19upstream

[19upstream]

God’s goodness is unfathomable, His greatness is beyond our comprehension. In today’s Thru the Bible reading, Moses stands on top of Mt. Pisgah and looks out over the vastness of the Promised Land (Deut. 3:27). “You have only begun to show me Your greatness and mighty hand. No other god can do anything like Your works and mighty deeds.” Deut. 3:24 Just like Moses, we can retreat to our High Tower, #Jesus ( #Psalm 18:2) and in Him find perspective of our promised land. For you see, in #Christ we are given ALL THINGS pertaining to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). In Christ, we can stand in our High Tower and see the vastness of God’s goodness. We have been #Forgiven, #Redeemed, #Justified, we’re being #Sanctified, and will soon be Glorified! The old has passed and we’re NEW (2 Cor. 5:17). Gone is the guilt of sin (Rm. 8:1). We are made ALIVE in Christ (Col. 2:13; Rm.12:2). Sin no longer controls our day (1 Cor. 10:13), but we are filled with the Spirit. We are on our way to our heavenly home where His banner over us is love (Song of Sol. 2:4). Moses admonished Israel: "be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children." Deut. 4:9 Let’s take time today to remember all #God has done for us! "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies." Psalm 103:2-4 Today’s Thru the Bible reading: Deuteronomy 3:12-5:33 ____________________________ #Thruthebible #19upstream #walkingwitness #dailybread #verseoftheday #oneyearBible #bible #christfollowers #instaverse #instapray

[19upstream]

It’s in the wilderness that we see how the Lord carries us. Isaiah 40:11 says that He carries us like a lamb in His arms. His arms are strong (Ps. 89:13) and He doesn’t grow tired like we do. “…In the wilderness where you saw how the LORD your #God carried you, as a man carries his son, in all the way that you went until you came to this place.” Deut. 1:31 I love the way Deuteronomy 1:31 ends… "God carried you ALL the WAY to this place." He doesn't drop us along the way and always completes the journey, getting us to the place He intends. "Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6 What a comforting reality - #Jesus carries us (Isa. 40:11); He bore our iniquities and carries our sins (Isa. 53:5); He shoulders our burdens (Matt. 11:29; Ps. 68:19) and carries our cares (Ps. 55:22; 1 Pt. 5:7); He steadies us along the way (Ps. 55:22) and brings us to the place He intended all along (Jude 1:24). Today’s Thru the Bible reading: Deuteronomy 1:1-3:11 ____________________________ #Thruthebible #19upstream #walkingwitness #dailybread #verseoftheday #oneyearBible #bible #christfollowers #instaverse #instapray

[19upstream]

We can’t out run past mistakes or hide from a life of regret – we need a refuge. Today’s Thru the Bible reading is about the city of refuge. What an awesome picture of Jesus. #Jesus is our #refuge. Only He can #redeem our life, #forgive our past, cover our sin, #justify our failures, and set our feet on firm ground. "Come and see what God has done, His awesome deeds for mankind!" Psalm 66:5 There’s no greater news to be told! We needed an alibi, someone to stand in the gap and plead our cause, to shelter us from the blame – that person is JESUS. He paid the debt we owed for our sin. His blood was the ransom paid to buy us freedom from sin and eternal life. Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." #John3:16 "Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me." #Psalm 66:16 He is our refuge and our perfect #peace. Dig into His Word today and find strength and a secure refuge! Today’s Thru the Bible reading: Numbers 34 – 36 ____________________________ #Thruthebible #19upstream #walkingwitness #dailybread #verseoftheday #oneyearBible #bible #christfollowers #instaverse #instapray

[19upstream]

