Day 63 of the 3rd Bible Study Journey - 4 March 2023 reflections
Day 63, 4 Mar 2023
1) Numbers 22-24
NUMBERS 22
Balak Summons Balaam
1 (Nu 33:48-50; 36:13) Then the children of Israel set out
and camped in the plains of Moab on the other side of the Jordan from Jericho.
2 (Jdg 11:25) Balak the son of Zippor saw
all that Israel had done to the Amorites.
3 (Ex 15:15) Moab was very afraid of the people because they were many,
and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.
4 (Nu 25:15-18; 31:8) Moab said to the elders of Midian,
"Now this company will lick up all that are around us,
as the ox licks up the grass of the field."
And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time.
5 (Dt 23:4; Jos 24:9; Mic 6:5) He sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor
at Pethor, which is by the Euphrates in the land of the sons of his people,
to call him, saying,
"A people went out from Egypt. They cover the face of the earth,
and they dwell next to me.
6 (Nu 23:7-8; 24:9) And now, please come curse this people for me
because they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I will prevail, a
nd we will defeat them, and I will drive them out of the land
because I know that he whom you bless is blessed,
and he whom you curse is cursed."
7 (1Sa 9:7-8; Mic 3:11) The elders of Moab and the elders of Midian
went with the divination payments in their hand, and they came to
Balaam and spoke to him the words of Balak.
8 He said to them, "Lodge here tonight,
and I will bring you word again, as the Lord will speak to me."
And the leaders of Moab dwelt with Balaam.
9 (Ge 20:3; Nu 22:20) God came to Balaam and said,
"Who are these men with you?"
10 And Balaam said to God, "Balak the son of Zippor,
king of Moab, has sent word to me, saying,
11 'A people went out of Egypt who covers the face of the earth.
Now come, curse them for me.
Perhaps I will be able to battle them and drive them out.'"
12 (Ge 12:2) God said to Balaam, "You will not go with them.
You will not curse the people because they are blessed."
13 So Balaam rose up in the morning and said to the princes of Balak,
"Go to your land because the Lord refuses to let me to go with you."
14 The princes of Moab rose up, and they went to Balak and said,
"Balaam refuses to come with us."
15 Again Balak sent officials, more numerous and more honorable than they.
16 They came to Balaam and said to him,
"Thus says Balak the son of Zippor,
'Please, let nothing hold you back from coming to me,
17 (Nu 24:11) because I will promote you to very great honor,
and anything you say to me I will do. Come please, curse this people for me.'"
18 (Nu 24:13; 1Ki 22:14; 2Ch 18:13) Balaam answered the servants of Balak,
"If Balak gave me his house full of silver and gold, I am not able to go
beyond the command of the Lord my God, to do less or more.
19Now please remain here tonight, that I may know what
more the Lord will say to me."
20 (Nu 22:35; 23:12) God came to Balaam at night and said to him,
"If the men come to call you, rise up and go with them.
But surely the word which I will say to you, that will you do."
Balaam, the Donkey, and the Angel
21 Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his donkey,
and went with the princes of Moab.
22 (Ex 4:24; Nu 22:32_ The anger of God was inflamed because he went,
and the angel At times the Lord speaks directly through an angel
(cf. the story of the burning bush in Ex 3:2-4).
of the Lord stood in the way as an adversary against him.
Now he was riding on his donkey, and his two servants were with him.
23 The donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way,
and His sword was drawn in His hand, so the donkey turned out of the way
and went into the field. Balaam struck the donkey to turn her onto the road.
24 But the angel of the Lord stood in a narrow path of the vineyards,
a wall on this side and a wall on that side.
25 When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, she threw herself
into the wall and crushed the foot of Balaam against the wall,
and he struck her again.
26 The angel of the Lord went further and stood in a narrow place
where there was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left.
27 When the donkey saw the angel of theLord, she fell down under Balaam,
and the anger of Balaam was inflamed, and he struck the donkey with a staff.
28 (2Pe 2:16) Then the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey,
and she said to Balaam, "What have I done to you,
that you have struck me these three times?"
29 (Pr 12:10) And Balaam said to the donkey,
"You have mocked me. O that there was a sword in my hand,
for now I would kill you."
30 The donkey said to Balaam, "Am I not your donkey, whom you have ridden
since I became yours, to this day? Do I normally do this to you?"
And he said, "No."
31 (Ge 21:19; Lk 24:16) Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam,
and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way,
and His sword was drawn in His hand,
and he bowed his head and fell flat on his face.
32 (Nu 22:22) The angel of the Lord said to him,
"Why have you struck your donkey these three times?
I have come out to oppose you, because your way is perverse before Me.
33 And the donkey saw Me and turned from Me these three times.
If she had not turned from Me, surely by now I would have slain you
and saved her alive."
34 (Job 34:31-32; 1Sa 15:24) Balaam said to the angel of the Lord,
"'I have sinned because I did not know that You stood in the way against me.
Now therefore, if it displeases You, I will return."
35 The angel of the Lord said to Balaam, "Go with the men.
But only speak the word that I tell you to speak."
So Balaam went with the leaders of Balak.
36 When Balak heard that Balaam had come,
he went out to meet him in a city of Moab
which is on the border of Arnon,
which is at the furthest end of the border.
37 (Nu 24:11) Balak said to Balaam,
"Did I not earnestly send to summon you?
Why did you not come to me? Indeed am I not able to honor you?"
38 (Nu 22:18; 23:16) And Balaam said to Balak, "I have come to you now.
But am I able to speak just anything? T
he word God puts in my mouth is what I will speak. "
39 Balaam went with Balak, and they came to Kiriath Huzoth.
40 (Nu 23:14) Balak offered oxen and sheep and sent them to Balaam
and to the officials who were with him.
Balaam's First Prophecy
41 (Nu 23:13) It came to pass on the next day that Balak took Balaam
and brought him up to Bamoth Baal, and from there he saw
the extent of the people.
Numbers 22
[1] And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of
Moab on this side Jordan by Jericho.
[2] And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the
Amorites.
[3] And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab
was distressed because of the children of Israel.
[4] And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up
all that are round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field.
And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time.
[5] He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor,
which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call
him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they
cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me:
[6] Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too
mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and
that I may drive them out of the land: for I wot that he whom thou blessest
is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed.
[7] And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the
rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spake
unto him the words of Balak.
[8] And he said unto them, Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word
again, as the LORD shall speak unto me: and the princes of Moab abode with
Balaam.
[9] And God came unto Balaam, and said, What men are these with thee?
[10] And Balaam said unto God, Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, hath
sent unto me, saying,
[11] Behold, there is a people come out of Egypt, which covereth the face of
the earth: come now, curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to overcome
them, and drive them out.
[12] And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not
curse the people: for they are blessed.
[13] And Balaam rose up in the morning, and said unto the princes of Balak,
Get you into your land: for the LORD refuseth to give me leave to go with
you.
[14] And the princes of Moab rose up, and they went unto Balak, and said,
Balaam refuseth to come with us.
[15] And Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honourable than they.
[16] And they came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus saith Balak the son of
Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me:
[17] For I will promote thee unto very great honour, and I will do
whatsoever thou sayest unto me: come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this
people.
[18] And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would
give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of
the LORD my God, to do less or more.
[19] Now therefore, I pray you, tarry ye also here this night, that I may
know what the LORD will say unto me more.
[20] And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come
to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say
unto thee, that shalt thou do.
[21] And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with
the princes of Moab.
[22] And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD
stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his
ass, and his two servants were with him.
[23] And the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his
sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went
into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way.
[24] But the angel of the LORD stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall
being on this side, and a wall on that side.
[25] And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she thrust herself unto the
wall, and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall: and he smote her again.
[26] And the angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place,
where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left.
[27] And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam:
and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff.
[28] And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam,
What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?
[29] And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would
there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee.
[30] And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast
ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto
thee? And he said, Nay.
[31] Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the
LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down
his head, and fell flat on his face.
[32] And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten
thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because
thy way is perverse before me:
[33] And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she
had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive.
[34] And Balaam said unto the angel of the LORD, I have sinned; for I knew
not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease
thee, I will get me back again.
