Arise and Abide

Reading Numbers 27:1-11 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The daughters of Zelophehad going to God for their need, the LORD hearing their request and providing a good law for the people to live by. A law to protect people from greed. The real blessing is not the family inheritance, it is the relationship with the people near us. Lamentations 3:22-24.

Reading Numbers 25:1-16 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Balaam suggesting to the Midianites that they seduce the men of Israel into committing Idolatry. The men of Israel turn their back on God for pleasure. Phinehas being as zealous for God as God was being in His jealousy. Exodus 34:12-14, God’s very name is Jealous, and is jealous for His relationship with you. In all the opportunities in life to become jealous, we are called to follow Jesus. The real solution to the heart problem is forgiveness, turning from our selfish ways, and following Jesus.

Reading Psalms 53:1-6 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Psalms 53 is a written meditation acknowledging the state of the world, the human condition, and our need for God to save us. Concluding there is no God keeps you from wisdom and keeps you from understanding of how much God loves you.  The love and patience of God with all people wanting people to repent of their selfish, wicked, ways. If no one is good, how can we have hope? Our hope is in God, not in what we can achieve in our own strength. Romans 3 all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.

Reading Numbers 23:27-24:25 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The third time, as Balaam gets the LORD’s determination to bless Israel and the Spirit of the LORD comes upon him. Matthew 13:13, our human nature to hear but not really listen. When Balaam understood the LORD intent he let go of his agenda of cursing Israel for a profit and was used by the Spirit of God. Balaam returning home though he know Israel we be victorious. Stubborn refusal to die to yourself and let go of your own agenda takes us down a path that leads to destruction, God is saying there is another way.

Reading Numbers 23:13-26 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. God faithfully shows up with another message for king Balak and reveals himself more to the Moabite king. Balak’s persistence becomes stubbornness. God sees Balak is not getting the message and tells him twice to listen. Balak is too focused on what he wants to see done to hear and listen to God. Human nature tells lies and changes its mind, God is not like humans. God cares more about a person’s heart than the offerings they bring. Dying to self is an act of trusting God. No curse can touch Jacob, Israel, God’s people. God reveals himself in the testimony of Israel’s history.  

Reading Numbers 23:1-12 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Summarizing the scripture you just read in your own words helps you hear what the LORD is speaking into your life. Balaam recaps with Balak and the Elders. No one can curse or condemn those who God has not condemned. The protection from God against curses. Jesus’ intercessions for the cursed and condemned. Being the condemned one and condemning others. Matthew 7:1-6, not judging others. As numerous and the dust, the sand or the stars. Balaam’s prophecy recognizes how special Israel is and much better life is for the righteous.

Reading Numbers 22:21-41 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. God tells Balaam not to go, then to go, then when he is going the LORD is angry with him for going. Balaam on his way planning on doing what is most profitable for himself not to only do what the LORD tells him to do. The donkey making him feel foolish in front of the king’s messengers. Balaam’s pride was keeping himself on the throne of his heart. The terrifying nature of Angels who often say, “Do not be afraid” but demands an answer from Balaam. God’s patient love being displayed in the life of the Prophet for hire.

Reading Numbers 22:1-20 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Deuteronomy 23:3-6. Balak acting out of fear hires Balaam to curse Israel, though God had ordered Israel to leave Moab and Edom alone as He would not give Israel their land. Anxiety happens when we believe our worst imagined fears are prophetic. Though Balaam was a prophet for hire, he went to God before giving his reply to the King of Moab’s messengers.

Reading Numbers 21:21-35 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. The people are attacked when they were attempting to be peaceful pass through the land and the LORD give them a taste of the victory, they did think was possible. The LORD not wanting Israel to attack the Ammonites or the Edomites, their distant relatives (Genesis 19) and now conquer the people who conquered a Moabite king, more distant relatives. The blessing of God for the people to occupy some good land that would become the inheritance of the tribes of Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh. Continue to have faith that God is going to bring the victories you need in your life.  Do not be afraid, trust God.

Reading Numbers 52:1-9 (NLT) ~ Scripture reading followed by discussion. Summary of the story of  Doeg the Edomite, 1 Samuel 21 & 22. The Psalm was written in response to the crimes of Doeg against God and His people. The description of Doeg is like the attributes of the enemy. The lies of the enemy that attack our identity. Trusting in wealth more than God, the temptation to idolize money and material wealth. Drawing near to God changes our perspective on what we need. Continuing to trust and praise God in the midst of awful circumstances.