The Daily Dose

Handled with care

According to the commandment of the Lord they were numbered by the hand of Moses, each according to his service and according to his task; thus were they numbered by him, as the Lord commanded Moses. ~ Numbers 4:49

Numbers 4 describes the detailed instructions God gave for carrying the holy things of the tabernacle. Every assignment mattered, every role had boundaries, and every person was trusted with something sacred. This chapter reminds me that God is intentional about what He places in our hands and how He asks us to carry it. Have you ever considered that what feels heavy or demanding right now may actually be something God trusts you to steward carefully and not to run away from it?
In today’s world it is easy to rush, cut corners, or compare assignments. Today’s reading is a direct message to each of us as believers navigating responsibility, pressure, and purpose. God was not casual about holy things then, and He is not casual about the work He gives His people in the world today.

Below are three truths taken from the scripture reading today:

1. God assigns responsibility with purpose

Each group of Levites had a specific role, and no one was allowed to take on work that was not assigned to them. Their obedience protected both the people and the presence of God.

Today, ask God to help you focus on what He has placed directly in front of you instead of taking on burdens that were never yours to carry. When work, ministry, or family responsibilities feel overwhelming, pause and ask what part is for you to carry and what part needs to be release. Faithfulness begins with obedience to your actual assignment.

2. Preparation matters before movement

Before anything sacred was carried, it was covered and prepared. Nothing holy was handled casually. God valued order, care, and readiness.

Take time to prepare your heart before stepping into responsibility. This may look like prayer before difficult conversations, rest before busy seasons, or seeking wisdom before making decisions. Preparation protects both you and those you serve.

3. Strength and maturity grow with time

Only men within a certain age range were assigned to this work. God recognized the physical and spiritual strength required to carry these responsibilities.

Give yourself grace in seasons of growth. Not every assignment is meant for every stage. Trust that God develops strength over time and that patience today leads to capacity tomorrow.

There have been times in my life when I felt stretched by responsibilities that seemed heavier than I expected. I wanted things to move faster and wondered why God trusted me with such weight. As I stayed faithful and handled what was placed in my hands with care, I began to see how those strains were building endurance, wisdom, and confidence. Those moments also became times of pruning, removing the things I stepped into on my own so there would be room for what I was truly being called to carry. Later, when new opportunities came, I realized I had been prepared all along through the careful carrying of smaller assignments.

Today I want to encourage you to see your current responsibilities as a sacred trust. Carry what God has placed in your hands with care, obedience, and patience. Even when the load feels heavy, remember that God would not assign it to you if He had not already equipped you to carry it. Take time to consider what He has clearly entrusted to you and what you may have stepped into on your own. Ask Him for the grace to release what was never yours to carry. As you remain faithful, He is shaping you through the process and strengthening you for what comes next.

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 4

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

2 “Take a census of the sons of Kohath from among the children of Levi, by their families, by their fathers’ house, 

3 from thirty years old and above, even to fifty years old, all who enter the service to do the work in the tabernacle of meeting.

4 “This is the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of meeting, relating to the most holy things: 

5 When the camp prepares to journey, Aaron and his sons shall come, and they shall take down the covering veil and cover the ark of the Testimony with it. 

6 Then they shall put on it a covering of badger skins, and spread over that a cloth entirely of blue; and they shall insert its poles.

7 “On the table of showbread they shall spread a blue cloth, and put on it the dishes, the pans, the bowls, and the pitchers for pouring; and the showbread shall be on it. 

8 They shall spread over them a scarlet cloth, and cover the same with a covering of badger skins; and they shall insert its poles. 

9 And they shall take a blue cloth and cover the lampstand of the light, with its lamps, its wick-trimmers, its trays, and all its oil vessels, with which they service it. 

10 Then they shall put it with all its utensils in a covering of badger skins, and put it on a carrying beam.

11 “Over the golden altar they shall spread a blue cloth, and cover it with a covering of badger skins; and they shall insert its poles. 

12 Then they shall take all the utensils of service with which they minister in the sanctuary, put them in a blue cloth, cover them with a covering of badger skins, and put them on a carrying beam. 

13 Also they shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth over it. 

14 They shall put on it all its implements with which they minister there—the firepans, the forks, the shovels, the basins, and all the utensils of the altar—and they shall spread on it a covering of badger skins, and insert its poles. 

15 And when Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary and all the furnishings of the sanctuary, when the camp is set to go, then the sons of Kohath shall come to carry them; but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die.

“These are the things in the tabernacle of meeting which the sons of Kohath are to carry.

16 “The appointed duty of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest is the oil for the light, the sweet incense, the daily grain offering, the anointing oil, the oversight of all the tabernacle, of all that is in it, with the sanctuary and its furnishings.”

