Numbers 31-33

Israel is still right on the border of the Promise Land in Numbers 31-33.  They are on the plains of Moab by the Jordan, right across from Jericho.  The Lord tells Moses to rally the Israelite troops for war against the Midianites.  He takes care of all the details and keeps every single one of His people safe.  It's another one of God's miracles for His people.  Meanwhile, the Israelites struggle, yet again, to follow God's instructions.  They fail to get rid of the Midianite women (the cause behind the Israelites' unfaithfulness) following their success in battle.  Moses remains God's faithful leader through it all, even as his time is coming to an end.  Throughout his call to lead, Moses has recorded the Israelites' spiritual journey with God for us, as well as their physical journey to the Promised Land.  It is an amazing story, a firm foundation and faith builder for us in our own walks with God.  

One theme I picked up on today is how important it is in our faith to completely separate ourselves from people in our lives who cause us to stumble in our relationship with God.  

We see this play out with Balaam, Israel's so-called old friend and sorcerer, and the Midianite women.

14 Moses was angry with the officers of the army—the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds—who returned from the battle.

15 “Have you allowed all the women to live?” he asked them. 16 “They were the ones who followed Balaam’s advice and enticed the Israelites to be unfaithful to the Lord in the Peor incident, so that a plague struck the Lord’s people.17 Now kill all the boys. And kill every woman who has slept with a man,

Numbers 31:14-17

Sin disguises itself as "good" for us sometimes.  Remember Balaam, who appeared to support the Israelites when he blessed them instead of Balak?  Well, as it turns out, Balaam was the mastermind behind tempting the Israelites to make bad decisions against God's will later on.

Sin is tricky.  It has the ability to work it's way into our lives and sneak up on us.  When we know something leads us to trouble (and sin), God doesn't want us to ignore it and pretend like it's not there.  God wants us to deal with it.  And if we talk to Him about it, He will offer us a way to handle it. 

⁹ Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices ¹⁰ and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

Colossians 3:9-10

Since Christ died for us and our sins, God tells us we have work to do for Him.  We have to let go of our old ways and make room for the new forgiven people we are in Christ.

Hmmm.  What do I need to let go of in my life right now?

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank You for the new life I have in Christ.  Forgive me my sins, Lord, and help me let go of my old, unfaithful ways.  

I need Your help letting go of _________________.  It is a weakness of mine.  I pray You will guide me and give me the strength and the resources to find renewal through my relationship with You.  Redirect me to Your will, and help me to share Your grace with those You bring into my life.

I pray for ____________ today.  You know exactly what they need, Lord.  

I pray in the name of Your Son, Jesus, my rock and my redeemer,

Amen

Grace,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more

  

Numbers 28-30

In Numbers 28-30, Moses has just passed his leadership torch to Joshua with God's help and blessing.  God asks Moses to remind the Israelites of all His instructions concerning offerings, festivals, and personal vows to God.  Daily offerings, Sabbath offerings, monthly offerings, Passover, the Festival of Weeks, the Festival of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Festival of Tabernacles are all included in the conversation.  We have heard much of this before, but it's a lot to remember.  And when it comes to being faithful, we need all the reminders we can get.  Moses seems to be covering "all his bases" in order to set Joshua up for success with the Israelites.

The point in all of God's instructions is simply to REMEMBER Him, to worship Him with consistency, respect, and thankfulness.  Life is busy.  It has always been busy not matter what century we are living in.  And even though we don't have to go out and offer animals to God in order to make atonement for our sins (that must have taken a ton of time), we do have to make a conscious effort to prepare our hearts and minds to worship our loving and faithful God on a regular basis.  We have to make room for God in our lives.

The Israelites are teaching us a wonderful lesson in God's bigger story.  Worshiping God isn't confined to church buildings on Sunday.  Worshiping God is a way of life.  Faith is how they approach EVERY aspect of their day to day living.  Israel is a community of faith.

