Num 21-23 Mk 6-7

Both Old Testament and New Testament groups we're taking the land and in the process were attacked by spiritual forces that wanted to curse them. When doing the Lord's work it must always be accompanied with prayer and fasting so that evil cannot get in and undermine the work. Strength of purpose relies heavily on faith in God.

Num 19-20 Ps 28 Mk 5

In touching Darius's daughter, who had died, make Jesus unclean? And by doing so, make the routine for water cleansing applicable? There is no suggestion that Jesus did so. After all wasn't the girl alive? There is never a hint or suggestion in all of the scriptures that Jesus ever became unclean. In any case being unclean is not a sin. Refusing to be cleansed is and so we must make every effort to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:15).

Num 17-18 Ps 29 Mk 4

Grumbling and misunderstanding of the 10 spies are dealt with by the Lord and Jesus spoke to his 12 by explaining the parables to them however it wasn’t until Pentecost that they fully “got it “. God makes it clear who was in charge by budding Aaron's Rod and Christ demonstrates his authority by calming the storm. Both groups of 12 were frightened by these real displays of authority thus we must be careful never to offend the sanctuary of God by a grumbling, bad attitude.

Num 14-16 Mk 3

It appears that everyone who puts God first will draw opposition even from those of his own family. This calls for strength and determination not to pull back but to continue to rely on God. Every leader under God must face these challenges for these are the consequences of doing God's will and ones cross one must bear.

Num 12-13 Ps 90 Mk 2

When God anointes a man with his authority he authenticates it with signs. Moses was a humble man who did not need to justify his anointing, God did it for him. Likewise Jesus authenticates his authority through his knowledge of the Word and with signs from God (healings). If we have a position of authority in God we need to faithfully rely on him to justify us in that position, provided we have operated in that position in a godly manner.

Num10-11 Ps 27 Mk 1

I learnt today about moving forward in the Lord and how important it is to hear him and obey him. The Israelites were taught to respond to the sound of trumpets and move accordingly. Jesus prayed in the early hours of the morning and moved as God told him to. The psalmist reminds me not to worry about acting in faith but to trust God in everything. I imagine that if the Israelites had not moved then disease would have wiped them out. Similarly we need to keep moving in God to prevent stagnation.

Num 8-9 Acts 28

In the Old Testament God set apart the Levi workers for a specific time. After the age of 50 they could still help but not directly serve in the tabernacle. In Rome, Paul was nearing the end of his time of service and continued to do so faithfully to the end. We also, are to continually serve faithfully because Jesus expects “the wise and faithful servant to be doing so when he returns.” (Matthew 24:46) and this will have eternal consequences.

Num 7 Ps 23 Acts 27

When God's word is neglected, chaos follows and we are caught in the storms of life. The Book of Numbers shows us that an orderly, obedient, responsible life brings benefits and blessings with God. When our lives are subject to the whims and responsibilities of the world we can find ourselves in a mess of trouble. Even in the midst of this we can trust the good shepherd to lead us through. We must never give up hope no matter what the situation is and keep trusting in the Lord.

Num 5-6 Acts 26

The law was designed to deal with hard, murderous, greedy thieving hearts and the law identifies such behaviour and cuts it off. But Paul preached love. In this example in Acts, the courts were trying to deal with the manifest heart of love in Christ. No wonder the Romans were perplexed and the Jews so jealous. If we are to allow Christ to make us lovely and we are to be lovable for others we must make ourselves lovable in order to help break down the walls of solitude and loneliness and invite others into the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.

Num 3-5 Acts 25

The kingdoms of this world cannot stand in judgement over the Kingdom of God. Although mighty and more forceful they all lack the intellectual fortitude and moral capacity to condemn the ambassador for Christ. Their only defence is lies, ignorance and deceit. Paul was unassailable and they knew it. I must arm myself with the word of God and use it in all of my defence. I cannot stand in my own strength unless that strength is powered by the Holy Spirit. (Luke 12:12) I must stand in the humble confidence that Christ gives me and refuse to back down.

