40 Days of PASSION – Day 40
Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
PRAY
…for the ministry and all church leadership, and for a complete liberty of the operation of the five-fold ministry in the body of Christ. Pray for the fruit of the Spirit, the gifts of the Spirit, and God’s divine ability to manifest in His ministers, as He desires: “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”
JESUS today YOU will SAVE me.
Eat This Book
Read Proverbs Chapter 14
Numbers 9
1 And the Lord spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the first month of the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying,
2 Let the children of Israel also keep the passover at his appointed season.
3 In the fourteenth day of this month, at even, ye shall keep it in his appointed season: according to all the rites of it, and according to all the ceremonies thereof, shall ye keep it.
4 And Moses spake unto the children of Israel, that they should keep the passover.
5 And they kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the first month at even in the wilderness of Sinai: according to all that the Lord commanded Moses, so did the children of Israel.
6 And there were certain men, who were defiled by the dead body of a man, that they could not keep the passover on that day: and they came before Moses and before Aaron on that day:
7 And those men said unto him, We are defiled by the dead body of a man: wherefore are we kept back, that we may not offer an offering of the Lord in his appointed season among the children of Israel?
8 And Moses said unto them, Stand still, and I will hear what the Lord will command concerning you.
9 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,
10 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If any man of you or of your posterity shall be unclean by reason of a dead body, or be in a journey afar off, yet he shall keep the passover unto the Lord.
11 The fourteenth day of the second month at even they shall keep it, and eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.
12 They shall leave none of it unto the morning, nor break any bone of it: according to all the ordinances of the passover they shall keep it.
13 But the man that is clean, and is not in a journey, and forbeareth to keep the passover, even the same soul shall be cut off from among his people: because he brought not the offering of the Lord in his appointed season, that man shall bear his sin.
14 And if a stranger shall sojourn among you, and will keep the passover unto the Lord; according to the ordinance of the passover, and according to the manner thereof, so shall he do: ye shall have one ordinance, both for the stranger, and for him that was born in the land.
15 And on the day that the tabernacle was reared up the cloud covered the tabernacle, namely, the tent of the testimony: and at even there was upon the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until the morning.
16 So it was alway: the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night.
17 And when the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle, then after that the children of Israel journeyed: and in the place where the cloud abode, there the children of Israel pitched their tents.
18 At the commandment of the Lord the children of Israel journeyed, and at the commandment of the Lord they pitched: as long as the cloud abode upon the tabernacle they rested in their tents.
19 And when the cloud tarried long upon the tabernacle many days, then the children of Israel kept the charge of the Lord, and journeyed not.
20 And so it was, when the cloud was a few days upon the tabernacle; according to the commandment of the Lord they abode in their tents, and according to the commandment of the Lord they journeyed.
21 And so it was, when the cloud abode from even unto the morning, and that the cloud was taken up in the morning, then they journeyed: whether it was by day or by night that the cloud was taken up, they journeyed.
22 Or whether it were two days, or a month, or a year, that the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, remaining thereon, the children of Israel abode in their tents, and journeyed not: but when it was taken up, they journeyed.
23 At the commandment of the Lord they rested in the tents, and at the commandment of the Lord they journeyed: they kept the charge of the Lord, at the commandment of the Lord by the hand of Moses.
The POFW Daily Bible Reading 
v8 And Moses said unto them, Stand still, and I will hear what the LIRD will command concerning you.
A time of fellowship with the LORD means waiting to hear what the LORD WILL speak .Sometimes we have to slow down and be sensitive to HIS VOICE.
” Be still and know that I am GOD” Psalm 46:10
They trusted in the Lord. And they followed their leader/pastor. Obeing and going , staying when he told them to stay.
num.9.23.kjv At the commandment of the Lord they rested in the tents, and at the commandment of the Lord they journeyed: they kept the charge of the Lord , at the commandment of the Lord by the hand of Moses.
17. Whenever the cloud lifted from over the sacred tent, the people of Israel would break camp and follow it. And wherever the cloud settled, the people of Israel would set up camp. NLT
Like the Children of Israel, we seek to stay in His presence. We strive to be sensitive to the moving of His Spirit so that we don’t get ahead of Him or miss it when He moves on. To set up camp where He is not, or to operate without our covering is not an option.