#God has given us exceedingly great & precious promises! (2 Pt. 1:4). Like Israel, He has promised to take us to a promise land and provide for us along the way. But also like Israel, there are battles we face and enemies to be defeated. In today’s reading we find the Gadites and Reubenites discouraging the other tribes of Israel from crossing over the Jordan and continuing to take possession of the promise land. "Why do you discourage the Israelites from going over into the land the Lord has given them?" Numbers 32:7 The Gadites and Reubenites had found a comfortable stopping point that side of the Jordan and were prepared to settle down – but there was more territory left to conquer. Moses was concerned and warned them that their stopping short of the final goal would discourage the others from continuing on. What a poignant picture of our #Christian life! There are numerous lessons we can take from this one situation – but here is what struck me most: As Christians there are gray areas and liberties we can decide to exercise (Gal. 5; Rom. 14). These areas pose tempting stopping points in our Christian walk – but there is more promise land that we won’t see, victories we won’t be there to claim, and riches we won’t be a part of if we settle in and put our “roots down” and grow attached to this world – the land this side of the Jordan! If we stop “conquering land” and taking control of territories in our own hearts – like Moses’ concern, we may tempt those around us to stop as well. How much more satisfied, more fulfilled, more adventurous we’d be if we decided to cross over the Jordan, leaving those areas behind and discovering the fullness and vastness of the Promised Land. But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him." 1 Corinthians 2:9 Today’s Thru the Bible reading: Number 32-33 ______________________________ #Thruthebible #19upstream #walkingwitness #dailybread #verseoftheday #oneyearBible #bible #christfollowers #instaverse #instapray

[19upstream]

Feel like you’re going through the fire? Take heart! #God uses all things for our benefit. We see in today’s Thru the Bible Reading that He used fire to purify and #sanctify anything that was brought into Israel’s camp. Remember, everything in the #OldTestament is a picture and has a #NewTestament counterpart…you see, we were once outsiders – but God #redeemed us and brought us into His family through Jesus’ blood. "But now in #Christ #Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ." Ephesians 2:13 Just like the gold and silver in today’s reading, God is cleaning us up (sanctification), giving us new life, getting rid of germs and filth that would otherwise hurt us if left un-kept. "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 1:7 But even here God’s overwhelming #mercy and loving-kindness is revealed. “…And whatever cannot withstand fire must be put through the water.” (Numbers 31:23) God knows we are frail and protects us and shelters us from heat and trials that would otherwise consume us (1 Cor. 10:13). God’s intent is never to “burn” His children, but to nurture and raise them to be a healthy, holy people. “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.” #Psalm 34:18 So if you are in the middle of a fiery trial – let it burn away what needs to be cleansed. If things aren't heating up – dive into the refreshing water of His Word and let it sanctify your heart and mind. …Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it; That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word Ephesians 5:25-26 Today’s Thru the Bible reading: Numbers 30-31 ______________________________ #Thruthebible #19upstream #walkingwitness #dailybread #verseoftheday #oneyearBible #bible #christfollowers #instaverse #instapray

[19upstream]

#God is faithful. He ALWAYS KEEPS HIS PROMISES. He promised to send His son and He did; He promised to save us from our sin and He did; He promised to rise from the grave and He did; He promised to come again and HE WILL. In today’s Bible reading we’re reading about the daily offerings and the Feast of Trumpets. Remember – all Scripture points to #JESUS! Even here in the celebrations and holidays that God established for His people. There were seven feasts that God told Israel to celebrate – all of them pointed to their coming #Redeemer. Many of these feasts were directly fulfilled in Christ’s death and resurrection (The #Passover, The Feast of Unleavened Bread, and The Feast of First Fruits) and The Feast of Pentecost was fulfilled in Acts 2 as the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit. God works in seasons and now as the #NewTestament #Church we are watching and waiting as we anticipate the next round of fulfillment – the Fall Feasts (the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles). That brings us to today’s reading – the Feast of Trumpets! Oh #happiness will be that long awaited day when we hear God blow His trumpet and call us home. "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in #Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus We Shall Always Be With The Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words." 1Thessalonians 4:16-18 Look for Jesus in today’s reading and don’t be fooled into thinking that these daily sacrifices and feasts don’t have to do with you! Today’s Thru the Bible Reading: Numbers 27-29 _____________________________ Photo kudos to @girlwiththeredballoon - thanks Grace! #Thruthebible #19upstream #walkingwitness #dailybread #verseoftheday #oneyearBible #bible #christfollowers #instaverse #instapray

[19upstream]

