II Kings 4:18 ¶ And when the child was grown, it fell on a day, that he went out to his father to the reapers.
19 And he said unto his father, My head, my head. And he said to a lad, Carry him to his mother.
20 And when he had taken him, and brought him to his mother, he sat on her knees till noon, and then died.
21 And she went up, and laid him on the bed of the man of God, and shut the door upon him, and went out.
22 And she called unto her husband, and said, Send me, I pray thee, one of the young men, and one of the asses, that I may run to the man of God, and come again.
23 And he said, Wherefore wilt thou go to him to day? it is neither new moon, nor sabbath. And she said, It shall be well.
24 Then she saddled an ass, and said to her servant, Drive, and go forward; slack not thy riding for me, except I bid thee.
25 So she went and came unto the man of God to mount Carmel. And it came to pass, when the man of God saw her afar off, that he said to Gehazi his servant, Behold, yonder is that Shunammite:
26 Run now, I pray thee, to meet her, and say unto her, Is it well with thee? is it well with thy husband? is it well with the child? And she answered, It is well.
27 And when she came to the man of God to the hill, she caught him by the feet: but Gehazi came near to thrust her away. And the man of God said, Let her alone; for her soul is vexed within her: and the LORD hath hid it from me, and hath not told me.
28 Then she said, Did I desire a son of my lord? did I not say, Do not deceive me?
29 Then he said to Gehazi, Gird up thy loins, and take my staff in thine hand, and go thy way: if thou meet any man, salute him not; and if any salute thee, answer him not again: and lay my staff upon the face of the child.
30 And the mother of the child said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And he arose, and followed her.
31 And Gehazi passed on before them, and laid the staff upon the face of the child; but there was neither voice, nor hearing. Wherefore he went again to meet him, and told him, saying, The child is not awaked.
32 And when Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, and laid upon his bed.
33 He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto the LORD.
34 And he went up, and lay upon the child, and put his mouth upon his mouth, and his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands: and he stretched himself upon the child; and the flesh of the child waxed warm.
35 Then he returned, and walked in the house to and fro; and went up, and stretched himself upon him: and the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes.
36 And he called Gehazi, and said, Call this Shunammite. So he called her. And when she was come in unto him, he said, Take up thy son.
37 Then she went in, and fell at his feet, and bowed herself to the ground, and took up her son, and went out.
This is a post about Mother's day. The outline for the passage follows.
A great woman.
A. Cares for the man of God.
B. Blessed by God's man.
C. Had faith that God could work a miracle in "her" life.
D. Saw the results of God working in "her" life.
The first thing we can see about her is that she worked through her husband.
Showing posts with label devotion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label devotion. Show all posts
Friday, May 21, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
God is not Guilty
This is not an origial idea. I heard a great preacher preach a message with the same title as my post. Think about the statement though. Most of us want to blame God for bad things that happen in our lives. We ask, "God, why did you treat me this way?" We need to realize that God is not guilty. Job had this attitude. When bad things started happening to Job, he said he was not going to charge God with being guilty. His statement about God giving and God taking away is still true today. Job didn't realize that Satan was the one doing the actual harm, and that God was just allowing it to happen. Hey, God is not guilty. Another instance of this in the Bible is when David lost the son he had had with Bathsheba. David prayed for the baby until he knew the baby had died, then he got up and stopped mourning. He said he was hoping for God's mercy, but it was God's decision. God was not guilty, and David didn't blame Him. Jonah and Elijah both blamed God for their problems and God almost immediately ended their ministries. God is not guilty. God knows what is best for each of us, and that is what He will arrange to happen, even if it is some form of punishment. We must all learn not to foolishly blame God for our problems.
Friday, February 26, 2010
God is good.
God is always good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He never makes a mistake. Often we tend to blame God for things, and to have a bad attitude about what He is doing in our lives. God is still good. Many people in the Bible had attitudes that were bad toward God, but God was still good.
