The Daily Dose

A zeal that protects the heart

“Phinehas the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned back My wrath from the children of Israel, because he was zealous with My zeal among them, so that I did not consume the children of Israel in My zeal. ~ Numbers 25:11

Have you ever noticed how slowly compromise can slip into life, almost unnoticed, until it begins to affect your peace, your clarity, and your closeness with God? In today’s world, where culture constantly pulls at values and convictions, today’s scripture reading is a clear example of the importance of guarding the heart and staying faithful even when temptation feels subtle or socially acceptable.

In this chapter, Israel had become entangled with influences that drew them away from God. What began as relationships and invitations turned into spiritual compromise. Yet in the middle of failure, God honored zeal, obedience, and courage that protected the community and restored direction.

Below are three truths to consider as you read the scripture today:

1. Compromise often starts small but carries serious consequences.

Israel did not fall all at once, it began with choices that seemed harmless but led to separation from God.

Pay attention to small decisions that weaken spiritual focus. Ask God to show you habits, influences, or environments that pull you away from Him. Take one step this week to remove or limit something that consistently distracts you from your walk with God.

2. Spiritual courage protects more than just one life.

Phinehas acted decisively, not out of anger, but out of devotion to God and concern for the community. His obedience stopped destruction and brought restoration.

Be willing to take a loving but firm stand when boundaries are needed. Speak truth with grace in your home, friendships, or ministry. Courage rooted in love can bring healing far beyond what you can see.

3. God honors faithfulness and restores peace.

God responded to Phinehas by establishing a covenant of peace, showing that obedience brings renewal, not punishment.

Trust that choosing God’s way leads to peace, even when it feels uncomfortable at first. Begin each day by surrendering your choices to Him and asking for strength to remain faithful in both public and private moments.

I once lived life in constant compromise, not through obvious rebellion but through exhaustion, distraction, and wanting things to feel easier. As a result, I rarely walked in peace and my sensitivity to God’s voice was very dull. In fact, I didn’t even know how to recognize when God’s Spirit was pointing me to the right path.  I was deceived into thinking I was doing all I could with what I had to deal with. When I finally acknowledged that I couldn’t do it all on my own and asked God for help, He gently corrected me and restored clarity so that I could know and be empowered to follow His leading. Choosing obedience wasn’t always easy, but it brought a renewed sense of peace and purpose that reminded me how faithful God is to meet us when we turn back to Him.

Today I want to encourage you to guard your heart with courage and devotion. God is not looking for perfection, but He honors faithfulness. When you choose Him again and again, even after missteps, He brings peace, restoration, and strength to stand firm in a world full of distractions.

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 25

1 Now Israel remained in Acacia Grove, and the people began to commit harlotry with the women of Moab. 

2 They invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate and bowed down to their gods. 

3 So Israel was joined to Baal of Peor, and the anger of the Lord was aroused against Israel.

4 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Take all the leaders of the people and hang the offenders before the Lord, out in the sun, that the fierce anger of the Lord may turn away from Israel.”

5 So Moses said to the judges of Israel, “Every one of you kill his men who were joined to Baal of Peor.”

6 And indeed, one of the children of Israel came and presented to his brethren a Midianite woman in the sight of Moses and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel, who were weeping at the door of the tabernacle of meeting. 

7 Now when Phinehas the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw it, he rose from among the congregation and took a javelin in his hand; 

8 and he went after the man of Israel into the tent and thrust both of them through, the man of Israel, and the woman through her body. So the plague was stopped among the children of Israel. 

9 And those who died in the plague were twenty-four thousand.

10 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 

11 “Phinehas the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned back My wrath from the children of Israel, because he was zealous with My zeal among them, so that I did not consume the children of Israel in My zeal. 

12 Therefore say, ‘Behold, I give to him My covenant of peace; 

13 and it shall be to him and his descendants after him a covenant of an everlasting priesthood, because he was zealous for his God, and made atonement for the children of Israel.’ ”

14 Now the name of the Israelite who was killed, who was killed with the Midianite woman, was Zimri the son of Salu, a leader of a father’s house among the Simeonites. 

15 And the name of the Midianite woman who was killed was Cozbi the daughter of Zur; he was head of the people of a father’s house in Midian.

16 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 

17 “Harass the Midianites, and attack them; 

18 for they harassed you with their schemes by which they seduced you in the matter of Peor and in the matter of Cozbi, the daughter of a leader of Midian, their sister, who was killed in the day of the plague because of Peor.”

Journal:

• Where might small compromises be affecting my spiritual peace
• What boundaries do I need to strengthen in this season
• How is God inviting me to choose faithfulness more intentionally
• What step can I take today to protect my relationship with Him

A clear view of God’s blessing

‘He bows down, he lies down as a lion; And as a lion, who shall rouse him?’ “Blessed is he who blesses you, and cursed is he who curses you.” ~ Numbers 24:9

Have you ever wondered what God sees over your life when others try to define you, limit you, or speak against you? In a world full of opinions, pressure, and noise, This chapter in Numbers reminds us that God’s perspective is higher, clearer, and filled with purpose that cannot be overturned.

In today’s scripture reading, Balaam finally stops trying to manipulate the situation and instead allows God’s Spirit to speak freely. What comes out is not a curse, but a powerful declaration of blessing, strength, and future hope over God’s people. This message is still true for God’s people today who are learning to trust His voice over the noise and distractions around us.

Here are three truths for you to think about today:

1. God’s blessing is intentional and unmovable.

Balaam describes Israel as secure, fruitful, and strong, not because of their perfection but because of God’s choosing.

When insecurity or comparison creeps in, remind yourself that God’s blessing on your life is deliberate. Start each day by thanking Him for what He has already done rather than focusing on what feels like it is missing.

2. Clarity comes when you stop striving and start listening.

Balaam no longer relied on rituals or attempts to control what happened, he simply listened to God and spoke what he heard.

Slow down when making decisions. Create space through prayer and scripture to hear God’s direction before reacting to pressure or expectations. Let peace confirm your next step.

3. God reveals future hope even in uncertain times.

Balaam prophesied about what was still to come, a future victory and a coming ruler, reminding God’s people that their story was not finished.

