Let us pray, and the Lord opened the mouth of the ass, and she said, unto Balim, what have I done unto thee that thou hast smitten me? These three times numbers twenty two, twenty eight. Dear Heavenly Father, when I begin to take territory on your behalf, Lord, I thank you in advance for protecting me against the plots and the plans of others to curse my life than to create chaos. However, in the midst of your protection, Lord, protect me from myself when I try to move on my own accord, like Balem and his donkey, I know that you can and will use any sign to stop me from moving in a direction you do not desire me to go. Therefore, keep my mind attentive and alert to see the signs that You've placed around my life to protect me. Open my eyes and my ears so that I can hear your message through different vessels. I decree and declare that I will not allow pride to get in the way of my protection. You have my heart, you have my ears. Then you have my unwavering devotion now and forever in Jesus' name. Amen, Thanks for making prayer a priority in your life to hear the Bible come to life. Stay tuned for the Bible in a Year, brought to you by Bible in a Year dot Com.

Let us pray, and the Lord opened the mouth of the ass, and she said, unto Balim, what have I done unto thee that thou hast smitten me? These three times numbers twenty two, twenty eight. Dear Heavenly Father, when I begin to take territory on your behalf, Lord, I thank you in advance for protecting me against the plots and the plans of others to curse my life than to create chaos. However, in the midst of your protection, Lord, protect me from myself when I try to move on my own accord, like Balem and his donkey, I know that you can and will use any sign to stop me from moving in a direction you do not desire me to go. Therefore, keep my mind attentive and alert to see the signs that You've placed around my life to protect me. Open my eyes and my ears so that I can hear your message through different vessels. I decree and declare that I will not allow pride to get in the way of my protection. You have my heart, you have my ears. Then you have my unwavering devotion now and forever in Jesus' name. Amen, Thanks for making prayer a priority in your life to hear the Bible come to life. Stay tuned for the Bible in a Year, brought to you by Bible in a Year dot Com.

God makes a donkey speak. In the last story, we learned of Moses' growing anger against the people of Israel. Their constant complaints and groans sparked anger in Moses, and his rage inhibited him from being able to see the Promised Land. As Israel journeyed further, Aaron had passed away. In this story, we learn about how Bulloch, the King of Moab, sends Balem to go and curse Israel, and even his own donkey warns him against it. As inspired by the Book of Numbers.

God makes a donkey speak. In the last story, we learned of Moses' growing anger against the people of Israel. Their constant complaints and groans sparked anger in Moses, and his rage inhibited him from being able to see the Promised Land. As Israel journeyed further, Aaron had passed away. In this story, we learn about how Bulloch, the King of Moab, sends Balem to go and curse Israel, and even his own donkey warns him against it. As inspired by the Book of Numbers.

Hi, I'm pastor Jack Graham with today's episode of the Bible in a Year. In yesterday's episode, we learned that in his anger and frustration, Moses sinned against God by bringing glory to himself or making water flow. As a result, God tells him he'll never enter the Promised Land. They continue their journey, facing obstacles, opposition from other nations, and ongoing thirst and fatigue in the wilderness. And along the way, Aaron passes away and the people mourn his death. Today we learn of a foreign king who seeks to hearst Israel through a gentile soothsayer named Balem, and how God uses a beast to warn Balem not to comply. Let's hear today's reading.

Hi, I'm pastor Jack Graham with today's episode of the Bible in a Year. In yesterday's episode, we learned that in his anger and frustration, Moses sinned against God by bringing glory to himself or making water flow. As a result, God tells him he'll never enter the Promised Land. They continue their journey, facing obstacles, opposition from other nations, and ongoing thirst and fatigue in the wilderness. And along the way, Aaron passes away and the people mourn his death. Today we learn of a foreign king who seeks to hearst Israel through a gentile soothsayer named Balem, and how God uses a beast to warn Balem not to comply. Let's hear today's reading.