Refuge in the cloud and fire
16 So it was alway: the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night.
What a Mighty God we serve!!! His Love endures for ever!! To know that no matter what God’s Presence was with them and it is with us now. He made sure they knew He was there and still today God show His presence among us BY FIRE OF THE HOLY GHOST!!! A cloud by day, giving shade, water, and guidance. A fire at night, giving warmth, lighting the way, and purifying His people. What else can we ask for? Thank you Jesus for Hebrew 13:8 “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” Which means you are still our cloud and you are still our FIRE, covering us as we journey in your Kingdom. Stay with us Lord let us entertained your presence, so we may never lack of your love, and we may share it with all those around us. In Jesus Name Amen
iLove to Grow in the Word
Moses gives us a great example of leadership in this chapter with hard to answer questions. He could of acted like he knew the answer, or he could have spoken from his own wisdom, but instead he went to the Lord.
“Moses answered, “Wait here until I have received instructions for you from the LORD.””
Numbers 9:8 NLT
We should always go to the Lord and then verify with pastor with questions that we don’t have the answer to.
21 And so it was, when the cloud abode from even unto the morning, and that the cloud was taken up in the morning, then they journeyed: whether it was by day or by night that the cloud was taken up, they journeyed.
22 Or whether it were two days, or a month, or a year, that the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, remaining thereon, the children of Israel abode in their tents, and journeyed not: but when it was taken up, they journeyed.
23 At the commandment of the Lord they rested in the tents, and at the commandment of the Lord they journeyed: they kept the charge of the Lord, at the commandment of the Lord by the hand of Moses.
I LOVE HOW GOD MOVED , THEY MOVED, GOD TARRIED, THEY TARRED IN THEIR TENTS, GOD NEW HOW MUCH REST THEY WOULD NEED AFTER EACH MOVE, GOD GREAT LIKE THAT, HE TARRIED WITH US, HE PROVIDES FOR US, HE WOULD GO BEFORE THEM AND ALL THEY WOULD HAVE TO DO IS SET UP WERE THEY SAW HIS CLOUD, THEY DIDNT EVEN HAVE TO SEARCH, HOW MUCH MORE CAN HE DO THAT FOR US TODAY, WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR NORA? SLOW DOWN AND TRUST GOD!
Moses answered, “Wait here until I have received instructions for you from the LORD.” (Numbers 9:8 NLT)
As an individual the best thing to do is ask. It will keep you out of trouble, and save you from sorrows!! Moses went to the The Lord concerning these people as our Pastor goes to The Lord concerning each of us. And he does this because he loves and is concern for our spiritual life.
Commandments are given to protect us, and being obedient to His word does bring/gives life.
AT THE COMMANDMENT OF THE LORD
18 At the commandment of the Lord the children of Israel journeyed, and at the commandment of the Lord they pitched: as long as the cloud abode upon the tabernacle they rested in their tents.
19 And when the cloud tarried long upon the tabernacle many days, then the children of Israel kept the charge of the Lord, and journeyed not.
20 And so it was, when the cloud was a few days upon the tabernacle; according to the commandment of the Lord they abode in their tents, and according to the commandment of the Lord they journeyed.
21 And so it was, when the cloud abode from even unto the morning, and that the cloud was taken up in the morning, then they journeyed: whether it was by day or by night that the cloud was taken up, they journeyed.
22 Or whether it were two days, or a month, or a year, that the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, remaining thereon, the children of Israel abode in their tents, and journeyed not: but when it was taken up, they journeyed.
23 At the commandment of the Lord they rested in the tents, and at the commandment of the Lord they journeyed: they kept the charge of the Lord, at the commandment of the Lord by the hand of Moses.
SEVEN times in six verses we read the commandment of the LORD. The message and principal here is to not move without the commandment of the LORD. I am excited with anticipation about the direction and power of GOD in our lives if we would follow this principal.
We do NOT move without the commandment of the LORD and we move everywhere the LORD speaks to us.
Notice in verse 23 that the commandment of the LORD comes through the man of GOD to them, Moses. We should be very protective over every voice that says it is from GOD. Let that voice go through your man of GOD.
GOD is speaking.
Who is listening?
Who is OBEDIENT?
Acts 17:28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
iRepent
iPraise
iPray
iWork
iGive
iReap
18 At the commandment of the Lord the children of Israel journeyed, and at the commandment of the Lord they pitched: as long as the cloud abode upon the tabernacle they rested in their tents.
