FIVE SMOOTH STONES - The Five Ascension Gifts in the Heavenly Shepherds Bag

FIVE SMOOTH STONES — The Five Ascension Gifts in the Heavenly Shepherd’s Bag

As we have seen previously, Paul likewise warned to be watchful of ministers rising up from among the brethren who could lead the well-meaning people of God astray. Acts 20:28 “ Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the Church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. 31 Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears .” Balaam had a powerful ministry with the success, or fruit, to go with it. This is why Balak wanted his help. As has already been covered previously in chapters four and fourteen, “There is fruit of the ministry, but also fruit of the minister. The fruit of the minister is the fruit of the spirit.” We need to be diligent about both if we are not to fall into the pitfall of Balaam who sinned, and caused the children of Israel to sin. At any rate, Balaam was a powerful prophet who was in demand to bless and curse, and to release power from God upon the earth. King Balak of the kingdom of Moab was in serious fear of confrontation with Israel who had already defeated Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan. He knew that their success was from the Lord Jehovah, and he could have tried to enter into the blessings of Abraham by blessing Israel, but he wanted Balaam to bring spiritual judgment against their spiritual power and success. Balaam had a weakness in his heart for earthly things, and it was this weakness that set him up for opening the door for the devil to bring influence. We can see this referred to in the book of Job, which states: Job 1:6 “ Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them .” Satan has no direct access to God, and must hitchhike, so-to-speak, upon the words or actions of someone who does have access to God and his main access to us is through the lusts of our hearts. James 1:14 “ But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. ” Balak sent messengers to Balaam asking him to come and curse Israel. Balaam knew what was right

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