Protecting Associations

Deuteronomy 23:3
“An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the LORD for ever:”

One of the greatest influences on Christianity are your influences. Galatians 5:7 shows this to be true when it says, “Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?” You will notice it isn't a “what” that influences, but it’s a “who.” Your associations will always determine your direction and beliefs.

The Best Child Training Advice

Deuteronomy 6:5
“And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.”

The best child-rearing advice that God gave His people was to get their Christianity settled before they tried to teach them. Parents can tell their children what to do, but their children will not heed unless they are living it themselves. God says in verse 7, “And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” This verse on child rearing comes after the parents settled verse 5. God knew that if they settled what verse 5 teaches, their training would then be done through experience and not by hearsay. There are three things God wants parents to resolve before they start teaching their children.

The Power of Your Word

Numbers 30:2
“If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.”

God dedicated a whole chapter in the Scriptures to show the importance of keeping your vows. When a person gives their word that they are going to do something, God expects them to do it and holds them accountable for what they said. God said that when a person vows a vow,“…he shall not break his word….” God expected the word of His children to be truthful at all times.

Bible Thoughts by Terry Hedderman

Tuesday, 3/29/16  1 Cor 15:3, For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received... You’ve heard and received truth from another, but will anyone else hear you tell the Gospel this week so they could be saved like you? Either learn to and start being a soul winner, or get back to it. And give to missions.          2 Chron 16:9, For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, so shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. God wants to show off in His people’s lives.  1Would you like to see Him do that in your life?  2Will you work on your heart (No, will you let Him work on your heart?)

Mistaken Identity

Numbers 22:5
“He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me:”

Balaam had a problem in this story, and his problem was that Balak thought that he would curse Israel. For some reason, Balaam conducted his ministry in such fashion that they believed he was the perfect preacher to curse Israel. Had he made his positions clear from the beginning, they would have never mistaken him for someone who would curse Israel. Had his actions made clear lines of what he would and would not do, he would not have had to deal with mistaken identity.

You Are a Big Deal ​​

Numbers 16:9

“Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?”

Korah and his followers made a big mistake in thinking that their position wasn't big enough. Korah was a Levite, and his duty was to help in the tabernacle. This was a big deal! Yet, he and his followers complained to Moses and Aaron that they were taking “too much”upon them. They wanted more power and position. They wanted to be able to do what Moses and Aaron were doing instead of taking care of their position.

I’m Not the Issue

Numbers 11:29
“And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD'S people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!”

Israel had once again complained about God’s treatment of them. They were tired of the manna that God gave them daily, and they complained to Moses that they wanted something else. It was after God dealt with this issue that He allowed His Spirit to rest upon the seventy elders. When God’s Spirit rested upon them, they began to prophesy in the camp.