A Talking Donkey - Doug Fields | Mariners Church

Hi, Mariners Church. I am both thrilled Hi, Mariners Church. I am both thrilled and honored to open God's word with you and honored to open God's word with you and honored to open God's word with you today. And I promise to do my very best today. And I promise to do my very best today. And I promise to do my very best to keep you awake, which is, you know, to keep you awake, which is, you know, to keep you awake, which is, you know, no small task because we are in a series no small task because we are in a series no small task because we are in a series in the book of Numbers. And although in the book of Numbers. And although in the book of Numbers. And although Pastor Eric's enthusiasm for this series Pastor Eric's enthusiasm for this series Pastor Eric's enthusiasm for this series has been so contagious, it's been an has been so contagious, it's been an has been so contagious, it's been an amazing series. And if you've been amazing series. And if you've been amazing series. And if you've been watching every week and taking notes, watching every week and taking notes, watching every week and taking notes, you're basically a spiritual Navy Seal. you're basically a spiritual Navy Seal. you're basically a spiritual Navy Seal. So, way to go. And no matter where So, way to go. And no matter where So, way to go. And no matter where you're watching from or how you're you're watching from or how you're you're watching from or how you're joining us, I am just glad you're part joining us, I am just glad you're part joining us, I am just glad you're part of Mariners's Church today. And my guess of Mariners's Church today. And my guess of Mariners's Church today. And my guess is that you fall into one of two is that you fall into one of two is that you fall into one of two categories of people. One, you're a categories of people. One, you're a categories of people. One, you're a person who pays attention to dashboard person who pays attention to dashboard person who pays attention to dashboard warning lights. Or two, you ignore warning lights. Or two, you ignore warning lights. Or two, you ignore dashboard warning lights. And if you pay dashboard warning lights. And if you pay dashboard warning lights. And if you pay attention to dashboard warning lights, attention to dashboard warning lights, attention to dashboard warning lights, will you please let us know in the chat? will you please let us know in the chat? will you please let us know in the chat? Because these people, they're they're Because these people, they're they're Because these people, they're they're the good Christians. like they see the the good Christians. like they see the the good Christians. like they see the the engine light, the change oil light, the engine light, the change oil light, the engine light, the change oil light, and they respond appropriately. And if and they respond appropriately. And if and they respond appropriately. And if you're that person, good for you. I bet you're that person, good for you. I bet you're that person, good for you. I bet you were an excellent boy or girl scout. you were an excellent boy or girl scout. you were an excellent boy or girl scout. And uh and if you're the type of person And uh and if you're the type of person And uh and if you're the type of person who ignores the warning lights, I want who ignores the warning lights, I want who ignores the warning lights, I want you to put that in the chat, too, you to put that in the chat, too, you to put that in the chat, too, because I want to know who my people because I want to know who my people because I want to know who my people are, cuz you're my people. Like my my are, cuz you're my people. Like my my are, cuz you're my people. Like my my wonderful wife, Kathy, thinks this is wonderful wife, Kathy, thinks this is wonderful wife, Kathy, thinks this is one of my major character flaws. and I one of my major character flaws. and I one of my major character flaws. and I accept your rebuke. But when my accept your rebuke. But when my accept your rebuke. But when my dashboard light goes on, I don't view it dashboard light goes on, I don't view it dashboard light goes on, I don't view it as a command. I view it more like a as a command. I view it more like a as a command. I view it more like a suggestion, like a like an email from my suggestion, like a like an email from my suggestion, like a like an email from my dentist. And Kathy will say, "Hey, Doug, dentist. And Kathy will say, "Hey, Doug, dentist. And Kathy will say, "Hey, Doug, your your warning light is on." And I your your warning light is on." And I your your warning light is on." And I confidently reply with, "Babe, that confidently reply with, "Babe, that confidently reply with, "Babe, that warning light has been on since the warning light has been on since the warning light has been on since the Obama administration. The car is the car

Obama administration. The car is the car Obama administration. The car is the car is fine." But the problem with ignoring is fine." But the problem with ignoring is fine." But the problem with ignoring warning lights is that eventually the warning lights is that eventually the warning lights is that eventually the warning lights stop being little lights warning lights stop being little lights warning lights stop being little lights and they start being big tow trucks, and they start being big tow trucks, and they start being big tow trucks, which would be fine if I was in the car which would be fine if I was in the car which would be fine if I was in the car alone when it broke down near Palm alone when it broke down near Palm alone when it broke down near Palm Springs and 110°ree heat. But I wasn't Springs and 110°ree heat. But I wasn't Springs and 110°ree heat. But I wasn't alone. And and Kathy looked at me at alone. And and Kathy looked at me at alone. And and Kathy looked at me at that moment, I'll never forget, with that moment, I'll never forget, with that moment, I'll never forget, with eyes that really said like divorce eyes that really said like divorce eyes that really said like divorce proceedings. proceedings. proceedings. And I I tell you this because today we And I I tell you this because today we And I I tell you this because today we are going to meet someone who got the are going to meet someone who got the are going to meet someone who got the most dramatic warning light in the most dramatic warning light in the most dramatic warning light in the entire Bible and kept driving. Anyway, entire Bible and kept driving. Anyway, entire Bible and kept driving. Anyway, and unfortunately this guy reminds me a and unfortunately this guy reminds me a and unfortunately this guy reminds me a little of myself and uh probably just little of myself and uh probably just little of myself and uh probably just enough like you to make you enough like you to make you enough like you to make you uncomfortable. We are in week seven in uncomfortable. We are in week seven in uncomfortable. We are in week seven in the book of Numbers where we find the the book of Numbers where we find the the book of Numbers where we find the Israelites in the wilderness for almost Israelites in the wilderness for almost Israelites in the wilderness for almost 40 years. They're they're in what we're 40 years. They're they're in what we're 40 years. They're they're in what we're calling the in between. and the in calling the in between. and the in calling the in between. and the in between their their rescue from Egypt between their their rescue from Egypt between their their rescue from Egypt and and before they enter the promised and and before they enter the promised and and before they enter the promised land. And we've been learning that our land. And we've been learning that our land. And we've been learning that our situation is similar to theirs. Like God situation is similar to theirs. Like God situation is similar to theirs. Like God created us, but we got ourselves created us, but we got ourselves created us, but we got ourselves enslaved to sin. And for those of us who enslaved to sin. And for those of us who enslaved to sin. And for those of us who have trusted what Jesus did on the have trusted what Jesus did on the have trusted what Jesus did on the cross, we've been rescued. And one day, cross, we've been rescued. And one day, cross, we've been rescued. And one day, he will bring us to our forever home.

