Happy New Year!

What are you complaining about

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

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

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

Below are three points to consider to restore your joy:

1. Complaining reveals where trust has weakened

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

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

2. Cravings can distract you from God’s purpose

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 11

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Journal:

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

Numbers 11

What are you complaining about

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

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

Below are three points to consider to restore your joy:

1. Complaining reveals where trust has weakened

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

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

2. Cravings can distract you from God’s purpose

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 11

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Journal:

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

Numbers 10

Called to listen and move

The sons of Aaron, the priests, shall blow the trumpets; and these shall be to you as an ordinance forever throughout your generations. ~ Numbers 10:8

Have you ever felt unsure whether it was time to move forward, stay put, or prepare for something new? In a world filled with constant opinions, pressure, and urgency, learning to hear God’s direction is more important than ever. Numbers 10 reminds us that God does not leave His people guessing. He gives signals, guidance, and confirmation for each step.

God gave Israel clear signals for movement, gathering, and rest. The trumpets were not random sounds, they were purposeful calls that told the people when to move forward, when to prepare, and when to wait. God was teaching His people how to listen closely and respond together. That same God still speaks today, guiding His children through the noise of life with direction that brings order, peace, and confidence.

Below are three truths to follow:

1. God gives clear direction when it is time to move

The trumpets signaled when Israel was to break camp and move forward. They did not move on impulse or fear, but on God’s command.

Pause before making major decisions and ask God for clarity, pay attention to repeated confirmations through prayer, scripture, and wise counsel. Resist rushing ahead just because others are moving faster. When you wait for God’s signal, you step forward with peace instead of pressure.

2, God gathers His people before sending them out

Some trumpet sounds called the people together before action was taken. God valued unity, preparation, and shared purpose.

Stay connected to godly community, remember to check in with prayer before stepping into new responsibilities, allow others to speak wisdom into your decisions. God often prepares you through connection before He sends you into a next assignment.

3. God goes before His people in every journey

When the ark set out, Moses declared that the Lord would go before them and scatter every obstacle. Israel never traveled without God leading the way.

Invite God into each day before it begins, trust that He is already present in places you have not yet reached, move forward knowing that obstacles do not intimidate Him. When God leads, you are never walking into the unknown by yourself.

I specifically remember when I finally stepped into a place where I was following the Holy Spirit’s direction instead of going my own way. It began when my husband and I needed to move and were looking for a home to purchase. I kept praying about it, but every place we looked at just was not working out. After some time, I noticed that whenever I prayed, a house we had looked at early on in the search and that was still available kept coming to mind. I did not like the house, and it was not in the area where I thought I wanted to live, so I quickly dismissed the thought and continued to pray.

Finally, when the same house kept coming to mind each time I prayed about what to do, I asked my heavenly Father if it was Him giving me the idea of that place. I still was not sure, so I asked Him to change my heart if this was the place He was leading us to. Wanting to follow His direction, we went and looked at the house again. Almost immediately, I sensed my desire changing, and I began to see potential I had not noticed before.

We began to take steps toward buying the home, and slowly but surely, things started working out. As the process continued, my excitement grew, and peace settled in until I knew this was where the Lord was leading us. It was one of the first times I was certain God had led us to a specific place, and it has been one of the greatest blessings to still be there today. Even though I struggled at first to know when to move and did not have clear answers right away, God patiently showed me how to walk in His timing instead of my emotions. As I learned to wait for His direction, doors opened that I never could have forced on my own. Each step taken with His guidance brought peace, even when the path felt unfamiliar. Looking back, I can clearly see how His leading protected me and positioned our family exactly where we needed to be within His gracious plan.

Today I want to encourage you to listen for God’s voice above every other sound and to trust His timing in your life. When He says move, step forward with confidence. When He says wait, remain faithful right where you are. If you are unsure, ask Him to make His direction plain and clear and to line up your desires according to His plan. When He calls you to gather, lean into community and preparation. He goes before you, He surrounds you, and He leads you with purpose every step of the way.

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 10

1 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 

2 “Make two silver trumpets for yourself; you shall make them of hammered work; you shall use them for calling the congregation and for directing the movement of the camps. 

3 When they blow both of them, all the congregation shall gather before you at the door of the tabernacle of meeting. 

4 But if they blow only one, then the leaders, the heads of the divisions of Israel, shall gather to you. 

5 When you sound the advance, the camps that lie on the east side shall then begin their journey. 

6 When you sound the advance the second time, then the camps that lie on the south side shall begin their journey; they shall sound the call for them to begin their journeys. 

7 And when the assembly is to be gathered together, you shall blow, but not sound the advance. 

8 The sons of Aaron, the priests, shall blow the trumpets; and these shall be to you as an ordinance forever throughout your generations.

9 “When you go to war in your land against the enemy who oppresses you, then you shall sound an alarm with the trumpets, and you will be remembered before the Lord your God, and you will be saved from your enemies. 

10 Also in the day of your gladness, in your appointed feasts, and at the beginning of your months, you shall blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; and they shall be a memorial for you before your God: I am the Lord your God.”

11 Now it came to pass on the twentieth day of the second month, in the second year, that the cloud was taken up from above the tabernacle of the Testimony. 

12 And the children of Israel set out from the Wilderness of Sinai on their journeys; then the cloud settled down in the Wilderness of Paran. 

13 So they started out for the first time according to the command of the Lord by the hand of Moses.

14 The standard of the camp of the children of Judah set out first according to their armies; over their army was Nahshon the son of Amminadab. 

15 Over the army of the tribe of the children of Issachar was Nethanel the son of Zuar. 

16 And over the army of the tribe of the children of Zebulun was Eliab the son of Helon.

17 Then the tabernacle was taken down; and the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari set out, carrying the tabernacle.

18 And the standard of the camp of Reuben set out according to their armies; over their army was Elizur the son of Shedeur. 

19 Over the army of the tribe of the children of Simeon was Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai. 

20 And over the army of the tribe of the children of Gad was Eliasaph the son of Deuel.

21 Then the Kohathites set out, carrying the holy things. (The tabernacle would be prepared for their arrival.)

22 And the standard of the camp of the children of Ephraim set out according to their armies; over their army was Elishama the son of Ammihud. 