8 Moses answered, “Wait here until I have received instructions for you from the Lord.” (NLT)
Always go to the Lord for instruction and answer; He cannot lie! We are blessed to have a man of God who goes to God and His Word for answers, beyond that, who takes the time to explain The Word so we may have understanding.
17. Whenever the cloud lifted from over the sacred tent, the people of Israel would break camp and follow it. And wherever the cloud settled, the people of Israel would set up camp. NLT
Like the Children of Israel, we seek to stay in His presence. We strive to be sensitive to the moving of His Spirit so that we don’t get ahead of Him or miss it when He moves on. To set up camp where He is not, or to operate without our covering is not an option.
In everything give thanks and also ask the Lord to guide you in all you do, don’t be hesitant to ask him questions because he will answer. What better person for asking because he is never wrong!
Numbers 9:23 (NLT)
23 So they camped or traveled at the Lord’s command, and they did whatever the Lord told them through Moses.
They went where God told them to go, and they went when he told them to go. They did whatever was told of them, and they received these commandments through their Pastor Moses.
When we do the same thing in the 21st century there is no telling what amazing and mighty things God can do through us.
Although this is a simple thing it brings amazing results.
We know it is God’s will for all men to come to repentance. Revival and harvest was his idea before it was ever ours.
God will lead pastor and the church toward unprecedented revival and growth if we will unify, listen, and obey what the Lord is speaking through Pastor.
Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
While I have spent many years in the church only the last 8-10 have been so life changing. I have heard this verse most of my life. I have never felt the need to understand it more deeply though. We need each of these aspects in our life. I like to think of the 5-fold ministry as the spoke in a wheel. Apostles are sent. They help initiate revival. Prophets are gifted with insight and interpret the voice of God to us. Evangelists specialize in encouraging new members or laypeople to become more engaged and productive children of God.
The need for Pastors could go without saying; however, I have never had such a rewarding relationship with any other man of God as do with my Pastor. This is due to the level of submission and respect that I have for my Pastor. Teachers break down complex ideas for us to better understand who we are and what we are supposed to do.
9-8
Wait
This is one of the most difficult of spiritual disciplines but one of the most important. God does guide us and we need to.find out what the Lord wants rather than make hasty decisions . If we are uncertain it’s best to wait to pray and to.expect God to lead.
23 At the commandment of the Lord they rested in the tents, and at the commandment of the Lord they journeyed: they kept the charge of the Lord, at the commandment of the Lord by the hand of Moses.
When God told them to rest, they rested. When God told them to go, they went. They trusted what God told them through their man of God.
13 But the man that is clean, and is not in a journey, and forbeareth to keep the passover, even the same soul shall be cut off from among his people: because he brought not the offering of the Lord in his appointed season, that man shall bear his sin.
Provisions was made for someone who was unable to keep the passover because of a “dead body”, however we find just a few verses later that no provision was made for someone who willingly failed to keep the passover with no excuse, reason. They were cut off because they did not sacrifice and bring an offering unto the Lord.
We must be careful what we “willingly” overlook or disobey. God is a God of order and obedience.
8 and Moses said unto them, stand still and I will hear what the lord will command concerning you
Where is God leading you?
21 And so it was, when the cloud abode from even unto the morning, and that the cloud was taken up in the morning, then they journeyed: whether it was by day or by night that the cloud was taken up, they journeyed.
22 Or whether it were two days, or a month, or a year, that the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, remaining thereon, the children of Israel abode in their tents, and journeyed not: but when it was taken up, they journeyed.
23 At the commandment of the Lord they rested in the tents, and at the commandment of the Lord they journeyed: they kept the charge of the Lord, at the commandment of the Lord by the hand of Moses.
Can we say that we allow the Lord to guild us? I mean really!? Can we say that we follow the unchening of his Spirit? We other it be through word of worship in a service or at home. We must learn to listen to the voice of God in our lives. And allow him to move us and guild us in our daily walk with Him. Just because you may not be moving, it doesn’t mean your not where you’re suppose to be. Linger in his presence for how ever long it is there. Trust in him.
