Month: October 2017

Mental Health

jonmbarnes1 Comment
heart-1077724_1920
Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“What you feed your mind determines the fate of your mental health issues in the future, so feed and use as much biblical wisdom as you can, to avoid the potential mental meltdowns in life.” ~ Jon Barnes

Issues

Personal issues can be devastating when God’s plan is not in place in your life because of disobedience to the truth and not following God’s path that good people and parents have set for us.  When parents are not good role models, follow God’s examples and stories. Since listening to God and other good people early in life is not the case for many, major issues tend to develop and corrupt future lifestyles. Damage is normally caused by your own hands. Reaping what you sow can take some time to catch up with you and your deviant ways, as well. As a result, lifestyle and family functions can fall through the cracks, which is not what God planned for your life.

Brain

Mistakes and bad choices begin to add up and look like a mountain of dirt because eating the devil’s dog food and lifestyle choices did not have the proper nutrients for normal brain function and development, as a superior human being. Drugs, alcohol and other substances abuse fuel and aid in the deception, lies, and other Mental Health Issues, options given by the devil. By choice, your mind is working for the wrong team. Solutions and cures are available and will require the step by step JJJ Program called, Just Joined Jesus. God will help you rewire your hard drive, wipe it clean, and reboot your thinking. What other people say and think is not what’s at stake here. It is what God can see and know about you and your mental health plan.

Washed

We all must wash daily with God’s Holy Water, which flows through the Holy Ghost into us when we repent, walk, fast, pray, and live God’s lifestyle in our JJJ Program. Each day, say the Lord’s Prayer in your Heart to God, as a daily habit and take steps to get closer to the finish line into Heaven. Our mind, body, and heart will be tested and judged by God for fitness and duty.  Being washed by the Blood of Jesus and allowing the Holy Spirit to teach and retrain your mind each day is the Mental Health Solution’s steps in the JJJ Program. God will award you with extra gifts as you improve the quality of your Lifestyle, faith, and work ethics.
Today’s Question
Did you sign up for the JJJ Mental Health Care plan, which is free for eternity or are you insured by the HHH plan, Hell’s Hot Hotel policy?
Enjoy The Reading.

Numbers 28 NLT

The Daily Offerings

28 The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Give these instructions to the people of Israel: The offerings you present as special gifts are a pleasing aroma to me; they are my food. See to it that they are brought at the appointed times and offered according to my instructions.
3 “Say to the people: This is the special gift you must present to the Lord as your daily burnt offering. You must offer two one-year-old male lambs with no defects. 4 Sacrifice one lamb in the morning and the other in the evening. 5 With each lamb you must offer a grain offering of two quarts[a] of choice flour mixed with one quart[b] of pure oil of pressed olives. 6 This is the regular burnt offering instituted at Mount Sinai as a special gift, a pleasing aroma to the Lord.7 Along with it you must present the proper liquid offering of one quart of alcoholic drink with each lamb, poured out in the Holy Place as an offering to the Lord. 8 Offer the second lamb in the evening with the same grain offering and liquid offering. It, too, is a special gift, a pleasing aroma to the Lord.

The Sabbath Offerings

9 “On the Sabbath day, sacrifice two one-year-old male lambs with no defects. They must be accompanied by a grain offering of four quarts[c] of choice flour moistened with olive oil, and a liquid offering. 10 This is the burnt offering to be presented each Sabbath day, in addition to the regular burnt offering and its accompanying liquid offering.

The Monthly Offerings

11 “On the first day of each month, present an extra burnt offering to the Lord of two young bulls, one ram, and seven one-year-old male lambs, all with no defects. 12 These must be accompanied by grain offerings of choice flour moistened with olive oil—six quarts[d] with each bull, four quarts with the ram, 13 and two quarts with each lamb. This burnt offering will be a special gift, a pleasing aroma to the Lord. 14 You must also present a liquid offering with each sacrifice: two quarts[e] of wine for each bull, a third of a gallon[f] for the ram, and one quart[g] for each lamb. Present this monthly burnt offering on the first day of each month throughout the year.
15 “On the first day of each month, you must also offer one male goat for a sin offering to the Lord. This is in addition to the regular burnt offering and its accompanying liquid offering.

Offerings for the Passover

16 “On the fourteenth day of the first month,[h] you must celebrate the Lord’s Passover. 17 On the following day—the fifteenth day of the month—a joyous, seven-day festival will begin, but no bread made with yeast may be eaten. 18 The first day of the festival will be an official day for holy assembly, and no ordinary work may be done on that day. 19 As a special gift you must present a burnt offering to the Lord—two young bulls, one ram, and seven one-year-old male lambs, all with no defects. 20 These will be accompanied by grain offerings of choice flour moistened with olive oil—six quarts with each bull, four quarts with the ram, 21 and two quarts with each of the seven lambs. 22 You must also offer a male goat as a sin offering to purify yourselves and make yourselves right with the Lord.[i] 23 Present these offerings in addition to your regular morning burnt offering. 24 On each of the seven days of the festival, this is how you must prepare the food offering that is presented as a special gift, a pleasing aroma to the Lord. These will be offered in addition to the regular burnt offerings and liquid offerings. 25 The seventh day of the festival will be another official day for holy assembly, and no ordinary work may be done on that day.

Offerings for the Festival of Harvest

26 “At the Festival of Harvest,[j] when you present the first of your new grain to the Lord, you must call an official day for holy assembly, and you may do no ordinary work on that day.27 Present a special burnt offering on that day as a pleasing aroma to the Lord. It will consist of two young bulls, one ram, and seven one-year-old male lambs. 28 These will be accompanied by grain offerings of choice flour moistened with olive oil—six quarts with each bull, four quarts with the ram, 29 and two quarts with each of the seven lambs. 30 Also, offer one male goat to purify yourselves and make yourselves right with the Lord. 31 Prepare these special burnt offerings, along with their liquid offerings, in addition to the regular burnt offering and its accompanying grain offering. Be sure that all the animals you sacrifice have no defects.
Love,
Jonathan

My Way

jonmbarnes1 Comment
bridge-2890367_1920
Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“In order to improve, you need to play and hangout with people who are more honest and better than you, so that you can learn from them as they learn from you, while working out God’s Plan for your life.” ~ Jon Barnes

Blame

We spend years of our lives watching God work through lives blessing people, particularly our parents, grandparents, and teachers, yet we still don’t listen to the people who are smarter than we are. In our arrogance, we make the same mistakes in relationships by running away from the test of improvement, hiding behind a beer, drug, computer, cell phone, TV, food, or some excuse to make ourselves feel better. We lie and smile with comfort. In a true relationship, you must practice each day doing and telling the truth, because your spouse will call you out on your negative and positive behaviors and there is nowhere to hide errors.