he will bring us to our forever home. he will bring us to our forever home. But right now, we live in the the But right now, we live in the the But right now, we live in the the spiritual in between between our our spiritual in between between our our spiritual in between between our our rescue and our heavenly homecoming. And rescue and our heavenly homecoming. And rescue and our heavenly homecoming. And numbers gives us great principles for numbers gives us great principles for numbers gives us great principles for living in the in between. Now, if you living in the in between. Now, if you living in the in between. Now, if you have your Bible, uh, turn to chap have your Bible, uh, turn to chap have your Bible, uh, turn to chap numbers chapter 22. And I have been numbers chapter 22. And I have been numbers chapter 22. And I have been tasked to cover three chapters. Okay? tasked to cover three chapters. Okay? tasked to cover three chapters. Okay? Nobody else in this whole series has Nobody else in this whole series has Nobody else in this whole series has been asked to cover three chapters. Like been asked to cover three chapters. Like been asked to cover three chapters. Like last week, Steve Bang Lee had six last week, Steve Bang Lee had six last week, Steve Bang Lee had six verses. Six verses. I I got three verses. Six verses. I I got three verses. Six verses. I I got three chapters, which is 114 verses. But I get chapters, which is 114 verses. But I get chapters, which is 114 verses. But I get it. I get it. Like, leave the heavy it. I get it. Like, leave the heavy it. I get it. Like, leave the heavy lifting to me. No problem. You ready? lifting to me. No problem. You ready? lifting to me. No problem. You ready? Okay. Because God's people, more than 2 Okay. Because God's people, more than 2 Okay. Because God's people, more than 2 million Israelites, have been on the million Israelites, have been on the million Israelites, have been on the move for almost 40 years. And in chapter move for almost 40 years. And in chapter move for almost 40 years. And in chapter 22, we find them camped out near a place 22, we find them camped out near a place 22, we find them camped out near a place called Moab. And the king of Moab is called Moab. And the king of Moab is called Moab. And the king of Moab is terrified that the Israelites will terrified that the Israelites will terrified that the Israelites will destroy him. And it says this in chapter destroy him. And it says this in chapter destroy him. And it says this in chapter 22:1, the Israelites traveled and camped 22:1, the Israelites traveled and camped 22:1, the Israelites traveled and camped in the plains of Moab near the Jordan in the plains of Moab near the Jordan in the plains of Moab near the Jordan across from Jericho. Now, Bailo, son of across from Jericho. Now, Bailo, son of across from Jericho. Now, Bailo, son of Zipper, what a great name, saw that all Zipper, what a great name, saw that all Zipper, what a great name, saw that all Israel had done to the Amorites. And Israel had done to the Amorites. And Israel had done to the Amorites. And Moab was terrified of the people because Moab was terrified of the people because Moab was terrified of the people because there were numerous. So Moab dreaded the there were numerous. So Moab dreaded the there were numerous. So Moab dreaded the Israelites. So the Moabites said to the Israelites. So the Moabites said to the Israelites. So the Moabites said to the elders of Midian, "This horde will elders of Midian, "This horde will elders of Midian, "This horde will devour everything around us like an ox devour everything around us like an ox devour everything around us like an ox eats up the green plants in the field."

eats up the green plants in the field." eats up the green plants in the field." Which describes what the junior high Which describes what the junior high Which describes what the junior high group did in my house last week. But group did in my house last week. But group did in my house last week. But since Bail son of Zipper was Moab's king since Bail son of Zipper was Moab's king since Bail son of Zipper was Moab's king at the time, he sent messengers to Balam at the time, he sent messengers to Balam at the time, he sent messengers to Balam son of Bor at Pthor, which is by the son of Bor at Pthor, which is by the son of Bor at Pthor, which is by the Euphrates in the land of his people. Euphrates in the land of his people. Euphrates in the land of his people. Bailic, who's the king, said to him, Bailic, who's the king, said to him, Bailic, who's the king, said to him, "Look, a people has come out of Egypt. "Look, a people has come out of Egypt. "Look, a people has come out of Egypt. They cover the surface of the land, and They cover the surface of the land, and They cover the surface of the land, and they're living right across from me. they're living right across from me. they're living right across from me. Here's the request. Please come and put Here's the request. Please come and put Here's the request. Please come and put a curse on these people for me because a curse on these people for me because a curse on these people for me because they are more powerful than I am. I may they are more powerful than I am. I may they are more powerful than I am. I may be able to defeat them and drive them be able to defeat them and drive them be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land. For I know that those out of the land. For I know that those out of the land. For I know that those you bless are blessed and those you you bless are blessed and those you you bless are blessed and those you curse are cursed. So in God's word, curse are cursed. So in God's word, curse are cursed. So in God's word, we've got a scared king, Baleo, whose we've got a scared king, Baleo, whose we've got a scared king, Baleo, whose weapon of choice isn't a sword. It's a weapon of choice isn't a sword. It's a weapon of choice isn't a sword. It's a man named Balum. And Bale, think of him man named Balum. And Bale, think of him man named Balum. And Bale, think of him like a he's a prophet for hire. He's a like a he's a prophet for hire. He's a like a he's a prophet for hire. He's a pagan prophet. He's a freelancer. He's a pagan prophet. He's a freelancer. He's a pagan prophet. He's a freelancer. He's a I think expensive consultant. Like the I think expensive consultant. Like the I think expensive consultant. Like the king doesn't want to hire him to kill king doesn't want to hire him to kill king doesn't want to hire him to kill the Israelites. He wants to hire him to the Israelites. He wants to hire him to the Israelites. He wants to hire him to curse them. And and a curse was believed curse them. And and a curse was believed curse them. And and a curse was believed to bring misfortune to the intended to bring misfortune to the intended to bring misfortune to the intended target. And apparently Balum had a target. And apparently Balum had a target. And apparently Balum had a powerful reputation since the king said powerful reputation since the king said powerful reputation since the king said like whoever you bless is blessed and like whoever you bless is blessed and like whoever you bless is blessed and whoever you curse is cursed. Now, think whoever you curse is cursed. Now, think whoever you curse is cursed. Now, think about that job for just a minute. Cuz I about that job for just a minute. Cuz I about that job for just a minute. Cuz I would kind of love that gig. Like would kind of love that gig. Like would kind of love that gig. Like getting paid to either bless or curse getting paid to either bless or curse getting paid to either bless or curse people. Like, I bless you. I bless you.

people. Like, I bless you. I bless you. people. Like, I bless you. I bless you. Put you in the living room watching Put you in the living room watching Put you in the living room watching soccer on your phone while I'm soccer on your phone while I'm soccer on your phone while I'm preaching. I curse you. May may your preaching. I curse you. May may your preaching. I curse you. May may your brain rot grow deep. I That would be brain rot grow deep. I That would be brain rot grow deep. I That would be such a fantastic occupation. Anyway, the such a fantastic occupation. Anyway, the such a fantastic occupation. Anyway, the king sends his messengers with money and king sends his messengers with money and king sends his messengers with money and a job description to Balum. But Balum a job description to Balum. But Balum a job description to Balum. But Balum doesn't grab the money. He actually doesn't grab the money. He actually doesn't grab the money. He actually asked God about it, which is a little asked God about it, which is a little asked God about it, which is a little surprising because Balam is not a surprising because Balam is not a surprising because Balam is not a God-fearing man. He was just Balam was God-fearing man. He was just Balam was God-fearing man. He was just Balam was just smart enough to consult the gods of just smart enough to consult the gods of just smart enough to consult the gods of whoever hired him. And he prays and God whoever hired him. And he prays and God whoever hired him. And he prays and God answers his prayers. 22:12 Then God said to Balam, "You are not to Then God said to Balam, "You are not to go with them. You are not to curse this go with them. You are not to curse this go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed." people, for they are blessed." people, for they are blessed." So Balam got up. Well, let me just pause So Balam got up. Well, let me just pause So Balam got up. Well, let me just pause for there a second. Do you do you notice for there a second. Do you do you notice for there a second. Do you do you notice any wiggle room in in God's response? any wiggle room in in God's response? any wiggle room in in God's response? Because that's about as clear as it Because that's about as clear as it Because that's about as clear as it gets. Like, you are not to go. You're gets. Like, you are not to go. You're gets. Like, you are not to go. You're not to curse. Like, there's no there's not to curse. Like, there's no there's not to curse. Like, there's no there's no mystery. There's there's all clarity.

