February 1-( Exodus 35-38 )
Daily Verse: "Everyone who was willing and whose heart moved him came and brought an offering to the Lord..." (Exodus 35:21).
Amazing things happen when everyone 'pitches in'. Moses is about to construct a new Tabernacle. This 'mobile' temple would provide a special place for anyone to meet with God. The people are 'moved' by this idea. They bring more than enough to do the job (36:5) and the work of the Lord is completed! What are you offering to God? Are you giving Him your best or your 'leftovers'? What are you 'willing' to give to build a special place for your family...your friends...for future generations to meet your Lord? What is God 'moving' you to do? Whatever it is...do it. And God will bless when you offer Him your best!
February 2-(Exodus 39-40)
Daily Verse: "They made a plate, the sacred diadem, out of pure gold and engraved on it, like an inscription on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD." (Exodus 39:30)
Imagine for a moment, the colors & beauty of the priestly garments. Each stone...each stitch is carefully & skillfully made to God's specifications. Why? These details bring attention to a significant truth. "This is to be HOLY to the Lord". You have been designed, designated and dedicated by God to be HOLY. He has set you apart for something special while here on earth. This includes what you will do today. What will you do? What will you say? Whatever it is, make sure it honors the holiness of your Lord (1 Peter 1:15-16).
February 3-(Leviticus 8-10)
Daily Verse: "Aaron's sons, Nadab & Abihu took their censers, put fire in them & added incense & offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, contrary to his command. So fire came out from the presence of the Lord & consumed them..." (Leviticus 10:1-2).
Yikes! This tragedy may seem a little harsh, but it's not. For Nadab & Abihu stand out as examples of what happens when you approach God's will carelessly. God says what he means and means what He says! Are you 'editing' what God commands? Do you 'bend' what He says to suit your own desires? It's dangerous to mess around with God's word like that! God demands that He is honored. Everything God says matters, (Leviticus 10:3) so obey it!
February 4-(Numbers 7)
Daily Verse: "When Moses entered the Tent of Meeting to speak to the Lord, he heard the voice speaking to him between the two cherubim above the atonement cover on the ark of the testimony. And he spoke with him." (Numbers 7:89).
It's in a special...'holy' place Moses speaks with God. What a unique privilege, to be able to approach God like this. What a blessing to have a personal conversation with Him. How is this even possible? It's from His 'Mercy Seat' that Moses can talk with God. You can also have a conversation like this. And it's because of God's mercy that it's possible. And when you speak to God, you can expect Him to speak into your life! So, what has God been saying to you lately? Are you listening? Remember, His love is in every word.

February 5-(Numbers 1-2)
Daily Verse: "Take a census of the whole Israelite community by clans and families, listing every man by name, one by one." (Numbers 1:2)
Israel has grown from a small family into a great nation. God asks that there be a census (a count) of everyone in Israel. Why count everyone? Because EVERYONE counts in the family of God! It doesn't matter who you are...it doesn't matter what you've done...you matter BIG TIME to God! Do you realize God has chosen you! God chose you (Ephesians 1:4-5) before you existed. This is absolutely true! So the real question is, will you choose God? Will you 'count on Him?
February 6- (Numbers 3-4)
Daily Verse: "At the Lord's command through Moses , each was assigned his work & told what to carry..." (Numbers 4:49).
God designates the Levites to take care of the 'holy things' of God's Tabernacle. This involves dismantling, packing, transporting & set up. Everyone had a special task! Who do you think are the 'Levites' in God's kingdom today? Every Christian! Every Christian is a 'priest' (1 Peter 2:9) with 'good work' to do (Ephesians 2:10). God has given you a 'special assignment' too. It involves 'carrying' Jesus wherever you go. What will you do today? Open your eyes & ask God to reveal it.
February 7-(Numbers 10-11)
Daily Verse: "The Lord answered Moses, 'Is the Lord's arm too short? You will now see whether or not what I say will come true for you.'" (Numbers 11:23).
Israel's journey has barely got under way & it's already hit a snag! The people have grown tired of the 'bread from heaven'. They start to gripe! Moses starts to complain too. Whining and complaining turns their trip into a disaster. Have you been complaining? Griping never solves anything! It only make things worse for you and everyone who hears you! Today, don't whine, but choose to 'wait' on your Lord. He can and will come through.
February 8-(Numbers 13-14)
Daily Verse: "But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it." (Numbers 14:24).
Caleb's spirit stood out among the spies. Caleb's spirit is different than the rest! It's amazing what God will do when you choose to have a 'different spirit'. A different spirit changes your perspective. With a different spirit God turns your problems from obstacles into opportunities. With a different spirit, you look to your future with courage and confidence. When you choose to have a different spirit, you find the drive to follow God with all your heart. With a different spirit you influence the future of your family and friends. Do you have a different spirit? Will you have a different spirit today?