Game

In this game, the honest person wins each round, which makes the other person strive to do a better job. It’s fun. Everybody wins as each person passes the test of honesty at each level of everything going on in their lives. No stone is left unturned in the sight of God in our personal lives. You are accountable for yourself and each other. God rewards each player, often in the game so that the other person can see, feel, and know that true progress is real, honest, and consistent with Biblical Principles and Standards that drives our world and eternity. Each person is happy to lose because the other person has improved. Each person is happy to win because happiness, love, and faith in God are on both ends.

Same

When you love God, you will love your spouse, family, friends, and enemies with the same love God has given you with wisdom, respect, time, and distance. We help each other out by allowing each other to pass tests and copying their success, just like Jesus copied His Father, God. When you disrespect God’s working model of Father, son, parent, child, husband, wife, friend relationship, by making up your own rules to live and faking love your way, then you will keep failing the same tests. It is the same test for all of us all of the time. Stories, names, lives, locations, situations, and circumstances will vary, but God and His Bible change NOT! Your way is Not God’s Way! This is why many people will not study, read, and embrace God’s Truth.
Today’s Question
Are you growing better fruit only to let it rot on your table since you refuse to finish playing the game of God’s Rules?
Enjoy Your Reading.

Numbers 27

The Daughters of Zelophehad

27 One day a petition was presented by the daughters of Zelophehad—Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. Their father, Zelophehad, was a descendant of Hepher son of Gilead, son of Makir, son of Manasseh, son of Joseph. 2 These women stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the tribal leaders, and the entire community at the entrance of the Tabernacle.[a] 3 “Our father died in the wilderness,” they said. “He was not among Korah’s followers, who rebelled against the Lord; he died because of his own sin. But he had no sons.4 Why should the name of our father disappear from his clan just because he had no sons? Give us property along with the rest of our relatives.”
5 So Moses brought their case before the Lord. 6 And the Lord replied to Moses, 7 “The claim of the daughters of Zelophehad is legitimate. You must give them a grant of land along with their father’s relatives. Assign them the property that would have been given to their father.
8 “And give the following instructions to the people of Israel: If a man dies and has no son, then give his inheritance to his daughters. 9 And if he has no daughter either, transfer his inheritance to his brothers. 10 If he has no brothers, give his inheritance to his father’s brothers. 11 But if his father has no brothers, give his inheritance to the nearest relative in his clan. This is a legal requirement for the people of Israel, just as the Lord commanded Moses.”

Joshua Chosen to Lead Israel

12 One day the Lord said to Moses, “Climb one of the mountains east of the river,[b] and look out over the land I have given the people of Israel. 13 After you have seen it, you will die like your brother, Aaron, 14 for you both rebelled against my instructions in the wilderness of Zin. When the people of Israel rebelled, you failed to demonstrate my holiness to them at the waters.” (These are the waters of Meribah at Kadesh[c] in the wilderness of Zin.)
15 Then Moses said to the Lord, 16 “O Lord, you are the God who gives breath to all creatures. Please appoint a new man as leader for the community. 17 Give them someone who will guide them wherever they go and will lead them into battle, so the community of the Lord will not be like sheep without a shepherd.”
18 The Lord replied, “Take Joshua son of Nun, who has the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him. 19 Present him to Eleazar the priest before the whole community, and publicly commission him to lead the people. 20 Transfer some of your authority to him so the whole community of Israel will obey him. 21 When direction from the Lord is needed, Joshua will stand before Eleazar the priest, who will use the Urim—one of the sacred lots cast before the Lord—to determine his will. This is how Joshua and the rest of the community of Israel will determine everything they should do.”
22 So Moses did as the Lord commanded. He presented Joshua to Eleazar the priest and the whole community. 23 Moses laid his hands on him and commissioned him to lead the people, just as the Lord had commanded through Moses.
Love, 
Jonathan

Mentorship Waves

jonmbarnesLeave a comment
Two People Having A Conversation
Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“God’s wisdom teaches you how to stay focused on doing the best job with your skill set and to pass the baton to qualified people, who have proven themselves with good character, loyalty, honesty, and integrity.” ~ Jon Barnes

Mentor Minded

Grandparents and parents are the best mentors who can pour much need knowledge, wisdom, and experience into the minds of generations to come. Teachers, preachers, professionals, family, and friends can also be a great source of information when you can verify their character and labor of Godly love. All labor is not equal so you must select the Godly Labor Choices in life for yourself. Mentor minds have lived long enough to live and show the ways of God with excellence, love, grace, mercy, patience, long-suffering, and humility, in a way that is fun, interesting, engaging, realistic, inspiring, and honest.
 

Hired As

 
God has hired you with the breath of life to live, love, help, and share this mento mind with all people so that God’s plan is revealed, souls are saved, and good fights evil. Your light kills evil each day that you serve God in spirit and truth, doing the work of faith that you have read about in your bibles. You cannot do what you have not read and don’t know. Mentors point to Jesus and workers study to finish the job of sharing, recruiting, monitoring, servicing, helping, and honoring God. You have been hired to learn, share, do, and teach, display God’s information in your language, lifestyle, faith, and work. 
 

Fired As

 
Your honest work for God is without repentance and it is up to individuals to use God’s information for themselves since they are responsible for doing their own homework, daily studies, and tests. We are all without excuse in doing the proper amount of labor for the job to balance each day with the right amount of ingredients for success. It is better to be fired to improve on the next job than to go along with the program headed straight for hell, because you are an unqualified, wicked, pathological, liar. Give honest evaluations and share the truth in love and Mentorship Waves with God’s Ways.
 
Today’s Question
 
Is God waving at you to Mentor your family in Spirit and in Truth or are you living a life full of evil lies?
 
Enjoy Today’s Reading

Numbers 26

The Second Registration of Israel’s Troops

26 After the plague had ended,[a] the Lord said to Moses and to Eleazar son of Aaron the priest, 2 “From the whole community of Israel, record the names of all the warriors by their families. List all the men twenty years old or older who are able to go to war.”
3 So there on the plains of Moab beside the Jordan River, across from Jericho, Moses and Eleazar the priest issued these instructions to the leaders of Israel: 4 “List all the men of Israel twenty years old and older, just as the Lord commanded Moses.”
This is the record of all the descendants of Israel who came out of Egypt.