no mystery. There's there's all clarity. no mystery. There's there's all clarity. So, so Balam says, "Okay, look, I no, So, so Balam says, "Okay, look, I no, So, so Balam says, "Okay, look, I no, I'm not. I won't curse God's people." I'm not. I won't curse God's people." I'm not. I won't curse God's people." But when that word gets back to the But when that word gets back to the But when that word gets back to the king, he does what what rich and king, he does what what rich and king, he does what what rich and powerful and desperate people do. He powerful and desperate people do. He powerful and desperate people do. He actually sends back a bigger, more actually sends back a bigger, more actually sends back a bigger, more prestigious prestigious prestigious uh group of messengers. Like the JV team uh group of messengers. Like the JV team uh group of messengers. Like the JV team didn't get it done, so let's send the didn't get it done, so let's send the didn't get it done, so let's send the varsity squad back. And we're in uh varsity squad back. And we're in uh varsity squad back. And we're in uh chapter 22 verse 15. It says, "Bailo chapter 22 verse 15. It says, "Bailo chapter 22 verse 15. It says, "Bailo sent officials again who were more sent officials again who were more sent officials again who were more numerous numerous numerous and higher in rank than the others. They and higher in rank than the others. They and higher in rank than the others. They came to Balam and they said to him, came to Balam and they said to him, came to Balam and they said to him, "This is what Bailo, son of Zipper, "This is what Bailo, son of Zipper, "This is what Bailo, son of Zipper, says, "Let nothing keep you from coming says, "Let nothing keep you from coming says, "Let nothing keep you from coming to me, for I will greatly honor you and to me, for I will greatly honor you and to me, for I will greatly honor you and do whatever you ask me." So please come do whatever you ask me." So please come do whatever you ask me." So please come and put a curse on these people for me. and put a curse on these people for me. and put a curse on these people for me. But Balam responded to the servants of But Balam responded to the servants of But Balam responded to the servants of Baal. If Bailo were to give me his house Baal. If Bailo were to give me his house Baal. If Bailo were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go full of silver and gold, I could not go full of silver and gold, I could not go against the command of the Lord my God against the command of the Lord my God against the command of the Lord my God to do anything small or great. Now put to do anything small or great. Now put to do anything small or great. Now put kind of a pause there. Imagine a pause kind of a pause there. Imagine a pause kind of a pause there. Imagine a pause like a h. Then he says this, please stay like a h. Then he says this, please stay like a h. Then he says this, please stay here overnight as the others did so I here overnight as the others did so I here overnight as the others did so I might find out what else the Lord has to might find out what else the Lord has to might find out what else the Lord has to tell me. So instead of Balam saying, tell me. So instead of Balam saying, tell me. So instead of Balam saying, "Hey, I already have my answer no. My "Hey, I already have my answer no. My "Hey, I already have my answer no. My answer is no from God." What he says is, answer is no from God." What he says is, answer is no from God." What he says is, "You know what, you guys? Let me let me "You know what, you guys? Let me let me "You know what, you guys? Let me let me sleep on it. Let let me get back to God sleep on it. Let let me get back to God sleep on it. Let let me get back to God to see if there's a uh see if he has a

to see if there's a uh see if he has a to see if there's a uh see if he has a different answer." And this is one of different answer." And this is one of different answer." And this is one of the places where I see you and I hiding the places where I see you and I hiding the places where I see you and I hiding in this story. See, Balam already had in this story. See, Balam already had in this story. See, Balam already had God's clear answer. But when the offer God's clear answer. But when the offer God's clear answer. But when the offer got got bigger and more seductive, got got bigger and more seductive, got got bigger and more seductive, Balam's heart moved from listening to Balam's heart moved from listening to Balam's heart moved from listening to God to looking for a loophole. Like you God to looking for a loophole. Like you God to looking for a loophole. Like you understand what a loophole is. Like you understand what a loophole is. Like you understand what a loophole is. Like you and I, we're we're quick for loopholes. and I, we're we're quick for loopholes. and I, we're we're quick for loopholes. Like uh Christians are great at this. Like uh Christians are great at this. Like uh Christians are great at this. Like to find a loophole to support what Like to find a loophole to support what Like to find a loophole to support what ultimately we want to do in our life. ultimately we want to do in our life. ultimately we want to do in our life. Like if you've ever been to Costco, you Like if you've ever been to Costco, you Like if you've ever been to Costco, you understand loopholes. Like you walk into understand loopholes. Like you walk into understand loopholes. Like you walk into Costco thinking, "I'm just here for the Costco thinking, "I'm just here for the Costco thinking, "I'm just here for the paper towels. I even though I know it's paper towels. I even though I know it's paper towels. I even though I know it's going to cost me uh $200. And once you going to cost me uh $200. And once you going to cost me uh $200. And once you walk inside, something takes over you walk inside, something takes over you walk inside, something takes over you and all you can think of is free and all you can think of is free and all you can think of is free samples, right? Like the mini tacos have samples, right? Like the mini tacos have samples, right? Like the mini tacos have you going back and forth down the same you going back and forth down the same you going back and forth down the same aisle. Like you consume a sample, then aisle. Like you consume a sample, then aisle. Like you consume a sample, then you walk around the aisle, you remove you walk around the aisle, you remove you walk around the aisle, you remove your your hat, put on sunglasses, your your hat, put on sunglasses, your your hat, put on sunglasses, approach from a a different angle, approach from a a different angle, approach from a a different angle, disguise your voice. Oh, excuse me. Is disguise your voice. Oh, excuse me. Is disguise your voice. Oh, excuse me. Is is this the teriyak chicken? And the is this the teriyak chicken? And the is this the teriyak chicken? And the person wearing a hairet says, uh, yeah, person wearing a hairet says, uh, yeah, person wearing a hairet says, uh, yeah, it is. And this is your first fifth it is. And this is your first fifth it is. And this is your first fifth sample, right? Like nobody goes into sample, right? Like nobody goes into sample, right? Like nobody goes into Costco thinking I am going to cheat Costco thinking I am going to cheat Costco thinking I am going to cheat Costco. Instead, we tell ourselves, you Costco. Instead, we tell ourselves, you Costco. Instead, we tell ourselves, you know, they're free. Like they want me to know, they're free. Like they want me to know, they're free. Like they want me to have an entire box. See, it's amazing have an entire box. See, it's amazing have an entire box. See, it's amazing how creative we become when we really how creative we become when we really how creative we become when we really want something. And if you're a want something. And if you're a want something. And if you're a Christian, you most likely know what Christian, you most likely know what Christian, you most likely know what God's word says that you should do with

