Pastor Gary's OYB Devotion Archive for March 16

“Therefore say, ‘Behold, I give to him My covenant of peace; and it shall be to him and his descendants after him a covenant of an everlasting priesthood, because he was zealous for his God, and made atonement for the children of Israel'” (Numbers 25:12-13 NKJV)

From: March 16, 2015

Although the incident that elevated the Aaronic priest, Phinehas, seems brutal to modern eyes, it resulted in a special covenant that God made with the tribe of Levi. This seems to be what Malachi 2:4 and 2:8 refer to as the “covenant of Levi.” God turned the curse that Jacob spoke over Levi (Gen. 49:5-7) on his deathbed, into a blessing. True, Levi would still be “scattered” in Israel as Jacob prophesied, but God made the tribe His special possession. The covenant with Levi was one of “peace” and of an “everlasting priesthood.” Depending on one’s eschatology, some would say that this covenant was inherited by the Church. While others would say that God still has a future for Israel and the Levites in a Millennial Temple.

“In this way, Israel joined in the worship of Baal of Peor, causing the Lord’s anger to blaze against his people” (Numbers 25:3 NLT)

From: March 16, 2014

Balaam was unable to curse Israel because they were under God’s blessing. So according to Numbers 31:16 he advised another way to harm them from within by tempting them to worship other gods. The Midianites and the Moabites were distant kin of the Jews. Yet, they had fallen into idolatry. It was their wicked and sexual Baal worship that turned many Jews aside and caused them to stumble. The word “Baal” means “Master, Lord, or Owner.” Here, the name “Baal of Peor” probably meant “Lord of Mt. Peor,” as pagan worship was often identified with a mountain. The Israelites could not be cursed or defeated in battle, but they could be tempted to break the first of the commandments and to put another master before the Lord their God.

“O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love” (Psalm 59:17 ESV)

From: March 16, 2013

Singing praises to God puts our hearts and heads in alignment with His. Even when (or especially when) we are weak, recognizing God as our Strength and Fortress in song, strengthens us to face what the day holds. Singing praises to God, we actually climb to the top of His fortress and see life from above.

“But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress” (Psalm 59:16)

From: March 16, 2012

David chose to sing praises to God in spite of his circumstances. Are you discouraged? Sing praises to God and be encouraged in the Lord.

“For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure” (Proverbs 11:14)

From: March 16, 2011

Do you seek counsel before making decisions? Success is often a matter of following wise advice. Be willing to humble yourself to learn from others. Surround yourself with godly counselors.