Now, the grumbling, yet growing people of Israel ventured forth to find new land to camp in. Though the people of Israel were only freed slaves, their sheer numbers were vast and threatening to other nations. Hundreds of thousands of them filled miles in every direction wherever they went. The sea of Israelites finally found refuge in the plains of Moab, beyond the Jordan. At Jericho, the gentle grass was a refreshing break from the rocky canyon ground. Bollach, the king of Moab, saw the density of Israel from miles away. Fear came over Bollach, for he had heard what Israel had done to the Amorites. Although Israel meant Moab no harm, their numbers, the whole nation tremble. To them. Israel might as well have been a horde of demons come to take their land. The people of Moab spoke to the elders and Midian and said this Israelite horde will eat us alive. They will lick us up as an ox does the grass of the field. King Black knew he could never compete with the numbers of Israel. If they desired, they could swallow up his kingdom and cast his people out into the wilderness. A homeless and desperate group was a dangerous group, and Ballach would do anything to protect his kingdom. If sword and shield could not defeat Israel, perhaps a darker and more sinister form of warfare would work. Black remembered Balem, a mighty man known for his spiritual power. Balach desired for Balam to curse the people of Israel, plague them, and cast them into darkness. Ballack sent messengers to Balam to say, the people of Israel cover the earth in front of me. Curse this people for me, since they are too mighty in number for me to defeat them. For I know he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed. Bullach asked these things, ignorant of where Balam's powers truly come from. The one true God of Israel. Balam was not Moses, so he did not speak to God face to face as he would with a friend. Yet God did speak to him, and this time God spoke clearly and explicitly, saying, these people are a blessed people. I will not curse them, nor will you. So Balam sent the messengers away, refusing Bullock's request. Bullack considered Balam's refusal as simply a matter of price. He sent princes along with great treasures and promises of blessing. Balem was enticed by the offer. His heart fluttered when he saw the treasures and heard of the rewards that would await him if he cursed God's people. Yet even though he desired to, he would not curse Israel. Balack could give me an entire house of silver and gold. Yet I cannot go beyond the command of God, Balem said apprehensively. Baleam gestured around his home and said, stay the night. I will see if God has anything new for me. So Balam went before God again. God met Balem where he was. He spoke to Balam, knowing the selfish desires of his heart, saying, if the men have come all this way to find you, go with them, but only do what I have commanded you to do. Balem wasted no time. He gathered his things, packed his donkey, and left first thing in the morning. Treasure could quite possibly be awaiting him, like small sparks to drying wood. God God's anger ignited towards Balam. God went before Balam on the road to stand against him as an adversary. Though Balam was ignorant to the presence of God on the road, Balem's donkey was not. The donkey saw an Angel of God standing in front of the path with his sword drawn. He aw the donkey cried out in fear. Immediately, the donkey turned away from the angel and ran toward the field. Balem grew frustrated and ran after the donkey. He grabbed his donkey by the reins and struck her to turn her back to the road. As they continued forward, the angel of the Lord appeared again between the vineyards and walls on either side. The donkey trembled again and pressed Balem's foot against the wall. Balem screamed in pain and began hitting her again. As they continued a third time, the donkey saw the Angel of God with sword drawn. The donkey heeled backwards and fell on top of Balam. Balem laid there underneath his oath of a donkey. Groans of pain and annoyance could be heard from under her. Balim wiggled out from underneath the donkey, took his staff in his hands and began beating her. God had done miraculous things to speak to his people. He has sent signs and wonders, burned bushes, parted seas, and sent clouds to surround mountains. God has spoken through whispers in the wind, piercing words of thunder and rushing waves. Yet this time, to match the absurdity of Balem's heart, God spoke through his donkey, What have I done to deserve you? Hitting me? Three times? The donkey yelled at Balim, because you have made a fool of me, Balem said, ironically, considering that he was now speaking to a donkey, as if it wasn't totally insane. If I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you, Balem said, in a mad rage. Slowly he was beginning to cut to the reality of the situation he was speaking to his donkey. The donkey spoke again to Balm, saying, I have been your donkey for your whole life. Have I ever steered you wrong or treated you this way. It is hard to describe the amount of shame associated with being scolded by your own donkey. Balem shrugged with his head down and replied no. Balem lifted his head, and before him he saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the way with his sword drawn, as his donkey had three times before. Balem trembled in fear. He bowed and fell on his face. The Lord spoke to Balem with scalding rebuke, saying, why have you struck your donkey? I have come out to oppose you because your mission is perverse. Unlike you, your donkey was perceptive enough to see my warnings. If she had not veered from the path, I very well may have killed you. Baleam was coming to grips with what his heart was truly after. Though God had given him permission to go, Balem was anticipating treasures and rewards for cursing the people of Israel. No secret desires of his heart were kept hidden from God. Balem was still on his face as he spoke, saying, I have sinned. Please, if it is evil for me to go, I will turn back. The Angel of the Lord said to Balam, you may still go, but only speak what I tell you to say. So Balam departed with the princes of Bollach to the kingdom of Mohab. Balam rode his donkey, still in shock from what had just occurred. His destination was the same, yet his desires were different. Now Balam would not be flippant with God's permission to leave. Balam remained silent, desiring to hear the voice of God, for he knew he would be tempted to do wicked things ahead.