God's word says that you should do with God's word says that you should do with your life. But when you don't like God's your life. But when you don't like God's your life. But when you don't like God's answer, you you ask it in a different answer, you you ask it in a different answer, you you ask it in a different way, hoping for a different answer. I I way, hoping for a different answer. I I way, hoping for a different answer. I I I've done this, too. And and when I do, I've done this, too. And and when I do, I've done this, too. And and when I do, it immediately reveals my spiritual it immediately reveals my spiritual it immediately reveals my spiritual immaturity because this is what immature immaturity because this is what immature immaturity because this is what immature children do. Like when a parent says to children do. Like when a parent says to children do. Like when a parent says to a child, "Okay, buddy, we're going to a child, "Okay, buddy, we're going to a child, "Okay, buddy, we're going to leave in five minutes." That child leave in five minutes." That child leave in five minutes." That child doesn't reply with, "Okay, thank you, my doesn't reply with, "Okay, thank you, my doesn't reply with, "Okay, thank you, my thoughtful and gracious parental unit. I thoughtful and gracious parental unit. I thoughtful and gracious parental unit. I I obediently accept your decree and will I obediently accept your decree and will I obediently accept your decree and will be standing by the door with a positive be standing by the door with a positive be standing by the door with a positive attitude and preparation for our attitude and preparation for our attitude and preparation for our departure. Like no, that that child departure. Like no, that that child departure. Like no, that that child turns into an attorney and starts turns into an attorney and starts turns into an attorney and starts negotiating right away. But when we when negotiating right away. But when we when negotiating right away. But when we when we look to God's word for clarity on how we look to God's word for clarity on how we look to God's word for clarity on how to live, I believe that we're smart to live, I believe that we're smart to live, I believe that we're smart enough to understand what God says, enough to understand what God says, enough to understand what God says, we're just not always we're not always we're just not always we're not always we're just not always we're not always wise enough to want to follow it wise enough to want to follow it wise enough to want to follow it through. It's not that God's answers are through. It's not that God's answers are through. It's not that God's answers are unclear. It's just that unclear. It's just that unclear. It's just that his answers are unwelcomed. Like, think his answers are unwelcomed. Like, think his answers are unwelcomed. Like, think about the purchase that you want that about the purchase that you want that about the purchase that you want that you know it doesn't fit into your you know it doesn't fit into your you know it doesn't fit into your budget, whatever it is. It's the new the budget, whatever it is. It's the new the budget, whatever it is. It's the new the new shoes or the remodel or the the new new shoes or the remodel or the the new new shoes or the remodel or the the new boat. You know, you're not praying, boat. You know, you're not praying, boat. You know, you're not praying, "Lord, if if buying this bass boat is "Lord, if if buying this bass boat is "Lord, if if buying this bass boat is outside of your will, please let the outside of your will, please let the outside of your will, please let the dealership burn down before I sign the dealership burn down before I sign the dealership burn down before I sign the contract tomorrow." Like, no. You're contract tomorrow." Like, no. You're contract tomorrow." Like, no. You're praying, "God, please give me peace praying, "God, please give me peace praying, "God, please give me peace about this purchase." But you don't need about this purchase." But you don't need about this purchase." But you don't need peace. You need a spreadsheet. Like, we peace. You need a spreadsheet. Like, we peace. You need a spreadsheet. Like, we don't most most Christians, we don't don't most most Christians, we don't don't most most Christians, we don't have a hearing problem. We we have a

have a hearing problem. We we have a have a hearing problem. We we have a heart problem that would rather wander heart problem that would rather wander heart problem that would rather wander toward what we want than obey what God toward what we want than obey what God toward what we want than obey what God wants for us. And God was clear with wants for us. And God was clear with wants for us. And God was clear with Balam. But Balam wants what what he Balam. But Balam wants what what he Balam. But Balam wants what what he wants. And the next day he begins his wants. And the next day he begins his wants. And the next day he begins his travel to Moab to now collect the money. travel to Moab to now collect the money. travel to Moab to now collect the money. Chapter 22 verse 22. But God was Chapter 22 verse 22. But God was Chapter 22 verse 22. But God was insensed that Balam was going and the insensed that Balam was going and the insensed that Balam was going and the angel of the Lord took his stand on the angel of the Lord took his stand on the angel of the Lord took his stand on the path to oppose him. Balam was riding his path to oppose him. Balam was riding his path to oppose him. Balam was riding his donkey and his two servants were with donkey and his two servants were with donkey and his two servants were with him. When the donkey saw the angel of him. When the donkey saw the angel of him. When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing on the path with a the Lord standing on the path with a the Lord standing on the path with a drawn sword in his hand, she turned off drawn sword in his hand, she turned off drawn sword in his hand, she turned off the path and went into the field. So the path and went into the field. So the path and went into the field. So Balam hid her to return her to the path. Balam hid her to return her to the path. Balam hid her to return her to the path. When the angel of the Lord stood in a When the angel of the Lord stood in a When the angel of the Lord stood in a narrow passage between the vineyards narrow passage between the vineyards narrow passage between the vineyards with a stone wall on either side, the with a stone wall on either side, the with a stone wall on either side, the donkey saw the angel of the Lord and donkey saw the angel of the Lord and donkey saw the angel of the Lord and pressed herself against the wall, pressed herself against the wall, pressed herself against the wall, squeezing Balam's foot against it. So he squeezing Balam's foot against it. So he squeezing Balam's foot against it. So he hit her once again. The angel of the hit her once again. The angel of the hit her once again. The angel of the Lord went ahead and stood in a narrow Lord went ahead and stood in a narrow Lord went ahead and stood in a narrow place where there was no room to turn to place where there was no room to turn to place where there was no room to turn to the right or to the left. And when the the right or to the left. And when the the right or to the left. And when the donkey saw the angel of Lord, she donkey saw the angel of Lord, she donkey saw the angel of Lord, she crouched down under Balum. So he became crouched down under Balum. So he became crouched down under Balum. So he became furious and beat the donkey with a furious and beat the donkey with a furious and beat the donkey with a stick. Now let's pause there for a stick. Now let's pause there for a stick. Now let's pause there for a second because there's a lot in that second because there's a lot in that second because there's a lot in that text. Like for example, why does God text. Like for example, why does God text. Like for example, why does God make it known that the donkey was a make it known that the donkey was a make it known that the donkey was a female? Right? Like that's that's weird.

female? Right? Like that's that's weird. female? Right? Like that's that's weird. And and don't get mad at me. Don't write And and don't get mad at me. Don't write And and don't get mad at me. Don't write me letters. That's God's editorial me letters. That's God's editorial me letters. That's God's editorial decision. Like take it up with with him. decision. Like take it up with with him. decision. Like take it up with with him. Okay. And then God does something he's Okay. And then God does something he's Okay. And then God does something he's never done before or since. Verse 28. never done before or since. Verse 28. never done before or since. Verse 28. Then the Lord opened the donkey's mouth. Then the Lord opened the donkey's mouth. Then the Lord opened the donkey's mouth. And she asked Balam, "What have I done And she asked Balam, "What have I done And she asked Balam, "What have I done to you that you have beaten me these to you that you have beaten me these to you that you have beaten me these three times?" Bam answered the donkey, three times?" Bam answered the donkey, three times?" Bam answered the donkey, "You made me look like a fool. If I had "You made me look like a fool. If I had "You made me look like a fool. If I had a sword in my hand, I'd kill you now." a sword in my hand, I'd kill you now." a sword in my hand, I'd kill you now." But the donkey said, "Am I not the But the donkey said, "Am I not the But the donkey said, "Am I not the donkey you've ridden your whole life?" donkey you've ridden your whole life?" donkey you've ridden your whole life?" until today? Have I ever treated you until today? Have I ever treated you until today? Have I ever treated you this way before?" "No," Balam replied. this way before?" "No," Balam replied. this way before?" "No," Balam replied. Then the Lord opened Balam's eyes, and Then the Lord opened Balam's eyes, and Then the Lord opened Balam's eyes, and he saw an angel of the Lord standing in he saw an angel of the Lord standing in he saw an angel of the Lord standing in the path with a drawn sword in his hand. the path with a drawn sword in his hand. the path with a drawn sword in his hand. Ba Balam knelt low and bowed in worship Ba Balam knelt low and bowed in worship Ba Balam knelt low and bowed in worship on his face. The angel of the Lord asked on his face. The angel of the Lord asked on his face. The angel of the Lord asked him, "Why have you beaten your donkey him, "Why have you beaten your donkey him, "Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? Look, I came out to these three times? Look, I came out to these three times? Look, I came out to oppose you because I consider what you oppose you because I consider what you oppose you because I consider what you are doing to be evil. What's he doing?

