NUMBERS

Numbers, numbers almost everything.  I had several cups of coffee this morning at the Men of Destiny meeting at church.  I taught the men about how God changes men for about 20 to 30 minutes this morning, using biblical examples.  How precious is the Word of God and how full of truth and blessing!  Here are a few thoughts for today: 1) THEY ARE A GIFT!  In Numbers 8:19, it says:  "And I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and to his sons from among the children of Israel,..."  The Levites (priests) were given to Aaron to be the priest and help him administer the tabernacle and sacrifices to God.  We are called "kings and priests" in the Bible, an we too have been given to God.  We are His gift!  He bought us and we belong to us.  Realize we are a gift for God and let Him use you however He wishes! 2) FAITH OR FEAR- In Numbers 13:30,31, we see the two faithful spies (Joshua and Caleb) saying "we are well able to overcome it.", and then we see the ten unfaithful spies saying "We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we."  Well able, or not able..  Do you operate in Faith, or in Fear?  The choice is our each day of our lives.  Let us determine with God's help, Faith will be our course of action! 3) WE HAVE SINNED- In Numbers 21:7 it says: "Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee;"  In this chapter, the people spake against God and against Moses (vs. 5), so God sent "fiery serpents" among them (vs. 6) and many people died.  Then the people acknowleged their sin and God instructed Moses to make a brazen serpent to show to the people and all who looked upon it lived!  Look and live!!  But, here is the thougth:  They acknowleged their sin before God used the brazen serpent to heal them.  It always start with an acknowlegement of our sin before God will forgive and bless us!  Can you humble yourself and say to God"  "I have sinned."  It is the start of renewal in God's presence.  4) LET ME DIE THE DEATH OF THE RIGHTEOUS- In Numbers 23:10, Balak makes this statement.  But before we can die the death of the righteous, we must live the life of the righteous!  Make up your mind to live for God to the best of your ability and having placed your faith in Jesus Christ for Salvation, you will die the death of the righteous.  May God bless you today... tomorrow is Sunday!!  Yeah!!  Pastor Mike Mutchler