TODAY'S BIBLE READING

OLD TESTAMENT I
Numbers 22:39 - 23:26
In Numbers 22:39-23:26, we see the story of Balak, the king of Moab, who hires Balaam, a diviner, to curse the Israelites who are encamped near his territory. Balak fears that the Israelites will overwhelm his people, and hopes that a curse will weaken them.

In this passage, we see Balaam repeatedly attempt to curse the Israelites, but each time he ends up blessing them instead. This is because God speaks to Balaam and tells him not to curse the Israelites, as they are blessed by God.

Balaam tries to curse the Israelites three times, but each time, he ends up blessing them instead. The first blessing speaks of the Israelites' great numbers, the second speaks of their strength, and the third speaks of their righteousness and their future victory over their enemies.

Balaam also speaks prophetically about the coming of a king who will be greater than any other, who will come from the line of Jacob, which is a clear reference to Jesus.

Overall, this passage shows that God is with the Israelites and blesses them, even in the face of opposition from their enemies. It also foreshadows the coming of Jesus as the ultimate ruler and king.


OLD TESTAMENT II
Proverbs 20:1 - 21:11
In Proverbs 20:1-21:11, Solomon continues to offer practical wisdom for daily living. He warns against drunkenness, which leads to foolishness and strife, and instead encourages sobriety and self-control. He emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity, urging readers to seek righteousness and avoid dishonesty and deceit. He also offers advice on how to manage wealth and relationships, stressing the importance of diligence and generosity. Ultimately, Solomon emphasizes that true success and happiness come from seeking wisdom and following God's ways.

NEW TESTAMENT
Jude 1
The book of Jude is a letter written by Jude, the brother of James and a servant of Jesus Christ. The purpose of the letter is to warn believers about false teachers who have infiltrated the church and are promoting false teachings.

Jude begins by encouraging believers to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. He warns them that certain people have crept in unnoticed and are perverting the grace of God into sensuality and denying Jesus Christ as Lord.

Jude then gives several examples of people who were judged by God for their disobedience, including the angels who rebelled against God, the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, and Cain, who killed his brother Abel.

Jude also warns believers about false teachers who are motivated by greed and desire for power. He calls them "waterless clouds" and "autumn trees without fruit."

Jude encourages believers to build themselves up in the faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, and keep themselves in the love of God. He also instructs them to have mercy on those who doubt, but to rebuke and correct those who are promoting false teachings.

Jude concludes his letter with a doxology, praising God for his ability to keep believers from stumbling and to present them blameless before the presence of his glory. He encourages believers to remain faithful to Jesus Christ and to wait eagerly for his return.