When the future feels unclear and uncertain, trust that God is already at work beyond what you can see. Write down the hopes He has placed in your heart and pray over them regularly, believing He is faithful to complete what He has started in your life.

I have walked through many times in my life where I felt misunderstood and underestimated. There were moments when circumstances or opinions made it easy to doubt what God had spoken to me in quieter moments. Over time, God reminded me that His blessing was not dependent on approval or ease. As I purposed to listen more closely, recognize His voice in my heart and trust His timing, I saw His faithfulness come through in ways I could never have planned on my own.

Today I want to encourage you to trust the blessing God has spoken over your life. Let His voice carry more weight than fear, doubt, or opposition. Walk forward with confidence knowing that what He has spoken cannot be undone, and His purposes for you are filled with strength, hope, and promise.

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 24

1 Now when Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he did not go as at other times, to seek to use sorcery, but he set his face toward the wilderness. 

2 And Balaam raised his eyes, and saw Israel encamped according to their tribes; and the Spirit of God came upon him.

3 Then he took up his oracle and said: “The utterance of Balaam the son of Beor, the utterance of the man whose eyes are opened,

4 The utterance of him who hears the words of God, Who sees the vision of the Almighty, Who falls down, with eyes wide open:

5 “How lovely are your tents, O Jacob! Your dwellings, O Israel!

6 Like valleys that stretch out, like gardens by the riverside, like aloes planted by the Lord, like cedars beside the waters.

7 He shall pour water from his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters. “His king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.

8 “God brings him out of Egypt; He has strength like a wild ox; He shall consume the nations, his enemies; He shall break their bones and pierce them with his arrows.

9 ‘He bows down, he lies down as a lion; And as a lion, who shall rouse him?’

“Blessed is he who blesses you, and cursed is he who curses you.”

10 Then Balak’s anger was aroused against Balaam, and he struck his hands together; and Balak said to Balaam, “I called you to curse my enemies, and look, you have bountifully blessed them these three times! 

11 Now therefore, flee to your place. I said I would greatly honor you, but in fact, the Lord has kept you back from honor.”

12 So Balaam said to Balak, “Did I not also speak to your messengers whom you sent to me, saying, 

13 ‘If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the word of the Lord, to do good or bad of my own will. What the Lord says, that I must speak’? 

14 And now, indeed, I am going to my people. Come, I will advise you what this people will do to your people in the latter days.”

15 So he took up his oracle and said: “The utterance of Balaam the son of Beor, and the utterance of the man whose eyes are opened;

16 The utterance of him who hears the words of God, and has the knowledge of the Most High, Who sees the vision of the Almighty, Who falls down, with eyes wide open:

17 “I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; A Star shall come out of Jacob; A Scepter shall rise out of Israel, and batter the brow of Moab, and destroy all the sons of tumult.

18 “And Edom shall be a possession; Seir also, his enemies, shall be a possession, while Israel does valiantly.

19 Out of Jacob One shall have dominion, and destroy the remains of the city.”

20 Then he looked on Amalek, and he took up his oracle and said: “Amalek was first among the nations, but shall be last until he perishes.”

21 Then he looked on the Kenites, and he took up his oracle and said: “Firm is your dwelling place, and your nest is set in the rock;

22 Nevertheless Kain shall be burned. How long until Asshur carries you away captive?”

23 Then he took up his oracle and said: “Alas! Who shall live when God does this?

24 But ships shall come from the coasts of Cyprus, and they shall afflict Asshur and afflict Eber, and so shall Amalek, until he perishes.”

25 So Balaam rose and departed and returned to his place; Balak also went his way.

Journal:

• What voices have I allowed to shape how I see myself
• Where do I need to trust God’s blessing instead of striving for control
• What future hope has God placed in my heart that I need to hold onto
• How can I create more space to listen for God’s direction this week

Get out of the Wilderness

And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan, and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered to Him. ~ Mark 1:13

Have you ever felt like you were in a wilderness, alone and wandering without direction or purpose? Maybe you felt forced to make decisions not because you wanted to, but because circumstances demanded it. Have you ever felt surrounded by temptation and confusion, unsure how to find your way out? You may be feeling that way right now, wondering how to move forward when everything feels dry, difficult, or overwhelming.

I spent many years living in the wilderness myself, wondering around with no purpose or passion. The worse part about my wilderness times was that I did not even recognize it in that dry and empty place. I believed I was on the right path, but before long I found myself navigating life by reacting to pressure instead of walking with purpose. Each time I tried to move toward something better, familiar temptations and unhealthy patterns pulled me back in to the cycle I was trapped in. I am so thankful that God was protected me despite my rebellion. There were moments when I cried out for help in the middle of deep pits, and though I did not yet understand my purpose, God’s mercy kept me from destruction. Everything began to change when I discovered that God had a plan for my life and invited me to walk it out as He guided my steps.

In today’s passage, Jesus also experienced a wilderness time. He did not bypass it, but He did not remain there either. He fasted, prayed, and stood firm in who He was and what He was sent to do. Though surrounded by danger, angels strengthened Him. The wilderness did not define Him, it prepared Him for what was coming up next in His life.

Here are a few practical truths from this passage and how to begin living them out in your life today.

1. Wilderness seasons are real, but they are not permanent.

Jesus entered the wilderness by the leading of the Spirit, but He did not live there forever.

Remind yourself each day that your current season does not cancel God’s promises. Speak hope over your situation and ask God to help you see where this season is leading, not just where it hurts.

2. Temptation loses power when your purpose is clear.

Jesus overcame temptation because He knew who He was and what He was sent to do.

Spend time in prayer each morning asking God to reveal the purpose He has placed in your life. Write down what you sense He is calling you toward and take one small obedient step in that direction this week.

3. God sends strength even when the battle feels intense.

Angels ministered to Jesus in the wilderness, reminding us that God never leaves His people unsupported.

Invite God into your daily struggles through prayer and His Word. Ask Him for strength before reacting to pressure, and trust that help will come even if you do not see it immediately.

