Non Gamstop Casinos
April 7

Reading 1 - Numbers 24 & 25

Click here to Listen
24 v. 8 - The words which God forced Balaam to say (see yesterday's comment) here were the very last that Balak wanted to hear, not only did Balaam bless Israel when Balak asked him to curse them but he made a point, both here and in 23:22 of likening them to a mighty strong animal that never ceases to kill and devour its prey - in this case a unicorn, in 23:24 a great lion.. This is the effect of God fighting for his people. Deut.7:1 and it goes through to the kingdom Ps.2:9. We must take courage that God will surely fight our enemies for us too.
Peter Cresswell
25:1-9 - We read so often of God's wrath because of the turn which the people made away from worshipping Him. Our world is full of idolatry and we are all inclined to worship the creation rather than the creator (or even what we perceive to be the creation of the creation - man's technology in its various forms, like the one you are sat in front of now to read this). We must constantly remind ourselves that while these modern inventions can be used as great servants for good (and also for evil), the only things that matter are those concerning the Kingdom of God. If we seek this first, then we will escape the temptation that can so easily take us, like them, into idolatry. If we think we are not tempted like this, we deceive ourselves. Just because the world around us does not physically worship gods of wood and stone these days does not remove this problem.
Peter Cresswell

24 v.4 the use of 'eyes open' here and in verse 16 marks a contrast with how he was when the angel met him in the way.

25 v.7-12 This time in Israel's history provides Malachi with the basis for his exhortation to the priests. Phinehas is presented in Malachi 2:5 as the pattern that Israel's priests should follow. He executed the Lord's vengeance, even though he was not given a specific command. He knew that what was going on was wrong and so acted to stay the error. That what he did, of his own initiative, was right is borne out by the praise here and in Malachi that he receives.
Peter Forbes

2002
24:25 Even though the record says that Balaam 'returned to his place' we should not assume that he left Balak for (Numbers 31:8) Balaam is slain along with the kings of Midian.

25:1 Israel were in Shittim on the East of Jordan here. The next geographical location mentioned - Gilgal (Josh 4:19) marks the fact that Israel have crossed the river Jordan. Between these events we see the fall of the final rebels in the matter of Baal-Peor. This forms the background for Micah's comment (Micah 6:5) where he exhorts Israel to think about their history when contemplating sinful behaviour.
Peter Forbes

24:11 Balak's arrogance - typical of 'important' men in the world - is seen here. As if it would be possible for him to promote Balaam above what God could do for him. A lesson that we need to learn. Whatever we think about status in this world it is nothing in comparison to what God will give to the faithful.

25:14 We should contrast the Simeonite with the way that his ancestor - Simeon - behaved (Genesis 34:25) when he along with his brother Levi, were concerned that there be no mixed relationships in Israel. Of course one cannot condone their behaviour but we see a sad change from Simeon to his descendant Zimri.
Peter Forbes

2002
MAGIC EYES

Recently I borrowed one of those "Magic Eye" books which contain special patterns that when focussed on in a special way, transform into 3-D images. To figure some of them out takes a fair amount of concentration, but it is rewarding being able to see what is normally invisible to the naked eye.

Baalam, in two of his prophecies, spoke of himself as "one whose eyes see clearly," and "whose eyes are opened." This is a huge contrast to the day before, when Baalam was blind to seeing the angel of the LORD about to slay him. The question we must ask ourselves about this is, what was it that enabled Baalam to see so clearly?

As Baalam spoke he was looking at the people of the LORD. No doubt he saw the order of the camp, the tabernacle, the smoke coming up from the altar, and the pillar of cloud that was leading them. But in observing them I believe he saw much more than just what he could see with his eyes. Like the magic eye book, he saw beyond Israel to their God and the plan he has for his people.

The same can happen for us. As we read the Word of God and watch God's people, Israel, with a little effort our eyes also will be opened to see the beauty and majesty of our Awesome God.
Robert Prins