Now, the grumbling, yet growing people of Israel ventured forth to find new land to camp in. Though the people of Israel were only freed slaves, their sheer numbers were vast and threatening to other nations. Hundreds of thousands of them filled miles in every direction wherever they went. The sea of Israelites finally found refuge in the plains of Moab, beyond the Jordan. At Jericho, the gentle grass was a refreshing break from the rocky canyon ground. Bollach, the king of Moab, saw the density of Israel from miles away. Fear came over Bollach, for he had heard what Israel had done to the Amorites. Although Israel meant Moab no harm, their numbers, the whole nation tremble. To them. Israel might as well have been a horde of demons come to take their land. The people of Moab spoke to the elders and Midian and said this Israelite horde will eat us alive. They will lick us up as an ox does the grass of the field. King Black knew he could never compete with the numbers of Israel. If they desired, they could swallow up his kingdom and cast his people out into the wilderness. A homeless and desperate group was a dangerous group, and Ballach would do anything to protect his kingdom. If sword and shield could not defeat Israel, perhaps a darker and more sinister form of warfare would work. Black remembered Balem, a mighty man known for his spiritual power. Balach desired for Balam to curse the people of Israel, plague them, and cast them into darkness. Ballack sent messengers to Balam to say, the people of Israel cover the earth in front of me. Curse this people for me, since they are too mighty in number for me to defeat them. For I know he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed. Bullach asked these things, ignorant of where Balam's powers truly come from. The one true God of Israel. Balam was not Moses, so he did not speak to God face to face as he would with a friend. Yet God did speak to him, and this time God spoke clearly and explicitly, saying, these people are a blessed people. I will not curse them, nor will you. So Balam sent the messengers away, refusing Bullock's request. Bullack considered Balam's refusal as simply a matter of price. He sent princes along with great treasures and promises of blessing. Balem was enticed by the offer. His heart fluttered when he saw the treasures and heard of the rewards that would await him if he cursed God's people. Yet even though he desired to, he would not curse Israel. Balack could give me an entire house of silver and gold. Yet I cannot go beyond the command of God, Balem said apprehensively. Baleam gestured around his home and said, stay the night. I will see if God has anything new for me. So Balam went before God again. God met Balem where he was. He spoke to Balam, knowing the selfish desires of his heart, saying, if the men have come all this way to find you, go with them, but only do what I have commanded you to do. Balem wasted no time. He gathered his things, packed his donkey, and left first thing in the morning. Treasure could quite possibly be awaiting him, like small sparks to drying wood. God God's anger ignited towards Balam. God went before Balam on the road to stand against him as an adversary. Though Balam was ignorant to the presence of God on the road, Balem's donkey was not. The donkey saw an Angel of God standing in front of the path with his sword drawn. He aw the donkey cried out in fear. Immediately, the donkey turned away from the angel and ran toward the field. Balem grew frustrated and ran after the donkey. He grabbed his donkey by the reins and struck her to turn her back to the road. As they continued forward, the angel of the Lord appeared again between the vineyards and walls on either side. The donkey trembled again and pressed Balem's foot against the wall. Balem screamed in pain and began hitting her again. As they continued a third time, the donkey saw the Angel of God with sword drawn. The donkey heeled backwards and fell on top of Balam. Balem laid there underneath his oath of a donkey. Groans of pain and annoyance could be heard from under her. Balim wiggled out from underneath the donkey, took his staff in his hands and began beating her. God had done miraculous things to speak to his people. He has sent signs and wonders, burned bushes, parted seas, and sent clouds to surround mountains. God has spoken through whispers in the wind, piercing words of thunder and rushing waves. Yet this time, to match the absurdity of Balem's heart, God spoke through his donkey, What have I done to deserve you? Hitting me? Three times? The donkey yelled at Balim, because you have made a fool of me, Balem said, ironically, considering that he was now speaking to a donkey, as if it wasn't totally insane. If I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you, Balem said, in a mad rage. Slowly he was beginning to cut to the reality of the situation he was speaking to his donkey. The donkey spoke again to Balm, saying, I have been your donkey for your whole life. Have I ever steered you wrong or treated you this way. It is hard to describe the amount of shame associated with being scolded by your own donkey. Balem shrugged with his head down and replied no. Balem lifted his head, and before him he saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the way with his sword drawn, as his donkey had three times before. Balem trembled in fear. He bowed and fell on his face. The Lord spoke to Balem with scalding rebuke, saying, why have you struck your donkey? I have come out to oppose you because your mission is perverse. Unlike you, your donkey was perceptive enough to see my warnings. If she had not veered from the path, I very well may have killed you. Baleam was coming to grips with what his heart was truly after. Though God had given him permission to go, Balem was anticipating treasures and rewards for cursing the people of Israel. No secret desires of his heart were kept hidden from God. Balem was still on his face as he spoke, saying, I have sinned. Please, if it is evil for me to go, I will turn back. The Angel of the Lord said to Balam, you may still go, but only speak what I tell you to say. So Balam departed with the princes of Bollach to the kingdom of Mohab. Balam rode his donkey, still in shock from what had just occurred. His destination was the same, yet his desires were different. Now Balam would not be flippant with God's permission to leave. Balam remained silent, desiring to hear the voice of God, for he knew he would be tempted to do wicked things ahead.

