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Daily devotion for today
TOPIC OF OUR DAILY BREAD FOR 19TH JANUARY 2020 IS “WHEN GOD INTERVENES.”
Bible in a Year: Genesis 46–48, Matthew 13:1–30
MEMORISE: Psalm 105:15
Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.
Today’s Scripture & Insight: Numbers 23:13–23 (NIV)
Balaam was a prophet for hire (Numbers 22:7; Deuteronomy 23:4; Joshua 13:22)—a sin that remains prevalent even today. Peter warns of false teachers who “followed the footsteps of Balaam son of Beor, who loved to earn money by doing wrong” (2 Peter 2:15–16 nlt).
Jude likewise warns of ungodly people who abuse their positions and misuse their giftedness for monetary gain (Jude 1:11). And John warns of greedy leaders, who, like Balaam, entice people to commit spiritual adultery and sexual immorality (Revelation 2:14).
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ODB MESSAGE FOR TODAY
In a poem titled “This Child Is Beloved,” Omawumi Efueye, known affectionately as Pastor O, writes about his parents’ attempts to end the pregnancy that would result in his birth. After several unusual events that prevented them from aborting him, they decided to welcome their child instead. The knowledge of God’s preservation of his life motivated Omawumi to give up a lucrative career in favor of full-time ministry. Today, he faithfully pastors a London church.
Like Pastor O, the Israelites experienced God’s intervention at a vulnerable time in their history. While traveling through the wilderness, they came within sight of King Balak of Moab. Terrified of their conquests and their vast population, Balak engaged a seer named Balaam to place a curse on the unsuspecting travelers (Numbers 22:2–6).
But something amazing happened. Whenever Balaam opened his mouth to curse, a blessing issued instead. “I have received a command to bless; he has blessed, and I cannot change it,” he declared. “No misfortune is seen in Jacob, no misery observed in Israel. The Lord their God is with them; . . . God brought them out of Egypt” (Numbers 23:20–22). God preserved the Israelites from a battle they didn’t even know was raging!
Whether we see it or not, God still watches over His people today. May we worship in gratitude and awe the One who calls us blessed.
Reflect & Pray
How often do you stop to consider the daily protection God extends over you? What does the knowledge that He saves you from unseen dangers mean to you?
Father in heaven, forgive us for the many times we take Your care and protection for granted. Give us eyes to see how much You bless us.
Our Daily Bread 19 January 2020 Devotional written by Remi Oyedele Escobarand published by Our Daily Bread Ministries. Read more
