SCRIPTURE: Numbers 24 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: What is amazing is that God speaks to (and through) one who practices “sorcery” [Numbers 24:1]. God is not justifying sorcery [Leviticus 19:26], but showing that He rules even over pagan gods and religions. Humankind can rebel against God, defy His commands, and worship other ‘gods’, but they cannot block God’s purposes. God is…
the fight for organic is on!
I haven’t really been that involved in the issue of organic vs. genetically modified foods, but this video is a very fun perspective on it – “and may the Farm be with you!”
curses or blessings
SCRIPTURE: Numbers 23 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: God is giving Balak plenty of opportunity to repent, to come to his senses. Balaam, speaking from God, sheds light on this situation – these people are with God, and God is with them; do not resist them, join them! But Balak is deceived, and determined to get his own way. He…
hilarious public service announcement
Ok I admit it, I have too much time on my hands (sometimes). But there is something so real, so fun, so… hilarious about this post… right grandma? right oma?
the devil’s diversions
SCRIPTURE: Numbers 22 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: At first glance, Balaam seems to be on the right track. When asked to put a curse on Israel, he heeds God’s warning and refuses. When enticed with wealth, he still refuses: “Even if Balak gave me his palace filled with silver and gold, I could not do anything great or small…
resisting or resting
SCRIPTURE: Numbers 21 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: What happens when we go against God? We go against life! All of creation, all of life, is shaped towards God. Resisting God is like spitting in the wind, it will come back in our face. This is what Arad, Sihon and Og discovered. This is also what a wise Jewish leader…
responding like Jesus
SCRIPTURE: Numbers 20 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: How do we handle criticism, opposition, disagreement? How we respond can help or hinder our testimony to Jesus. Anger, revenge, bitterness are not healthy responses to opposition. Jesus teaches, “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray…
prayer walking
Today I went prayer walking in the Falby Court area. This is the area that we are looking to relocate our services at Crossroads. Its south of the 401, Harwood and Bayly. At first it was nothing deep or profound… until I asked the Spirit to pray through me [Romans 8:26]. I really had no clear thoughts…
fire and water
SCRIPTURE: Numbers 19 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: The symbolism of the red heifer, its burned ashes kept outside the camp and mixed with water, relates to the cleansing benefit of Jesus’ death for sinners, to make them clean [1 John 1:7-9]. Once again the goriness of the ritual can distract us from the grace and blessing the Lord offers His people….
am I God’s gift to Jesus?
SCRIPTURE: Numbers 18 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: The tabernacle is the center of the Israelite existence, and the priests, levites, tithes and offerings are set up to maintain its central place. God gives the Levites to the priests, and the offerings to them all, to provide for the work. Their task is to offer their best to the Lord…