23 Over the army of the tribe of the children of Manasseh was Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.

24 And over the army of the tribe of the children of Benjamin was Abidan the son of Gideoni.

25 Then the standard of the camp of the children of Dan (the rear guard of all the camps) set out according to their armies; over their army was Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai. 

26 Over the army of the tribe of the children of Asher was Pagiel the son of Ocran. 

27 And over the army of the tribe of the children of Naphtali was Ahira the son of Enan.

28 Thus was the order of march of the children of Israel, according to their armies, when they began their journey.

29 Now Moses said to Hobab the son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses’ father-in-law, “We are setting out for the place of which the Lord said, ‘I will give it to you.’ Come with us, and we will treat you well; for the Lord has promised good things to Israel.”

30 And he said to him, “I will not go, but I will depart to my own land and to my relatives.”

31 So Moses said, “Please do not leave, inasmuch as you know how we are to camp in the wilderness, and you can be our eyes. 

32 And it shall be, if you go with us—indeed it shall be—that whatever good the Lord will do to us, the same we will do to you.”

33 So they departed from the mountain of the Lord on a journey of three days; and the ark of the covenant of the Lord went before them for the three days’ journey, to search out a resting place for them. 

34 And the cloud of the Lord was above them by day when they went out from the camp.

35 So it was, whenever the ark set out, that Moses said: “Rise up, O Lord! Let Your enemies be scattered, And let those who hate You flee before You.”

36 And when it rested, he said: “Return, O Lord, To the many thousands of Israel.”

Journal:

  • Where do I need God’s direction right now
  • What noises or pressures have made it hard to hear His voice
  • What step of obedience is God inviting me to take today
  • How can I create space to listen more closely for His guidance

Numbers 9

Led by His presence

Whenever the cloud was taken up from above the tabernacle, after that the children of Israel would journey; and in the place where the cloud settled, there the children of Israel would pitch their tents. ~ Numbers 9:17

Have you ever felt ready to move forward but sensed God saying wait, or felt restless and uncertain because you were unsure what step to take next? This chapter speaks directly to the tension of wanting clarity while learning to trust God’s guidance in real time. As a Christian today, following God still requires patience, obedience, and a willingness to move only when He leads.

God was deeply involved in the daily movement of His people. Israel did not move on their own timeline or by their own instincts. They watched for the cloud. When it lifted, they moved. When it stayed, they stayed. God was teaching them how to live dependent on His presence, not their preferences.

Below are Three truths from this passage to implement into your life:

1. God’s presence determines your pace

Israel did not rush ahead or lag behind. Their movement was completely dependent on God’s presence. Sometimes the cloud lifted after a short stay, other times it remained for days or even months. God knew exactly what they needed and when.

Slow down enough to ask God before making decisions. Instead of forcing progress, pray and ask Him to show you when to move and when to stay. If you feel stuck, it may not be a delay but a divine pause meant to protect or prepare you.

2. Obedience builds trust over time

The people obeyed whether the journey felt convenient or not. They stayed when the cloud stayed and moved when it moved, even if it disrupted their comfort or plans.

Choose obedience in the small instructions God gives. Follow through when He nudges you to speak, to wait, to serve, or to step out. Each act of obedience strengthens your ability to trust Him with bigger decisions.

3. God guides both movement and rest

Numbers 9 reminds us that staying still can be just as holy as moving forward. Rest was not inactivity, it was obedience. God was present in both the journey and the waiting.

Release the pressure to always be advancing. If God has you in a season of rest or waiting, receive it as part of His plan. Use that time to grow spiritually, deepen prayer, and strengthen faith.

There was a time in my life when I was a runner.  I would leave situations as soon as they became hard or uncomfortable. I didn’t understand how to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, so my decisions were based on how much I liked my surroundings or how much discomfort I thought I could endure.

I learned the importance of waiting for God’s timing when I was ready to leave the previous job I had that felt heavy and difficult. I had been there for three years, and although I had gotten better at it, there were still days when I wanted to quit. Eventually, I reached a point where I felt I could not take it anymore. After talking it through with my husband, I decided it was time to give my notice and planned to let them know the next day.

When my supervisor read my letter, he immediately asked me to stay. I told him no, believing it was time to move on. By the end of that same day, I was unexpectedly offered a Monday through Friday position, something I had been praying for since I first started the job. I recognized it as a clear answer to prayer, so I chose to stay. I remained in that role for another year, and during that time the Holy Spirit strategically positioned me for the next assignment He had prepared for me.

If I had left when things were hardest, I would have missed what God was arranging behind the scenes. I likely would have spent a long time unsettled and may have even ended up back in the same place out of desperation. Even when I felt ready to move, God was asking me to stay and trust Him. In that waiting season, He did a deep work in my heart, taught me patience, and prepared me for steps I could not have handled earlier. Looking back now, I can see that His timing was perfect, even when it felt uncomfortable in the moment.

Today I want to encourage you to watch for God’s presence and follow His lead with confidence. Whether He is calling you to move forward or to stay where you are, trust that He knows the way ahead. Let His guidance shape your decisions, your pace, and your peace. When you follow His presence, you will always be exactly where you are designed to be.

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 9

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

2 “Let the children of Israel keep the Passover at its appointed time. 

3 On the fourteenth day of this month, at twilight, you shall keep it at its appointed time. According to all its rites and ceremonies you shall keep it.” 

4 So Moses told the children of Israel that they should keep the Passover. 

5 And they kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month, at twilight, in the Wilderness of Sinai; according to all that the Lord commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did.

6 Now there were certain men who were defiled by a human corpse, so that they could not keep the Passover on that day; and they came before Moses and Aaron that day. 

7 And those men said to him, “We became defiled by a human corpse. Why are we kept from presenting the offering of the Lord at its appointed time among the children of Israel?”

8 And Moses said to them, “Stand still, that I may hear what the Lord will command concerning you.”

9 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 

10 “Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘If anyone of you or your posterity is unclean because of a corpse, or is far away on a journey, he may still keep the Lord’s Passover. 

11 On the fourteenth day of the second month, at twilight, they may keep it. They shall eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. 

12 They shall leave none of it until morning, nor break one of its bones. According to all the ordinances of the Passover they shall keep it. 

13 But the man who is clean and is not on a journey, and ceases to keep the Passover, that same person shall be cut off from among his people, because he did not bring the offering of the Lord at its appointed time; that man shall bear his sin.

