Heard That Israel Was Advancing

It’s Thanksgiving Week! The time for family and great food. But it isn’t all turkey and pumpkin pie. When you get a large group together you may have bickering or squabbling.

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Our home group did a study called, “The Flag Page Solution.” It is part of Mark Gungor’s “Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage.”

The “Flag Page” list 4 “countries:” 1) Perfect, 2) Peace, 3) Control, and 4) Fun. We all have 2 dominate “countries” where we live.

I live in “Perfect” and “Peace.” But my family is in all 4 countries. I want everything “Perfect.” Others just want to have “Fun.” Those who live in “Control” country want to plan everything. You can tell when someone lives mainly in “Peace” country. They are the ones who say, “Can’t we all just get along?”

No matter what our dominate country is, we all have the same responsibility. We choose how we react.

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In Numbers 21, two kings felt threatened. Their reactions cost them everything.

The first king started a war based on what he heard.

Numbers 21:1-3, “The Canaanite king of Arad, ruling in the Negev, heard that Israel was advancing up the road to Atharim. He attacked Israel and took prisoners of war. (2) Israel vowed a vow to God; ‘If you will give this people into our power, we’ll destroy their towns and present the ruins to you as holy destruction.’ (3) God listened to Israel’s prayer and gave them the Canaanites. They destroyed both them and their towns, a holy destruction.” The Message

The second king refused passage through his land.

Numbers 21:21-24, “Israel sent emissaries to Sihon, king of the Amorites, saying, (22) ‘Let us cross your land. We won’t trespass into your fields or drink water in your vineyards. We’ll keep to the main road, the King’s road, until we’re through your land.’ (23) But Sihon wouldn’t let Israel go through. Instead he got his army together and marched into the wilderness to fight Israel. At Jahaz he attacked Israel. (24) But Israel fought hard, beat him soundly, and took possession of his land…” The Message

At Thanksgiving, you will hear thoughtless comments. And your family will crowd your personal space. But, if you react, you will lose everything.

Do you have any secret ways you keep the peace at family dinners? Would you mind sharing them? Please?

#bible