Jonah was God's man, but he went away from God, and ended up in a whale's belly. God was still being good to Jonah. Not only was God being good to Jonah, God was also being good to a whole city full of people who needed to be saved. Hey, God is always good.
Jonah was God's man, but he went away from God, and ended up in a whale's belly. God was still being good to Jonah. Not only was God being good to Jonah, God was also being good to a whole city full of people who needed to be saved. Hey, God is always good.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
This is the day.
Exodus 18:13 ¶ And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening.
14 And when Moses' father in law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even?
15 And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to enquire of God:
16 When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.
17 And Moses' father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good.
18 Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.
19 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:
20 And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.
21 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:
22 And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.
23 If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace.
24 So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father in law, and did all that he had said.
25 And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.
26 And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves.
27 And Moses let his father in law depart; and he went his way into his own land.
There are several things we can learn from this passage.
1. We are not the only ones who can do anything. Moses seemed to think that he was the only one capable of rendering judgment.
2. We can wear ourselves out by trying to do too much. Sometimes we take on too much, and this can really hurt us in the long run.
3. Some things we do are more important than others. Moses' most important job was talking to God.
4. We need to listen to good counsel. Moses' father in law was concerned, and because of his concern, he gave sound advice.
5. We need to balance things in our lives. Have you read your Bible today? Then why are you watching the news, or playing on the internet? Have you prayed today? Then why is the sports score important? A balance is necessary for living for the Lord. Moses had to learn about a balance, and we need to learn to be balanced as well.
14 And when Moses' father in law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even?
15 And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to enquire of God:
16 When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.
17 And Moses' father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good.
18 Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.
19 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:
20 And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.
21 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:
22 And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.
23 If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace.
24 So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father in law, and did all that he had said.
25 And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.
26 And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves.
27 And Moses let his father in law depart; and he went his way into his own land.
There are several things we can learn from this passage.
1. We are not the only ones who can do anything. Moses seemed to think that he was the only one capable of rendering judgment.
2. We can wear ourselves out by trying to do too much. Sometimes we take on too much, and this can really hurt us in the long run.
3. Some things we do are more important than others. Moses' most important job was talking to God.
4. We need to listen to good counsel. Moses' father in law was concerned, and because of his concern, he gave sound advice.
5. We need to balance things in our lives. Have you read your Bible today? Then why are you watching the news, or playing on the internet? Have you prayed today? Then why is the sports score important? A balance is necessary for living for the Lord. Moses had to learn about a balance, and we need to learn to be balanced as well.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
This is the day.
It has been a while.
Thanksgiving, What a wonderful time of year! Here are some thoughts on the subject, and then some verses that go along with the thoughts.
Thanksgiving.
Nehemiah 12:44 ¶ And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited.
45 And both the singers and the porters kept the ward of their God, and the ward of the purification, according to the commandment of David, and of Solomon his son.
46 For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God.
Mayflower Compact.
In the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord, King James, by the Grace of God, of England, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, e&. Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia; do by these presents, solemnly and mutually in the Presence of God and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better Ordering and Preservation, and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid; And by Virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions and Offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the General good of the Colony; unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. In Witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape Cod the eleventh of November, in the Reign of our Sovereign Lord, King James of England, France and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Domini, 1620."
America is not a thankful nation.
Our thanks should be directed toward God.
There are two steps that I would like to look at about thankfulness.
I. Recognize who you are. You and I are insufficient.
A. Notice the different attitudes of the people who left Christ, and those who stayed.
It seems that the ones who left had the attitude of, “I am healed.”
The others had the attitude of, “I was a leper, or I was possessed.
B. Focusing on yourself will produce an attitude of pity, anger, and will render you useless.
Elijah--one of the most powerful prophets.
Jonah--preached possibly the greatest salvation meeting ever.
II. Realize Who God is. God is all-sufficient.
A. Seeing who God is will change your life.
1. Produces worship. Both people fell down before Jesus. Look at Isaiah 6.
2. Makes you realize you are nobody. Again Isaiah 6. The maniac was completely willing to give his life up to go with Jesus.