The Tribe of Reuben

5 These were the clans descended from the sons of Reuben, Jacob’s[b] oldest son:
The Hanochite clan, named after their ancestor Hanoch.
The Palluite clan, named after their ancestor Pallu.
6 The Hezronite clan, named after their ancestor Hezron.
The Carmite clan, named after their ancestor Carmi.
7 These were the clans of Reuben. Their registered troops numbered 43,730.
8 Pallu was the ancestor of Eliab, 9 and Eliab was the father of Nemuel, Dathan, and Abiram. This Dathan and Abiram are the same community leaders who conspired with Korah against Moses and Aaron, rebelling against the Lord. 10 But the earth opened up its mouth and swallowed them with Korah, and fire devoured 250 of their followers. This served as a warning to the entire nation of Israel. 11 However, the sons of Korah did not die that day.

The Tribe of Simeon

12 These were the clans descended from the sons of Simeon:
The Jemuelite clan, named after their ancestor Jemuel.[c]
The Jaminite clan, named after their ancestor Jamin.
The Jakinite clan, named after their ancestor Jakin.
13 The Zoharite clan, named after their ancestor Zohar.[d]
The Shaulite clan, named after their ancestor Shaul.
14 These were the clans of Simeon. Their registered troops numbered 22,200.

The Tribe of Gad

15 These were the clans descended from the sons of Gad:
The Zephonite clan, named after their ancestor Zephon.
The Haggite clan, named after their ancestor Haggi.
The Shunite clan, named after their ancestor Shuni.
16 The Oznite clan, named after their ancestor Ozni.
The Erite clan, named after their ancestor Eri.
17 The Arodite clan, named after their ancestor Arodi.[e]
The Arelite clan, named after their ancestor Areli.
18 These were the clans of Gad. Their registered troops numbered 40,500.

The Tribe of Judah

19 Judah had two sons, Er and Onan, who had died in the land of Canaan. 20 These were the clans descended from Judah’s surviving sons:
The Shelanite clan, named after their ancestor Shelah.
The Perezite clan, named after their ancestor Perez.
The Zerahite clan, named after their ancestor Zerah.
21 These were the subclans descended from the Perezites:
The Hezronites, named after their ancestor Hezron.
The Hamulites, named after their ancestor Hamul.
22 These were the clans of Judah. Their registered troops numbered 76,500.

The Tribe of Issachar

23 These were the clans descended from the sons of Issachar:
The Tolaite clan, named after their ancestor Tola.
The Puite clan, named after their ancestor Puah.[f]
24 The Jashubite clan, named after their ancestor Jashub.
The Shimronite clan, named after their ancestor Shimron.
25 These were the clans of Issachar. Their registered troops numbered 64,300.

The Tribe of Zebulun

26 These were the clans descended from the sons of Zebulun:
The Seredite clan, named after their ancestor Sered.
The Elonite clan, named after their ancestor Elon.
The Jahleelite clan, named after their ancestor Jahleel.
27 These were the clans of Zebulun. Their registered troops numbered 60,500.

The Tribe of Manasseh

28 Two clans were descended from Joseph through Manasseh and Ephraim.
29 These were the clans descended from Manasseh:
The Makirite clan, named after their ancestor Makir.
The Gileadite clan, named after their ancestor Gilead, Makir’s son.
30 These were the subclans descended from the Gileadites:
The Iezerites, named after their ancestor Iezer.
The Helekites, named after their ancestor Helek.
31 The Asrielites, named after their ancestor Asriel.
The Shechemites, named after their ancestor Shechem.
32 The Shemidaites, named after their ancestor Shemida.
The Hepherites, named after their ancestor Hepher.
33 (One of Hepher’s descendants, Zelophehad, had no sons, but his daughters’ names were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.)
34 These were the clans of Manasseh. Their registered troops numbered 52,700.

The Tribe of Ephraim

35 These were the clans descended from the sons of Ephraim:
The Shuthelahite clan, named after their ancestor Shuthelah.
The Bekerite clan, named after their ancestor Beker.
The Tahanite clan, named after their ancestor Tahan.
36 This was the subclan descended from the Shuthelahites:
The Eranites, named after their ancestor Eran.
37 These were the clans of Ephraim. Their registered troops numbered 32,500.
These clans of Manasseh and Ephraim were all descendants of Joseph.

The Tribe of Benjamin

38 These were the clans descended from the sons of Benjamin:
The Belaite clan, named after their ancestor Bela.
The Ashbelite clan, named after their ancestor Ashbel.
The Ahiramite clan, named after their ancestor Ahiram.
39 The Shuphamite clan, named after their ancestor Shupham.[g]
The Huphamite clan, named after their ancestor Hupham.
40 These were the subclans descended from the Belaites:
The Ardites, named after their ancestor Ard.[h]
The Naamites, named after their ancestor Naaman.
41 These were the clans of Benjamin. Their registered troops numbered 45,600.

The Tribe of Dan

42 These were the clans descended from the sons of Dan:
The Shuhamite clan, named after their ancestor Shuham.
43 These were the Shuhamite clans of Dan. Their registered troops numbered 64,400.

The Tribe of Asher

44 These were the clans descended from the sons of Asher:
The Imnite clan, named after their ancestor Imnah.
The Ishvite clan, named after their ancestor Ishvi.
The Beriite clan, named after their ancestor Beriah.
45 These were the subclans descended from the Beriites:
The Heberites, named after their ancestor Heber.
The Malkielites, named after their ancestor Malkiel.
46 Asher also had a daughter named Serah.
47 These were the clans of Asher. Their registered troops numbered 53,400.

The Tribe of Naphtali

48 These were the clans descended from the sons of Naphtali:
The Jahzeelite clan, named after their ancestor Jahzeel.
The Gunite clan, named after their ancestor Guni.
49 The Jezerite clan, named after their ancestor Jezer.
The Shillemite clan, named after their ancestor Shillem.
50 These were the clans of Naphtali. Their registered troops numbered 45,400.

Results of the Registration

51 In summary, the registered troops of all Israel numbered 601,730.
52 Then the Lord said to Moses, 53 “Divide the land among the tribes, and distribute the grants of land in proportion to the tribes’ populations, as indicated by the number of names on the list. 54 Give the larger tribes more land and the smaller tribes less land, each group receiving a grant in proportion to the size of its population. 55 But you must assign the land by lot, and give land to each ancestral tribe according to the number of names on the list. 56 Each grant of land must be assigned by lot among the larger and smaller tribal groups.”

