Balak is furious with Balaam ...

Balak is furious with Balaam because, instead of cursing the Israelites as herequested, Balaam blesses them at Balak‘s own expense. Balak had provided numerous sacrifices, believing he could buy divine favor. However, hisplan unravels because Balaam obeyed God rather than yielding to bribes.
- P100

To make matters worse, Balak‘s schemes brought a curse upon his ownkingdom.  - P100

This story reminds us that we cannot bargain with God to getHim to give us what we want.  - P100

How can we possibly buy off the one whocreated everything? Our offerings to God should never be an attempt to earn blessings but an expression of gratitude to the one who provides allthat we have.  - P100

God‘s favor is not secured through the giving of materialwealth or through any service we may perform. He gives it freely to thosewho believe and obey Him. - P100

Intercede Together: Nauru
Population: 9,892Major Religions: Protestant 60.4%, Roman Catholic 33.9%
Nauru is a small island located in the Pacific. With limited resources of its own, the nation is in anongoing state of economic instability. Most of the population struggles with unemployment andhealth issues like diabetes. Although the majority identify as Christian and regularly attend church,many have a works-based mindset regarding faith.

Prayer Points
Pray for local believers to gain a better understanding of the gospel.
Praise God for Nauru‘s strong Christian roots and the resources available for teaching the gospel. - P100

The Israelite men engage in sexual immorality with Moabite women and wor-ship Baal of Peor, angering God. God commands Moses to execute the leadersinvolved Phinehas, Aaron‘s grandson, zealously stops a sinful couple, and Godpraises his actions. A plague strikes Israel, killing many, but Phinehas‘s actionsstop the plague. God decrees judgment against the Midianites. - P103

"Can we be friends with non-Christians?" This was a question raised byone of my youth group students. At its core, it reflects an internal strugglebetween two values: the experience of meaningful friendships and the truthof the gospel.  - P105

We naturally form relationships in shared spaces like schoolor work. In the case of romantic relationships, many adults today meetpotential partners online, and it is not uncommon for believers to findsomeone they consider an excellent match-except for their lack of faith.
It is no surprise that many young Christians wrestle with the commands ofScripture where God‘s call for purity feels at odds with our own experience.
It is essential to begin with Jesus, who exemplified different types of relationships. He actively sought out sinners, showing them love and eatingwith them, while also maintaining a close circle of disciples whom He con-sidered His family (Mark 3:34-35). Similarly, Paul does not mandate thatbelievers divorce non-believing spouses, but he also advises the church to
"not be yoked together with unbelievers (2 Cor. 6:14).  - P105

We are encouragedto cultivate friendships with non-Christians but if living for Christ is our central purpose, we will naturally seek out our closest relationships withinthe church community.
- P105

When God promised to make Israel a blessing to all nations, His purposewas to bring the world to His standards, not the other way around. - P105

Similarly, we desire close friendships within the faith, not because there is something inherently wrong with friendships outside it, but because we desirefriends with whom we can walk side by side as we follow Christ together. - P105

15Then he spoke his message: ...

15Then he spoke his message: "The prophecy of Balaam son of Beor, the prophecy of one whose eye sees clearly,

16the prophecy of one who hears the words of God, who has knowledge from the Most High, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who falls prostrate, and whose eyes are opened:

17"I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel. He will crush the foreheads of Moab, the skulls of all the people of Sheth.

18Edom will be conquered; Seir, his enemy, will be conquered, but Israel will grow strong.

19A ruler will come out of Jacob and destroy the survivors of the city."

20Then Balaam saw Amalek and spoke his message: "Amalek was first among the nations, but their end will be utter destruction."

21Then he saw the Kenites and spoke his message: "Your dwelling place is secure, your nest is set in a rock;

22yet you Kenites will be destroyed when Ashur takes you captive."

23Then he spoke his message: "Alas! Who can live when God does this?

24Ships will come from the shores of Cyprus; they will subdue Ashur and Eber, but they too will come to ruin."

25Then Balaam got up and returned home, and Balak went his own way.

- P98

Balak, enraged by Balaam‘s blessings, dismisses him, but Balaam continuesto prophesy. He speaks of Israel‘s future dominance and the destruction ofIsrael‘s enemies, including a prophecy about a "star" rising from Jacob. Balaamreturns to his home, and Balak goes his way. - P99

27Then Balak said to Balaam, ...

27Then Balak said to Balaam, "Come, let me take you to another place. Perhaps it will please God to let you curse them for me from there." - P92

8"God brought them out of Egypt; they have the strength of a wild ox. They devour hostile nations and break their bones in pieces; with their arrows they pierce them.

9Like a lion they crouch and lie down, like a lioness—who dares to rouse them? "May those who bless you be blessed and those who curse you be cursed!"

- P93

5"How beautiful are your tents, Jacob, your dwelling places, Israel!

6"Like valleys they spread out, like gardens beside a river, like aloes planted by the Lord, like cedars beside the waters.

