Day 53: Numbers 1 - 2

Friday, February 26th

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%201-2&version=NIV

Prepare for Battle
The battlefield is right between our ears

We are starting the Book of Numbers. This book reminds believers of the spiritual warfare in which we are engaged in. It shows the service and walk of God's people and the battles which we may face. The Book of Numbers essentially bridges the gap between the Israelite s receiving the Law (Exodus and Leviticus) and preparing them to enter the Promised Land (Deuteronomy and Joshua).

The book starts off with God’s command to number the army. It is important to note, this command comes from God for later King David numbered the tribes and the Lord was very displeased. (2 Sam 24) What God is leading us to do today may not be the same leading for tomorrow. We must daily hear from the Lord.

Preparing for Battle
Christians are living in two different kingdoms: the kingdom of God and the kingdom of this world. We can forget we are in a spiritual battle with unseen spirits. As God’s soldier, we must put on the whole armor of God.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:10-12

Our struggle is not against flesh and blood. Some of the troubles we are facing today have nothing to do with us but rather is a direct attack from demons and spiritual wickedness. Unsaved people are already under the influence of Satan’s grip so the main focus of these demonic spirits are against the people of God. There is a war going on if we acknowledge it or not.

Where is the battlefield?
The physical battles we will read about in Numbers will represent the spiritual battles we face in our minds and thought life. This is where the war is raging. I’ve seen this happen many times. We start to disobey the Lord in the small things and then a door of opportunity is presented to us. This door of opportunity isn’t from God but is from the enemy of God. He is trying to deceive our minds to go through the door. As our emotions get involved and the lusts of the flesh team up with them, we start to experience confusion. Our mind or human reasoning starts to justify taking a step through this door. Once our mind gets deceived, our will is ready to choose sin over God's way. The deception can be so strong, we can start to justify our actions as "God's door of opportunity".

This is why it so important we put on the armor of God to quench these thoughts. As we mediate upon God’s Word and have fellowship with the Holy Spirit, the schemes and devices of the enemy are exposed. Our deceptive thoughts are taken captive and brought into obedience to Christ. In our modern day and age some have rejected this whole concept of spiritual warfare as being so primitive or spiritualizing it away. They have already believed the lies of the enemy.

The Bible says:

Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints--
Eph 6:14-18

As good soldiers, we endure hardship and press on in the hard times. There are no vacations but remember the battle is already won. This is why it says, “Stand”. We don’t have to get the victory but God allows us to manifest and proclaim the victory in our circumstances.

For the sake of space, I'm going to bring up one more point found in Numbers 2 which relates to spiritual warfare. God instructed where each tribe should camp around the Tabernacle.

"On the east side, toward the rising of the sun, those of the standard of the forces with Judah shall camp according to their armies; and Nahshon the son of Amminadab shall be the leader of the children of Judah." Num 2:33

There was only one entrance into the tabernacle where God dwelt and it was on the east side. Russ posted an excellent picture of the tabernacle: http://thebridgeatsecond.blogspot.com/2010/02/day-42-exodus-39-40.html This is where Judah was instructed to camp. The name Judah means, "Praise" If you desired to enter the tabernacle, you had to enter through "Praise".

You humble yourself before God and start praising the Lord and speaking the Name of Jesus all the demons in Hell will flee! Why? When God's presence shows up they tremble in fear. The Bridge class is having a time of prayer and praise this Sunday. You should plan on attending.

But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. Ps 22:33

submitted by Abrianna Amaris and Kirby Wiseman

Here is an excellent worship song by Michael W. Smith. Don't be a spectator but enter into His presence through praise and worship.You will be amazed on the effects in our life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=janQnF-gfzs&feature=related