14 ‘And if a stranger dwells among you, and would keep the Lord’s Passover, he must do so according to the rite of the Passover and according to its ceremony; you shall have one ordinance, both for the stranger and the native of the land.’ ”

15 Now on the day that the tabernacle was raised up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the Testimony; from evening until morning it was above the tabernacle like the appearance of fire. 

16 So it was always: the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night. 

17 Whenever the cloud was taken up from above the tabernacle, after that the children of Israel would journey; and in the place where the cloud settled, there the children of Israel would pitch their tents. 

18 At the command of the Lord the children of Israel would journey, and at the command of the Lord they would camp; as long as the cloud stayed above the tabernacle they remained encamped. 

19 Even when the cloud continued long, many days above the tabernacle, the children of Israel kept the charge of the Lord and did not journey. 

20 So it was, when the cloud was above the tabernacle a few days: according to the command of the Lord they would remain encamped, and according to the command of the Lord they would journey. 

21 So it was, when the cloud remained only from evening until morning: when the cloud was taken up in the morning, then they would journey; whether by day or by night, whenever the cloud was taken up, they would journey. 

22 Whether it was two days, a month, or a year that the cloud remained above the tabernacle, the children of Israel would remain encamped and not journey; but when it was taken up, they would journey. 

23 At the command of the Lord they remained encamped, and at the command of the Lord they journeyed; they kept the charge of the Lord, at the command of the Lord by the hand of Moses.

Journal:

  • Where am I tempted to move ahead without waiting for God’s direction
  • What area of my life feels like a waiting season right now
  • How can I practice obedience and trust God’s timing today

Numbers 8

Shine His light

And Aaron did so; he arranged the lamps to face toward the front of the lampstand, as the Lord commanded Moses. ~ Numbers 8:3

God is intentional about light. In Numbers 8, the Lord gave specific instructions for how the lamps in the tabernacle were to be positioned. They were not simply meant to help them see where they were going, they were meant to shine in a way that illuminated everything around them. This chapter reminds you that light has purpose, direction, and responsibility. God did not place light in darkness by accident, and He did not place you where you are by chance either.

Have you ever wondered why God cares so much about how light is positioned? Is it possible that the way your life shines matters just as much as the fact that it shines at all?

In today’s world, being a child of God means more than words or titles. It means living in such a way that others can clearly see His character through you. This chapter in Numbers shows that the priests and lamps were set apart so God’s presence could be made known. In the same way, your life is meant to display His love, care, and holiness to a watching world.

Here are three truths from Numbers 8 about shining His light.

1. God sets His people apart to serve

The Levites were cleansed, dedicated, and assigned for service before they ever stepped into their role. God did not rush the process. He prepared them so their service would honor Him.

Invite God to work in your heart daily. Ask Him to shape your attitudes, your words, and your actions before stepping into responsibilities at home, work, or ministry. Serving others with kindness and patience is one way your light shines clearly.

2. God positions the light with intention

The lamps were arranged to shine forward, lighting the space before them. Light was not scattered or hidden. It was directed where it was needed most.

Consider where God has placed you right now. In your family, your workplace, your community. Choose to shine His light through compassion, gentleness, and integrity exactly where you are. Simple acts of love can brighten dark places. Even things such as doing your best work and showing up on time is evidence of His presence in you.

3. God’s light reveals His presence

The purpose of the lampstand was to illuminate the tabernacle so God’s work could continue. Light made it possible to see, move, and serve effectively.

Let your life point others to God rather than yourself. Speak hope when others feel discouraged. Offer grace instead of judgment. Live in a way that makes people curious about the God you serve.

In my own life, there have times when shining His light felt uncomfortable or costly. I have had to choose kindness when it would have been easier to withdraw. I have learned that when I allow God to shape my heart and surrender my reactions to Him, He uses even small acts of obedience to encourage others. Now, I have seen how loving people well opens doors for God to work in ways I never expected.

Today I want to encourage you to shine your light with purpose and love. Let God position you where you are needed most and trust Him to work through your obedience. As a child of God, your life is meant to show the world what His love looks like in action. When you walk in humility, compassion, and faithfulness, His light shines brightly through you for the whole world to see.

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 8

1 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 

2 “Speak to Aaron, and say to him, ‘When you arrange the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light in front of the lampstand.’ ” 

3 And Aaron did so; he arranged the lamps to face toward the front of the lampstand, as the Lord commanded Moses. 

4 Now this workmanship of the lampstand was hammered gold; from its shaft to its flowers it was hammered work. According to the pattern which the Lord had shown Moses, so he made the lampstand.

5 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 

6 “Take the Levites from among the children of Israel and cleanse them ceremonially. 

7 Thus you shall do to them to cleanse them: Sprinkle water of purification on them, and let them shave all their body, and let them wash their clothes, and so make themselves clean. 

8 Then let them take a young bull with its grain offering of fine flour mixed with oil, and you shall take another young bull as a sin offering. 

9 And you shall bring the Levites before the tabernacle of meeting, and you shall gather together the whole congregation of the children of Israel. 

10 So you shall bring the Levites before the Lord, and the children of Israel shall lay their hands on the Levites; 

11 and Aaron shall offer the Levites before the Lord like a wave offering from the children of Israel, that they may perform the work of the Lord. 

12 Then the Levites shall lay their hands on the heads of the young bulls, and you shall offer one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering to the Lord, to make atonement for the Levites.

13 “And you shall stand the Levites before Aaron and his sons, and then offer them like a wave offering to the Lord. 

14 Thus you shall separate the Levites from among the children of Israel, and the Levites shall be Mine. 

15 After that the Levites shall go in to service the tabernacle of meeting. So you shall cleanse them and offer them like a wave offering. 

16 For they are wholly given to Me from among the children of Israel; I have taken them for Myself instead of all who open the womb, the firstborn of all the children of Israel. 

17 For all the firstborn among the children of Israel are Mine, both man and beast; on the day that I struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I sanctified them to Myself. 

18 I have taken the Levites instead of all the firstborn of the children of Israel. 

19 And I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and his sons from among the children of Israel, to do the work for the children of Israel in the tabernacle of meeting, and to make atonement for the children of Israel, that there be no plague among the children of Israel when the children of Israel come near the sanctuary.”

20 Thus Moses and Aaron and all the congregation of the children of Israel did to the Levites; according to all that the Lord commanded Moses concerning the Levites, so the children of Israel did to them. 