I think it's so important for us to create that faith community in our own homes and in our social circles.  We all need to support each other, to build each other up, and to remind each other of God's unconditional and powerful love.  

We all need to know, that in this crazy, hectic world, the one thing that we can count on is our Lord and Savior!

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Hebrews 13:8

13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank You for Your ever-present Holy Spirit within me.  Fill my heart with Your love and guide me in worshiping You in all that I do and say.  

Lord, I especially need help making You a part of _______________ when ______________.  I am way too quick to get angry and defensive.  I get caught up in the moment and completely miss the opportunity to be a reflection of Your grace.  Work in me, so that I can find new ways to act in Your love instead of responding with my own natural and selfish reactions.  I want my responses to draw others, especially my family, closer to You.

I pray for Your peace to fill ____________ today.  These people need Your loving arms holding them and lifting them up.  

In the name of God the father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit,

Amen

Blessings,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more

  

Numbers 25-27

Even though many have been lost along the way, Israel has survived as a nation in the wilderness for thirty something years in Numbers 25-27.   The Promise Land is literally right around the corner and sexual sin is big struggle for the Israelites.  They become entangled with the local Moabite women, and that leads to nothing but bigger trouble.  Before they know it, they are taking part in  Moabite pagan rituals, worshipping other Gods like Baal.  This is just the thing God had warned His people against, and He's not happy.  He sends a plague, and then orders a second Israelite census.  Moses, Caleb, and Joshua are the only people left from the old generation, and the new generation is ready to take over.

God keeps His Word.  That is clear from watching the Israelites as God saves them from slavery in Egypt and brings them to Canaan.  They have a strong and rewarding relationship with God on the one hand.  God does many miracles and blesses His people.  And on the other hand, we continue to see how the Israelites encounter challenge after challenge with their faithfulness.  

Sometimes God's people get it right, like Phinehas the priest who boldly stands up for God in today's reading.  And sometimes, God's people mess-up royally even though they know better, like Zimri the Israelite leader who got caught sneaking a Midianite woman into his tent.     

God is always faithful to His people, and we will always have to fight our sinful human nature to hold on to our faith for dear life.

What does that mean for us today?  

Lucky for us, um, no, wait.  What I am about to say has nothing to do with luck and everything to do with God's blessings and divine plan for His people.  Thankfully, for us, we have God's grace at work in our lives through His Son, Jesus.

I could say lots about this but there's a bottom line we all need to let sink into our hearts-

God loves us completely, abundantly, powerfully.  Nothing we do or don't do will ever make Him love us less.

Sure, we have the ability to fall short of His will for our lives and suffer the consequences of our unfaithful choices---that's the part we have to be willing to bring to God.  But even then, God is still there for us, loving us.  

10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

1 John 4:10

His love for you and for me is not about our behavior.  It just is.  God is love, and it lives on from generation to generation as God continues to tell His story through us.

A prayer for today-  

Dear God-

Thank You for Your unconditional love and grace at work in my life. I bring all my fears and worries to You today _______________ and lay them at the foot of the cross with my Savior.  I also praise You and celebrate the beautiful blessings in my life ______________.  

Help me to see You and hear You in all that I do, so that I am living in Your will for my life.  I want to be a reflection of Your love.  I pray Your Holy Spirit will pour itself into all my relationships, those that are easy and those with which I struggle. Guide me in making the right connections with people for Your purpose.  Help me let go of the relationships that get in the way of my faith.  Open my heart, please Lord, to Your divine appointments day to day.

I offer this pray in the name of Jesus, my Lord and Savior,

Amen

Love of Christ,

 *This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more. 

Everyday Reading Project: February 16-22

I would love for you to jump in and join me in reading!  For more on this Everyday Reading Project click here.