23 So they camped or traveled at the Lord’s command, and they did whatever the Lord told them through Moses.
Everything is on Gods time not our time! We have to wait to hear Gods voice before we can take that step forward. We can’t go forward if we don’t have God on our side! Let us wait for your voice God to tell us when to go and stop and not to go on our timing but yours!
15On the day the Tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered it.d But from evening until morning the cloud over the Tabernacle looked like a pillar of fire.
What a great feeling it is to know God is watching over us at all times. The cloud and fire represents God’s presence. The obedient ones will follow the cloud when it moves. Are you willing to follow the cloud at all times?
21 And so it was, when the cloud abode from even unto the morning, and that the cloud was taken up in the morning, then they journeyed: whether it was by day or by night that the cloud was taken up, they journeyed.
22 Or whether it were two days, or a month, or a year, that the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, remaining thereon, the children of Israel abode in their tents, and journeyed not: but when it was taken up, they journeyed.
there is an important principle in these verses and that is the children of Israel were wise enough not to move forward unless God moved with them. We should make it a point to see if God is moving forward before we start moving in a particular direction. we need God’s leading and direction in every aspect of life, we cannot go our own way and expect anything good to come out of it. but we must be led of the Spirit so that we do not obey the lust of the flesh.
Verse 8 says “Moses said, “Give me some time; I’ll find out what God says in your circumstances.” When the people had a question Moses went straight to God for the answer. We need to learn to do the same instead of trying to figure it out on our own or thinking of our own self willed answer. The Lord will guide our every step, if we learn how to trust and obey at his command.
Numbers 9 :19 When the cloud remained over the tabernacle a long time the Israelites obeyed the Lord’s order and did not set out. Sometimes the crowd was over the tabernacle only a few days at the Lord’s command they would encamp and then at this command they would set out. Sometimes the cloud stayed only from evening to morning and when it lifted in the morning they said out. Whether by day or by night whenever the cloud lifted they set out . Whether the cloud stayed over the tabernacle for 2 days or a month or year the Israelite would remain in the camp and not set up but when it left if they would set out. At the Lord’s command they encamp and at the Lord’s command they set out. They obeyed the Lord’s order in accordance with His commandments through Moses.
Numbers 9:8, “And Moses said unto them, Stand still, and I will hear what the LORD will command concerning you.”
Like Moses, Pastor doesn’t always have an immediate answer for every question we may ask him, but he goes to God in prayer and His word to find the answer. Then it’s our responsibility to hear and heed to what he says since he’s heard from God.
Moses was anointed, and he obey God no matter what the circumstances are.
It it very important for us to be sensitive to Gods voice. We don’t want to miss our blessing because we are stubborn and disobedient.
We must be obedient to His word. His commandments are made clear in the bible and are reinforced through our pastor.
The deliverance from Egypt was followed by 2 years of restlessness in the desert. This would soon turn into even more years. Sometimes the journey to the promise is long and sometimes we make it even longer.
“But the man that is clean, and is not in a journey, and forbeareth to keep the passover, even the same soul shall be cut off from among his people: because he brought not the offering of the Lord in his appointed season, that man shall bear his sin.” The word of God (Judge) stated what would happen if they were disobedient (prideful). One that wants to spend eternity with God (Creator) will heed his (all) word. Dear God, purge us (me) of pride in Jesus name. May God Bless America, Israel, Jerusalem, and you all in Jesus name, Amen!
“At the commandment of the Lord they rested in the tents, and at the commandment of the Lord they journeyed: they kept the charge of the Lord, at the commandment of the Lord by the hand of Moses.” They did as the Lord commanded through Moses, as such they were taken care of because they did. God help us to see there are blessings in following your commandments, in Jesus name.
Seeking Direction
When the people come to Moses with a problem, he does not make a decision immediately. Instead, he asks them to wait while he asks direction from God. His actions here are a useful example for us today. Far too often, we respond impulsively to situations around us. It is tempting for us to think that, because we are walking with God, we will make right choices on our own. It’s easy to jump the gun and make decision based on what we do know. Yet Moses- who walks with God as a friend (Ex33:11)- knows the importance of seeking the Lord first. Operating out of his own wisdom, Moses might have ordered the unclean Israelites not to participate in the Passover; instead he recieves direction from God that allows the Israelites to join in the celebration. It would have been devastating to think that they could have been held back from praising God. Somethings we aren’t going to understand when it comes to direction from God. We cannot lean unto our own understanding, but trust the Lord to guide us. We might not know what or why he is doing things in our lives but if we put our faith in him all things will work to His Glory!
