"When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan, designate cities of refuge..."
Numbers 35:10-11b
Numbers 35:10-11b
My Take Aways
Something Old:
Numbers 34:1
Then the LORD said to Moses, "Give these instructions to the Israelites..."
I am amazed that Moses is still taking instructions from the Lord and leading the Israelites. He knows he will not go into the Promised Land but yet still obeys God. Would I still obey God so willingly if I knew a blessing I had been counting on would be withheld from me?
Something New:
Refuge means shelter or protection from danger, trouble; a place of shelter, protections, or safety; anything which on has recourse for aid, relief, or escape; a secure retreat
(Strong's 4733 then I went to dictionary.com)
(Strong's 4733 then I went to dictionary.com)
Something to Do:
Run to my Refuge!
P.S.
Tina-who left a title suggestion on Survey Says-would you email me please. I would love to talk with you about your suggestion. Thanks girl!
39 Comments:
Good morning, GIG's,
Wendy, as you read psalm after psalm, I felt myself physically relaxing and feeling a lovely peacefulness wash over me. What a way to start the day. I'm sure I will be back to listen to today's vlog again :)God is so good!!
Thanks, Wendy, and may God be with you and your family as you make your big decision.
I hope every one of you has a peaceful day!
Michelle in New England
Wendy this was great today. I am so thankful for your insight and that I have an escape!
Jeannie
Wendy - I hope that you are not feeling discouraged by the lower numbers of comments... I have been loving keeping up this week as I'm on Spring Break and can take my time in the mornings reading and listening to your vlog. Praying for you and your family...
I loved all of the places of refuge you read us - what a great reminder of God's grace for us.
One thing that I noticed today as I read - well, as I skimmed over (!) yet another list of names of the leaders chosen from each tribe to help divide the land: it struck me that each man was listed (and always is) as "son of" so and so. I got tired of reading this - and what a short list it was (lazy me??) - but then it occurred to me how important your father must have been to always list your name as "son of"... Made me stop and think that I should always identify myself as "daughter of God."
GIGs - perhaps more people can make a quick comment today? Are we keeping up the reading? Struggling b/c we're involved in other studies or life in general? How can we be praying for each other in this aspect? I'm feeling that it might be a good day to just check in with each other.
Y'all have a great day. My girls spent the night at my parents' house last night so I'm off to get some things done around the house that I don't feel I can do when they're here (clean out their stuff!), and then to have coffee with a great old friend from high school that I see about once a year. Praise God for strong women in God to give us encouragement!
Kate
good morning all-
is any one else have trouble getting the vlog to play? Mine will not do anything. . .
Thanks
Kimberly
Praise the Lord, Wendy! Thanks for your usual wonderful message! I wanted to check in w/everyone! I am here and still reading! I look forward to the reading and the vlog each morning. I feel compelled to share that I have started the Power of the Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian and her study guide. I get up a little bit earlier to read both now and spend more time in pray. I wish I could study His word all day long. I can't get enough! Thanks for this great opportunity, Wendy and to everyone who comments! Have a blessed day, Everyone!
Bethany
Wendy,
Thank you so much for the reminder that my God is my secure retreat; my shelter. What a great way to start the day!
What comforting verses to begin our day, Wendy! Thank you !
God continues to show his exactness as he divides out the boundaries of land for His people. I noticed how carefully he made arrangements for those who have dedicated their lives for service.
He made extra provisions for those people who accidentally killed a person. The community must protect them and he must "remain until the death of the high priest, who was anointed with the sacred oil" (35:25).The death of the high priest "atoned" for the person that killed and shows Christ's death to atone for our sins.
My Take Away: God is against murder. When you kill a person, you destroy one who was created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26 & 27). Also, you purposely take from God His authority over that life. God has a plan for each one of us, and we are not to interfere with His plan. God loves the people He has created. He expects us to respect human life, for man was created in His image.
