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Today is Monday February 23, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of Numbers. Please read Numbers Chapters 23-25 in your Bible. You can read the chapters by clicking on the link or you can copy and paste this link into your browser: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%2023-25&version=9

Today's Message: Drawn Into Worldly Lusts
As Christian's we are all faced with huge worldly lusts that try to compromise our relationship with God. It is important not to be drawn into them before we face the consequences.

The last encampment of the Israelites on the eastern side of the Jordan River was on the Plains of Moab northeast of the Dead Sea near Mount Nebo, a few miles south of today's Amman, Jordan. Everything seemed peaceful, with no apparent dangers, but the nearby Moabites were fearful of the multitude of Israelites who had defied, Pharoh, left Egypt, and conquered everyone who opposed them on their way to Canaan. Because of this fear Balak, the king of Moab sought to bribe the prophet Balaam with huge rewards if he would curse the Israelites, which would have caused God to turn His back on them. " And the children of Israel set forward, and pitched in the plains of Moab on this side Jordan by Jericho. And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.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. 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: 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." (Numbers 23:1-6).

Balak tried three times to bribe Balaam, but Balaam truly desired to live and die as a child of God. He even foretold of the most amazing prophetic revelations from God concerning the coming of the Messiah. "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." (24:17). Unfortunately, his desire to be wealthy soon caused him to compromise what he believed in. He came up with a scheme that would lead Israel into sin, assuring him of gaining that wealth.

He introduced the Israelite men to the Moabite women which quickly led them to become involved in sexual immorality and idol worship, thus breaking their covenant vow of allegiance to the One True God. "And Israel abode in Shi*tim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab. And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods. And Israel joined himself unto Baalpeor: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel. And the LORD said unto Moses, Take all the heads of the people, and hang them up before the LORD against the sun, that the fierce anger of the LORD may be turned away from Israel." (25:1-4). This disobedience resulted in a plague of death that swept through the tribes of Israel which resulted in the death of twenty-four thousand Israelites. Balaam knew the right Scriptures, but was unwilling to live the life of the righteous when he faced worldly lusts. It was one thing to be tempted by Balak once, but he continued until that temptation became an obsession.

Still today, our natural tendency is to be drawn away from God and toward worldly things. Even among Christians, the main topics of conversation are often centered around the things of the world. To test the true purpose of our interests, we need only to ask whether our desires lead us to God or away from Him. The Bible warns us of the dangers of worldly temptations and associations with those who pull us away from living righteously. " These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage. But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." (Jude 1:16-21).

Today's Psalm: 96:10
"Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Help us to fight off our flesh. We don't want to be controlled by the whims of our emotions. Kill off any greed, pride, jealousy, or worldly lusts that try to get us to compromise our relationship with You. We want to be vessels of your love and wisdom. Thank you, Holy Spirit for the work that you're doing in us even at this moment and continue to fill us with Your Spirit so that we are walking with You and not our flesh. In Jesus' name..........Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed night/day and enjoy your week.
God Bless,
Christina

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