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Today is Thursday February 26, 2009 and we are continuing our studies on the book of Numbers. Please read chapters 30 & 31 in your Bible. You can Click Here to read them online, if the link does not work you can copy and paste this one into your browser: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%2030-31&version=9

Today's Message: God's Vengeance
As Christians we will be faced with many people who will try to tempt and deceive us, but as long as we keep our focus on God He will protect us.

The Midianites were descendants of Abraham through his second wife Keturah, whom he married after Sarah died (See Genesis 25:1-2). The Midianites had devastated Israel, not as enemies who had won a war, but as friendly idol worshipers who seduced the Israelites into committing spiritual adultery. With the help of Balaam, Israel had become involved in the worship of their pagan deity Baal-peor followed by physical adultery with their women. This had resulted in the death of 24,000 Israelites (see Numbers 25).

Because of their deception God told Moses to get ready for war. "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people. And Moses spake unto the people, saying, Arm some of yourselves unto the war, and let them go against the Midianites, and avenge the LORD of Midian." (Numbers 31:1-3). We who are sinners are blessed to be saved by the blood of Jesus, but that does not mean that we will not be chastised for them. However, our mere punishment from God is no where near the punishment that those who entice or provoke us will receive. God avenges all His children.

Although Israel's army numbered more than six hundred thousand, only a small army of twelve thousand men were used to accomplish God's purpose. "So there were delivered out of the thousands of Israel, a thousand of every tribe, twelve thousand armed for war. And Moses sent them to the war, a thousand of every tribe, them and Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, to the war, with the holy instruments, and the trumpets to blow in his hand. And they warred against the Midianites, as the LORD commanded Moses; and they slew all the males." (31:5-7).

Among the thousands of Midianites that were slaughtered, we learn that Balaam too had been. "And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the rest of them that were slain; namely, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, five kings of Midian: Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword." (31:8). Balaam belonged to the great number of people who pray to God for His Will upon their lives yet are quick to jump at the best opportunity to suit their needs.

Greed and compromise have deceived many and unfortunately many people die unsaved before they realize it's too late. There is a day of recompense awaiting both the saved and the lost, so we must live according to God's Will regardless of who has wronged us. "Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." (Romans 12:17-19). You can rest assure that when God's people suffer injustice and cruelty at the hands of the godless they are to remember that vengence is His. God will not let any of His children suffer.

Today's Psalm: 94:1
"O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself."

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
I pray for a discerning spirit to help me recognize truth from falsehood. Help me to know when others are lying and help me also to recognize the lies I tell myself. You always speak the truth and You declare that which is right from that which is wrong. When the world describes a lifestyle or belief system to be good and You declare it to be evil, help me to stand firm upon Your holy truths as I faithfully read them in the Scriptures. Give me bold conviction to stand firm for truth even when it seems as though no one stands with me. Be with me, guide me, and protect me from deception. In Jesus' name.............Amen.

Have a wonderful night/day.
God Bless,
Christina

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