Today I want to encourage you to believe that the wilderness does not have the final word over your life. God meets you there, strengthens you there, and leads you out with great clarity and purpose. As you seek Him, He will empower you to resist temptation, and walk with you in obedience. He will guide you into the place He has prepared for you. You were never meant to stay lost or discouraged, you were created to walk in His goodness and live with confidence in His plan.

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 1:9-15

12 Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness. 

13 And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan, and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered to Him.

Jesus Begins His Galilean Ministry

14 Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 

15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

Journal:

• Where do I currently feel like I am in a wilderness season
• What temptations or pressures seem strongest right now
• What purpose might God be developing in me during this time
• What is one step I can take this week to move closer to God’s direction    for my life 
  

Your Place

Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. ~ Mark 1:5

There is a place for you in the body of believers. God has a plan and a purpose for your life in a specific place to make a difference in the lives of others. Maybe it doesn’t feel clear right now, or maybe it feels like it is taking far longer than expected, but as you stay faithful in the small things He places in front of you today, God will move you into greater opportunities in His time.

In today’s reading, John the Baptist had both a mission and a place assigned by God. Most people recognize his important role in announcing the ministry of Jesus, yet the location of his calling did not seem impressive. He was not preaching in the synagogue, and he was not invited into the city to host great revival gatherings. His ministry took place in the wilderness, an uncultivated, remote area where few people lived. John could have grown discouraged by where God placed him, but instead he preached faithfully until people came. Scripture tells us that all the land of Judea and those from Jerusalem went out to hear him. John did not need to chase recognition or gather attention on his own. God brought the people to him right where he was. His ministry grew, his influence expanded, and when Jesus appeared, John’s followers transitioned to follow the Messiah. Those who began in the wilderness were given a front row seat to God’s redemptive work.

This same principle is true for you today. Wherever God has placed you right now, whether it feels visible or hidden, He knows exactly where you are. He will bring the right people into your path, people for you to love, encourage, and share His truth with. Even if you only reach one person, that matters deeply to God. Sometimes He places you in a specific season for the sake of one heart, simply because He loves them that much.

Here are some ways you can live faithfully in the place God has you right now.

1. Stay faithful where you are.

John preached consistently in the wilderness without waiting for better conditions.

Start by serving wholeheartedly in your current role, job, family, or ministry. Ask God each morning who He wants you to notice and care for today.

2. Trust God with visibility and timing.

John did not promote himself or seek attention. Begin by releasing the pressure to be seen or recognized. Pray for contentment and trust that God will bring influence when and how He chooses.

3. Love the people God brings to you.

John welcomed those who came, regardless of their background. Look for opportunities to listen, encourage, and pray for the people already in your sphere of influence. Make space for meaningful conversations right where you are.

This is an area of life that I need to be constantly reminded of.  No matter where God leads me, there are still days and times when I questions who is even being impacted by the things I do?  Many times, I feel overlooked, wondering if my efforts truly matter or if I am in the right place at all. But the Holy Spirit shows me, every time that obedience in small, unseen moments is always shaping something far bigger than I can see right now. As I stay faithful to the people in front of me, He slowly expands my influence, not for recognition, but for His purpose. Now I depend on His grace to show me that every quiet moment is preparing me for what is coming next.

Today I want to encourage you to trust God with where He has placed you, to serve faithfully in the season you are in, and to love the people He has entrusted to you right now. You are not forgotten, misplaced, or delayed. You are on mission for the Kingdom of Heaven, not for personal recognition, and God will use your faithfulness to impact lives in ways you may not yet see.

Today’s scripture reading: Mark 1:1-11

1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 

2 As it is written in the Prophets: “Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who will prepare Your way before You.”

3 “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’ ”

4 John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. 

5 Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.

6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 

7 And he preached, saying, “There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. 

8 I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

John Baptizes Jesus

9 It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 

10 And immediately, coming up from the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove. 

11 Then a voice came from heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Journal:

• Where has God placed me in this season of my life?
• Who are the people God has already brought into my path to love and encourage?
• What small act of faithfulness can I commit to today?
• How can I trust God more fully with timing and outcomes? 

Blessed beyond reversal

“God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? ~ Numbers 23:19

Have you ever wondered if circumstances, opinions, or opposition could undo what God has already spoken over your life? In a world where voices are loud and pressure is constant, today’s scripture reading reminds us that God’s blessing cannot be canceled, twisted, or overturned by human intent.

Below are three points taken from today’s passage

1. God’s promises are unchangeable.

Balaam was hired to curse Israel, yet every time he opened his mouth, blessing came instead. What God had declared over His people could not be altered.

When doubts rise or others speak negatively about your future, return to what God has already spoken through His Word. Write down His promises and pray them out loud. Let truth replace fear when circumstances try to challenge what God has designed for your life.

2. Opposition does not mean absence of His favor.

Israel was surrounded by enemies, yet God was actively protecting them and blessing them at the same time. Pressure did not remove God’s covering.

When you face resistance at work, in relationships, or in ministry, do not assume you are off course. Instead, ask God for confidence to stay faithful and keep moving forward, trusting that His presence is with you and will breakthrough resistance.

3. God speaks blessing even when others intend harm.

Balaam acknowledged that he could only speak what God put in his mouth. What was meant to harm became a words of life.

Release control over how others treat you and trust God to defend you. Pray for those who misunderstand you and believe that God can turn difficult situations into testimonies of His goodness.

I have personally walked through seasons where words spoken by others created insecurity and doubt. There have been moments when I wondered if past mistakes or current struggles could disqualify what God had placed in my heart. Over time, the Holy Spirit showed me that His calling and promises were not based on opinions or circumstances. He continued to open doors, provide peace, and confirm His direction through every opposition. Those moments strengthened me to rest in His faithfulness rather than striving to prove myself.

Today I want to encourage you to stand confidently in what God has spoken over your life. No voice, no situation, and no opposition has the power to reverse His blessing. Trust His character, hold tightly to His promises, and walk forward knowing that what God has spoken, He will surely bring to pass.