PS Tomorrow we begin a new Book, Deuteronomy! I peeked ahead! :)
Blessings, Lori
Morning Everyone,
Still here and reading daily just don't have the time to comment every day :)
I send my shouts of Hallelujah to God being our refuge!
Bethany, that study is amazing! You will not only see God work in your husband's life, you will see Him transform you as well. When I did that study a few years ago it changed my life. It was the beginning of some deep healing for me. Bless you sister as you pray and work through that.
Since we are checking in and we have some new friends that have joined us, I want to remind everyone that is praying for a spouse or loved one about my blog I post on daily. Some of us are meeting there daily as well to pray for our spouses. It is called "Standing in the Gap" if you click on my name.
You all have a blessed day! I am off to sub the high school Biology class for Will's school today for a little while. Our PTF is sending all the teachers out to lunch in pairs this week and us moms are going in as subs for the classes. Today is my turn :)
Love,
Brandee, TN
Hi Everybody,
We really do have a great refuge place here don't we? Wendy...THANKS!! Also a BIG THANKS to each and everyone of you. Your comments always...speak to me in one way or another.
Kimberly the vlog played alright for me.
Hallelujah!! I'm singing praises to God this morning and for his wisdom and guidance....
Just some random thoughts for our consideration as we finish Numbers today…
1. The Hebrew people did not get to their destination overnight — it was a long hard March. Neither will we get to the place that we need to be in our lives without struggle and determination.
2. Of course they faced many difficulties and challenges along the way — and a great many of them were unexpected. Likewise, in our journey of life, as God’s people we cannot always anticipate the things that will happen to us. This “surprise” dimension adds to the challenge, and can increase the difficulty we experience many times over.
3. Sometimes the Hebrew people failed and even deliberately sinned. But somehow, someway, they just kept on going! We too are going to experience our failures, including sin. We need to allow the Lord to “dust us off” so that we can resume our earthly pilgrimage.
4. God himself new and remembered all that they had been through, both the good and the bad, the victory and the failures. That’s why it was all written down — to serve as a record of remembrance for future generations. God is with us also, he knows what we are experiencing, and he will not forget it.
It had been many decades earlier when Israel had left Egypt as a ragtag collection of families and clans. Now, as they assembled on the plains of Moab, they had a common set of laws for everyone, a unified system of warship, the beginning of leadership, a plan of action/goal (the conquest of Canaan), and had experienced many faith-strengthening events in their short history of the people.
Israel was now at last ready for the great battle that was ahead of them.
God wants to prepare us for our battle-are we letting him?
Heading to My Refuge place
Rhonda
Thank you, sweet Brandee! This is a wonderful post for our children! That our children would grow to respect all authority around them...it starts in the home, by them respecting us. May they each know God and seek Him and love Him with all of their hearts.
Blessings, Lori
oops, I had both screens opened up and posted my comments for your blog sweet Brandee, on Wendy's blog! Sorry about that! Hugs, Lori
Good morning all,
Old: God already planned out the territory of the Promised Land ahead of time; so is the New Jerusalem.
New: The Levites were given 48 cities, six of which were cities of refuge. Would the cities be where the Levites would live, since they had no inherited land?
To Do: Ps. 46 says God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. I, too can run to my Refuge, Jesus.
Numbers 35:34 tells Israel not to
to defile the land where they live, for God will live there among the people of Israel.
Praise to the Lord: After 6 weeks of waiting for a test and results,
I have no precancerous cells! He is my refuge.(I was assured that if I knew the outcome, it wouldn't require faith. Without faith, it is impossible to please God.)
Have a tremendous Thursday!
Linda from Ark.
