Numbers 8:16b (MEV): … instead of the firstborn of the children of Israel, I have taken them (Levites) for Myself.
I had never noticed this verse before. Being a mother of one that was so difficult to conceive, I always wondered “what if I had to give my firstborn to the Lord, could I do it, would I do it?” But I thankfully see that God has swapped out the firstborn of Israel with the Levites. I am so glad and relieved as I read this today. This feeling might be inappropriate, but I am sure I am not the only one feeling it, both the Israelite mothers as well as the Gentiles.
Numbers 9:20 (MEV): When the cloud remained a few days over the tabernacle, according to the commandment of the Lord they dwelt in their tents, and according to the commandment of the Lord they journeyed.
Can you imagine living like this? I can’t! How difficult it would be to plan things. I would always have to have my eyes on the cloud. I would have to keep my focus on it, instead of on me. But this is exactly how God wants me to live. One day at a time. Every single day following His every lead. It may seem foreign to live like this, but it is exactly how I am to stay under His umbrella of protection. It is how I am to serve God.
Numbers 10:9 (MEV): And if you go to war in your land against the enemy that oppresses you, then you will blow an alarm with the trumpets, and you will be remembered before the Lord your God, and you will be saved from your enemies.
How comforting would it be if only the sound of a trumpet would cause the Lord to remember me. Wouldn’t we all have trumpets or shofars in our back pockets or purses, instead of guns? Trumpets could never be outlawed. Can you picture it?
Numbers 11:11b-12a (MEV): ….and why have I not found favor in Your eyes, that you lay the burden of all this people on me? Have I conceived all this people?
When the tables turned, and I became the parent and my parents became the children, I remember asking the Lord this very question. “Who died and left me boss?” So, I understand where Moses was coming from. Day after day, someone complaining because their life had changed, it wasn’t the life they asked for, or wanted. Like Moses, the only thing I could do was to pray “God help me!” And He did!
Numbers 11:20 (MEV): ..but a whole month, until it comes out at your nostrils, and it will be nauseating to you because you rejected the Lord who is among you and have wept before Him saying, “Why did we come out of Egypt?”
Will I never learn that if I don’t accept and be satisfied in the goodness of God, that He may just give me what I want, until it is nauseating and comes out my nostrils? Now that is a word picture!! Moses may have been dealing with a million plus people. Can you see his problem? I need to stop my complaining about insignificant things I want, when all my needs are already met. My mother used to say: “If God didn’t give it to me, then I don’t need it.” I think I am beginning to see her reasoning.
Colossians 16b-17a (MEV): ….All things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
Such powerful words! I take so much for granted; the stars, the moon, the sun, the oceans and the mountains. All I see is the beauty of it, not what might happen if they may go awry. God has let me have a small taste of it through tsunamis, earthquakes, hurricanes and tornados. Though I have watched from afar, it gives me an idea of what may happen if God didn’t hold all things together. Powerful words indeed!! And yet, this powerful God (v22) presents me holy and blameless and above reproach if I am grounded and settled in my faith. Such Amazing Grace!!!
Dear Father, I pray to you and ask that I may be filled with the knowledge of Your will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. That I may walk in a manner worthy of you Lord, to please You in every good work, and growing in the knowledge of You God. I pray that I may be strengthened will all the power that comes from Your glorious might, for You have all kinds of patience and steadfastness. With joy I give thanks to You God, who qualifies me to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. Amen and Amen!
Carol (carolvorwe)
Sixty-six books in a year 
Just think if each one of our first born were dedicated to the Lord’s work. In the Philippines that is the tradition amongst evangelical families and this has caused a HUGE revial and awakening in that country and around the world.
Perhaps if we had all taken this path and dedicated our first born to God the work of the Great Commission would be finished and we’d all be in heaven now worshiping the Lord. Seems a small price to pay — if you would call it that — to be in the very presence of God right now.
Just thinking…