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 23

1 Then Balaam said to Balak, “Build seven altars for me here, and prepare for me here seven bulls and seven rams.”

2 And Balak did just as Balaam had spoken, and Balak and Balaam offered a bull and a ram on each altar. 

3 Then Balaam said to Balak, “Stand by your burnt offering, and I will go; perhaps the Lord will come to meet me, and whatever He shows me I will tell you.” So he went to a desolate height. 

4 And God met Balaam, and he said to Him, “I have prepared the seven altars, and I have offered on each altar a bull and a ram.”

5 Then the Lord put a word in Balaam’s mouth, and said, “Return to Balak, and thus you shall speak.” 

6 So he returned to him, and there he was, standing by his burnt offering, he and all the princes of Moab.

7 And he took up his oracle and said: “Balak the king of Moab has brought me from Aram, from the mountains of the east. ‘Come, curse Jacob for me, and come, denounce Israel!’

8 “How shall I curse whom God has not cursed? And how shall I denounce whom the Lord has not denounced?

9 For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him; There! A people dwelling alone, not reckoning itself among the nations.

10 “Who can count the dust of Jacob, or number one-fourth of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my end be like his!”

11 Then Balak said to Balaam, “What have you done to me? I took you to curse my enemies, and look, you have blessed them bountifully!”

12 So he answered and said, “Must I not take heed to speak what the Lord has put in my mouth?”

Balaam’s Second Prophecy

13 Then Balak said to him, “Please come with me to another place from which you may see them; you shall see only the outer part of them, and shall not see them all; curse them for me from there.” 

14 So he brought him to the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah, and built seven altars, and offered a bull and a ram on each altar.

15 And he said to Balak, “Stand here by your burnt offering while I meet the Lord over there.”

16 Then the Lord met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, “Go back to Balak, and thus you shall speak.” 

17 So he came to him, and there he was, standing by his burnt offering, and the princes of Moab were with him. And Balak said to him, “What has the Lord spoken?”

18 Then he took up his oracle and said: “Rise up, Balak, and hear! Listen to me, son of Zippor!

19 “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?

20 Behold, I have received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot reverse it.

21 “He has not observed iniquity in Jacob, nor has He seen wickedness in Israel. The Lord his God is with him, and the shout of a King is among them.

22 God brings them out of Egypt; He has strength like a wild ox.

23 “For there is no sorcery against Jacob, nor any divination against Israel. it now must be said of Jacob and of Israel, ‘Oh, what God has done!’

24 Look, a people rises like a lioness, and lifts itself up like a lion; It shall not lie down until it devours the prey, and drinks the blood of the slain.”

25 Then Balak said to Balaam, “Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all!”

26 So Balaam answered and said to Balak, “Did I not tell you, saying, ‘All that the Lord speaks, that I must do’?”

27 Then Balak said to Balaam, “Please come, I will take you to another place; perhaps it will please God that you may curse them for me from there.” 

28 So Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, that overlooks the wasteland. 

29 Then Balaam said to Balak, “Build for me here seven altars, and prepare for me here seven bulls and seven rams.” 

30 And Balak did as Balaam had said, and offered a bull and a ram on every altar.

Journal:

• What promises has God spoken over my life that I need to trust again
• Where have I allowed opposition or negative voices to create doubt
• How can I remind myself daily of God’s unchanging faithfulness
• What would it look like to walk in confidence instead of fear this week

Listening when God speaks clearly

Then the Angel of the Lord said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but only the word that I speak to you, that you shall speak.” So Balaam went with the princes of Balak. ~ Numbers 22:35

Have you ever wanted something so badly that you kept asking God for permission even after He had already made His will clear? In today’s fast paced world, it is easy to confuse opportunity with approval, or persistence with faith, especially when pressure, fear, or promise of gain is involved. Today’s scripture reading shows us that God still speaks clearly, and obedience begins with listening the first time.

Below are three points to keep in mind as you read today’s scripture passage:

1. God’s guidance is clear even when the path looks appealing.

Balaam was tempted by reward and recognition, even though God had already told him no. The pressure of what he could gain caused him to keep entertaining the offer.

When a job opportunity, relationship, or decision looks good on the surface, pause and ask if it agrees with what God has already spoken through His Word and prayer. If God has already given direction, choose to trust Him rather than reopening the question because of pressure or desire.

2. Resistance often comes when we ignore God’s warnings.

God used a donkey to stop Balaam and protect him from harm. What seemed like an inconvenience was actually God’s mercy.

When plans keep getting delayed, doors keep closing, or frustration increases, stop and ask God if He is trying to get your attention. Instead of pushing harder, slow down, pray, and ask Him what He wants you to see or change.

3. Obedience requires humility and surrender.

Once Balaam’s eyes were opened, he realized God had been protecting him all along. True obedience came when he surrendered his agenda and committed to speak only what God allowed.

Practice humility by inviting God into your decision making daily. Say out loud in prayer that you want His will above your own. Choose obedience even when it costs comfort, recognition, or control.

I have experienced moments where I knew what God was asking of me, yet I continued to wrestle because the alternative felt easier or more rewarding. There were times when I pushed forward only to feel stalled, frustrated, and drained. Looking back, those interruptions were not setbacks but protection. When I finally surrendered my plans and listened, God brought clarity, peace, and direction I could not have created on my own. His patience reminded me that obedience and getting in line with His plans always leads to life.

Today I want to encourage you to trust God’s voice, even when temptation, pressure, or opportunity tries to pull you in another direction. God is faithful to guide, protect, and redirect when hearts remain tender and willing. When you choose obedience over convenience, you step into His peace and purpose with confidence.

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 22

1 Then the children of Israel moved, and camped in the plains of Moab on the side of the Jordan across from Jericho.

2 Now Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. 

3 And Moab was exceedingly afraid of the people because they were many, and Moab was sick with dread because of the children of Israel. 

4 So Moab said to the elders of Midian, “Now this company will lick up everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field.” And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time. 

5 Then he sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor at Pethor, which is near the River in the land of the sons of his people, to call him, saying: “Look, a people has come from Egypt. See, they cover the face of the earth, and are settling next to me! 

6 Therefore please come at once, curse this people for me, for they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I shall be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land, for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.”

7 So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the diviner’s fee in their hand, and they came to Balaam and spoke to him the words of Balak. 

