The Divine Nature of God is contrasted with human fallibility in Numbers 23:19 . “God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? Behold, I have received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot reverse it."

The above reading was the answer from Balaam, a sorcerer who was commissioned by Balak , the King of Moab, who feared the Hebrews coming through his kingdom to the land of Canaan. Balak wanted Balaam to curse the Hebrews but he was unable to do that. God keeps his Promises!

In biblical context, humans are often depicted as deceitful and sinful. God's nature is inherently truthful and faithful helping us to understand the reliability of God's promises. God will not change His mind. His unchanging nature is exhibited throughout the Old Testament as we see in His consistent deliverance of Israel. When God speaks, His words are powerful and effective. In Isaiah 55:11, He tells us: “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” He keeps His promises!

He is "Neither the son of man, that He should repent," or change His purpose. Man is ignorant and short-sighted; often knows not what will be for the best: and the plan, which he had contrived with his utmost skill is often injurious and must be altered and even relinquished. But God is all-wise. He is knowledgeable of the whole picture or situation in every event and for everyone! Yes, you too!

God has no admixture of evil, no imperfection; nor can He "be tempted with evil." Men have their own corrupt interests to serve; their own gain to study, their own gratification to seek: and when these things cannot be so readily compassed by integrity, recourse is often had to deceitful dealing. It may not always be that a man's word is actually broken; but there is very commonly, in the children of this world, some kind of double dealing to suit a carnal purpose. From all this, and from all approach to this, the Lord is purely free: He can neither deceive nor be deceived.  As followers of Christ, believers are called to emulate God’s truthfulness and faithfulness in their own lives, striving to be people of integrity.

Start your New Year on the right path back to church and to your Beloved Father in Heaven.   Join us on Tuesday January 6 and again on Sunday January 11.  

Happy Birthday to all those celebrating their birthday in January. Among those are: Bob Czech, January 8; Ken Baron on January 11; Joseph Pecoraro, January 13; Nicholas Alexander Silvestre, January 22; and Chris Baron on January 23. We wish all of you a very Happy Birthday and may God grant you all Many Years!

Helen Baron, our coordinator for the food pantry, wants to thank everyone for their generous support in supplying food and money throughout the Holiday season. Many grateful families and individuals, who otherwise would have had an empty table, sat down to a wonderful dinner due to the help provided by those who care. However, the need is persistent so please continue your support and help re-stock the now empty shelves. Thank you for your help.