21 And the Levites purified themselves and washed their clothes; then Aaron presented them like a wave offering before the Lord, and Aaron made atonement for them to cleanse them. 

22 After that the Levites went in to do their work in the tabernacle of meeting before Aaron and his sons; as the Lord commanded Moses concerning the Levites, so they did to them.

23 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 

24 “This is what pertains to the Levites: From twenty-five years old and above one may enter to perform service in the work of the tabernacle of meeting; 

25 and at the age of fifty years they must cease performing this work, and shall work no more. 

26 They may minister with their brethren in the tabernacle of meeting, to attend to needs, but they themselves shall do no work. Thus you shall do to the Levites regarding their duties.”

Journal:

  • Where has God positioned me to shine His light right now
  • What attitudes or habits might be dimming my light
  • How can I show God’s love more intentionally in my daily interactions

From the Daily Dose Journal Series

Suffer Loss

And the rest, some on boards and some on parts of the ship. And so it was that they all escaped safely to land. ~ Acts 27:44

A couple of weeks ago, I was editing a project on my computer. The program I was using did not have auto save, so I made sure to select the save button regularly so I would not lose my progress. After a full week of shifting, correcting, and improving the document, I went to make one last change on the final day and suddenly the file disappeared. When I finally found it, I immediately hit save to make sure I would keep all the work I had just done. A message box popped up asking if I wanted to change a saved document. In my panic, I selected yes. Without realizing what I was doing and every adjustment I had made that week was wiped out. I frantically searched my history and every possible folder for a backup copy. There was nothing. I stared helplessly at my screen, knowing I had caused the error and that there was almost no chance of recovering it. I felt like crying as I remembered other times this had happened to me or others. In the grand scheme, it was a small matter, and I knew it only affected me. I finally accepted that I would need to start over and hoped I would remember enough to recreate what had been lost.

Most of us experience the loss of possessions at different times. Whether through misplacing and item or leaving something behind.  One of the hardest moments I remember was when my son lost his first car in an accident. I was deeply grateful he was completely unharmed, yet it still hurt to watch him go through the disappointment and regret wishing the outcome could have been different. Years later, he never thinks about that car anymore and has owned many since. Things are replaceable, but losing them still brings real disappointment.

In today’s reading, Paul and those traveling with him finally made it safely to shore, but the ship that carried them was destroyed in the storm. Everything on board was gone. Even though Paul was a prisoner, I am sure he had belongings with him. Luke and Aristarchus, his companions, likely had important writings, tools, or personal items as well. Luke often recorded their journeys and Paul wrote letters regularly. It is possible that some of their notes were lost in the storm. At the time, none of them knew those words would eventually become part of scripture and guide the church for generations. I am grateful God protects His Word so that it is never lost. overall, I believe they were thankful to be alive even though they likely felt sadness over the things that were gone, trusting God to restore whatever they truly needed.

I am grateful for the things that make my life and ministry easier, but I also ask myself this question: if I were to lose those comforts, would I still live with gratitude, or would I cling to disappointment over what I no longer had? God is not against me having things, but He does not want anything to own my heart. That is reserved for Him. Things wear out, get broken, and fail, but when I give my heart fully to Him, He always provides what I need to accomplish His purpose.

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

  • Ask God daily to sit on the throne of your heart
  • Choose to thank God for what you have instead of focusing on what is lost
  • See loss as temporary and trust that God can restore what is truly needed
  • Ask the Holy Spirit to help you hold things loosely
  • Shift your attention toward what matters most, which is your life saved in Christ and the lives of those you love
  • Take time to notice when you are letting possessions take too much space inside your heart
  • Practice gratitude today for the things that support your purpose rather than define your identity

Today I want to encourage you to release your grip on the things that can never satisfy your heart and invite God to take His rightful place inside of you. When loss comes, whether it is something small like a document or something necessary like a vehicle, He will comfort you and provide what you need to move forward. Lift your eyes and choose a big-picture view today, knowing the most important treasure is your life saved by God and the lives He longs to reach through you.

If you have never received God’s gift of salvation, you can do that today. Ask Him to come into your heart and take His place in your life. Pray sincerely from your heart and He will save you. He will equip you with everything you need to fulfill the purpose He created you for.

Pray: God in heaven, I know I’m a sinner and I need a Savior.  I want to turn away from my sinful life to the life You have planned for me.  Please forgive my sins, cleanse me from my past, and make me new today.  I know Your Son, Jesus died for me.  I believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead.  At this very moment, I accept, confess, and proclaim Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior . . . to be Lord of my life from this day forward.  I now have a right relationship with God my Father through this salvation in the blood of Jesus. I thank You for giving me Your Holy Spirit to guide me and to empower me to accomplish the things You have planned for my life in Jesus’ name, Amen

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 27:39-44

39 When it was day, they did not recognize the land; but they observed a bay with a beach, onto which they planned to run the ship if possible. 

40 And they let go the anchors and left them in the sea, meanwhile loosing the rudder ropes; and they hoisted the mainsail to the wind and made for shore. 

41 But striking a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the prow stuck fast and remained immovable, but the stern was being broken up by the violence of the waves.

42 And the soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim away and escape. 

43 But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to land, 

44 and the rest, some on boards and some on parts of the ship. And so it was that they all escaped safely to land.

Journal:

  • What loss in my life still lingers in my thoughts or emotions?
  • What does this passage show me about God’s protection and His ability to restore?
  • How tightly am I holding onto things that cannot last?
  • What comforts or possessions do I fear losing, and why?
  • What can I thank God for today that I normally overlook?

From the Daily Dose Journal Series

The big turnaround

And when he had said these things, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all; and when he had broken it he began to eat. ~ Acts 27:35

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every person around us could come to heaven with us when our time on earth is done? Imagine if everywhere you went, people not only heard the message of salvation but also received it. That is exactly what happened with the apostle Paul. No matter where he was or who he was with, he shared the good news of Jesus. Some believed immediately, and others received seeds that would grow up later.