How zealous are you to draw close to God? In today’s Thru the Bible reading we find Israel uniting themselves with immorality, false gods and the Moabite women. Yikes! What a mess. Israel’s deliberate disobedience and belligerent behavior reaped the whirlwind. But #God showed #mercy because of Phinehas, who responded to the sin with an extreme measure (Numbers 25:10, 11). What a picture of how we are to deal with the sin and compromise in our own hearts! Israel brought the worldly things right into God’s temple – but our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20). We can look at this story and question whether we are bringing the ways of the world into our heart where all things are bare before God (Heb. 4:13). When God shines the light of His Word into our life and sin is exposed – we can either deliberately continue to bring it into His presence and suffer the consequences, or we can respond like Phinehas – with zeal and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Eph. 6:17). So dear Christian family… “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.” Rom. 12:9 And we know #Jesus is GOOD! Dig into God’s Word today and let it do its work in your heart. It’s the water of the Word that washes out those dusty rooms! Today’s Thru the Bible reading: Number 25-26; 1 Chronicles 7:14-29 _____________________________ #Thruthebible #19upstream #walkingwitness #dailybread #verseoftheday #oneyearBible #bible #christfollowers #instaverse #instapray

[19upstream]

Sin makes a fool out of us & like Balaam in today’s reading – we can find ourselves talking to a donkey! I love the pictures we find in today’s #Bible reading! God’s power, #mercy, faithfulness and creativity are seen throughout the account of Balaam and his talking donkey. As you dig into God’s Word and read about Balaam, consider this: 1) God is #merciful to put an angle in the way & provide what must have been a terrifying reality in order to warn Balaam & to keep him from sinning. (Num. 22:31, 32) God is able to keep us as well! “Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding #joy.” Jude 24 2) Sin makes a fool out of us! Does it strike you as “odd” that Balaam answered his donkey when his donkey talked? And then after answering the donkey – Balaam blames the donkey for making a fool of him! (Num. 22:29) When we find ourselves “somewhere” we shouldn’t be – we are setting ourselves up to be made a fool of. That’s just the nature of sin. BUT, the righteous are blessed! “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” #Psalm 1:3 3) God is faithful to His people and what He promises, He will do. “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?” Numbers 23:19 God keeps His promises and is faithful to us. Like God protected Israel from being cursed, so He too He protects us. “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1 4) If God can open the mouth of a donkey and fill that animal with His message – surely He can use His #redeemed people and fill us with His Word and a message to the world around us! “And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand…Thou art my people.” Isaiah 51:16 Today’s Thru the Bible reading: Number 22-24 ____________________________ #Thruthebible #19upstream #walkingwitness #dailybread #verseoftheday

[19upstream]

There is no Rock like our God! (1 Sam. 2:2) #Jesus is our solid rock; the rock of our #salvation (Ps. 95:1); a sure foundation (1 Cor. 3:11); our cornerstone (Ps. 118:22, 23; Matt. 21:42; Acts 4:11; Eph. 2:20); our stronghold and refuge (2 Sam. 22:3). He Himself is the Rock that followed Israel in the wilderness (Numbers 20:8). "For they drank from the supernatural Rock which followed them, and the Rock was #Christ." 1 Cor. 10:1-4 RSV Like Israel, life can lead us through some pretty dry places – BUT JESUS is the LIVING WATER and extends to us an offer to drink and never thirst again. "But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." John 4:14 Like today’s Bible reading, only #God could work a miracle and provide water in the wilderness. What a picture of Jesus, the Solid Rock. Only Jesus can work a miracle and truly satisfy our thirsty soul. "…as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land." Isaiah 32:2 Jesus is the Living water, the Bread of life, the Light of the world, the Great I Am – which means our all in all, our every need. "And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." John 6:35 Nothing in this world, as wonderful as it may be for a moment, can leave us satisfied or meet our greatest need. Only Jesus can give us everlasting life, quench our thirst, and satisfy our soul. Dig into His Word today and feed your hungry soul! Today’s Thru the Bible reading: Numbers 19 - 21 ____________________________ Photo kudos to @xavierbrasseur #Thruthebible #19upstream #walkingwitness #dailybread #verseoftheday #oneyearBible #bible #christfollowers #instaverse #instapray

[19upstream]

