A Talking Donkey - Doug Fields | Mariners Church

Hi Mariners Church. We're so glad you're Hi Mariners Church. We're so glad you're worshipping with us [music] today. If worshipping with us [music] today. If worshipping with us [music] today. If it's your first time joining us at it's your first time joining us at it's your first time joining us at Mariners online, welcome. We're thrilled Mariners online, welcome. We're thrilled Mariners online, welcome. We're thrilled to have you here. We'd love to get to to have you here. We'd love to get to to have you here. We'd love to get to know you and how we can pray for you. know you and how we can pray for you. know you and how we can pray for you. Please take a moment to fill out [music] Please take a moment to fill out [music] Please take a moment to fill out [music] the connect card, which you can find in the connect card, which you can find in the connect card, which you can find in the chat window or at the chat window or at the chat window or at marinerschurch.org/connect. marinerschurch.org/connect. marinerschurch.org/connect. Now, let's lift our voices together in Now, let's lift our voices together in Now, let's lift our voices together in [music] worship. >> I have felt [music] >> I have felt [music] the hands that bear the scars the hands that bear the scars the hands that bear the scars and reached down and rescued [music] me. and reached down and rescued [music] me. and reached down and rescued [music] me. I have known I have known I have known the love of the Father's [music] heart, the love of the Father's [music] heart, the love of the Father's [music] heart, a prodigal now redeemed. From where I a prodigal now redeemed. From where I a prodigal now redeemed. From where I was was was to [music] where I'm now, to [music] where I'm now, to [music] where I'm now, it's overwhelming.

The more and more The more and more I see you move I see you move I see you move >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> all around me, >> all around me, >> all around me, oh, oh, oh, I can't help but [music] praise I can't help but [music] praise I can't help but [music] praise you, you, you, praise praise praise you, Lord. And I can't help but And I can't help but >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> lift up >> lift up >> lift up the the the shouts shouts shouts of joy. Cuz [music] when I think about your Cuz [music] when I think about your goodness, goodness, goodness, your faithfulness your faithfulness your faithfulness till the end, till the end, till the end, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> oh, >> oh, >> oh, I can't help but praise I can't help but praise I can't help but praise you, you, you, praise praise praise you, Lord. What a What a love love love >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> spilled to save my life, >> spilled to save my life, >> spilled to save my life, a debt I cannot [music] repay. a debt I cannot [music] repay. a debt I cannot [music] repay. For the cross you bore For the cross you bore For the cross you bore with open arms, with open arms, with open arms, salvation that called my [music] salvation that called my [music] salvation that called my [music] From where I was From where I was From where I was to where I am now, to where I am now, to where I am now, it's overwhelming. The more and more The more and more >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I see you move >> I see you move >> I see you move all around.

Oh, I can't Oh, I can't help [music] but help [music] but help [music] but praise you. praise you. praise you. Praise Praise Praise you, Lord. And I can't help but And I can't help but lift up lift up lift up >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> shouts of >> shouts of >> shouts of joy. Cuz when I think about good and bad, Cuz when I think about good and bad, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> you're faithful now >> you're faithful now >> you're faithful now till the end. till the end. till the end. Oh, I can't help but Oh, I can't help but Oh, I can't help but praise you. praise you. praise you. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Praise you, Lord. Oh, I can't Oh, I can't >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> help but dance cuz I'm free. >> help but dance cuz I'm free. >> help but dance cuz I'm free. Got no chains on me. I'm healed and Got no chains on me. I'm healed and Got no chains on me. I'm healed and redeemed. Oh, redeemed. Oh, redeemed. Oh, I can't help but [music] call on the I can't help but [music] call on the I can't help but [music] call on the name. Who buried my shame? Who opened my name. Who buried my shame? Who opened my name. Who buried my shame? Who opened my grave? grave? grave? >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Oh, I can't help but dance cuz I'm free. >> Oh, I can't help but dance cuz I'm free. >> Oh, I can't help but dance cuz I'm free. Got no chains on me. I'm healed and Got no chains on me. I'm healed and Got no chains on me. I'm healed and redeemed. Oh, I can't help but redeemed. Oh, I can't help but redeemed. Oh, I can't help but >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> call on the name. >> call on the name. >> call on the name. Who buried my shame? Who opened [music] Who buried my shame? Who opened [music] Who buried my shame? Who opened [music] my grave?

my grave? my grave? Oh, I can't help but Oh, I can't help but Oh, I can't help but praise you. praise you. praise you. Praise [music] you, Lord. I can't help but I can't help but lift up lift up lift up >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> shouts of joy. Cuz when [music] I think about good Cuz when [music] I think about good and bad, and bad, and bad, you're faithful now you're faithful now you're faithful now >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> till the end. >> till the end. >> till the end. Oh, Oh, Oh, I can't help but praise I can't help but praise I can't help but praise >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> you. Praise >> you. Praise >> you. Praise you, Lord. Oh, I can't help but Oh, I can't help but praise you. praise you. praise you. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Praise you, Lord. Oh, I Oh, I >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> can't help but >> can't help but >> can't help but praise praise praise praise you. praise you. praise you. Praise Praise Praise you, Lord. >> You are the same [music] God. Yes, you >> You are the same [music] God. Yes, you are, Jesus.

Whose love endures through generations. Whose love endures through generations. [music] I know [music] that you will keep your I know [music] that you will keep your covenant. I need you [music] now to do the same I need you [music] now to do the same thing thing thing >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> for me. >> Oh God, my God, I need you. Oh God, my >> Oh God, my God, I need you. Oh God, my God, I need you God, I need you God, I need you >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> now. >> now. >> now. How How How I need you I need you I need you now. Oh [music] rock Oh [music] rock of ages, of ages, of ages, I'm standing on your faithfulness. >> I'm calling on the God of Mary. [music] >> I'm calling on the God of Mary. [music] Mary whose favor rests [music] upon the whose favor rests [music] upon the lowly. [singing] I [music] know with you all things are I [music] know with you all things are possible.

possible. possible. I'm calling on I'm calling on I'm calling on I'm calling [music] I'm calling [music] I'm calling [music] on the God of on the God of on the God of who made a shepherd boy courageous. courageous. >> [music] >> [music] I [music] may not face Goliath, I [music] may not face Goliath, but I've got my own giants. but I've got my own giants. but I've got my own giants. Oh God, my Oh God, my Oh God, my >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> God, I need >> God, I need >> God, I need you. Oh God, you. Oh God, you. Oh God, my God, my God, my God, I need you I need you I need you now. now. now. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> How I need >> How I need >> How I need you now. you now. you now. Oh rock rock of ages, of ages, of ages, I'm standing I'm standing I'm standing on your faithfulness. on your faithfulness. on your faithfulness. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> On your faithfulness. Oh God, my God, Oh God, my God, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I need you. >> I need you. >> I need you. Oh God, my God, Oh God, my God, Oh God, my God, I need I need I need >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> you now. >> you now. >> you now. How How How I need I need I need you now.

Oh [music] rock Oh [music] rock of ages, of ages, of ages, I'm standing I'm standing I'm standing on your on your on your faithfulness. >> [music] >> [music] >> On your faithfulness. Yes, we trust [music] you. Yes, we trust [music] you. How sweet it is to trust in you, Jesus. How sweet it is to trust in you, Jesus. How sweet it is to trust in you, Jesus. >> [music] >> You heard your children, and you hear >> You heard your children, and you hear your children [music] your children [music] your children [music] now. You are the same God. You You now. You are the same God. You You now. You are the same God. You You [music] God. [music] God. [music] God. You answered prayers back then and You answered prayers back then and You answered prayers back then and [music] you will answer now. You are the [music] you will answer now. You are the [music] you will answer now. You are the same [music] God. same [music] God. same [music] God. You are the same God. You are the same God. You are the same God. >> [music] >> You are >> You are Come on, he's the same God yesterday, Come on, he's the same God yesterday, Come on, he's the same God yesterday, [music] [music] [music] today, and forevermore.

today, and forevermore. today, and forevermore. So God, we sing this to you. So God, we sing this to you. So God, we sing this to you. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> You move in power. God [music] move in God [music] move in power now. power now. power now. You are the same You are the same You are the same God. You are the You are the >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> same God. >> same God. >> same God. You are a You are a You are a healer. healer. healer. You will heal You will heal You will heal us now, us now, us now, Jesus. We call upon your name, Jesus. We call upon your name, Jesus. We call upon your name, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Jesus. >> Jesus. >> Jesus. You are the same. You are the same. You are the same. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> You are the >> You are the >> You are the same. You're >> [music] >> [music] >> You are the same. >> You are the same. >> You are the same. Same Same Same God. God. God. You are the You are the You are the >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> same God. >> same God. >> same God. Oh God, Oh God, Oh God, my God. my God. my God. We need [music] you. We need [music] you. We need [music] you. Oh, Oh, Oh, I need you now. I need you now. I need you now. Oh, I need [music] you Oh, I need [music] you Oh, I need [music] you now. Oh, I Oh, I call call call I call I call I call Jesus.