Numbers 22-24

I love the story of Balaam and his donkey in Numbers 22-24.  The old generation of Israelites has died, and the new generation is right at the border of the Promised Land near Moab.  Balak, king of Moab, is scared of the Israelites, so he calls Balaam, a famous sorcerer, to curse them.  He is willing to pay Balaam really good money to curse God's people.  But with the help of the angel of the Lord, a stubborn talking donkey, and God's spirit, things just don't turn out in king Balak's favor (even after numerous attempts and seven messages).  God uses Balaam to show everyone He means business.  God is large and in charge, always. 

There are so many life lessons nestled in this story.  I could read it over and over again and have new insight every time.  

How about you?  What message stands out from this story today?

I can't help but notice that Balak is really afraid.  He needs some help beyond himself.  He's starving for God's blessing, but he's not willing to have the faith required to receive it.  He's not a believer.  He resorts to sorcery and bribery to get what he thinks he wants at the moment.  

Balaam gives Balak the same answer a million times.  Balak seeks God's answer, but he really doesn't like what he hears.  He's going about things all wrong, and he can't see it himself.  He keeps manipulating the situation, hoping God will give him a different answer next time.  The problem is, we know, that is not how God works.  

Believing in God, being a Christ follower, having faith- it means we have to trust God for His Word, not just that God is truthful and honest but also that God loves us abundantly and perfectly.  He really does know best even when we struggle to accept His answers to our prayers.  God will not mislead His people.
19 

God is not human, that he should lie,

    not a human being, that he should change his mind.

Does he speak and then not act?

    Does he promise and not fulfill?

20 

I have received a command to bless;

    he has blessed, and I cannot change it.

Numbers 23:19-29

Yep, I will admit it.  I can see parts of myself in the stubbornness of both Balaam and Balak.  Sometimes, God has to give me the same answer seven times over in seven different ways for me to "get it," for me to let go and let God take over.  Sometimes God has to stand in my way to keep me from heading down the wrong path. It's a good thing He's patient. 

Knowing God is the key to living in my faith.

I believe.  That means every answer from God holds a blessing for me.  

If you believe, the same is true for you too!

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank You for Your truth.  Thank You for never giving up on me and blessing me with Your ceaseless love.

I pray to You today needing a break through and blessing concerning ________________.  Forgive me for trying to work the situation with my own selfish mind and insufficient hands.  I am sorry I can be so stubborn.  Tell me what to do and show me how to do it.  Fill my heart with the determination and discernment I need to be Your faithful servant.

I praise You for Your always perfect answers to my prayers.  You have great plans for me, Lord, full of prosperity and hope.

I also pray your blessings on ________________ today.  The Living power of Your love is exactly what he/she/they need.

In the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, I pray,  

Amen

In Christ's love,

  *This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more. 





     

Numbers 19-21

In Numbers 19-21, the Israelites are still struggling in the wilderness.  They move from place to place, battle some people along the way, and have to go about things the long and hard way.  Eleazar, Aaron's son, makes the cleansing water just as God has told Moses and Aaron he should.  It is used to purify the Israelites from sin.  Then, Moses and Aaron, who have been in God's good graces, mess up in following God when it comes to bringing water from a rock.  It costs them big time, as God tells them they will not live to see the Promise Land.  Aaron dies on a mountain some time later and passes his priestly duties onto Eleazer. 

I had to read through Moses rock and water scenario several times today.  I mean, I know Moses is a stand-up guy when it comes to God.  He has been so faithful about talking to God and following His instructions.  And then, today, he messes up, and God's punishment seems really harsh on the surface, in comparison to his sin.  Why?

Let's take a look.  The Israelites are complaining about their circumstances in the wilderness, yet again.  They are so unhappy with Moses and Aaron, and they question what they are doing there without good food to eat and plenty of water to drink.  

Moses and Aaron go straight to God about it.  That's definitely the right thing to do.  Good for them!  

God answers their prayers very clearly. 

7 The Lord said to Moses, 8 “Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water. You will bring water out of the rock for the community so they and their livestock can drink.”

