GPS-Milk & Honey Custard

JUL 14  / Sunday – Read Exodus 3:1-10 / Numbers 12 & 14

Overview: Pastor Mark’s explains why God used milk & honey to describe prime real estate as part of our summer message series, Heaven’s Kitchen.

15 / Mon – Good land, good food  |  Read Exodus 3:8

You have probably heard the phrase a land of milk and honey but do you know where it originated? God promised Moses not only to lead the Hebrews out of slavery but also into a land flowing with milk and honey, a prosperous land full of good food. If you have ever visited another country, you know how blessed we are. More than just milk and honey, there are fields of wheat, sweet corn and strawberries, lakes teeming with fish and forests filled with venison. How often do you give thanks for the abundance God has given you?

16 / Tue – What dominates your perspective?  |  Read Numbers 13:1-2, 17-33

God kept His promise. He brought them right up to the border of the land He had promised them. Wisely, Moses sent in 12 leaders ahead to scout out the land. Read their report (v 27-29). Why were they afraid (v 31-33)? How was Caleb and Johsua’s perspective different from the others (v 14:5-9)? When God places an opportunity in front of you, do you look at the possibilities and move forward in trust or do you focus on the challenges you may have to conquer? Why is it important to look past your own (inadequate) abilities to what God can do? That’s what changes the outcome.

17 / Wed – Sweet words  |  Read Psalm 119:103-104

Do you remember your first day of kindergarten? According to tradition, on the day a five-year-old began his Jewish education, he was given a slate on which were written the Hebrew alphabet and two verses from the Torah. The rabbi would read the verses and the child would repeat the words. The slate was then drizzled with honey and the child would lick the honey off the slate. It created a memory of the sweetness of God’s words. When have you experienced that sweetness found in God’s word? If you never have, ask the Holy Spirit to show you the ‘honey’ found there.

18 / Thu – Wise words  |  Read Prov 24:13-14 / Prov 16:23-24 / James 1:19

Wisdom is often symbolized by or compared to honey. Words coming out of your mouth are the overflow of your heart. Do you graciously speak wise words as the Holy Spirit gives you the ability to do so? If you do, those words will be like honey, sweetness to the soul and healing to the insides of the person or persons who hear you. How can this happen? Start by memorizing James’ words. Make them your daily resolve and see what amazing things God will do through you.

19 / Fri – Spiritual milk for spiritual growth  |  Read 1 Peter 2:1-3 / Matt 5:6

In the beginning, babies need milk to grow. It’s the same when you are born again, as the Holy Spirit begins to teach you simple truths from God’s word. You read about His character, His unconditional love, His promise to care for you in every situation and you grow in your trust of Him. Part of that process is getting rid of the spiritual ‘poop’ in your life as the Holy Spirit reveals it to you (v 1). Do you crave spiritual growth? If not, ask the Lord to put that desire in your heart. He can and will.

20 / Sat – Spiritual regression  |  Read 1 Cor 3:1-9 / Hebrews 5:11-14

Have you ever watched a seemingly mature person regress into childish behavior? This happens in a person’s spiritual life too. The mature Christians in the early church had started falling back into their previous worldly attitudes and actions. If this happens to you, do you have a faithful mentor that you’ll allow to point it out to you? And are you willing to dig deeper, ‘chewing’ on the difficult to understand passages, instead of closing the book in frustration? That is how you grow.