8 And he said to them, “Lodge here tonight, and I will bring back word to you, as the Lord speaks to me.” So the princes of Moab stayed with Balaam.

9 Then God came to Balaam and said, “Who are these men with you?”

10 So Balaam said to God, “Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent to me, saying, 

11 ‘Look, a people has come out of Egypt, and they cover the face of the earth. Come now, curse them for me; perhaps I shall be able to overpower them and drive them out.’ ”

12 And God said to Balaam, “You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.”

13 So Balaam rose in the morning and said to the princes of Balak, “Go back to your land, for the Lord has refused to give me permission to go with you.”

14 And the princes of Moab rose and went to Balak, and said, “Balaam refuses to come with us.”

15 Then Balak again sent princes, more numerous and more honorable than they. 

16 And they came to Balaam and said to him, “Thus says Balak the son of Zippor: ‘Please let nothing hinder you from coming to me; 

17 for I will certainly honor you greatly, and I will do whatever you say to me. Therefore please come, curse this people for me.’ ”

18 Then Balaam answered and said to the servants of Balak, “Though Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the word of the Lord my God, to do less or more. 

19 Now therefore, please, you also stay here tonight, that I may know what more the Lord will say to me.”

20 And God came to Balaam at night and said to him, “If the men come to call you, rise and go with them; but only the word which I speak to you—that you shall do.” 

21 So Balaam rose in the morning, saddled his donkey, and went with the princes of Moab.

Balaam, the Donkey, and the Angel

22 Then God’s anger was aroused because he went, and the Angel of the Lord took His stand in the way as an adversary against him. And he was riding on his donkey, and his two servants were with him. 

23 Now the donkey saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the way with His drawn sword in His hand, and the donkey turned aside out of the way and went into the field. So Balaam struck the donkey to turn her back onto the road. 

24 Then the Angel of the Lord stood in a narrow path between the vineyards, with a wall on this side and a wall on that side. 

25 And when the donkey saw the Angel of the Lord, she pushed herself against the wall and crushed Balaam’s foot against the wall; so he struck her again. 

26 Then the Angel of the Lord went further, and stood in a narrow place where there was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left. 

27 And when the donkey saw the Angel of the Lord, she lay down under Balaam; so Balaam’s anger was aroused, and he struck the donkey with his staff.

28 Then the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?”

29 And Balaam said to the donkey, “Because you have abused me. I wish there were a sword in my hand, for now I would kill you!”

30 So the donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your donkey on which you have ridden, ever since I became yours, to this day? Was I ever disposed to do this to you?”

And he said, “No.”

31 Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the way with His drawn sword in His hand; and he bowed his head and fell flat on his face. 

32 And the Angel of the Lord said to him, “Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to stand against you, because your way is perverse before Me. 

33 The donkey saw Me and turned aside from Me these three times. If she had not turned aside from Me, surely I would also have killed you by now, and let her live.”

34 And Balaam said to the Angel of the Lord, “I have sinned, for I did not know You stood in the way against me. Now therefore, if it displeases You, I will turn back.”

35 Then the Angel of the Lord said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but only the word that I speak to you, that you shall speak.” So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.

36 Now when Balak heard that Balaam was coming, he went out to meet him at the city of Moab, which is on the border at the Arnon, the boundary of the territory. 

37 Then Balak said to Balaam, “Did I not earnestly send to you, calling for you? Why did you not come to me? Am I not able to honor you?”

38 And Balaam said to Balak, “Look, I have come to you! Now, have I any power at all to say anything? The word that God puts in my mouth, that I must speak.” 

39 So Balaam went with Balak, and they came to Kirjath Huzoth. 

40 Then Balak offered oxen and sheep, and he sent some to Balaam and to the princes who were with him.

Balaam’s First Prophecy

41 So it was, the next day, that Balak took Balaam and brought him up to the high places of Baal, that from there he might observe the extent of the people.

Journal:

• Where might God have already spoken clearly, but I am still questioning His direction
• What pressures or desires make obedience challenging right now
• What would surrender look like in my current situation
• How can I create space each day to listen for God’s guidance

Looking up when it feels hard

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and it shall be that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, shall live.” ~ Numbers 21:8

What do you do when the journey feels longer than expected and discouragement starts to shape your attitude more than faith? As God’s people today, it is easy to begin well and still struggle when progress feels slow, prayers seem unanswered, or familiar challenges keep coming along the road. Today’s scripture shows us that even after many victories, God’s people faced moments of impatience, complaint, and renewed dependence on Him.

This chapter reminds us that God remains faithful in seasons of weariness and suffering.  It also reminds us that where we choose to look determines our breakthroughs.

Below are three takeaways from Numbers 21:

1. Discouragement can distort perspective.

The Israelites grew impatient and focused on what they lacked rather than what God had already done. Their words revealed hearts weighed down by frustration instead of trust that God would get them through.

When you feel discouragement because life feels repetitive or heavy, intentionally name what God has already provided. Start your day by thanking Him for specific provisions, even small ones, and ask Him to guard your words so they strengthen your faith instead of draining it.

2. God provides a way of healing that requires obedience.

When the people were bitten by serpents, God made a way for healing that seemed simple but required trust. They had to look at what God provided in order to live.

When you feel wounded by disappointment, failure, or fear, choose obedience even when it feels basic or uncomfortable. Open your God’s Word, pray honestly, and turn your attention toward the Lord Jesus instead of replaying the pain of your problems. Healing begins with a simple act of trust.

3. Where you focus determines your outcome.

Those who looked at the bronze serpent lived, those who refused did not. Life or death depended on their focus.

When your circumstances feel overwhelming, shift your focus intentionally. Instead of fixing your attention on the problem, lift your eyes to God’s promises. Write down one truth from Scripture and return to it throughout the day whenever anxiety or frustration tries to take over.

I have experienced this personally in my life when I felt worn down by repeated challenges and slow progress. There were times I knew the right answers but still felt discouraged because the journey was taking longer than I expected. I remember that my peace returned when I stopped staring at what was not changing and intentionally turned my attention back to God’s faithfulness. In those moments, choosing to look to Him did not remove every challenge immediately, but it restored His empowering grace and my strength to remember that He was still working, even when the road felt long.