The Tribe of Levi

57 This is the record of the Levites who were counted according to their clans:
The Gershonite clan, named after their ancestor Gershon.
The Kohathite clan, named after their ancestor Kohath.
The Merarite clan, named after their ancestor Merari.
58 The Libnites, the Hebronites, the Mahlites, the Mushites, and the Korahites were all subclans of the Levites.
Now Kohath was the ancestor of Amram, 59 and Amram’s wife was named Jochebed. She also was a descendant of Levi, born among the Levites in the land of Egypt. Amram and Jochebed became the parents of Aaron, Moses, and their sister, Miriam. 60 To Aaron were born Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. 61 But Nadab and Abihu died when they burned before the Lordthe wrong kind of fire, different than he had commanded.
62 The men from the Levite clans who were one month old or older numbered 23,000. But the Levites were not included in the registration of the rest of the people of Israel because they were not given an allotment of land when it was divided among the Israelites.
63 So these are the results of the registration of the people of Israel as conducted by Moses and Eleazar the priest on the plains of Moab beside the Jordan River, across from Jericho.64 Not one person on this list had been among those listed in the previous registration taken by Moses and Aaron in the wilderness of Sinai. 65 For the Lord had said of them, “They will all die in the wilderness.” Not one of them survived except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun.
Love,
Jonathan

Make Good

jonmbarnes1 Comment
positive-letters-2355685_1920
Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“You must make good out of the situation and lifestyle that you are in by following God’s Instructions, Commandments, and Suggestions, along with His Word and Spirit, so that your good light of love shines to help others and know God.” ~ Jon Barnes

Makes

Create and follow God’s lead by using His plans, committing your time, energy, words, works, and talent for yourself, friends, and your family. Do not fight against what God has set in motion or do not let the devil change your mind about executing God’s Plans for your life each day. Make each step, word, work, and ideas count, with a God fearing, loving, lasting leap of faith into action. Do it with all that you have. Wicked people will try to seduce you.

Goods

You are not gambling when you bet on God’s Plan as your motives become more aligned with wisdom, grace, and love. Since God doesn’t gamble, build your life and family into the Hands of God, so that your house is in the Rock of His Holy Mountain with eternal vision. See, say, and sell all the Good Love that you learn from God and share it all the time in everything that you do. Stop the evil thinking and sad works from your hands. It is best and Good, to be honest, and love God’s Ways.

Happens

It only happens every time when your love life aligns with God’s Truth in mind and heart. We all can see the truth of love without introduction, like walking in the sunshine, breathing in air, and drinking clean water. Serve clean, clear water to your guest, family, and enemies as God does, instead of selling dirty water and copying the wicked ways of many people. You are wicked if you are not copying God’s Ways, so Make Good with your time, faith, work, and love, by obeying God, reading your Bible and loving others properly. Otherwise, your arrogance will deceive and trick you every time.
Today’s Question
Did you make a good video of your life or did you gamble it away for some hot dice of lust in hell, casino?
Enjoy The Reading

Numbers 25 NIV

Moab Seduces Israel

25 While the Israelites were camped at Acacia Grove,[a] some of the men defiled themselves by having[b] sexual relations with local Moabite women. 2 These women invited them to attend sacrifices to their gods, so the Israelites feasted with them and worshiped the gods of Moab.3 In this way, Israel joined in the worship of Baal of Peor, causing the Lord’s anger to blaze against his people.
4 The Lord issued the following command to Moses: “Seize all the ringleaders and execute them before the Lord in broad daylight, so his fierce anger will turn away from the people of Israel.”
5 So Moses ordered Israel’s judges, “Each of you must put to death the men under your authority who have joined in worshiping Baal of Peor.”
6 Just then one of the Israelite men brought a Midianite woman into his tent, right before the eyes of Moses and all the people, as everyone was weeping at the entrance of the Tabernacle.[c] 7 When Phinehas son of Eleazar and grandson of Aaron the priest saw this, he jumped up and left the assembly. He took a spear 8 and rushed after the man into his tent. Phinehas thrust the spear all the way through the man’s body and into the woman’s stomach. So the plague against the Israelites was stopped, 9 but not before 24,000 people had died.
10 Then the Lord said to Moses, 11 “Phinehas son of Eleazar and grandson of Aaron the priest has turned my anger away from the Israelites by being as zealous among them as I was. So I stopped destroying all Israel as I had intended to do in my zealous anger. 12 Now tell him that I am making my special covenant of peace with him. 13 In this covenant, I give him and his descendants a permanent right to the priesthood, for in his zeal for me, his God, he purified the people of Israel, making them right with me.[d]”
14 The Israelite man killed with the Midianite woman was named Zimri son of Salu, the leader of a family from the tribe of Simeon. 15 The woman’s name was Cozbi; she was the daughter of Zur, the leader of a Midianite clan.
16 Then the Lord said to Moses, 17 “Attack the Midianites and destroy them, 18 because they assaulted you with deceit and tricked you into worshiping Baal of Peor, and because of Cozbi, the daughter of a Midianite leader, who was killed at the time of the plague because of what happened at Peor.”
Love,
Jonathan

Reach

jonmbarnes1 Comment
climb-1807474_1920
Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“Reach and embrace your adjustments and improvements with God’s standards so that you connect with a variety of people and shining your holy light of truth from your biblically inspired lifestyle.”   ~ Jon Barnes

Consistent

Living with consistent standards from God and His Bible Stories helps us to understand faith, belief, fairness, and equity in copying God’s lifestyle. We naturally and consistently grow daily in Him as we study, read, pray, reach, and embrace God’s plans for our lives, while still being content. When the appropriate changes and new orders arrive, we are delighted that God gives us plans for our future with amazing outcomes and blessings to all the people we meet. We consistently reap what we sow and your fruit is always Good by following God’s farming techniques.

Reach 

Reach for your dreams and goals in the Lord as you plan, prepare, and pray your way into thanksgiving, love, and hope with your work for God. Work is not always easy, but it is easy to stay on track when your focus is what God wants and not what you want. Reach to understand that wanting what God wants gives you the winning hand in your efforts.  Losing with character, dignity, grace, and honesty is also a win in God’s Book. You learn a lot by losing, reaching, trying, and repeating tests until you pass them. Teach yourself to retake your test to pass it and learn from your mistakes.

