this week's devo and sched =)

Balaam was a prophet described in the Old Testament (Num. 22–24) who was asked by Balak, the king of Moab, to place a curse on the people of Israel, who are camped too close for comfort on the plains of Moab.

Balak’s request:
“Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people…” (Num. 22: 6).

Balaam choosing a blessing-
Balaam states that he will utter only what his God tells him to, but he is willing to go talk to Balak. He is met en route by an angel, who is recognized only by Balaam’s donkey, which refuses to continue because it doesn’t want him to die. Balaam beat the donkey because he didn’t know why it stopped.
Then God opened its mouth and it told him why it wouldn’t go, (angel with big fiery sword in the road. Eek!) Then God allows Balaam to see the angel. It tells him to go to the King, but commands him not to curse but to bless Israel, (and to quit beating the nice donkey.) ;-)

God’s response:
“Thou shalt not go with them, thou shalt not curse the people: for they are blessed” (Num. 22: 12).

Despite pressure from Balak, Balaam remains faithful to God and blesses the people of Israel

Balaam’s reply
“…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” (Num. 22: 18, cp. 24: 13).

In fact Balaam blessed Israel 3 times! Of course, Balak was a lil’ ticked off:

‘Then Balak said to Balaam, "Neither curse them at all nor bless them at all!" Balaam answered, "Did I not tell you I must do whatever the LORD says?"’ Num. 23:25-26

Thoughts to think on:
Balak decided that if Balaam really wasn’t going to curse them it would be better if he left and didn’t do anything rather than bless his enemy.
How is society like Balak- asking that if we won’t join in hurting others that we at least stay out of the way?
Revelation 3:15-16 “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”

Questions to consider:
- Do your actions bless or curse people?
- What events in the world curse people? (slavery, greed, and poverty...)
- What can you do to change these things and bring blessing?

Sched:
Foundry Friday- 6:30
Boy's Bible Study- 2:00/coffee break
Girls' Bible Study- 2:00/Foundry or park
June 5th- Summer kick-off! All-nighter!!!! =D