COVERING ALL THE BASES

Can I pray for you in any way? Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com In Christ, Mark

The scriptures. May God bless the reading of His holy word.

“The family heads of the clan of Gilead son of Makir, the son of Manasseh, who were from the clans of the descendants of Joseph, came and spoke before Moses and the leaders, the heads of the Israelite families. They said, "When the Lord commanded my lord to give the land as an inheritance to the Israelites by lot, he ordered you to give the inheritance of our brother Zelophehad to his daughters. Now suppose they marry men from other Israelite tribes; then their inheritance will be taken from our ancestral inheritance and added to that of the tribe they marry into. And so part of the inheritance allotted to us will be taken away. When the Year of Jubilee for the Israelites comes, their inheritance will be added to that of the tribe into which they marry, and their property will be taken from the tribal inheritance of our forefathers."
Then at the Lord's command Moses gave this order to the Israelites: "What the tribe of the descendants of Joseph is saying is right. This is what the Lord commands for Zelophehad's daughters: They may marry anyone they please as long as they marry within the tribal clan of their father. No inheritance in Israel is to pass from tribe to tribe, for every Israelite shall keep the tribal land inherited from his forefathers. Every daughter who inherits land in any Israelite tribe must marry someone in her father's tribal clan, so that every Israelite will possess the inheritance of his fathers. No inheritance may pass from tribe to tribe, for each Israelite tribe is to keep the land it inherits."
So Zelophehad's daughters did as the Lord commanded Moses. Zelophehad's daughters—Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah and Noah—married their cousins on their father's side. They married within the clans of the descendants of Manasseh son of Joseph, and their inheritance remained in their father's clan and tribe.
These are the commands and regulations the Lord gave through Moses to the Israelites on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho.”
Numbers 36

This ends this reading from God's holy word. Thanks be to God.

It’s been a journey but we have reached the end of the Book of Numbers. As we look at the final chapter, we see where God wraps up the matter of Promised Land inheritance before Israel crosses the Jordan and enters Canaan.

At issue here is a concern voiced by the “family heads of the clan of Gilead son of Makir, the son of Manasseh, who were from the clans of the descendants of Joseph”. Scripture tells us they “came and spoke before Moses and the leaders, the heads of the Israelite families”, saying:

"When the Lord commanded my lord to give the land as an inheritance to the Israelites by lot, he ordered you to give the inheritance of our brother Zelophehad to his daughters. Now suppose they marry men from other Israelite tribes; then their inheritance will be taken from our ancestral inheritance and added to that of the tribe they marry into. And so part of the inheritance allotted to us will be taken away. When the Year of Jubilee for the Israelites comes, their inheritance will be added to that of the tribe into which they marry, and their property will be taken from the tribal inheritance of our forefathers."

You’ll recall that in Numbers, Chapter 27, Zelophedad had “died in the desert”. Since he had no son, there would be confusion as to who his inheritance belonged to so his daughters petitioned Moses that they should rightfully get the requirement. Moses took their request before God who said:

“Say to the Israelites, 'If a man dies and leaves no son, turn his inheritance over to his daughter. If he has no daughter, give his inheritance to his brothers. If he has no brothers, give his inheritance to his father's brothers. If his father had no brothers, give his inheritance to the nearest relative in his clan, that he may possess it. This is to be a legal requirement for the Israelites, as the Lord commanded Moses."

So the daughters of Zelophedad received his inheritance but the “family heads of the clan of Gilead son of Makir, the son of Manasseh, who were from the clans of the descendants of Joseph” brought forth a legitimate concern. Now that the inheritance was being divided up by tribe, what would happen if one of Zelophedad’s daughters married across tribal lines? The fear was that they would then fall under a different tribe who would then stake claim to the land the daughters owned when the Year of Jubilee came.

The Lord considered the concern and said:

“What the tribe of the descendants of Joseph is saying is right. This is what the Lord commands for Zelophehad's daughters: They may marry anyone they please as long as they marry within the tribal clan of their father. No inheritance in Israel is to pass from tribe to tribe, for every Israelite shall keep the tribal land inherited from his forefathers. Every daughter who inherits land in any Israelite tribe must marry someone in her father's tribal clan, so that every Israelite will possess the inheritance of his fathers. No inheritance may pass from tribe to tribe, for each Israelite tribe is to keep the land it inherits."

So the solution was rather simple. The daughters earned the inheritance but had to keep it in the clan by marrying someone within. And this guidance would be applicable to any other daughters who might receive an inheritance under like circumstances.

In this passage we see where we serve a God who covers all the bases…a God who does listen to the requests of His people. Unlike the whining, complaining Israelites who failed to give thanks for what they had, instead opting to gripe about what they wished they had, in Chapter 36 we see the family heads of the clan coming forward and exposing a real potential problem in the inheritance plan. For there was a loophole that could be exploited by a clan to gain more land and thus greater power. Could you see where one clan might intentionally have their men marry women who had gained an inheritance from their fathers just so that land could then become property of that clan? God listened to the concern, saw its validity and quickly gave commands to seal up the loophole. All bases were covered and, in this case, they were because God listened to His people.

As we look into the scriptures, we can see how God has covered all the bases in our lives as well. For we need only look to the scriptures…and I mean all the scriptures…to see how we’re supposed to live. We may want to try and find loopholes in God’s plan that would allow us to do what we want to do and chase after our own sinful desires but our efforts end up fruitless. For God’s word only draws us into obedience through conviction…not sinfulness by permissiveness. And just as in the days of Numbers and other places throughout scripture, God listens to His people today. Want to gain illumination on how He wants you to live? Want to gain a better understanding about how His word is to be carried out in your life? Want to know whether what you are about to think, say or do is in accordance with His will, way and word? All you need to do is ask the Lord. He will listen and He will answer you. The question is…are you ready to receive the answer He is going to give you?

So truly, we serve a God who covers the bases and listens. Now that He has settled all the inheritance issues, Israel is ready to finally enter the Promised Land. And with Numbers complete, we are ready to enter the Book of Deuteronomy. See you there tomorrow.

In Christ,

Mark

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OUR SAVIOR...OUR CITY OF REFUGE

Can I pray for you in any way? Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com In Christ, Mark

The scriptures. May God bless the reading of His holy word.

"On the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho, the Lord said to Moses, "Command the Israelites to give the Levites towns to live in from the inheritance the Israelites will possess. And give them pasturelands around the towns. Then they will have towns to live in and pasturelands for their cattle, flocks and all their other livestock. "The pasturelands around the towns that you give the Levites will extend out fifteen hundred feet from the town wall. Outside the town, measure three thousand feet on the east side, three thousand on the south side, three thousand on the west and three thousand on the north, with the town in the center. They will have this area as pastureland for the towns.

"Six of the towns you give the Levites will be cities of refuge, to which a person who has killed someone may flee. In addition, give them forty-two other towns. In all you must give the Levites forty-eight towns, together with their pasturelands. The towns you give the Levites from the land the Israelites possess are to be given in proportion to the inheritance of each tribe: Take many towns from a tribe that has many, but few from one that has few."

Then the Lord said to Moses: "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'When you cross the Jordan into Canaan, select some towns to be your cities of refuge, to which a person who has killed someone accidentally may flee. They will be places of refuge from the avenger, so that a person accused of murder may not die before he stands trial before the assembly. These six towns you give will be your cities of refuge. Give three on this side of the Jordan and three in Canaan as cities of refuge. These six towns will be a place of refuge for Israelites, aliens and any other people living among them, so that anyone who has killed another accidentally can flee there.

" 'If a man strikes someone with an iron object so that he dies, he is a murderer; the murderer shall be put to death. Or if anyone has a stone in his hand that could kill, and he strikes someone so that he dies, he is a murderer; the murderer shall be put to death. Or if anyone has a wooden object in his hand that could kill, and he hits someone so that he dies, he is a murderer; the murderer shall be put to death. The avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death; when he meets him, he shall put him to death. If anyone with malice aforethought shoves another or throws something at him intentionally so that he dies or if in hostility he hits him with his fist so that he dies, that person shall be put to death; he is a murderer. The avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death when he meets him.


" 'But if without hostility someone suddenly shoves another or throws something at him unintentionally or, without seeing him, drops a stone on him that could kill him, and he dies, then since he was not his enemy and he did not intend to harm him, the assembly must judge between him and the avenger of blood according to these regulations. The assembly must protect the one accused of murder from the avenger of blood and send him back to the city of refuge to which he fled. He must stay there until the death of the high priest, who was anointed with the holy oil.

" 'But if the accused ever goes outside the limits of the city of refuge to which he has fled and the avenger of blood finds him outside the city, the avenger of blood may kill the accused without being guilty of murder. The accused must stay in his city of refuge until the death of the high priest; only after the death of the high priest may he return to his own property.

" 'These are to be legal requirements for you throughout the generations to come, wherever you live.

" 'Anyone who kills a person is to be put to death as a murderer only on the testimony of witnesses. But no one is to be put to death on the testimony of only one witness.

" 'Do not accept a ransom for the life of a murderer, who deserves to die. He must surely be put to death.

" 'Do not accept a ransom for anyone who has fled to a city of refuge and so allow him to go back and live on his own land before the death of the high priest.

" 'Do not pollute the land where you are. Bloodshed pollutes the land, and atonement cannot be made for the land on which blood has been shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it. Do not defile the land where you live and where I dwell, for I, the Lord, dwell among the Israelites.' " Numbers 35

This ends this reading from God's holy word. Thanks be to God.

As we have seen in prior instances in Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers, God held a special place in His heart for the Levites. And in Chapter 35, we see where He gives them special attention as He has in the past.

For after He addressed Israel's territorial boundaries in Canaan and how the land would be divided, He takes time to ensure the Levites will be cared for as well. We read where he tells Moses to "Command the Israelites to give the Levites towns to live in from the inheritance the Israelites will possess. And give them pasturelands around the towns. Then they will have towns to live in and pasturelands for their cattle, flocks and all their other livestock. The pasturelands around the towns that you give the Levites will extend out fifteen hundred feet from the town wall. Outside the town, measure three thousand feet on the east side, three thousand on the south side, three thousand on the west and three thousand on the north, with the town in the center. They will have this area as pastureland for the towns…In all you must give the Levites forty-eight towns, together with their pasturelands. The towns you give the Levites from the land the Israelites possess are to be given in proportion to the inheritance of each tribe: Take many towns from a tribe that has many, but few from one that has few." The Levites had spent their wilderness time camped out around the tabernacle. Now that they were entering the Promised Land, they would enjoy the same improved living conditions as the rest of Israel with ample space for their animals. And they wouldn't be segregated from the people. No, they would live in the midst of each of the tribes. God's people would all need assistance in spiritual worship and guidance…just what the Levites could provide.

So the Levites would have 48 cities with a few on the east side of the Jordan where the Reubenites, Gadites and half of the tribe of Manasseh would be settled. And of these 48 cities, God commands that six be set apart as "cities of refuge" where "a person who has killed someone accidentally may flee". The cities of refuge, "three on this side of the Jordan and three in Canaan", were to be places safe from an avenger "for Israelites, aliens and any other people living among them" so that a "person accused of murder may not die before he stands trial before the assembly". In other words, justice would not be at the hands of an avenger but determined by trial. One would not be guilty unless proven so.

This didn't mean that everyone was deserving of trial for God takes time to distinguish accidental killing from willful killing. The latter would not be deserving of trial, only death for their murderous actions. God gives this guidance:

"If a man strikes someone with an iron object so that he dies, he is a murderer; the murderer shall be put to death. Or if anyone has a stone in his hand that could kill, and he strikes someone so that he dies, he is a murderer; the murderer shall be put to death. Or if anyone has a wooden object in his hand that could kill, and he hits someone so that he dies, he is a murderer; the murderer shall be put to death. The avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death; when he meets him, he shall put him to death. If anyone with malice aforethought shoves another or throws something at him intentionally so that he dies or if in hostility he hits him with his fist so that he dies, that person shall be put to death; he is a murderer. The avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death when he meets him."

In other words, pre-meditated, conscious murder disqualified one from refuge and the avenger was permitted to claim revenge.

In regard to an accidental killing, God gave this direction:

" 'But if without hostility someone suddenly shoves another or throws something at him unintentionally or, without seeing him, drops a stone on him that could kill him, and he dies, then since he was not his enemy and he did not intend to harm him, the assembly must judge between him and the avenger of blood according to these regulations. The assembly must protect the one accused of murder from the avenger of blood and send him back to the city of refuge to which he fled. He must stay there until the death of the high priest, who was anointed with the holy oil.

As long as the person who killed accidentally remains in the city of refuge, they would be protected and safe. However, if he or she chooses to leave and go "outside the limits of the city of refuge to which he (or she) has fled", that protection would be gone and they could be killed by the "avenger of blood" without the avenger "being guilty of murder".

In the end, God reminded Israel of His expectation that the Promised Land be treated with the sanctity it deserved. He said:

"Do not pollute the land where you are. Bloodshed pollutes the land, and atonement cannot be made for the land on which blood has been shed, except by the blood of the one who shed it. Do not defile the land where you live and where I dwell, for I, the Lord, dwell among the Israelites."

Too bad Israel didn't heed these words from God because there would be murderous actions and bloodshed to come, all which would serve to pollute the land God provided as a blessed inheritance. Indeed, God's Promised Land would be defiled over and over and over.

I often wonder how God feels about our world today. Although it isn't the Promised Land, it is the land that He created…inhabited by the people He created. And just as He had expectations for Israel, so too does He hold expectations for us. Don't think for a minute that the 10 commandments issued in Exodus, Chapter 20, are any less relevant today than they were back when they were first given. God's command to not murder led to His words in Numbers, Chapter 35. It wasn't acceptable then and it isn't today either. Ditto for disrespecting one's parents, stealing, committing adultery, worshipping false idols or gods or giving false testimony about another. And yet, too often we snub our nose at these expectations like they no longer apply. If God were to review our lives and judge each of us, how well would we stand up? Not well. In fact, we would be doomed by our sins if keeping all of God's commandments were our requirement for salvation. This is why God had to send His Son to us all…and watch Him be sacrificed on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. Jesus became our personal city of refuge, the only place where we could go for protection from our wrongs. He was the eternal High Priest who would rise from the grave and live forever…so that anyone who entered Him would never be permitted to return to their past…back to their sinful lives…because He would never die again to permit it. Truly, as in God's word from Romans tells us:

"…there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death." Romans 8:1-2


Question: Do you know Jesus Christ? Do you wish to enter His city of refuge, leaving your sinful past behind for a new life…one predicated on righteousness not sinfulness?

If you know Jesus, celebrate this in your life and revel in being an inhabitant of His city of refuge. If you don't know Jesus, don't delay in coming to Him. For truly Satan is looking to claim you for his own and lead you to destruction through appealing to your sinful desires, keeping you on the path to destruction. Know you have a choice and can leave your past behind right now. Come to Jesus, become a new creation in Him, allow the Holy Spirit to free you from the law of sin and death and introduce you to real life…life that springs eternal now and forever more. Amen.

In Christ,

Mark

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GOD SETS BOUNDARIES

Can I pray for you in any way? Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com In Christ, Mark

The scriptures. May God bless the reading of His holy word.

“The Lord said to Moses, "Command the Israelites and say to them: 'When you enter Canaan, the land that will be allotted to you as an inheritance will have these boundaries:

" 'Your southern side will include some of the Desert of Zin along the border of Edom. On the east, your southern boundary will start from the end of the Salt Sea, cross south of Scorpion Pass, continue on to Zin and go south of Kadesh Barnea. Then it will go to Hazar Addar and over to Azmon, where it will turn, join the Wadi of Egypt and end at the Sea.

" 'Your western boundary will be the coast of the Great Sea. This will be your boundary on the west.

“ 'For your northern boundary, run a line from the Great Sea to Mount Hor and from Mount Hor to Lebo Hamath. Then the boundary will go to Zedad, continue to Ziphron and end at Hazar Enan. This will be your boundary on the north.

" 'For your eastern boundary, run a line from Hazar Enan to Shepham. The boundary will go down from Shepham to Riblah on the east side of Ain and continue along the slopes east of the Sea of Kinnereth. Then the boundary will go down along the Jordan and end at the Salt Sea.
" 'This will be your land, with its boundaries on every side.' "

Moses commanded the Israelites: "Assign this land by lot as an inheritance. The Lord has ordered that it be given to the nine and a half tribes, because the families of the tribe of Reuben, the tribe of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh have received their inheritance. These two and a half tribes have received their inheritance on the east side of the Jordan of Jericho, toward the sunrise."

The Lord said to Moses, "These are the names of the men who are to assign the land for you as an inheritance: Eleazar the priest and Joshua son of Nun. And appoint one leader from each tribe to help assign the land. These are their names:

Caleb son of Jephunneh, from the tribe of Judah;
Shemuel son of Ammihud, from the tribe of Simeon;
Elidad son of Kislon, from the tribe of Benjamin;
Bukki son of Jogli, the leader from the tribe of Dan;
Hanniel son of Ephod, the leader from the tribe of Manasseh son of Joseph;
Kemuel son of Shiphtan, the leader from the tribe of Ephraim son of Joseph;
Elizaphan son of Parnach, the leader from the tribe of Zebulun;
Paltiel son of Azzan, the leader from the tribe of Issachar;
Ahihud son of Shelomi, the leader from the tribe of Asher;
Pedahel son of Ammihud, the leader from the tribe of Naphtali."

These are the men the LORD commanded to assign the inheritance to the Israelites in the land of Canaan.

Numbers 34

This ends this reading from God's holy word. Thanks be to God.

As Israel prepared to enter Canaan, there was some other details that needed worked out. God had already addressed how the land would be divided amongst the tribes but the boundaries of the Promised Land were yet to be given. God takes care of this in Numbers, Chapter 34.

Scripture tells Israel through Moses the exact placement of the northern, southern, eastern and western boundaries. He then reminds the Israelites they are to “assign this land by lot as an inheritance”, ordering the land to be “given to the nine and a half tribes”…nine and a half because you’ll recall that “the families of the tribe of Reuben, the tribe of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh” asked for and received their land on “the east side of the Jordan of Jericho, toward the sunrise." God finishes His directions by designating by name “one leader from each tribe to help assign the land”.

This scripture passage is rather simple but reveals an important truth about God: He sets boundaries. He set boundaries for Israel and He has set boundaries for us as well, boundaries that are critical to us if we intend to successfully travel on this Christian walk.

Consider these words from Galatians, Chapter 5:

“So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:16-21

Sometimes God sees boundaries as territorial. You’ll remember that the Israelites weren’t permitted to enter the Holy Place or the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle. Only the high priest was permitted in. And you’ll remember that the Israelites weren’t allowed to set foot on Mount Sinai while Moses went up to meet with God. For us, there are places that God would rather we not go as well…places that would lure us more into sinfulness than righteousness. For example, strip clubs are very prevalent in our society and they cater to men and women. And don’t think that there aren’t professing Christians that frequent these places and think it’s fine. Frankly, I feel that any place that feeds off sex and lust isn’t a place the Lord wants us to be.

And although not all bars, clubs and parties might be bad, most of them do breed rather illicit behavior from its patrons, especially if alcohol is served. Before you get upset at what I said, hear me out because the key here is really the alcohol more than the establishment. I’ve seen way too many people louse up their lives because of alcohol, whether they have become addicted to it or allowed it to affect them in a way that led to violent or illicit behavior. Maybe you can relate. Alcohol simply assists someone in changing who they are when sober, releasing inhibitions that are usually in check. In other words, alcohol doesn’t cause bad behavior but opens the gates for that dormant bad behavior to emerge. Here’s a few examples:

Those who drink and then have an affair would want others to believe that the alcohol caused them to cheat. The truth of the matter is that the person always had a lustful heart but never acted on that lustful desire when sober. But given a little alcohol, the person is ready to act out on their desires…and often they do, surrendering to sin.