3. Makes you desire to witness. The maniac went out and told everybody.
B. Seeing who God is will make you come back to Him with an attitude of thankfulness.
The leper came back and thanked Jesus.
The maniac was so grateful that he wanted to stay with Jesus,but(even though he didn’t get his way) instead went and reached a whole area with God’s message.
Matthew 8:28 ¶ And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.
29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
30 And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding.
31 So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine.
32 And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.
33 And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils.
34 And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.
Mark 5: 1 ¶ And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.
2 And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,
15 And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.
16 And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine.
17 And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.
18 And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him.
19 Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.
20 And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.
Luke 17:11 ¶ And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.
12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:
13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.
14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.
15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,
16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.
17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?
18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.
19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.
Jonah 4: 1 ¶ But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry.
2 And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O LORD, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil.
3 Therefore now, O LORD, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live.
4 Then said the LORD, Doest thou well to be angry?
5 ¶ So Jonah went out of the city, and sat on the east side of the city, and there made him a booth, and sat under it in the shadow, till he might see what would become of the city.
6 And the LORD God prepared a gourd, and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shadow over his head, to deliver him from his grief. So Jonah was exceeding glad of the gourd.
7 But God prepared a worm when the morning rose the next day, and it smote the gourd that it withered.
8 And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, It is better for me to die than to live.
11 And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?
I Kings 19:10 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.
14 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.
18 Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.
Psalm 50:7 ¶ Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against thee: I am God, even thy God.
8 I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices or thy burnt offerings, to have been continually before me.
9 I will take no bullock out of thy house, nor he goats out of thy folds.
10 For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.
11 I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.
12 If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.
13 Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats?
14 Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:
15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou
Thanksgiving, What a wonderful time of year! Here are some thoughts on the subject, and then some verses that go along with the thoughts.
Thanksgiving.
Nehemiah 12:44 ¶ And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited.
45 And both the singers and the porters kept the ward of their God, and the ward of the purification, according to the commandment of David, and of Solomon his son.
46 For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God.
Mayflower Compact.
In the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord, King James, by the Grace of God, of England, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, e&. Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia; do by these presents, solemnly and mutually in the Presence of God and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better Ordering and Preservation, and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid; And by Virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions and Offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the General good of the Colony; unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. In Witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape Cod the eleventh of November, in the Reign of our Sovereign Lord, King James of England, France and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Domini, 1620."
America is not a thankful nation.
Our thanks should be directed toward God.
There are two steps that I would like to look at about thankfulness.
I. Recognize who you are. You and I are insufficient.
A. Notice the different attitudes of the people who left Christ, and those who stayed.
It seems that the ones who left had the attitude of, “I am healed.”
The others had the attitude of, “I was a leper, or I was possessed.
B. Focusing on yourself will produce an attitude of pity, anger, and will render you useless.
Elijah--one of the most powerful prophets.
Jonah--preached possibly the greatest salvation meeting ever.
II. Realize Who God is. God is all-sufficient.
A. Seeing who God is will change your life.
1. Produces worship. Both people fell down before Jesus. Look at Isaiah 6.
2. Makes you realize you are nobody. Again Isaiah 6. The maniac was completely willing to give his life up to go with Jesus.
3. Makes you desire to witness. The maniac went out and told everybody.
B. Seeing who God is will make you come back to Him with an attitude of thankfulness.
The leper came back and thanked Jesus.
The maniac was so grateful that he wanted to stay with Jesus,but(even though he didn’t get his way) instead went and reached a whole area with God’s message.
Matthew 8:28 ¶ And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.
29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
30 And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding.
31 So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine.
32 And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters.
33 And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils.
34 And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.
Mark 5: 1 ¶ And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.
2 And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,
15 And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.
16 And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine.
17 And they began to pray him to depart out of their coasts.
18 And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him.
19 Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.