[35] And the angel of the LORD said unto Balaam, Go with the men: but only
the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak. So Balaam went
with the princes of Balak.
[36] And when Balak heard that Balaam was come, he went out to meet him unto
a city of Moab, which is in the border of Arnon, which is in the utmost
coast.
[37] And Balak said unto Balaam, Did I not earnestly send unto thee to call
thee? wherefore camest thou not unto me? am I not able indeed to promote
thee to honour?
[38] And Balaam said unto Balak, Lo, I am come unto thee: have I now any
power at all to say any thing? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that
shall I speak.
[39] And Balaam went with Balak, and they came unto Kirjath-huzoth.
[40] And Balak offered oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the
princes that were with him.
[41] And it came to pass on the morrow, that Balak took Balaam, and brought
him up into the high places of Baal, that thence he might see the utmost
part of the people.
(Never oppose the Will of God)
NUMBERS 23
1 (Nu 23:29) And Balaam said to Balak, "Build for me seven altars,
and prepare for me seven oxen and seven rams."
2 (Nu 23:14; 23:30) Balak did as Balaam had spoken, and Balak and Balaam
offered on every altar a bull and a ram.
3 (Nu 23:15; 24:1) Balaam said to Balak, "Stand by your burnt offering,
and I will go. Perhaps the Lord will come to meet me, and whatever
He shows me I will tell you." And he went to a high place.
4 (Nu 23:16) God met Balaam, and he said to Him,
"I have prepared seven altars, and I have offered on every altar a bull
and a ram."
5 (Dt 18:18; Jer 1:9) The Lord put a word in the mouth of Balaam
and said, "Return to Balak, and thus you will speak."
6 So he returned to Balak, who was standing by his
burnt offering with all the princes of Moab.
7 (Nu 22:5-6; 23:18) Then Balaam uttered his oracle, saying:
"Balak has brought me from Aram,
the king of Moab from the mountains of the east,
saying, 'Come, curse Jacob for me,
and come, defy Israel!'
8 How will I curse
whom God has not cursed?
Or how will I defy
whom the Lord has not defied?
9 (Ex 33:16; Dt 32:8 ) For from the top of the rocks I see him,
and from the hills I behold him;
there, the people will dwell alone
and will not be counted among the nations.
10 (Ge 13:16; Ps 37:37) Who can count the dust of Jacob
and the number of the fourth part of Israel?
Let me die the death of the righteous,
and let my last end be like his!"
11 (Nu 24:10; 22:11) And Balak said to Balaam, "What have you done to me?
I brought you to curse my enemies, but now you have certainly blessed them."
12 (Nu 22:38) He answered and said, "Must I not take heed to speak
what the Lord puts in my mouth?"
Balaam's Second Prophecy
13 And Balak said to him, "Please come with me to another place from
where you may see them. You will see part of them, but will not see
them all. Curse them for me from there."
14 (Nu 23:1-2) He brought him into the field of Zophim,
to the top of Pisgah, and built seven altars and offered a bull a
nd a ram on each altar.
15 (Nu 23:3_ He said to Balak, "Stand here by your burnt offerings
while I meet the Lord over there."
16 (Nu 23:5) The Lord met Balaam and put a word in his mouth
and said, "Go again to Balak, and thus you will speak."
17 When he came to him, he was standing by his burnt offerings
with the princes of Moab. And Balak said to him, "What has the Lord spoken?"
18 And he took up his parable and said:
"Rise up, Balak, and hear!
Listen to me, you son of Zippor!
19 (1Sa 15:29; Mal 3:6; Jas 1:17) God is not a man, that He should lie,
nor a son of man, that He should repent.
Has He spoken, and will He not do it?
Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?
20 (Ge 22:17; Nu 22:12) See, I have received a commandment to bless,
and He has blessed, and I cannot reverse it.
21 (Jer 50:20; Ex 29:45-46) "He has not beheld iniquity in Jacob,
nor has He seen perverseness in Israel.
The Lord his God is with him,
and the shout of a king is among them.
22 (Nu 24:8; Dt 33:17; Job 39:9-11) God, who brings them out of Egypt,
has strength like a wild ox.
23 (Nu 24:1) Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob,
nor is there any divination against Israel.
For this time it will be said of Jacob and of Israel,
'See what God has done!'
24 (Ge 49:9; 49:27) A people rises up as a great lion,
and lifts itself up like a lion;
it shall not lie down until it eats the prey
and drinks the blood of the slain."
25 Balak said to Balaam, "Do not curse them at all, nor bless them at all."
26 (Nu 22:18) But Balaam answered and said to Balak, "
Did I not tell you, saying, 'All that the Lord speaks, I must do'?"
Balaam's Third Prophecy
27 And Balak said to Balaam, "Please come. I will bring you to another place.
Perhaps it will please God that you may curse them for me from there."
28 (Nu 21:20) Balak brought Balaam to the top of Peor,
which looks toward Jeshimon.
29 Balaam said to Balak, "Build for me seven altars,
and prepare for me seven bulls and seven rams."
30 Balak did as Balaam said and offered a bull and a ram on each altar.
Numbers 23
[1] And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me
here seven oxen and seven rams.
[2] And Balak did as Balaam had spoken; and Balak and Balaam offered on
every altar a bullock and a ram.
[3] And Balaam said unto Balak, Stand by thy burnt offering, and I will go:
peradventure the LORD will come to meet me: and whatsoever he sheweth me I
will tell thee. And he went to an high place.
[4] And God met Balaam: and he said unto him, I have prepared seven altars,
and I have offered upon every altar a bullock and a ram.
[5] And the LORD put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, Return unto Balak,
and thus thou shalt speak.
[6] And he returned unto him, and, lo, he stood by his burnt sacrifice, he,
and all the princes of Moab.
[7] And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab hath
brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, saying, Come, curse
me Jacob, and come, defy Israel.
[8] How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom
the LORD hath not defied?
[9] For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold
him: lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the
nations.
[10] Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth part of
Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like
his!
[11] And Balak said unto Balaam, What hast thou done unto me? I took thee to
curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast blessed them altogether.
[12] And he answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which the
LORD hath put in my mouth?
[13] And Balak said unto him, Come, I pray thee, with me unto another place,
from whence thou mayest see them: thou shalt see but the utmost part of
them, and shalt not see them all: and curse me them from thence.
[14] And he brought him into the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah, and
built seven altars, and offered a bullock and a ram on every altar.
[15] And he said unto Balak, Stand here by thy burnt offering, while I meet
the LORD yonder.
[16] And the LORD met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, Go
again unto Balak, and say thus.
[17] And when he came to him, behold, he stood by his burnt offering, and
the princes of Moab with him. And Balak said unto him, What hath the LORD
spoken?
[18] And he took up his parable, and said, Rise up, Balak, and hear; hearken
unto me, thou son of Zippor:
[19] God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he
should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and
shall he not make it good?
[20] Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and
I cannot reverse it.
[21] He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness
in Israel: the LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among
them.
[22] God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an
unicorn.
[23] Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any
divination against Israel: according to this time it shall be said of Jacob
and of Israel, What hath God wrought!
[24] Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion, and lift up himself
as a young lion: he shall not lie down until he eat of the prey, and drink
the blood of the slain.
[25] And Balak said unto Balaam, Neither curse them at all, nor bless them
at all.
[26] But Balaam answered and said unto Balak, Told not I thee, saying, All
that the LORD speaketh, that I must do?
[27] And Balak said unto Balaam, Come, I pray thee, I will bring thee unto
another place; peradventure it will please God that thou mayest curse me
them from thence.
[28] And Balak brought Balaam unto the top of Peor, that looketh toward
Jeshimon.
[29] And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me
here seven bullocks and seven rams.
[30] And Balak did as Balaam had said, and offered a bullock and a ram on
every altar.
NUMBERS 24
1 (Nu 23:23; 23:3) And when Balaam saw that
it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he did not go as other times to seek
for enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness.
2 (1Sa 19:20; 2Ch 15:1) Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel
dwelling in their tents by their tribes, and the Spirit of God came on him.