How about those people who fight after drinking, even though no one has ever saw them be violent with anybody. Trust me…the person has always wanted to punch someone but never acted out on it. It was an impulse they could keep in check. That is, until they had a few drinks. After that, they were ready to beat up anyone and often try with mixed results.

Every warning we hear about alcohol has one central theme: drink responsibly. In other words, there are to be limits…boundaries. Given what alcohol does to a person, we would all be better off without it but if one chooses to drink, they need to accept the consequences that come with it.

There are many other boundaries placed on our behavior. Once again referring to the Galatians passage, God’s word warns us about “sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies.” These requirements have not just an impact on what we do but also what we say and think. Notice that any or all of these draw us away from Jesus, the One who which we are to model out entire life after…that is if we truly want to be Christian or like-Christ. So how do we stay clear of all the things God warns us about?

Well, Galatians gives us another set of standards. Only these standards make up what we’re expected to do and say and think. By allowing all of these to dominate who we are, we will draw away from sin and begin to draw closer to Jesus who was the perfect example of who God wants us to be. Consider these positive expectations from Galatians:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:22-25

Note that the key is the Holy Spirit. When we consult the Spirit regarding how we should live, we will always be guided to “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” all which are the antitheses for “sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies.” The Spirit…the Holy Counselor promised to His disciples by Christ Jesus…draws us closer to Jesus and as scripture promises, “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.” In other words, those who belong to Jesus have taken their sinful nature and nailed it to the cross.

Question: Where so you stand in avoiding what God wants you to avoid (i.e. “sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies.”)? And where so you stand in adopting those qualities that are bred by the Holy Spirit and which draw us closer to who where we are meant to be…that is, living like Christ Jesus?

Friends, there is no doubt that God places boundaries on our lives. How well are you living within them?

In Christ,

Mark

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THORNS AND BARBS

Can I pray for you in any way? Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com In Christ, Mark

The scriptures. May God bless the reading of His holy word.

Here are the stages in the journey of the Israelites when they came out of Egypt by divisions under the leadership of Moses and Aaron. At the Lord's command Moses recorded the stages in their journey. This is their journey by stages:

The Israelites set out from Rameses on the fifteenth day of the first month, the day after the Passover. They marched out boldly in full view of all the Egyptians, who were burying all their firstborn, whom the Lord had struck down among them; for the Lord had brought judgment on their gods.

The Israelites left Rameses and camped at Succoth.

They left Succoth and camped at Etham, on the edge of the desert.

They left Etham, turned back to Pi Hahiroth, to the east of Baal Zephon, and camped near Migdol.

They left Pi Hahiroth and passed through the sea into the desert, and when they had traveled for three days in the Desert of Etham, they camped at Marah.

They left Marah and went to Elim, where there were twelve springs and seventy palm trees, and they camped there.

They left Elim and camped by the Red Sea.

They left the Red Sea and camped in the Desert of Sin.

They left the Desert of Sin and camped at Dophkah.

They left Dophkah and camped at Alush.

They left Alush and camped at Rephidim, where there was no water for the people to drink.

They left Rephidim and camped in the Desert of Sinai.

They left the Desert of Sinai and camped at Kibroth Hattaavah.

They left Kibroth Hattaavah and camped at Hazeroth.

They left Hazeroth and camped at Rithmah.

They left Rithmah and camped at Rimmon Perez.

They left Rimmon Perez and camped at Libnah.

They left Libnah and camped at Rissah.

They left Rissah and camped at Kehelathah.

They left Kehelathah and camped at Mount Shepher.

They left Mount Shepher and camped at Haradah.

They left Haradah and camped at Makheloth.

They left Makheloth and camped at Tahath.

They left Tahath and camped at Terah.

They left Terah and camped at Mithcah.

They left Mithcah and camped at Hashmonah.

They left Hashmonah and camped at Moseroth.

They left Moseroth and camped at Bene Jaakan.

They left Bene Jaakan and camped at Hor Haggidgad.

They left Hor Haggidgad and camped at Jotbathah.

They left Jotbathah and camped at Abronah.

They left Abronah and camped at Ezion Geber.

They left Ezion Geber and camped at Kadesh, in the Desert of Zin.

They left Kadesh and camped at Mount Hor, on the border of Edom. At the Lord's command Aaron the priest went up Mount Hor, where he died on the first day of the fifth month of the fortieth year after the Israelites came out of Egypt. Aaron was a hundred and twenty-three years old when he died on Mount Hor.

The Canaanite king of Arad, who lived in the Negev of Canaan, heard that the Israelites were coming.

They left Mount Hor and camped at Zalmonah.

They left Zalmonah and camped at Punon.

They left Punon and camped at Oboth.

They left Oboth and camped at Iye Abarim, on the border of Moab.

They left Iyim and camped at Dibon Gad.

They left Dibon Gad and camped at Almon Diblathaim.

They left Almon Diblathaim and camped in the mountains of Abarim, near Nebo.

They left the mountains of Abarim and camped on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho. There on the plains of Moab they camped along the Jordan from Beth Jeshimoth to Abel Shittim.

On the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho the Lord said to Moses, "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'When you cross the Jordan into Canaan, drive out all the inhabitants of the land before you. Destroy all their carved images and their cast idols, and demolish all their high places. Take possession of the land and settle in it, for I have given you the land to possess. Distribute the land by lot, according to your clans. To a larger group give a larger inheritance, and to a smaller group a smaller one. Whatever falls to them by lot will be theirs. Distribute it according to your ancestral tribes.

" 'But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land, those you allow to remain will become barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides. They will give you trouble in the land where you will live. And then I will do to you what I plan to do to them.' " Numbers 33

This ends this reading from God's holy word. Thanks be to God.

We have seen in the Book of Numbers that there is a definite emphasis on accounting. Before we get to Chapter 33, we have read about two separate censuses where the Israelite men twenty and over were counted. You’ll recall that a separate count was made of the Levites.

As we look at Chapter 33, we see where it is a summary of all of Israel’s travels, from the time they departed Egypt to the present, where we see them ready to assume custody of Canaan. Certainly, Israel has traveled a great deal to get to this moment, receiving guidance from God every step of the way. This time would be no different as God gives Israel direction before they cross the Jordan and begin to assume possession of the Promised Land. While they were “on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho”, God told Moses to give Israel the following message:

“When you cross the Jordan into Canaan, drive out all the inhabitants of the land before you. Destroy all their carved images and their cast idols, and demolish all their high places. Take possession of the land and settle in it, for I have given you the land to possess. Distribute the land by lot, according to your clans. To a larger group give a larger inheritance, and to a smaller group a smaller one. Whatever falls to them by lot will be theirs. Distribute it according to your ancestral tribes. But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land, those you allow to remain will become barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides. They will give you trouble in the land where you will live. And then I will do to you what I plan to do to them."

God’s words carried commands, a reminder and a warning.

First, He commanded Israel to “drive out all the inhabitants of the land before you. Destroy all their carved images and their cast idols, and demolish all their high places. Take possession of the land and settle in it, for I have given you the land to possess.”

He then reminded Israel of how He expected them to distribute the land inheritance saying, “Distribute the land by lot, according to your clans. To a larger group give a larger inheritance, and to a smaller group a smaller one. Whatever falls to them by lot will be theirs. Distribute it according to your ancestral tribes.”

Finally, God warned Israel about the penalty they would face for not meeting His expectations.
He tells Israel, “…if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land, those you allow to remain will become barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides. They will give you trouble in the land where you will live. And then I will do to you what I plan to do to them." Failing to eliminate their foes completely would allow room for those foes to remain in place and return to be barbs in Israel’s eyes and thorns in their sides (now you know where this common expression came from). And if that weren’t bad enough, God promises Israel that they would face the judgment reserved for their Canaanite enemies if they failed to carry out His command fully. As we will see as we study further into the Old Testament, Israel will fail to heed God’s guidance and will suffer the consequences He states.

As I thought about this matter of completely driving out things or face the prospect of them coming back to be the barb in the eye or thorn in the side, I couldn’t help but think about myself and how there have been instances in my life where I have needed to completely eradicate something that I knew was keeping me from being the person God wanted me to be. There was just something about the sinful action that I couldn’t let go of…something that brought me some sense of worldly pleasure even if it placed me in spiritual deficit. And as much as I tried to hide my inability to completely rid my life of the sin, I found that the Lord continued to convict me more and more each time…pursuing me by attacking my consciousness until there was no pleasure anymore in doing the things I knew I shouldn’t be doing. There was only guilt.

I found myself lamenting like David when he said:

“When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.” Psalm 32:3-4

The only place for me to turn to get the barb out of my eye…to extricate the painful thorn in my side…was repentance. And not just the artificial, superficial repentance I had given God so many times before…the times when I said I was sorry when I was already thinking about when I could sin again. No, this time was the time when I was saying I was sorry for good…the time when I was willing to grab a hammer and nail that sin to the cross of Jesus, the only place where I could be freed from it. And when I did this, I felt a liberation and relief much different from the incessant conviction I had faced before. Now, I felt the full power of God’s love and forgiveness. It was then that I could rejoice with David as He said:

“Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess
my transgressions to the Lord "— and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise,
they will not reach him. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” Psalm 32:5-7

Question: What is the sin that is your barb and thorn? Are you willing to get serious about ridding yourself of it forever, nailing it to the cross of Jesus? Do you, like David, yearn to be forgiven for the guilt of your sin?

Friends, the time is now. Fall on your knees and give up your sinful thorn and barb to the only One who can remove it and prevent further infection. He and only He can heal your wounds…for it is by the wounds of His Son that we are all healed. Thanks be to God for that. Amen. In Christ,

Mark

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NOT REPEATING THE MISTAKES OF THE PAST

Can I pray for you in any way? Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com In Christ, Mark

The scriptures. May God bless the reading of His holy word.

The Reubenites and Gadites, who had very large herds and flocks, saw that the lands of Jazer and Gilead were suitable for livestock. So they came to Moses and Eleazar the priest and to the leaders of the community, and said, "Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo and Beon - the land the Lord subdued before the people of Israel—are suitable for livestock, and your servants have livestock. If we have found favor in your eyes," they said, "let this land be given to your servants as our possession. Do not make us cross the Jordan."

Moses said to the Gadites and Reubenites, "Shall your countrymen go to war while you sit here? Why do you discourage the Israelites from going over into the land the Lord has given them? This is what your fathers did when I sent them from Kadesh Barnea to look over the land. After they went up to the Valley of Eshcol and viewed the land, they discouraged the Israelites from entering the land the Lord had given them. The Lord's anger was aroused that day and he swore this oath: 'Because they have not followed me wholeheartedly, not one of the men twenty years old or more who came up out of Egypt will see the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - not one except Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite and Joshua son of Nun, for they followed the Lord wholeheartedly.' The Lord's anger burned against Israel and he made them wander in the desert forty years, until the whole generation of those who had done evil in his sight was gone.

"And here you are, a brood of sinners, standing in the place of your fathers and making the Lord even more angry with Israel. If you turn away from following him, he will again leave all this people in the desert, and you will be the cause of their destruction."

Then they came up to him and said, "We would like to build pens here for our livestock and cities for our women and children. But we are ready to arm ourselves and go ahead of the Israelites until we have brought them to their place. Meanwhile our women and children will live in fortified cities, for protection from the inhabitants of the land. We will not return to our homes until every Israelite has received his inheritance. We will not receive any inheritance with them on the other side of the Jordan, because our inheritance has come to us on the east side of the Jordan."

Then Moses said to them, "If you will do this—if you will arm yourselves before the Lord for battle, and if all of you will go armed over the Jordan before the Lord until he has driven his enemies out before him - then when the land is subdued before the Lord, you may return and be free from your obligation to the Lord and to Israel. And this land will be your possession before the Lord.
"But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the Lord; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out. Build cities for your women and children, and pens for your flocks, but do what you have promised."

The Gadites and Reubenites said to Moses, "We your servants will do as our lord commands. Our children and wives, our flocks and herds will remain here in the cities of Gilead. But your servants, every man armed for battle, will cross over to fight before the Lord, just as our lord says."

Then Moses gave orders about them to Eleazar the priest and Joshua son of Nun and to the family heads of the Israelite tribes. He said to them, "If the Gadites and Reubenites, every man armed for battle, cross over the Jordan with you before the Lord, then when the land is subdued before you, give them the land of Gilead as their possession. But if they do not cross over with you armed, they must accept their possession with you in Canaan."

The Gadites and Reubenites answered, "Your servants will do what the Lord has said. We will cross over before the Lord into Canaan armed, but the property we inherit will be on this side of the Jordan."

Then Moses gave to the Gadites, the Reubenites and the half-tribe of Manasseh son of Joseph the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan—the whole land with its cities and the territory around them.

The Gadites built up Dibon, Ataroth, Aroer, Atroth Shophan, Jazer, Jogbehah, Beth Nimrah and Beth Haran as fortified cities, and built pens for their flocks. And the Reubenites rebuilt Heshbon, Elealeh and Kiriathaim, as well as Nebo and Baal Meon (these names were changed) and Sibmah. They gave names to the cities they rebuilt.

The descendants of Makir son of Manasseh went to Gilead, captured it and drove out the Amorites who were there. So Moses gave Gilead to the Makirites, the descendants of Manasseh, and they settled there. Jair, a descendant of Manasseh, captured their settlements and called them Havvoth Jair. And Nobah captured Kenath and its surrounding settlements and called it Nobah after himself.” Numbers 32

This ends this reading from God's holy word. Thanks be to God.

As we begin Chapter 32, we find Israel on the brink of entering the Promised Land. All of Israel, twelve tribes total, were to cross the Jordan into Canaan and possess the land God provided, even of it meant armed conflict against the present inhabitants. And there most certainly would have been conflict.

It was this potential conflict that created problems for Israel as they had been close to entering Canaan the first time. As Moses addresses the Gadites and Reubenites, he reminds them of the actions of their ancestors:

“This is what your fathers did when I sent them from Kadesh Barnea to look over the land. After they went up to the Valley of Eshcol and viewed the land, they discouraged the Israelites from entering the land the Lord had given them. The Lord's anger was aroused that day and he swore this oath: 'Because they have not followed me wholeheartedly, not one of the men twenty years old or more who came up out of Egypt will see the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - not one except Caleb son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite and Joshua son of Nun, for they followed the Lord wholeheartedly.' The Lord's anger burned against Israel and he made them wander in the desert forty years, until the whole generation of those who had done evil in his sight was gone.”

Why did Moses need to remind them of what happened? Because the Gadites and Reubenites had brought the following proposal to Moses, Eleazar and the leaders of the community:

"Ataroth, Dibon, Jazer, Nimrah, Heshbon, Elealeh, Sebam, Nebo and Beon - the land the Lord subdued before the people of Israel—are suitable for livestock, and your servants have livestock. If we have found favor in your eyes…let this land be given to your servants as our possession. Do not make us cross the Jordan."

In other words, the Gadites and Reubenites were willing to settle down right where they were at, sending the other ten tribes ahead into battle. This was what was at the root of Moses’ consternation as he told the Gadites and Reubenites, “"Shall your countrymen go to war while you sit here? Why do you discourage the Israelites from going over into the land the Lord has given them?…here you are, a brood of sinners, standing in the place of your fathers and making the Lord even more angry with Israel. If you turn away from following him, he will again leave all this people in the desert, and you will be the cause of their destruction."

God had passed judgment on Israel before, making them wander an additional 40 years in the desert. And He would do it again. Moses made it clear that the proposal made by the Gadites and Reubenites was not acceptable and that they were repeating the past mistakes of their forefathers.

Question: How often do you repeat the past mistakes of those who have gone before you? Have you found yourself repeating the mistakes that your parents or grandparents made?

Well, Moses’ words resonated with the Gadites and Reubenites. For they once again made a proposal but this time restructured it so it supported a concerted team effort by all twelve tribes to march into Canaan and take over the land God promised. Here was the new proposal:

"We would like to build pens here for our livestock and cities for our women and children. But we are ready to arm ourselves and go ahead of the Israelites until we have brought them to their place. Meanwhile our women and children will live in fortified cities, for protection from the inhabitants of the land. We will not return to our homes until every Israelite has received his inheritance. We will not receive any inheritance with them on the other side of the Jordan, because our inheritance has come to us on the east side of the Jordan."

So the Gadites and Reubenites were still interested in the land east of the Jordan. But they would send their men into battle with the other tribes while their women and children would be protected in fortified cities they would construct. This overture was far more to Moses’ satisfaction as he addresses the Gadites and Reubenites:

"If you will do this—if you will arm yourselves before the Lord for battle, and if all of you will go armed over the Jordan before the Lord until he has driven his enemies out before him - then when the land is subdued before the Lord, you may return and be free from your obligation to the Lord and to Israel. And this land will be your possession before the Lord. But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the Lord; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out. Build cities for your women and children, and pens for your flocks, but do what you have promised."

In other words, woe be it for the Gadites and Reubenites if they go back on their promise.

So after the Gadites and Reubenites accept what Moses proclaimed, Moses informed Eleazar of the arrangement and then “gave to the Gadites, the Reubenites and the half-tribe of Manasseh son of Joseph the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan—the whole land with its cities and the territory around them”. In turn, the Gadites, the Reubenites and the half-tribe of Manasseh built their fortified cities to protect their women and children as the men went into battle.

Our scripture shows us the importance of not repeating the mistakes of the past. Had Moses not spoken up and sparked the change of plans, Israel was destined for further consequences from God and possibly even more desert wanderings. But that didn’t happen because the Gadites and Reubenites were willing to listen and then make the needed corrections to ensure they could move forward and end up on better terms with God than their relatives.

This same principle can be applied to our lives as well. We should step back and evaluate the lives of our parents and other relatives, paying particular attention to how they have failed to sin through the course of their lives. Then we should take whatever steps necessary to make sure we don’t repeat their errors all over again, carrying on a vicious sinful cycle that will most probably end up passed onto the next generation…and the next…and the next…unless it is broken. That’s where you and I can come in and create change.

As we do this, we can only succeed when we turn to the Lord and ask Him for the strength to overcome making those past mistakes again. One thing is certain…God wants us to live lives centered on righteousness…that is, He wants us to live right. Through Him and only through Him, can we find the success He desires. Amen.

In Christ,

Mark

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OUR PROPER TRIBUTE

Can I pray for you in any way? Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com In Christ, Mark

The scriptures. May God bless the reading of His holy word.

“The Lord said to Moses, "You and Eleazar the priest and the family heads of the community are to count all the people and animals that were captured. Divide the spoils between the soldiers who took part in the battle and the rest of the community. From the soldiers who fought in the battle, set apart as tribute for the Lord one out of every five hundred, whether persons, cattle, donkeys, sheep or goats. Take this tribute from their half share and give it to Eleazar the priest as the Lord's part. From the Israelites' half, select one out of every fifty, whether persons, cattle, donkeys, sheep, goats or other animals. Give them to the Levites, who are responsible for the care of the Lord's tabernacle." So Moses and Eleazar the priest did as the Lord commanded Moses.

The plunder remaining from the spoils that the soldiers took was 675,000 sheep, 72,000 cattle, 61,000 donkeys and 32,000 women who had never slept with a man.