Numbers 20:7-8

So, Moses takes the staff and they gather the Israelites in front of the rock.  Take a close look at what Moses does.

10 He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, “Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?” 11 Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank.

Numbers 20:10-11

Moses seems frustrated with the Israelites from the beginning, and I can almost hear the anger in his voice.  Can you?  He seems to be acting in that anger when he strikes the rock instead of speaking to it as God had instructed him.

So Moses messed up.  He didn't follow God's instructions this one time.  Why is the punishment so severe?

I think two things went wrong here with Moses and the rock, and it is actually a lot worse than it first seems.  

1. In his haste and anger, Moses forgets to speak of the source of the water and credits Aaron and himself saying, "must we bring you water" instead of the almighty, powerful, and Living God that is the source of all our gifts.

2. After overshadowing God's place in providing the people with His Living water, Moses strikes the rock instead of speaking to it.  He didn't trust God enough to provide in the way He promised He would.  Not only that, Moses was violent toward the rock.  The water from the rock was a gift from God, and Moses did not treat it with the holiness and respect God's gifts deserve.  

Moses' sins wouldn't be so bad in and of themselves, given His faithful past,  except for the fact that God has called him to lead all of His people.  The entire, doubtful, thirsty Israelite community is watching everything Moses does.  Moses doesn't have any power by himself.  It all comes from God, so the fact that Moses fails to glorify God in His actions is a really big deal, I think.  What do you think?

So, how do you think this water from a rock example applies to our lives today?

God wants to be a part of every single aspect of our lives.  He wants to work through all of our struggles and all of our celebrations.  He needs to use us for His purposes so others will come to know Him through us.  He wants to satisfy us beyond our own limited desires.  God longs to bless us beyond measure. 

I am reminded of several things.  

One, I get angry and frustrated just like Moses, but I don't have to act in anger.  That makes me way too likely to mess-up.  

Two, God is my rock.  

Three, He sent Jesus to be my Living Water so I will never go thirsty.  I just have to trust Him and believe.

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank You for sending Jesus to be my Living Water so I will never go thirsty.  Forgive me for all the ways I act in haste and fail to give You the glory You deserve.  You are my rock and my redeemer.

Today, I pray to You about __________________.  It is a struggle and a source of pain, frustration, and anger in my life.  You graciously remind me what to do, and I mess-up following through so much of the time.  I need Your help and strong hands.  Work in my heart and help me do things Your way, for Your glory.

I also pray for _______________ today.  Be with them and bless them with Your love and abundance.

In the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit I pray,

Amen

Blessings,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more. 

Numbers 16-18

Things are not good for the Israelites in Numbers 16-18.  Because of their disobedience, they are not entering the Promise Land.  Instead, they are facing the harsh reality of the wilderness, with 40 years ahead of them.  Rebellion is in the air for the Levites, lead by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.  The complaints spread quickly.  They are not happy with their circumstances, and they question the authority of Moses and Aaron.  They think they can do things better and differently.  So, Moses lets God settle the whole ordeal.  God literally sweeps the rebellious Levites away because of all their sins.  And with more complaining, God sends a plague that takes the lives of 14,700 more men. 

Like I said, things are not good for the Israelites, but God uses the rebellion as an opportunity to strengthen His sacred relationship with the Levites.  The Levites are a gift, and God blesses them, not with land but with that is given to Him.  What a privilege and an honor!  God also reaffirms Aaron's authority as head priest with the sign of his sprouting staff.  

I think about the Levites.  I think about my life.  God's work is hard work and serious business, but nothing is better than having God's hands in all that we do.  God wants to bless our service and obedience with His gifts.

I think more about my own heart.  If I don't consciously fill my heart with God's reminders, His Word, it can be rebellious too.  And like the Levites, that stands true even when I am in the middle of doing something I know God is calling me to do.  

As Christians, it's way too easy to go out into the world, get caught up in circumstances, and lose our focus on God.  What can we do?  God knows that about us, and I overlooked HIS solution for that yesterday in Numbers 15.  I think it's worth pointing out today. 