20 And he departed, and began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him: and all men did marvel.
Luke 17:11 ¶ And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.
12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:
13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.
14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.
15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,
16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.
17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?
18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.
19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.
Jonah 4: 1 ¶ But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry.
2 And he prayed unto the LORD, and said, I pray thee, O LORD, was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil.
3 Therefore now, O LORD, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live.
4 Then said the LORD, Doest thou well to be angry?
5 ¶ So Jonah went out of the city, and sat on the east side of the city, and there made him a booth, and sat under it in the shadow, till he might see what would become of the city.
6 And the LORD God prepared a gourd, and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shadow over his head, to deliver him from his grief. So Jonah was exceeding glad of the gourd.
7 But God prepared a worm when the morning rose the next day, and it smote the gourd that it withered.
8 And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, It is better for me to die than to live.
11 And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?
I Kings 19:10 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.
14 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.
18 Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.
Psalm 50:7 ¶ Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against thee: I am God, even thy God.
8 I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices or thy burnt offerings, to have been continually before me.
9 I will take no bullock out of thy house, nor he goats out of thy folds.
10 For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.
11 I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.
12 If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.
13 Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats?
14 Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:
15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Isaiah 55
Chapter 55
1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
2 Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.
3 Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.
Acts 13:34
4 Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.
5 Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.
6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
10
For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:
11 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.
12 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.
So much in here. Come ye that thirst (Jesus is the water of life).v.1 How often our labors are in vain. v.2 Look unto Jesus (while He may be found). v.6 God will pardon those who come to Him. v.7 God's thoughts and ways are far abov ours. v.8-9 God's Word will not return void. v. 10-11 The people of God will be blessed. v. 12-13 This is really a self explanitory chapter, but oh how full it is!!
1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
2 Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.
3 Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.
Acts 13:34
4 Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.
5 Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.
6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
10
For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:
11 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.
12 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.
So much in here. Come ye that thirst (Jesus is the water of life).v.1 How often our labors are in vain. v.2 Look unto Jesus (while He may be found). v.6 God will pardon those who come to Him. v.7 God's thoughts and ways are far abov ours. v.8-9 God's Word will not return void. v. 10-11 The people of God will be blessed. v. 12-13 This is really a self explanitory chapter, but oh how full it is!!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
This is the day.
1Samuel 26:21 Then said Saul, I have sinned: return, my son David: for I will no more do thee harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly.
How often do we act like fools? I know that sometimes I act foolishly, like Saul, by making a rash decision based on false information. How aweful it is that we think thoughts that are off base, and that we act upon those bad thoughts in a way that is not pleasing to God. Our foolishness will not only hurt our lives, but it will also effect the lives of others. Saul admitted that he was acting like a fool, when will we admit that we are acting the same way.?
How often do we act like fools? I know that sometimes I act foolishly, like Saul, by making a rash decision based on false information. How aweful it is that we think thoughts that are off base, and that we act upon those bad thoughts in a way that is not pleasing to God. Our foolishness will not only hurt our lives, but it will also effect the lives of others. Saul admitted that he was acting like a fool, when will we admit that we are acting the same way.?
Thursday, October 22, 2009
This is the day.
Deuteronomy 9:4 Speak not thou in thine heart, after that the LORD thy God hath cast them out from before thee, saying, For my righteousness the LORD hath brought me in to possess this land: but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD doth drive them out from before thee.
Sometimes we tend to make people more than they really are. This passage is very enlightening. Here we are told that the blessings of God on these people are due not to their righteousness (see Isaiah 64:6), but it was rather because of the extreme wickedness of others. Sometimes we see people getting spiritual victories and think that they must really be something because they are gettin ahead. God may just be exposing the extreme wickedness of those around them, and they shine due to the fact that they aren't so bad. We need to be wary of having the attitude that God is blessing us because we are doing so much for Him. He can use a prophet who has a bad attitude, and hates the people that he is preachin to, to preach a message that sees over 100,000 souls repent.(Jonah) So let's remember, God doesn't need us, He simply chooses to use us. Thank God for His mercy toward me.
