Doyle Smith Daily

 Proverbs 12:1 (God's Word Translation) Originally published 12:13/2012 “Whoever loves discipline loves to learn, but whoever hates correction is a dumb animal" Proverbs 12:1 (God's Word Translation). Lord, I want to learn, so teach me to love discipline and to humble myself to love correction.

 Proverbs 11:3 (God's Word) Originally published 12/12/2012  Proverbs 11:3 (God’s Word Translation). “Integrity guides decent people, but hypocrisy leads treacherous people to ruin.” Lord, make the inside of my life the same as what people see.

Numbers 35:9-12 (ESV) Originally published 10/20/2015 Every human life is precious to God because he made that person and to take a life is a serious offense to God. "And the LORD spoke to Moses saying, 'Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘When you cross the Jordan into the land of Canaan, then you shall select cities to be cities of refuge for you, that the manslayer who kills any person without intent may flee there. The cities shall be for you a refuge from the avenger, that the manslayer may not die until he stands before the congregation for judgment'" Numbers 35:9-12 (ESV). God was protecting someone who accidentally killed a person and eliminate revenge killings. Lord, thank you for showing me that killing someone is more than breaking the law, but destroying someone you have made in your image. Remind me to think of each person I have contact with as someone who reflects your image and is precious to you.

Numbers 35: 1-2 (ESV) Originally published 10/19/2015   The Levites took care of the temple, provided the music, taught the law, and assisted the priests. "The LORD spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho, saying, 'Command the people of Israel to give to the Levites some of the inheritance of their possession as cities for them to dwell in. And you shall give to the Levites pastureland around the cities'" Numbers 35:1-2 (ESV), The Levites worked for God and served the people, but God did not give them land or any means of providing for themselves. God required the people that they served to provide for them. Lord, I give you thanks for all the people in the churches I have served who provided financially for me and my family. I was called to serve you, and you have provided for me through the churches you asked me to serve.

 Numbers 34:16-17, 29 (ESV) Originally published 10/17/2015  God's plan was that every Israelite family would have a permanent place to live and land to provide food. There were thousands of families, and the land was unknown to them. "The LORD spoke to Moses, saying 'These are the names of the men who shall divide the land to you for inheritance:...” Numbers 34:16-17 (ESV). Then he proceeds to name the people who are to do this enormous job. "These are the men whom the LORD commanded to divide the inheritance for the people of Israel in the land of Canaan" Numbers 34:29 (ESV). God did not ask the men if they would. He commanded them to do it, and they did the job which had to be a very difficult, time consuming, and filled with the potential of resentment. When we surrender our lives to Christ, he has the right to command us to do his work, and he expects obedience. Lord, when it comes to my mind that I should do something for you, remind me that it is a command...

 Numbers 33:51-2, 55-6 (ESV) Originally published 10/16/2015 The people of Israel were ready to enter the land God promised to them. He said: "'When you pass over the Jordan into the land of Canaan, then you shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you and destroy all their figured stones and destroy all their metal images and demolish all their high places...' But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then those of them whom you let remain shall be as barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides, and they shall trouble you in the land where you dwell. And I will do to you as I thought to do to them'" Numbers 33:51-2, 55-6 (ESV). Idolatry and willful disobedience of God both show the rejection of God's authority. Lord, I know that I try to obey you in all that I know that you want of me. But sometimes things come to my mind to do, but they don't seem critical to me, and I put them aside to do them later. Som...

 Numbers 33:1-2 (ESV) Originally published 10/15/2015 The people of Israel were getting ready to enter the land God had promised them, but before they faced this big battle he asked them to remember the journey that got them to this place. "These are the stages of the people of Israel, when they went out of the land of Egypt by their companies under the leadership of Moses and Aaron. Moses wrote down their starting places, stage by stage, by command of the LORD, and these are their stages according to their starting places" Numbers 33:1-2 (ESV). Lord, as I look back on my life, I can see that you have used every step to prepare me for the next step of service to you. I did not realize where you were leading me or what would result from those steps. I don't know what the future holds, but I know it reminds me that you are accomplishing your purpose for my life. I praise you for guiding my parents and myself to prepare me every step of my life and service to you.