3 (Nu 23:7; 24:16) He took up his proverb and said:
"Balaam the son of Beor has said,
and the man whose eyes are open has said,
4 (Nu 12:6; Eze 1:28) he has said, who heard the words of God,
who saw the vision of the Almighty,
falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:
5 "How lovely are your tents, O Jacob,
and your tabernacles, O Israel!
6 (Ps 1:3; 104:16) "Like palm trees are they spread out,
like gardens by the river's side,
like the aloe plant, which the Lord has planted,
and like cedar trees beside the waters.
7 (2Sa 5:12; 1Ch 14:2) He will pour the water out of his buckets,
and his seed will be in many waters.
"His king will be higher than Agag,
and his kingdom will be exalted.
8 (Nu 23:22; Ps 45:5) "God brings him out of Egypt;
he has the horns of a wild ox;
he will eat up the nations, his enemies,
and will break their bones,
and pierce them through with his arrows.
9 (Ge 12:3; 49:9) He crouches, he lies down as a lion, and as a lion,
who will stir him up?
"Blessed is he who blesses you,
and cursed is he who curses you."
10 (Nu 23:11; Eze 21:14) The anger of Balak was inflamed against Balaam,
and he struck his hands together. And Balak said to Balaam,
"I called you to curse my enemies, and indeed,
you have certainly blessed them these three times.
11 (Nu 22:17; 22:37) Now flee to your own place. I thought to promote you
to great honor. But certainly, the Lord has kept you back from honor."
12 (Nu 22:18) Balaam said to Balak, "Did I not speak to your messengers
which you sent to me, saying,
13 'If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go
beyond the mouth of the Lord, to do either good or bad of my own mind.
But what the Lord speaks, I will speak'?
14 (Ge 49:1; Mic 6:5) And now, I am going to my people. Come,
I will advise you what this people will do to your people in the latter days."
Balaam's Fourth Prophecy
15 (Nu 23:7; 24:3-4) He took up his parable and said:
"The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor,
and the oracle of the man whose eyes are open;
16 (Nu 24:4) the oracle of the one hearing the words of God,
and knowing the knowledge of the Most High,
who sees the vision of the Almighty,
falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:
17 (Ge 49:10; 2Sa 8:2; Ps 45:6) "I will see him, but not now;
I will behold him, but not near;
a star will come out of Jacob,
and a scepter will rise out of Israel,
and will crush the borderlands of Moab,
and destroy all the children of Sheth.
18 (Am 9:12; Ge 27:29) Edom will be a possession,
and Seir, a possession of its enemies,
while Israel does valiantly.
19 (Ge 49:10; Mic 5:2) One out of Jacob shall have dominion,
and destroy the survivors of the city."
20 (Ex 17:14) Then he looked on Amalek; he took up his proverb and said:
"Amalek was the first of the nations,
but his end will be that he perishes forever."
21 (Ge 15:19) He looked on the Kenites and took up his proverb and said:
"Strong is your dwelling place,
and you put your nest in a rock;
22 nevertheless the Kenite will be wasted.
How long until Ashur carries you away captive?"
23 He took up his proverb and said:
"Alas, who will live when God does this?
24 (Ge 10:4; Nu 24:20) And ships will come from the coasts of Cyprus
and will afflict Ashur and will afflict Eber,
and he also will perish forever."
25 (Nu 31:8) Balaam rose up and went and returned to his place,
and Balak also went his way.
(Always do what is right in the Sight of the Lord)
Numbers 24
[1] And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he went
not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments, but he set his face toward
the wilderness.
[2] And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents
according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him.
[3] And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said,
and the man whose eyes are open hath said:
[4] He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the
Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:
[5] How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel!
[6] As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as
the trees of lign aloes which the LORD hath planted, and as cedar trees
beside the waters.
[7] He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in
many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall
be exalted.
[8] God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of
an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their
bones, and pierce them through with his arrows.
[9] He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir
him up? Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth
thee.
[10] And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands
together: and Balak said unto Balaam, I called thee to curse mine enemies,
and, behold, thou hast altogether blessed them these three times.
[11] Therefore now flee thou to thy place: I thought to promote thee unto
great honour; but, lo, the LORD hath kept thee back from honour.
[12] And Balaam said unto Balak, Spake I not also to thy messengers which
thou sentest unto me, saying,
[13] If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go
beyond the commandment of the LORD, to do either good or bad of mine own
mind; but what the LORD saith, that will I speak?
[14] And now, behold, I go unto my people: come therefore, and I will
advertise thee what this people shall do to thy people in the latter days.
[15] And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said,
and the man whose eyes are open hath said:
[16] He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of
the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance,
but having his eyes open:
[17] I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there
shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and
shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
[18] And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his
enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly.
[19] Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, and shall destroy
him that remaineth of the city.
[20] And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable, and said, Amalek
was the first of the nations; but his latter end shall be that he perish for
ever.
[21] And he looked on the Kenites, and took up his parable, and said, Strong
is thy dwellingplace, and thou puttest thy nest in a rock.
[22] Nevertheless the Kenite shall be wasted, until Asshur shall carry thee
away captive.
[23] And he took up his parable, and said, Alas, who shall live when God
doeth this!
[24] And ships shall come from the coast of Chittim, and shall afflict
Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall perish for ever.
[25] And Balaam rose up, and went and returned to his place: and Balak also
went his way.
2) Our Daily Bread for 4 March 2023 titled
Listening to God
2 Chronicles 35:20-27
The Death of Josiah
2Ki 23:28-30
20 (2Ki 23:29-30; Isa 10:9) After all this when Josiah had prepared
the temple, Necho king of Egypt went up to war in Carchemish
on the Euphrates, and Josiah went out to meet him.
21 (2Ki 18:25; 2Ch 25:19) And Necho sent messengers to him saying,
"What is there between you and me, king of Judah?
I am not against you this day, but against the house with which I am at war.
And God has commanded that I hurry. Refrain from being against God
who is with me so that He does not destroy you."
22 (Jdg 5:19; 2Ch 18:29) But Josiah did not turn away from him for he went
to battle against him disguised. He did not listen to the words of Necho
that came from the mouth of God,
but he came to battle in the plain of Megiddo.
23 (1Ki 22:34) So the archers shot King Josiah, and the king said
to his servants, "Take me away for I am severely wounded."
24 (Zec 12:11) Then his servants took him from the chariot,
and they set him in a second chariot, and they brought him to Jerusalem.
He died and was buried in the tombs of his fathers.
And all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah.
25 (Jer 22:10; La 4:20) And Jeremiah composed a dirge for Josiah,
and all the male and female singers speak of Josiah in their laments
to this day. They set them as a statute over Israel.
They are written in the Laments.
26 And the remainder of the acts of Josiah, his deeds and covenant
faithfulness, according to what is written in the Law of the Lord,
27 and his acts from beginning to end are written
in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.
[20] After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple, Necho king of
Egypt came up to fight against Carchemish by Euphrates: and Josiah went out
against him.
[21] But he sent ambassadors to him, saying, What have I to do with thee,
thou king of Judah? I come not against thee this day, but against the house
wherewith I have war: for God commanded me to make haste: forbear thee from
meddling with God, who is with me, that he destroy thee not.
[22] Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised
himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of
Necho from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo.
[23] And the archers shot at king Josiah; and the king said to his servants,
Have me away; for I am sore wounded.
[24] His servants therefore took him out of that chariot, and put him in the
second chariot that he had; and they brought him to Jerusalem, and he died,
and was buried in one of the sepulchres of his fathers. And all Judah and
Jerusalem mourned for Josiah.
[25] And Jeremiah lamented for Josiah: and all the singing men and the
singing women spake of Josiah in their lamentations to this day, and made
them an ordinance in Israel: and, behold, they are written in the
lamentations.
[26] Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and his goodness, according to that
which was written in the law of the LORD,
[27] And his deeds, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of
the kings of Israel and Judah.
Back when I was driving to college and back home again, the road to our house
in the desert seemed painfully dull. Because it was long and straight, I
found myself driving faster than I should have more than once. First, I was
given a warning from the highway patrol. Then I received a ticket.
Then I was cited a second time in the very same place.