In today’s reading, something remarkable happened. Paul went from being the man on the ship whom no one listened to, to being the one who influenced every decision that was made. When he reminded the leaders that his earlier advice to stay in the last port would have been a better decision and told them an angel had stood beside him, he suddenly had the credibility he needed to make a difference. From that moment forward, his voice led the entire crew. He kept prisoners from escaping, encouraged everyone to eat, prayed with them, and ultimately helped save every single life on that ship from a watery grave. The very people who ignored him at first were now hanging on his every word. This was a huge turnaround in the voyage, and if they had continued relying on their own thinking instead of listening to Paul, the outcome would have been disastrous.

Paul trusted God to get him through the storm, but he also did his part. He didn’t simply give orders, he shared exactly what he heard from God. The instructions were not always logical, comfortable, or easy, but he followed what the Lord showed him and he spoke what the Holy Spirit placed in his heart.

You can experience a big turnaround too. When you make the choice to press in and listen carefully to what the Holy Spirit is speaking today, you open the door for immediate change in the direction of your life. And the people around you will be affected by that shift. Even if they haven’t received God’s love for themselves yet, they will see transformation happening in you. Following what the Holy Spirit speaks or what He highlights in scripture may not make sense to others, and sometimes it may even stir up resistance. But when you stay the course, you will avoid the traps the enemy tries to set and walk straight into the victory God planned.

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

  • Pause today and ask the Holy Spirit what He wants you to hear before making decisions
  • Choose to obey even when the direction does not seem logical to others
  • Strengthen your heart by reading scriptures that point toward God’s peace
  • Notice when God is trying to give you credibility, courage, or influence in a situation
  • Spend time praising and worshiping to quiet distractions so you can hear Him more clearly
  • Thank God in advance for the turnaround He is preparing in your life
  • Stay consistent in the small steps He gives you so you don’t miss the path forward

Today I want to encourage you to step toward your great turnaround. Spend time getting close to Him today by praising, worshiping, and listening for His direction. Even if the storm does not stop immediately, His peace will rise inside you. Ask Him for His empowering grace and thank Him that your turnaround is already moving toward you.

Today’s scripture reading: Acts 27:27-38

27 Now when the fourteenth night had come, as we were driven up and down in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors sensed that they were drawing near some land. 

28 And they took soundings and found it to be twenty fathoms; and when they had gone a little farther, they took soundings again and found it to be fifteen fathoms. 

29 Then, fearing lest we should run aground on the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern, and prayed for day to come. 

30 And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, when they had let down the skiff into the sea, under pretense of putting out anchors from the prow, 

31 Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” 

32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the skiff and let it fall off.

33 And as day was about to dawn, Paul implored them all to take food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day you have waited and continued without food, and eaten nothing. 

34 Therefore I urge you to take nourishment, for this is for your survival, since not a hair will fall from the head of any of you.” 

35 And when he had said these things, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all; and when he had broken it he began to eat. 

36 Then they were all encouraged, and also took food themselves. 

37 And in all we were two hundred and seventy-six persons on the ship. 

38 So when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship and threw out the wheat into the sea.

Journal:

  • What area of my life feels like it needs a turnaround right now?
  • What has the Holy Spirit been whispering to my heart that I need to follow?
  • What scripture brings me peace and direction today?
  • How have I seen God give me influence or credibility in past storms?
  • What step of obedience can I take today toward the direction He is pointing me?

Numbers 7

A willing offering

Now it came to pass, when Moses had finished setting up the tabernacle, that he anointed it and consecrated it and all its furnishings, and the altar and all its utensils; so he anointed them and consecrated them. ~ Numbers 7:1

Have you ever wondered if what you bring to God really matters, especially when it feels ordinary or small? Today’s scripture reading shows a powerful picture of leaders bringing offerings to the Lord, one by one, tribe by tribe. Each gift may have looked repetitive on the surface, yet every offering was seen, received, and valued by God. This chapter reminds us that God notices faithfulness, willingness, and obedience more than the size or visibility of what is given. In a world that measures worth by results and recognition, God measures the heart behind the offering.

Below are three points to remember as you read your scripture passage this morning

1. God honors willing obedience

The leaders of Israel brought their offerings willingly, not because they were forced or out of obligation, but because they desired to honor God after the tabernacle was set apart. Each leader gave the same offering, showing unity, humility, and obedience.

You can choose obedience even when it feels repetitive or unnoticed. Begin your day by asking God what obedience looks like in your current circumstances. Follow through on the simple things, showing up, praying, serving, giving, even when no one else sees. Faithfulness in small acts builds a life that honors God.

2. God receives every offering personally

Numbers 7 carefully records each leader’s gift, even though they were identical. This shows that God does not overlook individual obedience. What mattered was not variety, but faithfulness.

Offer what you have right now without comparison. Your time, your prayers, your effort, your resources all matter to God. Give without measuring your offering against someone else’s. Trust that God receives what you bring as an act of worship.

3. God moves through order and consistency

The offerings were brought in an orderly way, day after day. God values consistency because it creates space for His presence to dwell among His people.

Create steady habits that honor God. Set aside consistent time for prayer and Scripture. Give regularly, serve faithfully, and stay committed even when progress feels slow. God often works through steady obedience rather than sudden moments.

One thing my husband and I are intentional about doing is giving and serving consistantly with a willing heart.  We made a commitment early on in our relationship not to do things out of obligation or guilt.  In this way, we keep showing up, praying and sitting in His presence, serving, and giving even when it stretches our faith. At times we have wondered if it mattered, but over time, we saw how God was shaping our hearts and our lives through consistency. He used those ordinary offerings to strengthen our trust, deepen our peace, and open doors we never expected. What felt routine to us was sacred to Him.

Today I want to encourage you to bring your offering to God with a willing and faithful heart. What you give matters, even when it feels small or ordinary. God sees your obedience, receives your sacrifice, and uses your faithfulness to build something holy. Keep showing up, keep giving, keep trusting. Nothing offered to Him is ever wasted.

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 7

1 Now it came to pass, when Moses had finished setting up the tabernacle, that he anointed it and consecrated it and all its furnishings, and the altar and all its utensils; so he anointed them and consecrated them. 

2 Then the leaders of Israel, the heads of their fathers’ houses, who were the leaders of the tribes and over those who were numbered, made an offering. 

3 And they brought their offering before the Lord, six covered carts and twelve oxen, a cart for every two of the leaders, and for each one an ox; and they presented them before the tabernacle.

4 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 

5 “Accept these from them, that they may be used in doing the work of the tabernacle of meeting; and you shall give them to the Levites, to every man according to his service.” 