The half share of those who fought in the battle was:

337,500 sheep, of which the tribute for the Lord was 675;
36,000 cattle, of which the tribute for the Lord was 72;
30,500 donkeys, of which the tribute for the Lord was 61;
16,000 people, of which the tribute for the Lord was 32.

Moses gave the tribute to Eleazar the priest as the Lord's part, as the Lord commanded Moses.

The half belonging to the Israelites, which Moses set apart from that of the fighting men - the community's half—was 337,500 sheep, 36,000 cattle, 30,500 donkeys and 16,000 people. From the Israelites' half, Moses selected one out of every fifty persons and animals, as the Lord commanded him, and gave them to the Levites, who were responsible for the care of the Lord's tabernacle.

Then the officers who were over the units of the army—the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds — went to Moses and said to him, "Your servants have counted the soldiers under our command, and not one is missing. So we have brought as an offering to the Lord the gold articles each of us acquired—armlets, bracelets, signet rings, earrings and necklaces—to make atonement for ourselves before the Lord." Moses and Eleazar the priest accepted from them the gold—all the crafted articles. All the gold from the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds that Moses and Eleazar presented as a gift to the Lord weighed 16,750 shekels. Each soldier had taken plunder for himself. Moses and Eleazar the priest accepted the gold from the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds and brought it into the Tent of Meeting as a memorial for the Israelites before the Lord.” Numbers 31:25-54

This ends this reading from God's holy word. Thanks be to God.

Tribute
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English tribut, from Latin tributum, from neuter of tributus, past participle of tribuere to allot, bestow, grant, pay, from tribus tribe
Date: 14th century

1 a: a payment by one ruler or nation to another in acknowledgment of
submission or as the price of protection; also : the tax levied for such a payment

b (1): an excessive tax, rental, or tariff imposed by a government, sovereign, lord, or landlord (2): an exorbitant charge levied by a person or group having the power of coercion c: the liability to pay tribute

2 a: something given or contributed voluntarily as due or deserved; especially : a gift or service showing respect, gratitude, or affection

b: something (as material evidence or a formal attestation) that indicates the
worth, virtue, or effectiveness of the one in question


The army had returned from their conquest of the Midianites. Judgment had been carried out in accordance with the Lord’s expectations as passed through Moses. Now there was the matter of the spoils taken from Midian.

Addressing this matter, the Lord gives Moses the following guidance:

“You and Eleazar the priest and the family heads of the community are to count all the people and animals that were captured. Divide the spoils between the soldiers who took part in the battle and the rest of the community. From the soldiers who fought in the battle, set apart as tribute for the Lord one out of every five hundred, whether persons, cattle, donkeys, sheep or goats. Take this tribute from their half share and give it to Eleazar the priest as the Lord's part. From the Israelites' half, select one out of every fifty, whether persons, cattle, donkeys, sheep, goats or other animals. Give them to the Levites, who are responsible for the care of the Lord's tabernacle."

Scripture tells us that “Moses and Eleazar the priest did as the Lord commanded”.

Note that the spoils were divided in an interesting way. The total plunder was divided between “those who fought in the battle” and the Israelite community. Each received:

337,500 sheep, 36,000 cattle, 30,500 donkeys, and 16,000 people

From this division, there was a secondary one with a portion of each of the halves going to the Lord and Levites.

From “the soldiers who fought in the battle”, the Lord commanded that “one out of every five hundred, whether persons, cattle, donkeys, sheep or goats” to be “set apart as tribute for the Lord”. The tribute was to be given to “Eleazar the priest” and the following totals were given to represent the Lord’s share:

From the 337,500 sheep, the Lord was given 675.
From the 36,000 cattle, the Lord was given 72.
From the 30,500 donkeys, the Lord was given 61.
and from the 16,000 people, the Lord was given 32.

All these were given as a tribute to the Lord by Moses to Eleazar as the Lord had commanded.

Meanwhile, the Israelite community was also supposed to provide a share of their spoils but instead of to the Lord, their portion was to go to the Levites, those Israelites set apart by God to care for His Holy Tabernacle and the worship within. Their share equaled the share set apart for the Lord.

This scripture’s overall theme of paying tribute got me thinking about us and how well we either do or don’t pay tribute to the Lord. How well do we honor Him each and every day that He blesses us with? What forms of tribute are we expected to pay to Him each and every day? In answer to these questions, I offer the following thoughts:

First, as we consider what we should pay to the Lord in tribute we could easily start to brainstorm specific things we can give Him to show Him how much we value and honor Him. But we don’t need to make this hard. The answer is actually very simple. How can we properly pay tribute to the Lord? By giving Him our everything…because that is what He has given us.

Consider everything you have in life. Have you stopped every day to thank God for it? For everything we have been given, everything we are being given in the present and everything we will be given in the future is all from God’s divine provision and providence…from His rich and abundance blessing on us. All we have is from Him alone and no one else but Him.

But God didn’t stop at just providing for us materially. No…He went well beyond that. For seeing how we were in such a helpless, destructive state if left to our own sinfulness, He chose to sacrifice His one and only Son, Jesus, so that through His death, we might live. There was a price that needed paid for our disobedience…our willingness to do what we wanted to do instead of what God willed for us to do…our obstinate insistence to act as if everything we have was a result of our own doing, not the Lord’s.

Truly, God has given us His all. And the only appropriate tribute we can possibly give…the only thing we can give to Him as being due deserved…the only proper gift or service that shows our respect, gratitude or affection…is the gift of ourselves. May we ever strive to do just that…give to the Lord our all…just as He has given us. Amen.

In Christ,

Mark

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DANGEROUS PROPOSITIONS

Can I pray for you in any way? Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com In Christ, Mark

The scriptures. May God bless the reading of His holy word.

“The Lord said to Moses, "Take vengeance on the Midianites for the Israelites. After that, you will be gathered to your people." So Moses said to the people, "Arm some of your men to go to war against the Midianites and to carry out the Lord's vengeance on them. Send into battle a thousand men from each of the tribes of Israel." So twelve thousand men armed for battle, a thousand from each tribe, were supplied from the clans of Israel. Moses sent them into battle, a thousand from each tribe, along with Phinehas son of Eleazar, the priest, who took with him articles from the sanctuary and the trumpets for signaling. They fought against Midian, as the Lord commanded Moses, and killed every man. Among their victims were Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur and Reba—the five kings of Midian. They also killed Balaam son of Beor with the sword. The Israelites captured the Midianite women and children and took all the Midianite herds, flocks and goods as plunder. They burned all the towns where the Midianites had settled, as well as all their camps. They took all the plunder and spoils, including the people and animals, and brought the captives, spoils and plunder to Moses and Eleazar the priest and the Israelite assembly at their camp on the plains of Moab, by the Jordan across from Jericho.

Moses, Eleazar the priest and all the leaders of the community went to meet them outside the camp. Moses was angry with the officers of the army—the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds—who returned from the battle.

"Have you allowed all the women to live?" he asked them. "They were the ones who followed Balaam's advice and were the means of turning the Israelites away from the Lord in what happened at Peor, so that a plague struck the Lord's people. Now kill all the boys. And kill every woman who has slept with a man, but save for yourselves every girl who has never slept with a man.

"All of you who have killed anyone or touched anyone who was killed must stay outside the camp seven days. On the third and seventh days you must purify yourselves and your captives. Purify every garment as well as everything made of leather, goat hair or wood."

Then Eleazar the priest said to the soldiers who had gone into battle, "This is the requirement of the law that the Lord gave Moses: Gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, lead and anything else that can withstand fire must be put through the fire, and then it will be clean. But it must also be purified with the water of cleansing. And whatever cannot withstand fire must be put through that water. On the seventh day wash your clothes and you will be clean. Then you may come into the camp." Numbers 31:1-24

This ends this reading from God's holy word. Thanks be to God.

Just as God had commanded, Moses, as his brother Aaron had prior, was about to die before Israel entered the Promised Land. In Chapter 31, the Lord has Moses oversee one more important act before he is “gathered to (his) people”.

This act involved vengeance upon the Midianites who had corrupted the Israelites into sexual immorality and idol worshipping through their women. You’ll recall that Israel’s failing in this resulted in God’s judgment as He sent a plague which killed 24,000 (Numbers 25:9) before Phinehas, Eleazar’s son, took action and killed an Israelite man and Midianite woman who had brought their illicit relationship into the “entrance to the Tent of Meeting” (Numbers 25:6). Israel had paid a steep price. Now it was Midian’s turn which would fulfill God’s command to Moses at the end of Chapter 25 to “Treat the Midianites as enemies and kill them”.

Of interest is Phinehas being given a position of holy responsibility in the Lord’s vengeance of Midian…a reward for his prior faithful acts. God indeed rewards those who are faithful to Him.

So Moses formed an army which consisted of a “thousand men from each of the tribes of Israel” to “go to war against the Midianites and to carry out the Lord's vengeance on them”. And the army went into battle and “fought against Midian, as the Lord commanded Moses”, killing every man. Scriptures tells of several men who are killed (the five kings of Midian), none better known than Balaam, the diviner who Balak tried to use against Israel to no avail as Balaam would always end up blessing Israel when he went before God for guidance. It’s obvious that Balaam did not stay loyal to the Lord as he was in company with Midian and was most probably with their army to try and supernaturally aid the Midianites in victory over Israel. His affiliation with Midian cost him his life.

Israel also “captured the Midianite women and children and took all the Midianite herds, flocks and goods as plunder”. They “burned all the towns where the Midianites had settled, as well as all their camps” and “took all the plunder and spoils, including the people and animals, and brought the captives, spoils and plunder to Moses and Eleazar the priest and the Israelite assembly at their camp on the plains of Moab, by the Jordan across from Jericho”. At face value, the army had been successful and victorious. But there was a problem in the midst of their conquest for they had not fully carried out God’s command and this mistake would cost them later on.

For scripture tells us that “Moses was angry with the officers of the army” and asked them, "Have you allowed all the women to live?" He reminds the officers that the women “were the ones who followed Balaam's advice and were the means of turning the Israelites away from the Lord in what happened at Peor, so that a plague struck the Lord's people”. Moses had commanded that the Lord’s vengeance be carried out on the Midianites…all the Midianites, not just the men. So now the rest of the Lord’s will would be done as Moses orders the officers to “kill all the boys” and “every woman who has slept with a man”…in other words, all who had corrupted Israel. Those who had “never slept with a man” were spared. So the orders of Moses were carried out and the spoils of battle that remained, whether people or material items were purified before becoming the property of Israel, the sinfulness of Midian wiped clean so not to infect Israel again.

From this first part of Chapter 31, we can glean away some important principles for living the righteous and holy life that God desires.

First, God can and will bring judgment on anyone who decides to willingly disobey Him or deliberately corrupt His people in any way. Midian integrated with Israel with the purpose of turning them from God’s ways to their own sinfulness. The Israelites became willing partners, committing sexual immorality and worshipping false gods with the Midianites. Both, in turn, were punished by the Lord…Israel by plague…Midian in war.

Today, many believers willingly choose to disobey the Lord’s word and will for their lives. Many non-believers also pro-actively attack the church or believers, attempting to corrupt them…often successfully. Both should take note of what transpired in Numbers because God can and will act again in judgment.

Secondly, we should be very careful with who we decide to associate ourselves with. In the case of Balaam, he had associated himself with spiritual mysticism and divinery before he encountered the one and only true God…a God who changed him and his outlook on life, at least in the short term. Balaam could have decided at that point to never associate with anyone else but Israel and their God…exchanging false worship practices for divine, righteous ones. But Balaam chose to associate with the sinful Midianites and that decision led to his demise.

Today, many people have the same decision to make…to partner with God and those faithful and obedient to Him or partner with those who choose to willingly disobey Him and sin freely with no concern for consequence. And many, like Balaam, are meeting they demise as an expense for their poor choices. The message from God rings loud and clear: Partner with anyone outside of me and stand by for my judgment.

Finally, we see that there is danger in not carrying out the Lord’s commands properly. The Israelite army was expected to wipe out Midian so they would never rival Israel again. Unfortunately, this expectation wasn’t met and Midian would return to challenge Israel (Note: We’ll see this as we get to the account of Gideon in Judges 6).

Today, when we don’t fully carry out God’s command then we pay the price…just as Israel did with Midian. Take sinful behavior for example. We read the scriptures, pray over our lives and receive guidance from the Lord as to what He expects. He convicts us through the Holy Spirit on anything within us that needs corrected and then expects us to take action to correct them. Often times, our actions aren’t really sincere when it comes to fixing our shortcomings. For often these involve our sinful desires and we just are unwilling to fully separate from them. So we decide to just address a part of our errors and reserve a small part so we can continue to satisfy ourselves. What we find is that when we don’t completely eradicate the sin that afflicts us, it comes back in full force to take us over again. A physical, bodily infection doesn’t get cured until the entire infection is gone. So too is it with sin. It’s all or nothing.

Questions:

Do you feel that you can go through your life living as you want to, opposing God with no fear of consequence? Our scripture today shows us this is a dangerous proposition.

Do you feel that you can partner with anyone you like, even when the people you are associating yourself with are engaging in obvious immorality and sinful behavior? And I’m not talking about partnering with the intent to minister. Jesus clearly interacted with the sinners because He came for the sick not the healthy. I’m talking about you hanging out with people who care nothing about being obedient to the Lord. Our scripture today shows us this is a dangerous proposition.

And do you carry out the Lord’s commands and expectations fully in your life? Or do you do just enough to try and make it appear like you’re onboard with the Lord when you really are not willing to give up sin that you delight in? Again, our scripture shows us this is a dangerous proposition.

Friends, God’s word is powerful and true, no matter where we study it and thus we should heed these messages He is sending us. It’s far easier and enjoyable to rejoice in the Lord’s favor than suffer in His judgment. One way or another, the choice is really ours.

In Christ,

Mark

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THE POWER OF A PROMISE

Can I pray for you in any way? Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com In Christ, Mark

The scriptures. May God bless the reading of His holy word.

“Moses said to the heads of the tribes of Israel: "This is what the Lord commands: When a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said.
"When a young woman still living in her father's house makes a vow to the Lord or obligates herself by a pledge and her father hears about her vow or pledge but says nothing to her, then all her vows and every pledge by which she obligated herself will stand. But if her father forbids her when he hears about it, none of her vows or the pledges by which she obligated herself will stand; the Lord will release her because her father has forbidden her.
“If she marries after she makes a vow or after her lips utter a rash promise by which she obligates herself and her husband hears about it but says nothing to her, then her vows or the pledges by which she obligated herself will stand. But if her husband forbids her when he hears about it, he nullifies the vow that obligates her or the rash promise by which she obligates herself, and the Lord will release her.
"Any vow or obligation taken by a widow or divorced woman will be binding on her.
"If a woman living with her husband makes a vow or obligates herself by a pledge under oath and her husband hears about it but says nothing to her and does not forbid her, then all her vows or the pledges by which she obligated herself will stand. But if her husband nullifies them when he hears about them, then none of the vows or pledges that came from her lips will stand. Her husband has nullified them, and the Lord will release her. Her husband may confirm or nullify any vow she makes or any sworn pledge to deny herself. But if her husband says nothing to her about it from day to day, then he confirms all her vows or the pledges binding on her. He confirms them by saying nothing to her when he hears about them. If, however, he nullifies them some time after he hears about them, then he is responsible for her guilt."
These are the regulations the Lord gave Moses concerning relationships between a man and his wife, and between a father and his young daughter still living in his house. Numbers 30

This ends this reading from God's holy word. Thanks be to God.

Promises or commitments. Both typically result from one person making a pact with another. Sometimes this pact can be in the form of a signed agreement like a contract. Most of the time it’s done less formal and usually verbally between two parties in the way of an oath or vow…a promise or a pledge.

It was this matter that God gives guidance on in Numbers 30 as He gives Moses regulations “concerning relationships between a man and his wife, and between a father and his young daughter still living in his house”. At the heart of the matter of making vows, pledges, oaths or any form of obligation, was the matter of relationship.

The father had full responsibility and accountability for raising his daughter as long as she was living in his household and she wasn’t to make any promise without first consulting her father about it. This was rooted firmly in the 5th commandment given by God to Moses, “Honor your father and mother”. (Exodus 20:12) Consulting your father was expected as a matter of respect.

We see in the scriptures that if the vow is known by the father and he “says nothing to her” then she is expected to fulfill “all her vows and every pledge by which she obligated herself”. By the father not saying anything, he is showing approval for the decision his daughter has made. However, if the “father forbids her when he hears about it”, then “none of her vows or the pledges by which she obligated herself will stand” because “the Lord will release her because her father has forbidden her”. The Father honors the decision of the father.

The second matter addressed by God is the matter of vows and paths taken by a wife within the confines of a marital relationship. Notice here that there is once again a matter of approval required with any promise made by the wife…this approval required of her husband…and once again, it’s a matter of respect.

Too many marital relationships in the times of Numbers and too many marital relationships today are suffering from poor communications. It’s simply paramount that couples talk to one another in order for a marriage to survive. Unfortunately, too often decisions are made separate from consulting with the spouse and this is where problems usually arise. It was this matter that God addresses in the second part of this passage.

Once again, note that validation of the vow made by the wife is contingent on the husband approving of it…just as in the case of the father and his daughter. If the wife utters a “rash promise by which she obligates herself” and “her husband hears about it but says nothing to her”, then “her vows or the pledges by which she obligated herself will stand”. “But if her husband forbids her when he hears about her “rash promise”, then he will nullify “the vow that obligates her or the rash promise by which she obligates herself and the Lord will release her”. Thus no promises are made outside the marriage without the husband knowing about them. It’s a matter of respect in the marriage between husband and wife.

Verses like these in the bible tend to peak people’s interest and even drive them to a point of frenzy because they will be read as controlling with one unable to make a decision on their own free from either their father or husband. But too often, dispute arises more out of a worldly perspective on relationship where anything goes. Spouses can pretty much free wheel and do what they like. Unfortunately, this is ditto for young girls as they are growing up. And given the numbers on divorce and teen pregnancies, it doesn’t appear that the world’s free wheeling approach is working out too well.

What we need to keep in mind is that the verses in the bible are the words of the Lord. They were spoken with authority and validity because God doesn’t error. Scripture tells us that His foolishness is wiser than our wisdom. (1 Corinthians 1:25) So in honoring His authority and wisdom…by honoring our Father…we are called to be obedient to His word. And there is nothing in this word today that is harmful to us. We are to ensure we honor the people we are in relationship with by communicating with them before we make a vow or promise. Maybe if we kept everything more up front, we would have much less deception going on. And one last point on that: God sees everything. So there is nothing we do that is hidden. We never get away with anything.

We need to also keep in mind that the Lord has shown us how to properly make promises through the promises He has given us. For He makes them and always keeps them. Consider these:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

“…be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" Hebrews 13:5-6

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

“…but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." John 4:14

“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:8-12

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17

Friends, these are just a few of His assurances. Maybe you have some to share that mean a lot to you. If so, please comment and give any testimony as to how that particular promise has meant the most to you. I hope to hear from you.

One closing thought on promises. We know the Lord makes them to us and is faithful to His word to us. How faithful are we to our word to Him? How well do we keep our promises to the Lord in our lives? Let us vow and promise to stay as true to the Lord as He is to us. Through committing ourselves fully to Christ…in other words, truly becoming a Christian…we can reach that goal. Amen.