Jesus. Jesus. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I'm standing on >> I'm standing on >> I'm standing on your faithfulness. your faithfulness. your faithfulness. Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> On your >> On your >> On your faithfulness. Oh God, Oh God, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I need >> I need >> I need you. Every Every hour I need you, Jesus. Oh, I call Oh, I call Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Oh, Oh, Oh, I call I call I call >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I call >> I call >> I call Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. I'm standing I'm standing I'm standing on your faithfulness. on your faithfulness. on your faithfulness. Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> On your faithfulness. Almighty [music] river, come and fill me Almighty [music] river, come and fill me again. Come and fill [music] me Come and fill [music] me again.

Come and fill [music] us Come and fill [music] us again. >> When our healing is our own, >> When our healing is our own, mercy [music] mercy [music] mercy [music] spoke for me. spoke for me. spoke for me. Mercy spoke for me. Mercy spoke for me. Mercy spoke for me. Mercy spoke for me. Mercy spoke for me. Mercy spoke for me. It [music] was on Golgotha street. It [music] was on Golgotha street. It [music] was on Golgotha street. His death brought liberty. His death brought liberty. His death brought liberty. His death brought [music] liberty. His death brought [music] liberty. His death brought [music] liberty. His death brought liberty. His death brought liberty. His death brought liberty. >> [music] >> And may I never [music] boast >> And may I never [music] boast in in in anything [singing] anything [singing] anything [singing] >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> except the cross >> except the cross >> except the cross of Jesus Christ. [music] And may I And may I not forget not forget not forget the blood He shed. [music] the blood He shed. [music] the blood He shed. [music] It is by It is by It is by His death His death His death I am I am I am alive.

alive. alive. Because [music] of Christ, Because [music] of Christ, Because [music] of Christ, I am I am I am alive. What a humble sacrifice. What a humble sacrifice. Love that washed [singing] Love that washed [singing] Love that washed [singing] >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> me clean. >> me clean. >> me clean. Love that washed me clean. Love that washed me clean. Love that washed me clean. Love that Love that Love that >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> washed me clean. What a blessed >> washed me clean. What a blessed >> washed me clean. What a blessed mystery. mystery. mystery. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> His punishment, >> His punishment, >> His punishment, my [singing] peace. my [singing] peace. my [singing] peace. His punishment, [music] my peace. His punishment, [music] my peace. His punishment, [music] my peace. His punishment, [singing] my peace. >> May I never >> May I never boast in anything in anything >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> except the cross [singing] >> except the cross [singing] >> except the cross [singing] of Jesus [music] of Jesus [music] of Jesus [music] Christ.

Christ. Christ. May I not forget May I not forget May I not forget the [music] blood He shed. the [music] blood He shed. the [music] blood He shed. It is by His death [music] It is by His death [music] It is by His death [music] I am I am I am alive. May I May I >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> never boast >> never boast >> never boast in anything in anything in anything >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> except the cross of Jesus [music] >> except the cross of Jesus [music] >> except the cross of Jesus [music] Christ. Christ. Christ. May I May I May I not forget not forget not forget >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> the blood He shed. >> the blood He shed. >> the blood He shed. It [music] is by His death It [music] is by His death It [music] is by His death I am alive. I am alive. I am alive. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Because of Christ, >> Because of Christ, >> Because of Christ, I am I am I am alive. alive. alive. >> [music] >> Oh, my life. >> Oh, my life. We thank you, [music] Jesus. We thank you, [music] Jesus. We thank you, [music] Jesus. Over my life, yeah, Lord. Hallelujah.

Hallelujah. Praise the Praise the Praise the one who set me free. [music] Death has one who set me free. [music] Death has one who set me free. [music] Death has lost its grip on me. Yeah, lost its grip on me. Yeah, lost its grip on me. Yeah, I sing I sing I sing hallelujah. >> [music] >> [music] >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. >> Hallelujah. Jesus rose in Jesus rose in Jesus rose in victory. victory. victory. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> He's alive, >> He's alive, >> He's alive, alive in me. alive in me. alive in me. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Praise the >> Praise the >> Praise the one who set me free. Death has lost its one who set me free. Death has lost its one who set me free. Death has lost its grip on me. grip on me. grip on me. Hallelujah. Jesus rose in Jesus rose in victory. victory. victory. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> He's alive, >> He's alive, >> He's alive, alive in me. alive in me. alive in me. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. >> [music] Praise the Praise the >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> one who set me free. Death has lost its >> one who set me free. Death has lost its >> one who set me free. Death has lost its grip on me.

grip on me. grip on me. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Hallelujah. Jesus rose Jesus rose >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> in victory. >> in victory. >> in victory. He's alive, He's alive, He's alive, alive in me. alive in me. alive in me. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. >> [music] Praise the Praise the >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> one who set me free. Death >> one who set me free. Death >> one who set me free. Death has lost its grip on [music] me. has lost its grip on [music] me. has lost its grip on [music] me. Hallelujah. Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Hallelujah. Jesus rose Jesus rose in victory. [music] >> What a joy to worship with you today. My

>> What a joy to worship with you today. My [music] name is Esther and I serve as [music] name is Esther and I serve as [music] name is Esther and I serve as the women's discipleship pastor. the women's discipleship pastor. the women's discipleship pastor. Are you looking for community with Are you looking for community with Are you looking for community with others? Rooted is your path to life others? Rooted is your path to life others? Rooted is your path to life group community. This life-changing group community. This life-changing group community. This life-changing 10-week small group experience will help 10-week small group experience will help 10-week small group experience will help you get connected [music] to God, the you get connected [music] to God, the you get connected [music] to God, the church, and your purpose. Together with church, and your purpose. Together with church, and your purpose. Together with 10 to 15 people, you'll learn more about 10 to 15 people, you'll learn more about 10 to 15 people, you'll learn more about God and his word while forming deep God and his word while forming deep God and his word while forming deep relationships with others. relationships with others. relationships with others. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> We have groups for men, women, and >> We have groups for men, women, and >> We have groups for men, women, and couples launching the week of August couples launching the week of August couples launching the week of August 24th, 24th, 24th, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> and you can sign up for Rooted online by >> and you can sign up for Rooted online by >> and you can sign up for Rooted online by the time zone or at any of our the time zone or at any of our the time zone or at any of our congregations through the [music] link congregations through the [music] link congregations through the [music] link below. below. below. Over the past few weeks, we've hosted Over the past few weeks, we've hosted Over the past few weeks, we've hosted VBS summer camps for kids across all of VBS summer camps for kids across all of VBS summer camps for kids across all of our congregations throughout Southern our congregations throughout Southern our congregations throughout Southern California. Through your generosity, we California. Through your generosity, we California. Through your generosity, we shared the good news of Jesus with more shared the good news of Jesus with more shared the good news of Jesus with more than 2,600 kids. than 2,600 kids. than 2,600 kids. During VBS summer camp, kids got to During VBS summer camp, kids got to During VBS summer camp, kids got to experience Breakaway Falls, an experience Breakaway Falls, an experience Breakaway Falls, an unforgettable and fun road trip themed unforgettable and fun road trip themed unforgettable and fun road trip themed week with storytelling, week with storytelling, week with storytelling, adrenaline-fueled games, creatively adrenaline-fueled games, creatively adrenaline-fueled games, creatively inspired crafts, high-energy songs, and inspired crafts, high-energy songs, and inspired crafts, high-energy songs, and an amazing opportunity to impact people an amazing opportunity to impact people an amazing opportunity to impact people around the world. Across all our around the world. Across all our around the world. Across all our congregations, kids kindergarten to congregations, kids kindergarten to congregations, kids kindergarten to fifth grade worked together to raise fifth grade worked together to raise fifth grade worked together to raise [music] $37,162 to support our partners in Kenya [music] to support our partners in Kenya [music] and Logos Christian School.

