Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Friday February 13, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of Numbers.

Today's Bible Reading: Numbers Chapters 3-4
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%203-4&version=9

Today's Message: Ignoring God's Commands
God commands all Christian's to serve Him in some way, ignoring Him not only takes away blessings that we can be enjoying it also destroys our relationship with Him.

God appointed certain positions for His people, "These also are the generations of Aaron and Moses in the day that the LORD spake with Moses in mount Sinai. And these are the names of the sons of Aaron; Nadab the firstborn, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests which were anointed, whom he consecrated to minister in the priest's office. And Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD, when they offered strange fire before the LORD, in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children: and Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest's office in the sight of Aaron their father." (Numbers 3:1-4). Nadab and Abihu, Aaron's two oldest sons, had been greatly honored by being included with Moses and Aaron and 70 elders on Mount Sinai to hear the voice of God. Unfortunately, they presumed to burn incense (symbolic of the prayers of the people) with unauthorized fire not kindled by God on the Brazen Altar, resulting in dire consequences. (See Leviticus:23-24).

Their unauthorized fire underlined the seriousness of departing from the Commandments of God. They had been given national recognition and God-ordained spiritual leadership. However, this did not protect them from the consequences of their disobedience. It points out that no one becomes so important or popular as a spiritual leader that God will overlook disobedience to His Word. To be a minister, or even to become a member of a church with no intent to submit one's life to please Christ is hypocrisy.

It was vitally important that all the workers remain faithful and loyal if the priests were to perform their sacred responsibilities. "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Take also the sum of the sons of Gershon, throughout the houses of their fathers, by their families; From thirty years old and upward until fifty years old shalt thou number them; all that enter in to perform the service, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation. This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, to serve, and for burdens: And they shall bear the curtains of the tabernacle, and the tabernacle of the congregation, his covering, and the covering of the badgers' skins that is above upon it, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, And the hangings of the court, and the hanging for the door of the gate of the court, which is by the tabernacle and by the altar round about, and their cords, and all the instruments of their service, and all that is made for them: so shall they serve. At the appointment of Aaron and his sons shall be all the service of the sons of the Gershonites, in all their burdens, and in all their service: and ye shall appoint unto them in charge all their burdens. This is the service of the families of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation: and their charge shall be under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest." (Numbers 4:21-28). To perform the service literally means to war the warfare. This phrase occurs again and again in referring to the ordinary hard work of disassembling the Tabernacle and carrying the curtains, poles, furniture, and everything pertaining to the worship of God throughout the difficult wilderness journey.

Every Christian is called upon to perform the service to faithfully help make it possible for others to know about God through Jesus Christ and His Word. No one else in the world can set souls free from sin and give them eternal life. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16). In fact it is a command that all Christian's tell the lost about Jesus. However, we face constant warfare as Satan continually seeks to hinder anyone he can from accomplishing anything worthwhile for the Lord. Whether it be soul winning, praying or providing financial support, he will stop at nothing to get one to fall away from serving Him (God). Just as the priests were dependent upon the faithfulness of the workers, the ministry of the Word of God throughout the world is dependent upon the faithfulness of the people of God.

The decision to ignore any command of God is sin. We are not to use any circumstances to justify an exception to His Word. Neither is there a choice of what part of His Word we can neglect or reject, for all is God inspired. "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?" (Hebrews 10:26-29). All New Testament doctrine is based on Old Testament principles. The Word of God is the source for meeting the needs of the human heart; it is the final and only source of absolute truth. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (II Timothy 3:16-17).

Jesus Christ is Revealed: By Aaron, the high priest, who was served by the Levites
"Bring the tribe of Levi near, and present them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister unto him." (Numbers 3:6). Jesus is our High Priest, "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession." (Hebrews 4:14).

Today's Psalm: 101:6
"Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Lord Jesus, help me to remain faithful to You and your calling upon my life. Strengthen and grow my faith as I daily search Your Scriptures and apply their truths to my spiritual walk. As I go through the trials and experiences of my earthly journey would You fix my eyes and my ever-wandering heart upon Jesus. When the howling winds and forceful storms of this life attempt to shipwreck my faith may they instead prove my faith to be more than sufficient to withstand the continual assaults from the enemy. Because I take refuge in Jesus my spiritual foundation is firm, always dependable, and leads me to glorious victory. In Jesus' name...........Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed day/night and enjoy your weekend.
God Bless,
Christina

Visit A Spiritual Guide
www.aspiritualguide.net