In Christ,

Mark

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OUR PROTECTOR

Can I pray for you in any way? Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com In Christ, Mark

The scriptures. May God bless the reading of His holy word.

“The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.

The Lord protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me.

Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.

Psalm 116:5-7

This ends this reading from God's holy word. Thanks be to God.

For those who read my blogs regularly, you know that there are times when the Lord speaks to my heart through experiences that I feel led to write about in place of my daily walk through the scriptures. Today is one of those days.

I am currently in Sasebo, Japan…my fourth stop on a five stop Japan swing through command media detachments. I’m here to visit my Sailors but have the weekend off before doing so.

This morning, I went out for a walk to pick up a few items from the mini-mart. It was a rather hot, overcast and muggy morning but the rain had stopped at least for the moment and for that, I was grateful given that it rained the whole first day I was here.

As I was walking past the base exchange, I heard a bit of a commotion ahead…two very large black birds (looked like crows) loudly squawking as they were on the ground in the grass ahead. At first glance, it looked like the birds may have been mating. Often, nature isn’t very prudent about these actions. But as I drew nearer, I looked with immediate concern as the real actions revealed themselves.

For one of the black birds jumped as I approached, spooked by a large human coming and I could see that there was a smaller bird underneath it. Just then, the other bird struck out at the smaller bird with its long sharp beak. It was then that I quickly figured out what was happening. The smaller bird was injured and the larger birds were taking advantage of it, attacking the helpless bird on the ground. I picked up my step and scared the larger birds away, coming onto the little, injured bird who was still alive but looking very scared as it sat still right where the attacking birds had left it. Meanwhile, the attackers weren’t about to give up. They flew only a short distance and perched, still looking toward where I now stood, squawking and, I assume, waiting for me to pass so they could return and finish the injured bird off.

Well, I just couldn’t allow that to happen so I went toward the larger birds and spooked them some more. They flew a little further away and it was then that I returned to the bird in need of help. As I approached the bird, it suddenly flapped its wings and flew, albeit not far off the ground. It then landed and was able to walk. I felt the bird was weak and needed to find a safe place to recover so I walked behind it and coaxed it around the corner of the building. And then the attacking birds returned.

They sat and looked to see if they could get their bearings back on the injured bird now that I had helped him move from where he was prior. I quickly spooked them twice more and once again they flew off. It was then that I quickly coaxed the smaller bird to run underneath a group of dumpsters where he would be concealed and would be able to rest and hopefully recover.

As I left the area of the dumpsters and crossed the street, once again the foreboding, black birds returned. There were three of them now. I stood across the street and watched to see if the black birds would be able to find the smaller bird now that it was safely hidden. They didn’t. Unable to see him, they gave up and flew off. The little bird was safe.

As I walked back to my room after the experience, I couldn’t help but think about myself…about all of us…about how vulnerable we are and how Satan often swoops in like the big, attacking black birds and attacks us…not letting up unless we are rescued by someone bigger and more powerful that him…like the Lord. I then felt saddened as I thought about the many people in the world who don’t know the Lord…and thus don’t know who to turn to as they are being assaulted. It only underscored the critical importance of the ministry…and how each believer needs to be exhausting their energy to help others discover the Lord in their own lives…and in doing so, finding their source of protection and salvation. And when we discover this, we too can echo the words of the Psalmist:

“The Lord protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me.”

Amen.

In Christ,

Mark

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A PLEASING AROMA

Can I pray for you in any way? Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com In Christ, Mark

The scriptures. May God bless the reading of His holy word.

“The Lord said to Moses, "Give this command to the Israelites and say to them: 'See that you present to me at the appointed time the food for my offerings made by fire, as an aroma pleasing to me.' Say to them: 'This is the offering made by fire that you are to present to the Lord: two lambs a year old without defect, as a regular burnt offering each day. Prepare one lamb in the morning and the other at twilight, together with a grain offering of a tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with a quarter of a hin of oil from pressed olives. This is the regular burnt offering instituted at Mount Sinai as a pleasing aroma, an offering made to the Lord by fire. The accompanying drink offering is to be a quarter of a hin of fermented drink with each lamb. Pour out the drink offering to the Lord at the sanctuary. Prepare the second lamb at twilight, along with the same kind of grain offering and drink offering that you prepare in the morning. This is an offering made by fire, an aroma pleasing to the Lord.

“ 'On the Sabbath day, make an offering of two lambs a year old without defect, together with its drink offering and a grain offering of two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil. This is the burnt offering for every Sabbath, in addition to the regular burnt offering and its drink offering.

" 'On the first of every month, present to the Lord a burnt offering of two young bulls, one ram and seven male lambs a year old, all without defect. With each bull there is to be a grain offering of three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil; with the ram, a grain offering of two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil; and with each lamb, a grain offering of a tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil. This is for a burnt offering, a pleasing aroma, an offering made to the Lord by fire. With each bull there is to be a drink offering of half a hin of wine; with the ram, a third of a hin; and with each lamb, a quarter of a hin. This is the monthly burnt offering to be made at each new moon during the year. Besides the regular burnt offering with its drink offering, one male goat is to be presented to the Lord as a sin offering.

" 'On the fourteenth day of the first month the Lord's Passover is to be held. On the fifteenth day of this month there is to be a festival; for seven days eat bread made without yeast. On the first day hold a sacred assembly and do no regular work. Present to the Lord an offering made by fire, a burnt offering of two young bulls, one ram and seven male lambs a year old, all without defect. With each bull prepare a grain offering of three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil; with the ram, two-tenths; and with each of the seven lambs, one-tenth. Include one male goat as a sin offering to make atonement for you. Prepare these in addition to the regular morning burnt offering. In this way prepare the food for the offering made by fire every day for seven days as an aroma pleasing to the Lord; it is to be prepared in addition to the regular burnt offering and its drink offering. On the seventh day hold a sacred assembly and do no regular work.

" 'On the day of firstfruits, when you present to the Lord an offering of new grain during the Feast of Weeks, hold a sacred assembly and do no regular work. Present a burnt offering of two young bulls, one ram and seven male lambs a year old as an aroma pleasing to the Lord. With each bull there is to be a grain offering of three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil; with the ram, two-tenths; and with each of the seven lambs, one-tenth. Include one male goat to make atonement for you. Prepare these together with their drink offerings, in addition to the regular burnt offering and its grain offering. Be sure the animals are without defect."

" 'On the first day of the seventh month hold a sacred assembly and do no regular work. It is a day for you to sound the trumpets. As an aroma pleasing to the Lord, prepare a burnt offering of one young bull, one ram and seven male lambs a year old, all without defect. With the bull prepare a grain offering of three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil; with the ram, two-tenths; and with each of the seven lambs, one-tenth. Include one male goat as a sin offering to make atonement for you. These are in addition to the monthly and daily burnt offerings with their grain offerings and drink offerings as specified. They are offerings made to the Lord by fire—a pleasing aroma.

" 'On the tenth day of this seventh month hold a sacred assembly. You must deny yourselves and do no work. Present as an aroma pleasing to the Lord a burnt offering of one young bull, one ram and seven male lambs a year old, all without defect. With the bull prepare a grain offering of three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil; with the ram, two-tenths; and with each of the seven lambs, one-tenth. Include one male goat as a sin offering, in addition to the sin offering for atonement and the regular burnt offering with its grain offering, and their drink offerings.

" 'On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, hold a sacred assembly and do no regular work. Celebrate a festival to the Lord for seven days. Present an offering made by fire as an aroma pleasing to the Lord, a burnt offering of thirteen young bulls, two rams and fourteen male lambs a year old, all without defect. With each of the thirteen bulls prepare a grain offering of three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil; with each of the two rams, two-tenths; and with each of the fourteen lambs, one-tenth. Include one male goat as a sin offering, in addition to the regular burnt offering with its grain offering and drink offering.
" 'On the second day prepare twelve young bulls, two rams and fourteen male lambs a year old, all without defect. With the bulls, rams and lambs, prepare their grain offerings and drink offerings according to the number specified. Include one male goat as a sin offering, in addition to the regular burnt offering with its grain offering, and their drink offerings.
" 'On the third day prepare eleven bulls, two rams and fourteen male lambs a year old, all without defect. With the bulls, rams and lambs, prepare their grain offerings and drink offerings according to the number specified. Include one male goat as a sin offering, in addition to the regular burnt offering with its grain offering and drink offering.
" 'On the fourth day prepare ten bulls, two rams and fourteen male lambs a year old, all without defect. With the bulls, rams and lambs, prepare their grain offerings and drink offerings according to the number specified. Include one male goat as a sin offering, in addition to the regular burnt offering with its grain offering and drink offering.
" 'On the fifth day prepare nine bulls, two rams and fourteen male lambs a year old, all without defect. With the bulls, rams and lambs, prepare their grain offerings and drink offerings according to the number specified. Include one male goat as a sin offering, in addition to the regular burnt offering with its grain offering and drink offering.
" 'On the sixth day prepare eight bulls, two rams and fourteen male lambs a year old, all without defect. With the bulls, rams and lambs, prepare their grain offerings and drink offerings according to the number specified. Include one male goat as a sin offering, in addition to the regular burnt offering with its grain offering and drink offering.
" 'On the seventh day prepare seven bulls, two rams and fourteen male lambs a year old, all without defect. With the bulls, rams and lambs, prepare their grain offerings and drink offerings according to the number specified. Include one male goat as a sin offering, in addition to the regular burnt offering with its grain offering and drink offering.
" 'On the eighth day hold an assembly and do no regular work. Present an offering made by fire as an aroma pleasing to the Lord, a burnt offering of one bull, one ram and seven male lambs a year old, all without defect. With the bull, the ram and the lambs, prepare their grain offerings and drink offerings according to the number specified. Include one male goat as a sin offering, in addition to the regular burnt offering with its grain offering and drink offering.
" 'In addition to what you vow and your freewill offerings, prepare these for the Lord at your appointed feasts: your burnt offerings, grain offerings, drink offerings and fellowship offerings.' "
Moses told the Israelites all that the Lord commanded him. Numbers 28 and 29

This ends this reading from God's holy word. Thanks be to God.

The matter of offerings and the proper conducting of them has been a common theme through our study of the Old Testament. However, up to this point, we haven’t seen a collection of all the required offerings with very specific guidance as to when and how these offerings were to be conducted. In Numbers 28 and 29, God provides this guidance. Think of it as one stop shopping for information on all required sacrifices.

Sacrifices were an important part of Old Testament worship. Typically, they were conducted to:

1. Serve a particular purpose such as to worship, to seek peace or forgiveness or atonement, to give thanks, to ask for God’s blessing, or just to try and make things right with God.
2. They could also be performed to commemorate a particular event such as Passover, the Sabbath, the Feast of Weeks, the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement or the Feast of the Tabernacles.

Two things are certain as we consider this matter of offerings:

1. God definitely expected the people to give them.
2. Offerings were satisfying to God when obediently carried out according to His guidance…each an aroma pleasing to Him

And it still holds true today.

What does God require of us? What does He expect us to do so that the “aroma” we send up from our lives becomes pleasing to Him? Consider these passages:

1. God requires all that we are. We can’t go any further in understanding the things He desires until we first give ourselves fully to Him…as living sacrifices.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:1-2

“Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.” Romans 6:12-14

2. God requires that we love Him and one another.

“One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"
"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."
"Well said, teacher," the man replied. "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices." Mark 12:28-33

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8

3. God requires that we provide for any brother or sister in need.

“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:14-17

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:16

“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.”
1 Peter 4:9-11

4. God requires that we pray in faith for one another.

“Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” James 5:13-16

5. God requires that we give Him our praise.

“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name.” Hebrews 13:15

6. God requires sacrificial giving of what He provides.

"Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—the whole nation of you—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.” Malachi 3:8-10

“As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. "I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on." Luke 21:1-4

Certainly, the bible has much to say about what God expects from us…far more than will fit in this devotional. The important key is that we realize and recognize that He does expect much from us in the way of giving and sacrificing for Him and others…that we continuously seek what He wants from us and then obediently carry out that will. In the end, my prayer is that all our lives give off an aroma that is pleasing to the Father. Amen.

In Christ,

Mark

PS: Please share this with anyone you feel might be blessed by it.

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THE RIGHT SPIRIT

Can I pray for you in any way? Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com In Christ, Mark

The scriptures. May God bless the reading of His holy word.

"Then the Lord said to Moses, "Go up this mountain in the Abarim range and see the land I have given the Israelites. After you have seen it, you too will be gathered to your people, as your brother Aaron was, for when the community rebelled at the waters in the Desert of Zin, both of you disobeyed my command to honor me as holy before their eyes." (These were the waters of Meribah Kadesh, in the Desert of Zin.)

Moses said to the Lord, "May the Lord, the God of the spirits of all mankind, appoint a man over this community to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the Lord's people will not be like sheep without a shepherd."

So the Lord said to Moses, "Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay your hand on him. Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the entire assembly and commission him in their presence. Give him some of your authority so the whole Israelite community will obey him. He is to stand before Eleazar the priest, who will obtain decisions for him by inquiring of the Urim before the Lord. At his command he and the entire community of the Israelites will go out, and at his command they will come in."

Moses did as the Lord commanded him. He took Joshua and had him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole assembly. Then he laid his hands on him and commissioned him, as the Lord instructed through Moses." Numbers 27:12-23

This ends this reading from God's holy word. Thanks be to God.

You'll recall that Moses was a very faithful and obedient servant unto the Lord. In fact, the Lord held him in the highest esteem, guiding, mentoring and nurturing him from the day He chose Moses at the burning bush through the long exodus of Israel from Egypt toward the Promised Land. God often met with Moses personally. In fact, no other Israelite had the kind of intimate relationship with God that Moses had. So if anyone might have earned some sort of right to special favor, it would have been Moses. But although we do serve a God of mercy and grace, we don't serve a God of special favors.

For recall when Moses and Aaron were dealing with an ever complaining Israelite people who were asking for water. Remember that Moses asked the people if he and Aaron must bring water out of a rock after which he struck the rock with his staff and the water flowed freely to the people and their livestock. (Numbers 20:9-11) His words, not his actions, angered God because Moses, at a time when he was to give God all the glory for the miracle that he was able to take part in, instead assumed the credit for himself and Aaron. And it cost both of them their lives and a chance to enter the Holy Land.

It's this penalty that God is talking about at the beginning of today's passage when He said:

"Go up this mountain in the Abarim range and see the land I have given the Israelites. After you have seen it, you too will be gathered to your people, as your brother Aaron was, for when the community rebelled at the waters in the Desert of Zin, both of you disobeyed my command to honor me as holy before their eyes." (These were the waters of Meribah Kadesh, in the Desert of Zin.)

Moses' brother, Aaron, has already passed (Numbers 20:27-29) and Moses will be next as he is gathered to his people after he sees the land that Israel will inherit. Moses could have spent time disputing God's decision. You'll recall that he never hesitated to go before God to interceded for the sinful Israelites at times when God's rage angered against them. Moses always seemed to have a way of convincing God to show mercy and grace in the midst of judgment. Yet now, as he faced his consequences for sinning, Moses doesn't show concern for himself. Instead, he shows concern for his people.

For Moses said to the Lord, "May the Lord, the God of the spirits of all mankind, appoint a man over this community to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the Lord's people will not be like sheep without a shepherd." Moses knew he was not going to be the man who would lead Israel into Canaan and he was very concerned that the right leader was selected to take his place…a leader who could "go out and come in before" Israel…a leader who could "lead them out and bring them in"…a shepherd to lead the flock into the Promised Land.

Scripture tells us that God honored that request told Moses to, "Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay your hand on him. Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the entire assembly and commission him in their presence. Give him some of your authority so the whole Israelite community will obey him. He is to stand before Eleazar the priest, who will obtain decisions for him by inquiring of the Urim before the Lord. At his command he and the entire community of the Israelites will go out, and at his command they will come in." So "Moses did as the Lord commanded" and had Joshua "stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole assembly" before he "laid his hands on him and commissioned him as the Lord instructed". The passdown was complete and Joshua was the new leader of Israel, ending the tenure of Moses.

We have learned many lessons from Moses as we have journeyed through Exodus, Leviticus and now Numbers and today's scripture is no different. As we seek to lead spiritually, it's important that we have the right spirit and in Moses, we can capture some important components of that spirit in our passage today.

1. The right spirit of leadership includes an attitude of accountability. Moses knew he had erred at the rock in the Desert of Zin. He had watched Israel err as well many times over and had witnessed first hand as God held them accountable. Now he knew it was his turn. He didn't try and leverage his special relationship with God to his advantage. Instead, he accepted God's decision and judgment. As we lead others, we need to learn a couple of lessons from Moses. First, anyone is prone to fail and fall if they begin to see themselves rather than God as the source of power behind success, whether in leadership or life. Secondly, we need to take responsibility for our wrongs when we commit them. No passing the buck. No trying to lie out of our situation. Only confession and acceptance of what God decides to do to correct us…even if that means ending life.

2. The right spirit of leadership includes humility and caring. Knowing his time was coming to a close, Moses didn't react selfishly or pridefully but rather humbly. His first place of concern was with his people and how they would be cared for once he was gone. In doing so, Moses mirrored the attitude of a Savior, Jesus, who was soon to come. For Christ, knew He was destined to die, not because He erred but because He loved and cared for us enough to allow Himself and our sins to be nailed to the cross of Calvary. As we lead others, let us also embody these critical traits of humility and caring toward those entrusted to us.

3. The right spirit of leadership includes obedience. God expects us to turn to Him for direction and when He gives it, we only have one right option: to obey Him fully. Moses asked God to ensure his people were cared for. In response to his request, God told Moses to pass on his leadership to Joshua. In other words, God told Moses to give up his position to another…and the scripture tells us that Moses complied fully. In doing so, Moses turned over a people he had invested a great deal of time in…a people he had traveled many miles with…a people he loved. And herein is the main point of obedience. We obey because we love and respect not only God but others as well, especially when God is asking us to do something with those we are responsible for. Going back to Jesus, He was willing to accept death and do so obediently because He loved us and would trade His life for ours. As in everything else, He, not Moses, set the bar for obedience. We only need follow His lead as we lead others.

The right spirit of leadership. It involves accountability. It involves humility and caring. And it involves obedience to the One and only One worthy of being obeyed in all things. The bottom line is that we can only lead others properly if we are first being led by the Father. Thanks be to God for the blessing of the right spirit through the Holy Spirit for anyone He calls to lead. Amen.

In Christ,

Mark

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A FAIR AND CARING GOD

Can I pray for you in any way? Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com In Christ, Mark

The scriptures. May God bless the reading of His holy word.

"The daughters of Zelophehad son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Makir, the son of Manasseh, belonged to the clans of Manasseh son of Joseph. The names of the daughters were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah. They approached the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders and the whole assembly, and said, "Our father died in the desert. He was not among Korah's followers, who banded together against the Lord, but he died for his own sin and left no sons. Why should our father's name disappear from his clan because he had no son? Give us property among our father's relatives." So Moses brought their case before the Lord and the Lord said to him, "What Zelophehad's daughters are saying is right. You must certainly give them property as an inheritance among their father's relatives and turn their father's inheritance over to them. "Say to the Israelites, 'If a man dies and leaves no son, turn his inheritance over to his daughter. If he has no daughter, give his inheritance to his brothers. If he has no brothers, give his inheritance to his father's brothers. If his father had no brothers, give his inheritance to the nearest relative in his clan, that he may possess it. This is to be a legal requirement for the Israelites, as the Lord commanded Moses.' "

Numbers 27:1-11

This ends this reading from God's holy word. Thanks be to God.