7Water will flow from their buckets; their seed will have abundant water. "Their king will be greater than Agag; their kingdom will be exalted.

- P93

Balak’s relentless attempts to persuade Balaam to curse Israel reveal the human tendency to persist in rebellion against God’s will. Even after clear revelations, Balak refuses to accept God’s decision. He believes that a change in location or circumstances might alter the outcome. - P94

Balaam, on the other hand, is learning that God’s will is unshakable. - P94

This passage reminds us of the pressure we often face to compromise our faith or bend to worldly expectations. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to stand firm on a path of obedience. - P94

The world may offer persistent temptations, but our commitment must be to obey God rather than give in to human pressure. - P94

Strength to resist comes from anchoring ourselves in His unchanging truth. - P94

In Balaam‘s third oracle, he proclaims Israel‘s blessedness, using the imageryof a flourishing garden by the river-strong, vibrant, and full of life.  - P94

No curse can stand against what God has blessed - P94

In fact, those who opposeGod‘s people will find themselves opposed by God.  - P94

This passage reassuresus that God‘s protection and favor are unshakable.  - P94

As the enemy seeks todisrupt the church and our personal journey of faith, we must rememberthat God‘s purposes will always prevail.  - P94

We are called to live with confidence, knowing that no scheme set against us can succeed when we abidein God‘s will. Our security is not in circumstances but in God‘s faithfulpromise to bless and protect His people. - P94

Father, thank you for the assurance that Your protection over me is unshakable. - P94

Help me to live with confidence, trusting in Your faithfulness. - P94

May my life be deeply rooted in You, flourishing under Your care. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P94

God converses with us primarily through His words in Scripture.
We can also use His words to respond to Him.
Use the following guide to pray through this week‘s memory verse.
The LORD said to Moses, "Do not be afraid of him, for I have delivered him into yourhands, along with his whole army and his land." - Numbers 21:34a - P95

하나님께서는 인간의몸을 입고 성육신하실 때, 전지전능...

하나님께서는 인간의몸을 입고 성육신하실 때, 전지전능하고 무소부재한 능력을 스스로 제한하셨습니다. 하지만 이제 승천하심으로 모든 능력을 다시 회복하셨습니다. 그러니 승천‘은 인자로서 예수 그리스도께서 하늘의 모든 권세를 가지셨음을 의미합니다.
- P161

주님의 승천으로 말미암아 우리에게도 그 놀라운 권세를 누릴 수 있는 자격이 생겼습니다. 그분께서 하늘 문을 열고 우리를 기다리고 계십니다. 그 어떤 죄의 권세도 우리를 붙들 수 없습니다. 주님께서 인간의 모든 죄를 담당하시고, 이기시고 부활하시고, 승천하셨기 때문입니다. - P161

한줄노트 예수님의 승천은 지금도 하늘 문을 열고 우리를 기다리는 분이 계심을 확증하는 것입니다. - P161

 그러나 주님은 그 영광을 내려놓으시고변화산에서 내려오셨습니다. 그리고 죄로 타락한 인간들과 동일한 모습으로 십자가를 지심으로 우리와 연합하셨습니다. 우리가 겪을 수 없는 일들을 주님이 대신겪으시고 연합을 이루진 것입니다.
- P161

한줄노트 인자로 오신 예수님께서 십자가로 대속을, 하늘에 오르심으로 우리에게 영광을 약속하셨습니다.
- P161

주님의 승천은 변화산의 영광을 완성했습니다.
십자가의 고난과 부활을 경험하신 예수님은 하나님의 아들로서뿐만 아니라 ‘인자‘로서 하나님께 돌아가셨습니다. 우리 인간이 하나님 보좌 앞에 나아갈 자유를만드셨고, 하나님과 우리 사이 장애물을 제거하셨습니다.  - P161

챔버스에게 ‘변화산‘은 주님께서 십자가로 나아가시는 구속 사역의 분기점입니다. 변화산 이전에는 주님께서 ‘인자‘로서 우리와 같은 삶을 사셨다면, 이후에는 ‘하나님의 아들로서 하나님의 구원 계획을 이루십니다.  - P161

주님의 십자가가 하나님이 허락하시는 생명의 입구로 우리를 인도했다면,
주님의 부활은 우리에게 영생을 보여줍니다. 승천하신 주님은 모든 인류를 위해하늘 문을 열어주셨습니다.  - P161

Matthew 6:26, 28 NLT
[26] Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?
[28] "And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing,
- P162

중요한 것은 챔버스가 늘 강조했듯이 ‘관계‘입니다. "만일 하나님께 쓰임 받기원한다면 예수 그리스도와 바른 관계를 맺으십시오. 그러면 주님께서는 당신모르는 가운데 당신이 사는 매 순간을 사용하실 것입니다."
- P162