and Logos Christian School. and Logos Christian School. By the end of all of our VBS summer By the end of all of our VBS summer By the end of all of our VBS summer camps, 646 camps, 646 camps, 646 kids [music] put their trust in Jesus kids [music] put their trust in Jesus kids [music] put their trust in Jesus and said, "I believe." And 64 kids and said, "I believe." And 64 kids and said, "I believe." And 64 kids declared their faith through baptism. declared their faith through baptism. declared their faith through baptism. We're excited to see how God continues We're excited to see how God continues We're excited to see how God continues to move through intentional spaces like to move through intentional spaces like to move through intentional spaces like VBS summer camps and our Mariners Kids VBS summer camps and our Mariners Kids VBS summer camps and our Mariners Kids Ministries weekend experience as more Ministries weekend experience as more Ministries weekend experience as more and more kids hear the gospel, get and more kids hear the gospel, get and more kids hear the gospel, get connected in community, and [music] take connected in community, and [music] take connected in community, and [music] take steps of faith. steps of faith. steps of faith. You can text the number below to give You can text the number below to give You can text the number below to give now or tap give in the Mariners app. now or tap give in the Mariners app. now or tap give in the Mariners app. Thank you for your partnership in Thank you for your partnership in Thank you for your partnership in serving the [music] next generation. serving the [music] next generation. serving the [music] next generation. In 3 weeks, we will be launching a new In 3 weeks, we will be launching a new In 3 weeks, we will be launching a new series called When Life Doesn't Make series called When Life Doesn't Make series called When Life Doesn't Make Sense. The Bible does not shy away from Sense. The Bible does not shy away from Sense. The Bible does not shy away from the reality that sometimes [music] the reality that sometimes [music] the reality that sometimes [music] life does not make sense. There are life does not make sense. There are life does not make sense. There are times when we feel angry, betrayed, times when we feel angry, betrayed, times when we feel angry, betrayed, anxious, or ashamed. Scripture addresses anxious, or ashamed. Scripture addresses anxious, or ashamed. Scripture addresses the pains and complexities of life, the pains and complexities of life, the pains and complexities of life, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> reminding us that God understands us and >> reminding us that God understands us and >> reminding us that God understands us and that he welcomes us. I hope you'll join that he welcomes us. I hope you'll join that he welcomes us. I hope you'll join us as we discover God's grace and wisdom us as we discover God's grace and wisdom us as we discover God's grace and wisdom for every season.

for every season. for every season. Today, we continue our summer series Today, we continue our summer series Today, we continue our summer series through the book of Numbers. As you through the book of Numbers. As you through the book of Numbers. As you travel and enjoy time with family and travel and enjoy time with family and travel and enjoy time with family and friends, I encourage you not to miss a friends, I encourage you not to miss a friends, I encourage you not to miss a week of this incredible study. Join us week of this incredible study. Join us week of this incredible study. Join us online wherever you are and follow along online wherever you are and follow along online wherever you are and follow along with the sermon notes in the Mariners with the sermon notes in the Mariners with the sermon notes in the Mariners app. Before we join one of our teaching app. Before we join one of our teaching app. Before we join one of our teaching pastors, Doug Fields, for this message, pastors, Doug Fields, for this message, pastors, Doug Fields, for this message, [music] take a look at all we've walked [music] take a look at all we've walked [music] take a look at all we've walked through so far. >> God's people had seen his power. He had >> God's people had seen his power. He had rescued them from slavery, led them rescued them from slavery, led them rescued them from slavery, led them through the wilderness, provided food through the wilderness, provided food through the wilderness, provided food from heaven, and water from a rock. Yet, from heaven, and water from a rock. Yet, from heaven, and water from a rock. Yet, they continued to doubt him. they continued to doubt him. they continued to doubt him. They grumbled against him and their They grumbled against him and their They grumbled against him and their leader, Moses. And venomous snakes leader, Moses. And venomous snakes leader, Moses. And venomous snakes filled the camp. [music] filled the camp. [music] filled the camp. [music] But, those who looked to God's gracious But, those who looked to God's gracious But, those who looked to God's gracious remedy were spared, pointing to the one remedy were spared, pointing to the one remedy were spared, pointing to the one who would one day come to heal and save who would one day come to heal and save who would one day come to heal and save his own. his own. his own. Now, a pagan prophet has come along set Now, a pagan prophet has come along set Now, a pagan prophet has come along set on leading God's people astray again.

>> 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're in a series no small task because we're in a series no small task because we're 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 has been so contagious, it's been has been so contagious, it's been 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 Church today. And my guess of Mariners Church today. And my guess of Mariners 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 and if you're the type of person who And and if you're the type of person who And and if you're the type of person who ignores the warning lights, I want you ignores the warning lights, I want you ignores the warning lights, I want you to put that in the chat, too, because I to put that in the chat, too, because I to put that in the chat, too, because I want to know who my people are cuz want to know who my people are cuz want to know who my people are cuz you're my people. Like my my wonderful you're my people. Like my my wonderful you're my people. Like my my wonderful wife Cathy thinks this is one of my wife Cathy thinks this is one of my wife Cathy thinks this is one of my major character flaws and and I accept major character flaws and and I accept major character flaws and and I accept your rebuke.

your rebuke. your rebuke. But when my dashboard light goes on, I But when my dashboard light goes on, I But when my dashboard light goes on, I don't view it as a command. I view it don't view it as a command. I view it don't view it as a command. I view it more like a suggestion, like a like an more like a suggestion, like a like an more like a suggestion, like a like an email from my dentist. And Cathy will email from my dentist. And Cathy will email from my dentist. And Cathy will say, "Hey Doug, your your warning light say, "Hey Doug, your your warning light say, "Hey Doug, your your warning light is on." And I confidently reply with, is on." And I confidently reply with, is on." And I confidently reply with, "Babe, that warning light has been on "Babe, that warning light has been on "Babe, that warning light has been on since the Obama administration. The car since the Obama administration. The car since the Obama administration. The car is The car is fine." But the problem is The car is fine." But the problem is The car is fine." But the problem with ignoring warning lights is that with ignoring warning lights is that with ignoring warning lights is that eventually the warning lights stop being eventually the warning lights stop being eventually the warning lights stop being little lights and they start being big little lights and they start being big little lights and they start being big tow trucks. Which would be fine if I was tow trucks. Which would be fine if I was tow trucks. Which would be fine if I was in the car alone when it broke down near in the car alone when it broke down near in the car alone when it broke down near Palm Springs in 110° heat, but I wasn't Palm Springs in 110° heat, but I wasn't Palm Springs in 110° heat, but I wasn't alone. And And Cathy looked at me that alone. And And Cathy looked at me that alone. And And Cathy looked at me that moment, I'll never forget, with eyes moment, I'll never forget, with eyes moment, I'll never forget, with eyes that really said like divorce that really said like divorce that really said like divorce proceedings. proceedings. proceedings. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> And I I tell you this because today >> And I I tell you this because today >> And I I tell you this because today we're going to meet someone who got the we're going to meet someone who got the we're 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 little of myself and little of myself and uh probably just enough like you to make uh probably just enough like you to make uh probably just enough like you to make you uncomfortable. We are in week seven you uncomfortable. We are in week seven you uncomfortable. We are in week seven in the book of Numbers where we find the in the book of Numbers where we find the in 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. The in-between calling the in-between. The in-between calling the in-between. The in-between their their rescue from Egypt and and their their rescue from Egypt and and their their rescue from Egypt and and before they enter the promised land. And before they enter the promised land. And before they enter the promised land. And we've been learning that our situation we've been learning that our situation we've been learning that our situation is similar to theirs. Like God created is similar to theirs. Like God created is similar to theirs. Like God created us, but we got ourselves enslaved to us, but we got ourselves enslaved to us, but we got ourselves enslaved to sin. And for those of us who have sin. And for those of us who have sin. And for those of us who have trusted what Jesus did on the cross, trusted what Jesus did on the cross, trusted what Jesus did on the cross, we've been rescued. And one day he will we've been rescued. And one day he will we've been rescued. And one day he will bring us to our forever home, but right