6 So Moses took the carts and the oxen, and gave them to the Levites. 

7 Two carts and four oxen he gave to the sons of Gershon, according to their service; 

8 and four carts and eight oxen he gave to the sons of Merari, according to their service, under the authority of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest. 

9 But to the sons of Kohath he gave none, because theirs was the service of the holy things, which they carried on their shoulders.

10 Now the leaders offered the dedication offering for the altar when it was anointed; so the leaders offered their offering before the altar. 

11 For the Lord said to Moses, “They shall offer their offering, one leader each day, for the dedication of the altar.”

12 And the one who offered his offering on the first day was Nahshon the son of Amminadab, from the tribe of Judah. 

13 His offering was one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering; 

14 one gold pan of ten shekels, full of incense; 

15 one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb in its first year, as a burnt offering; 

16 one kid of the goats as a sin offering; 

17 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs in their first year. This was the offering of Nahshon the son of Amminadab.

18 On the second day Nethanel the son of Zuar, leader of Issachar, presented an offering. 

19 For his offering he offered one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering; 

20 one gold pan of ten shekels, full of incense; 

21 one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb in its first year, as a burnt offering; 

22 one kid of the goats as a sin offering; 

23 and as the sacrifice of peace offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs in their first year. This was the offering of Nethanel the son of Zuar.

24 On the third day Eliab the son of Helon, leader of the children of Zebulun, presented an offering. 

25 His offering was one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering; 

26 one gold pan of ten shekels, full of incense; 

27 one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb in its first year, as a burnt offering; 

28 one kid of the goats as a sin offering; 

29 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs in their first year. This was the offering of Eliab the son of Helon.

30 On the fourth day Elizur the son of Shedeur, leader of the children of Reuben, presented an offering. 

31 His offering was one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering; 

32 one gold pan of ten shekels, full of incense; 

33 one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb in its first year, as a burnt offering; 

34 one kid of the goats as a sin offering; 

35 and as the sacrifice of peace offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs in their first year. This was the offering of Elizur the son of Shedeur.

36 On the fifth day Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai, leader of the children of Simeon, presented an offering. 

37 His offering was one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering; 

38 one gold pan of ten shekels, full of incense; 

39 one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb in its first year, as a burnt offering; 

40 one kid of the goats as a sin offering; 

41 and as the sacrifice of peace offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs in their first year. This was the offering of Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.

42 On the sixth day Eliasaph the son of Deuel, leader of the children of Gad, presented an offering. 

43 His offering was one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering; 

44 one gold pan of ten shekels, full of incense; 

45 one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb in its first year, as a burnt offering; 

46 one kid of the goats as a sin offering; 

47 and as the sacrifice of peace offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs in their first year. This was the offering of Eliasaph the son of Deuel.

48 On the seventh day Elishama the son of Ammihud, leader of the children of Ephraim, presented an offering. 

49 His offering was one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering; 

50 one gold pan of ten shekels, full of incense; 

51 one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb in its first year, as a burnt offering; 

52 one kid of the goats as a sin offering; 

53 and as the sacrifice of peace offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs in their first year. This was the offering of Elishama the son of Ammihud.

54 On the eighth day Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, leader of the children of Manasseh, presented an offering. 

55 His offering was one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering; 

56 one gold pan of ten shekels, full of incense; 

57 one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb in its first year, as a burnt offering; 

58 one kid of the goats as a sin offering; 

59 and as the sacrifice of peace offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs in their first year. This was the offering of Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur.

60 On the ninth day Abidan the son of Gideoni, leader of the children of Benjamin, presented an offering. 

61 His offering was one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering; 

62 one gold pan of ten shekels, full of incense; 

63 one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb in its first year, as a burnt offering; 

64 one kid of the goats as a sin offering; 

65 and as the sacrifice of peace offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs in their first year. This was the offering of Abidan the son of Gideoni.

66 On the tenth day Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai, leader of the children of Dan, presented an offering. 

67 His offering was one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering; 

68 one gold pan of ten shekels, full of incense; 

69 one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb in its first year, as a burnt offering; 

70 one kid of the goats as a sin offering; 

71 and as the sacrifice of peace offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs in their first year. This was the offering of Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.

72 On the eleventh day Pagiel the son of Ocran, leader of the children of Asher, presented an offering. 

73 His offering was one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering; 

74 one gold pan of ten shekels, full of incense; 

75 one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb in its first year, as a burnt offering; 

76 one kid of the goats as a sin offering; 

77 and as the sacrifice of peace offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs in their first year. This was the offering of Pagiel the son of Ocran.

78 On the twelfth day Ahira the son of Enan, leader of the children of Naphtali, presented an offering. 

79 His offering was one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels, and one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering; 

80 one gold pan of ten shekels, full of incense; 

81 one young bull, one ram, and one male lamb in its first year, as a burnt offering; 

82 one kid of the goats as a sin offering; 

83 and as the sacrifice of peace offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs in their first year. This was the offering of Ahira the son of Enan.

84 This was the dedication offering for the altar from the leaders of Israel, when it was anointed: twelve silver platters, twelve silver bowls, and twelve gold pans. 

85 Each silver platter weighed one hundred and thirty shekels and each bowl seventy shekels. All the silver of the vessels weighed two thousand four hundred shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary. 

86 The twelve gold pans full of incense weighed ten shekels apiece, according to the shekel of the sanctuary; all the gold of the pans weighed one hundred and twenty shekels. 

87 All the oxen for the burnt offering were twelve young bulls, the rams twelve, the male lambs in their first year twelve, with their grain offering, and the kids of the goats as a sin offering twelve. 

88 And all the oxen for the sacrifice of peace offerings were twenty-four bulls, the rams sixty, the male goats sixty, and the lambs in their first year sixty. This was the dedication offering for the altar after it was anointed.

89 Now when Moses went into the tabernacle of meeting to speak with Him, he heard the voice of One speaking to him from above the mercy seat that was on the ark of the Testimony, from between the two cherubim; thus He spoke to him.

Journal:

  • What am I currently offering to God that feels ordinary or repetitive
  • Is there an area where God is asking me to be consistent rather than impressive
  • What simple act of obedience can I choose today to honor Him

Merry Christmas!