Are YOU a Christian?
Sometimes we tend to make people more than they really are. This passage is very enlightening. Here we are told that the blessings of God on these people are due not to their righteousness (see Isaiah 64:6), but it was rather because of the extreme wickedness of others. Sometimes we see people getting spiritual victories and think that they must really be something because they are gettin ahead. God may just be exposing the extreme wickedness of those around them, and they shine due to the fact that they aren't so bad. We need to be wary of having the attitude that God is blessing us because we are doing so much for Him. He can use a prophet who has a bad attitude, and hates the people that he is preachin to, to preach a message that sees over 100,000 souls repent.(Jonah) So let's remember, God doesn't need us, He simply chooses to use us. Thank God for His mercy toward me.
Are YOU a Christian?
This is the day. for 10/21
Deuteronomy 8:17 And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth
What a sad, yet true, picture of America today. Everywhere we look we see so many "self-made men/women" who do not realize that they are only breathing because of the grace and mercy of God. God is the one who allows life to begin, and He controls when life ends, yet so many people are idolized because of their so-caled success. We, as Christians, must avoid these thoughts and attitudes that "we" are the successful ones, and must relize that without God we are nothing.
Are YOU a Christian?
What a sad, yet true, picture of America today. Everywhere we look we see so many "self-made men/women" who do not realize that they are only breathing because of the grace and mercy of God. God is the one who allows life to begin, and He controls when life ends, yet so many people are idolized because of their so-caled success. We, as Christians, must avoid these thoughts and attitudes that "we" are the successful ones, and must relize that without God we are nothing.
Are YOU a Christian?
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
This is the day.
Deuteronomy 8:14 Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage;
Here is a real problem for most of us. We tend to be lifted up, or proud, about who we have become, and forget to consider Who it was that brought us to where we are. God, just like with the children of Israel, brought us out of bondage. Ours was a spiritual bondage, and a pitiful state it was too. Fear, doubt, anger, worry, depression, and so many other things plaged the life. However, God stepped in and with His great power, and by His wonderful grace, broke the chains of that bondage, and released us to a glorious freedom, that is described as the "peace that passeth all understanding." How could we then be so lifted up in pride as to forget what God did for us, and to have an attitude like we have done everything all by ourselves? May God help us to be humble, and honest about who we are, and about where we have come from!!
Here is a real problem for most of us. We tend to be lifted up, or proud, about who we have become, and forget to consider Who it was that brought us to where we are. God, just like with the children of Israel, brought us out of bondage. Ours was a spiritual bondage, and a pitiful state it was too. Fear, doubt, anger, worry, depression, and so many other things plaged the life. However, God stepped in and with His great power, and by His wonderful grace, broke the chains of that bondage, and released us to a glorious freedom, that is described as the "peace that passeth all understanding." How could we then be so lifted up in pride as to forget what God did for us, and to have an attitude like we have done everything all by ourselves? May God help us to be humble, and honest about who we are, and about where we have come from!!
This is the day. for 10/19
Deuteronomy 8:5 Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee.
Sometimes we as Christians think that we have gotten away with things, and if we read this verse, (at first glance) it would appear that we are able to. You see a man cannot always catch his children when they do wrong. However, understanding that God is all-knowing, we soon realize that not only can we not get by with things, but also that God will chasten us for the sins that we commit. It is a solemn thought indeed to realize that God knows everything we do, and that He will punish us for each of those things. Let us consider that carefully as we live each day. May each day be for God's honor and glory rather than for our own fleshly endeavors.
Sometimes we as Christians think that we have gotten away with things, and if we read this verse, (at first glance) it would appear that we are able to. You see a man cannot always catch his children when they do wrong. However, understanding that God is all-knowing, we soon realize that not only can we not get by with things, but also that God will chasten us for the sins that we commit. It is a solemn thought indeed to realize that God knows everything we do, and that He will punish us for each of those things. Let us consider that carefully as we live each day. May each day be for God's honor and glory rather than for our own fleshly endeavors.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
This is the day. for 10/16
Deuteronomy 8:2 And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.
