Questions for Reflection for Study of Numbers 14-19

Over the last few weeks, we’ve shared some thoughts and ideas from the journey through the book of Numbers.

A take away from the post “All People Working Together“ is that all age groups are needed in any church or organization. The wisdom of the experienced and the energy of the young are needed because each can do what they do best to contribute to God’s plan for us.

Brought out in the post “Guided by His Word”, the Lord wanted the Israelites to celebrate their deliverance from Egypt with a Passover meal. He gave instructions on this celebration. As we journey through life, the same is true for us as we pray and listen to the Lord for instructions.

The lesson for us in the post “Setting Out Along the Journey” is the need to get away from the comfort zone and trust God even when we have some apprehension. When He prompts us to get going, trust in the Lord to take us to places beyond our wildest dreams.

The Israelites had witnessed great miracles but it didn’t last long. As pointed out in the post “Praise Always”, they began to complain soon after their journey in the desert. The same can happen to us as we get hit with negative thoughts and this post offers an idea to help.

In the post “Step Ahead Each Day“, pointed out was that Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses. Perhaps some envy was in their thoughts. Envy can result in criticism but remain confident because nothing can stop us along the journey if we are going the way God has set before us.

It’s hard at times to see how some difficulties can be overcome. But friend, as pointed out in the post “Alleviate Doubt by Reaching Out”, God can make the impossible possible. There are giants we face in life like financial, health, and relationship issues that make us doubt. They take away our confidence but God is big enough to overcome these doubts. 

The reading plan below will be used to hold me accountable in sharing about God’s word over the next few weeks. As I share about my study, it’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Christ as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day with God amazing!

Questions for Reflection

Numbers 14
How do most of the people respond to the bad report from those sent to explore Canaan? What does God want to do to the people? What is Moses’ response? What is the basic differences between Caleb and Joshua and the rest of the Israelites?

Numbers 15
What does God anticipate for the people in verses 1-2? What three occasions call for a burnt offering to the Lord? How does the Lord give the people reassurance of His love and guidance in verses 37-41? How are you reminded today of the commandments of God?

Numbers 16
Who are involved in the two groups demonstrating against Moses? What are their charges? What happens to the rebel groups?

Numbers 17
What is God’s purpose in having Aaron’s rod sprout and bear almonds? Why do the people need this evidence now? How can you avoid both extremes of refusing God’s authority and thinking you have no hope at all?

Numbers 18
For what are Aaron and his sons responsible? What are the Levites responsible for? What are Aaron and his sons to receive from the people? What are the Levites to receive from the people? What do you feel is the responsibility God has given you in building up the kingdom?

Numbers 19
What is the purpose of the procedure in verses 1-10 (relate to 5:1; 16:49)? Project the kind of incidents in which the people will have to make use of this offering (see 13:27-30)? How are we cleansed today?

Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God. 

Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts

Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print. 
“Sermons.” Sermons | FUMC Waco. N.p., n.d. Web.  <http://fumcwaco.org/resources/sermons/>.
“Bible.” The Bible – The Word of God – ChristNotes. N.p., n.d. Web. 2017. <http://www.christianity.com/bible/>.
Nicholes, Lou. “Recent Commentaries.” Family-Times.net – Devotional Commentary Index. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.family-times.net/commentary/>.
“Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.
“BibleGateway.” BibleGateway.com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.biblegateway.com/>. 

To store up thoughts that are good for the soul, listen to a sermon. Download the free app in the App Store or on Google Play. Look for First Waco.

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God is Big Enough to Help Us Overcome Our Doubts

At times you may question God’s direction. It’s hard to see how some difficulties can be overcome. But friend, God can make the impossible possible. Believe in His power! Have faith in your own abilities to do His work.

Mark Shields's avatarThis Day With God - A Spiritual Journey

Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, “Go, throw yourself into the sea,” and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. – Mark 11:23

The post “Alleviate Doubt by Reaching Out” gave some thoughts from Numbers 13 when men were sent into Canaan to seek information on the land. If it was good or bad for producing crops. They were to take a look at the towns to see if they were walled and fortified. Also, they were to study the people to see if they would be able to put up a fight and be difficult to overtake.

They reported back that the land did flow with milk and honey but the people were big and strong. Their towns are walled and fortified and would be hard to overtake. At times…

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The Way to Victory


There is confidence for victory because God is with us. Join the celebration.

Mark Shields's avatarThis Day With God - A Spiritual Journey

For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12

In the post “Step Ahead Each Day“, pointed out was that Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses. Perhaps some envy was in there thoughts.

If we are on the other end of envy and are being criticized, remember that nothing can get in the way of our journey if we are going the way of God. Be thankful for Jesus who has provided victory and has made clear the virtues we need to practice every day.

Take inspiration from the song My Victory by Crowder and be confident in victory by following God’s plan for us. 
 

 

Index of devotionals

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Survivor Hour by Hour

This day with God, be a survivor hour by hour and finish the race strong. Take inspiration from poetry or a song like Survivor by Zach Williams to get a great start to your day and help pull you through hour by hour.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

We don’t have to wait another moment before starting to run the race with the pace of a world class athlete. All we have to do is confess to be blessed. Because of Jesus, we have privileged access to the Holy Spirit. Jesus has already gone the extra mile and always appears in the presence of God with us to make us a survivor hour by hour. If during your day, you feel like dropping out of the race, take a moment to be energized with more power by reading the poem below and listening to the song Survivor by Zach Williams.

Held down by burdens
Of a difficult past
But You gave hope
To make us last.

Something to believe in
And born again;
Rescued from the grip
Of our past sin.

Love came crashing in
Taking on our sin
With Jesus our fighter
We are a survivor.

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God is Big Enough to Help Us Overcome Our Doubts

Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, “Go, throw yourself into the sea,” and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. – Mark 11:23

The post “Alleviate Doubt by Reaching Out” gave some thoughts from Numbers 13 when men were sent into Canaan to seek information on the land. If it was good or bad for producing crops. They were to take a look at the towns to see if they were walled and fortified. Also, they were to study the people to see if they would be able to put up a fight and be difficult to overtake.

They reported back that the land did flow with milk and honey but the people were big and strong. Their towns are walled and fortified and would be hard to overtake. At times, we may question God’s direction. It’s hard to see how some difficulties can be overcome. But friend, God can make the impossible possible. Believe in His power! Have faith in your own abilities to do His work. 

There are giants we face in life like financial, health, and relationship issues that make us doubt. They take away our confidence but God is big enough to overcome these doubts. The song How Can It Be by Lauren Daigle inspires to overcome doubt and be set free.
 

 

Index of devotionals

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