; 

31 of Asriel, the family of the Asrielites; of Shechem, the family of the Shechemites; 

32 of Shemida, the family of the Shemidaites; of Hepher, the family of the Hepherites. 

33 Now Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters; and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. 

34 These are the families of Manasseh; and those who were numbered of them were fifty-two thousand seven hundred.

35 These are the sons of Ephraim according to their families: of Shuthelah, the family of the Shuthalhites; of Becher, the family of the Bachrites; of Tahan, the family of the Tahanites. 

36 And these are the sons of Shuthelah: of Eran, the family of the Eranites. 

37 These are the families of the sons of Ephraim according to those who were numbered of them: thirty-two thousand five hundred. These are the sons of Joseph according to their families.

38 The sons of Benjamin according to their families were: of Bela, the family of the Belaites; of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites; of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites; 

39 of Shupham, the family of the Shuphamites; of Hupham, the family of the Huphamites. 

40 And the sons of Bela were Ard and Naaman: of Ard, the family of the Ardites; of Naaman, the family of the Naamites. 

41 These are the sons of Benjamin according to their families; and those who were numbered of them were forty-five thousand six hundred.

42 These are the sons of Dan according to their families: of Shuham, the family of the Shuhamites. These are the families of Dan according to their families. 

43 All the families of the Shuhamites, according to those who were numbered of them, were sixty-four thousand four hundred.

44 The sons of Asher according to their families were: of Jimna, the family of the Jimnites; of Jesui, the family of the Jesuites; of Beriah, the family of the Beriites. 

45 Of the sons of Beriah: of Heber, the family of the Heberites; of Malchiel, the family of the Malchielites. 

46 And the name of the daughter of Asher was Serah. 

47 These are the families of the sons of Asher according to those who were numbered of them: fifty-three thousand four hundred.

48 The sons of Naphtali according to their families were: of Jahzeel, the family of the Jahzeelites; of Guni, the family of the Gunites; 

49 of Jezer, the family of the Jezerites; of Shillem, the family of the Shillemites. 

50 These are the families of Naphtali according to their families; and those who were numbered of them were forty-five thousand four hundred.

51 These are those who were numbered of the children of Israel: six hundred and one thousand seven hundred and thirty.

52 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 

53 “To these the land shall be divided as an inheritance, according to the number of names. 

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

55 But the land shall be divided by lot; they shall inherit according to the names of the tribes of their fathers. 

56 According to the lot their inheritance shall be divided between the larger and the smaller.”

57 And these are those who were numbered of the Levites according to their families: of Gershon, the family of the Gershonites; of Kohath, the family of the Kohathites; of Merari, the family of the Merarites. 

58 These are the families of the Levites: the family of the Libnites, the family of the Hebronites, the family of the Mahlites, the family of the Mushites, and the family of the Korathites. And Kohath begot Amram. 

59 The name of Amram’s wife was Jochebed the daughter of Levi, who was born to Levi in Egypt; and to Amram she bore Aaron and Moses and their sister Miriam. 

60 To Aaron were born Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. 

61 And Nadab and Abihu died when they offered profane fire before the Lord.

62 Now those who were numbered of them were twenty-three thousand, every male from a month old and above; for they were not numbered among the other children of Israel, because there was no inheritance given to them among the children of Israel.

63 These are those who were numbered by Moses and Eleazar the priest, who numbered the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by the Jordan, across from Jericho. 

64 But among these there was not a man of those who were numbered by Moses and Aaron the priest when they numbered the children of Israel in the Wilderness of Sinai. 

65 For the Lord had said of them, “They shall surely die in the wilderness.” So there was not left a man of them, except Caleb the son of Jephunneh and Joshua the son of Nun.

Journal:

• Where has God been asking me to stay faithful in my current season?
• What past lessons is God using to prepare me for what is ahead?
• How can I trust God more fully with the future He is already planning for me?