Does it seem like sometimes things in your life are not what they should be? The children of Israel wondered forty years in the wilderness, because God was proving their loyalty to Him. During that time every one who was twenty or older at the beginning of the treck died, except for Joshua and Caleb. Each new child that was born, and all of the people who were twenty or under at the beginning had to be proved over that period of time to show their hearts toward God. Each of these people had to be endowed with a humble attitude toward God. When God is dealing with us, we can do one of two things, we can either become proud, and rebel against God, or we can be humble and let God lead us in the way that we should go. Our reaction will determine whether or not God can use us. I think I would rather be humble. May God always find me useful for Him!
Does it seem like sometimes things in your life are not what they should be? The children of Israel wondered forty years in the wilderness, because God was proving their loyalty to Him. During that time every one who was twenty or older at the beginning of the treck died, except for Joshua and Caleb. Each new child that was born, and all of the people who were twenty or under at the beginning had to be proved over that period of time to show their hearts toward God. Each of these people had to be endowed with a humble attitude toward God. When God is dealing with us, we can do one of two things, we can either become proud, and rebel against God, or we can be humble and let God lead us in the way that we should go. Our reaction will determine whether or not God can use us. I think I would rather be humble. May God always find me useful for Him!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
This is the day. for 10/3-10/15
Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12 ¶ For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
What is the primary purpose of preaching? So much of what is called preaching today is focused on the minds of men, but is this the purpose of preaching? From this passage we can see that the primary focus and instrument of salvation is the heart. The heart is the key to salvation! The heart is also the key to the growth of a Christian. It is pretty clear in the Bible that problems of the mind stem from heart problems.
When people who have the "heart" problem of not being saved, get a change of heart what happens? Their mind changes! The way they thought and felt about things in their lives changed. The Bible says that old things pass away, and all things become new.
What about when a person is not yet saved? Many people focus on changing their minds about sin, but we can clearly see that the heart is the key to salvation. Belief and repentance come from the heart. Many souls have been led to an alter and led through a profession based on their thoughts that they needed to change, but have come away from the altar the same as when they went down on their knees because their heart was not in it.
What about when a Christian has trouble? Some Christians go through "mental" problems such as depression and anxiety. Why? Saul in the Old Testament seemed to go through a tough mental struggle, but what was actually happening was that his heart was not right with God. We see the mental struggle of dealing with the flesh in Paul's life in Romans, but he soon tells us that his problem is acutally a spiritual problem. Even Jesus in Gathsemane seemed to go through a mental stuggle, but His struggle was really about the spiritual issue of becoming sin for us.
My surmising is this: Is preaching about the mind or the heart? So many men try to incorporate pshycology, and the dealing with the mind into preaching, but is this the focus? God's Word shows us that the heart is what is dealt with in preaching, and I honestly believe that in so many circles that is why "preaching" seems to accomplish so little today. The focus is on the wrong area. God would focus on the heart, not on the mind.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12 ¶ For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
What is the primary purpose of preaching? So much of what is called preaching today is focused on the minds of men, but is this the purpose of preaching? From this passage we can see that the primary focus and instrument of salvation is the heart. The heart is the key to salvation! The heart is also the key to the growth of a Christian. It is pretty clear in the Bible that problems of the mind stem from heart problems.
When people who have the "heart" problem of not being saved, get a change of heart what happens? Their mind changes! The way they thought and felt about things in their lives changed. The Bible says that old things pass away, and all things become new.
What about when a person is not yet saved? Many people focus on changing their minds about sin, but we can clearly see that the heart is the key to salvation. Belief and repentance come from the heart. Many souls have been led to an alter and led through a profession based on their thoughts that they needed to change, but have come away from the altar the same as when they went down on their knees because their heart was not in it.
