Baalam

I could never understand Why the Lord said what he did about Baalam when upon reading in Revelation 2:14But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling-block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. When did he do this? It appears that God had tole him not to curse Israel since God had blessed Israel and it would do no good to curse them-It appeared as if this prophet was a good guy and did as God asked. Plus the scripture with the donkey in Numbers 22. Baalam acts like he is on the "Lord's side."
Today I learned three things concerning him. He may have acted outwardly righteous at following what God wanted, but underneath, behind the scenes of which the account in numbers does not appear that I can find to really give us detail of. (Genesis 3:1 suitability)
1. 2 Peter 2:15 He desired personal gain. He wanted what Balak had offered.
2. Jude 1:11 Even when he did right it was as an hireling.
3.Back to Revelation 2:14 His doctrine was to do whatever he could to get that reward. So behind the scenes he counseled Balak to bring the Israelite into fornication and eating things sacrificed to idols so that god would have to judge and destroy them.

Raccoon

Last night my son was reading on the couch when he heard what he thought was a mouse behind him. He looked over the top and saw nothing. he could still hear the scratch, scratch coming from behind the sofa. to him it sounded like one of our two dogs wanting in the sliding glass window door. Both of our dogs-Duncan and Winchester were inside in my older daughter's room with her. Checking closer since he concluded he was not imagining the whole thing, my son could see a raccoon scratching just like our pets-acting like he wanted to come in and be one of them. My son said this was "creepy." He woke up my husband who went out and saw the weird event for himself. This morning my husband told all of us. I thought it was pretty funny and cool. One daughter thought it was scary. The other said,"weird" like my DH. Maybe it was mad scientists and lab work, but I think it may be do to the special bird ,feed I put out on the porch which contains corn, peanuts, berries, etc. To me these are the extra things that make life even more exciting. "The Upside" of life.