February 9-( Numbers 16-18 )
Daily Verse: "They came as a group to oppose Moses and Aaron & said to them, You have gone to far! The whole community is holy, every one of them and the Lord is with them. Why then do you set yourselves above the Lord's Assembly!" (Numbers 16:3).
These trouble in Israel. Korah with 250 men oppose Moses and Aaron. Within days, Korah's disrespect spreads to others and these men are destroyed by God with another 14,700 Israelites! Are you kidding me? This seems harsh doesn't it? Not at all... Opposing God's leadership is serious business! And God holds you accountable for how you treat His leaders. So, how do you feel about your leaders? Do you honor and respect them (Hebrews 13:7,17) or are you grumbling against them? Seriously consider this today. The outcome could be fatal!
February 10-(Numbers 20-21)
Daily Verse: "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." (Numbers 20:12).
What was Moses' sin? What did he do that kept him out of the promised land? His pride! His position went to his head! He forgot he was only an instrument of God...nothing more. Moses forgot he was a sinner like everyone else. There were times in his life where he had been a 'rebel' too! He 'honored' himself over his God. This was his downfall. As you meet with 'sinners' today, don't overlook your need for God too! Remember you 'put your pants on like everyone else, one leg at a time'. You need God's grace as much as the next guy! Let this fact humble you and temper how you approach...how you treat others today. God bless you!
February 11-(Numbers 22-24)
Daily Verse: "The angel of the Lord ask him, Why have you beaten your donkey these three times. I have come here to oppose you because your path is a reckless one before me." Numbers 22:32. Balaam doesn't see it coming. All the 'signs' say he's on a dangerous path! But he doesn't recognize it. And God warns Balaam in the strangest way. God warns Balaam through his DONKEY! Weird, huh? But sometimes God will speak to you in the strangest ways. God has spoke for generations through people who were 'weird' in the eyes of the world! Balaam doesn't pay attention to his 'beast of burden'...he doesn't listen. Who listens to a donkey? Right? What does a dumb donkey know? This one knows God's will!! But, Balaam whips her and forces her to go HIS way! Is there a lesson here? Is God trying to warn you in some 'weird' way? Is God speaking to you through the last person you'd assume He would use? Will you listen when the 'donkeys' speak into your life? Or will you reject their encouragement and stubbornly go your own way?

February 12-(Numbers 25,31)
Daily Verse: "An Israelite man brought to his family a Midianite woman right before the eyes of Moses and the whole assembly of Israel...When Phinehas saw this, he left the assembly, took a spear and drove the spear through both of them." ( Numbers 25:6-8 ).
Wow! This is one of those Old Testament stories that seem to be too harsh. Isn't Phinehas going too far? Not at all! Sexual immorality is serious business to God! It's sexual immorality with the Midianite women that leads Israel away from God! It destroys the intimacy with God Israel once enjoyed. Phinehas saw this danger and couldn't stand to see God's name dishonored, so he did something radical about it. How serious are you about sexual purity? Does it matter to you what a sin like this can do your relationship with God? What it can destroy in God's Kingdom too? Are you seriously dealing with this in your own life? Are you willing to deal with it in others? Today, decide to be radical about pleasing God over your own physical pleasure. Get serious...get radical!!! Don't let this sin rule over you!

February 13-(Numbers 26)
Daily Verse: "Not one of them was among those counted by Moses and Aaron the priest when they counted the Israelites in the Desert of Sinai. For the Lord had told those Israelites they would surely die in the desert, and not one of them was left except Caleb son of Jephunnah and Joshua son of Nun." (Numbers 26:64-65)
A 2nd census reveals only two people remain from the original generation that left Egypt. Think about it...a whole generation of Israel had to die before they could 'move forward' into the promised land. Which generation will you be identified with? Will it be with those who are 'in the way' or those who are 'on the way'?
February 14-(Numbers 32-35)
Daily Verse: "Six of the towns you give the Levites will be cities of refuge, to which a person who has killed someone may flee." (Numbers 35:6).
What were the Cities of Refuge? God designated these cities to serve as 'safe havens' for those deserving death for their crimes. This place kept the 'law breaker' safe and secure until a fair trial could be held. Could you use a place like this? Do you know someone who needs a 'city of people' for protection and safety? A place like this exists today. It's God's city and it's open to all. It's His church! Praise God for His city of refuge!!
February 15-(Deuteronomy 1-4)
Daily Verse: "But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul." (Deuteronomy 4:29).
Moses reminds Israel that life is a journey. And if things get bleak, simply look to God and He will be there for them. Are you going through a valley today? Are you desperately needing His help? No matter where you are...no matter the situation, God makes this eternal promise: "If you seriously look to me 'from where you are'...you can find me!" Look to him right now and find his wisdom...his power...his love.