우리는 우리의 노력으로 하나님께 유용하게 쓰임 받을 수 있다고 착각합니다. 그러나 우리가 하나님과 올바른 관계에 있을 때, 그래서 하나님을 의지하고 순종하며 그분께 모든 것을 온전히 맡길 때 하나님이 전적으로 일하실 것입니다.  - P162

공중의 새와 들의 백합화를 보십시오. 그들이 노력하지 않아도 하나님께서 알아서보시고 기르십니다.
한줄노트 하나님께 쓰임 받기 위해서는 여러 일로 근심하지 말고 단순하게 주님을 바라보아야 합니다. - P162

우리는 ‘유용한 사람‘이 되기 위해 애쓰곤 합니다. 그런데 오히려 이런 자의적 노력이 하나님의 계획을 망칠 수 있습니다. 우리가 해야 하는 일은 오로지 한 분 하나님께 집중하는 것입니다. " - P162

영적 성장은 신경을 쓴다고 되는 것이 아니라 하늘 아버지께 마음을 집중함으로 되는 것이라고 예수님께서 가르치십니다."
백합화는 염려하지 않아도 자연적으로 자랍니다. 이처럼 우리 역시 하나님께 집중하면 자연스럽게 영적으로 자랄 것입니다.  - P162

자신이 무언가를 하려는 노력은 ‘염려‘에서 나옵니다. 주님을 신뢰하지 못하기 때문에 하나님께 집중하지 못하는 것입니다. 염려는 ‘신뢰‘와 반비례합니다. 하나님을 향한 믿음이 강해지면 염려는물러갑니다. 말을 많이 하지 않아도, 안절부절하지 않아도 하늘의 별처럼 또 들의 백합화처럼 단순하게 사는 사람들이 세상을 변화시킵니다.  - P162

많이 생각하거나염려하지 말고 단순하게 하나님을 바라보아야 합니다. - P162

13Then Balak said to him, ˝Co...

13Then Balak said to him, "Come with me to another place where you can see them; you will not see them all but only the outskirts of their camp. And from there, curse them for me."
- P88

19God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?

20I have received a command to bless; he has blessed, and I cannot change it.

21"No misfortune is seen in Jacob, no misery observed in Israel. The Lord their God is with them; the shout of the King is among them.

22God brought them out of Egypt; they have the strength of a wild ox. - P89

Having failed on his first attempt, Balak takes Balaam to another location, hoping that a change in perspective might yield a different outcome. As in the first instance, seven altars are built and sacrifices are made. Balak is desperate and he still believes he can manipulate divine will through persistence and rituals. . - P90

However, Balaam remains bound by God’s message. This passage reminds us that no human effort can overturn God’s purposes. - P90

When God blesses, no force can undo His will. He is faithful to His Word. - P90

No matter what our doubts whisper to us, or what the enemy throws at us to make our faith waver, let us stand firm on all that God promises to be and to do for us in His Word - P90

Today’s passage proclaims a profound truth: God does not lie or change His mind. - P90

Unlike people who are prone to wavering, God is steadfast in His promises. - P90

Balak had hoped that through persistence, he could manipulate Balaam into cursing Israel. However, Balaam acknowledges that no one can undo God’s declared blessing. - P90

God’s faithfulness is unwavering. - P90

When He speaks, He fulfills His Word. This is a comforting truth in a world filled with uncertainties. - P90

We can fully trust in God’s promises, knowing He will accomplish all that He has spoken. - P90

When we face doubts or pressures, let us look to God’s unchanging character and confidently take hold of His truth. - P90

Lord, Your Word stands forever, and no force can overturn Your blessings. - P91

When I face doubts or temptations, remind me of Your unchanging promises and enduring faithfulness toward me so that I may stand firm in obedience to You. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P91

Balak takes Balaam to another location, hoping that from there, Balaam willbe able to place a curse on Israel. Balaam again follows God‘s instructionsand blesses Israel, declaring they are a people blessed by God and cannot becursed.  - P89

Balak responds by asking Balaam to refrain from speaking either curseor blessing, but Balaam reiterates that he can only deliver God‘s message. - P89

"The way we cope is by knowing God, and the way we know God is by knowing hisword." - Courtney Reissig - P90

On those days when I yearn for God to heal me of my chronic condition,
my heart can become like Balak‘s. In those moments, I can be so focusedon wanting God to grant my heart‘s desire that it is harder to accept His de-cision not to grant me healing. Yet, God‘s sovereignty and unchangeabilityare realities that I am thankful for. This is because He is a good and faithfulGod who does things for His glory and the good of those who love Him(Col 1:16; Rom. 8:28).  - P91

Because our God never changes and continuesto work things out for His glory and our good, I can rest assured that Hischoice regarding my chronic condition is for my good and the good of others.  - P91

The same applies to all of us who love Him. In our various sufferings,
we have hope because whether God chooses to take away the cause of oursuffering, or chooses to let it remain, we can rest assured that His decisions are always for our ultimate good. - P91