Refusing to listen can have unfortunate consequences. One tragic example of
this is from the life of Josiah, a good and faithful king. When Necho, the
king of Egypt, marched through Judah's territory to help Assyria in battle
against Babylon, Josiah went out to counter him. Necho sent messengers
telling Josiah, "God has told me to hurry; so stop opposing God, who is
with me" (2 Chronicles 35:21). God really did send Necho, but Josiah "would
not listen to what Necho had said at God's command but went to fight him on
the plain of Megiddo" (v. 22). Josiah was fatally injured in the battle,
"and all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for him" (v. 24).
Josiah, who loved God, discovered that insisting on his own way without
taking the time to listen to Him or His wisdom through others never ends well.
May God give us the humility we need to always check ourselves
and take His wisdom to heart.
By: James Banks
Reflect & Pray
What do you need God's wisdom for in your life?
What will you do to listen to Him today?
Ever wise and loving God, help me to be humble and to listen for Your wisdom
today. Thank You that when I ask for wisdom, You give "generously . . .
without finding fault" (James 1:5).
Learn more lessons from the kings of Israel.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 7 God's Bulldozer - Luke 3:5-6
5 (Isa 40:4; 42:16) Every valley shall be filled
and every mountain and hill shall be brought low;
and the crooked shall be made straight
and the rough ways shall be made smooth;
6 (Isa 40:5; 52:10) and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
5 Every valley shall be filled,
And every mountain and hill shall be brought low;
And the crooked shall be made straight,
And the rough ways shall be made smooth;
6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
When a new highway is being constructed, the roads crew work hard
in preparing for the new surface to be laid. Giant bulldozers cut through
the hillsides, moving earth, leveling, filling, evening the path out where
the roadway will run. When the work is first begun, if often looks like chaos:
and even after the highway begins to take shape, the land is still ugly,
scarred by the unsightly gashes cut through the landscape. Yet after
the work is completed and the grass and trees are replanted, we forget
the temporary upheaval and see only the
beauty of the land and the convenience of the new roadway.
In Luke 3:5-6, John the Baptist presents a prophecy of the coming of Christ,
a prophecy quoted from Isaiah 40:3-5 . The prophecy speaks of the preparation
of the world for the coming Messiah, but is also applies to the preparation
of the individual heart to receive him.
Sometimes, the Holy Spirit must do major work in our hearts to prepare us for
the coming of Christ into our live. Like a bulldozer, he brings down the
mountains of pride in our lives. He fill the empty places , corrects
the crooked, grades down the rough edges of our hearts.
Often this is not pleasant work. We prefer to maintain the rugged landscape
of Self, and we do not like the ugly scars that are left after the bulldozer
has done its job.
But if we submit to the Spirit's "Construction work" in us, the way will be
paved for the Lord to enter into our lives, and others will see in us,
the way be paved for the Lord to enter into our lives, and other will see
in us the glory and salvation of our God.
Application
a) What "construction work" has to Holy Spirit done in me?
b) What restoration has taken place because of that work?
c) How do today's verses help me put in perspective the work
God still want to do in me?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Genesis 30:43
The man became exceedingly prosperous and had many sheep
and female servants and male servants and camels and donkeys.
And the man increased exceedingly, and had much cattle,
and maidservants, and menservants, and camels, and asses.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are anxious
Phil 4:4-7
4 (Php 3:1; Ro 12:12 Rejoice in the Lord always.
Again I will say, rejoice!
5 (Jas 5:8-9) Let everyone come to know your gentleness.
The Lord is at hand.
6 (Eph 6:18; Mt 6:25-33) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything,
by prayer and supplication with gratitude, make your requests known
to God.
7 (Jn 14:27; Col 3:15; Isa 26:3) And the peace of God, which surpasses
all understanding, will protect your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,
shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)
Saskatchewan
Quick facts on Muslims in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan 2015 population 1125400
est Muslim Population 17279
CNMM Networks: Saskatoon
Saskatoon has seen quick growth in its Muslim population over the past
5 years, which maybe as high as 5000 today. Islamic leaders have
focused specifically on this city , having twice already sent cohorts
of about 70 families to start mosques. There are now 7 Islamic centres
of worship and an ISlamic madrassah (school) located right next to a
Christian school.
Of particular concern recently is the number of young adults who grew up
in evangelical churches and converted to Islam. Most of these are young
women whowere wooed by Muslim man and became emotionally bonded.
Both prior to and after marrying, these women are known to convert to ISlam.
Agree in prayer with us for:
- entire congregations and individual believers to catch God's heart
and passion for reaching Muslims in Saskatoon and the other growing
Muslim population centres of Saskatchewan.
- for the eyes and understanding of Canadian youth to be opened to the
spiritual reality of Islam, and not deceived nor manipulated into
converting to a religion which cannot offer assurance of salvation.
- for the few workers among Muslims now engaged there, and for many more
to be raised up into effective witness.
- for prayer and training events that are starting in Saskatoon
to spread and grow to other cities.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 "In the last days it shall be," says God,
"that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.
18 Even on My menservants and maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.
19 And I will show wonders in heaven above and signs on the earth below:
blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness,
and the moon into blood, before that great and glorious day of the Lord comes.
21 And whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."[a]
Footnotes
Acts 2:21 Joel 2:28-32.
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, ...) .
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
4nd Day of the Month
a) Pray for the preservation of godly values in Canada
(Prov 14:34 - Righteousness exalts a nation,
but sin is a reproach to any people.
34 Righteousness exalteth a nation:
But sin is a reproach to any people.
)
b) Pray the political leaders will be awakened by God to the right
use of power and the right stewardship of their positions.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to do what is right in the eyes of the Lord.
Pray to the Lord: "Ever wise and loving God, help me to be humble
and to listen for Your wisdom today. Thank You that when I ask for wisdom,
You give "generously . . . without finding fault" (James 1:5)."
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to finish the work in you.
Pray to the Lord and pray to thank Him for all you have.
Pray to the Lord and pray to rejoice in everything.
Agree in prayer with us for:
- entire congregations and individual believers to catch God's heart
and passion for reaching Muslims in Saskatoon and the other growing
Muslim population centres of Saskatchewan.
- for the eyes and understanding of Canadian youth to be opened to the
spiritual reality of Islam, and not deceived nor manipulated into
converting to a religion which cannot offer assurance of salvation.
- for the few workers among Muslims now engaged there, and for many more
to be raised up into effective witness.
- for prayer and training events that are starting in Saskatoon
to spread and grow to other cities.
Pray for the preservation of godly values in the world.
Pray the political leaders will be awakened by God to the right
use of power and the right stewardship of their positions.
Pray for the courage of a Christian convert for Islam from Djibouti
who is being targeted for his faith.
1) Numbers 22-24
NUMBERS 22
Balak Summons Balaam
1 (Nu 33:48-50; 36:13) Then the children of Israel set out
and camped in the plains of Moab on the other side of the Jordan from Jericho.
2 (Jdg 11:25) Balak the son of Zippor saw
all that Israel had done to the Amorites.
3 (Ex 15:15) Moab was very afraid of the people because they were many,
and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.
4 (Nu 25:15-18; 31:8) Moab said to the elders of Midian,
"Now this company will lick up all that are around us,
as the ox licks up the grass of the field."
And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time.
5 (Dt 23:4; Jos 24:9; Mic 6:5) He sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor
at Pethor, which is by the Euphrates in the land of the sons of his people,
to call him, saying,
"A people went out from Egypt. They cover the face of the earth,
and they dwell next to me.
6 (Nu 23:7-8; 24:9) And now, please come curse this people for me
because they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I will prevail, a
nd we will defeat them, and I will drive them out of the land
because I know that he whom you bless is blessed,
and he whom you curse is cursed."
7 (1Sa 9:7-8; Mic 3:11) The elders of Moab and the elders of Midian
went with the divination payments in their hand, and they came to
Balaam and spoke to him the words of Balak.
8 He said to them, "Lodge here tonight,
and I will bring you word again, as the Lord will speak to me."
And the leaders of Moab dwelt with Balaam.
9 (Ge 20:3; Nu 22:20) God came to Balaam and said,
"Who are these men with you?"
