Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Wednesday February 18, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of Numbers.

Today's Bible Reading: Numbers Chapters 12-13
You can read the chapters by clicking on the link above, if the link does not work you can copy and paste this link into your browser: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%2012-13&version=9

Today's Message: Consuming Pride
If we are not careful we can let pride consume us and destroy every effort that we have made at serving God effectively.

God had placed Moses' brother and sister in positions of great honor. Miriam was honored above all the women of Israel, she had a prophetic anointing, and was gifted in music and singing. Aaron had the privileged responsibility of being the first high priest. However, Miriam and Aaron disapproved of Moses' new marriage and spoke against him. "And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it. (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.) " (Numbers 12:1-3).

Suddenly, the Lord demanded to meet with Miriam, Aaron, and Moses. Miriam may have been delighted, thinking that God was just as displeased with Moses as she was, and would agree with her criticism. "And the LORD spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out.And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth.And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house.With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them; and he departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous." (12:4-10). Miriam experienced an overwhelming shock when God made her leprous for seven days. She succeeded, as many others have, in making it appear that her concern came from a spiritual motived, but God saw through her pride, jealousy, and hurt feelings.

It was the God ordained leadership of Moses, not his choice of a wife or what he was teaching, that was being questioned. The progress of a church can be greatly hindered because of jealousy over someone else receiving recognition when another thought that he was more qualified and more deserving. However, we must not allow these things to cause us to sin by taking a stand against God appointed authority. What happens is that the possession of spiritual gifts can lead to pride which, in turn,leads to jealousy if others with similar spiritual gifts appear to be competitors. When someone we have known as less qualified is promoted above us in our office or given recognition, we may be tempted to fall into Miriam's sin of criticizing. Pride reveals itself in many forms. It may be based on physical beauty, wealth, education, or talents; but pride is a self-destructive and self-deceptive sin. Jesus, who was meek and humble said, "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." (Matthew 5:5).

Because you were bought by the blood of Jesus, think how valuable you are to God,you aregiven special gifts that allowyou to serve Him effectively (successfully). Of course there are others who have similar gifts, but each person is unique and assists Him accordingly.You may not always get recognized by others, but you can rest assure that God recognizes all of your efforts and you will be blessed for them. One day a great surprise will come your way that will show you just how much your efforts are appreciated.

Today's Psalm: 24:4-5
"He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation."
Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Nothing brings abiding peace more than knowing that we are saved from the penalty of sin and that we are firmly grounded in Your holy precepts. It makes us feel safe in a struggling world that continues to search for knowledge from all the wrong sources. We are sound in our outlook when we align our understanding and convictions with the teachings of Christ, His disciples and the prophets of old. We speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor from the authority of this world that changes from year to year.Our wisdom is based upon our knowledge and understanding of You, our eternal Father, the One who changes not. In You we are saved and we are sound. In Jesus' name.........Amen.

Have a wonderful day/night and enjoy the rest of your week.
God Bless,
Christina

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