Chapter 26 documented the second census and it was this event that led to the issue at the start of Chapter 27. The passage begins with the "daughters of Zelophehad…Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah" approaching the "entrance to the Tent of Meeting" and standing "before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders and the whole assembly" where they made the following request:

"Our father died in the desert. He was not among Korah's followers, who banded together against the Lord, but he died for his own sin and left no sons. Why should our father's name disappear from his clan because he had no son? Give us property among our father's relatives."

Not wanting to make any decision without consulting God, Moses took their request before Him and the Lord replied:

"What Zelophehad's daughters are saying is right. You must certainly give them property as an inheritance among their father's relatives and turn their father's inheritance over to them."

And the Lord further added guidance that would apply to any other similar case saying:

"Say to the Israelites, 'If a man dies and leaves no son, turn his inheritance over to his daughter. If he has no daughter, give his inheritance to his brothers. If he has no brothers, give his inheritance to his father's brothers. If his father had no brothers, give his inheritance to the nearest relative in his clan, that he may possess it. This is to be a legal requirement for the Israelites…"

In these decisions, we see a God who is willing to consider any and all situations…a God who is fair and caring…a God who always wants the best for us. And we see a God who is as Solomon speaks about when he said, "For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones." Proverbs 2:6-8

Thanks be to God that we a Father who loves us, His faithful ones, and cares for us so much that He would ensure we are properly cared for and treated in accordance with His will for our lives. May He ever receive all our honor, glory and praise. Amen.

In Christ,

Mark

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YOU COUNT!

NOTE: I am safely in Japan where I will be for the next two weeks. I am 13 hours ahead of the US so please bear with me on my posting times. I promise to get the devotions up daily. In Christ, Mark

Can I pray for you in any way? Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com In Christ, Mark

The scriptures. May God bless the reading of His holy word.

"After the plague the Lord said to Moses and Eleazar son of Aaron, the priest, "Take a census of the whole Israelite community by families—all those twenty years old or more who are able to serve in the army of Israel." So on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho, Moses and Eleazar the priest spoke with them and said, "Take a census of the men twenty years old or more, as the LORD commanded Moses."

These were the Israelites who came out of Egypt:

The descendants of Reuben, the firstborn son of Israel, were: through Hanoch, the Hanochite clan; through Pallu, the Palluite clan; through Hezron, the Hezronite clan; through Carmi, the Carmite clan.

These were the clans of Reuben; those numbered were 43,730.

The son of Pallu was Eliab, and the sons of Eliab were Nemuel, Dathan and Abiram. The same Dathan and Abiram were the community officials who rebelled against Moses and Aaron and were among Korah's followers when they rebelled against the Lord. The earth opened its mouth and swallowed them along with Korah, whose followers died when the fire devoured the 250 men. And they served as a warning sign. The line of Korah, however, did not die out.

The descendants of Simeon by their clans were:

through Nemuel, the Nemuelite clan; through Jamin, the Jaminite clan; through Jakin, the Jakinite clan; through Zerah, the Zerahite clan; through Shaul, the Shaulite clan. These were the clans of Simeon; there were 22,200 men.

The descendants of Gad by their clans were:

through Zephon, the Zephonite clan; through Haggi, the Haggite clan; through Shuni, the Shunite clan; through Ozni, the Oznite clan; through Eri, the Erite clan; through Arodi, the Arodite clan;
through Areli, the Arelite clan.

These were the clans of Gad; those numbered were 40,500. Er and Onan were sons of Judah, but they died in Canaan.

The descendants of Judah by their clans were:

through Shelah, the Shelanite clan; through Perez, the Perezite clan; through Zerah, the Zerahite clan.

The descendants of Perez were:

through Hezron, the Hezronite clan; through Hamul, the Hamulite clan. These were the clans of Judah; those numbered were 76,500.

The descendants of Issachar by their clans were:

through Tola, the Tolaite clan; through Puah, the Puite clan; through Jashub, the Jashubite clan; through Shimron, the Shimronite clan. These were the clans of Issachar; those numbered were 64,300.

The descendants of Zebulun by their clans were:

through Sered, the Seredite clan; through Elon, the Elonite clan; through Jahleel, the Jahleelite clan. These were the clans of Zebulun; those numbered were 60,500.

The descendants of Joseph by their clans through Manasseh and Ephraim were:

The descendants of Manasseh: through Makir, the Makirite clan (Makir was the father of Gilead through Gilead, the Gileadite clan.

These were the descendants of Gilead:

through Iezer, the Iezerite clan; through Helek, the Helekite clan; through Asriel, the Asrielite clan; through Shechem, the Shechemite clan; through Shemida, the Shemidaite clan; through Hepher, the Hepherite clan. (Zelophehad son of Hepher had no sons; he had only daughters, whose names were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah.)

These were the clans of Manasseh; those numbered were 52,700.

These were the descendants of Ephraim by their clans:

through Shuthelah, the Shuthelahite clan; through Beker, the Bekerite clan; through Tahan, the Tahanite clan.

These were the descendants of Shuthelah:

through Eran, the Eranite clan.

These were the clans of Ephraim; those numbered were 32,500.

These were the descendants of Joseph by their clans.

The descendants of Benjamin by their clans were:

through Bela, the Belaite clan; through Ashbel, the Ashbelite clan; through Ahiram, the Ahiramite clan; through Shupham, the Shuphamite clan; through Hupham, the Huphamite clan.

The descendants of Bela through Ard and Naaman were:

through Ard, the Ardite clan; through Naaman, the Naamite clan.

These were the clans of Benjamin; those numbered were 45,600.

These were the descendants of Dan by their clans:

through Shuham, the Shuhamite clan.

These were the clans of Dan:

All of them were Shuhamite clans; and those numbered were 64,400.

The descendants of Asher by their clans were:

through Imnah, the Imnite clan; through Ishvi, the Ishvite clan; through Beriah, the Beriite clan;

and through the descendants of Beriah: through Heber, the Heberite clan; through Malkiel, the Malkielite clan. (Asher had a daughter named Serah.)

These were the clans of Asher; those numbered were 53,400.

The descendants of Naphtali by their clans were:

through Jahzeel, the Jahzeelite clan; through Guni, the Gunite clan; through Jezer, the Jezerite clan; through Shillem, the Shillemite clan.

These were the clans of Naphtali; those numbered were 45,400.

The total number of the men of Israel was 601,730.

The Lord said to Moses, "The land is to be allotted to them as an inheritance based on the number of names. To a larger group give a larger inheritance, and to a smaller group a smaller one; each is to receive its inheritance according to the number of those listed. Be sure that the land is distributed by lot. What each group inherits will be according to the names for its ancestral tribe. Each inheritance is to be distributed by lot among the larger and smaller groups."

These were the Levites who were counted by their clans:

through Gershon, the Gershonite clan; through Kohath, the Kohathite clan; through Merari, the Merarite clan.

These also were Levite clans:

the Libnite clan, the Hebronite clan, the Mahlite clan, the Mushite clan, the Korahite clan. (Kohath was the forefather of Amram; the name of Amram's wife was Jochebed, a descendant of Levi, who was born to the Levites in Egypt. To Amram she bore Aaron, Moses and their sister Miriam. Aaron was the father of Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. But Nadab and Abihu died when they made an offering before the Lord with unauthorized fire.)

All the male Levites a month old or more numbered 23,000. They were not counted along with the other Israelites because they received no inheritance among them.

These are the ones counted by Moses and Eleazar the priest when they counted the Israelites on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho. Not one of them was among those counted by Moses and Aaron the priest when they counted the Israelites in the Desert of Sinai. For the Lord had told those Israelites they would surely die in the desert, and not one of them was left except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun." Numbers 26

This ends this reading from God's holy word. Thanks be to God.

As we look at Chapter 26, we’re reminded about why this book is titled Numbers. For now that Israel is near the end of their 40 years of God-imposed desert wandering, God orders a second census taken…a count of the people of Israel by tribe just as He had ordered in Chapters 1 and 2 of this book as Israel had departed Canaan.

Scripture tells us this census occurred "after the plague" with the Lord giving instruction to "Moses and Eleazar son of Aaron, the priest". You’ll recall that Aaron was tasked with Moses at the beginning of Numbers. Now that he had passed away, the privilege went to his son, Eleazar. One final note on this census. Just as in the first one, all "men twenty years old or more" were to be counted.

So "on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho", Moses and Eleazar ordered the count and the following 46 verses detail the count with a final total of 601,730…1,820 less than the total after Israel had left Egypt. And keep this in mind about this number. For at the end of this chapter, God’s word makes it clear that He is a God who keeps His word. You’ll recall that Israel was punished for their lack of faith and disobedience as they were to enter Canaan the first time by being turned away and made to wander in the desert for 40 years, one year for every day that the advance scouts had spent in Canaan prior to returning and stirring up dissent among the Israelites. This desert wandering was intended to ensure that none of that disobedient generation would enter the Promised Land with the exception of Caleb and Joshua. Now, God was making good on His promise as scripture tells us that not one of those counted were "among those counted by Moses and Aaron the priest when they counted the Israelites in the Desert of Sinai"…"not one of them was left except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun".

Going back to the first census, it was taken primarily for Israel to get organized. You’ll recall that the Israelite people left Egypt in mass and it wasn’t until they were counted and divided up into their respective camps that they could begin their journey toward the Promised Land. Now that Israel was about to enter Canaan, this census was taken to establish rights to the land that was soon to be inherited.

Back to the scripture, we read where the Lord said to Moses, "The land is to be allotted to them as an inheritance based on the number of names. To a larger group give a larger inheritance, and to a smaller group a smaller one; each is to receive its inheritance according to the number of those listed. Be sure that the land is distributed by lot. What each group inherits will be according to the names for its ancestral tribe. Each inheritance is to be distributed by lot among the larger and smaller groups." The Lord didn’t want any in-fighting over property once Israel entered Canaan so He set guidelines for land distribution. Of special note is that the Lord stayed consistent with His policy on the Levites…a tribe that was His tribe because of their special privilege and obligation to manage the tabernacle and worship (Numbers 3). All "male Levites a month old or more" were counted and "numbered 23,000" but they "were not counted along with the other Israelites because they received no inheritance among them". This also stayed consistent with God’s earlier guidance when He said the Levites would not gain an inheritance but only tend to everything in the tabernacle.

So what do we take away from this passage…a passage so laden with numbers?

First, every person counts to God. They did back in the days of early Israel…and they still do today. How much does the Lord value you?

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not more valuable than they?" (Matthew 6:25-26) Indeed, to the Lord we are.

Second, God is in control. All we need to do is allow Him to dictate how we conduct our life matters. Moses and Eleazar weren’t allowed to come up with their own plan to distribute land. No…the land was God’s land…the land flowing with milk and honey…the land He was giving to the people of Israel as an inheritance. And just as a will details who will get what and how much, so too does God set the criteria to how His inheritance will be divided. Knowing this, we can say as David, "Lord, You have assigned me my portion and my cup; You have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance." (Psalm 16:5-6)

Finally, God is true to His promises. Although He punished a disobedient Israel, He still made the way for the next generation to enter the Promised Land. "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these, He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature…" 2 Peter 1:3-4

What an awesome blessing it is to have such a wonderful Father who cares for us, guides us and stays true to His promises, blessing us and, sometimes, correcting us along this Christian walk were on. All praise, honor, and glory belongs to Him. Amen.

In Christ,

Mark

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FATHER'S DAY...EVERY DAY

Can I pray for you in any way? Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com In Christ, Mark

The scriptures. May God bless the reading of His holy word.

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” 1 John 3:1

This ends this reading from God's holy word. Thanks be to God.

Well, Father’s Day is upon us once again. I was blessed to be able to spend the last several days with my parents in Pennsylvania and celebrate Father’s Day with my Dad a few days early. I also was in my hometown to participate in my 30 year high school reunion. It was these two events that collided and began to conjure up memories in me…memories of times past when I was home and under the nurture and mentorship of my father and mother.

The day after Grace and I arrived in Pennsylvania, we went to a baseball game in Pittsburgh to watch the Pirates play the Nationals. As I drove down to the game with my father sitting next to me, I couldn’t help but reminisce about my younger days when he would drive me to games…first at Forbes Field and then to Three Rivers Stadium. It was always great to watch the games and listen to Dad not only teach me the basic intricacies of the game but also tell me about the games he used to go to when he was my age. Oh how I cherish those memories.

I also cherish the memories of a father who taught me the importance of hard work and an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay (my mother did as well…smile). I cherish a father who wouldn’t hesitate to correct me when I needed it, especially if I would become disrespectful either to him of my mom. I cherish a father who would bend over backwards to help anyone in need…a father who was a cheerful giver. And I cherish a father who never ceased to love me…a father who has bragged about me as I have become an adult and embodied much of what he was…and even more. I only pray my own daughters cherish me half as much as I do my own father.

Today, as I drove first from Pennsylvania to Virginia Beach and then turned around and drove from Virginia Beach to my rental in MD in advance of my two week trip to Japan (leave tomorrow AM), I had a lot of time to think about my dad and my own experience as a father. And as I thought about it, I was drawn to one conclusion: we both knew how to be blessed fathers because of our Divine Blessed Father in Heaven. It was because He first Fathered us that we could ever father the children He entrusted to our care.

Indeed, our (my father and my) Heavenly Father is the Father of us all. No one is void of the greatest Father known. We are all His children and thus no one is fatherless. For I understand that not everyone has a great testimony to tell about their worldly father. Many dads have shirked the responsibility placed upon them by the Lord. But this doesn’t mean that one is without a Father. We only need turn to the heavens and find the Father who will never leave us nor forsake us…the Father who will never cease to love us. Truly, how great is the love the Father has lavished upon us that we should be called children of God! Friends, is this not good news for us all…not just on Father’s Day but on every day.

For when we recognize and acknowledge our Father in Heaven as being our one true Father, every day becomes a celebration of Him and what He has done for us, what He is presently doing for us and what He is yet to do for us. Every day becomes a day of praise and rejoicing…another day that He has blessed us with so we only need to be glad in it.

So as we go through each day of life, let us take a moment to pause and thank our Father for His goodness, grace, mercy and love. For every day should be Father’s Day because our Father gives us each day we live. Amen.

In Christ,

Mark

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AVOIDING TEMPTATION

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The scriptures. May God bless the reading of His holy word.

"While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with Moabite women, who invited them to the sacrifices to their gods. The people ate and bowed down before these gods. So Israel joined in worshiping the Baal of Peor.

And the Lord's anger burned against them. The Lord said to Moses, "Take all the leaders of these people, kill them and expose them in broad daylight before the Lord, so that the Lord's fierce anger may turn away from Israel." So Moses said to Israel's judges, "Each of you must put to death those of your men who have joined in worshiping the Baal of Peor."

Then an Israelite man brought to his family a Midianite woman right before the eyes of Moses and the whole assembly of Israel while they were weeping at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. When Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, the priest, saw this, he left the assembly, took a spear in his hand and followed the Israelite into the tent. He drove the spear through both of them—through the Israelite and into the woman's body. Then the plague against the Israelites was stopped; but those who died in the plague numbered 24,000.

The Lord said to Moses, "Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, the priest, has turned my anger away from the Israelites; for he was as zealous as I am for my honor among them, so that in my zeal I did not put an end to them. Therefore tell him I am making my covenant of peace with him. He and his descendants will have a covenant of a lasting priesthood, because he was zealous for the honor of his God and made atonement for the Israelites."

The name of the Israelite who was killed with the Midianite woman was Zimri son of Salu, the leader of a Simeonite family. And the name of the Midianite woman who was put to death was Cozbi daughter of Zur, a tribal chief of a Midianite family.

The Lord said to Moses, "Treat the Midianites as enemies and kill them, because they treated you as enemies when they deceived you in the affair of Peor and their sister Cozbi, the daughter of a Midianite leader, the woman who was killed when the plague came as a result of Peor."

Numbers 25

This ends this reading from God's holy word. Thanks be to God.

As Israel camped outside of Moab, we have studied how King Balak had been trying to curse Israel through using the renowned diviner Balaam. Each time an attempt was made, Balaam would instead end up blessing Israel because of His association with God who was unlike any god Balaam had ever encountered. God, speaking through Balaam, stood up for His people and portrayed them as a strong and formidable force, able to find victory over any opponent…all because He was with them and His power was their power as long as they remained obedient.
So Israel once again had everything going their way. And once again, we see where a portion of the people decided to disobey God and His commands.

For Chapter 25 opens with Israel "staying in Shittim". While they were there, "the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with Moabite women, who invited them to the sacrifices to their gods" and the Israelites accepted the invite, as they "ate and bowed down before these gods" while joining in "worshiping the Baal of Peor". Israel knew that openly disobeying God’s commandments resulted in His disfavor and punishment…yet they couldn’t resist the pull of sin which beckoned them to indulge in their sinful, sexual desires and not only that but worship of false gods as well. You know what comes next. Things were about to get ugly.

For the "Lord's anger burned against them" prompting the Lord to tell Moses, "Take all the leaders of these people, kill them and expose them in broad daylight before the Lord, so that the Lord's fierce anger may turn away from Israel." So Moses told Israel's judges, "Each of you must put to death those of your men who have joined in worshiping the Baal of Peor." God also sent a plague among the Israelites that killed 24,000 before it was stopped…a very heavy price to pay for disobedience and far greater this time than when Korah and his allies rebelled against God in Numbers 16.

What caused the plague to stop? It was the actions of "Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron" who saw an Israelite man flaunting a Moabite woman in front of "Moses and the whole assembly of Israel". Disgusted with the immorality that was taking place in the Tent, Phinehas "took a spear in his hand"…and drove it "through both of them". His actions saved many Israelite lives and gained God’s favor. For we read where the Lord said to Moses, "Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, the priest, has turned my anger away from the Israelites; for he was as zealous as I am for my honor among them, so that in my zeal I did not put an end to them. Therefore tell him I am making my covenant of peace with him. He and his descendants will have a covenant of a lasting priesthood, because he was zealous for the honor of his God and made atonement for the Israelites." Once again, we see where God favors and blesses those who remain loyal to His will, word and way. Conversely, His wrath and punishment can be expected for those who choose to pursue their own sinful desires and willfully disobey God. Israel knew all this and yet still chose to test God. One wonders when they will ever get it.

I think we can all relate well to Israel. If we’re truly honest with ourselves, we see where we fully know what God expects and yet we too often choose to give into our sinful desires, despite knowing the consequences. Such is the pull of sin in the world and it can easily suck us in just as it did Israel if we let our guard down. So what can we do to avoid falling to sin? Consider these recommendations supported by verses from God’s word:

1. Watch and pray.

Jesus said, "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." Matthew 26:41

2. Turn to God for your way out.

"So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." 1 Corinthians 10:12-13

3. Enter into God’s rest.

"There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience." Hebrews 4:9-11

4. Stay strong in God’s word.

Jesus used God’s word to combat Satan’s temptations in Matthew, Chapter 4.

For, "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever." And this is the word that was preached to you. 1 Peter 1:24-25

5. Build your life on the Lord’s solid foundation.

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." Matthew 7:24-27

Friends, understand that Satan wants nothing more that to have you fail in sin. Understand as well that the Lord wishes for nothing more that for you to be faithful, obedient and strong as you live every day in accordance with His will. We need only turn to the Lord each and every day to ensure Satan doesn’t have the victory. Indeed, as the words of the Lord’s Prayer petitions, "Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil". Let this be our plea each and every day we’re blessed with.