Wendy,
Thank you so much for your faithfulness is leading us through this year. It is a tremendous blessing and I am excited to get up every morning and spend time in His word and then with you all. He alone is my refuge and my strength and I am soooo thankful for that. My husband and I need to seek Him together as we struggle to have 4 adult children living at home with us---and three little ones. They are all believers, but throw a bunch of sinful, selfish people together and there is bound to be conflict. I want to rest in God's refuge as we seek His wisdom and guidance on how to best make this work for peace and joy around here, so that each of us can grow in Him, and so that we will glorify Him. Thankful that I can wake up excited to spend time with Him before facing the rest of my day, so that I will show His grace and mercy and our home with be a refuge for all of us because He lives here among us!
Blessings to each of you and thank you for your insights and wisdom!
Michelle in VA
Good Morning all. I have been keeping up with the reading but have missed a few days that I have noted and will go back and catch up on later. I am enjoying reading the bible and listening to Wendy's vlog's every day.
WHen i first read the reading today the verse I pulled out was Numbers 35:34 - You must not defile the land where you live, for I live there myself. I am the Lord, who lives among the people of Israel.
But after I watched the vlog and heard Wendy read the Psalms of refuge - I so needed to hear them today. Thank you so much God for giving Wendy the message to read those to us today!
I am feeling better about my day already. I know I can take refuge in God - and he will keep me safe.
I just love the Lord and how good he is to us ALL the time! Praise the Lord!
Blessing to all!
Amanda
Wendy-
Yea _I got it to work!!
Love hearing all those verses on how God is our refuge. I heard many times in those verses that he is our refuge in time of trouble- and I am so thankful that we can run to him.
Thank you for your insight.
I also picked up on how the Lord gave boundaries-how true that he gives us boundaries too. And there is refuge in those boundaries!
Take care-Kimberly
PS- just going through my days and I need to check and see if I counted wrong somewhere b/c I have today Mar 11 as day 69. If anyone else saw this would you please let me know if I am wrong? Thanks!
And again I come away so completely refreshed. Thank you, Wendy, for going through the verses that remind us God is our refuge. Oh my how wonderful it was to hear His promise over and over again. Though it doesn't have the word 'refuge' in it one of my favorites is Prov. 18:10 "The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe." Just the name of God is my strong tower; my refuge!
One thing I noticed today in my reading is 35:34. "...for I live there myself. I am the LORD, who lives among the people..." I have Him living in me. I should not defile my "land," my body, mind, etc. Again another reminder of keeping myself holy and set apart for Him.
Wendy, don't be discouraged by the decreased comments. I know many that are keeping up as I am but life keeps commenting from happening every day. I know, for me, just keeping my son on task to do his morning chores before starting school is enough to keep me from commenting every day!
:-) The kid is a dreamer!
Have a blessed day everyone! There are so many blessings here and I am learning and growing so much.
Good Morning everyone!
The Lord gave me this very verse (Psalm 46:1) early this morning before I had even done the reading!! Isn't God just so awesome?
Bethany, I feel just like you...I wish I could read all day long because I can't get enough!
Rhonda, I love all your points.
I have been keeping up with all the reading, I just don't post everyday. I actually have today as Day 70 - end of Jan - 31, end of Feb - 59, plus today - 11 = 70...anyone else have this?
Blessings to all,
Diana,
Midland, Texas
Good morning all!
In today's reading I was struck by Numbers 35:28 - The slayer should have stayed inside the city of refuge until the death of the high priest.
Only after the death of the high priest were the murderers released into freedom. Made me think about the freedom I have from my sin that only exists because of the death of my saviour and High Priest, Jesus Christ.
This is what Matthew Henry states: There were six cities of refuge; one or other might be reached in less than a day's journey from any part of the land. To these, man-slayers might flee for refuge, and be safe, till they had a fair trial. If acquitted from the charge, they were protected from the avenger of blood; yet they must continue within the bounds of the city till the death of the high priest. Thus we are reminded that the death of the great High Priest is the only means whereby sins are pardoned, and sinners set at liberty.
also:
Numbers 35:32 And never accept a ransom payment from someone who has fled to a city of refuge, allowing a slayer to return to his property before the death of the high priest.
Wow...no "ransom" was payment enough...only AFTER the death of the high priest.