What about when a Christian has trouble? Some Christians go through "mental" problems such as depression and anxiety. Why? Saul in the Old Testament seemed to go through a tough mental struggle, but what was actually happening was that his heart was not right with God. We see the mental struggle of dealing with the flesh in Paul's life in Romans, but he soon tells us that his problem is acutally a spiritual problem. Even Jesus in Gathsemane seemed to go through a mental stuggle, but His struggle was really about the spiritual issue of becoming sin for us.
My surmising is this: Is preaching about the mind or the heart? So many men try to incorporate pshycology, and the dealing with the mind into preaching, but is this the focus? God's Word shows us that the heart is what is dealt with in preaching, and I honestly believe that in so many circles that is why "preaching" seems to accomplish so little today. The focus is on the wrong area. God would focus on the heart, not on the mind.
This is the day. for 10/2
Deuteronomy 7:17 If thou shalt say in thine heart, These nations are more than I; how can I dispossess them?
18 Thou shalt not be afraid of them: but shalt well remember what the LORD thy God did unto Pharaoh, and unto all Egypt;
The book of Deuteronomy is a remembering book. Moses here is telling Israel to remember how God had provided for them before, and to learn from those experiences. Remeber what God did for you before. God has not changed. Often we have things in our lives that happen, and we whine and complain about them, but who has changed? It is not God. There are countless masses of men and women in this world that will not realize that they have rebelled against God, or someone He has given authority, one too many times, and that He will not accept them any more for what He once would have allowed them to do. These people are often sad, and miserable in their lives, not even realizing that they have a problem. They will not, however, turn from their ways, give up "their" ambitions, and realize that they can no longer be what they want to be. If only they would let God work in their hearts. He might allow them to actually do something for Him (though not the original work), but so many will go on their own way, and be a curse rather than a blessing, always trying to shipwreck someone else's life. How sad to be out of God's will!!!
18 Thou shalt not be afraid of them: but shalt well remember what the LORD thy God did unto Pharaoh, and unto all Egypt;
The book of Deuteronomy is a remembering book. Moses here is telling Israel to remember how God had provided for them before, and to learn from those experiences. Remeber what God did for you before. God has not changed. Often we have things in our lives that happen, and we whine and complain about them, but who has changed? It is not God. There are countless masses of men and women in this world that will not realize that they have rebelled against God, or someone He has given authority, one too many times, and that He will not accept them any more for what He once would have allowed them to do. These people are often sad, and miserable in their lives, not even realizing that they have a problem. They will not, however, turn from their ways, give up "their" ambitions, and realize that they can no longer be what they want to be. If only they would let God work in their hearts. He might allow them to actually do something for Him (though not the original work), but so many will go on their own way, and be a curse rather than a blessing, always trying to shipwreck someone else's life. How sad to be out of God's will!!!
Monday, October 5, 2009
This is the day. for 10/1
Deuteronomy 6:5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
Deu_6:6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
This is the first of the ten Commandments that God has given us. It is a very sober thought really. How much do we love God? He loves us infinitely, and I am afraid that we often do not return His love in the right way. If we would dedicate our affections to serving Him, He has promised that He will give us manifold blessings. "The world has yet to see what could happen to one man who would give himself wholly to God." This quote from D.L. Moody still stands true today. Would to God that someone would stand up and say, "I'll be that person." It could change this ungodly world in which we live!!! It would definitely change that person's life. Who will be that person?
Deu_6:6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
This is the first of the ten Commandments that God has given us. It is a very sober thought really. How much do we love God? He loves us infinitely, and I am afraid that we often do not return His love in the right way. If we would dedicate our affections to serving Him, He has promised that He will give us manifold blessings. "The world has yet to see what could happen to one man who would give himself wholly to God." This quote from D.L. Moody still stands true today. Would to God that someone would stand up and say, "I'll be that person." It could change this ungodly world in which we live!!! It would definitely change that person's life. Who will be that person?
This is the day. for 9/30
Deuteronomy 5:29 O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!