are doing to be evil. What's he doing? are doing to be evil. What's he doing? He's ignoring God's command and he's He's ignoring God's command and he's He's ignoring God's command and he's he's taking a money grab to curse he's taking a money grab to curse he's taking a money grab to curse Israel. Says, "The donkey saw me and Israel. Says, "The donkey saw me and Israel. Says, "The donkey saw me and turned away from me these three times. turned away from me these three times. turned away from me these three times. If she had not turned away from me, I If she had not turned away from me, I If she had not turned away from me, I would have killed you by now and let her would have killed you by now and let her would have killed you by now and let her live." live." live." Now Now Now this talking donkey, this talking donkey, this talking donkey, don't think Disney, okay? Think deity. don't think Disney, okay? Think deity. don't think Disney, okay? Think deity. Like this is God in action. It's a Like this is God in action. It's a Like this is God in action. It's a dramatic miracle to protect those he dramatic miracle to protect those he dramatic miracle to protect those he loves. And and I I find it fascinating loves. And and I I find it fascinating loves. And and I I find it fascinating that when Balam's donkey starts talking, that when Balam's donkey starts talking, that when Balam's donkey starts talking, Balum, he doesn't scream, he doesn't Balum, he doesn't scream, he doesn't Balum, he doesn't scream, he doesn't faint. Instead, he just fires back at faint. Instead, he just fires back at faint. Instead, he just fires back at the donkey. like this type of the donkey. like this type of the donkey. like this type of interaction, you know, happens every interaction, you know, happens every interaction, you know, happens every Tuesday. Like his donkey talks and and Tuesday. Like his donkey talks and and Tuesday. Like his donkey talks and and the first instinct is to win the the first instinct is to win the the first instinct is to win the argument. Now, if my dog suddenly looked argument. Now, if my dog suddenly looked argument. Now, if my dog suddenly looked up at me and said, "Doug, we need to up at me and said, "Doug, we need to up at me and said, "Doug, we need to talk about you ignoring the warning talk about you ignoring the warning talk about you ignoring the warning lights in your car and how expensive lights in your car and how expensive lights in your car and how expensive divorce could be, I would not respond divorce could be, I would not respond divorce could be, I would not respond with a rebuttal, like I would respond by with a rebuttal, like I would respond by with a rebuttal, like I would respond by running out of that demon-possessed running out of that demon-possessed running out of that demon-possessed house, but not bail him." See, his heart house, but not bail him." See, his heart house, but not bail him." See, his heart is so locked into what his heart wants, is so locked into what his heart wants, is so locked into what his heart wants, which the angel called evil. He's so which the angel called evil. He's so which the angel called evil. He's so focused on his payday that he misses the focused on his payday that he misses the focused on his payday that he misses the miracle right in front of him. And that, miracle right in front of him. And that, miracle right in front of him. And that, my friends, is what greed does to a my friends, is what greed does to a my friends, is what greed does to a heart. It makes you fixated on what you heart. It makes you fixated on what you heart. It makes you fixated on what you want. That you you actually miss the God want. That you you actually miss the God want. That you you actually miss the God moments right in front of you. like we moments right in front of you. like we moments right in front of you. like we want God's blessing on our life, but

want God's blessing on our life, but want God's blessing on our life, but instead of listening and and following instead of listening and and following instead of listening and and following God's ways, we're we're beating our God's ways, we're we're beating our God's ways, we're we're beating our donkey and then blaming others for how donkey and then blaming others for how donkey and then blaming others for how our life has turned out. So, let me let our life has turned out. So, let me let our life has turned out. So, let me let me fast forward just a little bit into me fast forward just a little bit into me fast forward just a little bit into Balam's story because even after the Balam's story because even after the Balam's story because even after the talking donkey warning, Balam travels to talking donkey warning, Balam travels to talking donkey warning, Balam travels to Moab to curse Israel. But what happens Moab to curse Israel. But what happens Moab to curse Israel. But what happens is every time he opens his mouth for a is every time he opens his mouth for a is every time he opens his mouth for a cursing, a blessing comes out. And this cursing, a blessing comes out. And this cursing, a blessing comes out. And this happens three different times. So be happens three different times. So be happens three different times. So be sure to read these on your own in your sure to read these on your own in your sure to read these on your own in your Bible. They're called the the poems of Bible. They're called the the poems of Bible. They're called the the poems of Balum or uh the oracles of Balum. And as Balum or uh the oracles of Balum. And as Balum or uh the oracles of Balum. And as you might guess, the king is furious. He you might guess, the king is furious. He you might guess, the king is furious. He says, "Yeah, I'm paying you to curse my says, "Yeah, I'm paying you to curse my says, "Yeah, I'm paying you to curse my enemies and all you're doing is blessing enemies and all you're doing is blessing enemies and all you're doing is blessing them." So he tells Balam to to go home. them." So he tells Balam to to go home. them." So he tells Balam to to go home. But before Balam leaves, he has a fourth But before Balam leaves, he has a fourth But before Balam leaves, he has a fourth poem and and a fourth prophecy where he poem and and a fourth prophecy where he poem and and a fourth prophecy where he describes Israel's future victory over describes Israel's future victory over describes Israel's future victory over Moab. And and I just want you to see one Moab. And and I just want you to see one Moab. And and I just want you to see one one slice of one verse uh in uh Numbers one slice of one verse uh in uh Numbers one slice of one verse uh in uh Numbers 24 verse 9 because it's it's 24 verse 9 because it's it's 24 verse 9 because it's it's fascinating. He says this in his in his fascinating. He says this in his in his fascinating. He says this in his in his poem, I see him but not now. I perceive poem, I see him but not now. I perceive poem, I see him but not now. I perceive him but not near. A star will come from him but not near. A star will come from him but not near. A star will come from Jacob and a scepter will rise from Jacob and a scepter will rise from Jacob and a scepter will rise from Israel. Do you know who Balam is talking Israel. Do you know who Balam is talking Israel. Do you know who Balam is talking about? He's talking about Jesus. Hey, about? He's talking about Jesus. Hey, about? He's talking about Jesus. Hey, the very the very mouth that was bribed