Embrace

Embrace what it takes to endure your race by listening to God the first time to cross the permanent finish line. Stop trying to reach for the devil, running in the opposite direction with your own ideas of pride, lust, and greedy ambitions. See the big picture of help, hopes, and honor within your choices. Stand firm in your conviction for God and trust His Will for your life. Relax as you reach for eternity, growing in God’s Grace. 
Today’s Question
Did you reach and embrace your destiny with God?
Enjoy The Reading

Numbers 24 NLT

24 By now Balaam realized that the Lord was determined to bless Israel, so he did not resort to divination as before. Instead, he turned and looked out toward the wilderness, 2 where he saw the people of Israel camped, tribe by tribe. Then the Spirit of God came upon him, 3 and this is the message he delivered:
“This is the message of Balaam son of Beor,
    the message of the man whose eyes see clearly,
4 the message of one who hears the words of God,
    who sees a vision from the Almighty,
    who bows down with eyes wide open:
5 How beautiful are your tents, O Jacob;
    how lovely are your homes, O Israel!
6 They spread before me like palm groves,[a]
    like gardens by the riverside.
They are like tall trees planted by the Lord,
    like cedars beside the waters.
7 Water will flow from their buckets;
    their offspring have all they need.
Their king will be greater than Agag;
    their kingdom will be exalted.
8 God brought them out of Egypt;
    for them he is as strong as a wild ox.
He devours all the nations that oppose him,
    breaking their bones in pieces,
    shooting them with arrows.
9 Like a lion, Israel crouches and lies down;
    like a lioness, who dares to arouse her?
Blessed is everyone who blesses you, O Israel,
    and cursed is everyone who curses you.”
10 King Balak flew into a rage against Balaam. He angrily clapped his hands and shouted, “I called you to curse my enemies! Instead, you have blessed them three times. 11 Now get out of here! Go back home! I promised to reward you richly, but the Lord has kept you from your reward.”
12 Balaam told Balak, “Don’t you remember what I told your messengers? I said, 13 ‘Even if Balak were to give me his palace filled with silver and gold, I would be powerless to do anything against the will of the Lord.’ I told you that I could say only what the Lord says! 14 Now I am returning to my own people. But first let me tell you what the Israelites will do to your people in the future.”

Balaam’s Final Messages

15 This is the message Balaam delivered:
“This is the message of Balaam son of Beor,
    the message of the man whose eyes see clearly,
16 the message of one who hears the words of God,
    who has knowledge from the Most High,
who sees a vision from the Almighty,
    who bows down with eyes wide open:
17 I see him, but not here and now.
    I perceive him, but far in the distant future.
A star will rise from Jacob;
    a scepter will emerge from Israel.
It will crush the heads of Moab’s people,
    cracking the skulls[b] of the people of Sheth.
18 Edom will be taken over,
    and Seir, its enemy, will be conquered,
    while Israel marches on in triumph.
19 A ruler will rise in Jacob
    who will destroy the survivors of Ir.”
20 Then Balaam looked over toward the people of Amalek and delivered this message:
“Amalek was the greatest of nations,
    but its destiny is destruction!”
21 Then he looked over toward the Kenites and delivered this message:
“Your home is secure;
    your nest is set in the rocks.
22 But the Kenites will be destroyed
    when Assyria[c] takes you captive.”
23 Balaam concluded his messages by saying:
“Alas, who can survive
    unless God has willed it?
24 Ships will come from the coasts of Cyprus[d];
    they will oppress Assyria and afflict Eber,
    but they, too, will be utterly destroyed.”
25 Then Balaam left and returned home, and Balak also went on his way.
Love, 
Jonathan

Forest VS Trees

tarynbarnes1 Comment

forest-505860_1920

Hi Peeps,

Today’s Quote

“Don’t get distracted within the trees of the forest of your life as minor details can derail your overall objective.” ~Taryn

The Details

When we’re going through tough times, we often get stuck looking at the immediate individual issues, rather than looking at the journey overall. Like the old idiom, “the Devil is in the details” sometimes he’ll throw a wrench into your plans, pushing you to only see the problems instead of the progress that has occurred in your life.

The Big Picture

If you find yourself becoming discouraged, take a step back and look at the forest for the trees. Yes, there are individual trees, but if you fail to look at the bigger picture, the arrival time to your destination will be extended. We will all experience moments and situations that will make us question our goals and if we’re actually following the will of God. In those moments, sit back, reflect, and have faith. Following God’s map, there will be obstacles, but rest assured, that a bumpy path is more indicative that you’re following the right direction.

Today’s Question

Are you looking at God’s big plans or the devilish small details?

Enjoy today’s reading

 

Numbers 23 NIV

Balaam’s First Message

1 Balaam said, “Build me seven altars here, and prepare seven bulls and seven rams for me.” 2 Balak did as Balaam said, and the two of them offered a bull and a ram on each altar. 3 Then Balaam said to Balak, “Stay here beside your offering while I go aside. Perhaps the LORD will come to meet with me. Whatever he reveals to me I will tell you.” Then he went off to a barren height.4 God met with him, and Balaam said, “I have prepared seven altars, and on each altar I have offered a bull and a ram.” 5 The LORD put a word in Balaam’s mouth and said, “Go back to Balak and give him this word.” 6 So he went back to him and found him standing beside his offering, with all the Moabite officials. 7 Then Balaam spoke his message: “Balak brought me from Aram, the king of Moab from the eastern mountains. ‘Come,’ he said, ‘curse Jacob for me; come, denounce Israel.’ 8 How can I curse those whom God has not cursed? How can I denounce those whom the LORD has not denounced? 9 From the rocky peaks I see them, from the heights I view them. I see a people who live apart and do not consider themselves one of the nations. 10 Who can count the dust of Jacob or number even a fourth of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and may my final end be like theirs!” 11Balak said to Balaam, “What have you done to me? I brought you to curse my enemies, but you have done nothing but bless them!”12 He answered, “Must I not speak what the LORD puts in my mouth?”

Balaam’s Second Message

13 Then Balak said to him, “Come with me to another place where you can see them; you will not see them all but only the outskirts of their camp. And from there, curse them for me.” 14So he took him to the field of Zophim on the top of Pisgah, and there he built seven altars and offered a bull and a ram on each altar. 15 Balaam said to Balak, “Stay here beside your offering while I meet with him over there.” 16 The LORD met with Balaam and put a word in his mouth and said, “Go back to Balak and give him this word.” 17 So he went to him and found him standing beside his offering, with the Moabite officials. Balak asked him, “What did the LORD say?” 18 Then he spoke his message: “Arise, Balak, and listen; hear me, son of Zippor. 19 God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? 20 I have received a command to bless; he has blessed, and I cannot change it. 21 “No misfortune is seen in Jacob, no misery observed in Israel. The LORD their God is with them; the shout of the King is among them. 22 God brought them out of Egypt; they have the strength of a wild ox.
23 There is no divination against Jacob, no evil omens against Israel. It will now be said of Jacob and of Israel, ‘See what God has done!’ 24 The people rise like a lioness; they rouse themselves like a lion that does not rest till it devours its prey and drinks the blood of its victims.” 25 Then Balak said to Balaam, “Neither curse them at all nor bless them at all!” 26 Balaam answered, “Did I not tell you I must do whatever the LORD says?”