bring us to our forever home, but right bring us to our forever home, but right now we live in the the spiritual now we live in the the spiritual now we live in the the spiritual in-between between our our rescue and in-between between our our rescue and in-between between our our rescue and our heavenly homecoming. And Numbers our heavenly homecoming. And Numbers our heavenly homecoming. And Numbers gives us great principles for living in gives us great principles for living in gives us great principles for living in the in-between. the in-between. the in-between. Now, if you have your Bible, uh turn to Now, if you have your Bible, uh turn to Now, if you have your Bible, uh turn to chap- Numbers chapter 22, and I have chap- Numbers chapter 22, and I have chap- Numbers chapter 22, and I have been tasked to cover three chapters. been tasked to cover three chapters. been tasked to cover three chapters. Okay, nobody else in this whole series Okay, nobody else in this whole series Okay, nobody else in this whole series has been asked to cover three chapters. has been asked to cover three chapters. has been asked to cover three chapters. I Last week, Steve Bang Lee had six I Last week, Steve Bang Lee had six I 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 chapters, which is 114 verses. But, I chapters, which is 114 verses. But, I get it. I get it. Like, leave the heavy get it. I get it. Like, leave the heavy get 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, cuz God's people, more than 2 Okay, cuz God's people, more than 2 Okay, cuz 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 22, we find them camped out 22, we find them camped out near a place called Moab. And the king near a place called Moab. And the king near a place called Moab. And the king of Moab is terrified that the Israelites of Moab is terrified that the Israelites of Moab is terrified that the Israelites will destroy him. And it says this in will destroy him. And it says this in will destroy him. And it says this in chapter 22, verse 1. The Israelites chapter 22, verse 1. The Israelites chapter 22, verse 1. The Israelites traveled and camped in the plains of traveled and camped in the plains of traveled and camped in the plains of Moab near the Jordan across from Moab near the Jordan across from Moab near the Jordan across from Jericho. Now, Balak, son of Zippor, what Jericho. Now, Balak, son of Zippor, what Jericho. Now, Balak, son of Zippor, what a great name, saw that all Israel had a great name, saw that all Israel had a great name, saw that all Israel had done to the Amorites. And Moab was done to the Amorites. And Moab was done to the Amorites. And Moab was terrified of the people because they terrified of the people because they terrified of the people because they were numerous. So, Moab dreaded the were numerous. So, Moab dreaded the 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 Balak, son of Zippor, was Moab's since Balak, son of Zippor, was Moab's since Balak, son of Zippor, was Moab's king at the time, he sent messengers to king at the time, he sent messengers to king at the time, he sent messengers to Balaam, son of Beor, at Pethor, Balaam, son of Beor, at Pethor, Balaam, son of Beor, at Pethor, which is by the Euphrates in the land of which is by the Euphrates in the land of which is by the Euphrates in the land of his people. his people. his people. Balak, who's the king, said to him, Balak, who's the king, said to him, Balak, who's the king, said to him, "Look, "Look, "Look, a people has come out of Egypt. They a people has come out of Egypt. They a people has come out of Egypt. They cover the surface of the land, and cover the surface of the land, and 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. Here's the request. Here's the request. "Please [clears throat] "Please [clears throat] "Please [clears throat] come and put a curse on these people for come and put a curse on these people for come and put a curse on these people for me, because they are more powerful than me, because they are more powerful than me, because they are more powerful than I am. I may be able to defeat them and I am. I may be able to defeat them and I am. I may be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land, for I know drive them out of the land, for I know drive them out of the land, for I know that those you bless are blessed, and that those you bless are blessed, and that those you bless are blessed, and those you curse are cursed." those you curse are cursed." those you curse are cursed." So, So, So, in God's word, we've got a scared king, in God's word, we've got a scared king, in God's word, we've got a scared king, Balak, whose weapon of choice isn't a Balak, whose weapon of choice isn't a Balak, whose weapon of choice isn't a sword, it's a man named Balaam. And sword, it's a man named Balaam. And sword, it's a man named Balaam. And Balaam think of him like a He's a Balaam think of him like a He's a Balaam think of him like a He's a prophet for hire. He's a pagan prophet. prophet for hire. He's a pagan prophet. prophet for hire. He's a pagan prophet. He's a freelancer. He's a I think He's a freelancer. He's a I think He's a freelancer. He's a I think expensive consultant. Like the king expensive consultant. Like the king expensive consultant. Like the king doesn't want to hire him to kill the doesn't want to hire him to kill the doesn't want to hire him to kill the Israelites, he wants to hire him to Israelites, he wants to hire him to 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 And to bring misfortune to the intended And to bring misfortune to the intended And and apparently Balaam had a powerful and apparently Balaam had a powerful and apparently Balaam had a powerful reputation since the king said like, reputation since the king said like, reputation since the king said like, "Whoever you bless is blessed, and "Whoever you bless is blessed, and "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. But you in the living room watching But you in the living room watching But 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 Balaam, but Balaam a job description to Balaam, but Balaam a job description to Balaam, but Balaam 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 Balaam is not a surprising because Balaam is not a surprising because Balaam is not a God-fearing man. He was just Balaam was God-fearing man. He was just Balaam was God-fearing man. He was just Balaam 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 Chapter 22 verse answers his prayers. 22 Chapter 22 verse answers his prayers. 22 Chapter 22 verse 12. 12. 12. Then God said to Balaam, Then God said to Balaam, Then God said to Balaam, "You are not to go with them. You are "You are not to go with them. You are "You are not to go with them. You are not to curse this people, for they are not to curse this people, for they are not to curse this people, for they are blessed." blessed." blessed." So, Balaam got up. Well, let me just So, Balaam got up. Well, let me just So, Balaam got up. Well, let me just pause for there a sec. pause for there a sec. pause for there a sec. Do you Do you notice any wiggle room in Do you Do you notice any wiggle room in Do you Do you notice any wiggle room in in God's response? Because that's about in God's response? Because that's about in God's response? Because that's about as clear as it gets. Like, "You are not as clear as it gets. Like, "You are not as clear as it gets. Like, "You are not to go. You're not to curse." Like, to go. You're not to curse." Like, to go. You're not to curse." Like, there's no There's no mystery. There's there's no There's no mystery. There's there's no There's no mystery. There's There's all clarity. So, so Balaam says, There's all clarity. So, so Balaam says, There's all clarity. So, so Balaam says, "Okay, look. I No, I'm not I won't curse "Okay, look. I No, I'm not I won't curse "Okay, look. I No, I'm not I won't curse God's people."

God's people." 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, "Balak chapter 22, verse 15. It says, "Balak chapter 22, verse 15. It says, "Balak 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. and higher in rank than the others. and higher in rank than the others. They came to Balaam, and they said to They came to Balaam, and they said to They came to Balaam, and they said to him, "This is what Balak, son of Zippor, him, "This is what Balak, son of Zippor, him, "This is what Balak, son of Zippor, 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 Balaam responded to the servants of But Balaam responded to the servants of But Balaam responded to the servants of Balak, Balak, Balak, "If Balak were to give me his house full "If Balak were to give me his house full "If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go of silver and gold, I could not go 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 hmm. Then he says this, "Please like a hmm. Then he says this, "Please like a hmm. Then he says this, "Please stay here overnight as the others did, stay here overnight as the others did, stay here overnight as the others did, so I might find out what else the Lord so I might find out what else the Lord so I might find out what else the Lord has to tell me." So, instead of Balaam has to tell me." So, instead of Balaam has to tell me." So, instead of Balaam saying, "Hey, I already have my answer.

saying, "Hey, I already have my answer. saying, "Hey, I already have my answer. No, my answer is no from God." What he No, my answer is no from God." What he No, my answer is no from God." What he says is, "You know what, you guys, says is, "You know what, you guys, says is, "You know what, you guys, let me let me sleep on it. Let let me let me let me sleep on it. Let let me let me let me sleep on it. Let let me get back to God to see if there's a get back to God to see if there's a get back to God to see if there's a see if he has a different answer." And see if he has a different answer." And see if he has a different answer." And this is one of the places where I see this is one of the places where I see this is one of the places where I see you and I hiding in the story. you and I hiding in the story. you and I hiding in the story. See, Balaam already had God's clear See, Balaam already had God's clear See, Balaam already had God's clear answer. But when the offer got got answer. But when the offer got got answer. But when the offer got got bigger and more seductive, Balaam's bigger and more seductive, Balaam's bigger and more seductive, Balaam's heart moved from listening to God to heart moved from listening to God to heart moved from listening to God to looking for a a loophole. Like you know looking for a a loophole. Like you know looking for a a loophole. Like you know I understand what a loophole is. Like I understand what a loophole is. Like I understand what a loophole is. Like you and I we're we're quick for you and I we're we're quick for you and I we're we're quick for loopholes. Like uh Christians are great loopholes. Like uh Christians are great loopholes. Like uh Christians are great at this. They like to Like, a loophole at this. They like to Like, a loophole at this. They like to Like, a loophole to support what ultimately we want to do to support what ultimately we want to do to support what ultimately we want to do in our life. Like, if you've ever been in our life. Like, if you've ever been in our life. Like, if you've ever been to Costco, you understand loopholes. to Costco, you understand loopholes. to Costco, you understand loopholes. Like, you walk into Costco thinking, Like, you walk into Costco thinking, Like, you walk into Costco thinking, "I'm just here for the paper towels. I "I'm just here for the paper towels. I "I'm just here for the paper towels. I Even though I know it's going to cost me Even though I know it's going to cost me Even though I know it's going to cost me uh $200." And once you walk inside, uh $200." And once you walk inside, uh $200." And once you walk inside, something takes over you, and all you something takes over you, and all you something takes over you, and all you can think of is can think of is can think of is free samples, right? Like, the mini free samples, right? Like, the mini free samples, right? Like, the mini tacos have you going back and forth down tacos have you going back and forth down tacos have you going back and forth down the same aisle. Like, you consume a the same aisle. Like, you consume a the same aisle. Like, you consume a sample, then you walk around the aisle, sample, then you walk around the aisle, sample, then you walk around the aisle, you remove your your hat, put on you remove your your hat, put on you remove your your hat, put on sunglasses, approach from a a different sunglasses, approach from a a different sunglasses, approach from a a different angle, disguise your voice. "Oh, excuse angle, disguise your voice. "Oh, excuse angle, disguise your voice. "Oh, excuse me, is uh is this the teriyaki chicken?"