the very the very mouth that was bribed the very the very mouth that was bribed to curse Israel gets hijacked by God to to curse Israel gets hijacked by God to to curse Israel gets hijacked by God to announce the coming of Jesus. I mean, announce the coming of Jesus. I mean, announce the coming of Jesus. I mean, that that is just awesome to me. And if that that is just awesome to me. And if that that is just awesome to me. And if you forget 90% of my sermon by tomorrow, you forget 90% of my sermon by tomorrow, you forget 90% of my sermon by tomorrow, which you will, and that's even if which you will, and that's even if which you will, and that's even if you're a you're an overachiever, I want you're a you're an overachiever, I want you're a you're an overachiever, I want you to try to remember this one powerful you to try to remember this one powerful you to try to remember this one powerful truth. Here it is. What God blesses, no truth. Here it is. What God blesses, no truth. Here it is. What God blesses, no one can curse. What God blesses, no one one can curse. What God blesses, no one one can curse. What God blesses, no one can curse. Just say that over in your can curse. Just say that over in your can curse. Just say that over in your head right now. What God blesses, no one head right now. What God blesses, no one head right now. What God blesses, no one can can curse. And here's why this is so can can curse. And here's why this is so can can curse. And here's why this is so important for you. Because in life, important for you. Because in life, important for you. Because in life, people are going to come against you, people are going to come against you, people are going to come against you, but they can't cancel you. Like they can but they can't cancel you. Like they can but they can't cancel you. Like they can accuse you, but they can't condemn you. accuse you, but they can't condemn you. accuse you, but they can't condemn you. Like go what God has blessed stays Like go what God has blessed stays Like go what God has blessed stays blessed. Like you're forgiven. You're blessed. Like you're forgiven. You're blessed. Like you're forgiven. You're redeemed. You're you're you're saved. redeemed. You're you're you're saved. redeemed. You're you're you're saved. You're chosen. You're you're loved. You You're chosen. You're you're loved. You You're chosen. You're you're loved. You you've been made new. And what God you've been made new. And what God you've been made new. And what God blesses, no one can curse. Like if blesses, no one can curse. Like if blesses, no one can curse. Like if you've put your faith in Jesus, there's you've put your faith in Jesus, there's you've put your faith in Jesus, there's no enemy, no diagnosis, no past failure, no enemy, no diagnosis, no past failure, no enemy, no diagnosis, no past failure, no addiction, no divorce, no bankruptcy, no addiction, no divorce, no bankruptcy, no addiction, no divorce, no bankruptcy, no betrayal, no secret, no shame, no no no betrayal, no secret, no shame, no no no betrayal, no secret, no shame, no no person with enough power to undo what person with enough power to undo what person with enough power to undo what God has spoken about your life. That's God has spoken about your life. That's God has spoken about your life. That's why the Apostle Paul said it like this.

why the Apostle Paul said it like this. why the Apostle Paul said it like this. He says, "If God is for us, well, who He says, "If God is for us, well, who He says, "If God is for us, well, who can be against us?" So if if you're a can be against us?" So if if you're a can be against us?" So if if you're a Christian, you're his. Okay? You're his. Christian, you're his. Okay? You're his. Christian, you're his. Okay? You're his. So congratulations. Like you got it So congratulations. Like you got it So congratulations. Like you got it going on. Like you are you're on a going on. Like you are you're on a going on. Like you are you're on a winning team. You can walk around with winning team. You can walk around with winning team. You can walk around with your shoulders back because you belong your shoulders back because you belong your shoulders back because you belong to him. You can you can live your life to him. You can you can live your life to him. You can you can live your life with a a spiritual swagger, which is a a with a a spiritual swagger, which is a a with a a spiritual swagger, which is a a confidence, not a cockiness. Like you confidence, not a cockiness. Like you confidence, not a cockiness. Like you didn't do anything to deserve to be didn't do anything to deserve to be didn't do anything to deserve to be cocky. Jesus did everything so you could cocky. Jesus did everything so you could cocky. Jesus did everything so you could be blessed. And that's the good news. be blessed. And that's the good news. be blessed. And that's the good news. But unfortunately for Balam, it doesn't But unfortunately for Balam, it doesn't But unfortunately for Balam, it doesn't end with good news. Like Balam was done end with good news. Like Balam was done end with good news. Like Balam was done speaking for God, but he didn't go away speaking for God, but he didn't go away speaking for God, but he didn't go away quietly. And this is where the story quietly. And this is where the story quietly. And this is where the story gets with gets real dark real quick. In gets with gets real dark real quick. In gets with gets real dark real quick. In Numbers 24 Numbers 24 Numbers 24 verse 25 verse 25 verse 25 says this, "Then Balam then arose and says this, "Then Balam then arose and says this, "Then Balam then arose and went back to his homeland. And Bao, this went back to his homeland. And Bao, this went back to his homeland. And Bao, this is the king also went his way. While is the king also went his way. While is the king also went his way. While Israel was staying in the Acacia Grove, Israel was staying in the Acacia Grove, Israel was staying in the Acacia Grove, the people began to prostitute the people began to prostitute the people began to prostitute themselves with the women of Moab. The themselves with the women of Moab. The themselves with the women of Moab. The women invited them to the sacrifices for women invited them to the sacrifices for women invited them to the sacrifices for their gods, and the people ate and bowed their gods, and the people ate and bowed their gods, and the people ate and bowed in worship to their gods. So, Israel in worship to their gods. So, Israel in worship to their gods. So, Israel aligned itself with Baal of Peor, and aligned itself with Baal of Peor, and aligned itself with Baal of Peor, and the Lord's anger burned against Israel.

the Lord's anger burned against Israel. the Lord's anger burned against Israel. So what happens here is the Israelites, So what happens here is the Israelites, So what happens here is the Israelites, they violate the first of the ten they violate the first of the ten they violate the first of the ten commandments by worshiping idols. And commandments by worshiping idols. And commandments by worshiping idols. And it's actually worse than it sounds it's actually worse than it sounds it's actually worse than it sounds because Baal of Peor was a fertility because Baal of Peor was a fertility because Baal of Peor was a fertility god. So it was about sex. And sex wasn't god. So it was about sex. And sex wasn't god. So it was about sex. And sex wasn't just happening at a party. The sex was just happening at a party. The sex was just happening at a party. The sex was actually how they worshiped this pale actually how they worshiped this pale actually how they worshiped this pale bale, this small G god. And and that's bale, this small G god. And and that's bale, this small G god. And and that's what makes this entire rebellion so what makes this entire rebellion so what makes this entire rebellion so sneaky. See, the women didn't show up sneaky. See, the women didn't show up sneaky. See, the women didn't show up saying, "Hey, Israelites, you should saying, "Hey, Israelites, you should saying, "Hey, Israelites, you should abandon your God." Instead, the women abandon your God." Instead, the women abandon your God." Instead, the women showed up in the form of a of a good showed up in the form of a of a good showed up in the form of a of a good time. And friends, that's how that's how time. And friends, that's how that's how time. And friends, that's how that's how temptation works. Like Satan, Satan temptation works. Like Satan, Satan temptation works. Like Satan, Satan doesn't show up to you wearing a name doesn't show up to you wearing a name doesn't show up to you wearing a name tag. Hi, I'm Satan and I'd like to ruin tag. Hi, I'm Satan and I'd like to ruin tag. Hi, I'm Satan and I'd like to ruin your life and uh destroy your marriage your life and uh destroy your marriage your life and uh destroy your marriage and make you anxious about your and make you anxious about your and make you anxious about your finances. What do you think? No, you'd finances. What do you think? No, you'd finances. What do you think? No, you'd say, "Ah, hey, get behind me, Satan." say, "Ah, hey, get behind me, Satan." say, "Ah, hey, get behind me, Satan." But that's not his that's not his But that's not his that's not his But that's not his that's not his playbook. Like his bait is temptation playbook. Like his bait is temptation playbook. Like his bait is temptation and his hook is deadly. So where did and his hook is deadly. So where did and his hook is deadly. So where did this temptation idea come from? Watch this temptation idea come from? Watch this temptation idea come from? Watch this. Six chapters later in chapter 31, this. Six chapters later in chapter 31, this. Six chapters later in chapter 31, it says this. Yet those were the ones it says this. Yet those were the ones it says this. Yet those were the ones who at Balam's advice incited the who at Balam's advice incited the who at Balam's advice incited the Israelites to unfaithfulness against the Israelites to unfaithfulness against the Israelites to unfaithfulness against the Lord. See, it was it was Balam's advice.