Today's story begins as we've become accustomed with israel wandering in search of a new land. This nomadic nation without a home is growing in number. Their mere presence in the area is enough to make some kings nervous. King Baylack of Moab feared that if the Israelites wanted to overthrow his kingdom, he couldn't stop them. He went to the elders of Midian and fill them with the same fear. Beilac knew a military approach wouldn't save him, so he turns to another tactic, to a dark world that's unseen but very real. It's a world that's still very present today, a spiritual world, an invisible world with invisible battles with the unseen forces of good and evil. Beilac intended to engage the evil forces of darkness for his cause. He sends messengers from Moab and Midian with Balim, a soothsayer believed to be able to bring curses on people. They offer him money for his services. Baalem says he must seek out the Hebrew God. So God speaks to Balim and tells him he must not take part in what Baylick is asking of him. It's important to note that it was not Balem who summoned God near, but God who drew near to Baalim. Baalem tells Baylack's men he cannot help them, and this initial refusal only causes Bailak to offer more money. Balem refuses again, though he is tempted by the increased offer. He says he can't go against God, but he asks the men to stick around for the night. This is a move motivated by greed. He's hoping God might just change his mind. So God appears to Baalim and says he can go with these men only if they come looking for him in the morning, and that he's to do only as God instructs. Baalim doesn't listen to God, and the next morning saddles up his donkey to go meet the delegation. Is a very peculiar story. God sends an angel to block Balem's progress on the road. Three times, the donkey sees the angel and steps or veers from the path. Each time, an angry Balem strikes the animal. Finally, God opens the donkey's mouth and Balim carries on a conversation with this animal. Now I have to admit this is a strange and even funny picture as you imagine this exchange, but the topic of conversation is anything but a joke. The donkey sculls Balem for his actions. Then, finally, the angel appears to Baalim and God rebukes him. He tells Balim it was God who was stopping the journey. Baalim is truly moved. Listen to his response in numbers twenty two, verses thirty four and thirty five, Balem said to the Angel of the Lord, I have sinned, for I did not know that you were standing in the way against me. Now, then if it is displeasing to you, I will turn back. But the Angel of the Lord said to Balim, go with the men, but you shall speak only the word which I tell you. So Balim went along with the leaders of Bailack. This strange and supernatural story reminds us of the great lynks God will go in order to get through to us. He sent signs and wonders to Pharaoh, and here a donkey, a talking donkey to Baalim, and ultimately much much more. God wants us to hear from him so much that he sent his son, who is the living word of God. And God has spoken to his son, Jesus Christ perfectly and permanently. It is the relentless pursuit of a God who stops at nothing, even across to bless those that he loves. Balem goes on his way to meet Bailak, and the next time we'll learn what he says. So let's pray. Dear God, thank you for the extraordinary links you go in order to reach us and draw us to you. Thank you for that reminder today in Jesus' name. Amen, Thank you for listening to today's Bible in a Year podcast. I'm Jack Graham from Dallas, Texas. Download thepray dot Com app and make Bible reading and prayer the priority of your life. If you enjoyed this podcast, share it with someone you love because by sharing this podcast, you can make a difference, a big difference, an eternal difference, in someone else's life. And if you want more resources on how to tap into God's power for your life, be sure to visit Jack Graham dot org. God bless you,