Jesus was the only perfect ransom paid for my sin
JoAnn
Ohio
Hello all! I love that the Lord is our Refuge. How often I run to Him.
Often I don't comment as others have said what I found or wrote, but I read the comments daily, sometimes several times a day and love the vlog! God Bless you Wendy. Life does creep in as well.
I found the theme of Numbers interesting: grumblings (ok, whining)of a nation, sin, and then the constant presence of God and his forgiveness and love.
I, too, have this day as 70. I am not sure in all my life I have ever read the Bible70 straight days. I look forward to the reading, and know this is the first time I have ever really studied the word. I have done studies, but they have been topical studies. This is just a terrific way to really get into the word and learn. Again, thanks Wendy!
His,
Gaylene
Good verses, Wendy. The Lord is my refuge.
Linda fr Ark, Praise God for the clean bill of health! What a relief!
The phrase that popped out to me was the end of Num 34:2 "...these will be the boundaries." I am reminded of the book of the same title by Dr. Henry McCloud. I suppose this hit home because my sister and I were just discussing a situation about a family member who has absolutely no boundaries. Here in the Word, God tells us there need to be boundaries even among family members. When people do not respect each other's boundaries, feelings get hurt, resentment builds and relationships severed. I pray this is not the situation between my Uncle and my Dad because they have not seen each other in a long time and we were so happy they're going on this trip together. But oh, my Uncle needs to learn not to cross these lines. But how do you tell this to someone who's old enough to know better? Oh well, I'm going to go to my Jesus and just abide over there.
Have a blessed day everyone!
Good morning everyone.
A lot of great comments. I don't always comment due to a lack of time. I start reading then researching and next thing I know I'm running late. :) Today I am off so had extra time to even read others comments which I rarely get to do. Linda happy for your health. And loved all the other comments.
I picked out Numbers 35:34 as my Apply. I saw this two ways.
1. God is always with us and around us. So keep our lives in order.
2. God is in us (Holy Spirit) and we need to keep our bodies in order and in shape.
Thanks Wendy for the scriptures on refuge. So many things in God's word that are there for everything we ever need.
Today is my sweet Husbands Birthday and I have company coming this weekend so I need to finish getting my house in order.
See you all tomorrow.
Lynn - OR
Thanks Wendy for leading us in this study. I rarely comment but am staying up on the readings and am gleaning so much from you and all the others in the group. Please don't be discouraged by the short amount of comments because I'm sure there are many following and getting heaps of out this. God is our refuge and we need to run to him daily.
Gail CO
Hi all,
I must say that the vlog today and reading everyones' comments really picked me ! It's rainy and foggy in my part of WI so I'm trying to keep my mood opposite of the weather! :)
I've been keeping up with the reading and I've got to say that it's one of my brightest spots of my morning. I truly look forward to reading His word and then checking to see what stood out to others.
Grace and Peace, I also noticed the "boundary" word used in today's reading and there are some issues with boundaries (or lack there of) in my extended family too.
**My favorite verse from today's reading: Num. 35:34- "You must not defile the land where you live, for I live there myself. I am the Lord, who lives among the people of Israel.” I rearranged it in my notebook to say: 'You must not defile where you live, for I myself live there. I am the Lord, who lives among Amy's family.'
**I looked up the word "defile" in the dictionary online and here are the definitions: "place under suspicion or cast doubt upon; spot, stain, or pollute, make dirty."
Wow, that really opened my eyes. He lives AMONG us!! I better start living like it more often!
Blessings on this Thursday,
~Amy V.
Hello Everyone!
I just wanted to say that I look forward to waking up every morning and spending time with God. I am not always a fan of the particular daily reading, but when I get to work and watch the vlog and read everyone's comments, it really helps to shed light on the hidden truths.
I don't often comment because I don't have anything enlightening to say. You all say it much better than me. But I appreciate those of you who comment regularly. This is my first time to read through the Bible, so you have all helped me tremendously.
