1Here are the stages in the journey of the Israelites when they came out of Egypt by divisions under the leadership of Moses and Aaron.
2At the Lord’s command Moses recorded the stages in their journey. This is their journey by stages:
3The Israelites set out from Rameses on the fifteenth day of the first month, the day after the Passover. They marched out defiantly in full view of all the Egyptians, - P34
Israel‘s journey from Egypt to the plains of Moab is recounted. Each stageis recorded, starting from Rameses after the Passover. They travel throughthe wilderness, encamping at places like Marah, Elim, Mount Sinai, Kadesh,and Mount Hor - P35
Before the Israelites enter the promised land, Moses recounts their journey, reminding them of all the places they have been. From the time God brought them out of slavery in Egypt to each place along the way to the promised land, He has been with His people. - P38
Before we move forward in our own personal journeys, it is sometimes helpful to pause and look back. - P38
We can take note of where we have been and the ways in which God has been with us at each stage along the way, caring for us and guiding us. Such reflection encourages a renewed perspective and greater appreciation for what lies ahead. - P38
We step forward confidently, knowing that God is with us and is fulfilling all that He has promised. - P38
As Moses goes through the list of places where the Israelites have camped, he mentions Rephidim with the reminder that this was where there was nowater for the people to drink. This description will prompt the people toremember that they tested God on that occasion. When they were facedwith a lack of water, they forgot all the other miracles that had already taken-place. God proved Himself again, providing water despite the Israelites‘ grumbling and their questioning whether God was really among them. - P38
When we face challenges, may we not be so easily tempted into questioning God‘s goodness. Let us instead meditate on all the ways He has beenfaithful to us. - P38
When reading the book of Numbers, some of us may feel frustrated withthe Israelites. We may wonder how they could show such lack of faithwhen God had performed so many miracles for them. He sent plagues anddivided the Red Sea when He saved them out of slavery in Egypt and Heprovided daily manna for them in the wilderness. Why would the Israelitesever think that God would not provide water for them? How could theybelieve that He would allow them to die in the wilderness and not bringthem to the fertile land that He promised? - P39
we mayWhilebe tempted to criticize the Israelites, we often fall into sim-ilar sins. Many of us have experienced the continual faithfulness of God, and yet we are quick to complain when challenges come our way. We loseconfidence in the God who has saved us and loves us dearly. But we do nothave to give in to discontentment. We can re-train ourselves in how werespond to challenges. - P39
Instead of reacting with complaints, we can shift ourinstinctual response to one of reflection. As we stop and remember all thetimes that God has been faithful to us, our negativity, fear, and anxiety arereplaced with hope, faith, and peace. Instead of losing confidence in God, - P38
we are assured of His love and goodness. Rather than reacting to our exter-nal circumstances, we rely on our relational trust in Him. Our challengesare then no longer moments of testing God but exciting opportunities togrow in faith and see His steadfast love for us once again. - P39
Dear God, thank you that You have been faithful at every step of my journey. When I face challenges along the way, help me remember the many ways You have shown Your love and care for me. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P39
The pebble reminds me of how disruptive an idol can be. Allowing eventhe smallest bit of idolatry to creep into my life affects my entire being, preventing me from moving forward in my walk with God. I am no longerfocused on the beauty around me because I am instead focused on the idolthat demands my attention. - P43
Unlike a pebble in a shoe, an idol can be a desirable source of temptation. However, I hope that I will perceive idols like the smallest pebblesor twigs undesirable nuisances that affect my walk and distract me fromappreciating the beauty around me. - P43
If I detect a small idol trying to creep itsway in, I pray that I would stop immediately and ensure that it is no longerpresent in my life so that I can continue to enjoy my walk with the Lord. - P43
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