Today I want to encourage you to lift your eyes when discouragement sets in and the journey feels difficult. Just as God provided healing and hope for His people in Numbers 21, He continues to offer life, restoration, and direction to those who choose to look to Him. Let your focus remain on His provision, His promises, and His faithfulness, knowing that where you look will shape how you live and how you move forward.

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 21

1 The king of Arad, the Canaanite, who dwelt in the South, heard that Israel was coming on the road to Atharim. Then he fought against Israel and took some of them prisoners. 

2 So Israel made a vow to the Lord, and said, “If You will indeed deliver this people into my hand, then I will utterly destroy their cities.” 

3 And the Lord listened to the voice of Israel and delivered up the Canaanites, and they utterly destroyed them and their cities. So the name of that place was called Hormah.

4 Then they journeyed from Mount Hor by the Way of the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; and the soul of the people became very discouraged on the way. 

5 And the people spoke against God and against Moses: “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and our soul loathes this worthless bread.” 

6 So the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and many of the people of Israel died.

7 Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against you; pray to the Lord that He take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people.

8 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and it shall be that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, shall live.” 

9 So Moses made a bronze serpent, and put it on a pole; and so it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived.

From Mount Hor to Moab

10 Now the children of Israel moved on and camped in Oboth. 

11 And they journeyed from Oboth and camped at Ije Abarim, in the wilderness which is east of Moab, toward the sunrise. 

12 From there they moved and camped in the Valley of Zered. 

13 From there they moved and camped on the other side of the Arnon, which is in the wilderness that extends from the border of the Amorites; for the Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites. 

14 Therefore it is said in the Book of the Wars of the Lord: “Waheb in Suphah, the brooks of the Arnon,

15 And the slope of the brooks that reaches to the dwelling of Ar, and lies on the border of Moab.”

16 From there they went to Beer, which is the well where the Lord said to Moses, “Gather the people together, and I will give them water.” 

17 Then Israel sang this song: “Spring up, O well! All of you sing to it—

18 The well the leaders sank, dug by the nation’s nobles, by the lawgiver, with their staves.” and from the wilderness they went to Mattanah, 

19 from Mattanah to Nahaliel, from Nahaliel to Bamoth, 

20 and from Bamoth, in the valley that is in the country of Moab, to the top of Pisgah which looks down on the wasteland.

21 Then Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, saying, 

22 “Let me pass through your land. We will not turn aside into fields or vineyards; we will not drink water from wells. We will go by the King’s Highway until we have passed through your territory.” 

23 But Sihon would not allow Israel to pass through his territory. So Sihon gathered all his people together and went out against Israel in the wilderness, and he came to Jahaz and fought against Israel. 

24 Then Israel defeated him with the edge of the sword, and took possession of his land from the Arnon to the Jabbok, as far as the people of Ammon; for the border of the people of Ammon was fortified. 

25 So Israel took all these cities, and Israel dwelt in all the cities of the Amorites, in Heshbon and in all its villages. 

26 For Heshbon was the city of Sihon king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab, and had taken all his land from his hand as far as the Arnon. 

27 Therefore those who speak in proverbs say: “Come to Heshbon, let it be built; Let the city of Sihon be repaired.

28 “For fire went out from Heshbon, a flame from the city of Sihon; It consumed Ar of Moab, the lords of the heights of the Arnon.

29 Woe to you, Moab! You have perished, O people of Chemosh! He has given his sons as fugitives, And his daughters into captivity, to Sihon king of the Amorites.

30 “But we have shot at them; Heshbon has perished as far as Dibon. Then we laid waste as far as Nophah, which reaches to Medeba.”

31 Thus Israel dwelt in the land of the Amorites. 

32 Then Moses sent to spy out Jazer; and they took its villages and drove out the Amorites who were there.

King Og Defeated

33 And they turned and went up by the way to Bashan. So Og king of Bashan went out against them, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei. 

34 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Do not fear him, for I have delivered him into your hand, with all his people and his land; and you shall do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelt at Heshbon.” 

35 So they defeated him, his sons, and all his people, until there was no survivor left him; and they took possession of his land.

Journal:

• Where has discouragement been shaping my attitude lately?
• What am I focusing on more than God’s promises right now?
• What simple act of obedience is God inviting me to take today?
• How can I intentionally lift my eyes toward Him when challenges come?

When the Rock is still enough

Then Moses lifted his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod; and water came out abundantly, and the congregation and their animals drank. ~ Numbers 20:11

What do you do when frustration rises because the same problem keeps showing up again? I know I need to be reminded often that faith in God’s provision is not a one time event, but a daily way of living. I have sometimes thought how wonderful it would be if I could ask God for His provision once and never have to worry again about not having what I need. But the truth is that every need becomes an invitation to grow in closer connection with my Heavenly Father. As I bring my requests to Him, I press into His goodness and His desire to supply what is missing in my life. Ideally, I am already walking closely with Him, step by step, seeking His direction and provision in every area not just when I am in trouble.

In today’s scripture reading, God’s people find themselves once again in a familiar place of scarcity, pressure, grief, and impatience. The Israelites were without water again, and Moses once more stood before God to intercede on their behalf. This chapter reminds us that obedience matters, emotions are real, and God’s faithful love and provision still appear even when people struggle to respond in the right way.

Below are three truths to take away from today’s Dose:

1. Unmet expectations can test obedience.

Moses was instructed to speak to the rock, but instead he struck it in anger. God still provided water, despite Moses disobedience to God’s instructions.

When stress builds at work, at home, or in ministry, pause before reacting. Check in with the Holy Spirit and choose to follow His instructions over impulse and impatience, especially when the situation feels repetitive or exhausting.

2. Leadership pressure can quietly wear down the heart.

Moses carried years of responsibility, complaints, and personal loss. His moment of frustration came from the accumulated weight of leading God’s people.

If you are leading, serving, or caring for others, make space to bring your weariness honestly to God. Seek renewal through prayer, rest, and trusted community instead of pushing through on empty. You cannot pour effectively into others from a depleted spirit.