Reading 2 - Proverbs 17

Click here to Listen
v. 2 - Here we have - as on so many occasions in the OT - a reference to the inclusion of the gentiles in the purpose of God. The servant was an outsider - the son was a member of Israel. Let us be sure that we are not causing shame within our membership of spiritual Israel, as they did, so causing God to look elsewhere for those to inherit the promises. ch.10:5, 11:29, 14:35,19:26, 29:15.
Peter Cresswell
v.6 - This is a sense of family which was very strong in those days - more so than now, it seems, as people often lived in large extended family groups. Consider the words about Joseph in Gen.50:23 and Job in Job.42:16,17 and these passages too - Psa.127:2-5, 128:3-6.
Peter Cresswell
v.4 the word translated 'naughty' 01942 is elsewhere translated in the AV - calamity 4, wickedness 3, perverse thing 1, mischief 1, noisome 1, iniquity 1, substance 1, naughtiness 1, naughty 1, mischievous 1 Looking at the way in which the word is used in Scripture helps us to establish the meaning of the word. 'Naughtiness' is not being just a little mischievous. The other uses demonstrate that a 'naughty' person is an abomination to the Lord.
Peter Forbes
:9 So often when we see a brother or sister overtaken in a fault we are quick to advertise the sin to others. Rather the restoration of the one in error if they are repentant is achieved more easily if their shortcoming is not advertised widely. It is a principle outlined in the New Testament also James 5:20 1Peter 4:8
Peter Forbes
:27-28 So often we feel it is so important to make our views heard. However it is clear that wise men are not like this. Why? Surely if one has something to say that it right one ought to say it and make sure that others both hear and understand what is being said even if the point has to be repeated a number of times? Clearly not! This is because the human spirit will not listen to the wisdom of God - Jesus' experience is the ultimate proof of this. Simply state what is truth. Those with what the parable calls a 'good and honest heart' will seek the matter out.
Peter Forbes

Reading 3 - Ephesians 5 & 6

Click here to Listen
5:8 This is a common theme in Ephesians. We need to heed it and stay in the light of the gospel. 2:11,12, 4:18, 6:12. See also Isa.9:2, 42:16, 60:2,3.
Peter Cresswell

5 v.20-33 The beautiful image of the husband and wife being a unity is an application of the doctrine of unity outlined in chapter 4:3-6. We should strive to maintain these principles in our marriage because if we cannot show that unity there it will be difficult to manifest it in our relationships with others.

6 v.11-18 The description of the soldier is powerful. We can identify the elements of his armour clearly with element of our faith. We must not forget the intangible armour of prayer. It is like the radio communication that the modern soldier uses. It enables us to be in communication with our commander even when we are in the battle field
 Peter Forbes

2002
5:19 'speak ... in psalms' - the advice is use the Word of God in your meditations and praise.

6:1-9 Children, fathers, servants and masters are exhorted about living a Christ like life. This is even though the 'children' might not be in Christ. A transformation should take place before baptism. We cannot revel in the works of the flesh until we are baptised. Baptism is 'the answer of a good conscience' 1Pet 3:21. therefore how children live and behave now is to be measured against the standards of the gospel even if the child is not baptised.
Peter Forbes

5:21 Submission to the will of others (in the ecclesia) is the most difficult thing to do. We so often want to ensure that our own preferences are to the fore. We should practice in ecclesial life being willing to allow others' preferences especially when they are at variance with our own.

6:6 So often we do things because of the way that others will think of us because of what they see. This is human pride. Our actions should be 'in secret' (Matthew 6:4) - not that no one will see but that our motivation should not be so that others can see.
Peter Forbes

ch 6 - SOLDIERS OF CHRIST

If anyone goes into battle they make sure that they are protected against anything the enemy might throw against them and that they are also prepared to fight. It would be stupid to go into enemy territory without camouflage gear, flack jackets and ammunition, but sometimes as Christians we do exactly that as we battle against sin. Paul tells us that we need to put on the full armour of God.
We need to wear the belt of truth around our waist. If truth makes up part of our armour and we are thoroughly familiar with the word of God we will instantly recognize all the lies and untruths that could make us fall.

  • The breastplate of righteousness must be in place. We are not righteous, but with our faith in the mercy of God and the sacrifice of Christ, our faith can be counted as righteousness and our trust in God will save us.
  • Our feet should be filled with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. We need to be ready and willing to spread peace as far as we can - not just peace, but the peace of God, the forgiveness of sins.
  • Take up the shield of faith. Have faith in God and he will defend you. Trust that he will "Deliver us from evil," as we pray in the Lord's prayer.
  • Wear the helmet of salvation. We need to keep our minds protected from attack. Keep them centered on God and on his salvation. God is our salvation. He wants to give us the Kingdom and will never try us beyond what we are able to bear.
  • Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. This is our most powerful weapon and it has the power to change people like we would never dream possible. Jesus overcame temptation by quoting the Word of God to give him strength to overcome. Let's get the word inside us so that we can do it too.

Soldiers of Christ, Arise, and put your armour on!
Robert Prins
6:24 - It is interesting that "sincerity" here is from the greek: apthasia, without corruption. We find this word in the passage regarding resurrection in 1 Cor 15:42,50,53,54. Thus, the sense is better brought forth in other renderings such as Young's literal "The grace with all those loving our Lord Jesus Christ -- undecayingly! Amen."
Matt Drywood