Num1-2 Acts 24

It is ironical that the Jews charged Paul with causing a riot which they started. They also lied about him desecrating the temple in an attempt to emphasise his guilt. When Felix heard the gospel he understood why the Jews were afraid of Paul's teachings and that is why he kept him locked up as a favour to the Jews for two years. God takes time to work through his plans. The Israelites had been in the desert two years before God had organised their campsite. Paul was kept in prison two years before appearing before Festus. The Lord sets the stage in the lives of his people so that when he acts everything falls into place. I must be patient when waiting on the Lord and remember “all things work together for the good to them that love God and are called according to his purposes.” (Romans 8:28)

Lev 26-27 Acts 23

We are held accountable by the words we speak (Matthew 12:37) so vows or promises made to the Lord are extremely important and cannot be revoked. That is why Jesus said, “let your yes be yes and your no be no”. Keep it simple and stick to it and keep your word as God honors his. And do not keep back what belongs to God.

Lev 25 Ps 25-26 Acts 22

A person’s citizenship is very important. It determines rights and entitlements and how that person is treated before the law. Because I am redeemed by Christ, I am a citizen of Heaven with all its rights and entitlements. As an alien of this Earth I respect it's law and government but my true home is with Jesus in heaven. I am an ambassador for him.

Lev 23-24 Ps 4 Acts 21

As in the footsteps of his master Jesus, Paul never deviated from his calling no matter how terrible and final it appeared. He was ready to die but it was not to be a cheap death. He would play it out by giving the maximum benefit back to the Lord. He was well and truly used to the riots and opposition so these did not threaten him. He completely trusted God to look after him. Everyday I need to trust in the Lord. I do not find myself in such desperate situations as Paul but my faith should be a strong. Leviticus 24 shows the results of a loose tongue spoken in a rage of anger. I should always honour the lord with my mouth.

Lev 20-22 Acts 20

The city of Miletus was about 50 km from Ephesus so when Paul called for the elders they really wanted to see him because of the effort they made to come. It would have been easy for some to make excuses not to come. It was a long way to travel and life is busy. So it is with us. A prayer meeting is missed, a Sunday neglected, a needy person not visited all leads to a loss of blessing by the Lord. These are often times when the Lord gives us a special blessing of friendship, an anointing of truth or encouragement. It is like the five virgins of the wedding party that brought extra oil. We must make the extra effort when called upon because we don't always know the final outcome.

Lev 18-19 Ps 13 Acts 19

When Paul preached the Word he was either accepted or rejected. Miracles accompanied his preaching and believers were called to holiness of heart and life. The saving power of Christ had given Paul the capacity to live a holy life and to call others to live the same way. The law of the Old Testament accurately describes what the Psalmist so desperately seeks, but is with the infilling of the Holy Spirit which enables us the believer to live the holy life which is justified by faith in Christ. This means every hidden thought and action must be brought out into the open before Christ. I can keep nothing from him.

Lev 15-17 Acts 18

After being opposed and abused so many times, Paul's patience runs out. I imagine that Paul would be concerned how this will affect his ministry but the Lord encourages him in a vision. Here we see Paul now devoting himself to strengthening the church. Here is my ministry. I see myself as one who can support and encourage particularly in my local church.

Lev 13-14 Acts 17

Women appears to have been heavily subjugated in the Old Testament world. God primarily dealt with men. In the New Testament world this changed. A woman's faith and standing with God was more on an equal footing and, in some cases, have a better understanding of God's grace and love than a man. I must be aware that God sees men and women differently to the way I do and I should not be so quick to make judgements.

Lev 10-12 Acts 16

Timothy gets a graphic introduction to the life of an apostle and evangelist. It must have been very confronting and challenging for him but it did not stop him in his own personal growth. I must be ready also for situations that the lord will use to make me grow in faith with him. Paul had an excellent working relationship with the Lord.

Lev 7-9 Acts 15

At the time of the initial outpouring of God's grace, the law was deeply embedded into the culture of worship. The practitioners of the law wanted it to define Christianity but this was resisted by the apostles. There is a tendency today to forget the Grace of God (and the love of God) and do what we think is right. I must always be guided by the love and grace of God and not revert to my version of the law.

Lev 4-6 Acts 14

There is a cost when it comes to serving the Lord. In the Old Testament God requires sacrifices of bulls, goats and lambs. In the New Testament God requires our whole heart. We cannot be a silent onlooker. We must be all involved and active participants.

Lev 1-3 Acts 13

Serving the lord often means persecution. Paul and Barnabas were well acquainted with persecution and suffered it to its final end. How is my suffering for the Lord going? I guess Paul never made friends with the world to the point where he would compromise the message for the sake of relationships. He was too much in love with the Lord. I must allow my Lord to take a greater hold of my heart so that I may not compromise with the world.