17 Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying: 

18 “Do not cut off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites; 

19 but do this in regard to them, that they may live and not die when they approach the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in and appoint each of them to his service and his task. 

20 But they shall not go in to watch while the holy things are being covered, lest they die.”

21 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 

22 “Also take a census of the sons of Gershon, by their fathers’ house, by their families. 

23 From thirty years old and above, even to fifty years old, you shall number them, all who enter to perform the service, to do the work in the tabernacle of meeting. 

24 This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, in serving and carrying: 

25 They shall carry the curtains of the tabernacle and the tabernacle of meeting with its covering, the covering of badger skins that is on it, the screen for the door of the tabernacle of meeting, 

26 the screen for the door of the gate of the court, the hangings of the court which are around the tabernacle and altar, and their cords, all the furnishings for their service and all that is made for these things: so shall they serve.

27 “Aaron and his sons shall assign all the service of the sons of the Gershonites, all their tasks and all their service. And you shall appoint to them all their tasks as their duty. 

28 This is the service of the families of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of meeting. And their duties shall be under the authority of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.

29 “As for the sons of Merari, you shall number them by their families and by their fathers’ house. 

30 From thirty years old and above, even to fifty years old, you shall number them, everyone who enters the service to do the work of the tabernacle of meeting. 

31 And this is what they must carry as all their service for the tabernacle of meeting: the boards of the tabernacle, its bars, its pillars, its sockets, 

32 and the pillars around the court with their sockets, pegs, and cords, with all their furnishings and all their service; and you shall assign to each man by name the items he must carry. 

33 This is the service of the families of the sons of Merari, as all their service for the tabernacle of meeting, under the authority of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.”

Census of the Levites

34 And Moses, Aaron, and the leaders of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites by their families and by their fathers’ house, 

35 from thirty years old and above, even to fifty years old, everyone who entered the service for work in the tabernacle of meeting; 

36 and those who were numbered by their families were two thousand seven hundred and fifty. 

37 These were the ones who were numbered of the families of the Kohathites, all who might serve in the tabernacle of meeting, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the commandment of the Lord by the hand of Moses.

38 And those who were numbered of the sons of Gershon, by their families and by their fathers’ house, 

39 from thirty years old and above, even to fifty years old, everyone who entered the service for work in the tabernacle of meeting— 

40 those who were numbered by their families, by their fathers’ house, were two thousand six hundred and thirty. 

41 These are the ones who were numbered of the families of the sons of Gershon, of all who might serve in the tabernacle of meeting, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the commandment of the Lord.

42 Those of the families of the sons of Merari who were numbered, by their families, by their fathers’ house, 

43 from thirty years old and above, even to fifty years old, everyone who entered the service for work in the tabernacle of meeting— 

44 those who were numbered by their families were three thousand two hundred. 

45 These are the ones who were numbered of the families of the sons of Merari, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the word of the Lord by the hand of Moses.

46 All who were numbered of the Levites, whom Moses, Aaron, and the leaders of Israel numbered, by their families and by their fathers’ houses, 

47 from thirty years old and above, even to fifty years old, everyone who came to do the work of service and the work of bearing burdens in the tabernacle of meeting— 

48 those who were numbered were eight thousand five hundred and eighty.

49 According to the commandment of the Lord they were numbered by the hand of Moses, each according to his service and according to his task; thus were they numbered by him, as the Lord commanded Moses.

Journal:

• What responsibilities has God placed in my hands during this season
• Am I carrying anything God has not asked me to carry
• How can I prepare my heart better for the assignments in front of me
• Where have I seen growth in strength and maturity through past responsibilities

The God Who assigns purpose

“Now behold, I Myself have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of every firstborn who opens the womb among the children of Israel. Therefore, the Levites shall be Mine, ~ Numbers 3:12

Have you ever wondered if what you are doing right now truly matters to God, especially when it feels unseen or ordinary? In a world that often measures value by visibility, today’s scripture reading reminds you that God assigns purpose with intention, and every role He gives carries deep meaning. This chapter is about God setting apart the Levites for specific responsibilities, not because they were more impressive than others, but because He chose them. That same truth speaks powerfully into your life today as a follower of the Lord Jesus.

Below are three truths that will help you step into the calling He has designed for you.

1. God assigns purpose before you feel ready

God appointed the Levites to serve in the tabernacle, handling sacred responsibilities. They did not volunteer for this role, God called them. Their purpose came from His word, not their confidence or preparation.

You may find yourself in a season where God has placed you in a role that feels overwhelming or beyond your comfort level, parenting, leadership, caregiving, ministry, or a job that stretches you. God often assigns purpose before you feel equipped, so you learn to depend on Him.

Pray and ask God to show you where He has placed you on purpose and stop waiting to feel qualified. Instead, start taking steps of faith trusting that walking in His calling will grow your confidence over time.

