This day with God will be amazing because we are reading His Word which builds integrity in our life. We are more aware of mistakes made, we admit our wrongdoings, and make the necessary adjustments so they won’t happen again. Today, we as we read in Numbers 22, we note that Balak was king of Moab who wanted Balaam to put a curse on the Israelites. Balak was terrified of the Israelites because there numbers were great and their reputation of being a powerful force was growing after the defeat of the Amorites.

Balaam was a person who received hidden knowledge and would use occult power to grant blessings or put curses on people. He lived in Pethor near the Euphrates River and would charge a fee for his services. Balaam went wrong because he used his spiritual gifts to help the unrighteous. He would compromise his own standards of morality and truth, go against God, and accommodate his pagan friends for his own personal gain.

The take away for us is to use our spiritual gifts for God’s purposes. We need to listen to the Lord, do what He says, and be used for His great purpose. I remember one time when I was putting a chair together. I struggled because there was a missing part and everything didn’t line up. When things don’t line up, you don’t have a chance. It’s the same with our life plan. If it doesn’t fit with what God wants, it’s not going to work. Let us make sure our life plan lines up with what God has laid out and we are assured of a finished product of great usefulness.

Lord, in this prayer we are listening to You. Your plan for us is always greater and more beautiful than our own plan. Your standards are high and that is a good thing. You give us the Holy Spirit, grace, and power to help as we listen day by day to gain a life plan that You want us to have. Each day, we get prepared by studying Your Word, praying for direction, and living out the day with a sense of urgency. Amen.