Numbers 6

Set apart and covered by Hie blessing

“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.” ’ ~ Numbers 6:24-26

There is something powerful about being set apart in a noisy, demanding world. Today’s reading talks about the Nazirite vow and ends with the priestly blessing, showing that a life committed to God is both intentional and deeply covered by His favor. God was not asking His people to withdraw from life, but to live with purpose, devotion, and awareness that His blessing rested on them. This chapter reminds us that choosing God daily positions our lives under His peace and protection. On this Christmas Day, the blessing of Numbers 6 takes on an even deeper meaning. While the world celebrates the birth of Jesus, God’s greatest gift, we are reminded that His blessing and presence are not distant or seasonal, they are personal and constant.

Below are three points to intentionally set your life apart this Christmas:

1.The Nazirite vow was voluntary, it was not forced.

God invited His people to choose devotion. In today’s world, being set apart still begins with a choice. You choose to follow Jesus in how you think, speak, spend, and love.

Begin your Christmas Day by intentionally inviting God into it. Before the schedule starts or the noise fills the room, tell Him that this day belongs to Him. Choose one small act of obedience today, whether it is patience, generosity, or prayer, and let it mark your heart as His.

2. Being set apart creates space for God’s presence

The vow in Numbers 6 created boundaries so God’s presence could be honored. Those boundaries were not punishment, they were protection. In your life, boundaries still make room for God to be a part of every area of your life.

Notice where your heart feels crowded. It may be expectations, financial pressure, family tension, or comparison. Choose to lay one of those things down before God today. Even on Christmas, especially on Christmas, make room for His peace by letting go of what steals your focus from Him.

3. Being set apart positions you to receive His blessing

The chapter ends with God commanding the priests to speak blessing over the people. God wanted His people to know that His desire was to bless them, keep them, and give them peace. On Christmas Day, you are reminded that Jesus Himself is the fulfillment of that blessing.

Receive God’s blessing personally. Read the blessing from Numbers 6 slowly and insert your name into it. Let yourself believe that God’s face shines on you today, not because everything is perfect, but because He is faithful.

In my own life, I can sense when I chose to set myself apart in small but intentional ways. I guard my time with God, intentionally choose what I allowed into my mind, and I am more mindful of my words. I don’t always get it perfectly, but I know that His peace followed those choices. Even when circumstances were hard, I sensed God’s covering and His nearness more clearly. What started as simple daily morning prayer time became a source of strength and assurance that He was with me every step of my days.

Today I want to encourage you to choose a life that is intentionally set apart for God and confidently covered by His blessing. You do not need to strive or perform, you simply need to be present and take steps of faith to follow His plan. As you offer Him your life, trust that His face shines on you, His hand keeps you, and His peace rests over every step you take.

The Lord blesses and keeps me; The Lord makes His face shine on me, and is gracious to me; The Lord lifts up His countenance on me, and gives me peace.

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 6

1 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 

2 “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘When either a man or woman consecrates an offering to take the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to the Lord, 

3 he shall separate himself from wine and similar drink; he shall drink neither vinegar made from wine nor vinegar made from similar drink; neither shall he drink any grape juice, nor eat fresh grapes or raisins. 

4 All the days of his separation he shall eat nothing that is produced by the grapevine, from seed to skin.

5 ‘All the days of the vow of his separation no razor shall come upon his head; until the days are fulfilled for which he separated himself to the Lord, he shall be holy. Then he shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow. 

6 All the days that he separates himself to the Lord he shall not go near a dead body. 

7 He shall not make himself unclean even for his father or his mother, for his brother or his sister, when they die, because his separation to God is on his head. 

8 All the days of his separation he shall be holy to the Lord.

9 ‘And if anyone dies very suddenly beside him, and he defiles his consecrated head, then he shall shave his head on the day of his cleansing; on the seventh day he shall shave it. 

10 Then on the eighth day he shall bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons to the priest, to the door of the tabernacle of meeting; 

11 and the priest shall offer one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering, and make atonement for him, because he sinned in regard to the corpse; and he shall sanctify his head that same day. 

12 He shall consecrate to the Lord the days of his separation, and bring a male lamb in its first year as a trespass offering; but the former days shall be lost, because his separation was defiled.

13 ‘Now this is the law of the Nazirite: When the days of his separation are fulfilled, he shall be brought to the door of the tabernacle of meeting. 

14 And he shall present his offering to the Lord: one male lamb in its first year without blemish as a burnt offering, one ewe lamb in its first year without blemish as a sin offering, one ram without blemish as a peace offering, 

15 a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mixed with oil, unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and their grain offering with their drink offerings.

16 Then the priest shall bring them before the Lord and offer his sin offering and his burnt offering; 

17 and he shall offer the ram as a sacrifice of a peace offering to the Lord, with the basket of unleavened bread; the priest shall also offer its grain offering and its drink offering. 

18 Then the Nazirite shall shave his consecrated head at the door of the tabernacle of meeting, and shall take the hair from his consecrated head and put it on the fire which is under the sacrifice of the peace offering.

19 ‘And the priest shall take the boiled shoulder of the ram, one unleavened cake from the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and put them upon the hands of the Nazirite after he has shaved his consecrated hair, 

20 and the priest shall wave them as a wave offering before the Lord; they are holy for the priest, together with the breast of the wave offering and the thigh of the heave offering. After that the Nazirite may drink wine.’

21 “This is the law of the Nazirite who vows to the Lord the offering for his separation, and besides that, whatever else his hand is able to provide; according to the vow which he takes, so he must do according to the law of his separation.”

22 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 

23 “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them:

24 “The Lord bless you and keep you;

25 The Lord make His face shine upon you,

And be gracious to you;

26 The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,

And give you peace.” ’

27 “So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them.”

Journal:

  • What area of my life is God inviting me to set apart for Him right now
  • Where have I been waiting to feel perfect instead of trusting God’s grace
  • How can I intentionally speak God’s blessing and peace over my life each day

Numbers 5

Guarding the camp of your heart

“Speak to the children of Israel: ‘When a man or woman commits any sin that men commit in unfaithfulness against the Lord, and that person is guilty, ~ Numbers 5:6

Have you ever noticed how the things you try hardest to keep hidden often carry the heaviest weight in your heart? God already sees them and He wants to take care of them for you, But He doesn’t do it automatically.  Instead, He invites you to come willingly so He can restore rather than expose.