10 And Balaam said to God, "Balak the son of Zippor,
king of Moab, has sent word to me, saying,
11 'A people went out of Egypt who covers the face of the earth.
Now come, curse them for me.
Perhaps I will be able to battle them and drive them out.'"
12 (Ge 12:2) God said to Balaam, "You will not go with them.
You will not curse the people because they are blessed."
13 So Balaam rose up in the morning and said to the princes of Balak,
"Go to your land because the Lord refuses to let me to go with you."
14 The princes of Moab rose up, and they went to Balak and said,
"Balaam refuses to come with us."
15 Again Balak sent officials, more numerous and more honorable than they.
16 They came to Balaam and said to him,
"Thus says Balak the son of Zippor,
'Please, let nothing hold you back from coming to me,
17 (Nu 24:11) because I will promote you to very great honor,
and anything you say to me I will do. Come please, curse this people for me.'"
18 (Nu 24:13; 1Ki 22:14; 2Ch 18:13) Balaam answered the servants of Balak,
"If Balak gave me his house full of silver and gold, I am not able to go
beyond the command of the Lord my God, to do less or more.
19Now please remain here tonight, that I may know what
more the Lord will say to me."
20 (Nu 22:35; 23:12) God came to Balaam at night and said to him,
"If the men come to call you, rise up and go with them.
But surely the word which I will say to you, that will you do."
Balaam, the Donkey, and the Angel
21 Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his donkey,
and went with the princes of Moab.
22 (Ex 4:24; Nu 22:32_ The anger of God was inflamed because he went,
and the angel At times the Lord speaks directly through an angel
(cf. the story of the burning bush in Ex 3:2-4).
of the Lord stood in the way as an adversary against him.
Now he was riding on his donkey, and his two servants were with him.
23 The donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way,
and His sword was drawn in His hand, so the donkey turned out of the way
and went into the field. Balaam struck the donkey to turn her onto the road.
24 But the angel of the Lord stood in a narrow path of the vineyards,
a wall on this side and a wall on that side.
25 When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, she threw herself
into the wall and crushed the foot of Balaam against the wall,
and he struck her again.
26 The angel of the Lord went further and stood in a narrow place
where there was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left.
27 When the donkey saw the angel of theLord, she fell down under Balaam,
and the anger of Balaam was inflamed, and he struck the donkey with a staff.
28 (2Pe 2:16) Then the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey,
and she said to Balaam, "What have I done to you,
that you have struck me these three times?"
29 (Pr 12:10) And Balaam said to the donkey,
"You have mocked me. O that there was a sword in my hand,
for now I would kill you."
30 The donkey said to Balaam, "Am I not your donkey, whom you have ridden
since I became yours, to this day? Do I normally do this to you?"
And he said, "No."
31 (Ge 21:19; Lk 24:16) Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam,
and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way,
and His sword was drawn in His hand,
and he bowed his head and fell flat on his face.
32 (Nu 22:22) The angel of the Lord said to him,
"Why have you struck your donkey these three times?
I have come out to oppose you, because your way is perverse before Me.
33 And the donkey saw Me and turned from Me these three times.
If she had not turned from Me, surely by now I would have slain you
and saved her alive."
34 (Job 34:31-32; 1Sa 15:24) Balaam said to the angel of the Lord,
"'I have sinned because I did not know that You stood in the way against me.
Now therefore, if it displeases You, I will return."
35 The angel of the Lord said to Balaam, "Go with the men.
But only speak the word that I tell you to speak."
So Balaam went with the leaders of Balak.
36 When Balak heard that Balaam had come,
he went out to meet him in a city of Moab
which is on the border of Arnon,
which is at the furthest end of the border.
37 (Nu 24:11) Balak said to Balaam,
"Did I not earnestly send to summon you?
Why did you not come to me? Indeed am I not able to honor you?"
38 (Nu 22:18; 23:16) And Balaam said to Balak, "I have come to you now.
But am I able to speak just anything? T
he word God puts in my mouth is what I will speak. "
39 Balaam went with Balak, and they came to Kiriath Huzoth.
40 (Nu 23:14) Balak offered oxen and sheep and sent them to Balaam
and to the officials who were with him.
Balaam's First Prophecy
41 (Nu 23:13) It came to pass on the next day that Balak took Balaam
and brought him up to Bamoth Baal, and from there he saw
the extent of the people.
Numbers 22
[1] And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of
Moab on this side Jordan by Jericho.
[2] And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the
Amorites.
[3] And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab
was distressed because of the children of Israel.
[4] And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up
all that are round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field.
And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time.
[5] He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor,
which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call
him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they
cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me:
[6] Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too
mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and
that I may drive them out of the land: for I wot that he whom thou blessest
is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed.
[7] And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the
rewards of divination in their hand; and they came unto Balaam, and spake
unto him the words of Balak.
[8] And he said unto them, Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word
again, as the LORD shall speak unto me: and the princes of Moab abode with
Balaam.
[9] And God came unto Balaam, and said, What men are these with thee?
[10] And Balaam said unto God, Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, hath
sent unto me, saying,
[11] Behold, there is a people come out of Egypt, which covereth the face of
the earth: come now, curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to overcome
them, and drive them out.
[12] And God said unto Balaam, Thou shalt not go with them; thou shalt not
curse the people: for they are blessed.
[13] And Balaam rose up in the morning, and said unto the princes of Balak,
Get you into your land: for the LORD refuseth to give me leave to go with
you.
[14] And the princes of Moab rose up, and they went unto Balak, and said,
Balaam refuseth to come with us.
[15] And Balak sent yet again princes, more, and more honourable than they.
[16] And they came to Balaam, and said to him, Thus saith Balak the son of
Zippor, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto me:
[17] For I will promote thee unto very great honour, and I will do
whatsoever thou sayest unto me: come therefore, I pray thee, curse me this
people.
[18] And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balak, If Balak would
give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of
the LORD my God, to do less or more.
[19] Now therefore, I pray you, tarry ye also here this night, that I may
know what the LORD will say unto me more.
[20] And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come
to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say
unto thee, that shalt thou do.
[21] And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with
the princes of Moab.
[22] And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD
stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his
ass, and his two servants were with him.
[23] And the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his
sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went
into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way.
[24] But the angel of the LORD stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall
being on this side, and a wall on that side.
[25] And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she thrust herself unto the
wall, and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall: and he smote her again.
[26] And the angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place,
where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left.
[27] And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam:
and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff.
[28] And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam,
What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?
[29] And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would
there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee.
[30] And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast
ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto
thee? And he said, Nay.
[31] Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the
LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down
his head, and fell flat on his face.
[32] And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten
thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because
thy way is perverse before me:
[33] And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she
had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive.
[34] And Balaam said unto the angel of the LORD, I have sinned; for I knew
not that thou stoodest in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease
thee, I will get me back again.
[35] And the angel of the LORD said unto Balaam, Go with the men: but only
the word that I shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak. So Balaam went
with the princes of Balak.
[36] And when Balak heard that Balaam was come, he went out to meet him unto
a city of Moab, which is in the border of Arnon, which is in the utmost
coast.
[37] And Balak said unto Balaam, Did I not earnestly send unto thee to call
thee? wherefore camest thou not unto me? am I not able indeed to promote
thee to honour?
[38] And Balaam said unto Balak, Lo, I am come unto thee: have I now any
power at all to say any thing? the word that God putteth in my mouth, that
shall I speak.
[39] And Balaam went with Balak, and they came unto Kirjath-huzoth.
[40] And Balak offered oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the
princes that were with him.
[41] And it came to pass on the morrow, that Balak took Balaam, and brought
him up into the high places of Baal, that thence he might see the utmost
part of the people.
(Never oppose the Will of God)
NUMBERS 23
1 (Nu 23:29) And Balaam said to Balak, "Build for me seven altars,
and prepare for me seven oxen and seven rams."
2 (Nu 23:14; 23:30) Balak did as Balaam had spoken, and Balak and Balaam
offered on every altar a bull and a ram.
3 (Nu 23:15; 24:1) Balaam said to Balak, "Stand by your burnt offering,
and I will go. Perhaps the Lord will come to meet me, and whatever
He shows me I will tell you." And he went to a high place.