In today’s #Bible reading we find an incredible picture of our precious #salvation! These chapters in Numbers (16-18) are chopped full of lessons, exhortations, examples, and a wonderful picture of our precious #Jesus - as Aaron the high priest rushes to intercede for the people! God's response to Israel's sin was and is the same response He has to ours. He told Israel to MOVE AWAY from it. Don’t think that you can just listen a little, look a little, like a little, taste a little and it won’t swallow you up. It will. (Num. 16:31) "He warned the assembly, Move back from the tents of these wicked men! Do not touch anything belonging to them or you will be swept away because of all their sins." Numbers 16:26 God loves us and knows that sin leads to death so He warns us to MOVE AWAY from it. Don’t even touch anything related to it. But God is #merciful, abounding in LOVE and even in the middle of discipline He sends “a way out” and someone to intercede for the people. Aaron, the high priest runs to pray for the people and the plague that had begun to sweep through Israel stopped (Num. 16:46-48). …The plague had already started among the people, but Aaron offered the incense and made atonement for them. He stood between the living and the dead, and the plague stopped. Numbers 16:47, 48 As #Christians, we see Jesus, our High Priest who stands at the right hand of God making intercession for us! "Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died--more than that, who was raised--who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us." Romans 8:34 ESV Are you being swallowed up by life? Look to Jesus, our #Redeemer and the lifter of our head! (Palm 3:3) Are you standing next to sin? It will swallow you up and pull you into the grave! Move away - Cling to #Christ - Run to Him and find life. Today’s Thru the Bible Reading: Numbers 16-18 ______________________________ #Thruthebible #19upstream #walkingwitness #dailybread #verseoftheday #oneyearBible #bible #christfollowers #instaverse #instapray

[19upstream]

In every Old Testament story there is a picture for a New Testament principle. Today’s reading is no exception. Think about it…Once #God #redeemed and delivered Israel from Egypt (a picture of the world) He gave them a new way of life through His law (a picture of our #Christian life). Then came the wilderness, a necessary time of #sanctification. However, God did not intend for Israel to wander through that season for 40 years, that part was a result of Israel’s unbelief. As Christians, we have been #redeemed and are being #sanctified – unbelief and disobedience still brings consequences and unnecessary wandering. As life challenges arise, we can face them with courage and trust that God is working on our behalf – it��s the process of #sanctification. "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But #rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding #joy." 1 Peter 4:12-13 Check out 19 Upstream’s #Sanctified Bible study! (Link in bio) We’ve put together the Greek word and meaning, used the Strong’s concordance to give you a list of #Scriptures to reference and supplied a great definition and application section. Check it out! Dig into God’s Word today, learn to study it, memorize it and be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Today’s Thru the Bible reading: Numbers 14 – 15 _____________________________ #Thruthebible #19upstream #walkingwitness #dailybread #verseoftheday #oneyearBible #bible #christfollowers #instaverse #instapray (at www.19upstream.com)

[19upstream]

In today’s #Thruthebible reading we find the spies scouting out the promise land. Joshua and Caleb came back ready to fight and take possession, but the others were daunted by the task and fearful of the giants. “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it.” Numbers 13:30 #God had promised to fight for Israel. He promised to give Israel the land and lead them along the way. Israel just had to TRUST and STAND FIRM (2 Chronicles 20:15-17). Sound familiar? In every Old Testament story there is a picture for a New Testament principle. This is what God promises to us! He has fought the battle; the giants in our lives have been conquered by the blood of #Christ. Satan no longer rules over us – he was defeated on the #cross. We just have to put on our armor, trust and stand firm (Eph. 6). "Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's… Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you" 2 Chron. 20:15, 17 God is mighty to save. He has conquered our enemy and has given us victory over sin. “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4 Be encouraged today by Joshua and Caleb’s response to the giants and watch as God fights your battles for you. Today’s Through the Bible Reading: Numbers 11-13 ______________________________ #Thruthebible #19upstream #walkingwitness #dailybread #verseoftheday #oneyearBible #bible #christfollowers #instaverse #instapray

[19upstream]

God wanted Israel to follow Him, love Him, & be fully devoted to Him. He led Israel through the wilderness, parted the seas, fought their battles, and provided every step of the way. All Israel had to do was follow His lead. "Whether it was two days, a month, or a year that the cloud remained above the tabernacle, the children of Israel would remain encamped and not journey…At the command of the LORD they remained encamped, and at the command of the LORD they journeyed; they kept the charge of the LORD…" Numbers 9:22, 23 May we, in all our travels, watch and go where #God is leading. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." #Psalm 119:105 Study His Word and let Him lead and guide your steps. Today's Thru the Bible reading: Numbers 8:1- 10:36 _____________________________ #Thruthebible #19upstream #walkingwitness #dailybread #verseoftheday #oneyearBible #bible #christfollowers #instaverse #instapray

[19upstream]

