Balaam
March 18
Numbers 22:34-38, 23:1-8
Bless you!
The angel of the Lord stopped Balaam while he was on his way to the king of Moab. He said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but say only what I tell you to say.” So Balaam went with them to meet King Balak.
When Balaam got there, he told the king that he would only speak the words God put in his mouth.
The next morning, the king took Balaam to a place where he could see the people of Israel. Balaam went alone to the top of a hill where the Lord told him what to say. Then Balaam went back down to the king.
“Put a curse on the Israelites now!” the king demanded. But instead, Balaam started to speak words of blessing on God’s people!
Can the words we say really bless someone?
Sometimes people say, “Bless you!” and you may wonder if those words really mean anything, or if it is just a nice thing to say. One thing is sure; words are very powerful and can even change someone’s life. When we say “bless you” (and mean it), we are actually asking God to bless that person, because only He can send real blessing into someone’s life.
God’s blessing is His special favor and kindness. It is also His protection and a feeling of closeness to Him. God loves to bless people because He is good and kind (Psalm 145:9).
Just as bad, unkind words can hurt and bring misery to people, so words of blessing can be an encouragement and can heal sad and lonely hearts. You can go around spreading as many blessings as you want because God’s supply of blessings will never run out!
Verse for today
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Ephesians 1:3