Have a great day!
Marquel
Good Afternoon!
I'm still here after 70 days of reading, digging, praying and praising. I so look forward to this time with Wendy and all of you!
Something old but new - Moses was not to be part of the promised land people, however, up until he departed for heaven he was part of the planning and "battle".
I am 70 and sometimes feel out of it. This is a reminder to me that I must keep up the battle for what is good and right in God's sight, and that no matter our age, we are still to be of use in God's plan. In addition to the nursing homes I visit regularly, I have added, since the first of the year, two days a month doing music with our special population Singing is not one of my talents, but we dance and all "make a joyful noise unto the Lord."
Praying with you and for you to keep on, keeping on............
Dixie in Florida
Hi GIGS,
God is my Refuge and my Strength and he is indeed present in all of my troubles!
Thanks to Wendy and all of you for your commitment to read God's word.
Blessings!
Debbie - North Carolina
Good afternoon!
Old: God gave the Land of Canaan to the Israelites. He wanted them to be there because He would live their with them.
New: God had specific boundaries for the land they were to possess. They did not have a mandate to conquer and rule the whole world, only what was inside the boundaries He set. Staying within the borders the Lord set kept them close to Him.
Do: Take possession of all the 'land' God has given me. Stay inside the boundaries He has set for me.
Ps. Linda from Ark. is my mom. I'm laughing because I learned about her test results by reading her comment here! :)
Wendy, wanted to let you know that I don't comment every day, but am keeping up with the readings. It's so much easier to stay on track with you and the others, than when I tried it (& failed) alone:-(
Thanks so much for your faithfulness in this ministry!! And when you read all those Psalms this morning, it brought be to joyful tears. How wonderful that the God of the universe is our Refuge, our Secure Retreat!!!
Nancy in TX
Linda, glad you got a clean bill of health!
Kimberly, I've had trouble with the vlogs a few times lately, but it worked perfectly today.
Wendy, I'm still watching your vlogs and reading all the comments, but I've had trouble getting up early lately. I'm still reading, but by the time I'm done my kids are up, and then by the time they nap, everyone's already mentioned everything that popped out at me. I'm Daniel-fasting for Lent, and while it's going better than I thought it would, I wasn't expecting a side effect of extreme sleepiness! Looking forward to feeling more alert.
Thanks, everyone, for sharing all of your wonderful thoughts!
Amy
Dixie - what you said touched my heart. I pray that when I get to be your age, I could still serve the Lord like you do. Keep singing that joyful sound for Him.
Linda & Stephanie - how awesome that both mom and daughter are doing the same journey. Praise God!
Amy - praying for you. The longest I have stayed on a fast is 1 day. I don't know if I can do 40! Hang in there and I pray that God will open your eyes to many, many truths.
Welcome to the new commenters!
My family and I just had a tragic loss in our family and it was great to hear Wendy read the verses where it talks about God being my refuge. AT like these it is hard to understand all that is going on and why it is happening but I can still take refuge in Him is bigger than any problem, burden, or loss. God is good.
Thank You Lord you are our refuge. I experienced God's faithfulness again today in my weariness and not feeling well. But HE was there for me this morning when I was in need.
Resting securely in you Father.
One more comment. Thank You Wendy for all those scriptures. How encouraging they are.
Ps 119:114 Your word is my source of hope.
Ps 64:10- And those who do what is right will praise him.
Hi Everybody,
I just had to make a quick stop back in hear after a day of a lot of negative things happening. You are all so special....MORE THAN YOU KNOW. You lift my spirits. THANKS!!
G&P ditto on your last comment. to Dixie,Linda and Amy.
Anonymous at 5:12...Sorry to hear about a tragic loss in your family...I did pause for a moment and sent up a prayer for you and your family.
I'm now singing "Reach out and touch somebodys hand...make the world a better place if you can. Hallelujah Hallelujah. Make the world a better place if you can.
