Numbers 34-36 – God Cares

There will be times in all our lives when we will wonder, “Does God really care about me?”

Let me assure you, God cares. It’s a simple and almost cliché sentiment that’s over-used and barely shows up on our radar. But this simple, two-word declaration is the key to living life with assurance and hope.

Notice that the statement “God cares” doesn’t place any limits on who He loves or how much He loves. The inclusiveness and expansiveness of God’s care is demonstrated in very practical ways in Numbers chapters 34-36. In these chapters, you see that God cares about such things as land, boundaries, fair allotments, inheritances, equitable provision, justice, protection of the innocent…and so much more. There isn’t anything that God doesn’t care about. (1 Pet. 5:7) (Heb. 13:5)

At times, it will seem as if God doesn’t care. There will be times when things aren’t going right, evil seems to be winning, and God doesn’t seem to be coming through. During those times, God will seem to be unaware, indifferent, or malicious.

But all children feel this way about their parent(s) at times. It’s only in hindsight that a parent’s care becomes evident.

So, when it seems like God doesn’t care – believe that He does, act like he does, and wait for the evidence that He does. (Eccl. 3:11) Because if God cares about little things like boundary lines and land, you can be confident that He cares for the big things – like your life and your heart.

The evidence of God’s care is all around us. Look for evidence of God’s care this week. You might even try keeping a list.

Numbers 33 – Are We There Yet?

“Are we there yet?!” What parent hasn’t heard these nagging words from the back seat.

We all want to “get there.” So much so, that we fail to appreciate what’s happening on the journey. But when I read Numbers chapter 33, I’m reminded that our life is more about the journey than the destination. Long before you get to the destination, there’s…

  • The Start. Remember how exciting it was, as a child, to start a long journey? Starting felt like the best part. The car was packed, the house was locked, you felt the car back out of the drive, and you thought of all the things you would see.
  • The Stages. Once you started, the journey happened in stages. You stopped at: gas stations, restaurants, hotels, and parks. And these stops were necessary. You can’t make a long trip on one tank of gas and one meal. You must make it in stages.
  • The Struggles. Journeys usually include struggles. There are detours, flat tires, and traffic jams. There’s the kids fighting in the back seat: “They’re touching me!” “Do I have to sit next to them?!” “I don’t have enough room!” “You mean I have to sleep with them at the hotel?!”

For believers, the journey’s the same. There’s…

  • The Start. (Num. 33:3-4) Remember the excitement of starting your journey with Christ? Leaving an old way of life, anticipating new things, the unexplained confidence, etc.
  • The Stages. As believers, we make our journey in stages. (Num. 33:5-49) Some of the stages are unwelcoming and inhospitable, and we’re eager to move on. Other stages are like an oasis from which we never want to leave. Still, we must remember that until we see God face to face, we must move on to the next stage of the journey.
  • The Struggles. And our journey as believers will include difficulties. (Numbers 33:52-56) The struggle to take possession of what God wants to give us is a standard part of the journey. He will not hand it to us on a silver platter. We must roll up our sleeves, cross the river, and get to work. But some of the difficulties we bring upon ourselves, by not ridding our lives of things that don’t belong there.

So, when it comes to making the journey God wants you to make, stop focusing on the destination. Instead, buckle up for the long ride, expect some struggles, and change your question from, “Are we there yet?” to “Where are we now?”

Numbers 32 – Are You a Musketeer?

“One for all and all for one!” What a concept! This declaration comes from “The Three Musketeers. It’s an ideal that is not only admirable, but longed for by most. We all long to be a part of a community that truly demonstrates loyalty, dependability, care, and concern.

These qualities should characterize God’s people, no matter what point in history we find ourselves.

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Numbers 31 – What’s Cooking?

As any cook knows, it takes a variety of ingredients to make a great dish. Yes, some cooks make incredible dishes by somewhat randomly throwing a variety of things into a pot, but most tend to follow a recipe…whether it’s in their head or on a piece of paper.

Numbers chapter 31 is a recipe of sorts. It’s a chapter that covers a variety of ingredients for a well lived life. Many of these ingredients are so simple and common we tend to overlook them, if not reminded once in a while.

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Is Your Marriage on the Calendar?

It’s New Year’s Day (2019) and this is a picture of our new calendar. I know, it’s old-school, but, every Christmas I create a new calendar featuring pictures of my grandchildren. I saw it this morning, and I started thinking about how much calendars are a part of our lives.

They are in our phones and our computers. We hang them on our walls and put them on our desks. In them, we put things that are important to us. Things we don’t want to forget or miss.

So here’s the big question…Is your marriage on the calendar?

As a pastoral counselor and a husband of nearly 39 years, I believe a calendar is one of the most effective tools you have for strengthening your marriage.

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