Ex 39-40 Acts 12

In the same way Ananias and Saphia kept something back from the Lord, and paid for it with their lives, so it was with Herod. Holding onto what rightly belongs to God is paramount to stealing and lying to the Holy Spirit. God makes it very clear what belongs to him. “I am a jealous God.” (Ex 20:5) It is not good to step into God's territory and desecrate it because he requires a severe payment. “The fear of the lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 1;7)

Ex 37-38 Ps 9 Acts 11

The standard of the law was too high and it only reveals the depravity of the heart. No matter how hard we try we cannot be justified through the law. Only Jesus fulfilled the law perfectly so now it is by his Grace that we are made right before God. Not only this, but he seals his promise through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This unleashes an amazing testimony of believers who loudly proclaim the Glory of God. My part in this is to actively join the procession of song and help lead the people in their understanding and application of God's love.

Ex 35-36 Acts 10

We are the Temple of God and the Holy Spirit resides in us, the heart of the Believer. The construction of the New Testament Temple of believers was entrusted to the apostles, Peter being one of them; a Craftsman anointed by God. In this way the kingdom is grown and developed. As believers mature and grow in holiness we become skilled craftsmen in the hands of God. I must be ready to use my spirit filled abilities for the Kingdom of God.

Ex 33-34 Ps 16 Acts 9

The readings tell us that God is strengthening his covenant with Moses and sets Paul on his life mission. He takes what is bad and misdirected and supernaturally alters and re-aligns his people by revealing himself. I believe God still does this today. My part is to pray, believe and keep a watch out and follow God's leading and directions.

Ex 30-32 Acts 8

In the midst of great suffering and persecution we see an abundance of the demonstration of the Holy Spirit. It would seem that the more Satan tried to crush the church the greater the church would grow, meaning the truth cannot be suppressed. In my life I want the truth of God's love and power to grow and be made more manifest. If this means suffering for him then so be it. Let your kingdom come and your will be done.

EX 28-29 Acts 7

The life and death of Steven is a great example of how a Christian should know the word of God and proclaim it in the face of persecution and trial. It is evidence of a well held faith in the heart of a believer, unrelenting even to the point of death. A testimony to the power and love of Christ. My prayer will always be to have this steadfastness of heart and willingness to suffer for Christ. Steven never compromised or faltered in his testimony again, showing the power of Jesus' words …”don't worry what you will say when you are bought before the courts for the Holy Spirit will give you the words to say.”

Ex 25-27 Acts 6

A powerful argument and reasoning underscore God's purpose and design. The outworking of ideas is this in action and in Stephens case miraculous signs and wonders were the evidence of his faith. Jesus told us not to worry about what to say when we are bought before the courts of men because the Holy Spirit will enable us at this time. Steven is an excellent example of this so, in living out my faith I should not stumble before men but boldly articulate my faith.

EX 23-24 Ps14 cts 5

The fear of the Lord is a remarkable realisation which comes as a demonstration of God’s power and authority. So why does God not do this more often in order to bring men's hearts into line with his will? The Bible shows us that mainly God is revealed in this way to large communities and is less personal. Individually we know God as a God of love and compassion, but there are limits. He will never compromise his Holiness. Knowing this helps us stay within the boundaries and maintain a healthy relationship with God. Wilfully lying to God, for instance, has a terrible and wretched outcome.

Ex 21-22 Ps 12 Acts 4

The law was originally given by God to enable the proper functioning of a godly community. All types of behaviour, both worthy and unworthy were covered so that the judge could administer justice properly. By the time of Jesus the law was actually being used to oppress the very people it was designed to protect. Christian's today can operate in the same spirit by reverting to legalism and undo the freedom we have in Christ which was given to us as a result of Christ's sacrifice on the cross. I must always measure myself and not be quick to judge and condemn.

Ex 17-20 Acts 3

God's power is delegated to trustworthy men and women who have been tested by God and found to be reliable and able to carry out a Godly calling. If I am to be used significantly by God in anyway I must be wholly submitted to him. As the Apostles are no longer around I must believe the word of God to replicate their faith. Seeing the healing power of God in the church as important is a major step we all must take in getting our hearts right with God.

