God Before Self 02.29.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Friday February 29, 2008 and today we are completing the study on the book of Numbers. Please read Numbers 36 in your Bible or Click Here to read online. In today's study we will read about the laws concerning female inheritance within their patriarchal tribe and learn the importantance of remaining faithful to God over one's personal satisfaction.

Five of the daughters of Zelophehad were awaiting a decision concerning their tribal territory after they married. Although they had the legal right to marry anyone, they were to consider the responsibility that rested on their actions. To marry someone from another tribe would forfeit their father's inheritance. "And they said, The LORD commanded my lord to give the land for an inheritance by lot to the children of Israel: and my lord was commanded by the LORD to give the inheritance of Zelophehad our brother unto his daughters. And if they be married to any of the sons of the other tribes of the children of Israel, then shall their inheritance be taken from the inheritance of our fathers, and shall be put to the inheritance of the tribe whereunto they are received: so shall it be taken from the lot of our inheritance." (Numbers 36:2-3). The decision involved an important principle of denying one's own personal satisfaction or remaining faithful to fulfilling the will of God. "Even as the LORD commanded Moses, so did the daughters of Zelophehad: For Mahlah, Tirzah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married unto their fathers brothers' sons: And they were married into the families of the sons of Manasseh the son of Joseph, and their inheritance remained in the tribe of the family of their father." (36:10-12).

No one should overlook how perfectly the request of the five daughters of Zelophehad corresponds to our relationship with Christ. Often we are faced with a personal choice that is not sinful but which can cause us to compromise and relinquish or diminish our spiritual opportunities.

In contrast, no one who remains true to Christ forfeits the best in life. A commitment to God's Word preserves and enhances, rather than hinders, the enjoyment of one's life. Our enemy Satan often appears as an angel of light, seeking our consent to yield just once, so that he can gain a foothold, whereby, he gradually takes control of our lives . "And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light." (II Corinthians 11:14).

The Book of Hebrews offers the warning of God, "Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways." (Hebrews 3:7-10).

Submitting to God's will for our lives, even when choosing the right spouse, brings benefits in this life and hereafter, trust in the Lord and He will bless you beyond measure.

In today's lesson Jesus Christ is revealed through the inheritance of the children of Israel (Numbers 36:7). While they were given an inheritance of the land that will pass away, we have been given a greater inheritance, one that will not pass away. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you," (1 Peter 3-4)

Today's Psalm: 40:8
"I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
I am full of gratitude today as I consider Your abiding presence in my life. You planned my existence in my mother's womb before I even drew my first breath. When so many people have come into my life and exited it throughout the years You have taken up residence and You forever rule my heart. When the path before me is unclear You always go before me and sustain me in my wilderness journey. Forgive me, Lord for not always following Your Will and choosing my own way, I know many of the trials I faced resulted in those wrong choices, but You loved me so much that You never give up on me, You always bring me back and put me in the right direction. Thank You, Lord for all that You do. In Jesus' name, I pray.....Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day/night and have a great weekend.
God Bless you,
Christina

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