Tassels on Garments

37 The Lord said to Moses, 38 “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘Throughout the generations to come you are to make tassels on the corners of your garments, with a blue cord on each tassel. 39 You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the Lord, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by chasing after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes. 40 Then you will remember to obey all my commands and will be consecrated to your God. 41 I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt to be your God. I am the Lord your God.’”

Numbers 15:37-41

In other words, God is telling us to have a physical reminder of Him that we will have with us everywhere we go.  We need something to look at that will keep us focused on His faithfulness and redirect us as needed.

I don't have tassels on my clothes, but I do have a clutch cross.  It was a beautiful gift at a really hard time in my life.  I carry it with me at all times.  It brings to mind God's love for me.  Every time I look at it, I think about all God has done for my family and for me.  God's promises are right at my fingertips and my praying hands.

How about you?  What is your "tassel?"  Do you have a physical reminder of God that you carry with you everywhere you go?  What do you think about when you look at it?

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank You for Your Living Word, and all my blessings, reminding me of Your love.  I get distracted so easily, and I know I want You to be my focus.  

Here's my to-do list, Lord __________________.  I am giving it to You.  Speak to my heart and tell me what YOU need me to do today.  Wherever You take me, help my mind to be completely there.

__________________ really need prayers.  Be with all of them and wrap them in Your arms.

You are my rock and my redeemer forever and ever, Lord.  I can do all things through You, who gives me strength.

In the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit,

Amen

Blessings,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more. 

  

Numbers 13-15

Numbers 13-15 is a pivotal moment for the Israelites as they journey to the Promise Land with God.  God sends 12 representatives from each of the 12 tribes of Israel to leave the Desert of Paran and explore Canaan.  Finally, God's people are right on the verge of realizing God's promise to live in a land "flowing with milk and honey."  Moses tells these distinguished Israelite leaders exactly what to do and how to do it, just as God told him.  And what do God's people do?  Ten of the twelve, so called leaders, basically start a rebellion against God with their own doubtful words.  It's tragic for the entire community.  Their disobedience leads to forty more years of wandering around, suffering in the wilderness.

The real leaders in today's reading are Caleb and Joshua, the two men who explored the Promise Land in their faith instead of with their own minds.

They do exactly what God told them to do.  They trust God.  They see the land and it's blessings.  They focus on those.  They believe God for His Word.  They remember His promises.  They speak out against the majority of doubtful followers.  It's a tough spot to be in, but Caleb and Joshua rely on the truth.  

If only we could all be as brave as these two heroes!  How do they do it?

I think the answer is so simple and so easy to miss in our own overwhelming moments.  Those two guys know God and His faithfulness. Instead of relying on their own ability to be faithful (which is so limited and vulnerable to circumstances), they count on God's faithfulness.

While the masses are complaining about the impossibility of the situation they "see" in front of them, Caleb and Joshua remind the people of God's truth.

7 and said to the entire Israelite assembly, “The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. 8 If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us.9 Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will devour them. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them.”

Numbers 14:7-9 

And now, instead of relying on our own imperfect actions (which fall short so often), we have Jesus who died for all of our sins, for yesterday, today, and all of our tomorrows.

If we accept Jesus, if we believe in Him and repent, we ARE forgiven, period.

God has proven forever, through Jesus Christ that, He loves us unconditionally above and beyond what we could ever deserve on our own.  We have His grace at work in us.  The Holy Spirit is always with us, ready to lead us and empower us.  We do not ever have to go anywhere or do anything on our own. 

God's faithfulness is a sure thing in every situation!

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank you for the freedom Jesus gives me from my sins.  With each step I take, I pray Your Holy Spirit will give me a clear sense of direction.  I do not ever want to lose my focus on You.  

Today, I hear You telling me that I do not ever have to be afraid because You are with me.  I know You will take care of all the scary details with which I struggle.  Fill all the aching places in my life with Your healing love and peace.  