Ex 14-16 Acts 2

As the Tower of Babel represented man's attempt to challenge God so God confused their language. At Pentecost man is submitted to God in Christ so God heals the language. Mankind now has an open language to God; the gift of the Holy Spirit. As I use this gift regularly I am able to express the deep things in my heart that only God understands. It is an intimate prayer language that helps me to be strong in my spirit and resist unhelpful temptation.

Ex12-13 Ps 21 Acts 1

In the Old Testament it was obedience to the process of law that was important. The Israelites were justified if they followed God's instructions. In the New Testament Jesus took away most of the process and replaced it with a direct heart relationship with the Holy Spirit. Heart obedience replaced process obedience, a much higher requirement. Jesus could determine this because he paid the price for it. Just as God lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Jesus leads us out of the world and into his everlasting Kingdom.

EX 28 - 29 Acts 7

The life and death of Steven is a great example of how a Christian should know the word of God and proclaim it in the face of persecution and trial. It is evidence of a well-held faith in the heart of a believer, unrelenting even to the point of death, a testimony to the power and love of Christ. My prayer will always be to have this steadfastness of heart and willingness to suffer for Christ. Steven never compromised or faltered in his testimony, demonstrating the power of Jesus' words “don't worry what you will say when you are brought before the courts for the Holy Spirit will give you the words to say”.

Ex 25-27 Acts 6

Powerful argument and reasoning underscore God's purpose and design. The outworking of ideas is faith in action and in Stephen's case miraculous signs and wonders were the evidence of his faith. Jesus told us not to worry about what to say when we are bought before the courts of men because the Holy Spirit will enable us at this time. Steven is an excellent example of this so, in living out my faith I should not stumble before men but boldly articulate my faith.

EX 23-24 Ps14 cts 5

The fear of the Lord is a remarkable realisation which comes as a result of a demonstration of God’s power and authority. So why does God not do this more often in order to bring men's hearts into line with his will? The Bible shows us that mainly God is revealed in this way to large communities and is less personal. Individually we know God as a God of love and compassion, but there are limits. He will never compromise his Holiness. Knowing this helps us stay within the boundaries and maintain a healthy relationship with God. Wilfully lying to God, for instance, has a terrible and wretched outcome.

Ex 21-22 Ps 12 Acts 4

The law was originally given by God to enable the proper functioning of a godly community. All types of behaviour, both worthy and unworthy were covered so that the judge could administer justice properly. By the time of Jesus the law was actually being used to oppress the very people it was designed to protect. Christians today can operate in the same spirit by reverting to legalism and undo the freedom we have in Christ which was given to us as a result of Christ's sacrifice on the cross. I must always measure myself and not be quick to judge and condemn.

Ex 17-20 Acts 3

God's power is delegated to trustworthy men and women who have been tested by God and found to be reliable and able to carry out a Godly calling. If I am to be used significantly by God in anyway I must be wholly submitted to him. As the Apostles are no longer around I must believe the word of God to replicate their faith. Seeing the healing power of God in the church as important is a major step we all must take in getting our hearts right with God.

Ex 14-16 Acts 2

As the Tower of Babel represented man's attempt to challenge God so God confused their language. At Pentecost man is submitted to God in Christ so God heals the language. Mankind now has an open language to God; the gift of the Holy Spirit. As I use this gift regularly I am able to express the deep things in my heart that only God understands. It is an intimate prayer language that helps me to be strong in my spirit and resist unhelpful temptation.

Ex12-13 Ps 21 Acts 1

In the Old Testament it was obedience to the process of law that was important. The Israelites were justified if they followed God's instructions. In the New Testament Jesus took away most of the process and replaced it with a direct heart relationship with the Holy Spirit. Heart obedience replaced process obedience, a much higher requirement. Jesus could determine this because he paid the price for it. Just as God lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Jesus leads us out of the world and into his everlasting Kingdom.

Ex 9-11 Lk 24

With the physical work of Christ now completed we enter the Age of Grace and have our work cut out for us. Preach the gospel in season and out. I am a part of this. I must continue to pray earnestly for my family and friends to love God and find salvation in him.

Ex 6-8 Lk 23

There are no half measures with God. It's all the way or nothing. He let the devil do his worst and Jesus, in all his humility, allowed it to play out. He trusted that his father knew what he was doing. I must learn to trust God completely. Even though Jesus was horrified by what he was called to do he faithfully endured it for us. His father had fashioned the final weapon in order to deal with Satan once and for all. If I am to be a weapon in God's hand, I must follow all of Jesus, not just the parts I like.