4 (Nu 23:16) God met Balaam, and he said to Him,
"I have prepared seven altars, and I have offered on every altar a bull
and a ram."
5 (Dt 18:18; Jer 1:9) The Lord put a word in the mouth of Balaam
and said, "Return to Balak, and thus you will speak."
6 So he returned to Balak, who was standing by his
burnt offering with all the princes of Moab.
7 (Nu 22:5-6; 23:18) Then Balaam uttered his oracle, saying:
"Balak has brought me from Aram,
the king of Moab from the mountains of the east,
saying, 'Come, curse Jacob for me,
and come, defy Israel!'
8 How will I curse
whom God has not cursed?
Or how will I defy
whom the Lord has not defied?
9 (Ex 33:16; Dt 32:8 ) For from the top of the rocks I see him,
and from the hills I behold him;
there, the people will dwell alone
and will not be counted among the nations.
10 (Ge 13:16; Ps 37:37) Who can count the dust of Jacob
and the number of the fourth part of Israel?
Let me die the death of the righteous,
and let my last end be like his!"
11 (Nu 24:10; 22:11) And Balak said to Balaam, "What have you done to me?
I brought you to curse my enemies, but now you have certainly blessed them."
12 (Nu 22:38) He answered and said, "Must I not take heed to speak
what the Lord puts in my mouth?"
Balaam's Second Prophecy
13 And Balak said to him, "Please come with me to another place from
where you may see them. You will see part of them, but will not see
them all. Curse them for me from there."
14 (Nu 23:1-2) He brought him into the field of Zophim,
to the top of Pisgah, and built seven altars and offered a bull a
nd a ram on each altar.
15 (Nu 23:3_ He said to Balak, "Stand here by your burnt offerings
while I meet the Lord over there."
16 (Nu 23:5) The Lord met Balaam and put a word in his mouth
and said, "Go again to Balak, and thus you will speak."
17 When he came to him, he was standing by his burnt offerings
with the princes of Moab. And Balak said to him, "What has the Lord spoken?"
18 And he took up his parable and said:
"Rise up, Balak, and hear!
Listen to me, you son of Zippor!
19 (1Sa 15:29; Mal 3:6; Jas 1:17) God is not a man, that He should lie,
nor a son of man, that He should repent.
Has He spoken, and will He not do it?
Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?
20 (Ge 22:17; Nu 22:12) See, I have received a commandment to bless,
and He has blessed, and I cannot reverse it.
21 (Jer 50:20; Ex 29:45-46) "He has not beheld iniquity in Jacob,
nor has He seen perverseness in Israel.
The Lord his God is with him,
and the shout of a king is among them.
22 (Nu 24:8; Dt 33:17; Job 39:9-11) God, who brings them out of Egypt,
has strength like a wild ox.
23 (Nu 24:1) Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob,
nor is there any divination against Israel.
For this time it will be said of Jacob and of Israel,
'See what God has done!'
24 (Ge 49:9; 49:27) A people rises up as a great lion,
and lifts itself up like a lion;
it shall not lie down until it eats the prey
and drinks the blood of the slain."
25 Balak said to Balaam, "Do not curse them at all, nor bless them at all."
26 (Nu 22:18) But Balaam answered and said to Balak, "
Did I not tell you, saying, 'All that the Lord speaks, I must do'?"
Balaam's Third Prophecy
27 And Balak said to Balaam, "Please come. I will bring you to another place.
Perhaps it will please God that you may curse them for me from there."
28 (Nu 21:20) Balak brought Balaam to the top of Peor,
which looks toward Jeshimon.
29 Balaam said to Balak, "Build for me seven altars,
and prepare for me seven bulls and seven rams."
30 Balak did as Balaam said and offered a bull and a ram on each altar.
Numbers 23
[1] And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me
here seven oxen and seven rams.
[2] And Balak did as Balaam had spoken; and Balak and Balaam offered on
every altar a bullock and a ram.
[3] And Balaam said unto Balak, Stand by thy burnt offering, and I will go:
peradventure the LORD will come to meet me: and whatsoever he sheweth me I
will tell thee. And he went to an high place.
[4] And God met Balaam: and he said unto him, I have prepared seven altars,
and I have offered upon every altar a bullock and a ram.
[5] And the LORD put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, Return unto Balak,
and thus thou shalt speak.
[6] And he returned unto him, and, lo, he stood by his burnt sacrifice, he,
and all the princes of Moab.
[7] And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab hath
brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, saying, Come, curse
me Jacob, and come, defy Israel.
[8] How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom
the LORD hath not defied?
[9] For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold
him: lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the
nations.
[10] Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth part of
Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like
his!
[11] And Balak said unto Balaam, What hast thou done unto me? I took thee to
curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast blessed them altogether.
[12] And he answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which the
LORD hath put in my mouth?
[13] And Balak said unto him, Come, I pray thee, with me unto another place,
from whence thou mayest see them: thou shalt see but the utmost part of
them, and shalt not see them all: and curse me them from thence.
[14] And he brought him into the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah, and
built seven altars, and offered a bullock and a ram on every altar.
[15] And he said unto Balak, Stand here by thy burnt offering, while I meet
the LORD yonder.
[16] And the LORD met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, Go
again unto Balak, and say thus.
[17] And when he came to him, behold, he stood by his burnt offering, and
the princes of Moab with him. And Balak said unto him, What hath the LORD
spoken?
[18] And he took up his parable, and said, Rise up, Balak, and hear; hearken
unto me, thou son of Zippor:
[19] God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he
should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and
shall he not make it good?
[20] Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and
I cannot reverse it.
[21] He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness
in Israel: the LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among
them.
[22] God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an
unicorn.
[23] Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any
divination against Israel: according to this time it shall be said of Jacob
and of Israel, What hath God wrought!
[24] Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion, and lift up himself
as a young lion: he shall not lie down until he eat of the prey, and drink
the blood of the slain.
[25] And Balak said unto Balaam, Neither curse them at all, nor bless them
at all.
[26] But Balaam answered and said unto Balak, Told not I thee, saying, All
that the LORD speaketh, that I must do?
[27] And Balak said unto Balaam, Come, I pray thee, I will bring thee unto
another place; peradventure it will please God that thou mayest curse me
them from thence.
[28] And Balak brought Balaam unto the top of Peor, that looketh toward
Jeshimon.
[29] And Balaam said unto Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me
here seven bullocks and seven rams.
[30] And Balak did as Balaam had said, and offered a bullock and a ram on
every altar.
NUMBERS 24
1 (Nu 23:23; 23:3) And when Balaam saw that
it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he did not go as other times to seek
for enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness.
2 (1Sa 19:20; 2Ch 15:1) Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel
dwelling in their tents by their tribes, and the Spirit of God came on him.
3 (Nu 23:7; 24:16) He took up his proverb and said:
"Balaam the son of Beor has said,
and the man whose eyes are open has said,
4 (Nu 12:6; Eze 1:28) he has said, who heard the words of God,
who saw the vision of the Almighty,
falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:
5 "How lovely are your tents, O Jacob,
and your tabernacles, O Israel!
6 (Ps 1:3; 104:16) "Like palm trees are they spread out,
like gardens by the river's side,
like the aloe plant, which the Lord has planted,
and like cedar trees beside the waters.
7 (2Sa 5:12; 1Ch 14:2) He will pour the water out of his buckets,
and his seed will be in many waters.
"His king will be higher than Agag,
and his kingdom will be exalted.
8 (Nu 23:22; Ps 45:5) "God brings him out of Egypt;
he has the horns of a wild ox;
he will eat up the nations, his enemies,
and will break their bones,
and pierce them through with his arrows.
9 (Ge 12:3; 49:9) He crouches, he lies down as a lion, and as a lion,
who will stir him up?
"Blessed is he who blesses you,
and cursed is he who curses you."
10 (Nu 23:11; Eze 21:14) The anger of Balak was inflamed against Balaam,
and he struck his hands together. And Balak said to Balaam,
"I called you to curse my enemies, and indeed,
you have certainly blessed them these three times.
11 (Nu 22:17; 22:37) Now flee to your own place. I thought to promote you
to great honor. But certainly, the Lord has kept you back from honor."