Thanks Everybody.
Just Me Rhonda again
Dear Lord, may You, the God of all comfort, comfort our sister "Anonymous" and her family during this time of loss. Lord, be their refuge and their strength, an ever present help in times of trouble. May they run to You because Your name is a strong tower.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Everyone I have to post something to all of us praying for unsaved spouses. I was reading a blog today that talked about this issue. This is what one commenter wrote:
"This is one area I am very familiar with! I became born again about a year into our marriage. It took ten long years for my husband to join me. I took my children to church by myself two or three times a week for all those years. I had no believing family to help support me. I used every tactic I could think of to get my husband saved..including manipulation. God revealed to me that my motives were impure. I wanted him saved so my life would be better and easier, not necessarily because I was concerned about the state of his soul. It wasn’t until I completely surrendered and accepted my husband just the way he was with no expectations that God began to move. I think it took ten years because of my stubborness, not his. My advice to anyone in this situation is of course, pray without ceasing, but also to love unconditionally. Let the Holy Spirit do the work, don’t try to do God’s job for Him. Let your children learn about the love of Christ first hand by seeing it in action every day in the way you treat their unbelieving father."
I thought all of us in this situation could benefit from reading this. I know I have been SOOO guilty of wanting John saved so "I" don't have to sit by myself on Sundays, so "I" don't have to do all the teaching and training of Will in this area, "I" "I" "I"!!! It has only been in the past year or so that God has totally done a work in my heart and changed it to it's not about me, it is about him and his salvation and no matter what I have God as my refuge, He is my strong tower! I can walk out being a believer with my husband not being one as long as it takes. I am that strong! We are that strong ladies, we just are because we have the power of Christ in us!!! And now that I focus on the right things, God is moving just like this other lady said. Things are happening because it is not about me anymore, it is about him!
Praying for everyone's loved ones this week by name. There is going to be rejoicing in heaven because these dear people are going to see the light!
Wendy, Your teaching and the GIG comments are such a special part of my daily life now. I don't feel that my comments are of value as I write so late at night. However, that's when I feel such closeness to Jesus. I can read in the am, but at night, I really get going with Him and ya'll. Being able to write has been a most valuable experience for me even though it may not be read by many.
I too have this as Day 70.
Linda, PTL for a great report!!!!
Brandee, I love your heart and I want to get back to your site...so much I want to say since our emails.
I'm still writing thank you notes to friends from when my moma died in Dec. Is this a really bad thing ???? I feel badly, but I want each person to know how much he/she meant to my moma, so the notes really turn into letters.
Kimberly, Janet, JoAnn,and Amy: I wrote a lot of what you GIG shared; I learn so much from all of you..It seems that several different ones(on different days) have comments that I need...you all are such a blessing from God.
Bethany, I'm with you, girlfriend!!!! I could do this all day...I want to read Stormies "Praying for my adult children" ( I think that's close to the title.)
Grace and Peace: I always look forward to what you have to share with us each day. You introduced me to "commentaries".
Miss Dixie in FL: I love you already. I have an Aunt Alice who lives in Fl, so I think of her when you respond. Please never feel out of it....I write down, in my notes/journal, your comments. I love that you are 70; I'm 60 SO you and I can hang out with these young gals.;) Aren't they amazing???? God loves our heart for Him regardless of the age. Hallelujah!!
No Better Refuge than in His Arms,
Jeanne
Hey GIG's,
I'm still here, still reading (i also have day 70), and still loving this all so much.
I also don't comment much because I read this late at night.
I continue to be amazed daily at the work God is doing. He is my refuge!!!!
Love & thanks to all,
Stacey in Tx
Yes, I'm still here too! Thank you, Wendy, and all the others for continuing to post and encourage each other on this awesome Bible journey. My women's group from church is doing Beth Moore's "Esther" study, so alongside my daily readings with this online study, I've not had time to post comments... just trying to keep up with the reading for now:)
Blessings,
Krista
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