Today’s reading feels a little uncomfortable because it is all about hidden sin, confession, and restoration. Yet this chapter shows a loving God who cares deeply about purity, honesty, and wholeness among His people. God was not trying to shame Israel but to protect the community and keep His presence at the center. The same heart of God is at work today. He still desires to bring light to what is hidden so healing can begin.

Below are three thoughts to consider as you read this portion of scripture:

1. God addresses what is hidden

Nothing in Numbers 5 is left vague or ignored. God made a way for hidden issues to be dealt with so they would not quietly poison the community. He cared enough to bring clarity instead of confusion. This matters today because hidden struggles do not stay private forever, they slowly affect peace, relationships, and spiritual strength.

You can do this by inviting God into all areas you avoid thinking about, ask Him to show you what needs attention, choose honesty in prayer even when it feels uncomfortable, trust that God corrects because He loves you and always has a way to bring healing.

2. God values confession and restoration

When wrongdoing occurred, confession and restitution were required. God’s goal was not punishment but restoration and right relationship. Confession reopened the door to peace and unity. God still works this way. When you come to Him honestly, He does not turn you away, He restores what has been broken.

Speak openly to God about mistakes without excuses, take responsibility where healing is needed, make things right when possible, receive forgiveness instead of living under guilt.

3. God protects what belongs to Him

Numbers 5 shows God guarding the holiness of His dwelling place. His presence among His people mattered deeply. Today, you are His dwelling place. God cares about your heart because His Spirit lives within you. He protects what is sacred, including your peace, your integrity, and your walk with Him.

Start fresh by guarding your heart and mind, remove influences that quietly pull you away from God, invite the Holy Spirit to lead daily choices, choose obedience even when it costs comfort.

More than one time in my life, I have tried to carry things quietly, believing I could manage them on my own. I would keep praying around the issue instead of bringing it fully to God. Over time, the weight grew heavier and peace became harder to find. When I would finally come to God honestly and stopped hiding, He met me with grace, not condemnation. What felt frightening to admit became the doorway to healing. God always restored my peace step by step and reminded me that His desire was never to expose me, but to make me free.

Today I want to encourage you to invite God into every hidden place of your heart, to trust His love enough to be honest with Him and yourself, and to believe that confession opens the door to restoration and peace. God doesn’t want to punish you, He is waiting to heal you, protect you, and draw you closer to His presence.

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 5

1 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 

2 “Command the children of Israel that they put out of the camp every leper, everyone who has a discharge, and whoever becomes defiled by a corpse. 

3 You shall put out both male and female; you shall put them outside the camp, that they may not defile their camps in the midst of which I dwell.” 

4 And the children of Israel did so, and put them outside the camp; as the Lord spoke to Moses, so the children of Israel did.

5 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 

6 “Speak to the children of Israel: ‘When a man or woman commits any sin that men commit in unfaithfulness against the Lord, and that person is guilty, 

7 then he shall confess the sin which he has committed. He shall make restitution for his trespass in full, plus one-fifth of it, and give it to the one he has wronged. 

8 But if the man has no relative to whom restitution may be made for the wrong, the restitution for the wrong must go to the Lord for the priest, in addition to the ram of the atonement with which atonement is made for him. 

9 Every offering of all the holy things of the children of Israel, which they bring to the priest, shall be his. 

10 And every man’s holy things shall be his; whatever any man gives the priest shall be his.’ ”

11 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 

12 “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘If any man’s wife goes astray and behaves unfaithfully toward him, 

13 and a man lies with her carnally, and it is hidden from the eyes of her husband, and it is concealed that she has defiled herself, and there was no witness against her, nor was she caught— 

14 if the spirit of jealousy comes upon him and he becomes jealous of his wife, who has defiled herself; or if the spirit of jealousy comes upon him and he becomes jealous of his wife, although she has not defiled herself— 

15 then the man shall bring his wife to the priest. He shall bring the offering required for her, one-tenth of an ephah of barley meal; he shall pour no oil on it and put no frankincense on it, because it is a grain offering of jealousy, an offering for remembering, for bringing iniquity to remembrance.

16 ‘And the priest shall bring her near, and set her before the Lord. 

17 The priest shall take holy water in an earthen vessel, and take some of the dust that is on the floor of the tabernacle and put it into the water. 

18 Then the priest shall stand the woman before the Lord, uncover the woman’s head, and put the offering for remembering in her hands, which is the grain offering of jealousy. And the priest shall have in his hand the bitter water that brings a curse. 

19 And the priest shall put her under oath, and say to the woman, “If no man has lain with you, and if you have not gone astray to uncleanness while under your husband’s authority, be free from this bitter water that brings a curse. 

20 But if you have gone astray while under your husband’s authority, and if you have defiled yourself and some man other than your husband has lain with you”— 

21 then the priest shall put the woman under the oath of the curse, and he shall say to the woman—“the Lord make you a curse and an oath among your people, when the Lord makes your thigh rot and your belly swell; 

22 and may this water that causes the curse go into your stomach, and make your belly swell and your thigh rot.”

‘Then the woman shall say, “Amen, so be it.”

23 ‘Then the priest shall write these curses in a book, and he shall scrape them off into the bitter water. 

24 And he shall make the woman drink the bitter water that brings a curse, and the water that brings the curse shall enter her to become bitter. 

25 Then the priest shall take the grain offering of jealousy from the woman’s hand, shall wave the offering before the Lord, and bring it to the altar; 

26 and the priest shall take a handful of the offering, as its memorial portion, burn it on the altar, and afterward make the woman drink the water. 

27 When he has made her drink the water, then it shall be, if she has defiled herself and behaved unfaithfully toward her husband, that the water that brings a curse will enter her and become bitter, and her belly will swell, her thigh will rot, and the woman will become a curse among her people. 

28 But if the woman has not defiled herself, and is clean, then she shall be free and may conceive children.

29 ‘This is the law of jealousy, when a wife, while under her husband’s authority, goes astray and defiles herself, 

30 or when the spirit of jealousy comes upon a man, and he becomes jealous of his wife; then he shall stand the woman before the Lord, and the priest shall execute all this law upon her. 

31 Then the man shall be free from iniquity, but that woman shall bear her guilt.’ ”

Journal:

  • What have I been hesitant to bring fully before God
  • Where is God inviting honesty so healing can begin
  • What step of obedience is He asking me to take today
  • How can I guard my heart more intentionally this season