February 16- ( Deuteronomy 5-8 )
Daily Verse: "The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be His people, His treasured possession." (Deuteronomy 7:6).
What a verse! God chose Israel over all the other nations to be His very own. Think about it: Of all the things God has created...the numerous stars...majestic mountains...deep blue oceans...the vast trees & beautiful flowers, you are his favorite? You may be considered 'junk' by others...and you may feel you aren't worth much today, but to God, you are His 'treasure'. You weren't a bargain either. Your 'price' to purchase you was His only son! Today, praise your God for choosing you and while you're at it, appreciate the value of the other 'treasures' around you.

February 17-(Deuteronomy 9-11)
Daily Verse: "See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse." (Deuteronomy 11:26).
Israel is about to enter the promised land. Before they cross the Jordan river, God places a simple choice before His people. "Follow Me and be blessed or reject Me and be cursed!" He lets them choose. Every day is full of choices, and God gives you the freedom and the power choose too. So, what will it be today? What will you choose? Will you choose His blessings or His curses? His way or yours? No one can make this choice for you. It's up to you...so choose!

February 18- (Deuteronomy 12-13)
Daily Verse: "You must not worship the Lord your God in their way, because in worshiping their gods, they do all kinds of detestable things the Lord hates..." (Deuteronomy 12:31)
As Moses describes the future in the promised land he warns Israel of a great temptation that will threaten their relationship with God. What is it? It's the influence of the gods and idols of their world. The impact of the world is still alive and well! And it threatens to 'water down' and destroy your devotion to God. It starts with subtle compromises here & there until your 'worship' isn't pleasing or acceptable to God anymore. It eventually destroys you! Is the world influencing your devotion to God? Are 'modern idols' (Your job, possessions, pleasures) stealing your passion and devotion to God! Don't let this happen! Trust the Lord...pay attention to what he says...obey his commands and your 'promised land' will be a blessing!
February 19-( Deuteronomy 16-18 )
Daily Verse: "The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him." (Deuteronomy 18:15)
How closely are you listening to Jesus? As Moses recounts the commandments of God, he reminds Israel that God will speak through a future 'prophet'. Who is this prophet? This is Jesus! Like Moses, Jesus would be in danger at his birth. Like Moses Jesus would deny himself and devote himself to setting people free from 'bondage'. Like Moses, Jesus would offer an covenant with God, but this covenant would be better...it would be a 'new covenant'. Praise God! So doesn't want anyone to miss this 'new prophet'. He warns that ignoring this special prophet would be the worst thing you could do. Are you really listening to Jesus? Don't 'make light' (Hebrews 2:3, Matthew 22) of what he says...don't disregard his commands. Because his words are life! You will be judged by his words too (John 12:47-50). Make a commitment to listen to Jesus and live!
February 20- (Leviticus 16)
Daily Verse: "But the goat chosen by lot as the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the Lord to be used for making atonement by sending it into the desert as a scapegoat." (Leviticus16:10).
Have you ever heard of the term 'scapegoat'? This term refers to one who is 'thrown under the bus'...who 'takes the fall'...who gets the blame/punishment for someone else's mistakes. Each year the sins of Israel are confessed over a goat (v.20-22). This 'scapegoat' is then released in the desert, taking sins of the people far away! It is never seen again... You have a scapegoat. Especially chosen for you. Every mistake...every sin you ever did and will ever do was put on his head as he hung on a cross. And just like a scapegoat released in the desert, he takes your sins far away! No more blame...no more shame...they are gone... they are forgotten...they are forgiven! You will never see them again! Who is this scapegoat? It's your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Aren't you glad He became your scapegoat?
February 21-(Numbers 15,28, Leviticus1)
"See that you present to me at the appointed time the food for my offerings made by fire, as an aroma pleasing to me." (Numbers 28:2).
Imagine the 'sweet' aroma of roasted meat & burning incense coming from the tabernacle as offerings are presented to God everyday. This fragrance gave a daily awareness of God as it filled the air! It was 'heaven scent'. What kind of daily 'offering' does God want from you? That's simple...God wants you to offer 'yourself'. And he wants you to bring this offering each day (Romans 12:1-3). When you offer yourself to God...the 'aroma of Christ' will fill your home, workplace or campus. So...what will you sacrifice to God today? What 'aroma' will come from you? Today choose to be 'heaven scent'.
February 22-(Leviticus 3,7)
Daily Verse: "The meat of his fellowship offering of thanksgiving must be eaten on the day it is offered..." (Leviticus 7:15).