In Christ,

Mark

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STRENGTH FOR VICTORY

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The scriptures. May God bless the reading of His holy word.

Now I am going back to my people, but come, let me warn you of what this people will do to your people in days to come."

Then he uttered his oracle:

"The oracle of Balaam son of Beor, the oracle of one whose eye sees clearly, the oracle of one who hears the words of God, who has knowledge from the Most High, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who falls prostrate, and whose eyes are opened:

"I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near.

A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel. He will crush the foreheads of Moab, the skulls of all the sons of Sheth. Edom will be conquered; Seir, his enemy, will be conquered, but Israel will grow strong. A ruler will come out of Jacob and destroy the survivors of the city."

Then Balaam saw Amalek and uttered his oracle:

"Amalek was first among the nations, but he will come to ruin at last."

Then he saw the Kenites and uttered his oracle:

"Your dwelling place is secure, your nest is set in a rock; yet you Kenites will be destroyed when Asshur takes you captive."

Then he uttered his oracle:

"Ah, who can live when God does this? Ships will come from the shores of Kittim; they will subdue Asshur and Eber, but they too will come to ruin."

Then Balaam got up and returned home and Balak went his own way.

Numbers 24:14-25

This ends this reading from God's holy word. Thanks be to God.

"May those who bless you be blessed and those who curse you be cursed!" Numbers 24:9

These words of God were a promise that would come true over and over when we examine the history of Israel. As Balaam delivers his final four oracles before leaving Balak, he tells some of what is about to come for those who would decide to oppose Israel…and in doing so God..."in the days to come". And of special interest in this passage is that the days to come don’t only include the times ahead when King David, Saul, Hezekiah and others will triumph over enemies but also the days when a Messiah will be born through which final victory will be won forever. For Balaam tells us a "star will come out of Jacob" and a "scepter will rise out of Israel". He can "see him, but not now…behold him, but not near" but what is clear are the victories that will arise out of the star, a word that often was used to reference a king.

Balaam goes onto mention the fate of those who would soon oppose Israel…some for the first time while others would be familiar foes to Israel.

First up was Edom. You’ll recall from Numbers, chapter 20, that Israel had wanted to cross through Edom but was not granted permission. In fact, the king of Edom was so disturbed by Israel’s size that he sent his army to the border to send a message that Israel wasn’t welcome. Unlike future opposing groups who Israel would battle against and defeat, Edom was left alone.

In Balaam’s oracle, this wouldn’t last for scripture tells us that the coming star will "crush…the skulls of all the sons of Sheth" and "Edom will be conquered; Seir (another word for Edom), his enemy, will be conquered".

But Edom wasn’t the only kingdom that would be crushed for Balak had to truly be disturbed at what Balaam also said…that the star would also "crush the foreheads of Moab". Indeed, the very nation that Balak feared and thus wanted cursed would have victory over him and his people.

The next vision came against Amalek. You’ll recall that the Amalekites were the first group that attacked Israel after they had departed Egypt on their exodus (Exodus 17). They didn’t gain victory then and they wouldn’t in the future either. Balaam predicted that "Amalek…will come to ruin at last" and they did at the hands of Israel led by Kings David and Saul.

Next up were the Kenites who although seemingly sheltered ("Your dwelling place is secure, your nest is set in a rock") would be destroyed not by Israel but rather Assyria ("Asshur") who would take them captive.

Finally, Balaam shares the seventh oracle which extends beyond the immediate boundaries of Canaan. Here, we read that "ships will come from the shores of Kittim (Cyprus and also referring to Rome). These forces will subdue Assyria, a mighty power who will later attack and capture Israel’s northern kingdom, and Eber, western Semites descended from Eber (Genesis 10) who settled in Canaan, but even these victories would not establish them as all powerful for "they too will come to ruin". Ultimately, it’s God who has full victory.

Through Balaam’s last four oracles, we see a common theme and one we need always remember as we walk through our lives and face opposition, especially against our faith. Balaam said early on in this passage that as the enemies of Israel were weakened or destroyed, Israel became stronger (verse 18). And so it will be for us is we stay firm in our belief and trust in the Lord, no matter the circumstances or challenges. Through it all, God is there to lead us, guide us, protect us, strengthen us and ultimately grant us victory over whatever this world wants to bring our way. Consider these wonderful words from the Psalms:

"The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?…Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence. I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Psalm 27:1, 11-14

"The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble. The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him." Psalm 37:39-40

"From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings." Psalm 61:2-4

"I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies." Psalm 18:1-3

Indeed, as Balaam states, "Ah, who can live when God does this?" (verse 23). The answer is those who believe and trust in the Father and His Son who not only brings us strength for victory now but forever more…long after this life ends. Amen.

In Christ,

Mark

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A GREATER REWARD

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The scriptures. May God bless the reading of His holy word.

When Balaam looked out and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came upon him and he uttered his oracle:

"The oracle of Balaam son of Beor, the oracle of one whose eye sees clearly, the oracle of one who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who falls prostrate, and whose eyes are opened:

"How beautiful are your tents, O Jacob, your dwelling places, O Israel!

"Like valleys they spread out, like gardens beside a river, like aloes planted by the Lord, like cedars beside the waters. Water will flow from their buckets; their seed will have abundant water.

"Their king will be greater than Agag; their kingdom will be exalted.

"God brought them out of Egypt; they have the strength of a wild ox. They devour hostile nations and break their bones in pieces; with their arrows they pierce them. Like a lion they crouch and lie down, like a lioness—who dares to rouse them?

"May those who bless you be blessed and those who curse you be cursed!"

Then Balak's anger burned against Balaam. He struck his hands together and said to him, "I summoned you to curse my enemies, but you have blessed them these three times. Now leave at once and go home! I said I would reward you handsomely, but the LORD has kept you from being rewarded."

Balaam answered Balak, "Did I not tell the messengers you sent me, 'Even if Balak gave me his palace filled with silver and gold, I could not do anything of my own accord, good or bad, to go beyond the command of the Lord -and I must say only what the Lord says'?

Numbers 24:3-13

This ends this reading from God's holy word. Thanks be to God.

In this passage, Balaam tells Balak the third oracle from the Lord. We see where it is very much like the first two as Israel is portrayed as blessed and powerful because of their God who is very much with them. This God that Balaam was supposed to manipulate instead transformed and manipulated Balaam. The diviner was divined by the Almighty Father.

We can see specific signs as to how Balaam was transformed in the words of this scripture.
First, we read where Balaam was "one whose eye sees clearly…whose eyes are opened". While Balak could not see the way and will of the Lord in the lives of Israel or in the matter at hand, Balaam did. He did because He believed and trusted in God, even if at first he really didn’t quite grasp this omnipotent, all powerful God of Israel…a God like no other god he had ever attempted to communicate before. This God fully opened Balaam’s eyes so that he could see how very blessed Israel was…so much so that he wished he could join them (Numbers 23:10).

Secondly, Balaam was one who "hears the words of God". Balaam’s eyes were opened only as he listened to the words that God planted in his heart and mind. Through God’s words, Balaam was able to understand Israel’s special relationship with them…and also begin to understand that he too had a special relationship with this God…a God like no other.

Third, Balaam was one who "sees a vision from the Almighty". In all of the three oracles, God painted a vivid picture of Israel and their power by using illustrations…providing the vision to the visions He provided. Note how Israel is compared to the lion or lioness and to the wild ox. Their situation is shown as being blessed complete with beautiful valleys and gardens…aloes and cedars. Their water will flow with abundance to their seed…and thus they will flourish and grow in and through Him. Truly, when we truly hear the word of God and open our eyes to what He is telling us…then we will clearly see His vision for us and may times, those around us by way of the Holy Spirit.

Finally, we see where Balaam was one "who falls prostrate" before God. Balaam came to acknowledge and respect God as being all powerful and Almighty. And he also realized that compare to this God, he was nothing. This was a God he had no control over. This God did not bow down to man. Rather, man was to bow down before this God…prostrate in humbleness and humility.

Indeed, Balaam had gained a great deal from God. In fact so rich was his reward for coming into a relationship with the Father, that Balaam felt that even if Balak gave him his palace filled with silver and gold, then Balaam still could not do anything of his own accord, good or bad, to go beyond the command of the Lord. No reward was greater than what he got from God. And there is no greater reward for us as well than to hear the word of the Lord, use it so we can see clearly, gather in God’s vision of what we see and fall prostrate before the God Almighty who wishes to partner with us for His glory.

Question: Where are you in your relationship with God? Are you listening for His word and will? Are you waiting for your eyes to be opened? Do you yearn to catch a glimpse of God’s vision? And do you see yourself as nothing in front of a God who is everything…falling prostrate before Him?

I’ll close with some words from Jesus that speak to the sense of discovery found by Balaam. Balaam found that in God, He gained something of far more value than any worldly riches that Balak could lavish upon him. Hear these words from Jesus:

"Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done." Matthew 16:24-27

Question: Have you traded in the world for Jesus yet? My prayer is you have and if you haven’t, don’t delay. Your very life now and forever depends upon your decision.

In Christ,

Mark

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BE HAPPY...YOU ARE BLESSED!

Can I pray for you in any way? Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com In Christ, Mark

The scriptures. May God bless the reading of His holy word.

Then Balak said to Balaam, "Come, let me take you to another place. Perhaps it will please God to let you curse them for me from there." And Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, overlooking the wasteland. Balaam said, "Build me seven altars here, and prepare seven bulls and seven rams for me." Balak did as Balaam had said, and offered a bull and a ram on each altar.

Now when Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he did not resort to sorcery as at other times, but turned his face toward the desert. When Balaam looked out and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the Spirit of God came upon him and he uttered his oracle"

Numbers 23:27-30, 24:1-2a

This ends this reading from God's holy word. Thanks be to God.

Twice Balak has tried to curse Israel through the diviner Balaam. Twice he has been thwarted by God who has not allowed any mere man to curse the people He has blessed. But as we see at the end of Chapter 23 and the start of Chapter 24, Balak refuses to give up. He takes Balaam to a third location, "the top of Peor, overlooking the wasteland" where Balak once again built seven altars and "offered a bull and a ram on each altar". This was all in hope that "it will please God to let you curse them for me from there." Balak still didn’t understand that God was not to be manipulated by man so that He would carry out man’s will. No…God’s will reigns supreme with man and woman expected to seek it and be obedient to it.

After the altars were built and sacrifices made, Balaam once again goes before God and for a third time, receives an oracle or message. But this time wasn’t like the other times. For scripture tells us that Balaam "saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel" and so "he did not resort to sorcery as at other times, but turned his face toward the desert". Right before our very eyes, we have witnessed a change inside of Balaam, all brought about by God. It took two oracles prior to make it happen but Balaam learned a very important lesson and one we need to learn as well:

God expects us to bless others, not curse them

Notice that when Balaam’s heart entered into a spirit of blessing, then "the Spirit of God came upon him". And the same will happen for any of us as well.

Indeed, the spirit of blessing is rooted in the Spirit of God…the Holy Spirit…the Counselor, Friend and member of the Trinity sent to us from the Father and His Son to guide and lead us through life. And filled with this Spirit, we can’t help but be led into a life attitude that is filled with love and mercy and grace and forgiveness and reconciliation and righteousness and edification of others through all of these. In other words, we become a blessing to others, just as the Lord is a blessing to us. We seek to bless others because He ever seeks to bless us. And what a joyous life we gain when we live a life of blessings.

Consider the words of Jesus as He opens His Sermon on the Mount, His first significant teachings in ministry. Here’s what Jesus said:

Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them saying:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

Matthew 5:1-12

These verses, called the Beautitudes, all begin with the word blessed which translated actually means to be happy. And I have heard one pastor, a Navy chaplain, say that these verses can be considered the "Be Attitudes" with "being happy" as the main theme. Thus, we have the "Be Happy Attitudes". In other words, the first Beautitude would read "Happy are the poor in spirit for theirs is the spirit of heaven." And this would be followed by "Happy as those who mourn for they will be comforted." In other words, no matter what our life circumstance, we are to feel blessed and happy because we have the Father, Son and Holy Spirit with us…always there to guide us…always there to protect us…always there to heal us…always there to comfort us…and always there to love us.
Through this truth…through this life attitude, the "Be Happy" attitude as the Chaplain called it, we can truly find our way to rejoice and be glad in life. It’s my prayer that you realize this in full measure today and in every day yet to come…every day that God blesses you with. Amen.

In Christ,

Mark

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A GOD UNLIKE ANYTHING OR ANYONE

Can I pray for you in any way? Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com In Christ, Mark

The scriptures. May God bless the reading of His holy word.

“Then Balak said to him, "Come with me to another place where you can see them; you will see only a part but not all of them. And from there, curse them for me." So he took him to the field of Zophim on the top of Pisgah, and there he built seven altars and offered a bull and a ram on each altar.

Balaam said to Balak, "Stay here beside your offering while I meet with him over there." The Lord met with Balaam and put a message in his mouth and said, "Go back to Balak and give him this message."

So he went to him and found him standing beside his offering, with the princes of Moab. Balak asked him, "What did the Lord say?"

Then he uttered his oracle:
"Arise, Balak, and listen; hear me, son of Zippor.
God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?

I have received a command to bless; he has blessed, and I cannot change it.
"No misfortune is seen in Jacob, no misery observed in Israel. The Lord their God is with them; the shout of the King is among them.
God brought them out of Egypt; they have the strength of a wild ox.
There is no sorcery against Jacob, no divination against Israel. It will now be said of Jacob and of Israel, 'See what God has done!'
The people rise like a lioness; they rouse themselves like a lion that does not rest till he devours his prey and drinks the blood of his victims."

Then Balak said to Balaam, "Neither curse them at all nor bless them at all!"

Balaam answered, "Did I not tell you I must do whatever the LORD says?"

Numbers 23:13-26

This ends this reading from God's holy word. Thanks be to God.

In Balak, we see a very persistent ruler who just won’t take no for an answer. Even though Balaam had told him that Israel was blessed by God and could not be cursed, still he tells Balaam to try again…this time in a different location and with a different perspective. His actions made me think about others who don’t seem to get it when God extends His expectations to them. Rather, than obey what God says, “They continue to try and work matters out so they get their way…so that their desires are met, not God’s.

This is exactly what Balak was up to as he constructed seven more altars on the “field of Zophim on the top of Pisgah”. It was there that he also conducted the same sacrifice as before…offering a “bull and a ram on each altar”. Scripture tells us that from this new vantage point, Balaam could see Israel but “only a part” of them vice all. And, of course, Balak repeated his order to Balaam to curse Israel for him after which Balaam once again told Balak to stand by the offering while he went to speak to God.

God gives Balaam his second oracle or message to deliver to Balak and Balaam carries out God’s command. He tells Balak:

"Arise, Balak, and listen; hear me, son of Zippor.
God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?

I have received a command to bless; he has blessed, and I cannot change it.
"No misfortune is seen in Jacob, no misery observed in Israel. The Lord their God is with them; the shout of the King is among them.
God brought them out of Egypt; they have the strength of a wild ox.
There is no sorcery against Jacob, no divination against Israel. It will now be said of Jacob and of Israel, 'See what God has done!'
The people rise like a lioness; they rouse themselves like a lion that does not rest till he devours his prey and drinks the blood of his victims."

After hearing this, Balak responds with a statement that retracts his command to curse but is also intended to take away the blessing that protected Israel…a pretty shrewd move since if the blessing were removed, then Balak could try once again to curse. Balak just didn’t get the fact that he was not going to trump God…not ever.

As we look at God’s message to Balak, we need to glean some important facts about the Father…facts that can help us as we continue to relate to our Maker.

First, God is not a man. He is not like us. He was not made in our image. He is God…distinct, unique…without equal. He was before anything existed. And so He cannot be controlled and manipulated like a regular person might be. He also doesn’t act like a sinful human being would. He doesn’t lie or change His mind when He makes His decisions. He doesn’t go back on His promises….He delivers on them.

Secondly, when God decides to do something, no man or woman can change it. In today’s scripture, God has decided to bless Israel. No misfortune or misery is on them. And no mere diviner like Balaam nor any ruler like Balak is going to have any ability to change or alter what God already has in place. And neither can we.

Finally, we see that when God is His people, they are victorious and immunized from evil attack. Instead of being vulnerable, they are like an attacking lioness or a lion. No sorcery or divination was possible. Any attempt would be a waste of time. Truly, since God was with Israel who could possibly be against them.

Friends, we serve an omnipotent God who can do all things. There is nothing or no one any more powerful than Him so why would we want to seek refuge in any other place. Our Father…our Maker and Creator…longs for us to turn to Him and commune with Him every second of every minute of every hour of every day. He is a God of promises and hope…a God who wishes to bless us beyond anything we could ever imagine. He is a God who is not an absentee God. No, He is a right on time God…an ever present God…a God who was our hope in ages past and is our hope for years to come…all the way to eternity. And does this not give us reason to praise, rejoice and celebrate life. We are so blessed and thanks be to God for His love, mercy and grace as shown to us clearly through His Son, our Savior, Jesus. Amen.

In Christ,

Mark

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SEEING YOURSELF AS YOU ARE

Can I pray for you in any way? Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com In Christ, Mark

The scriptures. May God bless the reading of His holy word.

God met with him, and Balaam said, "I have prepared seven altars, and on each altar I have offered a bull and a ram."

The Lord put a message in Balaam's mouth and said, "Go back to Balak and give him this message." So he went back to him and found him standing beside his offering, with all the princes of Moab. Then Balaam uttered his oracle:

"Balak brought me from Aram, the king of Moab from the eastern mountains. 'Come,' he said, 'curse Jacob for me; come, denounce Israel.'

How can I curse those whom God has not cursed?
How can I denounce those whom the Lord has not denounced?

From the rocky peaks I see them, from the heights I view them.
I see a people who live apart and do not consider themselves one of the nations.

Who can count the dust of Jacob or number the fourth part of Israel?
Let me die the death of the righteous, and may my end be like theirs!"

Balak said to Balaam, "What have you done to me? I brought you to curse my enemies, but you have done nothing but bless them!" He answered, "Must I not speak what the Lord puts in my mouth?" Numbers 23:4-12

This ends this reading from God's holy word. Thanks be to God.

As we continue in Chapter 23 of Numbers, Balak has constructed the seven sacrificial altars just as Balaam recommended. On each altar, a bull and a ram were offered. This is the report that Balaam makes to God as he seeks guidance from Him to deliver to Balak.

Scripture tells us that the Lord gave Balaam what he asked for, placing a message in his mouth and ordering him to give Balak the message. So Balaam obediently follows God’s order and returns to Balak who anxiously awaits the word that a curse had been placed on Israel and Balaam had gained control over the Israelite god. He was more than a little bit surprised at what Balaam said next.

For Balaam says the following to Balak:

"Balak brought me from Aram, the king of Moab from the eastern mountains. 'Come,' he said, 'curse Jacob for me; come, denounce Israel.'

How can I curse those whom God has not cursed?
How can I denounce those whom the Lord has not denounced?

From the rocky peaks I see them, from the heights I view them.
I see a people who live apart and do not consider themselves one of the nations.

Who can count the dust of Jacob or number the fourth part of Israel?
Let me die the death of the righteous, and may my end be like theirs!"

Shocked by these words, Balak asks Balaam, "What have you done to me? I brought you to curse my enemies, but you have done nothing but bless them!" To which Balaam replies, "Must I not speak what the Lord puts in my mouth?"