 Numbers 33:1-2 (ESV) Originally published 10/15/2015 The people of Israel were getting ready to enter the land God had promised them, but before they faced this big battle he asked them to remember the journey that got them to this place. "These are the stages of the people of Israel, when they went out of the land of Egypt by their companies under the leadership of Moses and Aaron. Moses wrote down their starting places, stage by stage, by command of the LORD, and these are their stages according to their starting places" Numbers 33:1-2 (ESV). Lord, as I look back on my life, I can see that you have used every step to prepare me for the next step of service to you. I did not realize where you were leading me or what would result from those steps. I don't know what the future holds, but I know it reminds me that you are accomplishing your purpose for my life. I praise you for guiding my parents and myself to prepare me every step of my life and service to you.

 Numbers 30:1-2 (ESV) Originally published 10/12/2015 "Moses spoke to the heads of the tribes of the people of Israel, saying, 'This is what the LORD has commanded. If a man vows a vow to the LORD, or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth'" Numbers 30:1-2 (ESV). God demands honesty and integrity of his followers. Lord, I always want to help people and do what they ask. Remind me to think about whether or not I have time or can do what they ask before making a promise. When I promise to pray for someone or about something, keep reminding me until I fulfill every promise I make to people and to you.

Numbers 27:12-14 (ESV) Originally published 10/10/2015 "The LORD said to Moses, 'Go up into this mountain of Abarim and see the land that I have given to the people of Israel. When you have seen it, you also shall be gathered to your people as you brother Aaron was, because you rebelled against my word in the wilderness of Zin when the congregation, quarreled, failing to uphold me as holy at the waters before their eyes'" Numbers 27:12-14 (ESV). I am sure that God forgave Moses of his sin of rebellion, but he still had to accept the consequences of his sin. God will forgive us of our sins, but he does not always remove the consequences of our sin. Lord, it is frightening to think that I might do something that would destroy my usefulness to you. Please, warn me when temptations come to me that would damage my usefulness to you.

 Numbers 26:51-54 Originally published 10/09/2015   God's contract with Abraham was that he would provide for his descendants. God had Moses count every single person. 'This was the list of the people of Israel, 601,730. The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 'Among these the land shall be divided for inheritance according to the number of names. To a large tribe you shall give an inheritance according to the number of names, and to a small tribe you shall give a small inheritance; every tribe shall be given its inheritance in proportion to its list" Numbers 26:51-54 (ESV). God provides for the needs of his people, not everything they want. He requires us to work and manage what he provides for us. Lord, give me the wisdom to manage what you have trusted to me. Help me to be a good steward of what you have given to me and use it to benefit your Kingdom.

 Numbers 23:1-5 (ESV) Originally published 10/08/2015 - God blessed Israel and they defeated the Amorites who were trying to destroy them. Israel had a place to live, and they were safe. "While Israel lived in Shittim, the people began to whore with the daughters of Moab. These invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate and bowed down to their gods. So Israel yoked himself to Baal of Peor. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel. And the LORD said to Moses, 'Take all the chiefs of the people and hang them in the sun before the LORD, that the fierce anger of the LORD may turn away from Israel.' And Moses said to the judges of Israel, 'Each of you kill those of his men who have yoked themselves to Baal of Peor'" Numbers 25:1-5 (ESV). No army could destroy God's people, but lust did. God is the Lord of those who live as he commands. The men of Israel abandoned God's commands with regard to sex to live like pagans. ...