Lord. See, it was it was Balam's advice. Lord. See, it was it was Balam's advice. Like Balam Balam couldn't curse Israel Like Balam Balam couldn't curse Israel Like Balam Balam couldn't curse Israel with his mouth. So he gave the king a with his mouth. So he gave the king a with his mouth. So he gave the king a battle plan for how they could curse battle plan for how they could curse battle plan for how they could curse themselves. Like he must have told the themselves. Like he must have told the themselves. Like he must have told the king, "Hey king, you can't beat these king, "Hey king, you can't beat these king, "Hey king, you can't beat these Israelites head on." Like their god Israelites head on." Like their god Israelites head on." Like their god protects them. So don't curse them. protects them. So don't curse them. protects them. So don't curse them. Instead, seduce them. Send in temptation Instead, seduce them. Send in temptation Instead, seduce them. Send in temptation and they will curse themselves. See, and they will curse themselves. See, and they will curse themselves. See, Balam, he knew the oldest trick in the Balam, he knew the oldest trick in the Balam, he knew the oldest trick in the book, the same one that the serpent used book, the same one that the serpent used book, the same one that the serpent used in the Garden of Edom and the same in the Garden of Edom and the same in the Garden of Edom and the same strategy the enemy uses today. So, okay, strategy the enemy uses today. So, okay, strategy the enemy uses today. So, okay, what's the lesson from Balum? And there what's the lesson from Balum? And there what's the lesson from Balum? And there are so many lessons here, but the are so many lessons here, but the are so many lessons here, but the obvious one is this. Don't be like obvious one is this. Don't be like obvious one is this. Don't be like Balum. Okay? Like, I wish I could mail Balum. Okay? Like, I wish I could mail Balum. Okay? Like, I wish I could mail you this coffee cup to remind you like you this coffee cup to remind you like you this coffee cup to remind you like Balum wasn't good. He He was a punk. He Balum wasn't good. He He was a punk. He Balum wasn't good. He He was a punk. He was a fraud. Like if you're a young was a fraud. Like if you're a young was a fraud. Like if you're a young parent, don't name your kid Balum. Okay? parent, don't name your kid Balum. Okay? parent, don't name your kid Balum. Okay? He he was so bad that 1,500 years later, He he was so bad that 1,500 years later, He he was so bad that 1,500 years later, you flip to the New Testament, you see you flip to the New Testament, you see you flip to the New Testament, you see three New Testament writers refer to three New Testament writers refer to three New Testament writers refer to Balum as a warning. Peter says, you Balum as a warning. Peter says, you Balum as a warning. Peter says, you know, Balum loved to earn money by doing know, Balum loved to earn money by doing know, Balum loved to earn money by doing wrong. Jude says, false teachers like wrong. Jude says, false teachers like wrong. Jude says, false teachers like Balum, they deceive people for their Balum, they deceive people for their Balum, they deceive people for their money. And in the book of Revelation, money. And in the book of Revelation, money. And in the book of Revelation, Jesus rebukes the church for false Jesus rebukes the church for false Jesus rebukes the church for false teaching by saying, "You have some there teaching by saying, "You have some there teaching by saying, "You have some there who hold the teaching of Balum." Okay, who hold the teaching of Balum." Okay, who hold the teaching of Balum." Okay, you're you're getting the point, right?

you're you're getting the point, right? you're you're getting the point, right? Like Balam is not a good person, so Like Balam is not a good person, so Like Balam is not a good person, so don't be like Balum. And that sounds don't be like Balum. And that sounds don't be like Balum. And that sounds simple, but when I think about my life, simple, but when I think about my life, simple, but when I think about my life, it's actually very easy to be like him it's actually very easy to be like him it's actually very easy to be like him when when good words come out of my when when good words come out of my when when good words come out of my mouth that don't align with my heart. mouth that don't align with my heart. mouth that don't align with my heart. And I hate to admit that. I've done that And I hate to admit that. I've done that And I hate to admit that. I've done that too often. Like I've preached sermons on too often. Like I've preached sermons on too often. Like I've preached sermons on generosity generosity generosity while gripping my own wallet. Like I while gripping my own wallet. Like I while gripping my own wallet. Like I I've taught on the power of forgiveness I've taught on the power of forgiveness I've taught on the power of forgiveness while quietly piling up grudges. I've while quietly piling up grudges. I've while quietly piling up grudges. I've prayed, "Oh God, not your will, not my prayed, "Oh God, not your will, not my prayed, "Oh God, not your will, not my will, but yours with my mouth." But my will, but yours with my mouth." But my will, but yours with my mouth." But my actions were busy trying to make sure actions were busy trying to make sure actions were busy trying to make sure that my will will be done. And I and I'm that my will will be done. And I and I'm that my will will be done. And I and I'm guessing I'm not alone. Am I? And my bet guessing I'm not alone. Am I? And my bet guessing I'm not alone. Am I? And my bet is that you can relate. And and if you is that you can relate. And and if you is that you can relate. And and if you can relate, will you let me know in the can relate, will you let me know in the can relate, will you let me know in the chat? See, I I think if I'm summarizing chat? See, I I think if I'm summarizing chat? See, I I think if I'm summarizing this all up, I think Balam's biggest this all up, I think Balam's biggest this all up, I think Balam's biggest failure was that he so clearly heard failure was that he so clearly heard failure was that he so clearly heard God's instructions and he didn't follow God's instructions and he didn't follow God's instructions and he didn't follow them. So the challenge or maybe the them. So the challenge or maybe the them. So the challenge or maybe the reminder for me today anyway is is to reminder for me today anyway is is to reminder for me today anyway is is to listen to God's word and be be so listen to God's word and be be so listen to God's word and be be so inspired by his love for you or his love inspired by his love for you or his love inspired by his love for you or his love for me that I want to follow it. Like I for me that I want to follow it. Like I for me that I want to follow it. Like I want to obey him. It it's that simple want to obey him. It it's that simple want to obey him. It it's that simple and it's that difficult. Like God in his and it's that difficult. Like God in his and it's that difficult. Like God in his love, he he gave us his word. He gave us

love, he he gave us his word. He gave us love, he he gave us his word. He gave us his love letter and instruction manual his love letter and instruction manual his love letter and instruction manual not to condemn Christians but to guide not to condemn Christians but to guide not to condemn Christians but to guide us to guide us toward a a more us to guide us toward a a more us to guide us toward a a more blessingfilled life. I mean Jesus said blessingfilled life. I mean Jesus said blessingfilled life. I mean Jesus said it this way in John 13. He said if you it this way in John 13. He said if you it this way in John 13. He said if you this is Jesus talking if you know these this is Jesus talking if you know these this is Jesus talking if you know these things you are what you're blessed if things you are what you're blessed if things you are what you're blessed if you do them. If you do them like in the you do them. If you do them like in the you do them. If you do them like in the Christian faith gathering more Bible Christian faith gathering more Bible Christian faith gathering more Bible information it isn't the primary goal. information it isn't the primary goal. information it isn't the primary goal. See, the goal is for you and I to be See, the goal is for you and I to be See, the goal is for you and I to be more like Jesus. Last week, Steve more like Jesus. Last week, Steve more like Jesus. Last week, Steve Bangley, he preached a beautiful message Bangley, he preached a beautiful message Bangley, he preached a beautiful message on on God's love and grace for us that's on on God's love and grace for us that's on on God's love and grace for us that's available to us. You know, not based on available to us. You know, not based on available to us. You know, not based on our effort, but based on Jesus's our effort, but based on Jesus's our effort, but based on Jesus's sacrifice on the cross. Like, I love sacrifice on the cross. Like, I love sacrifice on the cross. Like, I love that message. And I'm not advocating for that message. And I'm not advocating for that message. And I'm not advocating for anyone to think that they can actually anyone to think that they can actually anyone to think that they can actually work harder for that love or grace. I'm work harder for that love or grace. I'm work harder for that love or grace. I'm simply saying for me because of God's simply saying for me because of God's simply saying for me because of God's great love and favor, I want to be great love and favor, I want to be great love and favor, I want to be compelled to follow him with a compelled to follow him with a compelled to follow him with a faithfilled obedience.