me, is uh is this the teriyaki chicken?" me, is uh is this the teriyaki chicken?" And and the person wearing a hairnet And and the person wearing a hairnet And and the person wearing a hairnet says, "Uh yeah, it is, and this is your says, "Uh yeah, it is, and this is your says, "Uh yeah, it is, and this is your fifth fifth sample, right?" Like, nobody fifth fifth sample, right?" Like, nobody fifth fifth sample, right?" Like, nobody goes into Costco thinking, "I am going goes into Costco thinking, "I am going goes into Costco thinking, "I am going to cheat Costco." to cheat Costco." to cheat Costco." Instead, we tell ourselves, you know, Instead, we tell ourselves, you know, Instead, we tell ourselves, you know, "They're free. Like, they want me to "They're free. Like, they want me to "They're free. Like, they want me to have an entire box." have an entire box." have an entire box." See, it's amazing how creative we become See, it's amazing how creative we become See, it's amazing how creative we become when we really want something. when we really want something. when we really want something. And if you're a Christian, you most And if you're a Christian, you most And if you're a Christian, you most likely know what God's word says that likely know what God's word says that likely know what God's word says that you should do with your life, but when you should do with your life, but when you should do with your life, but when you don't like God's answer, you you ask you don't like God's answer, you you ask you don't like God's answer, you you ask it in a different way hoping for a it in a different way hoping for a it in a different way hoping for a different answer. I I I've done this, different answer. I I I've done this, different answer. I I I've done this, too. And and when I do, it immediately too. And and when I do, it immediately too. And and when I do, it immediately reveals my spiritual immaturity. Because reveals my spiritual immaturity. Because reveals my spiritual immaturity. Because this is what immature children do. Like, this is what immature children do. Like, this is what immature children do. Like, when a parent says to a child, "Okay, when a parent says to a child, "Okay, when a parent says to a child, "Okay, buddy, we're going to leave in 5 buddy, we're going to leave in 5 buddy, we're going to leave in 5 minutes." minutes." minutes." That child doesn't reply with, "Okay, That child doesn't reply with, "Okay, That child doesn't reply with, "Okay, thank you, my thoughtful and gracious thank you, my thoughtful and gracious thank you, my thoughtful and gracious parental unit. I I obediently accept parental unit. I I obediently accept parental unit. I I obediently accept your decree and will be standing by the your decree and will be standing by the your decree and will be standing by the door with a positive attitude and door with a positive attitude and door with a positive attitude and preparation for our departure."

preparation for our departure." preparation for our departure." Like, no, that that child turns into an Like, no, that that child turns into an Like, no, that that child turns into an attorney and starts negotiating right attorney and starts negotiating right attorney and starts negotiating right away. away. away. But when we when we look to God's word But when we when we look to God's word But when we when we look to God's word for clarity on how to live, I believe for clarity on how to live, I believe for clarity on how to live, I believe that we're smart enough to understand that we're smart enough to understand that we're smart enough to understand what God says. We're just not always what God says. We're just not always what God says. We're just not always We're not always wise enough to We're not always wise enough to We're not always wise enough to want to follow it through. It's not that want to follow it through. It's not that want to follow it through. It's not that God's answers are unclear, it's just God's answers are unclear, it's just God's answers are unclear, it's just that that 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 in your budget. you know it doesn't fit in your budget. you know it doesn't fit in your budget. Whatever it is, it's the new the new Whatever it is, it's the new the new Whatever it is, it's the new the new shoes or the remodel or the the new shoes or the remodel or the the 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." about this purchase." about this purchase." But, you don't need peace. You need a But, you don't need peace. You need a But, you don't need peace. You need a spreadsheet. Like, we don't Most of the spreadsheet. Like, we don't Most of the spreadsheet. Like, we don't Most of the Most Christians, we don't have a hearing Most Christians, we don't have a hearing Most Christians, we don't have a hearing problem. We We have a heart problem that problem. We We have a heart problem that problem. We We have a heart problem that would rather wander toward what we want would rather wander toward what we want would rather wander toward what we want than obey what God wants for us. And God than obey what God wants for us. And God than obey what God wants for us. And God was clear with Balaam. But, Balaam wants was clear with Balaam. But, Balaam wants was clear with Balaam. But, Balaam wants what what he wants. And the next day he what what he wants. And the next day he what what he wants. And the next day he begins his travel to Moab to now collect begins his travel to Moab to now collect begins his travel to Moab to now collect the money. Chapter 22, verse 22.

the money. Chapter 22, verse 22. the money. Chapter 22, verse 22. But, God was incensed that But, God was incensed that But, God was incensed that Balaam was going. Balaam was going. Balaam was going. And the angel of the Lord took his stand And the angel of the Lord took his stand And the angel of the Lord took his stand on the path to oppose him. on the path to oppose him. on the path to oppose him. Balaam was riding his donkey and his two Balaam was riding his donkey and his two Balaam was riding his donkey and his two servants were with him. When the donkey servants were with him. When the donkey servants were with him. When the donkey saw saw saw the angel of the Lord standing on the the angel of the Lord standing on the the angel of the Lord standing on the path with a drawn sword in his hand, she path with a drawn sword in his hand, she path with a drawn sword in his hand, she turned off the path and went into the turned off the path and went into the turned off the path and went into the field. So, Balaam hit her to return her field. So, Balaam hit her to return her field. So, Balaam hit her to return her to the path. to the path. 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 the stone wall on either side, the with the stone wall on either side, the with the 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 Balaam's foot against it, so squeezing Balaam's foot against it, so squeezing Balaam's foot against it, so he hit her once again. he hit her once again. he hit her once again. The angel of the Lord went ahead and The angel of the Lord went ahead and The angel of the Lord went ahead and stood in a narrow place where there was stood in a narrow place where there was stood in a narrow place where there was no room to turn to the right or to the no room to turn to the right or to the no room to turn to the right or to the left. And when the donkey saw the angel left. And when the donkey saw the angel left. And when the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, she crouched down under of the Lord, she crouched down under of the Lord, she crouched down under Balaam, so he became furious and beat Balaam, so he became furious and beat Balaam, so he became furious and beat the donkey with a stick. Now, the donkey with a stick. Now, the donkey with a stick. Now, let's pause there for a second because let's pause there for a second because let's pause there for a second because there's a lot in that text. Like, for there's a lot in that text. Like, for there's a lot in that text. Like, for example, why does God make it known that example, why does God make it known that example, why does God make it known that the donkey was a female? Right? Like, the donkey was a female? Right? Like, the donkey was a female? Right? Like, that's that's weird. And And don't get that's that's weird. And And don't get that's that's weird. And And don't get mad at me. Don't write me letters.

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

and let her live." and let her live." Now, Now, Now, this talking donkey, this talking donkey, this talking donkey, don't think Disney, don't think Disney, don't think Disney, okay? Think deity. Like, this is God in okay? Think deity. Like, this is God in okay? Think deity. Like, this is God in action. It's a dramatic miracle to action. It's a dramatic miracle to action. It's a dramatic miracle to protect those he loves. And And I I find protect those he loves. And And I I find protect those he loves. And And I I find it fascinating that when Balaam's donkey it fascinating that when Balaam's donkey it fascinating that when Balaam's donkey starts talking, Balaam, he doesn't starts talking, Balaam, he doesn't starts talking, Balaam, he doesn't scream, he doesn't faint. Instead, he scream, he doesn't faint. Instead, he scream, he doesn't faint. Instead, he just fires back at the donkey like this just fires back at the donkey like this just fires back at the donkey like this type of interaction, you know, happens type of interaction, you know, happens type of interaction, you know, happens every Tuesday. Like his donkey talks and every Tuesday. Like his donkey talks and every Tuesday. Like his donkey talks and and the first instinct is to win the and the first instinct is to win the and 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. house. house. But but not Balaam. See, his heart is so But but not Balaam. See, his heart is so But but not Balaam. See, his heart is so locked into what his heart wants, which locked into what his heart wants, which locked into what his heart wants, which the angel called evil. the angel called evil. the angel called evil. He's so focused on his payday that he He's so focused on his payday that he He's so focused on his payday that he misses the miracle right in front of misses the miracle right in front of misses the miracle right in front of him. And that, my friends, is what greed him. And that, my friends, is what greed him. And that, my friends, is what greed does to a heart.

does to a heart. does to a heart. It makes you fixated on what you want It makes you fixated on what you want It makes you fixated on what you want that you you actually miss the God that you you actually miss the God 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. our life has turned out. our life has turned out. So, let me let me fast forward just a So, let me let me fast forward just a So, let me let me fast forward just a little bit into Balaam's story because little bit into Balaam's story because little bit into Balaam's story because even after the talking donkey warning, even after the talking donkey warning, even after the talking donkey warning, Balaam travels to Moab to curse Israel. Balaam travels to Moab to curse Israel. Balaam travels to Moab to curse Israel. But what happens is every time he opens But what happens is every time he opens But what happens is every time he opens his mouth for a cursing, his mouth for a cursing, his mouth for a cursing, a blessing comes out. And this happens a blessing comes out. And this happens a blessing comes out. And this happens three different times. So, be sure to three different times. So, be sure to three different times. So, be sure to read these on your own in your Bible. read these on your own in your Bible. read these on your own in your Bible. They're called the the poems of Balaam They're called the the poems of Balaam They're called the the poems of Balaam or uh the Oracles of Balaam. And as you or uh the Oracles of Balaam. And as you or uh the Oracles of Balaam. And as you might guess, might guess, might guess, the king is furious. He says, "Yeah, I'm the king is furious. He says, "Yeah, I'm the king is furious. He says, "Yeah, I'm I'm paying you to curse my enemies and I'm paying you to curse my enemies and I'm paying you to curse my enemies and all you're doing is blessing them." So, all you're doing is blessing them." So, all you're doing is blessing them." So, he tells Balaam to to go home. But he tells Balaam to to go home. But he tells Balaam to to go home. But before Balaam leaves, he has a fourth before Balaam leaves, he has a fourth before Balaam 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 in uh in uh one slice of one verse in uh in uh one slice of one verse in uh in uh Numbers 24 verse 9 because it's it's Numbers 24 verse 9 because it's it's Numbers 24 verse 9 because it's it's fascinating.

