WEEPING
Today’s Reading: Numbers 25-26
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).
Salt deposits are abundant in the Dead Sea, which is 10 times more salty than ocean water. In the background, the sun is setting on the mountains of Moab in Jordan.
Key Verse: Numbers 25:3
So Israel was joined to Baal of Peor, and the anger of the Lord was aroused against Israel.
Just across the salt deposits pictured above was Moab. The Israelite men committed adultery with Moabite women. The idea was simple. If Balaam could not curse Israel, then the plan was to corrupt them and God would have to punish them. Sexual sin was followed by the Israelite men joining the Midianite women in worshipping their gods. The curse of yet another plague came on Israel and 24,000 of the people of Israel died. Severe judgment came on the people of Midian and Balaam himself was killed by the sword (Numbers 31:8). The effects of Balaam’s far-reaching influence was still felt 1,500 years later. Revelation 2:14 tells us that it was Balaam who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the Children of Israel by introducing sexual immorality and participation in idol worship. The doctrine of Balaam was still believed and practised by some in the Church in Pergamos. The Lord tells this Church to repent or He will judge them severely.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, as You revealed sin in the churches of the Revelation, reveal to me any sin in my life, and I ask for the grace of true repentance. In Jesus’ Name. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
As a boy, I read John Bunyan’s “Pilgrim’s Progress.” My imagination was captivated by a sketch of Pilgrim turning aside from his journey to the Celestial City to spend time in “Vanity Fair.” I thought, “No, no, Pilgrim. Don’t go there! You will risk never making it to the Celestial city. The pleasures of sin are destructive.” I had no radio or TV, only books, and my imagination was more powerful than any pictures a movie director could create. I still see that picture of Pilgrim and I cringe at the memory. I’ve just read Proverbs 2:10-22. The writer may have been thinking of the story in today’s reading. Proverbs 2:18, “Her house leads down to death, and her paths to the dead.” Surely this was the experience of the men of Israel with the Midianite women.
Yours for a single-minded pursuit of the “Celestial City,”
David
P.S. In the photo below taken at the Jordan River, I’m about to baptize Michael T. Wall, a well-known country singer from Newfoundland. Earlier in the day in a barber shop on the Golan Heights, the barber brought up on his TV screen one of Michael’s favourite songs. The results were hilarious! Perhaps I can share more about it in my next blog.
We thank You for this day, Lord. His blessings upon youm saints. Amen. ꒰ა ♡ ໒꒱
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV
Chris Tomlin – O Come, O Come Emmanuel (Lyric Video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UH7asSGxAxA
We thank You for this day, Lord. His blessings upon you saints. Amen. ꒰ა ♡ ໒꒱
Peaceful Hymns for Relaxing (with lyrics) (1 Hour 40 Minutes) (Beautiful Hymn Compilation)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K21s2lpg57g
Amen
Doreen, I pray that your cataract surgery went well and you are able to see much clearer.
I pray also for Edward and Eleanor. For Beverlee’s upcoming appointment on December 5th. ( you also have an important date coming up on November 22 and I pray every blessing on you on that special day and always! )
May God’s peace and joy fill you all, my dear fellow bloggers!
Thank you Louise. I’m very tired but getting used to a clearer vision. I’m praying for the folk in Buffalo and area who have 5+ feet of snow. Lord have mercy on them and help them (especially in emergency situations). Blessings all. Love the worship music, Beverlee. Thanks
The Lord bless you and keep you Doreen (happy your eyes are healing), Luisa (thank you! 🙂 Eleanor and Edward and everyone who needs a blessing. Praying for strength for everyone today. 🙏🙏🙏 .
Amen to your prayer Beverlee.
Amen,
Amen… Reimber to thank God for all mercies!!
Amen, to all prayers.
Thankful Re. Doreen’s Surgery success. Rest and revive.
Amen yo alll the prayers above
I appreciate all your prayers for Edward and I.
I am also glad to pray for those who need a special touch right now.
Still grieving over dear Margaret’s passing just 3 weeks ago today. Knowing that she is with Jesus is such a comfort.
Blessings to all.
Eleanor M.
“Those we love don’t go away.
They walk beside us everyday.
Unseen, unheard, but always near.
So loved, so missed, so very dear.”
My heart is with you Eleanor.
My sister Laura has been gone 25 years.
I still miss her ever so much.
Sometimes it feels like it was just yesterday.
Praying for you and sending you love. 🙏❤️😢