Balaam’s Third Message

27 Then Balak said to Balaam, “Come, let me take you to another place. Perhaps it will please God to let you curse them for me from there.” 28 And Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, overlooking the wasteland. 29 Balaam said, “Build me seven altars here, and prepare seven bulls and seven rams for me.” 30Balak did as Balaam had said, and offered a bull and a ram on each altar.

Adjustments

jonmbarnesLeave a comment
tool-2820950_1920
Hi Peeps,
Today’s Quote
“As I wake up each day to pray and think of all the wonderful possibilities life has to offer, God allows us to have a path to follow and to make adjustments along the way.” ~ Jon Barnes

Thankful

I appreciate not being perfect and right all of the time and my thoughts, words, works, and deeds reflect my natural human condition. Knowing this puts a smile on my face, helps me to easily repent, adjust and try a better or perhaps modified solution for the task. If God wants you to do something, just do it. It is hard to be thankful and happy when you are mad and bitter while walking your path with God and making your adjustments. Complete the path of your adjustments.

Happy

Be happy that you have another day to make new adjustments, which should add to your thankfulness and happiness in your life.  Clean motives make for clear thinking just as clutter can cloud your judgment with distractions of disobedience. I choose to be happy because I will always adjust my thought and ways to follow and admire the new things that God will show and teach me.  I will also learn many new things from people all around me, using books, technology, stories, news, and other content to weigh in with God’s Commandments.

Content

I am content with my content of good works, thoughts, studies, and prayers when I work from my closet of peace, worship, and thanksgiving unto God. I must be made ready before I can receive my blessings early in the day before I begin my work. Less movement is more beneficial and practical when each step is accurate. Otherwise, new adjustments will be made and the path will be delayed in reaching your new destination and adjustment. Polish your content and be content with your happiness and thankfulness unto God, because He will show you His point of views, as you learn to obey and adjust your thinking and actions to reflect God’s Character.
Today’s Question
Is the content of your life full of peace, happiness, and joy or are you content with not learning from your mistakes, forgetting to make daily adjustments?
Enjoy The Reading

Balak Sends for Balaam

22 Then the people of Israel traveled to the plains of Moab and camped east of the Jordan River, across from Jericho. 2 Balak son of Zippor, the Moabite king, had seen everything the Israelites did to the Amorites. 3 And when the people of Moab saw how many Israelites there were, they were terrified. 4 The king of Moab said to the elders of Midian, “This mob will devour everything in sight, like an ox devours grass in the field!”
So Balak, king of Moab, 5 sent messengers to call Balaam son of Beor, who was living in his native land of Pethor[a] near the Euphrates River.[b] His message said:
“Look, a vast horde of people has arrived from Egypt. They cover the face of the earth and are threatening me. 6 Please come and curse these people for me because they are too powerful for me. Then perhaps I will be able to conquer them and drive them from the land. I know that blessings fall on any people you bless, and curses fall on people you curse.”
7 Balak’s messengers, who were elders of Moab and Midian, set out with money to pay Balaam to place a curse upon Israel.[c] They went to Balaam and delivered Balak’s message to him. 8 “Stay here overnight,” Balaam said. “In the morning I will tell you whatever the Lord directs me to say.” So the officials from Moab stayed there with Balaam.
9 That night God came to Balaam and asked him, “Who are these men visiting you?”
10 Balaam said to God, “Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent me this message: 11 ‘Look, a vast horde of people has arrived from Egypt, and they cover the face of the earth. Come and curse these people for me. Then perhaps I will be able to stand up to them and drive them from the land.’”
12 But God told Balaam, “Do not go with them. You are not to curse these people, for they have been blessed!”
13 The next morning Balaam got up and told Balak’s officials, “Go on home! The Lord will not let me go with you.”
14 So the Moabite officials returned to King Balak and reported, “Balaam refused to come with us.” 15 Then Balak tried again. This time he sent a larger number of even more distinguished officials than those he had sent the first time. 16 They went to Balaam and delivered this message to him:
“This is what Balak son of Zippor says: Please don’t let anything stop you from coming to help me. 17 I will pay you very well and do whatever you tell me. Just come and curse these people for me!”
18 But Balaam responded to Balak’s messengers, “Even if Balak were to give me his palace filled with silver and gold, I would be powerless to do anything against the will of the Lord my God. 19 But stay here one more night, and I will see if the Lord has anything else to say to me.”
20 That night God came to Balaam and told him, “Since these men have come for you, get up and go with them. But do only what I tell you to do.”

Balaam and His Donkey

21 So the next morning Balaam got up, saddled his donkey, and started off with the Moabite officials. 22 But God was angry that Balaam was going, so he sent the angel of the Lord to stand in the road to block his way. As Balaam and two servants were riding along, 23 Balaam’s donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand. The donkey bolted off the road into a field, but Balaam beat it and turned it back onto the road. 24 Then the angel of the Lord stood at a place where the road narrowed between two vineyard walls.25 When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, it tried to squeeze by and crushed Balaam’s foot against the wall. So Balaam beat the donkey again. 26 Then the angel of the Lord moved farther down the road and stood in a place too narrow for the donkey to get by at all. 27 This time when the donkey saw the angel, it lay down under Balaam. In a fit of rage Balaam beat the animal again with his staff.
28 Then the Lord gave the donkey the ability to speak. “What have I done to you that deserves your beating me three times?” it asked Balaam.
29 “You have made me look like a fool!” Balaam shouted. “If I had a sword with me, I would kill you!”
30 “But I am the same donkey you have ridden all your life,” the donkey answered. “Have I ever done anything like this before?”
“No,” Balaam admitted.
31 Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel of the Lordstanding in the roadway with a drawn sword in his hand. Balaam bowed his head and fell face down on the ground before him.
32 “Why did you beat your donkey those three times?” the angel of the Lorddemanded. “Look, I have come to block your way because you are stubbornly resisting me. 33 Three times the donkey saw me and shied away; otherwise, I would certainly have killed you by now and spared the donkey.”
34 Then Balaam confessed to the angel of the Lord, “I have sinned. I didn’t realize you were standing in the road to block my way. I will return home if you are against my going.”
35 But the angel of the Lord told Balaam, “Go with these men, but say only what I tell you to say.” So Balaam went on with Balak’s officials. 36 When King Balak heard that Balaam was on the way, he went out to meet him at a Moabite town on the Arnon River at the farthest border of his land.
37 “Didn’t I send you an urgent invitation? Why didn’t you come right away?” Balak asked Balaam. “Didn’t you believe me when I said I would reward you richly?”
38 Balaam replied, “Look, now I have come, but I have no power to say whatever I want. I will speak only the message that God puts in my mouth.” 39 Then Balaam accompanied Balak to Kiriath-huzoth, 40 where the king sacrificed cattle and sheep. He sent portions of the meat to Balaam and the officials who were with him. 41 The next morning Balak took Balaam up to Bamoth-baal. From there he could see some of the people of Israel spread out below him.
Love,
Jonathan