Numbers 22:31-32 (ESV) Originally published 10/07/2015 Balaam had agreed to curse the people of Israel for pay, but as he went his donkey saw the angel of the Lord in his way and would not go where Balaam wanted it to go. The donkey finally laid down. Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way with his drawn sword in his hand. And he bowed down and fell on his face. And the angel of the LORD said to him, 'Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to oppose you because your way is perverse before me'" Numbers 22:31-32 (ESV). This struggle between God and Balaam was going on to save Israel, and they never knew about it and didn't even know to pray for protection. Lord, I wonder how many battles you fight for me, and I never even know about them. What a wonderful thing to know that because I have given my life to you, I have you as my own personal guard, the most powerful person in the uni...

 Numbers 22:20-22a (ESV) Originally published 10/06/2015  Balak, king of Moab, was afraid that the people of Israel would invade his country, so he sent for Balaam to put a curse on them. Balaam said he would ask God what to do:  "And God came to Balaam at night and said to him, 'If the men have come to call you, rise, go with them; but only do what I tell you.' So Balaam rose in the morning and saddled his donkey and went with the princes of Moab. But God's anger was kindled because he went,..." Numbers22:20-22a (ESV). The story will show that Balaam went, not to obey God, but for the financial reward even when he said he would not do it for money. God wants us not only to obey him, but to obey him for the right reason. Lord, you know I want people to like me, but I count on you to guide me so I will do what you want and say what you want, regardless of what people think or say about me. You know my motives better than I do, so please alert me when my motives are...

 Numbers 22:12-14 (ESV) Originally published 10/05/2015 The people of Midian saw how God had given Israel the victory over the Ammonites, and they were afraid they would be defeated next. They sent people to get Balaam to put a curse on Israel. "God said to Balaam, 'You shall not go with them. You shall not curse the people because they are blessed.' So Balaam rose in the morning and said to the princes of Balak, 'Go to your own land, for the LORD has refused to let me go with you.' So he princes of Moab rose and went to Balak and said, ''Balaam refuses to come with us'" Numbers 22:12-14 (ESV). The people of Israel were in danger and did not even know about it, but God took care of them without their even knowing about it. Lord, it is a great comfort to know that you take care of me even when I don't know that I am in danger. I praise you that you allow me to live without fear of the future.

 Numbers 21:23-34 (ESV) Originally published 10/02/2015 The Israelites needed to pass through the land of the Amorites and asked permission. "But Sihon would not allow Israel to pass through his territory. He gathered all his people together and went out against Israel to the wilderness and came to Jahaz and fought against Israel. And Israel defeated him with the edge of the sword and took possession of his land from the Arnon to the Jabbok" Numbers 21:23-24a (ESV).  Israel did everything right. They asked permission to go through Sihon's country and promised to stay on the road, not take any of the crops and not drink any water. Sihon responded by trying to destroy Israel, but God gave them the victory and they had their first place to live since leaving Egypt. There are times when we are living in obedience to God, but everything seems to fall apart. If we continue to obey God, he transforms the disaster into a great blessing. Lord, when things don't go as I expect,...

Numbers 21:8-9 (ESV) Originally published 10/01/2015 The people of Israel rebelled against God's authority, complaining that he was not providing food and water as they wanted. God sent poison snakes among the people, and many died. The people admitted they were wrong and asked God to remove the snakes. "And the LORD said to Moses, 'Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.' So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live" Numbers 21:8-9 (ESV).   To answer their prayers God could have destroyed the snakes or made them nonpoisonous, but God was more concerned with their spiritual rebellion than their physical problems. So, he gave them a remedy that required them to submit to his authority. Lord, I know that all you want me to do is for the good of your kingdom and to help me grow to be more like you. But I can see that sometimes ...

 Numbers 21:6-7 (ESV) Originally published 09/30/2015 The people of Israel were in rebellion against God and Moses, the leader that God gave them. "Then the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel died. And the people came to Moses and said, 'We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD and against you. Pray to the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us'" Numbers 21:6-7 (ESV). Lord, how many of my problems are the natural result of my actions, and how many of them are things you bring on me to reveal my resistance to you? When you give me corrective punishment help me to recognize it and give me the humility to acknowledge my rebellion. I ask you to give me a passion to obey you in everything I think and do.