3. God’s provision is not canceled by human weakness.

Even after Moses’ disobedience and frustration, water still flowed for the people. God remained faithful to meet the need.

When you fall short or mishandle a moment, return to God quickly rather than withdrawing in shame. Tell Him where you missed it, not because He doesn’t know, but so your regret can be replaced with His forgiveness and goodness. Trust that His grace continues to supply what is needed while He shapes your heart.

A few years ago, I finally realized that when familiar challenges keep resurfacing and I feel like I am stuck in a cycle where the same problem keeps happening again and again is because I have not yet passed this test.  I remember coming to a point in time when I was so frustrated that I finally cried out to God saying: “Why does this keep happening to me over and over again?”  I didn’t hear a voice coming from heaven telling me what was going on, but I did sense the Holy Spirit gently shifting my heart to see that I was responding to the problem in my own frustrated way instead of taking it to Him and getting the solution and direction to leave that issue in the past. In my desperation to get rid of the situation that was plaguing me time and again, He reminded me that He was still my source, even when I felt depleted. In my desperation to escape what felt like an endless loop, God reminded me that He was still my source, even when I felt empty. In that moment, His grace met me, corrected me, and provided both strength, wisdom and provision. It was a valuable lesson that taught me to seek His direction rather than reacting the way I always had before.

Today I want to encourage you to trust God when pressure builds and patience feels strained. Let this passage remind you that God remains the faithful Rock, providing what is needed even as He invites His people to grow in obedience and dependence on Him. Let His grace steady you, His instruction guide you, and His provision reassure you that He is at work in every area of your life, all the time.

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 20

1 Then the children of Israel, the whole congregation, came into the Wilderness of Zin in the first month, and the people stayed in Kadesh; and Miriam died there and was buried there.

2 Now there was no water for the congregation; so they gathered together against Moses and Aaron. 

3 And the people contended with Moses and spoke, saying: “If only we had died when our brethren died before the Lord! 

4 Why have you brought up the assembly of the Lord into this wilderness, that we and our animals should die here? 

5 And why have you made us come up out of Egypt, to bring us to this evil place? It is not a place of grain or figs or vines or pomegranates; nor is there any water to drink.” 

6 So Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the door of the tabernacle of meeting, and they fell on their faces. And the glory of the Lord appeared to them.

7 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 

8 “Take the rod; you and your brother Aaron gather the congregation together. Speak to the rock before their eyes, and it will yield its water; thus you shall bring water for them out of the rock, and give drink to the congregation and their animals.” 

9 So Moses took the rod from before the Lord as He commanded him.

10 And Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock; and he said to them, “Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water for you out of this rock?” 

11 Then Moses lifted his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod; and water came out abundantly, and the congregation and their animals drank.

12 Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.”

13 This was the water of Meribah, because the children of Israel contended with the Lord, and He was hallowed among them.

Passage Through Edom Refused

14 Now Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom. “Thus says your brother Israel: ‘You know all the hardship that has befallen us, 

15 how our fathers went down to Egypt, and we dwelt in Egypt a long time, and the Egyptians afflicted us and our fathers. 

16 When we cried out to the Lord, He heard our voice and sent the Angel and brought us up out of Egypt; now here we are in Kadesh, a city on the edge of your border. 

17 Please let us pass through your country. We will not pass through fields or vineyards, nor will we drink water from wells; we will go along the King’s Highway; we will not turn aside to the right hand or to the left until we have passed through your territory.’ ”

18 Then Edom said to him, “You shall not pass through my land, lest I come out against you with the sword.”

19 So the children of Israel said to him, “We will go by the Highway, and if I or my livestock drink any of your water, then I will pay for it; let me only pass through on foot, nothing more.”

20 Then he said, “You shall not pass through.” So Edom came out against them with many men and with a strong hand. 

21 Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage through his territory; so Israel turned away from him.

22 Now the children of Israel, the whole congregation, journeyed from Kadesh and came to Mount Hor. 

23 And the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron in Mount Hor by the border of the land of Edom, saying: 

24 “Aaron shall be gathered to his people, for he shall not enter the land which I have given to the children of Israel, because you rebelled against My word at the water of Meribah. 

25 Take Aaron and Eleazar his son, and bring them up to Mount Hor; 

26 and strip Aaron of his garments and put them on Eleazar his son; for Aaron shall be gathered to his people and die there.” 

27 So Moses did just as the Lord commanded, and they went up to Mount Hor in the sight of all the congregation. 

28 Moses stripped Aaron of his garments and put them on Eleazar his son; and Aaron died there on the top of the mountain. Then Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain. 

29 Now when all the congregation saw that Aaron was dead, all the house of Israel mourned for Aaron thirty days.

  
Journal:

• Where am I feeling repeated frustration right now?
• How do I usually respond under pressure?
• What would obedience look like in my current circumstances?
• Where do I need to receive God’s grace after a difficult moment?

Purified for the journey

This is the ordinance of the law which the Lord has commanded, saying: “Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring you a red heifer without blemish, in which there is no defect and on which a yoke has never come.” ~ Numbers 19:2

What do you do when you feel spiritually weighed down, not because of intentional sin, but because life has been heavy, messy, and draining? Today’s scripture reading addresses a reality God never ignored, His people would encounter death, brokenness, and contamination simply by living in the world. This chapter reminds believers today that God provides a way to be cleansed, renewed, and restored so they can continue walking forward in faith and purpose.

Here are three truths from Numbers 19:

1. God makes provision for cleansing even when life makes you weary.

The ashes of the red heifer were used for purification after contact with death. God knew His people could not avoid difficult encounters.

When emotional exhaustion, disappointment, or exposure to negativity leaves you feeling spiritually dull, intentionally come before God in prayer and His Word. Invite Him to wash over your heart again, not because you failed, but because life has been heavy and renewal is needed.

2. Cleansing is a process that requires obedience and patience.

The purification ritual involved specific timing and steps. Restoration was not rushed, but it was sure.

Do not expect instant renewal when you are healing from burnout, grief, or discouragement. Stay consistent in spiritual habits such as prayer, worship, and fellowship. Trust that God is working even when you do not immediately feel refreshed.