Stay the Course

tarynbarnes1 Comment

field-2733501_1920

Hi Peeps,

Today’s Quote

“Stay the course that you were given, relying on the Word to light your path along the way.” ~Taryn Barnes

The Path 

We each receive different instructions that lead to the same road, which can be confusing if we’re looking at someone else’s GPS rather than our own. God gives us personal direction as we embark on our walk of faith.

Detour

At times we try and navigate according to our own directions or under the advisement of someone else. It leads us to the bumpy roads that are deceptive in nature, yet seem pleasant to travel on. Ultimately, we realize that we’re on the wrong road, trying to find our way back to our personal path.

Holy GPS

Fortunately, God’s GPS doesn’t need wifi and will never run out of battery. As we turn our hearts to him, His holy GPS reactivates, directing us back to the safety of His path. No matter how many times we may find ourselves off course, He will guide us, if we choose.

Question of the day

Are you using the right GPS?

 

Enjoy today’s reading

Arad Destroyed

1 When the Canaanite king of Arad, who lived in the Negev, heard that Israel was coming along the road to Atharim, he attacked the Israelites and captured some of them. 2 Then Israel made this vow to the LORD: “If you will deliver these people into our hands, we will totally destroy their cities.” 3 The LORD listened to Israel’s plea and gave the Canaanites over to them. They completely destroyed them and their towns; so the place was named Hormah.

The Bronze Snake

4 They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea,to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way; 5they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!”6 Then the LORD sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. 7 The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke against the LORD and against you. Pray that the LORD will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. 8 The LORD said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” 9 So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived.

The Journey to Moab

10 The Israelites moved on and camped at Oboth. 11 Then they set out from Oboth and camped in Iye Abarim, in the wilderness that faces Moab toward the sunrise. 12 From there they moved on and camped in the Zered Valley. 13 They set out from there and camped alongside the Arnon, which is in the wilderness extending into Amorite territory. The Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites. 14 That is why the Book of the Wars of the LORD says: “. . . Zahab in Suphah and the ravines, the Arnon 15 and the slopes of the ravines that lead to the settlement of Ar and lie along the border of Moab.” 16 From there they continued on to Beer, the well where the LORD said to Moses, “Gather the people together and I will give them water.”17 Then Israel sang this song: “Spring up, O well! Sing about it,18 about the well that the princes dug, that the nobles of the people sank— the nobles with scepters and staffs.” Then they went from the wilderness to Mattanah, 19 from Mattanah to Nahaliel, from Nahaliel to Bamoth, 20 and from Bamoth to the valley in Moab where the top of Pisgah overlooks the wasteland.

Defeat of Sihon and Og

21 Israel sent messengers to say to Sihon king of the Amorites:22 “Let us pass through your country. We will not turn aside into any field or vineyard, or drink water from any well. We will travel along the King’s Highway until we have passed through your territory.” 23 But Sihon would not let Israel pass through his territory. He mustered his entire army and marched out into the wilderness against Israel. When he reached Jahaz, he fought with Israel. 24 Israel, however, put him to the sword and took over his land from the Arnon to the Jabbok, but only as far as the Ammonites, because their border was fortified. 25 Israel captured all the cities of the Amorites and occupied them, including Heshbon and all its surrounding settlements. 26 Heshbon was the city of Sihon king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab and had taken from him all his land as far as the Arnon. 27 That is why the poets say: “Come to Heshbon and let it be rebuilt; let Sihon’s city be restored. 28 “Fire went out from Heshbon, a blaze from the city of Sihon. It consumed Ar of Moab, the citizens of Arnon’s heights. 29 Woe to you, Moab! You are destroyed, people of Chemosh! He has given up his sons as fugitives and his daughters as captives to Sihon king of the Amorites. 30 “But we have overthrown them; Heshbon’s dominion has been destroyed all the way to Dibon. We have demolished them as far as Nophah, which extends to Medeba.”31 So Israel settled in the land of the Amorites. 32 After Moses had sent spies to Jazer, the Israelites captured its surrounding settlements and drove out the Amorites who were there. 33 Then they turned and went up along the road toward Bashan, and Og king of Bashan and his whole army marched out to meet them in battle at Edrei. 34 The LORD said to Moses, “Do not be afraid of him, for I have delivered him into your hands, along with his whole army and his land. Do to him what you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon.” 35 So they struck him down, together with his sons and his whole army, leaving them no survivors. And they took possession of his land.

Frozen

tarynbarnes1 Comment

eiskristalle-422532_1920

Hi Peeps,

Today’s Quote

“Don’t allow yourselves to become frozen in fear by your trials as they are a stealthy attack to stop you from doing good.” ~Taryn Barnes

Fear

When we allow fear to plague our hearts and minds, we stop relying on God and start obsessing over our personal circumstances. Like ice coursing through our veins, our progress, and good works come to a halt, frozen in time, while evil enjoys the temporary setback. Though there are times where we lose battles, we must always remember the war has already been won.

Melt

Melt away your fear by remembering who made you. We are all capable of finishing our race in victory when we lean on God’s principles and not our own understanding. When we focus on the forest and not the individual trees, then we can see the stumbling ice blocks for what they really are, desperate attempts from a losing team.

Question of the day

Are you using the heat lamp of God’s word to melt away your fear?

