“And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab. And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods. And Israel joined himself unto Baal-peor: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel.” Numbers 25:1-3

When Balaam would not curse the people of Israel for Balak, King of Moab (see Numbers, chapters 22-24), Balak, apparently at the counsel of Balaam, used another method to bring God’s curse upon Israel — he sent his young women to seduce the men of Israel to commit sexual acts with them and to lure the men of Israel to join in their pagan worship. Christians and Christian pastors need to be aware that the world still uses such tactics of Satan today to destroy ministries and churches.

Preserve me, O God, from the temptations and allurements of this world and grant that I hold fast to Christ and His Word and continue in the true faith unto life everlasting. Amen.

[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13

It is our nature to hide our sins and cover them up, but it is far better to confess our sins to the LORD God, forsake them, and partake of His mercy and forgiveness in Christ Jesus, our Savior. The Bible teaches us, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” because of Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice on the cross for the sins of all (1 John 1:8-9; cf. 2:1-2; Psalm 32).

I have sinned against You, O God, and am worthy of Your wrath and punishment. Forgive my sins, cleanse my heart, and lead me in Your ways for the sake of Messiah Jesus, Your Son, and my only Savior. Amen.

[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]

“He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.” Proverbs 28:9

People imagine that God is pleased with everyone’s prayers, but the truth is that one’s prayers are an abomination to God if he does not hear and heed God’s Word, repent of his sins, and trust in Jesus and His cross for pardon and forgiveness. God accepts prayer only for the sake of Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice for our sins; therefore, the prayers of those who do not trust in Christ Jesus are an abomination to Him.

Hear my prayer, O God, for the sake of Jesus Christ and His blood shed on the cross for my sins. Give me a penitent heart and faith in the atoning sacrifice of Your dear Son and my Savior. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]

“They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.” Proverbs 28:4

We see this today as our leaders and people who have forsaken God’s Word defend and praise those who do evil. But those who hear God’s Word and live according to it contend with evildoers, seeking to show them the error of their ways and lead them to repentance and faith in Christ Jesus, God’s Son and mankind’s only Savior.

Grant that I hear and heed Your Word, O God, and repent of my sinful ways, looking in faith to Messiah Jesus and His atoning sacrifice for my sins; and give me boldness to openly confess the truth revealed in Your Word that others, too, might see the error of their ways and return unto You. Amen.

[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]

“Wherefore the king hearkened not unto the people; for the cause was from the LORD, that he might perform his saying, which the LORD spake by Ahijah the Shilonite unto Jeroboam the son of Nebat.” 1 Kings 12:15

In 1 Kings 11-12, God executed judgment because of the idolatry and wickedness of King Solomon. To fulfill His words, God moved King Rehoboam to listen to the foolish counsel of his younger advisers and not lighten the burden Solomon had placed on the people. As a result, the northern tribes of Israel rebelled and the kingdom was divided. God, because of the sins of a nation and its rulers, may at times raise up evil and foolish rulers in order to execute His judgments upon them.

O God, have mercy upon us as a nation, pardon our wickedness and sin, and grant to us rulers who will lead in accord with Your commandments. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]