3. God uses what once represented death to bring new life and freedom.

The ashes came from a sacrifice, something burned, yet they became the way to purification.

Allow God to use past painful seasons to bring healing and wisdom. Instead of hiding from what was hard, invite God to redeem it so it strengthens your faith and deepens your compassion for others.

I have experienced this personally and still do at times, especially with constant exposure to others’ needs, pressures, and expectations. While I genuinely love connecting with and encouraging people in their faith walk, there are moments when I become emotionally drained without even realizing it. There are still times when I need spiritual renewal, not because I have done something wrong, but because I have been pouring out for so long. One thing I can always depend on is God’s faithfulness to meet me in quiet moments through prayer and His Word. He gently restores my strength and reminds me that renewal is a vital part of faithful service and ministry.

Today I want to encourage you to come to God just as you are, weary, burdened, or in need of renewal, and trust that He has already provided what you need to be cleansed and strengthened again. Let this chapter show you that God cares deeply about restoring His people so they can continue walking in His calling with confidence and peace.

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 19

1 Now the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, 

2 “This is the ordinance of the law which the Lord has commanded, saying: ‘Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring you a red heifer without blemish, in which there is no defect and on which a yoke has never come. 

3 You shall give it to Eleazar the priest, that he may take it outside the camp, and it shall be slaughtered before him; 

4 and Eleazar the priest shall take some of its blood with his finger, and sprinkle some of its blood seven times directly in front of the tabernacle of meeting. 

5 Then the heifer shall be burned in his sight: its hide, its flesh, its blood, and its offal shall be burned. 

6 And the priest shall take cedar wood and hyssop and scarlet, and cast them into the midst of the fire burning the heifer. 

7 Then the priest shall wash his clothes, he shall bathe in water, and afterward he shall come into the camp; the priest shall be unclean until evening. 

8 And the one who burns it shall wash his clothes in water, bathe in water, and shall be unclean until evening. 

9 Then a man who is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer, and store them outside the camp in a clean place; and they shall be kept for the congregation of the children of Israel for the water of purification; it is for purifying from sin. 

10 And the one who gathers the ashes of the heifer shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until evening. It shall be a statute forever to the children of Israel and to the stranger who dwells among them.

11 ‘He who touches the dead body of anyone shall be unclean seven days. 

12 He shall purify himself with the water on the third day and on the seventh day; then he will be clean. But if he does not purify himself on the third day and on the seventh day, he will not be clean. 

13 Whoever touches the body of anyone who has died, and does not purify himself, defiles the tabernacle of the Lord. That person shall be cut off from Israel. He shall be unclean, because the water of purification was not sprinkled on him; his uncleanness is still on him.

14 ‘This is the law when a man dies in a tent: All who come into the tent and all who are in the tent shall be unclean seven days; 

15 and every open vessel, which has no cover fastened on it, is unclean. 

16 Whoever in the open field touches one who is slain by a sword or who has died, or a bone of a man, or a grave, shall be unclean seven days.

17 ‘And for an unclean person they shall take some of the ashes of the heifer burnt for purification from sin, and running water shall be put on them in a vessel. 

18 A clean person shall take hyssop and dip it in the water, sprinkle it on the tent, on all the vessels, on the persons who were there, or on the one who touched a bone, the slain, the dead, or a grave. 

19 The clean person shall sprinkle the unclean on the third day and on the seventh day; and on the seventh day he shall purify himself, wash his clothes, and bathe in water; and at evening he shall be clean.

20 ‘But the man who is unclean and does not purify himself, that person shall be cut off from among the assembly, because he has defiled the sanctuary of the Lord. The water of purification has not been sprinkled on him; he is unclean. 

21 It shall be a perpetual statute for them. He who sprinkles the water of purification shall wash his clothes; and he who touches the water of purification shall be unclean until evening. 

22 Whatever the unclean person touches shall be unclean; and the person who touches it shall be unclean until evening.’ ”

Journal:

• Where do I feel spiritually weary right now
• What has life exposed me to that has drained my joy or strength
• What step can I take today to invite God’s renewal into my heart
• How might God be using a past difficult season to bring growth and healing now

Conclusion from the book of Acts:

Finishing the Journey through Acts

As we come to the end of this Daily Dose Journal through the book of Acts, I want to take a minute to thank the Lord for all that He has revealed along the way. Acts is a living testimony of ordinary believers made extraordinary through the power of the Holy Spirit, and this journal has been a place to recognize that same power at work in my own life. Every chapter has offered a new glimpse of courage, devotion, breakthrough, and surrender. It has shown me that God is still writing His story, and He continues to invite me to step into it every day.

Acts reminds us that faith was never meant to be passive. It is meant to move, grow, stretch, and influence everything around me. It teaches me that the gospel was never meant to stay in one room or one city. It is meant to spread into every space of my life, into the people I encounter, and into the calling God has placed on me. Just like the early church, I am empowered to live boldly even when life feels uncertain or challenging.

As I close this journey, I am reminded that the book of Acts does not end with a period. In many ways, it ends mid-sentence, showing me that the story continues through the church today. The same Holy Spirit who filled the disciples fills His people today. The same courage that propelled Paul forward is available for us now. The same gospel that turned the world upside down is still transforming hearts, including mine.

This is not the end. It is a launching point. My prayer is that everything God has stirred, corrected, strengthened, or awakened in you through these pages will continue to grow. Your journey with Him does not pause when the journal closes. It only deepens as you carry forward every lesson, every prayer, every moment of clarity, every whisper from God, knowing that He who began a good work is faithful to complete it.

Today I want to encourage you to step into the next chapter of your walk with God expecting Him to move in new ways. Let the boldness of Acts become the boldness of your everyday faith. Let the obedience of the early church stir a new level of confidence in your calling. Let every page you wrote be a reminder that God is near, God is speaking, and God is sending you into the world with purpose.

Journal:

• What is one truth from Acts that I want to carry with me into the next season of my life
• Where do I sense God calling me to step out in faith
• What did the Holy Spirit reveal to me during this series that I do not want to forget
• How can I live out the example of the early church in my daily decisions
• What is one prayer I want to continue praying after closing this journal