Stepping into a position on staff at a large church was very uncomfortable for me to do. In a position of caring for people and responsibilities that felt much bigger than my abilities, I often felt unprepared and unsure. But as I follow the Holy Spirit’s direction, God met me with grace and strength I did not have on my own. I didn’t get everything right at first, but as I continued in the position with faithfulness in the small things and the big ones, I have grown in God based confidence that being where and who He has called me to be is my purpose for this time in my life.

2. Faithfulness matters even when no one sees it

Much of the Levites’ work happened behind the scenes. They carried, guarded, and cared for the tabernacle. Their faithfulness protected the worship life of an entire nation. Even though most people never noticed what they did day to day, everyone depended on the Levites being in the right place when it was time for worship and sacrifice.

You may be serving quietly, praying for others, working diligently at home, or showing up consistently without recognition. God sees every act of faithfulness, and each one carries eternal weight. Your faithfulness in the small things is shaping your character and preparing you for the open doors to greater assignments ahead.

Serve with joy and show up on time with a good attitude, even when there is no applause. Remind yourself that God is the audience for your faithfulness. Stay consistent in what God has asked you to do. Your integrity as a child of God is shown by doing what you say you will do, when you say you will do it.

There were times I felt unseen in my efforts, especially when serving others took more out of me than it seemed to give back. Over time, I saw how God used those quiet seasons to shape my heart and prepare me for future ministry.

3. God values obedience more than position

This passage makes it clear that every Levite had a different role, yet each one was equally important. Their value was not found in status or position but in following God’s instructions.

It is easy to compare your calling to someone else’s and feel like your role is smaller or less important. God does not measure impact the way people do. He looks at obedience, surrender and a heart willing to serve.

Stop comparing your assignment to others and focus on doing your part well and with humility, instead. Ask God to help you be content where He has placed you.

Some of the most impactful moments in my life came through taking faith steps in simple, everyday tasks. God used those moments to build character and trust in ways I never expected.

Today I want to encourage you to trust the place God has assigned you at this point in time, even if it feels small, hidden, or challenging. God is intentional with every role He gives, and your obedience matters more than you realize. When you serve faithfully where He has placed you, you are walking in purpose and honoring Him with your life. He sees you, He strengthens you, and He is working through you in ways that will bear fruit in His perfect timing.

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 3

1 Now these are the records of Aaron and Moses when the Lord spoke with Moses on Mount Sinai. 

2 And these are the names of the sons of Aaron: Nadab, the firstborn, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. 

3 These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the anointed priests, whom he consecrated to minister as priests. 

4 Nadab and Abihu had died before the Lord when they offered profane fire before the Lord in the Wilderness of Sinai; and they had no children. So Eleazar and Ithamar ministered as priests in the presence of Aaron their father.

5 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 

6 “Bring the tribe of Levi near, and present them before Aaron the priest, that they may serve him. 

7 And they shall attend to his needs and the needs of the whole congregation before the tabernacle of meeting, to do the work of the tabernacle. 

8 Also they shall attend to all the furnishings of the tabernacle of meeting, and to the needs of the children of Israel, to do the work of the tabernacle. 

9 And you shall give the Levites to Aaron and his sons; they are given entirely to him from among the children of Israel. 

10 So you shall appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall attend to their priesthood; but the outsider who comes near shall be put to death.”

11 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 

12 “Now behold, I Myself have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of every firstborn who opens the womb among the children of Israel. Therefore the Levites shall be Mine, 

13 because all the firstborn are Mine. On the day that I struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, I sanctified to Myself all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast. They shall be Mine: I am the Lord.”

14 Then the Lord spoke to Moses in the Wilderness of Sinai, saying: 

15 “Number the children of Levi by their fathers’ houses, by their families; you shall number every male from a month old and above.”

16 So Moses numbered them according to the word of the Lord, as he was commanded. 

17 These were the sons of Levi by their names: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. 

18 And these are the names of the sons of Gershon by their families: Libni and Shimei. 

19 And the sons of Kohath by their families: Amram, Izehar, Hebron, and Uzziel. 

20 And the sons of Merari by their families: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites by their fathers’ houses.

21 From Gershon came the family of the Libnites and the family of the Shimites; these were the families of the Gershonites. 

22 Those who were numbered, according to the number of all the males from a month old and above—of those who were numbered there were seven thousand five hundred. 

23 The families of the Gershonites were to camp behind the tabernacle westward. 

24 And the leader of the father’s house of the Gershonites was Eliasaph the son of Lael. 

25 The duties of the children of Gershon in the tabernacle of meeting included the tabernacle, the tent with its covering, the screen for the door of the tabernacle of meeting, 

26 the screen for the door of the court, the hangings of the court which are around the tabernacle and the altar, and their cords, according to all the work relating to them.