Show me new ways to reach out to others with Your love and make meaningful connections.  Help me to be brave and faithful like Caleb and Joshua.

I am so thankful for all Your blessings for me today, little and big _______________________ (name those on your mind).  You deserve all praise and honor, Lord, forever.

In the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit,

Amen

Grace and peace,

    


*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more. 




  





  

Numbers 10-12

Moses and the Israelites have been encamped at Mount Sinai for a while in Numbers 10-12, and God is finally ready to lead them to new places.  It's really amazing to think about the logistics of packing up and moving the tent of meeting and all its sacred components!  I can't imagine.  

God instructs Moses to make two silver trumpets to be used by Aaron and the priests as signals for God's presence and direction.  Even with God clearly in charge, Moses takes a lot of heat from the Israelites.  They are hungry, tired, and cranky.  Their journey is difficult, and it gets the best of them, even Aaron and his wife question what they are doing.  Moses does his best to lead all God's people, but he feels the enormous weight of their burdens.

Today's reading reminds of two really important truths when it comes to God.  One, following God is really difficult at times, but it's not without purpose.  And two, God provides all that we need, each step of the way- spiritually, physically, and emotionally for our journey with Him. 

Like the Israelites, I have seen God's power and majesty and even heard His great promises for my life.  I feel His presence.  I know He is always with me.

And also like the Israelites, I have this bad habit of complaining.  It starts small and snowballs.  Things get rough, and I start letting everyone around me know it.  I can't stop thinking about my circumstances.  I can't stop talking about them. 

It's not that I want pity.  I don't.  It's not that I want to feel sorry for myself, but I do sometimes.  It's not that I don't trust God for His Word either.  I most certainly do.

Yet, somehow, I let myself become so buried in my momentary situation that I get stuck there, focusing way too much on how things look right in front of me.  I forget, way too often, that God has a much wider, longer, higher, deeper vantage point than I do. 

Really, complaining is just a waste of my energy.  It's contagious, and it spreads like wild fire.  I just dig a deeper hole for myself with each complaint.  That's exactly what the Israelites did in today's reading too, and it didn't work out so well for them.

Moses, on the other hand, does it right, I realize.  It's not that Moses doesn't feel the weight of his burdens.  He does.

11 He asked the Lord, “Why have you brought this trouble on your servant? What have I done to displease you that you put the burden of all these people on me?

Numbers 11:11

The difference is, Moses doesn't waste his time talking to air.  He talks to God.  Instead of digging a hole, he taps into his Savior who holds ALL the power on heaven and on earth.  He's my Savior too, the only ONE who can move mountains.

And when Moses talks to God, God hears him and responds.

23 The Lord answered Moses, “Is the Lord’s arm too short? Now you will see whether or not what I say will come true for you.”

Numbers 11:23

God hears us too, when we talk to Him.  

He blessed the Israelites with silver trumpets as signs of His guidance and direction in their lives.

What signals and signs is God sounding in your life to remind you of His direction, presence, and power?

Will you be still and quiet enough to hear them?

A prayer for today- 

Dear God,

Thank you for my Savior, Jesus, who frees me from all my guilt.  Thank you for giving me daily reminders of your all-powerful, loving presence in my life.  Forgive me for my short-sighted vision and the complaints that fill my mind and my words.  Please, Lord, help me turn to YOU (instead of the world and the empty air) with ALL of my burdens.  

Today, I have ____________ on my mind.  It is breaking my heart, and I am praying to You for a breakthrough.  I need the miracle of Your hands to take over this situation.  What do you need me to do?  You know my deepest desires, but I trust Your answer above all else.  Be with all those involved, Lord, and fill us with Your Holy Spirit and your peace that passes understanding.    

I know that You work all things for good and Your glory.  Your love is more than enough for me. 

In the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit,

Amen

Love of Christ,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.