Audrey and I went to another country on one occasion. I had a distinct impression that the spiritual power in that place did not like our coming there. But we were in the Lord's will and minding our own business. If this had not been the case I think we would have experienced trouble of some kind.

We really should avoid being presumptuous!

The "mixed multitude" in the Christian churches are ready to attack the fallen lords of darkness, formerly angels of the highest rank in Heaven. Such men do not understand against whom they are speaking abusively. But what they do understand from their animal instincts, such as adultery and fornication—these are the behaviors that destroy them.

Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. (Jude 1:11)

The way of Cain is that of jealousy because God is blessing someone besides you. This kind of jealousy results in a murderous slander and gossip. It is very common in Christian churches.

Cain was arrogant. If he had asked God how he could improve his offering, God would have been more than happy to show him what to do. Instead Cain reacted in an arrogant rage. He fumed about this "injustice" until he finally was driven to murder.

The way of Balaam is that of the love of money. It is common in the churches. The idea is to use your gift to make money.

Riches are deceitful. Balaam heard clearly from God the first time. But the prospect of riches deceived Balaam into going back to God a second time. Of course, God, who expects to be obeyed the first time He speaks, told Balaam to go ahead and get his gold.

Because the spirit of prophecy in Balaam would not permit him to curse Israel, Balaam counseled Balak to send out the dancing girls where the Israelite warriors could see them. God then sent a plague on Israel because of the resulting fornication.

Thus Balaam was deceived by the desire for money and brought the curse of God on himself. Even today we have preaching in Charismatic churches that we should use Christ to gain material wealth. This type of person will be judged severely when the Lord returns with His saints.

Balaam finally was killed by Israelite warriors—a fitting end for a man with a tremendous spiritual gift who tried to use it to make money.

In addition to those slain in battle, the Israelites had put to the sword Balaam son of Beor, who practiced divination. (Joshua 13:22—NIV)

The way of Korah is that of rebellion against God-given authority. Often God places people in authority over us, in the church or elsewhere, that we despise. We can see all their faults. We cannot understand why they should be telling us what to do.

Korah was of the family of Kohath, the descendant of Levi, as was true also of Miriam, Moses, and Aaron. Korah could not understand why Moses and Aaron should be telling him what he could and could not do.

The Bible tells us authority comes from God.

No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt a man. But it is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another. (Psalms 75:6,7—NIV)

To be continued.