Moses spoke to the LORD, saying, “Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation who shall go out before them and come in before them, who shall lead them out and bring them in, that the congregation of the LORD may not be as sheep that have no shepherd.”

 Numbers 26-27

Moses spoke to the LORD, saying, “Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation who shall go out before them and come in before them, who shall lead them out and bring them in, that the congregation of the LORD may not be as sheep that have no shepherd.” Numbers 27:15-17

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today - Numbers 26-27 - God prepares Israel to enter the Promised Land as He instructs Moses to take a census, and He commissions Joshua to be the new leader of the people. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God is faithful - back in Numbers 14:28-35, God promised to punish the entire first generation of Israel who did not trust God or rebelled against Him - the punishment will be that they not enter the Promised Land.  Here in the text today, this promise is kept - see Numbers 26:63-65.  This may not be the faithfulness one seeks - a promise to condemn of punish - but it is a promise nonetheless and we should be mindful that if God shares that man will be punished or condemned, this is not an idle threat - it is a promise.  God responds to   the pleas (prayers) of His people.  In Numbers 27:1-11, we see the plight of the daughters of Zelophehad, who are not going to get an inheritance of land in the Promised Land, yet the daughters took their plea to Moses who interceded on their behalf.  God answers their prayer and He seeks for all believers to bring their cares and concerns to Him - see also 1 Peter 5:7.  God hears our cries and responds to us - the response may not be what we seek, but He does respond and He does provide, comfort, encourage, etc. God's promise (Numbers 20:12) that Moses will not enter the Promised Land is also fulfilled here - Numbers 27:13-14.  God chooses and prepares Joshua to lead the people into the Promised Land.         
• What do we learn from the text about people?:  Moses does not quarrel with God about his punishment - that he will not enter the promised land.  His concern once again is for the people - what an incredible response of humility.  Moses surrenders his life to God's will.   
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Claim the promise that God is faithful in all things - 2 Corinthians 1:20.  Follow the example of Moses, who in humility and obedience, surrender to the will of God and trusted Him.     

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You love and save.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And the LORD said to Moses, “Phinehas the son of Eleazar, son of Aaron the priest, has turned back my wrath from the people of Israel, in that he was jealous with my jealousy among them, so that I did not consume the people of Israel in my jealousy. Therefore say, ‘Behold, I give to him my covenant of peace, and it shall be to him and to his descendants after him the covenant of a perpetual priesthood, because he was jealous for his God and made atonement for the people of Israel.’"

 Numbers 25:1-18

And the LORD said to Moses, “Phinehas the son of Eleazar, son of Aaron the priest, has turned back my wrath from the people of Israel, in that he was jealous with my jealousy among them, so that I did not consume the people of Israel in my jealousy. Therefore say, ‘Behold, I give to him my covenant of peace, and it shall be to him and to his descendants after him the covenant of a perpetual priesthood, because he was jealous for his God and made atonement for the people of Israel.’" Numbers 25:10-13

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today - Numbers 25:1-18 - we see Israel yoke itself to Baal, God's response of rage and punishment, and God's recognition of Phineas for his zeal in the name of the LORD. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God is a jealous God - jealous for His name and His glory alone.  Yet we see Israel worshiping Baal and God responds with righteous anger and jealousy to restore His Name and punish those who break the commandments to love Him and to not have any other gods before Him.  The LORD instructs Moses to kill those who yoke themselves to Baal (vv4-5). God's anger burns and 24,000 of the people are killed.  God also recognizes Phineas for his efforts to restore God's name and punish those who followed Baal (vv7-8, 10-13).  God seeks for believers to confront sin within the church (see also Matthew 18:15-17). God gives Phineas His "covenant of peace" (v12).  God offers believers this same covenant of peace (see also John 14:27 and Colossians 3:15).  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Israel has yet to arrive in the Promised Land and on their journey through the wilderness, they yoke themselves to pagan gods.  God's people are called to go to all nations to proclaim the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20), yet we are not to become of the world in that we allow earthly sinful influences that drive a wedge between us and God - see also John 15:19, 17:14-16, and Romans 12:2).
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid being overcome by the influences of this world such that you become yoked to other gods.  Claim the promise that Jesus Christ alone offers salvation and a peace that surpasses understanding.  Follow the example of Phineas who had zeal and jealousy for God's name and glory.  Love God with all of Your heart, soul, and mind - seek Him (Jeremiah 29:13). 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who saves and who gives peace - a peace that surpasses understanding. Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and energy.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth.