fascinating. fascinating. He says this He says this He says this in his in his poem. in his in his poem. in his in his poem. I see him, but not now. I see him, but not now. I see him, but not now. I perceive him, but not near. I perceive him, but not near. I perceive him, but not near. A star will come from Jacob and a A star will come from Jacob and a A star will come from Jacob and a scepter will rise from Israel. scepter will rise from Israel. scepter will rise from Israel. Do you know who Balaam is talking about? Do you know who Balaam is talking about? Do you know who Balaam is talking about? He's talking about Jesus. He's talking about Jesus. He's talking about Jesus. See, the very the very mouth that was See, the very the very mouth that was See, the very the very mouth that was bribed to curse Israel gets hijacked by bribed to curse Israel gets hijacked by bribed to curse Israel gets hijacked by God to announce the coming of Jesus. I God to announce the coming of Jesus. I God to announce the coming of Jesus. I mean, that that is just awesome to me. mean, that that is just awesome to me. mean, that that is just awesome to me. And if you forget 90% of my sermon by And if you forget 90% of my sermon by And if you forget 90% of my sermon by tomorrow, which you will and that's even tomorrow, which you will and that's even tomorrow, which you will and that's even if you're a you're an overachiever, I if you're a you're an overachiever, I if you're a you're an overachiever, I want you to try to remember this one want you to try to remember this one want you to try to remember this one powerful truth. Here it is. powerful truth. Here it is. powerful truth. Here it is. What God blesses, no one can curse. What What God blesses, no one can curse. What What God blesses, no one can curse. What God blesses, no one can curse. Just say God blesses, no one can curse. Just say God blesses, no one can curse. Just say that over in your head right now. What that over in your head right now. What that over in your head right now. What God blesses, no one can can curse. And God blesses, no one can can curse. And God blesses, no one can can curse. And here's why this is so important for you. here's why this is so important for you. here's why this is so important for you. Because in life, people are going to Because in life, people are going to Because in life, people are going to come against you, but they can't cancel come against you, but they can't cancel come against you, but they can't cancel you. Like they can accuse you, but they you. Like they can accuse you, but they you. Like they can accuse you, but they can't condemn you. Like got What God has can't condemn you. Like got What God has can't condemn you. Like got What God has blessed stays blessed. Like you're blessed stays blessed. Like you're blessed stays blessed. Like you're forgiven, you're redeemed, you're you're forgiven, you're redeemed, you're you're forgiven, you're redeemed, you're you're you're saved, you're chosen, you're you're saved, you're chosen, you're you're saved, you're chosen, you're you're loved. You you've been made new you're loved. You you've been made new you're loved. You you've been made new and what God blesses, no one can curse.

and what God blesses, no one can curse. and what God blesses, no one can curse. Like if you've put your faith in Jesus, Like if you've put your faith in Jesus, Like if you've put your faith in Jesus, there's no enemy, no diagnosis, no past there's no enemy, no diagnosis, no past there's no enemy, no diagnosis, no past failure, no addiction, no divorce, no failure, no addiction, no divorce, no failure, no addiction, no divorce, no bankruptcy, no betrayal, no secret, no bankruptcy, no betrayal, no secret, no bankruptcy, no betrayal, no secret, no shame, no no person with enough power to shame, no no person with enough power to shame, no no person with enough power to undo what God has spoken about your undo what God has spoken about your undo what God has spoken about your life. life. life. That's why the Apostle Paul said it like That's why the Apostle Paul said it like That's why the Apostle Paul said it like this. He says, "If God is for us, this. He says, "If God is for us, this. He says, "If God is for us, well, who can be against us?" well, who can be against us?" well, who can be against us?" So, if if you're a Christian, So, if if you're a Christian, So, if if you're a Christian, you're his. Okay, you're his. So, you're his. Okay, you're his. So, you're his. Okay, you're his. So, congratulations. Like you got it going congratulations. Like you got it going congratulations. Like you got it going on. Like you are you're on a winning on. Like you are you're on a winning on. Like you are you're on a winning team. You can walk around with your team. You can walk around with your team. You can walk around with your shoulders back because you belong to shoulders back because you belong to shoulders back because you belong to him. You can You can live your life with him. You can You can live your life with him. You can You can live your life with a a spiritual swagger which is a a a a spiritual swagger which is a a 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, But, unfortunately, But, unfortunately, for Balaam, it doesn't end with good for Balaam, it doesn't end with good for Balaam, it doesn't end with good news.

news. news. Like, Balaam was done speaking for God, Like, Balaam was done speaking for God, Like, Balaam was done speaking for God, but he didn't go away quietly. And this but he didn't go away quietly. And this but he didn't go away quietly. And this is where the story gets with gets real is where the story gets with gets real is where the story gets with gets real dark, real quick. dark, real quick. dark, real quick. In Numbers 24, In Numbers 24, In Numbers 24, verse 25, verse 25, verse 25, says this, "Then Balaam then arose and says this, "Then Balaam then arose and says this, "Then Balaam then arose and went back to his homeland. And Balak, went back to his homeland. And Balak, went back to his homeland. And Balak, this is the king, also went his way. this is the king, also went his way. this is the king, also went his way. Well, Israel was staying in the acacia Well, Israel was staying in the acacia Well, Israel was staying in the acacia grove, the people began to prostitute grove, the people began to prostitute grove, 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 and worshiped to their gods. and worshiped to their gods. and worshiped to their gods. So, Israel aligned itself with Baal of So, Israel aligned itself with Baal of So, Israel aligned itself with Baal of Peor, and the Lord's anger burned Peor, and the Lord's anger burned Peor, and the Lord's anger burned against Israel." against Israel." against Israel." So, what happens here So, what happens here So, what happens here is the Israelites, they violate the is the Israelites, they violate the is the Israelites, they violate the first of the Ten Commandments by first of the Ten Commandments by first of the Ten Commandments by worshipping idols. And it's actually worshipping idols. And it's actually worshipping idols. And it's actually worse than it sounds because Baal of worse than it sounds because Baal of worse than it sounds because Baal of Peor was a fertility god. So, it was Peor was a fertility god. So, it was Peor was a fertility god. So, it was about sex, and sex wasn't just happening about sex, and sex wasn't just happening about sex, and sex wasn't just happening at a party. The sex was actually how at a party. The sex was actually how at a party. The sex was actually how they worshipped this they worshipped this they worshipped this Peor Baal, this small g god. And And Peor Baal, this small g god. And And Peor Baal, this small g god. And And that's what makes this entire rebellion that's what makes this entire rebellion that's what makes this entire rebellion so sneaky. See, the women didn't show up so sneaky. See, the women didn't show up so 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."