12 (Nu 22:18) Balaam said to Balak, "Did I not speak to your messengers
which you sent to me, saying,
13 'If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go
beyond the mouth of the Lord, to do either good or bad of my own mind.
But what the Lord speaks, I will speak'?
14 (Ge 49:1; Mic 6:5) And now, I am going to my people. Come,
I will advise you what this people will do to your people in the latter days."
Balaam's Fourth Prophecy
15 (Nu 23:7; 24:3-4) He took up his parable and said:
"The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor,
and the oracle of the man whose eyes are open;
16 (Nu 24:4) the oracle of the one hearing the words of God,
and knowing the knowledge of the Most High,
who sees the vision of the Almighty,
falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:
17 (Ge 49:10; 2Sa 8:2; Ps 45:6) "I will see him, but not now;
I will behold him, but not near;
a star will come out of Jacob,
and a scepter will rise out of Israel,
and will crush the borderlands of Moab,
and destroy all the children of Sheth.
18 (Am 9:12; Ge 27:29) Edom will be a possession,
and Seir, a possession of its enemies,
while Israel does valiantly.
19 (Ge 49:10; Mic 5:2) One out of Jacob shall have dominion,
and destroy the survivors of the city."
20 (Ex 17:14) Then he looked on Amalek; he took up his proverb and said:
"Amalek was the first of the nations,
but his end will be that he perishes forever."
21 (Ge 15:19) He looked on the Kenites and took up his proverb and said:
"Strong is your dwelling place,
and you put your nest in a rock;
22 nevertheless the Kenite will be wasted.
How long until Ashur carries you away captive?"
23 He took up his proverb and said:
"Alas, who will live when God does this?
24 (Ge 10:4; Nu 24:20) And ships will come from the coasts of Cyprus
and will afflict Ashur and will afflict Eber,
and he also will perish forever."
25 (Nu 31:8) Balaam rose up and went and returned to his place,
and Balak also went his way.
(Always do what is right in the Sight of the Lord)
Numbers 24
[1] And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he went
not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments, but he set his face toward
the wilderness.
[2] And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents
according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him.
[3] And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said,
and the man whose eyes are open hath said:
[4] He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the
Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open:
[5] How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel!
[6] As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as
the trees of lign aloes which the LORD hath planted, and as cedar trees
beside the waters.
[7] He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in
many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall
be exalted.
[8] God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of
an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their
bones, and pierce them through with his arrows.
[9] He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir
him up? Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth
thee.
[10] And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands
together: and Balak said unto Balaam, I called thee to curse mine enemies,
and, behold, thou hast altogether blessed them these three times.
[11] Therefore now flee thou to thy place: I thought to promote thee unto
great honour; but, lo, the LORD hath kept thee back from honour.
[12] And Balaam said unto Balak, Spake I not also to thy messengers which
thou sentest unto me, saying,
[13] If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go
beyond the commandment of the LORD, to do either good or bad of mine own
mind; but what the LORD saith, that will I speak?
[14] And now, behold, I go unto my people: come therefore, and I will
advertise thee what this people shall do to thy people in the latter days.
[15] And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said,
and the man whose eyes are open hath said:
[16] He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of
the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance,
but having his eyes open:
[17] I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there
shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and
shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
[18] And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his
enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly.
[19] Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, and shall destroy
him that remaineth of the city.
[20] And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable, and said, Amalek
was the first of the nations; but his latter end shall be that he perish for
ever.
[21] And he looked on the Kenites, and took up his parable, and said, Strong
is thy dwellingplace, and thou puttest thy nest in a rock.
[22] Nevertheless the Kenite shall be wasted, until Asshur shall carry thee
away captive.
[23] And he took up his parable, and said, Alas, who shall live when God
doeth this!
[24] And ships shall come from the coast of Chittim, and shall afflict
Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall perish for ever.
[25] And Balaam rose up, and went and returned to his place: and Balak also
went his way.
2) Our Daily Bread for 4 March 2023 titled
Listening to God
2 Chronicles 35:20-27
The Death of Josiah
2Ki 23:28-30
20 (2Ki 23:29-30; Isa 10:9) After all this when Josiah had prepared
the temple, Necho king of Egypt went up to war in Carchemish
on the Euphrates, and Josiah went out to meet him.
21 (2Ki 18:25; 2Ch 25:19) And Necho sent messengers to him saying,
"What is there between you and me, king of Judah?
I am not against you this day, but against the house with which I am at war.
And God has commanded that I hurry. Refrain from being against God
who is with me so that He does not destroy you."
22 (Jdg 5:19; 2Ch 18:29) But Josiah did not turn away from him for he went
to battle against him disguised. He did not listen to the words of Necho
that came from the mouth of God,
but he came to battle in the plain of Megiddo.
23 (1Ki 22:34) So the archers shot King Josiah, and the king said
to his servants, "Take me away for I am severely wounded."
24 (Zec 12:11) Then his servants took him from the chariot,
and they set him in a second chariot, and they brought him to Jerusalem.
He died and was buried in the tombs of his fathers.
And all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah.
25 (Jer 22:10; La 4:20) And Jeremiah composed a dirge for Josiah,
and all the male and female singers speak of Josiah in their laments
to this day. They set them as a statute over Israel.
They are written in the Laments.
26 And the remainder of the acts of Josiah, his deeds and covenant
faithfulness, according to what is written in the Law of the Lord,
27 and his acts from beginning to end are written
in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.
[20] After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple, Necho king of
Egypt came up to fight against Carchemish by Euphrates: and Josiah went out
against him.
[21] But he sent ambassadors to him, saying, What have I to do with thee,
thou king of Judah? I come not against thee this day, but against the house
wherewith I have war: for God commanded me to make haste: forbear thee from
meddling with God, who is with me, that he destroy thee not.
[22] Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised
himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of
Necho from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo.
[23] And the archers shot at king Josiah; and the king said to his servants,
Have me away; for I am sore wounded.
[24] His servants therefore took him out of that chariot, and put him in the
second chariot that he had; and they brought him to Jerusalem, and he died,
and was buried in one of the sepulchres of his fathers. And all Judah and
Jerusalem mourned for Josiah.
[25] And Jeremiah lamented for Josiah: and all the singing men and the
singing women spake of Josiah in their lamentations to this day, and made
them an ordinance in Israel: and, behold, they are written in the
lamentations.
[26] Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and his goodness, according to that
which was written in the law of the LORD,
[27] And his deeds, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of
the kings of Israel and Judah.
Back when I was driving to college and back home again, the road to our house
in the desert seemed painfully dull. Because it was long and straight, I
found myself driving faster than I should have more than once. First, I was
given a warning from the highway patrol. Then I received a ticket.
Then I was cited a second time in the very same place.
Refusing to listen can have unfortunate consequences. One tragic example of
this is from the life of Josiah, a good and faithful king. When Necho, the
king of Egypt, marched through Judah's territory to help Assyria in battle
against Babylon, Josiah went out to counter him. Necho sent messengers
telling Josiah, "God has told me to hurry; so stop opposing God, who is
with me" (2 Chronicles 35:21). God really did send Necho, but Josiah "would
not listen to what Necho had said at God's command but went to fight him on
the plain of Megiddo" (v. 22). Josiah was fatally injured in the battle,
"and all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for him" (v. 24).
Josiah, who loved God, discovered that insisting on his own way without
taking the time to listen to Him or His wisdom through others never ends well.
May God give us the humility we need to always check ourselves
and take His wisdom to heart.
By: James Banks
Reflect & Pray
What do you need God's wisdom for in your life?
What will you do to listen to Him today?
Ever wise and loving God, help me to be humble and to listen for Your wisdom
today. Thank You that when I ask for wisdom, You give "generously . . .
without finding fault" (James 1:5).
Learn more lessons from the kings of Israel.