 Numbers 24:14-25

I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth. Numbers 24:17

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today - Numbers 24:14-25 - we see Balaam's final prophecy, one of curses of Israel's neighbors and adversaries, and one of the coming Messiah.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God opens eyes, allows ears to hear and gives knowledge - He alone is the one who softens hearts, inclines ears, and opens eyes to understand God's Word and His will - vv15-16.  Just as God worked through Pharaoh in Egypt, God alone hardens and softens hearts as He works through Balaam the pagan prophet.  God's Word in vv17-24 will be fulfilled as Israel destroys and/or subdues its neighbors and adversaries.  Once again, we must recognize how God is sovereign over all of Creation.  Balaam's prophecy includes a coming Messiah in v17 - star and a scepter.    
• What do we learn from the text about people?: We must see how God works through all of creation, including through pagan prophets such as Balaam, to deliver His message and work His will.  God often works unexpectedly to get our attention, so we should be careful to perceive how He is in all things at all times.  He is in control. Both Balaam and Balak accept God's word. 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid contradicting God's explicit will - His plan will not be thwarted.  Claim the promise of how God alone softens and hardens hearts - He is in control and sovereign over all Creation.  Follow the example of Joshua and Caleb who saw God is on their side - seek Him and allow Him to be your strength and refuge to overcome Satan, sin and death.  Trust God and seek Him. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  You alone saved me - nothing I did earned me grace.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You love and save.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And Balaam said to Balak, “Did I not tell your messengers whom you sent to me, ‘If Balak should give me his house full of silver and gold, I would not be able to go beyond the word of the LORD, to do either good or bad of my own will.

 Numbers 24:12-13

And Balaam said to Balak, “Did I not tell your messengers whom you sent to me, ‘If Balak should give me his house full of silver and gold, I would not be able to go beyond the word of the LORD, to do either good or bad of my own will. Numbers 24:12-13

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today - Numbers 24:12-13 - we see how God continues to work and speak through Balaam the pagan prophet, and Balak's rage because "it pleased the LORD to bless Israel."  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God works through all of creation as He is the Creator - see also Colossians 1:15-17.  This includes working and speaking through the pagan prophet Balaam who was hired by Balak to curse Israel as they sought to inhabit the land currently occupied by the Amorites - see Numbers 22.  The Spirit of God (the Holy Spirit) appeared to Balaam in the wilderness and spoke through Balaam in vv3-9 sharing how God loves Israel, how He sees her as beautiful, treasured, blessed, powerful, and how she will overcome her adversaries. 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: In vv10-11, we see Balak enraged over Balaam's discourse, yet Balaam, in vv12-13, reinforces (see also Numbers 22:18) how he is clear that God's word is more valuable than any amount of silver or gold Balak could give him.  This is a message all believers should heed - that we find God and His Word more valuable than any treasure on earth.  See also Psalm 19:10, 119:72, Proverbs 8:10.  Don't also miss how Balaam shares how we should not add to or subtract from God's Word - he will not "go beyond the Word of the LORD", an explicit exhortation not to twist God's Word to suit our own desires or will.  
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Don't twist God's Word to suit your own desires or will.  Claim the promise that God's Word (and Himself) is more valuable than any earthly treasure.  Follow the example of the psalmists, David, and Solomon, who valued God more than anything.  Seek God first (and you will find Him - Jeremiah 29:13). 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  Your Word is of infinite value and more valuable than any earthly treasure.  And You save!  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You love and save.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

God is not man, that he should lie,or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?

 Numbers 23:13-30

God is not man, that he should lie,or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? Numbers 23:19

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today - Numbers 23:13-30 -  we see an obstinate Balak who is determined to curse Israel, despite God's will that they be blessed.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God once again makes Himself and His will clear.  He will not curse Israel.  In doing so, He also reveals part of His nature - that He does not lie (He is Truth) and when He makes a promise, He fulfills His promises. God also uses both believers and non-believers such as Balaam - a pagan prophet - and He works through them in both words and deeds to accomplish His will. And once again, we must understand that God's will is not to be thwarted.  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: As I posted yesterday, Balak does not like God's word spoken through Balaam so he pushes his will, even though it is contrary to God's will.  See v13 where Balak continues to push Balaam to curse Israel.  Balak is not as wise as Solomon who shared in Proverbs 19:21 "[m]any are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand." In vv25-30, Balak, continues to disregard God's will and in chapter 24 (for Saturday) we will God's reaction.
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Do NOT blatantly and repeatedly disregard God's will.  Claim the promise that God's Truth is eternal, it never changes, and God does not lie - we can rest in His Word and His promises.  Follow the example of Balaam who finally recognizes that He must follow God's will and desires. Understand God's will (Romans 12:2) and pray for obedience and that God make it not burdensome because You love Him and You want to follow His desires because of how good He is. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  Your Truth is eternal, You never lie, nor change Your mind, and we can rest in Your Word and promises.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You save and how You are faithful.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And Balak said to Balaam, “What have you done to me? I took you to curse my enemies, and behold, you have done nothing but bless them.” And he answered and said, “Must I not take care to speak what the LORD puts in my mouth?