This passage is a real example of being truly led by the Lord. God sole the initial instruction and they moved. When the sign was to move then they moved. When it was to stay they stayed. What would our lives really be like if we too took this simple token if faith into our lives? I teach my children that the first step to salvation or to be saved is obedience. If we are not obedient to the word of God then we have no chance of knowing God.
“And when the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle, then after that the children of Israel journeyed: and in the place where the cloud abode, there the children of Israel pitched their tents.”
Numbers 9:17 KJV
Following God
These people sought after God with everything they had. They sought so much that they would follow after the cloud. It was their protection and guide. It is too bad that people today do not trust as heartily as he people in this scripture. Today people too scepticale and hey don’t always have the faith to follow what they can not see.
Jesus help us to stretch our faith to follow you with our whole heart.
23 At the commandment of the Lord they rested in the tents, and at the commandment of the Lord they journeyed: they kept the charge of the Lord, at the commandment of the Lord by the hand of Moses.
Moses always makes God first , if any situation was to come up he’d seek advice from God. It’s the way God wants his children to live a righteous life.
To follow his commandments.
15 And on the day that the tabernacle was reared up the cloud covered the tabernacle, namely, the tent of the testimony: and at even there was upon the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until the morning.
16 So it was alway: the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night.
17 And when the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle, then after that the children of Israel journeyed: and in the place where the cloud abode, there the children of Israel pitched their tents.
This is what I love about God. He raised up his children, let them rest when they needed it and moved them when it was time to move. As long as we (I) follow God’s commandments we (I) will do good in what he has called us to do. God’s children had no idea that God was a very caring, but just God. He wanted his children to just follow after him and live by his words and teachings. This is only the beginning of the journey that has been put upon us (me). Stay in God’s word and grow, he will release signs, miracles, and wonders upon his house….God bless…Amen!!
6 And there were certain men, who were defiled by the dead body of a man, that they could not keep the passover on that day: and they came before Moses and before Aaron on that day:
7 And those men said unto him, We are defiled by the dead body of a man: wherefore are we kept back, that we may not offer an offering of the Lord in his appointed season among the children of Israel?
Had these men not inquired of Moses and Aaron what they should do in their specific case, their sin would remain on them. Some questions can only be answered by the man of God and not our friends, especially if here is no clear answer in the word. No question is a dumb question!
18 At the commandment of the Lord the children of Israel journeyed, and at the commandment of the Lord they pitched: as long as the cloud abode upon the tabernacle they rested in their tents.
19 And when the cloud tarried long upon the tabernacle many days, then the children of Israel kept the charge of the Lord, and journeyed not.
20 And so it was, when the cloud was a few days upon the tabernacle; according to the commandment of the Lord they abode in their tents, and according to the commandment of the Lord they journeyed.
Where you go I go. We should not allowed a mentality to go off and try to do our own thing for without God we can’t do anything that will prosper. It is where His glory dwells that we should want to be and always move at the command of the Lord. Don’t try to get ahead and be cautious not to be left behind but keep your eyes on Jesus on his glory and listen to the command given to the man of God that will tell the congregation its time to move or pitch tent.
15 And on the day that the tabernacle was reared up the cloud covered the tabernacle, namely, the tent of the testimony: and at even there was upon the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until the morning.
16 So it was alway: the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night.
17 And when the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle, then after that the children of Israel journeyed: and in the place where the cloud abode, there the children of Israel pitched their tents.
“Moses answered them, “Wait until I find out what the Lord wants you to do.””
Numbers 9:8 NIRV
Thankful for the voice and knowledge of the man of God.
“Obey your leaders. Put yourselves under their authority. They keep watch over you. They know they are accountable to God for everything they do. Obey them so that their work will be a joy. If you make their work a heavy load, it won’t do you any good.”
Hebrews 13:17 NIRV
22 Or whether it were two days, or a month, or a year, that the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, remaining thereon, the children of Israel abode in their tents, and journeyed not: but when it was taken up, they journeyed.
23 At the commandment of the Lord they rested in the tents, and at the commandment of the Lord they journeyed: they kept the charge of the Lord, at the commandment of the Lord by the hand of Moses.