Numbers 21:4-5 (ESV) Originally published 09/30/2015 "From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom. And the people became impatient on the way. And the people spoke against God and against Moses, 'Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food'" Numbers 21:4-5 (ESV). When I started reading this I thought, "This again. Why do they keep committing the same sin over and over?" Then God began to show me the things in my life that he has been trying to change in me so I would be more like him. Lord, I don't want to be stuck in the same way of life. Give me the ability to do what you want without delay and to not be bound by fears.

 Numbers 21:2-3a (ESV) Originally published 09/28/2015 God's people were doing exactly what God had told them to do, and they were attacked, and some were taken as prisoners. "And Israel vowed a vow to the LORD and said, 'If you will indeed give this people into my hand, then I will devote their cities to destruction.' And the LORD heeded the voice of Israel and gave over the Canaanites, and they devoted them and their cities to destruction" Numbers 21:2-3a (ESV). Logically, it seems, if we are obeying God, that he would keep tragic things from happening, but he doesn't. This time Israel did the right thing and asked God to give them the ability to defeat the enemy. He answered their prayers. Lord, when I am trying my best to obey you, and there are bad results, remind me to ask you for the wisdom and power to overcome the problems. Give me confidence that when I obey you that you will take care of me in the long-run, no matter what happens in the short term.

 Numbers 20:12 (ESV) Originally published 09.26/2015 "And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, 'Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them'" Numbers 20:12 (ESV). God told Moses exactly what to do, but he didn't do exactly what God told him to do (he hit the rock instead of speaking to it). God counts the failure to do exactly what he instructs us to do as unbelief. We trust our own judgment, not his. God is holy (different from humans). The major way he is different is that he rules the world, and when Moses rejected God's instructions, he replaced God's plan for his own plan, which put Moses on an equal plane with God. Complete obedience to what God tells us recognizes his authority and shows that we believe he is the ruler of the world. Lord, give me clear direction today as to what you want me to do and leave undone and the det...

 Numbers 20:8a, 9-12(ESV) Originally published 09/24/2015 This was one of the best days of Moses life and one of the worst. The people of Israel had no water for themselves or their animals and were complaining that Moses was trying to kill them. God told Moses: "Take the staff, and assemble the congregation, you and Aaron your brother, and tell the rock before their eyes to yield its water.” . . . . ”And Moses took the staff from before the LORD, as he commanded him. Then Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock, and he said to them, "Hear now, you rebels: shall we bring water for you out of this rock?" And Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock with his staff twice, and water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their livestock. And the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, 'Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I...

 Numbers 20:11 (ESV) Originally published 09/23/2915 There was no water for thousands of people and animals. "And Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock with his staff twice, and water came out abundantly and the congregation drank, and their livestock" Numbers 20:11 (ESV). Lord, your power is overwhelming. I know that there is nothing that is impossible for you. I have to confess that sometimes things seem impossible, and they are to me. Help me to live by what I know to be true instead of what appears to me to be true that you might demonstrate your wisdom and power for all to see who you are.

 Numbers 20:6a (ESV) Originally published 09/22/1015 The people of Israel had a meeting with Moses, and they were angry at him again because they had no water for themselves or the animals. It looked as if everyone would die, and they accused Moses of bringing them into the wilderness to kill them. "Then Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the entrance of the tent of meeting and fell on their faces” Numbers 20:6a (ESV). This was the fourth time in the book of Numbers that they did this. Each time it appeared that God's plan to take the people to Canaan was destined to fail. They prostrated themselves flat on the ground to show their complete submission to God and their helplessness. Each time they were pleading with God to intervene in a situation that would save the people who were mad at Moses. Moses and Aaron were begging God to save the very people who wanted to kill them. Lord, Moses did what you did on the cross. He pleaded for those who mistreated ...