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Arguing with an Ass

  • Yahweh opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, 'What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?' Balaam said to the donkey, 'Because you have mocked me, I wish there were a sword in my hand, for now I would have killed you.' The donkey said to Balaam, 'Am I not your donkey, on which you have ridden all your life long until today? Was I ever in the habit of doing so to you?' He said, 'No.' Numbers 22:28 WEB

    Balaam was riding his donkey down the road one day when it suddenly sat down under him and would not get back up. Balaam became angry and started to beat it with his staff, then the donkey started speaking to him. That was when their disagreement started and Balaam found himself arguing with an ass. He overlooked the fact that it was an intelligent donkey, very articulate, and that it was trying to save his life.

    We have all had people in our lives that have became very annoying for unknown reasons. The Lord sometimes uses the strangest people, or apparently even animals to speak to us. These will get under your skin and reveal the real you that you try and hide, but it comes out with a little coaxing.

    Don't start arguing with an ass today. It is quite possible that God is using this to show you what is really inside of you. It is always something in you that causes you to become upset, not them. They simply found your switch. When you resist the temptation to flare up, it will become easier. Just like sandpaper, the ass is there to help polish you up and knock off those rough edges.

    Prayer: Heavenly Father help me deal with the things in my life. Cleanse me from the bad attitudes and help me control my emotions. Make me stable and secure in who I am in You. Help me see the big picture and know that this tiny incident is nothing to be upset about, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.

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34 comments
  • 2
Chris Decker
Chris Decker

Oh my gosh too funny lol.It's good to laugh lol

July 1, 2017
  • 2
Chris Decker
Chris Decker

This message though was timily found that tonight I was upset with someone and I wanted to lash out at them and kept thinking this stuff they are doing has nothing do with them but what's inside of me and God was using things to let me see what was inside of me.Thank you for timily message and love that you made me laugh :).

July 1, 2017
  • 1
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd

Amen, Chris, I think that's often the case when we get upset - we all have "buttons" that, with God's help, get smoothed over in time :)

July 1, 2017
  • 1
Joseph Adams, Jr.
Joseph Adams, Jr.

Amen

July 1, 2017
  • 1
Mari Kaufmann
Mari Kaufmann

Amen

July 1, 2017
  • 2
Tracy Carroll
Tracy Carroll

I pray that this ISN'T a message for what's to come for me today!! LOL  My new roommate is moving in today & he's already a bit annoying. God, please have mercy on us & let this day go smoothly, in the name of Jesus, Amen.  :o)

July 1, 2017
  • 1
Barbara Jackson
Barbara Jackson

Ms. Carroll you gave it to the right one. GOD got you. Be blessed. Pray about it. Put GOD first in all things.

July 1, 2017
  • 1
Stacie Chambers-Franklin
Stacie Chambers-Franklin

Amen!

July 1, 2017
  • 1
Tracy Carroll
Tracy Carroll

Thanks Barbara! You're absolutely right!!  <3

July 2, 2017
  • 1
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd

lol, Tracy, I pray that is not the case, too :)! Praying that you both find peace, harmony and provision in this new arrangement <3!

July 1, 2017
  • 1
David  Earlywine
David Earlywine

Amen 

July 1, 2017
  • 2
Maureen Germain
Maureen Germain

Amen. Thank you Pastor. Father, God, help me to control my emotions at all times! In the mighty name of Jesus.

July 1, 2017
  • 2
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd

Amen, Maureen <3!

July 1, 2017
  • 2
Barbara Jackson
Barbara Jackson

It would have amazed me just to see the animal talking. The logic of GOD, so amazing. GOD used the donkey that was his companion for years. To speak to his heart. But just like we always do instead of listening we struggle with it. Father I thank you for my free will but let that will lead me to your understanding Father GOD. Thank you Pastor for breaking it down for us. Showing the simplicity of the word. All praise and Glory to GOD.

July 1, 2017
  • 1
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd

Haha, that is a good point, Barbara, just seeing it talk is an amazing sign in itself!

July 1, 2017
  • 1
Stacie Chambers-Franklin
Stacie Chambers-Franklin

Amen!