abandon your god." abandon your god." Instead, the women showed up in the form Instead, the women showed up in the form Instead, the women showed up in the form of a of a good time. of a of a good time. of a of a good time. And friends, that's how that's how And friends, that's how that's how 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 tag, "Hi, I'm Satan, and I'd like to tag, "Hi, I'm Satan, and I'd like to ruin your life and destroy your marriage ruin your life and destroy your marriage ruin your life and 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?" finances. What do you think?" finances. What do you think?" No, you'd say, "Ah, hey, get behind me, No, you'd say, "Ah, hey, get behind me, No, you'd say, "Ah, hey, get behind me, Satan." But that's not his that's not Satan." But that's not his that's not Satan." But that's not his that's not his playbook. Like his bait is his playbook. Like his bait is his playbook. Like his bait is temptation and his hook is deadly. temptation and his hook is deadly. temptation and his hook is deadly. So, where did this temptation idea come So, where did this temptation idea come So, where did this temptation idea come from? Watch this. Six chapters later in from? Watch this. Six chapters later in from? Watch this. Six chapters later in chapter 31, it says this, "Yet those chapter 31, it says this, "Yet those chapter 31, it says this, "Yet those were the ones who, at Balaam's advice, were the ones who, at Balaam's advice, were the ones who, at Balaam's advice, incited the Israelites to unfaithfulness incited the Israelites to unfaithfulness incited the Israelites to unfaithfulness against the Lord." against the Lord." against the Lord." See, it was it was Balaam's advice. Like See, it was it was Balaam's advice. Like See, it was it was Balaam's advice. Like Balaam Balaam couldn't curse Israel with Balaam Balaam couldn't curse Israel with Balaam Balaam couldn't curse Israel with his mouth, so he gave the king a battle his mouth, so he gave the king a battle his mouth, so he gave the king a battle plan for how they could curse plan for how they could curse plan for how they could curse themselves. But he must have told the themselves. But he must have told the themselves. But 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, Instead, Instead, seduce them. seduce them. seduce them. Send in temptation, and they will curse Send in temptation, and they will curse Send in temptation, and they will curse themselves." See, Balaam, he knew the themselves." See, Balaam, he knew the themselves." See, Balaam, he knew the oldest trick in the book. The same one oldest trick in the book. The same one oldest trick in the book. The same one that the serpent used in the Garden of that the serpent used in the Garden of that the serpent used in the Garden of Eden. And the same strategy the enemy Eden. And the same strategy the enemy Eden. And the same strategy the enemy uses today. uses today. uses today. So, So, So, okay. okay. okay. What's the lesson from Balaam? What's the lesson from Balaam? What's the lesson from Balaam? And there are so many lessons here, but And there are so many lessons here, but And there are so many lessons here, but the obvious one is this. the obvious one is this. the obvious one is this. Don't be like Balaam. Don't be like Balaam. Don't be like Balaam. Okay? Like I wish I could mail you this Okay? Like I wish I could mail you this Okay? Like I wish I could mail you this coffee cup to remind you like Balaam coffee cup to remind you like Balaam coffee cup to remind you like Balaam wasn't good. He he was a punk. He was a wasn't good. He he was a punk. He was a wasn't good. He he was a punk. He was a fraud. Like if you're a young parent, fraud. Like if you're a young parent, fraud. Like if you're a young parent, don't name your kid Balaam, okay? He he don't name your kid Balaam, okay? He he don't name your kid Balaam, okay? He he was so bad that 1,500 years later, you was so bad that 1,500 years later, you was so bad that 1,500 years later, you 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 Balaam as a warning. Peter says, you Balaam as a warning. Peter says, you Balaam as a warning. Peter says, you know, Balaam loved to earn money by know, Balaam loved to earn money by know, Balaam loved to earn money by doing wrong. Jude says, false teachers doing wrong. Jude says, false teachers doing wrong. Jude says, false teachers like Balaam, they deceive people for like Balaam, they deceive people for like Balaam, they deceive people for their money. And in the book of their money. And in the book of their money. And in the book of Revelation, Jesus rebukes the church for Revelation, Jesus rebukes the church for Revelation, Jesus rebukes the church for false teaching by saying, you have some false teaching by saying, you have some false teaching by saying, you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam.

there who hold the teaching of Balaam. there who hold the teaching of Balaam. Okay, you're you're getting the point, Okay, you're you're getting the point, Okay, you're you're getting the point, right? Like, Balaam was not a good right? Like, Balaam was not a good right? Like, Balaam was not a good person, so don't be like Balaam. And person, so don't be like Balaam. And person, so don't be like Balaam. And that sounds simple. that sounds simple. that sounds simple. But when I think about my life, it's But when I think about my life, it's But when I think about my life, it's actually very easy to be like him when actually very easy to be like him when actually very easy to be like him when when good words come out of my mouth when good words come out of my mouth when good words come out of my mouth that don't align that don't align that don't align with my heart. with my heart. 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 too often. Like, I've preached sermons too often. Like, I've preached sermons on generosity on generosity on generosity while gripping my own wallet. while gripping my own wallet. while gripping my own wallet. Like, I I've taught on the power of Like, I I've taught on the power of Like, I I've taught on the power of forgiveness forgiveness forgiveness while while while quietly piling up grudges. quietly piling up grudges. quietly piling up grudges. I've prayed, "Oh God, not your will not I've prayed, "Oh God, not your will not I've prayed, "Oh God, not your will not my will, but yours." with my mouth, my will, but yours." with my mouth, my will, but yours." with my mouth, but my actions were busy trying to make but my actions were busy trying to make but my actions were busy trying to make sure that my will will be done. sure that my will will be done. sure that my will will be done. And I And I And I and I'm guessing I'm not alone, am I? and I'm guessing I'm not alone, am I? and I'm guessing I'm not alone, am I? And my bet is that you can relate. And And my bet is that you can relate. And And my bet is that you can relate. And and if you can relate, will you let me and if you can relate, will you let me and if you can relate, will you let me know in the chat? See, I know in the chat? See, I know in the chat? See, I I think, if I'm summarizing this all up, I think, if I'm summarizing this all up, I think, if I'm summarizing this all up, I think Balaam's biggest failure I think Balaam's biggest failure I think Balaam's biggest failure was that he so clearly heard God's was that he so clearly heard God's was that he so clearly heard God's instructions and he didn't follow them.

instructions and he didn't follow them. instructions and he didn't follow them. So, the challenge, or maybe the reminder So, the challenge, or maybe the reminder So, the challenge, or maybe the reminder for me today, anyway, is is to listen to for me today, anyway, is is to listen to for me today, anyway, is is to listen to God's word God's word God's word and be be so inspired by his love for and be be so inspired by his love for and be be so inspired by his love for you, or his love for me, that I want to you, or his love for me, that I want to you, or his love for me, that I want to follow it. Like, I want to obey him. It follow it. Like, I want to obey him. It follow it. Like, I want to obey him. It It's that simple and it's that It's that simple and it's that It's that simple and it's that difficult. Like, God, in his love, he he difficult. Like, God, in his love, he he difficult. Like, God, in his love, he he gave us gave us gave us his word. He gave us his love letter, his word. He gave us his love letter, his word. He gave us his love letter, and instruction manual not to condemn and instruction manual not to condemn and instruction manual not to condemn Christians, but to guide us. To guide us Christians, but to guide us. To guide us Christians, but to guide us. To guide us toward a a more blessing-filled life. I toward a a more blessing-filled life. I toward a a more blessing-filled life. I mean, Jesus said it this way in John 13. mean, Jesus said it this way in John 13. mean, Jesus said it this way in John 13. He said, "If you" and this is Jesus He said, "If you" and this is Jesus He said, "If you" and this is Jesus talking, "if you know these things, you talking, "if you know these things, you talking, "if you know these things, you are what? You're blessed if you do them. are what? You're blessed if you do them. are what? You're blessed if you do them. If you do them." Like in the Christian If you do them." Like in the Christian If you do them." Like in the Christian faith, gathering more Bible information, faith, gathering more Bible information, faith, gathering more Bible information, it isn't the primary goal. See, the goal it isn't the primary goal. See, the goal it isn't the primary goal. See, the goal is for you and I to be more like Jesus. is for you and I to be more like Jesus. is for you and I to be more like Jesus. Uh last week, Steve Bang Lee, he Uh last week, Steve Bang Lee, he Uh last week, Steve Bang Lee, he preached a beautiful message on on God's preached a beautiful message on on God's preached a beautiful message on on God's love and grace for us that's available love and grace for us that's available love and grace for us that's available to us. You know, not based on our to us. You know, not based on our to us. You know, not based on our effort, but based on Jesus' sacrifice on effort, but based on Jesus' sacrifice on effort, but based on Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. Like, I love that message.

