message from God – Be Still…

Numbers 22:41-23:12 – Balaam’s First Oracle

Read Numbers 22:41-23:12

Balaam boldly proclaimed the LORD’s message, and Balak, the Moabite king was not pleased. I was impressed that Balaam did not cower and cave in under pressure knowing his words from God would not be popular. After all, in our last reading we’re told he refused to help the king, but here we see both men’s true colors.

I wonder what was going through Balaam’s mind when he saw the hoards of Israelites camped out below? Did he marvel at the sheer number of God’s people he’d been asked by Balak to curse? Was he afraid for his own life? Was he thinking of the riches he would receive in return for cursing these people? Whatever was happening from that high place, likely a shrine to the pagan god, Baal, Balaam chose to pay his respects to God with sacrifices as he waited for God’s response. Continue reading “Numbers 22:41-23:12 – Balaam’s First Oracle”

Ezekiel 33:1-20 – What a Responsibility!

Read Ezekiel 33:1-20

Have you ever been given great responsibility for something? Perhaps it was as a parent caring for a newborn human. Maybe it was teaching a rowdy group of middle schoolers about Jesus. Maybe it was making it through each day with a smile on your face. Ezekiel’s responsibility was huge in this passage.

So many lives will depend on Ezekiel being responsible and not running the other way out of fear or a feeling of incompetence. Those are the fears that can grip us. Especially when we’re faced with hard decisions to keep us in line with Biblical values. Continue reading “Ezekiel 33:1-20 – What a Responsibility!”

Ezekiel 20:27-49 – The Same Message

Read Ezekiel 20:27-49

The messages from the Sovereign LORD seem to repeat themselves over and over again, don’t they? I suppose that speaks to the hard-headedness of people. On average, it takes some of us hearing something more than once to understand or take action. The LORD wants to be known and recognized.

One of those repeating themes is the lament over the sins of their ancestors. Some of the things that anger God the most took place in those days. The one that gets me is the sacrificing of children. Working with children like I do, especially those abused and abandoned, it breaks my heart that they were not shown the love they deserve. How about all the innocent children who have been put to death? Continue reading “Ezekiel 20:27-49 – The Same Message”

Ezekiel 13:17-23 – It’s Not Just Men

Read Ezekiel 13:17-23

In case you were wondering, Ezekiel’s visions clear it up. Women can also be false prophets. From God’s message to them, it appears they are more into the magic and fortune telling gigs. It is easier to picture women sitting behind a crystal ball or a stack of tarot cards, isn’t it?

God isn’t pleased with this sort of activity at all. From God’s perspective, he sees how these female false prophets are ensnaring the innocent for destruction and empowering the guilty. In the end, God’s wrath will be known to all who are apart from God. Continue reading “Ezekiel 13:17-23 – It’s Not Just Men”

2 Chronicles 16:1-14 – God’s Attentiveness

Read 2 Chronicles 16:1-14

Now we know why Asa’s peaceful rule abruptly changed in his final years. He didn’t turn to God first. That’s kind of an “oops” moment for me knowing there are plenty of times in my life so far that I’ve trusted worldly advisors first before turning to God. I’m quite sure I’m not alone. How many opportunities have I missed out on because my focus wasn’t right?

King Asa teaches us a great lesson here, one he probably didn’t even see as a teachable moment. Did Asa think that God was always “automatically” going to be with him? I think that’s partly my issue. I forget to ask before I jump because I know God is going to catch me. But why not soar with God instead?