Today's story begins as we've become accustomed with israel wandering in search of a new land. This nomadic nation without a home is growing in number. Their mere presence in the area is enough to make some kings nervous. King Baylack of Moab feared that if the Israelites wanted to overthrow his kingdom, he couldn't stop them. He went to the elders of Midian and fill them with the same fear. Beilac knew a military approach wouldn't save him, so he turns to another tactic, to a dark world that's unseen but very real. It's a world that's still very present today, a spiritual world, an invisible world with invisible battles with the unseen forces of good and evil. Beilac intended to engage the evil forces of darkness for his cause. He sends messengers from Moab and Midian with Balim, a soothsayer believed to be able to bring curses on people. They offer him money for his services. Baalem says he must seek out the Hebrew God. So God speaks to Balim and tells him he must not take part in what Baylick is asking of him. It's important to note that it was not Balem who summoned God near, but God who drew near to Baalim. Baalem tells Baylack's men he cannot help them, and this initial refusal only causes Bailak to offer more money. Balem refuses again, though he is tempted by the increased offer. He says he can't go against God, but he asks the men to stick around for the night. This is a move motivated by greed. He's hoping God might just change his mind. So God appears to Baalim and says he can go with these men only if they come looking for him in the morning, and that he's to do only as God instructs. Baalim doesn't listen to God, and the next morning saddles up his donkey to go meet the delegation. Is a very peculiar story. God sends an angel to block Balem's progress on the road. Three times, the donkey sees the angel and steps or veers from the path. Each time, an angry Balem strikes the animal. Finally, God opens the donkey's mouth and Balim carries on a conversation with this animal. Now I have to admit this is a strange and even funny picture as you imagine this exchange, but the topic of conversation is anything but a joke. The donkey sculls Balem for his actions. Then, finally, the angel appears to Baalim and God rebukes him. He tells Balim it was God who was stopping the journey. Baalim is truly moved. Listen to his response in numbers twenty two, verses thirty four and thirty five, Balem said to the Angel of the Lord, I have sinned, for I did not know that you were standing in the way against me. Now, then if it is displeasing to you, I will turn back. But the Angel of the Lord said to Balim, go with the men, but you shall speak only the word which I tell you. So Balim went along with the leaders of Bailack. This strange and supernatural story reminds us of the great lynks God will go in order to get through to us. He sent signs and wonders to Pharaoh, and here a donkey, a talking donkey to Baalim, and ultimately much much more. God wants us to hear from him so much that he sent his son, who is the living word of God. And God has spoken to his son, Jesus Christ perfectly and permanently. It is the relentless pursuit of a God who stops at nothing, even across to bless those that he loves. Balem goes on his way to meet Bailak, and the next time we'll learn what he says. So let's pray. Dear God, thank you for the extraordinary links you go in order to reach us and draw us to you. Thank you for that reminder today in Jesus' name. Amen, Thank you for listening to today's Bible in a Year podcast. I'm Jack Graham from Dallas, Texas. Download thepray dot Com app and make Bible reading and prayer the priority of your life. If you enjoyed this podcast, share it with someone you love because by sharing this podcast, you can make a difference, a big difference, an eternal difference, in someone else's life. And if you want more resources on how to tap into God's power for your life, be sure to visit Jack Graham dot org. God bless you,