Numbers 31

And Moses and Eleazar the priest received the gold from the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and brought it into the tabernacle of meeting as a memorial for the children of Israel before the LORD.

Lord, we forget.  We need memorials, we require reminders.  You instruct us to remember and to teach our children what we have experienced.  Thank You for never forgetting us.  Your perfection remains complete without us; but You still include us, You still choose us.  I praise You.

Number 27

And the LORD said to Moses, "The daughters of Zelophehad are right. ..."

Lord, they asked and You approved.  Please help me to know what and how to ask that You may approve; especially when it is for something You want me to have.  It seems You were waiting for them to ask before it was to be - teach me how to ask rightly, to ask with right motives, to ask for that which You desire that the request may be affirmed by You.

You shall invest him with some of your authority, that all the congregation of the people of Israel may obey.  

The Spirit not charisma, not popularity, not even Moses' endorsement - as Moses had solicited God's choice - was the new leader's prerequisite.  Authority was his new uniform, and not his own authority; but that which came from Moses at God's command and that which had originated with Yahweh.   

Oh my God, how often I try to inspire obedience in myself and my children through persuasive words or personality or blatant will-power.  Your example displays the priority of operating under the control of Your most holy and perfect Spirit and in the authority You give.  Your ways do not involve anything I can manipulate, wrest control of or charm.  Please, help me to receive all that You have for me in regard to You, Holy Spirit and all the authority You are pleased to bestow upon me.  AND, may I walk blamelessly and faithfully before You, to the praise of Your very great Name all the days of my life.

 

Number 24

... invited ... attended ... feasted ... worshiped.

Lord God, please help me be very careful about which invitations I accept, what  events (cultural or otherwise) I attend, where and how I feast.  I do not want to participate in the worship of any one but You.  God, You know how easily I can be deceived - please keep me from falling for anything but Your great Name.  I choose You.

Numbers 24

Then Balaam rose and went back to his place.

Lord God, thank You for this instruction to be about Your business and then to be gone when Your assignment for me is over.  Help me to not linger in the presence of those who despise Your people or Your Word after I have completed my work there.  Lord, let me do all You have for me; but when it's time for me to cut bait, may I do so with all promptness and grace.  May I always return to the place You have for me.  May I bring You glory in the comings, doings and goings.

Numbers 23

The LORD put a word in Balaam’s mouth and said, “Go back to Balak and give him this word.”

Oh, Lord, that we would wait until You put a word in our mouths before we speak.  May we, may I be faithful with Your words, the ones You have given me and the ones You will provide to me.  May I give Your word and Your Word to those You direct me to.  I thank You for Your provision of the word and preparing those who will receive.  Please keep me faithful and courageous when the word is difficult to speak and harder to hear.  

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

Only Wise God, my preferences, comfort, selfish inclination - even the perfect way You have wired me to be merciful - at times make me want to change what You have ordained.  Lord God, widen my vision, uplift my perspective, increase my desire and capacity for Your perfect sovereignty, do what needs doing that I may (gladly) agree with You, even when I don't want to very much.  Help me to lovingly and graciously encourage others when they are in that same place to trust You all the more.  You are always right, always good, always faithful, always God.  I am not.

Numbers 20

Cliffhangers ...  arrgghh!

God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.” So Balaam arose in the morning and said to Balak’s leaders, “Go back to your land, for the LORD has refused to let me go with you.”

Lord, please keep Your words in my mouth; don't let me speak partially, let me speak Your words, truthfully and fully.  You alone are wise.  May I always choose to treat Your words and wishes as greater than any honoring, temptation or reward that man can provide to me.  May I remember that Your children are blessed, You are the Blessor and respond accordingly.  Thank You for saving the donkey.  I hope she healed well.  May my vision be as discerning as hers.

Numbers 21

... So Moses prayed for the people.

Lord, please keep me a faithful intercessor for the people - for Your people; for those who don't know they are Yours, yet; for those who have become discouraged, distracted or disobedient to You.  Holy Spirit, keep my heart tuned to You and Your purposes that I may not fall into step with those You entrust to me for prayer.  Lord, may I obey and encourage obedience in others as well.  You healed those who simply looked to the staff with the serpent - who obeyed Your curious instruction.  May I choose obedience rather than judging the feasibility of a divine direction.  I thank You for the baby steps You gave Your people in learning the ancient art of war - I thank You for the baby steps You give me in spiritual realm of war.  May I learn well and battle valiantly for my great King and Sovereign.