Return to Bible Devotional -> Scripture Prayer ->Mid-week Mini-Worship -> Weekly Bible Books
Devotional
Weekly Bible Devotion By Books
Jan 23-28, 2023
Enter the presence of the Lord (based on Psalm 27)
Your face, Lord, I seek.
I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord
In the land of living!
Every good and perfect is from above,
Our heavenly Father!
The Lord is my light and my salvation.
I will be confident.
Confession
O, God, you are our good, good Father. But we often shift ourselves away from your goodness. We are troubled by our own stupidities. We struggle in the muddy pit. We grumble. We complain about you, others and selves. O, God, how foolish we are! Help us fix our eyes on you alone, believe in your goodness to us and move on with you in faith.
Scripture Reading Numbers 6:24-27; James 1:16-18
Numbers 6:24-27 The Lord said to Moses, 23 “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: 24 “‘“The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’ 27 “So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”
James 1:16-18 16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
Thoughts to share Blessings in Our Daily Life Journey
The book of Numbers records the Israelites’ long journey from Mt. Sinai to the Plain of Moab. In the process, the Israelites experienced the hardships from natural and human circumstances: water supply, weather condition, food supply, wild animals, desert after desert, wilderness after wilderness, attacks and oppositions of local peoples, their own internal conflicts…etc. Their hearts grew faint. They cried. They complained. They were angry. They doubted the wisdom of God leading them out of Egypt. They were not sure if they really wanted to enter the Promised Land. They failed in keeping the laws of God. The first generation died. The second generation was born and grew up. Their leadership changed from Moses to Joshua. They went by 40 places. However, at the end of 40 years, they finally came to the Plain of Moab, ready for the final push into the Promised Land.
Where do we see the blessings of God instructing Arron enacted when we read through the story of their journey? Did God ever confirm the blessings that Arron and other priests gave the Israelites? Well, at the first sight, that journey certainly was not so pleasant. For the first generation of people in the wilderness, it completely made no sense to them probably. However, when we take the second look, we realize that the blessings of God were indeed given, despite their own faults and circumstantial challenges. For examples, God supplied them with the needs for soul, body and spirit. God defended them and became their refuge and victory. God forgave their disobedience again and again and continued to be their God. God determinedly led them into the Promised Land. In summary, God had been their savior, provider, leader, teacher, admonisher, discipliner, healer, defender, protector, keeper…etc.
Our new year’s journey has begun. Our world is as complexed as the world that Israelites experienced. We do not know the future and how tomorrow will be. The journey may include various types of highs and lows. But we can trust that God’s many forms of blessings will be with us in all our circumstances. The Book of Numbers reminds us to watch out our heart conditions - complaint? Little faith? Anger? Doubt? Faint? Blame? Hopeless? Give-up? Disappointment at God? Moreover, the book also reminds us of God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. He does not change mind in giving us the good and perfect gifts. He will lead us along the way into our promised land. He will keep us as his children.
Prayer suggestions
Do we have the promise that our new year’s journey will not be alone? Do we see a blesser who will be with us? Are we afraid of the challenges or faults? Do we remember our little faith, our complaints, and our stubbornness in last year? Here is a new year, a new page of life. We can do differently and confidently.
God, our fountain of blessings, every good and perfect gift comes from you. Help us to receive this blessing you gave Arron long ago. We will be reminded that you intend to bless us with many forms of blessings as we wander through the world daily. You will be with us through the year. Let us walk under your wings and beside you. Let your face turn toward us and shine upon us. Thank you, our heavenly Father, you are a good Father. In the name of your son Jesus Christ, we pray.
Prayer Request
Devotional
News
2024-01-3
Free Training Mental Health Initiative for church by Light University
2024-01-3
-info on 2024 Christian Ministry Learning and special grant Opportunities
2024-01-3
-EFC educational workshop
2024-01-3
-Rev.Dr. Samuel Tang Bookroom
2024-01-3
-Church Leadership Podcast
2024-01-3
-free courses at Our Daily Bread Christian University for edifying and serving