Numbers 23

And Balak said to Balaam, “What have you done to me? I took you to curse my enemies, and behold, you have done nothing but bless them.” And he answered and said, “Must I not take care to speak what the LORD puts in my mouth? Numbers 23:1-12

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today - Numbers 23:1-12 - we see Balaam carefully taking a cue from God regarding what He should say, yet Balak does not like the message delivered by his hired pagan prophet through whom God speaks.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: God truth is eternal.  He made a promise to Abraham that his nation (Israel) would be blessed, and we know from scripture that God's truth is eternal because He reigns over all (has the capacity to deliver on His promises), and all of His promises are kept (2 Corinthians 1:20).  We can rest in God's Word and His promises.  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Balak does not like God's Word and when people like Balak are challenged with Truth, they often seek their own will and unfortunately God's will is not to be thwarted.  Similarly, we should not be afraid to proclaim Truth.  Peter and John, in the face of arrest and persecution for boldly sharing the gospel after Pentecost, exclaim "we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard (Acts 4:20)."  
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid denying Truth and seeking your own will counter to God's explicit desires and commands.  Claim the promise that God is faithful and His Word is eternal.  Follow the example of Peter and John who boldly proclaim the gospel.  Share the gospel. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves and who is faithful.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving how You are faithful nor how You love and save.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, with his drawn sword in his hand. And he bowed down and fell on his face. And the angel of the LORD said to him, “Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to oppose you because your way is perverse before me.

Numbers 22

Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, with his drawn sword in his hand. And he bowed down and fell on his face. And the angel of the LORD said to him, “Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to oppose you because your way is perverse before me. Numbers 22:31-32

I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today - Numbers 22 - we see one of the more odd passages of scripture where God works through a donkey to deliver His message to the pagan prophet Balaam, who was hired by king Balak to curse Israel.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.

• What do we learn from the text about God?: In v12, God is clear to Balaam that Israel is blessed and that Balak’s desire to curse Israel will not be allowed.  We must understand that once we know God’s will, nothing we can do will thwart God’s will.  To emphasize that God is at work in chapter 22, we see God refer to His will as “angel of the LORD” ten times in the text. It rarely is clearer that God is at work – when we see God at work so clearly, we must pay attention – perhaps there are distractions that blind us.  In fact, we see Balaam disobey God in v21 and leave on his own accord.  In v22, God shows his anger for this disobedience, and in vv23-30 we see God work through an angel of the Lord and Balaam’s donkey to prevent movement.  God even goes to the extent of speaking through the donkey to be clear to Balaam.  This apparently was not enough for God to get his message (and will) across to Balaam.  So in vv31-35, we see God open the eyes of Balaam so that there is no question that God does not want Balaam to pass. In v33, we see God’s great mercy as He shares that Balaam deserved to die (as we all do as we all sin and the wages of sin are death – Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8, Romans 6:23). 
• What do we learn from the text about people?: God’s will is pervasive in scripture, including the ten commandments (Exodus 20), and the most important of these commandments – to love God, and to love others (Matthew 22:34-40).  When we understand God’s will in our lives, we better be sure to follow His will.  When we willingly controvert His will, be prepared for harsh punishment – God will do what it takes to get your attention.  When you don’t have clarity regarding God’s will, saturate yourself in the word – see Romans 12:2 where Paul encourages us to be transformed by the renewing of the mind “that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”  Study God’s Word, wrestle with it, pray for wisdom (as Solomon did in 1 Kings 3:9), and practice spiritual disciplines (corporate worship, fellowship with other believers, etc.).
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): If God’s will is clear, do not willfully disobey Him!  Claim the promise that renewal of the mind will help you understand God’s will.  Follow the example of Solomon who asked God for wisdom.  Love God – and if you love God obedience to God’s commands are not burdensome (1 John 5:3).

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves, saves, and is full of mercy that never ceases, providing new mercies every morning.  I am not deserving of Your mercies nor my salvation.  My sin is great and it continues…daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.