A Request that Brought Joy

Art class was over. She asked me if she could stay to finish making a friendship bracelet. I said no until I realized why she was asking. It was her friend’s birthday and she wanted to give the bracelet to her as a gift.

It gave me joy to let her stay.

I think God gets joy when we ask for things to give to our friends.

A Salvation Story

They spoke against God and Moses. Their consequence was death. Those still living confessed, “We have sinned; we spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray for us.” So Moses prayed and God told him how to help (from Numbers 21:5-9).

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life (John 3:14-15).

Sin, consequence and confession are part of every salvation story.

Blessing and Cursing Don’t Go Together

Miriam sang: “Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously (Exodus 15:21).”
Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses and the Lord heard it (from Numbers 12:1-2).

The tongue is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it with bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come both blessing and cursing (James 3:8-10).

My friends, this ought not to be.