July 1, 2017
  • 1
Jim Jarrell
Jim Jarrell

This is very on time for me. My question is when something is revealed to you and you pray, and no answer comes. What do you do next?

 

July 1, 2017
  • 1
Dion Todd
Dion Todd

We continue on with the last word given until a new one comes...

July 1, 2017
  • 1
Stacie Chambers-Franklin
Stacie Chambers-Franklin

Hmmmm... that's good!

July 1, 2017
  • 1
Michelle  Muff
Michelle Muff

Yes as a counselor helping other people with this problem, and in having it myself, controlling emotions when triggered by someone is a life long goal to pusue. Working on it myself, stop, breathe, pray, prior to opening your mouth is always a good strategy.  I love the prayer, "Make me stable and secure in who I am". Amen in Jesus name I pray. 

July 1, 2017
  • 1
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd

Amen, Michelle, agreed <3!

July 1, 2017
  • 2
Stacie Chambers-Franklin
Stacie Chambers-Franklin

So good, Michelle!!!

Here's the prayer I'm sensing today:

God, please steady my heart. Holy Spirit, quicken me before I respond. Father,  calm my triggers, and make me mindful of my words and reactions. Amen. 

July 1, 2017
  • 1
Deng Tembreza
Deng Tembreza

Amen

July 1, 2017
  • 1
Stacie Chambers-Franklin
Stacie Chambers-Franklin

Ha! One of my children is the sandpaper in my life. I love her to pieces, but she can also bring out the worst in me. This is great reading this morning. I have been praying about being a better parent. As always, thanks Pastor D!

July 1, 2017
  • 1
Lynn Brown
Lynn Brown

This story always make me laugh. God does have a sense of humor along with a good message! Definitely something that is an ongoing process in my life .. to control my emotions, reactions and words when certain people push my buttoms :)

July 1, 2017
  • 1
Carol Pady
Carol Pady

Amen! We always need to be aware that sandpaper people, or things that agravate us may not be from Satan, this may be Abba Father revealing to us that we need to rein in our emotions and grow our ability to tolerate even the most undesireable circumstances or persons.

July 1, 2017
  • 1
Paul Boore
Paul Boore

Amen

July 2, 2017
  • 1
Kay Collinsworth
Kay Collinsworth

Amen

July 1, 2017
  • 1
Rosemary Freitas
Rosemary Freitas

Amen! I needed to hear tthat today in my life . Thank you Pastor Dion. The Lord has really talked  to me thru you! Thank you!!

July 1, 2017
  • 1
Kathy Banfield
Kathy Banfield

Great reminder; I always wished this story could be published as a children's book!

July 1, 2017
  • 1
Diane Symborski✝
Diane Symborski✝

Prayer: Heavenly Father help me deal with the things in my life. Cleanse me from the bad attitudes and help me control my emotions. Make me stable and secure in who I am in You. Help me see the big picture and know that this tiny incident is nothing to be upset about, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen and Amen. <3

 

Pastor thank you for todays devotion. :-)

July 1, 2017
  • 1
Wesley Paulus
Wesley Paulus

AMEN! Pastors prayer, Heavenly Father, help me deal with the things in my life. Cleanse me from the bad attitudes and help me control my emotions. Make me stable and secure in who I am in you. Help me see the big picture and know that this tiny incident is nothing to be upset about, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray Amen!!

July 1, 2017
  • 1
Rose Sicilia
Rose Sicilia

It seems everything I have been praying to the Lord for you do a devotional on it. I do need to control my emotions for it is my downfall. Thank you so very much for this devotional. It hit me where I needed it. May God Bless and protect you and Sylvia always! Amen..

 

July 2, 2017
  • 1
Rosemary Marsh
Rosemary Marsh

Amen. Praise be to God with thanks giving in my heart.I can relate to this quite a number of times.When he has used our dogs and even my husband on a number of occasions.How grateful I am to God for showing me things that should not be in me of acceptable,and showing me and helping me over come in these areas and given me a change of heart.,by his Grace and Mercy.Heavenly Father help me to be teachable at all times,and to accept the changes  that need to be changed yet in my life.

Thank you Pastor Todd for his devotion and prayer. I do like this one about the Donkey.

July 3, 2017