Enjoy today’s reading

 

Water From the Rock

1 In the first month the whole Israelite community arrived at the Desert of Zin, and they stayed at Kadesh. There Miriam died and was buried. 2 Now there was no water for the community, and the people gathered in opposition to Moses and Aaron. 3 They quarreled with Moses and said, “If only we had died when our brothers fell dead before the LORD! 4 Why did you bring the LORD’s community into this wilderness, that we and our livestock should die here? 5 Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to this terrible place? It has no grain or figs, grapevines or pomegranates. And there is no water to drink!” 6 Moses and Aaron went from the assembly to the entrance to the tent of meeting and fell facedown, and the glory of the LORD appeared to them. 7 The LORD said to Moses, 8 “Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water. You will bring water out of the rock for the community so they and their livestock can drink.”9 So Moses took the staff from the LORD’s presence, just as he commanded him. 10 He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, “Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?” 11 Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank.12 But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.” 13 These were the waters of Meribah, where the Israelites quarreled with the LORD and where he was proved holy among them.

Edom Denies Israel Passage

14 Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom, saying: “This is what your brother Israel says: You know about all the hardships that have come on us. 15 Our ancestors went down into Egypt, and we lived there many years. The Egyptians mistreated us and our ancestors, 16 but when we cried out to the LORD, he heard our cry and sent an angel and brought us out of Egypt. “Now we are here at Kadesh, a town on the edge of your territory. 17 Please let us pass through your country. We will not go through any field or vineyard, or drink water from any well. We will travel along the King’s Highway and not turn to the right or to the left until we have passed through your territory.” 18 But Edom answered: “You may not pass through here; if you try, we will march out and attack you with the sword.” 19 The Israelites replied: “We will go along the main road, and if we or our livestock drink any of your water, we will pay for it. We only want to pass through on foot—nothing else.” 20 Again they answered: “You may not pass through.” Then Edom came out against them with a large and powerful army. 21 Since Edom refused to let them go through their territory, Israel turned away from them.

The Death of Aaron

22 The whole Israelite community set out from Kadesh and came to Mount Hor. 23 At Mount Hor, near the border of Edom, the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, 24 “Aaron will be gathered to his people. He will not enter the land I give the Israelites, because both of you rebelled against my command at the waters of Meribah. 25 Get Aaron and his son Eleazar and take them up Mount Hor. 26 Remove Aaron’s garments and put them on his son Eleazar, for Aaron will be gathered to his people; he will die there.” 27 Moses did as the LORD commanded: They went up Mount Hor in the sight of the whole community. 28 Moses removed Aaron’s garments and put them on his son Eleazar. And Aaron died there on top of the mountain. Then Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain, 29 and when the whole community learned that Aaron had died, all the Israelites mourned for him thirty days.

Eyes On Your Own Paper

tarynbarnes1 Comment

glasses-272399_1920

Hi Peeps,

Today’s Quote

“Keep your eyes on your own paper, allowing others to accomplish their tasks while you’re completing yours”

Learn

We each have different assignments, of which we all must learn how to do on our own accord. Study your assignments wholeheartedly, preparing for your best work as if God was sitting next to you. There is a great sense of satisfaction when you do your best leaving all of the good work on the table. While helping your neighbor is an important part of life, we must allow each person to study their assignment, lest we deprive them of mastering their work, while also hindering our progress on our own tasks. Fortunately God provides us many tools and resources that we all can study from.

Test

God is a savvy teacher, ensuring that our work is uniquely specific to each individual. Your test will look different than those around you, which is why we all must study for our own exam. Knowing the answers to your neighbor’s test will do you no good as your answers are from your personal homework. So keep your eyes focused on your own paper so that you can ace your exam.

Question of the day

Did you study your personal assignment to have the right answers to your test?

Enjoy today’s reading

The Water of Cleansing

1 The LORD said to Moses and Aaron: 2 “This is a requirement of the law that the LORD has commanded: Tell the Israelites to bring you a red heifer without defect or blemish and that has never been under a yoke. 3 Give it to Eleazar the priest; it is to be taken outside the camp and slaughtered in his presence.4 Then Eleazar the priest is to take some of its blood on his finger and sprinkle it seven times toward the front of the tent of meeting. 5 While he watches, the heifer is to be burned—its hide, flesh, blood and intestines. 6 The priest is to take some cedar wood, hyssop and scarlet wool and throw them onto the burning heifer. 7 After that, the priest must wash his clothes and bathe himself with water. He may then come into the camp, but he will be ceremonially unclean till evening. 8 The man who burns it must also wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he too will be unclean till evening. 9 “A man who is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer and put them in a ceremonially clean place outside the camp. They are to be kept by the Israelite community for use in the water of cleansing; it is for purification from sin. 10The man who gathers up the ashes of the heifer must also wash his clothes, and he too will be unclean till evening. This will be a lasting ordinance both for the Israelites and for the foreigners residing among them. 11 “Whoever touches a human corpse will be unclean for seven days. 12 They must purify themselves with the water on the third day and on the seventh day; then they will be clean. But if they do not purify themselves on the third and seventh days, they will not be clean. 13 If they fail to purify themselves after touching a human corpse, they defile the LORD’s tabernacle. They must be cut off from Israel. Because the water of cleansing has not been sprinkled on them, they are unclean; their uncleanness remains on them. 14 “This is the law that applies when a person dies in a tent: Anyone who enters the tent and anyone who is in it will be unclean for seven days, 15 and every open container without a lid fastened on it will be unclean. 16“Anyone out in the open who touches someone who has been killed with a sword or someone who has died a natural death, or anyone who touches a human bone or a grave, will be unclean for seven days. 17 “For the unclean person, put some ashes from the burned purification offering into a jar and pour fresh water over them. 18 Then a man who is ceremonially clean is to take some hyssop, dip it in the water and sprinkle the tent and all the furnishings and the people who were there. He must also sprinkle anyone who has touched a human bone or a grave or anyone who has been killed or anyone who has died a natural death. 19 The man who is clean is to sprinkle those who are unclean on the third and seventh days, and on the seventh day he is to purify them. Those who are being cleansed must wash their clothes and bathe with water, and that evening they will be clean. 20 But if those who are unclean do not purify themselves, they must be cut off from the community, because they have defiled the sanctuary of the LORD. The water of cleansing has not been sprinkled on them, and they are unclean. 21 This is a lasting ordinance for them. “The man who sprinkles the water of cleansing must also wash his clothes, and anyone who touches the water of cleansing will be unclean till evening. 22 Anything that an unclean person touches becomes unclean, and anyone who touches it becomes unclean till evening.”