Indeed, this God was like no other god that Balaam had ever encountered. Frankly, my feeling is that Balaam had never really encountered a god at all but it was good for business as a diviner and did keep him employed. The people sure bought into the god stories and his ability to control the gods. Balaam finds out in a hurry that this God was real…alive and active…powerful, demanding and transforming.

This God caused Balaam to look within himself and examine what he had the right to do and not do. Balaam’s words support his inability to carry out Balak’s wishes as he said, “How can I curse those whom God has not cursed? How can I denounce those whom the Lord has not denounced?” In other words, if the Almighty God of Israel found no reason to condemn, then why would he condemn? After all, who was he to condemn…to curse or denounce anyways? And in the end, Balaam concluded that he would rather be with Israel than against them. In other words, he would rather partner with this God than with the pagans he used to share company with.

Friends, when we truly come to the place where we are following Jesus Christ, we too come to a place where we stop judging others and passing judgment. We throw off our former life where we partnered with the world and it’s sinful ways, trading that life for the life of righteousness and holiness only found in the One who proclaimed that He was the way and the truth and the life…the only One through which we can find our way to the Father so we like Balaam can find our way to “die the death of the righteous”. (John 14:16)

This scripture took me back to the time in my life shortly after my divorce. I was playing the blame game, laying all fault on my wife for the infidelity she committed. But then the Lord entered into my life and my heart…and He brought conviction along with Him to show me that I was just as guilty as she was for we were both sinners in need of a Savior…in need of His mercy and grace. I realized that I had failed to lead my family spiritually and this led things down the road of destruction. He made me realize that I had not truly loved my wife as Christ loved the church…that I had not done enough to make her realize that she was a real blessing from the Lord to me. In other words, I had failed just as much as she had. I had no right to curse or denounce.

Praise God that He gave me a second chance in life to make amends for my past mistakes…and I have made the most of it. No longer do I judge others or condemn because it’s not my place. Who am I to judge when I am just as much a sinner as the next person? And so I turn my life over to Jesus…heart, mind and soul…He is my treasure…and as He said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”. (Matthew 6:21) It is this Jesus who has led me to the place of forgiveness and reconciliation…to a place of mercy and grace and love. It is this Jesus and His Father who has helped me see who I truly am and who I can truly be in Them…just as God was trying to do with Balaam.

Question: How are the Father and His Son speaking to you today? What message are they placing on your heart? Are they helping you see who you truly are…leading you from the life of sin to die the death of the righteous?

If we’re truly going to be the people the Lord wants us to be, we need to realize who we are, more importantly, who He wants us to be. Know right up front that this is going to involve change and a non-conformity to the world’s ways. But we are living for something far greater than this world can offer and our future is not finite but infinite…not terminal but eternal…death is not the end but only the beginning. All we need to do is believe and trust in Jesus…the One we need to see ourselves like more than anyone else. Amen.

In Christ,

Mark

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ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS

Can I pray for you in any way? Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com In Christ, Mark

The scriptures. May God bless the reading of His holy word.

"When Balak heard that Balaam was coming, he went out to meet him at the Moabite town on the Arnon border, at the edge of his territory. Balak said to Balaam, "Did I not send you an urgent summons? Why didn't you come to me? Am I really not able to reward you?" "Well, I have come to you now," Balaam replied. "But can I say just anything? I must speak only what God puts in my mouth." Then Balaam went with Balak to Kiriath Huzoth. Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep, and gave some to Balaam and the princes who were with him. The next morning Balak took Balaam up to Bamoth Baal, and from there he saw part of the people." Numbers 22:36-41

"Balaam said, "Build me seven altars here, and prepare seven bulls and seven rams for me." Balak did as Balaam said, and the two of them offered a bull and a ram on each altar. Then Balaam said to Balak, "Stay here beside your offering while I go aside. Perhaps the LORD will come to meet with me. Whatever he reveals to me I will tell you." Then he went off to a barren height." Numbers 23:1-3

This ends this reading from God's holy word. Thanks be to God.

In Chapter 22, we were introduced to a very nervous nation of Moab as Israel sat encamped outside their border. They were very much aware of the recent string of victories Israel had against their adversaries and Moab felt it was next…so much so that it’s king, Balak, summoned a renowned diviner named Balaam to place a curse on Israel. Balaam was thought to have special power over the gods and thus was entrusted to also manipulate the good of the Israelites. As we have seen, Balaam didn’t know he wasn’t dealing with just any god but the one and only God.
So Balak sends a group of Moabite messengers to Balaam with a command to come to see him for the purpose of placing a curse on Israel. We see where Balaam refuses to go because God tells him not to and Balaam listens.

But Balak would not take no for an answer. He sends a second group, this one more distinguished than the first, and promises Balaam riches if he would come and do as the king wishes. You’ll recall that Balaam refused once again to go, saying that he would not go beyond the command of God even if Balak gave him a palace filled with silver and gold. But God gave permission for Balaam to go with the men as long as he said what God told him to say so Balaam did go and begin to make his way to Balak.

As he sets out to meet Balak, Balaam angers God is confronted by a sword-wielding angel. We’re not told what angered God but Balaam’s later actions show that although he talked a good game about God, he didn’t understand that it takes more than words. It must also takes the right actions for as the saying goes, "Actions speak louder than words."

What Balaam’s actions say when he meets Balak is that he was still a believer in pagan ritual although he was carrying on conversations with and professing royalty to the God of Israel.
Balak chastises Balaam for not coming to him immediately and asks if Balaam does not understand that the king can richly reward him. Balaam responds by telling Balak, ""Well, I have come to you now…But can I say just anything? I must speak only what God puts in my mouth."
Balaam should have also understood that he must do what God wants him to do but he didn’t ask God about that.

We know this because God would have never authorized Balaam to participate in pagan sacrifices or build pagan altars for sacrificing. And yet, we read where Balaam "went with Balak to Kiriath Huzoth" where Balak "sacrificed cattle and sheep" giving "some to Balaam and the princes who were with him". Balaam then orders Balak to "Build me seven altars here, and prepare seven bulls and seven rams for me." And Balak did as Balaam said before the "two of them offered a bull and a ram on each altar" while performing a pagan ritual. Once the sacrifices were completed, Balaam tells Balak, "Stay here beside your offering while I go aside. Perhaps the LORD will come to meet with me. Whatever he reveals to me I will tell you." Then he went off to a barren height.

Balaam fails to see where he has done anything wrong in this passage. He fails to see that serving God is more than just communicating with Him while you still maintain your current lifestyle. No, serving God requires us to lay down our former life with its sinful habits and adopt a new life…fully centered and focused on God’s will for us. We seek Him for that will and learn to respond obediently though our actions. In other words, our actions should match God’s word so that when others see us, they catch a glimpse of the Father who created all of us in His own image. (Genesis 1:26) Our actions then speak just as loud as our words and definitely louder than our thoughts.
God is about to get Balaam’s attention and turn him from his sinful ways. He’s also about to use Balaam as an instrument of ministry to Balak and his people. We’ll see this as we further study from Chapter 23.

Question: How do you travel on your own Christian walk? Do you read and hear the words of God and yet act in another way? Are your actions matching God’s expectations for your life?

If you are like Balaam, the time to change your life is now. Just talking with God is just not enough. You need to serve Him in a way that is obedient to His will and word. Talk need not be cheap. It can be extremely valuable when it is coupled with the associated actions of holiness and righteousness that God desires. For it’s then and only then that your actions will truly speak louder than your words. Amen.

In Christ,

Mark

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AN EYE OPENING EXPERIENCE

Can I pray for you in any way? Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com In Christ, Mark

The scriptures. May God bless the reading of His holy word.

"Now stay here tonight as the others did, and I will find out what else the Lord will tell me." That night God came to Balaam and said, "Since these men have come to summon you, go with them, but do only what I tell you."

Balaam got up in the morning, saddled his donkey and went with the princes of Moab. But God was very angry when he went, and the angel of the Lord stood in the road to oppose him. Balaam was riding on his donkey, and his two servants were with him. When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand, she turned off the road into a field. Balaam beat her to get her back on the road.

Then the angel of the Lord stood in a narrow path between two vineyards, with walls on both sides. When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, she pressed close to the wall, crushing Balaam's foot against it. So he beat her again.

Then the angel of the Lord moved on ahead and stood in a narrow place where there was no room to turn, either to the right or to the left. When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, she lay down under Balaam, and he was angry and beat her with his staff.

Then the Lord opened the donkey's mouth, and she said to Balaam, "What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?" Balaam answered the donkey, "You have made a fool of me! If I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now." The donkey said to Balaam, "Am I not your own donkey, which you have always ridden, to this day? Have I been in the habit of doing this to you?" "No," he said.

Then the Lord opened Balaam's eyes, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road with his sword drawn. So he bowed low and fell facedown. The angel of the Lord asked him, "Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? I have come here to oppose you because your path is a reckless one before me. The donkey saw me and turned away from me these three times. If she had not turned away, I would certainly have killed you by now, but I would have spared her."
Balaam said to the angel of the Lord, "I have sinned. I did not realize you were standing in the road to oppose me. Now if you are displeased, I will go back."

The angel of the Lord said to Balaam, "Go with the men, but speak only what I tell you." So Balaam went with the princes of Balak." Numbers 22:19-35

This ends this reading from God's holy word. Thanks be to God.

As we start this next part of the account of Balaam, we see where he has went before the Lord after vowing to never give into the enticements of Balak and disobey God's command. After once again asking his visitors to remain while he consulted the Lord, Balaam gets the following message:

"Since these men have come to summon you, go with them, but do only what I tell you."

So Balaam "got up in the morning, saddled his donkey and went with the princes of Moab" and we read where "God was very angry when he wen" and sent an "angel of the Lord" who "stood in the road to oppose" Balaam. Why was God angry? Well, He expected Balaam to be completely focused on Him…in tune with Him…ready to do only what He told him. It's obvious in this account that Balaam is far from focused on the Lord as he travels. It's is entirely possible that Balaam was starting to be enticed in his heart by Balak's offer. And since God knows the innermost thoughts and motives within us, He would have seen Balaam's true attitude, despite everything he was saying. Whatever the speculation about why God was angry at Balaam, the bottom line is that He was angry and sent an angel of the Lord to take care of Balaam (note the angel had a drawn sword in hand).

So Balaam is on his trusted donkey, an animal with a reputation for being stupid and yet it was the donkey who saw the Lord before his master. Our passage tells us that "when the donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand, she turned off the road into a field". She was trying to save Balaam. And what did she get for her loyalty in trying to protect her master who was so pre-occupied that he couldn't even see the Lord's messenger?

The donkey received a beating from Balaam to get her back on the road.

Question: Have you ever walked into a day blind to what God might want to do with you? Have you ever allowed yourself to be pre-occupied to the point that you couldn't even see the Lord's signs or presence around you? Although you may have never ridden a donkey, maybe you can relate to Balaam.

Well after the donkey was beaten back up onto the road, the angel of the Lord "stood in a narrow path between two vineyards, with walls on both sides". Once again, Balaam was oblivious to what peril was ahead but the donkey wasn't. She saw the danger clearly and took evasive action, pressing "close to the wall" and "crushing Balaam's foot against it". Still unable to perceive that the donkey was acting in his best interest and not just being stubborn, Balaam beat her a second time.

For a third time, the angel of the Lord confronts Baalam and his trusty donkey, this time standing "in a narrow place where there was no room to turn, either to the right or to the left". In other words, there was no escape…no route to evade the angel and His judgment. With no place to move without subjecting his master to the danger, the donkey exercised her only option. Stop dead and "lay down under Balaam", a move that angered him and so he "beat her with his staff".

Question: Have you ever berated or abused someone who was just trying to help you?

Well…it was obvious to the Lord that Balaam just wasn't going to get it without intervention. The donkey was more in tune with the Lord than her master and so the Lord gave the donkey the power to speak. This is what makes this account more than just some folk tale. It wasn't just the donkey talking on her own because donkeys don't speak. But by way of the Lord's miraculous power, the donkey became the instrument by which God got Balaam's attention. We read where the donkey asks Balaam, "What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?" Balaam had to be astonished that this donkey was speaking but he doesn't hesitate to answer his animal's question. Balaam said, "You have made a fool of me! If I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now." To which the donkey replied, "Am I not your own donkey, which you have always ridden, to this day? Have I been in the habit of doing this to you?" In other words, the donkey was trying to get Balaam to see that she was acting in a way that was not typical. There must have been a good reason for it. It was those words that got Balaam changing his mindset because he replied, "No". His donkey had been acting out of character he must have thought. Through the power of God, the donkey was able to get Balaam's attention. Now God would enter in.

Question: The Lord sent a sign to Balaam in the way of a suddenly disobedient donkey. The donkey was only symbolic of Balaam himself and his sudden turning from focusing on the Lord and what He wanted Balaam to do. Have you ever missed a sign the Lord was sending you? Has God ever altered circumstances around you so that things weren't as they usually would be…all in an effort to get your attention…all in an attempt to open your eyes?

It was time for Balaam's awakening.

For we read where "the Lord opened Balaam's eyes" allowing him to see the very danger that the donkey had seen prior…"the angel of the Lord standing in the road with his sword drawn".
Balaam's reaction was one of sudden repentance as he "bowed low and fell facedown". Now the angel speaks to Balaam asking, "Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? I have come here to oppose you because your path is a reckless one before me. The donkey saw me and turned away from me these three times. If she had not turned away, I would certainly have killed you by now, but I would have spared her." Balaam continued his contrite penitence by proclaiming to the angel, "I have sinned. I did not realize you were standing in the road to oppose me. Now if you are displeased, I will go back." In other words, he would do what the Lord wanted him to do. And the Lord instructs Balaam through the angel to "Go with the men, but speak only what I tell you." So Balaam "went with the princes of Balak."

Question: Has the Lord had to get your attention in some way and speak though another to do it? Have you ever found your eyes then suddenly opened, revealing your sinful obstinance and refusal to see what the Lord wanted you to do?

Over 16 years ago, I was not a person that the Lord could have favored much. I was like the countless people out there in the world that thought they were a good person. After all, I didn't drink, smoke or get into trouble. I always tried to help others any time possible. What was wrong with me? Well, I was doing all of this with the focus on myself. I was a good person because I was the one making myself that way. But there was a lot not right with me too.

For I loved to curse and wouldn't hesitate to get angry with someone who treated me wrong. I can't say I was the nicest person either when it came to dealing with others around me, especially if I was in competition with them in some way. Once again, it was all about me.

My attitude and non-Christian lifestyle resulted in bad things happening in my life. I was a reckless driver and received several speeding tickets over a two or three month period. I also had a couple of accidents because of my aggressiveness and lack of focus on the road. Just as I was driving on the highways with reckless abandon, so too was I driving through my life the same way. I ended up divorced after nearly 10 years of marriage and left abandoned and alone. The Lord was trying to get my attention but like Balaam, I was unable to see any of it. The blame for my circumstances fell everywhere else except the one place it should have fallen…on my shoulders.

Well, God didn't send a donkey into my life but He did speak through a beautiful woman I ran into as I was volunteering at a local elementary school. I didn't know her first name when we first met and our conversations were only professional for several months. It was then that we started to talk about other things and I decided to ask her to go to dinner with me. She accepted and it was then I learned her first name…Grace. I would later come to realize that Grace was only her middle name for her first name, to me, would be Amazing.

Grace told me that if we were going to have a relationship, God would have to be first. I told her that was fine with me, all the while dealing with the churning anxiety of not having lived spiritually since I was in high school. The questions were whirling in my mind. Would God accept me back? If so, would I remember any of what I learned when I was younger? I hadn't been to church regularly for around 13 years. How would that work out when I returned? I hadn't read the bible for a long time either. Would I know the Old from the New Testament?

Just as the Lord had opened Balaam's eyes after speaking through the donkey, He had opened my eyes through the words He spoke through my Amazing Grace. He led me to remorse and repentance for my many years of unfaithful living. But He also got me on the right path in life…the narrow path to righteousness.

And so, here I am today…more than 16 years later…working hard for the Lord daily to hopefully be the one He speaks through to another…to be the one who helps another open their eyes and see what they were so that they might repent and become what God wants them to be. I am ever thankful that the Lord has taken one who was definitely lost and turned him into a man who is definitely found.

Question: How about you? Is God sending someone in your life, whether it's a donkey or an Amazing Grace, to get your attention, open your eyes and lead you to Him and a life like no other?

My prayer is that we all would be drawn to the words of a favorite contemporary hymn…a plea for God to open our eyes and see Jesus, the One who saw we were heading down the wrong path into danger just as Balaam was…the One who was willing to be beaten and ultimately killed in order to save us just as the donkey was willing to beaten to save Balaam…all for a people who lived with their eyes blind to the sinfulness that was taking them down the path of destruction. The song is called "Open Our Eyes Lord" and the words are as follows:

Open our eyes, Lord
We want to see Jesus,
To reach out and touch Him,
And say that we love Him.

Open our ears, Lord
And help us to listen.
Open our eyes, Lord
We want to see Jesus.

Yes Lord, we want to see Jesus…now and for all eternity. Open our eyes we pray. Amen.

In Christ,

Mark

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STANDING STRONG

Can I pray for you in any way? Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com In Christ, Mark

The scriptures. May God bless the reading of His holy word.

"So the Moabite princes returned to Balak and said, "Balaam refused to come with us." Then Balak sent other princes, more numerous and more distinguished than the first. They came to Balaam and said:

"This is what Balak son of Zippor says: Do not let anything keep you from coming to me, because I will reward you handsomely and do whatever you say. Come and put a curse on these people for me."

But Balaam answered them, "Even if Balak gave me his palace filled with silver and gold, I could not do anything great or small to go beyond the command of the Lord my God. Now stay here tonight as the others did, and I will find out what else the Lord will tell me." Numbers 22:14-18

This ends this reading from God's holy word. Thanks be to God.

As Chapter 22 began, you'll remember that Israel is gathered outside of Moab as they continue their desert wandering. They had already been victorious in several clashes with communities before Moab and the Moabites were rightfully anxious. Would they be next?

Not if their king, Balak, could help it. He felt that the way to stop Israel would be to manipulate their god, not seeing that this was impossible because Israel had the one and only God on their side. So Balak sends for the renowned divinator, Balaam, and through his messengers, asks Balaam to place a curse on Israel.

After the messengers bring the proposal to Balaam, he makes contact with not just any god as he expects but God himself who commands Balaam to not carry out a curse on Israel because they were a blessed people. Further. God tells Balaam to not go with those that Balack sent. Balaam is faithful and obedient to God's command and he sends the king's representatives back to Balack with the report that Balaam "refused to come with us".

Picking up on this with today's scripture, notice that Balak doesn't take no for an answer. Instead, he "sent other princes, more numerous and more distinguished than the first" and they "came to Balaam and said":

"This is what Balak son of Zippor says: Do not let anything keep you from coming to me, because I will reward you handsomely and do whatever you say. Come and put a curse on these people for me."

Notice that Balak tries to tempt Balaam with the promise of reward first followed by power al this proceeded by the command to "not let anything keep you from coming to me"…not anything including a god that was leading Israel. But as we know, Balaam had spoken with God and had this reply to the second request:

"Even if Balak gave me his palace filled with silver and gold, I could not do anything great or small to go beyond the command of the Lord my God."

Balaam's words are words for all of us to live by as Satan tries to tempt us today. For he is always trying to entice us away from the principles and commands of God…and way too often, we fall prey to his antics and fail in our call to be obedient.

As we examine Balaam, we see where he was standing on his own strength and this would soon cause him troubles. So how can we still stand firm and strong against Satan's advances? How can we stay ever faithful to God's expectations and commands?