27 From Kohath came the family of the Amramites, the family of the Izharites, the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the Uzzielites; these were the families of the Kohathites. 

28 According to the number of all the males, from a month old and above, there were eight thousand six hundred keeping charge of the sanctuary. 

29 The families of the children of Kohath were to camp on the south side of the tabernacle. 

30 And the leader of the fathers’ house of the families of the Kohathites was Elizaphan the son of Uzziel. 

31 Their duty included the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the utensils of the sanctuary with which they ministered, the screen, and all the work relating to them.

32 And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest was to be chief over the leaders of the Levites, with oversight of those who kept charge of the sanctuary.

33 From Merari came the family of the Mahlites and the family of the Mushites; these were the families of Merari. 

34 And those who were numbered, according to the number of all the males from a month old and above, were six thousand two hundred. 

35 The leader of the fathers’ house of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail. These were to camp on the north side of the tabernacle. 

36 And the appointed duty of the children of Merari included the boards of the tabernacle, its bars, its pillars, its sockets, its utensils, all the work relating to them, 

37 and the pillars of the court all around, with their sockets, their pegs, and their cords.

38 Moreover those who were to camp before the tabernacle on the east, before the tabernacle of meeting, were Moses, Aaron, and his sons, keeping charge of the sanctuary, to meet the needs of the children of Israel; but the outsider who came near was to be put to death. 

39 All who were numbered of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron numbered at the commandment of the Lord, by their families, all the males from a month old and above, were twenty-two thousand.

Levites Dedicated Instead of the Firstborn

40 Then the Lord said to Moses: “Number all the firstborn males of the children of Israel from a month old and above, and take the number of their names. 

41 And you shall take the Levites for Me—I am the Lord—instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the livestock of the children of Israel.” 

42 So Moses numbered all the firstborn among the children of Israel, as the Lord commanded him. 

43 And all the firstborn males, according to the number of names from a month old and above, of those who were numbered of them, were twenty-two thousand two hundred and seventy-three.

44 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 

45 “Take the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites instead of their livestock. The Levites shall be Mine: I am the Lord. 

46 And for the redemption of the two hundred and seventy-three of the firstborn of the children of Israel, who are more than the number of the Levites, 

47 you shall take five shekels for each one individually; you shall take them in the currency of the shekel of the sanctuary, the shekel of twenty gerahs. 

48 And you shall give the money, with which the excess number of them is redeemed, to Aaron and his sons.”

49 So Moses took the redemption money from those who were over and above those who were redeemed by the Levites. 

50 From the firstborn of the children of Israel he took the money, one thousand three hundred and sixty-five shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary. 

51 And Moses gave their redemption money to Aaron and his sons, according to the word of the Lord, as the Lord commanded Moses.

Journal:

• Where has God placed me right now, and how am I responding to that assignment?
• What areas of my life require following by faith even when I feel unqualified or unseen?
• How can I serve God more faithfully in the responsibilities I already have?

Encouraged in your storm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Journal:

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

Missed opportunity

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Journal:

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

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

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

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

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

My love and prayers are with you all,
Lynette Lyden

Ordered for the journey

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

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

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

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

1. God places you where you belong

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

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

2. God centers life around His presence

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

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

3. God brings unity through order

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

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

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

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

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Journal:

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

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

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

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

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

My love and prayers are with you all,
Lynette Lyden

Ordered for the journey

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

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

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

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

1. God places you where you belong

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

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

2. God centers life around His presence

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

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

3. God brings unity through order

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

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

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

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

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Journal:

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

Counted and called

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

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

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

Below are three truths for you to consider today:

1. God knows you by name and purpose

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

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

2. God prepares you before He positions you

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

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

3. God assigns responsibility, not comparison

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

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

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

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

Today’s scripture reading: Numbers 1

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

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

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

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

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

6 from Simeon, Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai; 

7 from Judah, Nahshon the son of Amminadab; 

8 from Issachar, Nethanel the son of Zuar; 

9 from Zebulun, Eliab the son of Helon; 

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

11 from Benjamin, Abidan the son of Gideoni; 

12 from Dan, Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai; 

13 from Asher, Pagiel the son of Ocran; 

14 from Gad, Eliasaph the son of Deuel; 

15 from Naphtali, Ahira the son of Enan.” 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

48 for the Lord had spoken to Moses, saying: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Journal:

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

What belongs to Him

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

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

Here are three truths to walk in today:

1. God defines what belongs to Him

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

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

2. Trust grows when obedience comes first

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

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

3. God works through surrendered resources to shape surrendered hearts

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

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

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

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

Today’s scripture reading: Leviticus 27

1 Now the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Journal:

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