faithfilled obedience. faithfilled obedience. And I don't know, a after following And I don't know, a after following And I don't know, a after following Jesus for about 50 years, I have Jesus for about 50 years, I have Jesus for about 50 years, I have observed that obedience seems intimately observed that obedience seems intimately observed that obedience seems intimately connected to blessings. And I can't I connected to blessings. And I can't I connected to blessings. And I can't I can't adequately describe the the can't adequately describe the the can't adequately describe the the mystery of how it all works. And I I mystery of how it all works. And I I mystery of how it all works. And I I definitely can't put it into a formula definitely can't put it into a formula definitely can't put it into a formula for you, but but obedience and God's for you, but but obedience and God's for you, but but obedience and God's blessing sure seem to be connected. blessing sure seem to be connected. blessing sure seem to be connected. And yet I find that people get angry at And yet I find that people get angry at And yet I find that people get angry at God all the time because they don't feel God all the time because they don't feel God all the time because they don't feel blessed, but they're living from their blessed, but they're living from their blessed, but they're living from their own agenda. They're they're employing own agenda. They're they're employing own agenda. They're they're employing faith loopholes and then getting faith loopholes and then getting faith loopholes and then getting disappointed at their lack of blessing. disappointed at their lack of blessing. disappointed at their lack of blessing. Do you want God's blessing in your life? Do you want God's blessing in your life? Do you want God's blessing in your life? I do. And I want it for you, too. So, I do. And I want it for you, too. So, I do. And I want it for you, too. So, this message, don't be like Balum. It's this message, don't be like Balum. It's this message, don't be like Balum. It's good. It's good and it's good to good. It's good and it's good to good. It's good and it's good to remember. But the deeper message remember. But the deeper message remember. But the deeper message revolves around these three words. revolves around these three words. revolves around these three words. Listen, obey, and blessings. Like, is Listen, obey, and blessings. Like, is Listen, obey, and blessings. Like, is there an area of your life where you there an area of your life where you there an area of your life where you know you're not obeying? You're you're know you're not obeying? You're you're know you're not obeying? You're you're being disobedient.

being disobedient. being disobedient. Before you click over to whatever is Before you click over to whatever is Before you click over to whatever is next, would you think about what God may next, would you think about what God may next, would you think about what God may be saying to you? Like what's an area of be saying to you? Like what's an area of be saying to you? Like what's an area of your life where you know you're being your life where you know you're being your life where you know you're being disobedient to God's clear word? Like disobedient to God's clear word? Like disobedient to God's clear word? Like sit with that for a minute and pray sit with that for a minute and pray sit with that for a minute and pray about it. And and if you need prayer, we about it. And and if you need prayer, we about it. And and if you need prayer, we have we have leaders in the chat who have we have leaders in the chat who have we have leaders in the chat who would love to pray with you. Like maybe would love to pray with you. Like maybe would love to pray with you. Like maybe it's a it's a relationship you you need it's a it's a relationship you you need it's a it's a relationship you you need to end or or one you've been refusing to to end or or one you've been refusing to to end or or one you've been refusing to repair. Maybe it's the your handling of repair. Maybe it's the your handling of repair. Maybe it's the your handling of money or your integrity at work or or or money or your integrity at work or or or money or your integrity at work or or or maybe being disobedient in a habit you maybe being disobedient in a habit you maybe being disobedient in a habit you keep feeding in the dark. Here's the keep feeding in the dark. Here's the keep feeding in the dark. Here's the thing. You don't need my list. You thing. You don't need my list. You thing. You don't need my list. You already know your current disobedience. already know your current disobedience. already know your current disobedience. The the Holy Spirit quickly brought it The the Holy Spirit quickly brought it The the Holy Spirit quickly brought it to your mind and then your very next to your mind and then your very next to your mind and then your very next thought was the reason to explain it thought was the reason to explain it thought was the reason to explain it away. Right? That reason is is your away. Right? That reason is is your away. Right? That reason is is your loophole and it's also your warning loophole and it's also your warning loophole and it's also your warning light. And obedience is simply doing the light. And obedience is simply doing the light. And obedience is simply doing the one thing you already know God is asking one thing you already know God is asking one thing you already know God is asking you to do. You see why Balum you to do. You see why Balum you to do. You see why Balum Balam is an example of disobedience.

Balam is an example of disobedience. Balam is an example of disobedience. Jesus is a picture of obedience. And Jesus is a picture of obedience. And Jesus is a picture of obedience. And because of his obedience, the door has because of his obedience, the door has because of his obedience, the door has been opened for you and I to walk been opened for you and I to walk been opened for you and I to walk through to be made righteous, which is through to be made righteous, which is through to be made righteous, which is the ultimate of life's blessings. In the ultimate of life's blessings. In the ultimate of life's blessings. In Romans 5, it says this, "Because one Romans 5, it says this, "Because one Romans 5, it says this, "Because one person disobeyed God, many became person disobeyed God, many became person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person, sinners. But because one other person, sinners. But because one other person, Jesus, obeyed God, many will be made Jesus, obeyed God, many will be made Jesus, obeyed God, many will be made righteous." And Jesus was perfectly righteous." And Jesus was perfectly righteous." And Jesus was perfectly obedient so that our disobedience could obedient so that our disobedience could obedient so that our disobedience could be completely covered. So when I be completely covered. So when I be completely covered. So when I challenge you with obedience, I'm not challenge you with obedience, I'm not challenge you with obedience, I'm not telling you need need to earn God's telling you need need to earn God's telling you need need to earn God's love. You can't earn it. Instead, I'm love. You can't earn it. Instead, I'm love. You can't earn it. Instead, I'm inviting you to respond to a love you inviting you to respond to a love you inviting you to respond to a love you already have. So, please today when you already have. So, please today when you already have. So, please today when you when you leave the screen, leave with when you leave the screen, leave with when you leave the screen, leave with great confidence that the same God who great confidence that the same God who great confidence that the same God who won't let anyone curse what he has won't let anyone curse what he has won't let anyone curse what he has blessed looks at you even with your blessed looks at you even with your blessed looks at you even with your flickering warning lights and says, flickering warning lights and says, flickering warning lights and says, "This one is mine." And then he went to "This one is mine." And then he went to "This one is mine." And then he went to the cross to make that true.

the cross to make that true. the cross to make that true. Hey, I'm so glad that you joined us for Hey, I'm so glad that you joined us for Hey, I'm so glad that you joined us for our service today and I hope and pray our service today and I hope and pray our service today and I hope and pray that God used this message to encourage that God used this message to encourage that God used this message to encourage you right where you are. I'd love if you you right where you are. I'd love if you you right where you are. I'd love if you hit the subscribe button because then hit the subscribe button because then hit the subscribe button because then you could get the next alert for you could get the next alert for you could get the next alert for whenever we have services and when we whenever we have services and when we whenever we have services and when we ever offer content here on YouTube. So, ever offer content here on YouTube. So, ever offer content here on YouTube. So, subscribe and join us for Mariners subscribe and join us for Mariners subscribe and join us for Mariners Online.