The Daily Dose

Numbers 13

What is the next step

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

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

Here are three take aways from today’s passage:

1. What you focus on shapes what you believe.

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

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

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

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

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

3. Obedience requires trust before certainty.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 13

1 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Journal:

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

From the Daily Dose Journal Series

Finally

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Rewards of Living This Way:

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

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

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

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

12 And landing at Syracuse, we stayed three days.

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

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

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

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

Journal:

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

From the Daily Dose Journal Series

kindness has a cost

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

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

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

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

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

Below are some ways to put this truth into action:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Journal:

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

Numbers 12

Humble and heard

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

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

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

Here are three truths about humility:

1. Humility invites God’s defense.

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

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

2. God takes words seriously.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 12

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

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

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

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

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

6 Then He said,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Journal:

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

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