the cross. Like, I love that message. the cross. Like, I love that message. And I'm not advocating for anyone to And I'm not advocating for anyone to And I'm not advocating for anyone to think that they can actually work harder think that they can actually work harder think that they can actually work harder for that love or grace. I'm simply for that love or grace. I'm simply for that love or grace. I'm simply saying for me, saying for me, saying for me, because of God's great love and favor, I because of God's great love and favor, I because of God's great love and favor, I want to be compelled to follow him want to be compelled to follow him want to be compelled to follow him with a faith-filled obedience. with a faith-filled obedience. with a faith-filled obedience. And And And I don't know, after following Jesus for I don't know, after following Jesus for I don't know, after following Jesus for about 50 years, I have observed that about 50 years, I have observed that about 50 years, I have observed that obedience seems intimately connected obedience seems intimately connected obedience seems intimately connected to blessings. And I can't I can't to blessings. And I can't I can't to blessings. And I can't I can't adequately describe the the mystery of adequately describe the the mystery of adequately describe the the mystery of how it all works, and I I definitely how it all works, and I I definitely how it all works, and I I definitely can't put it into a formula for you, but can't put it into a formula for you, but can't put it into a formula for you, but but obedience and God's blessing sure but obedience and God's blessing sure but obedience and God's blessing sure seem to be connected. seem to be connected. 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, blessed. But, blessed. But, they're living from their own agenda. they're living from their own agenda. they're living from their own agenda. They're they're employing faith They're they're employing faith They're they're employing faith loopholes, and then getting disappointed loopholes, and then getting disappointed loopholes, and then getting disappointed at their lack of blessing. at their lack of blessing. 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. I do. And I want it for you, too. I do. And I want it for you, too. So, this message, don't be like Balaam, So, this message, don't be like Balaam, So, this message, don't be like Balaam, it's good it's good and it's good to it's good it's good and it's good to it's 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, Listen, Listen, obey, obey, obey, and blessings. and blessings. and blessings. Like, is there an area of your life Like, is there an area of your life Like, is there an area of your life where you know you're not obeying your where you know you're not obeying your where you know you're not obeying your your being disobedient? your being disobedient? your 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? be saying to you? be saying to you? Like, what's an area of your life where Like, what's an area of your life where Like, what's an area of your life where you know you're being disobedient to you know you're being disobedient to you know you're being disobedient to God's clear word? Like, sit with that God's clear word? Like, sit with that God's clear word? Like, sit with that for a minute. And pray about it. And And for a minute. And pray about it. And And for a minute. And pray about it. And And if you need prayer, we have we have if you need prayer, we have we have if you need prayer, we have we have leaders in the chat who would love to leaders in the chat who would love to leaders in the chat who would love to pray with you. pray with you. pray with you. Like, maybe it's a it's a relationship Like, maybe it's a it's a relationship Like, maybe it's a it's a relationship you you need to end or or one you've you you need to end or or one you've you you need to end or or one you've been refusing to repair. been refusing to repair. been refusing to repair. And maybe it's the your handling of And maybe it's the your handling of And 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. light. light. And obedience is simply doing the one And obedience is simply doing the one And obedience is simply doing the one thing you already know God is asking you thing you already know God is asking you thing you already know God is asking you to do. to do. to do. You see why Balaam You see why Balaam You see why Balaam Balaam is a an example of disobedience. Balaam is a an example of disobedience. Balaam is a an example of disobedience. Jesus is a picture of obedience. Jesus is a picture of obedience. Jesus is a picture of obedience. And because of his obedience, the door And because of his obedience, the door And because of his obedience, the door has been opened for you and I to walk has been opened for you and I to walk has 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. sinners. sinners. But because one other person, Jesus, But because one other person, Jesus, But because one other person, Jesus, obeyed God, many will be made obeyed God, many will be made obeyed God, many will be made righteous." righteous." righteous." Like, Jesus was perfectly obedient so Like, Jesus was perfectly obedient so Like, Jesus was perfectly obedient so that our disobedience could be that our disobedience could be that our disobedience could be completely covered.

completely covered. completely covered. So, when I challenge you with obedience, So, when I challenge you with obedience, So, when I challenge you with obedience, I'm not telling you need to earn God's I'm not telling you need to earn God's I'm not telling you need to earn God's love. You can't earn it. Instead, love. You can't earn it. Instead, love. You can't earn it. Instead, I'm inviting you to respond to a love I'm inviting you to respond to a love I'm inviting you to respond to a love you already have. you already have. you already have. So, So, So, please today when you when you leave for please today when you when you leave for please today when you when you leave for the screen, leave with great confidence the screen, leave with great confidence the screen, leave with great confidence that the same God who won't let anyone that the same God who won't let anyone that the same God who won't let anyone curse what he has blessed curse what he has blessed curse what he has blessed looks at you looks at you looks at you even with your flickering warning lights even with your flickering warning lights even with your flickering warning lights and says, "This one is mine." and says, "This one is mine." and says, "This one is mine." And then he went to the cross to make And then he went to the cross to make And then he went to the cross to make that true. >> Oh, the perfect [music] >> Oh, the perfect [music] son of God son of God son of God in all his innocence in all his innocence in all his innocence you're walking in the dirt [music] with you're walking in the dirt [music] with you're walking in the dirt [music] with you and me.

He knows what living [music] is. He knows what living [music] is. He's acquainted with our grief. He's acquainted with our grief. He's acquainted with our grief. Man of sorrows, [music] Man of sorrows, [music] Man of sorrows, [music] sign of suffering laden [music] tears laden [music] tears our captain our captain our captain There's a God who is There's a God who is There's a God who is and there's a God and there's a God and there's a God >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> who bleeds. >> who bleeds. >> who bleeds. All praise the one All praise the one All praise the one who will [music] reach for me. [singing] who will [music] reach for me. [singing] who will [music] reach for me. [singing] Hallelujah [music] Hallelujah [music] Hallelujah [music] to the son [singing] to the son [singing] to the son [singing] of suffering. Hallelujah [bell] Hallelujah [bell] to your name. [music] Some Some >> [music and singing] >> our days to never move. >> our days to never move. But you chased [music] us down in But you chased [music] us down in But you chased [music] us down in merciful pursuit. merciful pursuit. merciful pursuit. Thank you, Jesus. To the saintly [music] Thank you, Jesus. To the saintly [music] Thank you, Jesus. To the saintly [music] you were gracious.

you were gracious. you were gracious. In the broken you embraced. In the broken you embraced. In the broken you embraced. And in the end the proof [music] was in And in the end the proof [music] was in And in the end the proof [music] was in your wounds. In [music] the In [music] the end the proof end the proof end the proof was in was in was in your wounds. A million A million >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> tears, how can >> tears, how can >> tears, how can it be? it be? it be? That there's a God who And there's a God [music] And there's a God [music] who bleeds. who bleeds. who bleeds. Oh, Oh, Oh, praise the one praise the one praise the one who will reach [music] for who will reach [music] for who will reach [music] for me. me. me. Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah to the son of to the son of to the son of suffering. And there's a God who And there's a God who >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> bleeds. >> bleeds. >> bleeds. Oh, praise Oh, praise Oh, praise the one the one the one who will who will who will reach for reach for reach for me.

me. me. Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah to the son of to the son of to the son of >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> suffering. Hallelujah Hallelujah to your name. to your name. to your name. >> [music] >> For your cross [music] >> For your cross [music] was my freedom and your stripes, my was my freedom and your stripes, my was my freedom and your stripes, my healing. [music] healing. [music] healing. [music] Oh, praise King Jesus. Oh, praise King Jesus. Oh, praise King Jesus. Glory to God in [singing] heaven. Glory to God in [singing] heaven. Glory to God in [singing] heaven. Your [music] blood Your [music] blood Your [music] blood is still speaking. Your love is still is still speaking. Your love is still is still speaking. Your love is still reaching. [music] reaching. [music] reaching. [music] All praise King Jesus. All praise King Jesus. All praise King Jesus. Glory to God forever. Glory to God forever. Glory to God forever. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Your cross, that's my freedom. >> Your cross, that's my freedom. >> Your cross, that's my freedom. Your stripes, Your stripes, Your stripes, my healing. >> [music] >> [music] >> All praise King Jesus. >> All praise King Jesus. >> All praise King Jesus. Glory to God Glory to God Glory to God in heaven. in heaven. in heaven. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Your blood still speaks.

>> Your blood still speaks. >> Your blood still speaks. Your love is still Your love is still Your love is still reaching. reaching. reaching. All [music] praise King Jesus. Glory Glory to God forever. to God forever. to God forever. Your cross, Your cross, Your cross, >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> my freedom. >> my freedom. >> my freedom. Your stripes, Your stripes, Your stripes, is my healing. is my healing. is my healing. All praise King Jesus. Glory to [music] God Glory to [music] God forever. Your blood is still speaking. Your blood is still speaking. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Your love >> Your love >> Your love is still is still is still reaching. All praise King Jesus. Glory to God forever. Glory to God forever. >> [music] >> Glory to God forever. >> Glory to God forever. >> [music] >> Glory to God forever. >> Glory to God forever. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> All the glory, >> All the glory, >> All the glory, all the honor, all the honor, all the honor, all the praise. all the praise. all the praise. >> [music] >> Glory to God >> Glory to God >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> forever.

In blood and tears, In blood and tears, how can how can how can it be it be it be that there's [clears throat] a God who that there's [clears throat] a God who that there's [clears throat] a God who lives, lives, lives, and there's a God [music] who believes? and there's a God [music] who believes? and there's a God [music] who believes? All praise the [music] one All praise the [music] one All praise the [music] one who would reach who would reach who would reach me? me? me? Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah to the son of suffering. Hallelujah [music] Hallelujah [music] to the son of suffering. And hallelujah [music] And hallelujah [music] to the son of suffering. [singing] >> Thank you for joining us. Wherever you >> Thank you for joining us. Wherever you are, would you extend your hand to are, would you extend your hand to are, would you extend your hand to receive God's blessing? receive God's blessing? receive God's blessing? The God who would not let anyone curse The God who would not let anyone curse The God who would not let anyone curse his people has the final word over your his people has the final word over your his people has the final word over your life, and it's a word of blessing. So, life, and it's a word of blessing. So, life, and it's a word of blessing. So, receive it straight from the book that receive it straight from the book that receive it straight from the book that we've been studying. May the Lord bless we've been studying. May the Lord bless we've been studying. May the Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face you and keep you. The Lord make his face you and keep you. The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. And shine on you and be gracious to you. And shine on you and be gracious to you. And Lord turn his face toward you and give Lord turn his face toward you and give Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. You are his.

you peace. You are his. you peace. You are his. Go in peace.