Ex 3-5 Lk 22

We all make mistakes. Judas's mistake was formed well before the event. Peter's mistake was confused and impetuous. Jesus prayed for Peter to be forgiven, Judas was not. It all comes down to the heart attitude which is formed overtime, fashioned through discipline and justified in Christ through the decisions we have previously made. I need to continue persevering in my relationships with God so that he can finish the work he started in me.

Ex 1-2 Ps 88 Lk21

All the pieces of God's plan are in place. On the surface and from a worldly perspective disaster is imminent. But God calls us to “stand and look up”. We are not to be frightened by circumstances or run away into despair. We may be given up to death but God has the final word. We must trust him completely.

Gen 49-50 Ps 8 Lk 20

Even though the enemy occupies all of the positions of prestige and power, ultimately Jesus will have the last say. We will all bend the knee to his lordship and authority. For me? I will live out my life in this understanding;  to honour and serve as a Son of God redeemed by the blood of Christ.

Gen 47-48 Ps 10 Lk 19

Even though wicked men seem to have control over the affairs of men it is God who has the final say. Even though Zacchaeus was well-off he repented of his devious means and came into his true Abrahamic inheritance. Riches and things do not define who I am. God defines and justifies who I am. I am a Son of God and I find my reason for existence in him.

Gen 44-46 Lk18

Persistence, humility, childlikeness and commitment with reliance on Christ, and faith in Christ are qualities brought out in chapter 18. These are attributes I need to live by everyday. I need to remind myself of these things.

Gen 42-43 Ps 5 Lk 17

When a situation in life brings major change, do not try to live the old life but embrace the change even when it appears painful and destructive. If we are faithful and prayerful, God will use the situation to his and our benefit. That is why we must keep our lamp full of oil and burning. Keep short accounts with God. Plead forgiveness regularly.

Gen 39-41, Lk16

How we manage the affairs of men is directly related to our relationship with God. God expects that I implement his Word in every aspect of my life and be responsible to him for the outcome. If I want to hear “well done good and faithful servant” I must prove my faithfulness in the small things of this life in preparation for greater things in the next life.

Gen 37-38, Lk15

These parables highlight the importance of losing one part of a set. Jacob lost Joseph, a woman loses a coin and a man’s son to rich living. There is much joy when these are recovered. Like the psalmist says there is considerable effort put into recovering peace and justice with God. I must be prepared to endure and pray for the lost that they may find God's grace and peace as I have. God puts great value in the one individual out of the many who is lost sick or struggling.

Gen 34-36 Lk14

The characteristics of the Christian life often demands a level of service that separates us from worldly life. Jesus personally and counted this and carried it through to the end. Simeon and Levi exercised this when they brought down the fear of the Lord on the Hivites. I must be ready to do the same. We are not to walk hand in hand with the world and compromise our relationship with God. I must be ready to sacrifice all for him.

Gen 31-33 Lk13

God took 20 years of working on Jacob before he changed his name to Israel. When Jesus came the same heart change took mere seconds. This heart change then takes a lifetime of authentication or growing in His Holy Spirit. I must be about his business until I meet him face to face.

Gen 29 -30 Lk 12

God established his nation through Jacob and his Heavenly Kingdom through Jesus. He wants me to be ready, serving him faithfully when he comes. I am not to grow weary of his coming but always be ready for service. I am not to let the abundance of this life take from my treasure which is stored in heaven.

Gen 27 - 28 Ps 4 Lk 11

The rich and powerful have their reward. Esau became rich and powerful but lacked God's blessing. The pharisees and lawyers were also rich and powerful but lacked in their understanding of God. We are not to prefer this life but to focus on pleasing and fearing God. We are to “gather with Christ”.

Genesis 25 - 26, Luke 10, Psalm 6

The plan of God unfolds in two contexts; Abraham's seed multiplies into nations and the seed of God's kingdom is planted and germinated by the 72 disciples. I am a small part of God's kingdom but the psalmist shows that I am equally as important to God. I have an equally meaningful and important part to play in the purposes of God.

Genesis 23 -24 Luke 9

God reveals his plans to those who trust him and he answers prayer.  As men walked with God he anointed their efforts. We should expect God's anointing as we work with God. When Peter James and John saw Jesus transfigured they may not have understood it but God was certainly revealing his purposes in Christ. Dreams and visions should be a part of my experience with Jesus.