...that it may be theirs

to do the service of the LORD.

                       Numbers 8. 11

(That this strange occurrence,

this unexpected situation,

this difficulty 

    or annoying relationship 

may be exactly ours

     to serve the LORD 

     and bring Him glory

in the most unlikely places.)

Even this

    is service to the LORD.)

The LORD bless you and keep you:

The LORD make His face

             to shine upon you:

The LORD lift up 

        His countenance upon you,

and give you peace.

                         Numbers 6. 24-26

(Even in this unlikely situation,

     even in this impossible place,

the reality of God's presence.

I love how these three distinct phrases

are not separated by semi-colons

               but connected by colons,

not attached truth,

      but blessing layered upon layer.

His blessing is always deeper

              than we can comprehend,

but sometimes appears

             as hope in tangible pieces.)

Walk about Zion,

go round about her,

number her towers,

consider well her ramparts,

go through her citadels,

that you may tell the next generation 

              that this is God,

our God for ever and ever.

He will be our guide for ever.

                         Psalm 48. 12-14

(Know every dimension you can about God,

live it out and pass it on,

that the children yet unborn

      should set their hope in God.

This is not just something I believe,

               but stake my life on.

My relationship with God directly impacts

    the children to the furthest generation.)

...they shall encamp

facing the tent of meeting 

on every side.

                   Numbers 2. 2

(Everyone encamps.

The significant difference

       is around what.

When God is at my core,

  He transforms the trajectory of my life

and points others to Him.

When I desire God,

everything does not just fall into place.

       Everything fits together.)

If any one says to you,

"Why are you doing this?"

say, "The Lord has need of it..."

                    Mark 11. 3

(Live in such a way

that others are compelled

              to ask why,

in such a way 

that would not make sense

        if not for God.

The tiniest details

are never insignificant to Him.)

And Jesus said to him, 

“What do you want Me

             to do for you?”

                      Mark 10. 51

(He asks the same of us,

        one by one,

   in intimate conversation.

And how do I answer?

Do I even ask?)

....before the LORD continually.

                      Leviticus 24. 3

(Not my stuff,

not my accomplishments,

nor my failures,

                 but my heart.)