Every sacrifice and offering to God had special meaning to an Israelite. For example a 'Burnt Offering' emphasized a total commitment/sacrifice to God. But the 'Peace Offering' demonstrates a close fellowship with God. When an Israelite made a Peace Offering, a portion would be returned to him. He celebrated his 'reconciliation' by eating his portion in the presence of God. God wants to 'break bread' with you. He wants 'peace' with you so much He made Jesus your "Peace Offering" (Ephesians 2:14-19). Do you have peace with God? Today, make peace with God and celebrate!
February 23- (Leviticus 5,7,22, Numbers 6)
Daily Verse: "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." (Numbers 6:24-26)
If there is any encouragement for a devoted follower of God it is this: Your Lord wants to bless you (2 Corinthians 13:13). He's devoted to 'keeping' you safe and secure. For when you catch His eye, His face turns your way. His eyes 'light up' when he sees you. You have God's full attention! Because you follow Him, He gives you his favor instead of a frown. And He wants you to have His peace every day. May God grant these to you today as you believe and trust His ways!
February 24-(Leviticus 25)
Daily Verse: "Consecrate the 50th year & proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you; each one of you is to return to his family property & each to his own clan." (Leviticus 25:10)
Jubilee means 'liberty'. Every 50th year, debts were canceled, property was restored to its original owner & slaves were set free and families were brought back together. The land wasn't tilled, but given a year to lie fallow. Jesus brought 'Jubilee' to mankind (Luke 4:18-19). He brings it to you too! How? He cancels your 'debt', setting you free from sin. He restores you, returning to you the full life you've lost. He returns you to where you belong...His family! He gives you everlasting 'rest'...peace in your problems. Today, praise your Lord for His year of Jubilee!
February25-(Leviticus 14-15)
Daily Verse: "These are the regulations of a diseased person...the priest is to go outside the camp & examine him..." (Leviticus 14:2-7).
Every Old Testament ceremony relates to Jesus is some way. What's the imagery here? YOUR PRIEST...Jesus, would 'go outside of His 'camp' (Heaven) & come to earth. And when he saw the 'spiritual leprosy' (sin) of mankind (Luke 19:10), his compassion made him do something to make man clean again. He wouldn't sacrifice a 'bird' but a 'body'...His own body! HIS 'blood' cleanses you like water & HIS resurrection sets you free...free as a 'bird'! Today, praise your God for his incredible desire to see you clean and free!
February 26-(Numbers 6, Leviticus 27)
Daily Verse: "As long as they are Nazirites, they will be holy to the Lord." ( Numbers 6:8 ).
Making a "Nazirite Vow' was serious business!! This vow could be for a period of time or a lifetime. When you made a vow like this you were agreeing to a life of self denial (6:3-4), with public displays your consecration (6:5) and devoting yourself to personal/moral purity ( 6:6-8 ). The Christian life is lived much the same way as a Nazirite vow. We make a vow to Jesus involving self denial (Luke 9:23), 'letting our light shine' with good works for all the world to see (Matthew 7:16) and to live an exceptionally pure lifestyle in a broken world (2 Corinthians 6:17). Are you fulfilling your vow to God (6:21)?
February 27-(Deuteronomy 17,Exodus 23)
Daily Verse: "Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong." (Exodus 23:2).
Have you ever heard the phrase: 'majority rules'? That may sound true, but just because everyone else is doing it, doesn't make it right! Sometimes the 'crowd' gets it wrong. A majority of spies got it wrong (Numbers 13-14) and Israel wandered in the desert 40 years. Pilate caved in from the pressure of 'the crowd' and crucified Jesus (Mark 15:15). Is the majority pressuring you to sin? Are you compromising your convictions to satisfy your crowd? Don't given in to the crowd (Romans 12:1-2). Today, stand firm! (Proverbs 10:25)
February 28-(Numbers 35, Exodus 21, Deuteronomy 19)
Daily Verse: "But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise." (Exodus21:23-25).
Is God justifying retaliation & revenge? Not at all! This is about justice. No one has the right to take the law into his own hands to 'even the score'. Jesus addressed retaliation & revenge in (Matthew 5:38-42). He says don't get even with those who mistreat you. Instead, get busy & love them like God loves you. Are you wanting revenge? Let God's mercy that's extended to you, influence how you treat those who 'bruise' you. Let Him worry about settling the score.
February 29-(Deuteronomy 5, Exodus 20:1-21)
Daily Verse: "You shall not steal." (Deuteronomy 5:19).
Do you consider yourself a thief? Oh, you may never rob a bank or car jack a nice ride, but there are plenty of ways to 'steal' from others. You can 'fudge' on a warranty or taxes, surf the net during company time, conveniently 'forget' to return a borrowed item, or take advantage of the local buffet. Can you think of other ways? Stealing is sinful! It's just flat out wrong. Today, trust God to take care of you. Resist the urge to take what isn't yours. Honor your God with honesty!