3) Daily verses taken from Billy Graham Evangelical Organisation
Words in Season Scripture Memory Tools
Week 4 - The Blessings of Grace Day 7 God's Bulldozer - Luke 3:5-6
5 (Isa 40:4; 42:16) Every valley shall be filled
and every mountain and hill shall be brought low;
and the crooked shall be made straight
and the rough ways shall be made smooth;
6 (Isa 40:5; 52:10) and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
5 Every valley shall be filled,
And every mountain and hill shall be brought low;
And the crooked shall be made straight,
And the rough ways shall be made smooth;
6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
When a new highway is being constructed, the roads crew work hard
in preparing for the new surface to be laid. Giant bulldozers cut through
the hillsides, moving earth, leveling, filling, evening the path out where
the roadway will run. When the work is first begun, if often looks like chaos:
and even after the highway begins to take shape, the land is still ugly,
scarred by the unsightly gashes cut through the landscape. Yet after
the work is completed and the grass and trees are replanted, we forget
the temporary upheaval and see only the
beauty of the land and the convenience of the new roadway.
In Luke 3:5-6, John the Baptist presents a prophecy of the coming of Christ,
a prophecy quoted from Isaiah 40:3-5 . The prophecy speaks of the preparation
of the world for the coming Messiah, but is also applies to the preparation
of the individual heart to receive him.
Sometimes, the Holy Spirit must do major work in our hearts to prepare us for
the coming of Christ into our live. Like a bulldozer, he brings down the
mountains of pride in our lives. He fill the empty places , corrects
the crooked, grades down the rough edges of our hearts.
Often this is not pleasant work. We prefer to maintain the rugged landscape
of Self, and we do not like the ugly scars that are left after the bulldozer
has done its job.
But if we submit to the Spirit's "Construction work" in us, the way will be
paved for the Lord to enter into our lives, and others will see in us,
the way be paved for the Lord to enter into our lives, and other will see
in us the glory and salvation of our God.
Application
a) What "construction work" has to Holy Spirit done in me?
b) What restoration has taken place because of that work?
c) How do today's verses help me put in perspective the work
God still want to do in me?
4) From Prosperity Promises - Kenneth Copeland
Genesis 30:43
The man became exceedingly prosperous and had many sheep
and female servants and male servants and camels and donkeys.
And the man increased exceedingly, and had much cattle,
and maidservants, and menservants, and camels, and asses.
5) From a Book called God's Promises for you:
When you are anxious
Phil 4:4-7
4 (Php 3:1; Ro 12:12 Rejoice in the Lord always.
Again I will say, rejoice!
5 (Jas 5:8-9) Let everyone come to know your gentleness.
The Lord is at hand.
6 (Eph 6:18; Mt 6:25-33) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything,
by prayer and supplication with gratitude, make your requests known
to God.
7 (Jn 14:27; Col 3:15; Isa 26:3) And the peace of God, which surpasses
all understanding, will protect your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,
shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Remember God's promises when You pray
The Lord's prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
9 "Therefore pray in this manner:
Our Father who is in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
10 (Mt 3:2; 4:17) Your kingdom come;
Your will be done
on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 (Pr 30:8; Isa 33:16) Give us this day our daily bread.
12 (Ex 34:7; Ps 32:1) And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 (1Co 10:13; Jn 17:15) And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
6) This come from Praying for Muslims in Canada 2015 (Is there a 2021 edition?)
Saskatchewan
Quick facts on Muslims in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan 2015 population 1125400
est Muslim Population 17279
CNMM Networks: Saskatoon
Saskatoon has seen quick growth in its Muslim population over the past
5 years, which maybe as high as 5000 today. Islamic leaders have
focused specifically on this city , having twice already sent cohorts
of about 70 families to start mosques. There are now 7 Islamic centres
of worship and an ISlamic madrassah (school) located right next to a
Christian school.
Of particular concern recently is the number of young adults who grew up
in evangelical churches and converted to Islam. Most of these are young
women whowere wooed by Muslim man and became emotionally bonded.
Both prior to and after marrying, these women are known to convert to ISlam.
Agree in prayer with us for:
- entire congregations and individual believers to catch God's heart
and passion for reaching Muslims in Saskatoon and the other growing
Muslim population centres of Saskatchewan.
- for the eyes and understanding of Canadian youth to be opened to the
spiritual reality of Islam, and not deceived nor manipulated into
converting to a religion which cannot offer assurance of salvation.
- for the few workers among Muslims now engaged there, and for many more
to be raised up into effective witness.
- for prayer and training events that are starting in Saskatoon
to spread and grow to other cities.
Adding further
30 days of prayer for the Muslim World 24 April to 23 May 2020
Under the Keep Praying page
When the new moon is sighted it marks the beginning of t he new Islamic month
and Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast", will start! After 30 days
of fasting, the Eid celebration at the end of Ramadan is a joyful time that
usually lasts about 3 days. Muslims will buy new clothes, exchange gifts and,
of course, enjoy special foods. In Muslim-majority nations, the streets may be
decorated and festivals will be held.
For many Muslims, Eid-al-Fitr begins with communal prayers at daybreak and the
distribution of money (zakat) to the poor, which is one of the 5 pillars of
Islam.
You can greet Muslim friends during this time by saying "Eid Mubarak",
which means Blessed Eid!"
Ramadan is over for this year, but you can continue to pray for Muslims you
know, and Muslims around the world:
- Despite the unsettling developments in our world today that involve actions
in the name of Islam, there is at the same time a largely untold story about
unprecedented movement to Christ among Muslims. There have been more such
movements of thousands or more new disciples among Muslims in the last three
decades or so than in all the previous history of Christian Muslim
relationships! Pray for this momentum to continue.
Acts 2:12-17 : 17 "In the last days it shall be," says God,
"that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.
18 Even on My menservants and maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days; and they shall prophesy.
19 And I will show wonders in heaven above and signs on the earth below:
blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness,
and the moon into blood, before that great and glorious day of the Lord comes.
21 And whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."[a]
Footnotes
Acts 2:21 Joel 2:28-32.
- Pray for Christian workers an organisations focused on seeing effective
discipleship movements among Muslim people.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to inspire you to have god's heart for
Muslims, to see them as He does, and to be the light that then to Jesus.
Matthew 5:14-15 : 14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a
hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do men light a candle and put it under
a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the
house."
Ideas for prayer
- Pray for opportunities to show the love of Christ to Muslims around you
- Pray for, and offer generous hospitality to, those you know who are serving
Christ among Muslim people -
Romans 12:13 "contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality."
- When you gather with fellow believers, remember to pray for Muslims
throughout the year and encourage them to also participate in 30 Days!
My paternal side is of Muslim heritage and will offer this section to further
call for Muslim converts to Christian and any other converts to Christianity
(Hindus, Jews, aboriginals Canadian, ...) .
7) Prayers for the nation (Canada) coming from Prayer map of Canada
http://www.ehc.ca
4nd Day of the Month
a) Pray for the preservation of godly values in Canada
(Prov 14:34 - Righteousness exalts a nation,
but sin is a reproach to any people.
34 Righteousness exalteth a nation:
But sin is a reproach to any people.
)
b) Pray the political leaders will be awakened by God to the right
use of power and the right stewardship of their positions.
Conclusion:
Pray to the Lord and pray to do what is right in the eyes of the Lord.
Pray to the Lord: "Ever wise and loving God, help me to be humble
and to listen for Your wisdom today. Thank You that when I ask for wisdom,
You give "generously . . . without finding fault" (James 1:5)."
Pray to the Lord and pray to Him to finish the work in you.
Pray to the Lord and pray to thank Him for all you have.
Pray to the Lord and pray to rejoice in everything.
Agree in prayer with us for:
- entire congregations and individual believers to catch God's heart
and passion for reaching Muslims in Saskatoon and the other growing
Muslim population centres of Saskatchewan.
- for the eyes and understanding of Canadian youth to be opened to the
spiritual reality of Islam, and not deceived nor manipulated into
converting to a religion which cannot offer assurance of salvation.
- for the few workers among Muslims now engaged there, and for many more
to be raised up into effective witness.
- for prayer and training events that are starting in Saskatoon
to spread and grow to other cities.
Pray for the preservation of godly values in the world.
Pray the political leaders will be awakened by God to the right
use of power and the right stewardship of their positions.
Pray for the courage of a Christian convert for Islam from Djibouti
who is being targeted for his faith.