The answer can be found by looking at God's Son Jesus and how He handles Satan. For after 40 days and nights without food in the wilderness, Jesus, in His weakest state is approached by Satan. Three times, Satan tried to tempt Jesus as follows:

1. The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." (Matthew 4:3)

2. Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: " 'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.' " (Matthew 4:5-6)

3. Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me." (Matthew 4:8-9)

And after each temptation, Jesus stood up strong against Satan despite Him being physically tired and hungry. How did He do it? With the power of the Word of God. Consider His three responses:

1. Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' " (Matthew 4:4 from Deuteronomy 8:3)

2. Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.' " Matthew 4:7 from Deuteronomy 6:16)

3. Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.' " (Matthew 4:10 from Deuteronomy 6:13)

So what was the end result of Jesus' tactic against Satan. Scripture tells us that "the devil left him, and angels came and attended him". (Matthew 4:11)

Friends, Jesus came, lived and died to save us from our sins but He also came to teach us how to live life. We need only follow His lead as we seek to learn how to deal with the challenges that will come before us. In this case, Jesus shows us how to deal with Satan's temptations. The key is to use the Word of God but you can only do that if you know it. This why daily bible study is crucial not only to our faith development but also our Christian walk. And it's a privilege to be used by God in a way that I feel equips believers to stand armed against Satan and his temptations. I pray that you are fed daily by His word so you can stand strong against the evil one when he approaches you.

In Christ,

Mark

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A GOD LIKE NO OTHER

Can I pray for you in any way? Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com In Christ, Mark

The scriptures. May God bless the reading of His holy word.

"Then the Israelites traveled to the plains of Moab and camped along the Jordan across from Jericho.

Now Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites, and Moab was terrified because there were so many people. Indeed, Moab was filled with dread because of the Israelites. The Moabites said to the elders of Midian, "This horde is going to lick up everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field." So Balak son of Zippor, who was king of Moab at that time, sent messengers to summon Balaam son of Beor, who was at Pethor, near the River, in his native land. Balak said: "A people has come out of Egypt; they cover the face of the land and have settled next to me. Now come and put a curse on these people, because they are too powerful for me. Perhaps then I will be able to defeat them and drive them out of the country. For I know that those you bless are blessed, and those you curse are cursed." The elders of Moab and Midian left, taking with them the fee for divination. When they came to Balaam, they told him what Balak had said. "Spend the night here," Balaam said to them, "and I will bring you back the answer the Lord gives me." So the Moabite princes stayed with him. God came to Balaam and asked, "Who are these men with you?" Balaam said to God, "Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, sent me this message: 'A people that has come out of Egypt covers the face of the land. Now come and put a curse on them for me. Perhaps then I will be able to fight them and drive them away.' " But God said to Balaam, "Do not go with them. You must not put a curse on those people, because they are blessed." The next morning Balaam got up and said to Balak's princes, "Go back to your own country, for the Lord has refused to let me go with you." Numbers 22:1-13

This ends this reading from God’s holy word. Thanks be to God.

In Chapter 21 of Numbers, we see an Israel that is on the offensive and victorious. Their conquest began with Arad followed by the Amorites and Bashan. Word quickly began to spread about the people of Israel and how they weren’t relying so much on their own power but the power of a mighty god. And this is how the nations outside perceived God…seeing Him as just another god like the ones they worship. They didn’t understand that this God was not like any other god nor would any other God ever be before Him.

As Chapter 22 opens, Israel has advanced to "the plains of Moab", camping "along the Jordan across from Jericho". This brought more than a little anxiety on the people of Moab who saw themselves in being the next victims of the Israelite juggernaut. Scripture tells us that "Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites, and Moab was terrified because there were so many people. Indeed, Moab was filled with dread because of the Israelites." What would Moab do to prevent being destroyed?

Well, back to the passage. For we read that the Moabites "said to the elders of Midian, "This horde is going to lick up everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field." And so to try and thwart Israel, "Balak son of Zippor, who was king of Moab…sent messengers to summon Balaam son of Beor, who was at Pethor, near the River, in his native land." Balaam a renowned diviner who was thought to have a special gift: the power to communicate and manipulate gods. Balak didn’t understand that he was dealing with no ordinary god but God Himself.

Balak sent his messengers with the following message:

"A people has come out of Egypt; they cover the face of the land and have settled next to me. Now come and put a curse on these people, because they are too powerful for me. Perhaps then I will be able to defeat them and drive them out of the country. For I know that those you bless are blessed, and those you curse are cursed."

With this guidance, the "elders of Moab and Midian left, taking with them the fee for divination." They went to Balaam and "told him what Balak had said" after which Balaam asked them to "Spend the night here and I will bring you back the answer the Lord gives me." So Balaam left them with the expectation that he would control the god of Israel, win the favor of King Balak and earn his fee of divination. Balaam said to God, "Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab, sent me this message: 'A people that has come out of Egypt covers the face of the land. Now come and put a curse on them for me. Perhaps then I will be able to fight them and drive them away.' " God, knowing Balak’s request was not only useless but foolish as well commands Balaam to "…not go with them. You must not put a curse on those people, because they are blessed." They were blessed because they had THE God on their side…a God like no other.

After receiving the words from God, Balaam went to Balak’s men the next morning and told them, "Go back to your own country, for the Lord has refused to let me go with you." Balaam had communicated many gods in his time but never the one and only real God…the God of Israel. Balaam may have thought he could manipulate gods but He met his match with this God of Israel and decided it would be best to obey Him and follow His commands.

Question: Do you truly acknowledge the awesome, almighty power of God in your life? Do you fully realize how much He has blessed you in your life? Do you understand that you are His child and just as a parent loves and nurtures their child so too does He love, nurture and care for us?

Friends, we don’t serve a series of gods who specialize in different parts of our worldly existence. No! We serve one God…the one and only God…the very God who was there at the very beginning creating the heavens and the earth…the light and the dark…the morning and the evening…the seas and the lands and then everything in and on them including man who He created in His own image. This God then went on to govern and reign over all He created…that is everything. And in His crowning moment of power, love, mercy and grace, He sent His one and only Son to earth to live and die for the very people He created…so that they might not die from their sinful nature but instead have an opportunity for eternal life through belief in His Son, Jesus…the Son who was crucified and resurrected…the Son who is our Savior. Indeed, there is one and only one God…a God like no other. What a blessing it is to know Him and serve Him each and every day! Amen.

In Christ,

Mark

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FINDING VICTORY

Can I pray for you in any way? Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com In Christ, Mark

The scriptures. May God bless the reading of His holy word.

Israel sent messengers to say to Sihon king of the Amorites:

"Let us pass through your country. We will not turn aside into any field or vineyard, or drink water from any well. We will travel along the king's highway until we have passed through your territory."

But Sihon would not let Israel pass through his territory. He mustered his entire army and marched out into the desert against Israel. When he reached Jahaz, he fought with Israel. Israel, however, put him to the sword and took over his land from the Arnon to the Jabbok, but only as far as the Ammonites, because their border was fortified. Israel captured all the cities of the Amorites and occupied them, including Heshbon and all its surrounding settlements. Heshbon was the city of Sihon king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab and had taken from him all his land as far as the Arnon.

That is why the poets say:

"Come to Heshbon and let it be rebuilt; let Sihon's city be restored.
"Fire went out from Heshbon, a blaze from the city of Sihon. It consumed Ar of Moab, the citizens of Arnon's heights.
Woe to you, O Moab! You are destroyed, O people of Chemosh! He has given up his sons as fugitives and his daughters as captives to Sihon king of the Amorites.
But we have overthrown them; Heshbon is destroyed all the way to Dibon. We have demolished them as far as Nophah, which extends to Medeba."

So Israel settled in the land of the Amorites. After Moses had sent spies to Jazer, the Israelites captured its surrounding settlements and drove out the Amorites who were there. Then they turned and went up along the road toward Bashan, and Og king of Bashan and his whole army marched out to meet them in battle at Edrei. The Lord said to Moses, "Do not be afraid of him, for I have handed him over to you, with his whole army and his land. Do to him what you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon."

So they struck him down, together with his sons and his whole army, leaving them no survivors. And they took possession of his land. Numbers 21:10-20

This ends this reading from God’s holy word. Thanks be to God.

In today’s scripture, we find Israel beginning to find conquest over anyone who might try and rise up against them. This is in stark contrast to the Israel who was afraid to enter God’s promised land because of the opposition that awaited them as reported by the advance scouts that Moses had sent to Canaan for forty days and an Israel who turned away from the Edomites when they were not allowed to cross through their territory.

Earlier, we saw an Israel who was unfaithful and unbelieving…an Israel who was afraid to take a hold of what God had promised them. We also saw an Israel that turned and went away from challenge, specifically when Edom resisted them crossing through their land on the king’s highway.

In our passage, we read where Israel is now trying to pass through another land, this time the land of the Amorites. They sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites who asked, "Let us pass through your country. We will not turn aside into any field or vineyard, or drink water from any well. We will travel along the king's highway until we have passed through your territory." Like Edom earlier, "Sihon would not let Israel pass through his territory" and "mustered his entire army and marched out into the desert against Israel." But Israel didn’t turn and go the other way. Instead, they met Sihon’s challenge "when he reached Jahaz", putting Sihon "to the sword" and taking "over his land from the Arnon to the Jabbok, but only as far as the Ammonites, because their border was fortified". Israel "captured all the cities of the Amorites and occupied them, including Heshbon and all its surrounding settlements". Israel had met their challenges head on and came out victorious…not by their own power but because of the power of God with them.

This fact if further illuminated by the rest of the passage for Israel isn’t done conquering. Scripture tells us that after "Moses had sent spies to Jazer", the Israelites "captured its surrounding settlements and drove out the Amorites who were there". Then they "turned and went up along the road toward Bashan" where they met resistance from "Og king of Bashan and his whole army" who "marched out to meet them in battle at Edrei". As Israel pondered their action against this new enemy, the Lord enters in and says to Moses, "Do not be afraid of him, for I have handed him over to you, with his whole army and his land. Do to him what you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon." And so Israel, buoyed up with confidence that God was with them and would deliver them into victory, "struck (Og) down, together with his sons and his whole army, leaving them no survivors". Israel then took possession of his land.

Through these encounters between Israel and their enemies, first the Amorites and then the Bashan king and army, we learn an important truth that we need to ever keep in mind. For in all challenges we encounter in life…in all hardships we face…we can and will have the victory because God is with us. How do we know this? Because He promised us He was. And we need to never let go of His promises…the assurances he has given us that lead away from despair and toward hope…the assurances that lead us away from doubt and lead us into faith.

Question: Have you forgot the promises that God has given you in your life? Have you abandoned His assurances and found yourself in the pit of despair, depression and hopelessness?

If you have, please read the following words of the Father and write them on your heart and mind. Find liberation from despondency and discouragement…escape from darkness into His light.
For "the word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all He does." Psalm 33:4

"I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth. And God said, "This is a sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come. I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth. So God said to Noah, "This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth." Genesis 9:11-17

When you see a rainbow in the sky, remember God’s covenant promise.

"We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and shield. In Him, our hearts rejoice for we trust in His holy name." Psalm 33:20-21

Trust Him…wait patiently for Him to reveal His glory in your life…rejoice in His power, majesty and love.

"Come near to God and he will come near to you." James 4:8

He promised to never leave you nor forsake you.

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." Psalm 32:8

Confused in your life? Turn to the One who promised to teach, instruct, counsel and watch over you.

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

God ‘s faithfulness and forgiveness are truly great. His mercies and grace are new every morning. Rejoice and be glad in this promise.

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" Jeremiah 29:11

God wants the best for you. Stay focused on Him and seek His will and way. He will deliver you into hope now and in the future.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Our future isn’t limited to the here and now. It is eternal through God’s only Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Thanks be to God for His Son…and thanks be to God for His promises. Through them we will always have the victory. Amen.

In Christ,

Mark

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SINGING PRAISE

Can I pray for you in any way? Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com In Christ, Mark

The scriptures. May God bless the reading of His holy word.

"The Israelites moved on and camped at Oboth. Then they set out from Oboth and camped in Iye Abarim, in the desert that faces Moab toward the sunrise. From there they moved on and camped in the Zered Valley. They set out from there and camped alongside the Arnon, which is in the desert extending into Amorite territory. The Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites. That is why the Book of the Wars of the Lord says: "...Waheb in Suphah and the ravines, the Arnon and the slopes of the ravines that lead to the site of Ar and lie along the border of Moab."

From there they continued on to Beer, the well where the Lord said to Moses, "Gather the people together and I will give them water." Then Israel sang this song:

"Spring up, O well! Sing about it,
about the well that the princes dug, that the nobles of the people sank— the nobles with scepters and staffs."

Then they went from the desert to Mattanah, from Mattanah to Nahaliel, from Nahaliel to Bamoth, and from Bamoth to the valley in Moab where the top of Pisgah overlooks the wasteland.

Numbers 21:10-20

This ends this reading from God’s holy word. Thanks be to God.

After the incident with the venomous snakes and the saving power of the bronze snake, the people of Israel continue their journey. Scripture tells us they "moved on and camped at Oboth. Then they set out from Oboth and camped in Iye Abarim, in the desert that faces Moab toward the sunrise. From there they moved on and camped in the Zered Valley. They set out from there and camped alongside the Arnon, which is in the desert extending into Amorite territory. The Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites. From there, Israel "continued on to Beer" where a well was located. It was there that the Lord said to Moses, "Gather the people together and I will give them water."

We have read where the people yearned for water. The wandering in the desert heat often left them parched and thirsty. In their time of need, the Lord delivered water to them from the well at Beer. His providence and provision led the people to the following song of praise:

"Spring up, O well! Sing about it,
about the well that the princes dug, that the nobles of the people sank— the nobles with scepters and staffs."

Today, we should follow the lead of Israel, recognizing the gifts that the Lord provides us and showing Him our appreciation through praise. What has the Lord done for you? How has the Lord blessed you? Reflect on His awesome goodness, grace, mercy and love. And then express your gratitude in every thought, word and deed. May we too, like Israel, lift our voices thanking God and singing our own song of praise:

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;Praise Him, all creatures here below;Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

In Christ,

Mark

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SNAKE BITTEN

Can I pray for you in any way? Send any prayer requests to faithhopegodlove@aol.com In Christ, Mark

The scriptures. May God bless the reading of His holy word.

They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way; they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the desert? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!" Then the Lord sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, "We sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take the snakes away from us." So Moses prayed for the people. The Lord said to Moses, "Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live." So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, he lived. Numbers 21:4-9

This ends this reading from God’s holy word. Thanks be to God.

Let me tell you a little bit about my day yesterday.

I woke up in Mannheim, Germany, checked out of my hotel (Ramada in Mannheim) and drove back to Frankfurt Airport where I dropped off my rental car and checked in for my flight to Madrid. The flight from Frankfurt was delayed for around 30 minutes which was going to realize hurt me on the Madrid end because I had a connecting flight to catch to Jerez before being picked up and brought to the Naval Base in Rota.

Well, I got to Madrid and, as is typical with this airport (be warned if you ever fly through here), the gate was changed and it wasn’t announced on my incoming flight (they gave me the old gate number). So I dashed across the airport to the new gate and got to my flight on time. Unfortunately, my luggage didn’t because when I got to Rota, my bag was nowhere to be found.

It was then that I started to get into a bad mood. All my stuff was in my suitcase…change of clothes…toiletries…uniforms...etc. I had to visit the Sailors at the detachment Monday and sure hoped I was able to get everything by then. I was feeling sorry for myself in the circumstances and not dealing with the challenge very well. But this wasn’t the end of things. For when I got to my room, I used my bathroom and after flushing, dealt with a toilet that was clogged and overflowing. So I called the central billeting office and they offered to put me in a different room because they wouldn’t be able to have anyone come and take care of things until the next day. I said that would be fine and so I grabbed up all my things, walked to the central billeting, got a key for a new room and then walked back to the building. On my way to the room, I was walking through the grass to save time and while stepping down into this dip, I proceeded to step into a puddle of muck…and it smelled less than pretty. So I stepped into my new room and all was well there. By this time, I was shot and was just ready to settle down.

As I sat down and just reflected on the day, I was convicted on my attitude and how I had allowed the day’s events to steal away the joy the Lord had intended for me. I had allowed Satan to enter in and make me miserable when I should have seen the blessings that I had. The serpent had bitten me and I allowed his venom to infect my spirit.

When I sat down and really turned to the Lord, asking for forgiveness for the way I had allowed myself to feel, He showed me all I should have been thankful for. After all, I had made it to Rota safely…I had a room (many people have no shelter)…I had clothes even if they were the only clothes I had (many people have no clothing)…and I had a washer in my room so I could at least wash the clothes I had on (the same clothes cleaned are as good as wearing something new)…I had a shower with soap and shampoo so it wasn’t like I had no toiletries (just having a shower would be more than many people have)…I could go on but you see my point. Life isn’t always perfect and we should always take the time to just pause and give thanks for the little things…the many ways that the Lord blesses us…ways we too often take for granted.

In today’s scripture, we see Israel once again falling back into their complaining ways. Just a few verses earlier, they had shown a renewed belief and trust in God and He helped them defeat the Arad army. Now they as they journeyed the route around Edom (remember the Edomites refused to let Israel cross through their territory), they began to become impatient "spoke against God and against Moses" saying, "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the desert? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!" The people quickly forgot how God had displayed the power to bring water from rock. There hadn’t been a time when He failed to provide for them and yet they still doubted. And although they had food, it wasn’t good enough. They were completely unsatisfied…just as I had been at the end of my travel day to Rota.

Well, the Lord once again heard their complaining and acted in the same way as before, sending judgment in a way that He hoped would cure Israel of their bad sinful habit once and for all. We read where He "sent venomous snakes among them" which "bit the people" and "many Israelites died" It’s not as if the Israelites had traveled in places where there weren’t poisonous snakes around before. The desert was full of them but God had His protection over Israel as they traveled. Israel just took the safety God gave them for granted until that safety was removed.

So we see where the snake-ravaged Israelites quickly turned to Moses pleading, "We sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take the snakes away from us." Moses obliged them and prayed…and God answered, telling him to "(M)ake a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live." Moses complied with God’s command and made a bronze snake, putting it up on a pole. Any Israelite that was bitten could look up toward the bronze snake and they would be saved…receiving life by way of God’s mercy and grace despite their sins. Although snake-bitten, they could always turn to God for His saving grace.

Today, we all find ourselves snake-bitten by that serpent Satan, infected with his venom that poisons our hearts and minds and turns us toward sin. Thank goodness that God has provided us with One to turn to in order to find our salvation. Israel looked to the bronze snake. We look to Jesus who God lifted up…first on the cross…and then into heaven where He sits on His Father’s right hand. Through the crucified and risen Jesus, we find ourselves saved from the sin we contract when the serpent strikes. We need only look to Him, believing and trusting in Him as our personal Savior.

Question: How snake-bitten are you in your life? Are you perishing from the effects of Satan’s venom as it leads you into sin? Are you in need of saving? Or maybe in need of a reminder that the Father has saved you through His Son.

Friends, the bronze snake became a blessing to the snake-bitten, afflicted Israelites, a symbol of God’s grace and mercy. For us, Jesus is our eternal blessing…the antidote for Satan and his venomous strikes…the ultimate gift of God’s grace and mercy…the salvation that will endure for all mankind. Thanks be to God for His Son, now and forever more. Amen.

In Christ,

Mark

PS: Please share this with anyone you feel might be blessed by it.

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