God cares about you & the details in your life! Today's reading may seem redundant at first glance - but consider this: Although all the princes’ offerings in Numbers chapter 7 were identical, each is separately recorded. This is a great encouragement to an “ordinary” person like me! If you've ever wished you had something extraordinary to offer the Lord – take heart! #God sees every offering and counts it, takes note of it, and appreciates it. This same principle is found in the poor widow's offering in Mark 12:41-44. Whatever it is that God has given you the ability to offer back to Him is profoundly worshipful when offered in obedient service and with a #rejoicing heart. Today's Thru the Bible reading: Numbers chapter 7 ____________________________ #Thruthebible #19upstream #walkingwitness #dailybread #verseoftheday #oneyearBible #bible #christfollowers #instaverse #instapray #worship #psalms

[19upstream]

Being “seeker friendly” can lead to not seeking the One who came to seek & save the lost (Luke 19:10). As #Christians, we are fishers of men (Matt. 4:19). The #HolySpirit burdens our hearts for the lost & gives us a desire to see people come to #Christ. BUT, as we fish for men, our focus has to remain Him who sought us first, #JESUS. God’s instructions cannot be diminished or ignored in an effort to comfortably convert the unbeliever. There is a great example of this in today’s Bible reading… In Numbers chapter 5 we find God’s instructions to #Israel regarding leprosy. In the Bible, leprosy is always a picture of sin. (i.e., both affect the whole person, his body & his entire house; both lead to death; both bring separation, etc.) God commanded that anyone with leprosy must be removed from the camp. "…put out of the camp every leper…that they defile not their camps, in the midst whereof I dwell." Numbers 5:1-3 Why such a harsh response & extreme measure? Because that’s where God dwelled. Just like Israel’s camp, God has instructed us to rid our hearts of sin and impurity. "Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded." James 4:8 "Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." 1 Peter 1:16 In an effort to spread the #GoodNews, God’s standards, His Word, His instructions, and our #worship and love of Him should not be buffered by a desire to make the world comfortable. Like Israel, we are where God dwells (1 Cor. 3:16) and He calls us to get rid of sin and compromise. As we fish for men, remember that it is the Holy Spirit who is the ultimate seeker. He stands at the door of hearts knocking (Rev. 3:20) and we love Him, because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). As His people, our first priority is to seek Him with all our hearts (Deut. 4:29), walk in His ways, and preach the truth of His Word. As you do… "The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace." Numbers 6:24-26 Today's #Thruthebible reading: Numbers 4:34-6:27 (at 19 Upsteam Daily Devotion)

[19upstream]

God's Word is full of treasure. Even here in Numbers! #God gave certain people specific tasks. Has He given you a specific task or calling? Consider this, as God was giving Moses instructions, He recited the names of those who were the heads of households in their fathers' tribes. God knew exactly who they were and He called them by name. So, too, God knows each of us by name! How great is that?!! "But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and He that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have #redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine." Isaiah 43:1 Today's Thru the Bible reading: Numbers 3:1-4:33 ___________________________ #Thruthebible #19upstream #walkingwitness #dailybread #verseoftheday #oneyearBible #bible #christfollowers #instaverse #instapray

[19upstream]

We’re starting the book of Numbers today. If any of you have a math phobia like me – the mere name Numbers may discourage you from reading. But unlike my former math tests, all of God’s numbers are accounted for, line up, and add up. Not one is missing. That’s our Great God – the Creator of the universe who has numbered every hair on our head (Matthew 10:30). Psalm 139:16 tells us that God knows the number of our days and has accounted for them all. Although we cannot count the grains of sand on the seashore or the stars in the sky – #God knows them all and has given them names (Psalm 147:4). He is a God of details and cares about every aspect of our daily life. The book of Numbers picks up where Exodus left off. God tells us a wonderful moral story even in the order of the Book of His Word. This is what we've covered so far: Genesis: the book of creation and fall; Exodus: the book of redemption; Leviticus: the book of worship and fellowship; and now Numbers: the book of what should follow after #redemption and #worship – a life of service and how to walk with God. Numbers is filled with the account of Israel’s travels through the wilderness. Like Israel traveled through the wilderness and God led and provided. We are on our own journey through this life and God is leading and providing as we learn to walk with Him. Today's Thru the Bible Reading: Numbers 1:1-2:34 _____________________________ #Thruthebible #19upstream #walkingwitness #dailybread #verseoftheday #oneyearBible #bible #christfollowers #instaverse #instapray