Listen to the greif of a Holy God! He is longing and yearning for His people to give themselves to Him in complete service. God does not want to have to punish erring children, He would much rather bless the service of those who claim His name. His desire is that we fear Him, and keep His Law. If we would only do that He would bless us and ours forever. What a wonderful God!!
Listen to the greif of a Holy God! He is longing and yearning for His people to give themselves to Him in complete service. God does not want to have to punish erring children, He would much rather bless the service of those who claim His name. His desire is that we fear Him, and keep His Law. If we would only do that He would bless us and ours forever. What a wonderful God!!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
This is the day.
Deuteronomy 4:39 Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else.
Wow! There is only one God! The God of the Bible. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is the only true God. There is no other God. The human race has imagined, and invented, and engineered so many "gods" that it is not even funny. Men have worshiped the sun, and the moon, the stars, and comets. People have bowed down to freshly carved images made from stone and wood, and gold or silver. Generations have prayed to their ancestors, or have gravelled at the feet of some wise man or woman. Countless multitudes have committed suicide, or sacrificed children or other humans to appease the anger of a mountain or various other made up "gods." However, the truth is clear. There is ONE God, and that is the God of the Bible. The God of Creation, Jehovah, El-Shadai, and the many other names that He is called in the Word. He is the only true God, manifesting Himself in three persons, and is the God not only of creation, but also of redemption. His sacrifice on the cross of Calvary has forever settled the sin question. Only His Blood is sufficient to pay the atonement for sin. There is truly only one God!! Do you know Him? He has provided the way for you to be saved. That way is through accepting Jesus Christ as you Saviour.
Wow! There is only one God! The God of the Bible. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is the only true God. There is no other God. The human race has imagined, and invented, and engineered so many "gods" that it is not even funny. Men have worshiped the sun, and the moon, the stars, and comets. People have bowed down to freshly carved images made from stone and wood, and gold or silver. Generations have prayed to their ancestors, or have gravelled at the feet of some wise man or woman. Countless multitudes have committed suicide, or sacrificed children or other humans to appease the anger of a mountain or various other made up "gods." However, the truth is clear. There is ONE God, and that is the God of the Bible. The God of Creation, Jehovah, El-Shadai, and the many other names that He is called in the Word. He is the only true God, manifesting Himself in three persons, and is the God not only of creation, but also of redemption. His sacrifice on the cross of Calvary has forever settled the sin question. Only His Blood is sufficient to pay the atonement for sin. There is truly only one God!! Do you know Him? He has provided the way for you to be saved. That way is through accepting Jesus Christ as you Saviour.
This is the day. for 9/28
Deuteronomy 4:29 But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.
This passage reminds each of us that we should put for an effort. If we live a half-hearted life toward God, and put forth a mediocre effort to serve and trust in Him, the life that we live as a Christian will be shallow, and dull. However, if we seek Him with our whole heart, and we show the world that come-what-may we are going to stick with the stuff and serve God, we will see fruit for our labors, and will experience the blessings of God on our ministries and lives.
This passage reminds each of us that we should put for an effort. If we live a half-hearted life toward God, and put forth a mediocre effort to serve and trust in Him, the life that we live as a Christian will be shallow, and dull. However, if we seek Him with our whole heart, and we show the world that come-what-may we are going to stick with the stuff and serve God, we will see fruit for our labors, and will experience the blessings of God on our ministries and lives.
This is the day. for 9/21-9/25
Deuteronomy 4:9 Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;
Here is a reminder from God's Word to keep our thoughts on spiritual things. We need to watch what we do, and to keep ourselves pure so that we don't forget the important things that God has done for us. If we remember where we have come from, and teach others about where they can be spiritually then we can live a joyful, and fulfilled life before the Lord.
Here is a reminder from God's Word to keep our thoughts on spiritual things. We need to watch what we do, and to keep ourselves pure so that we don't forget the important things that God has done for us. If we remember where we have come from, and teach others about where they can be spiritually then we can live a joyful, and fulfilled life before the Lord.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
This is the day. for 9/18
Deuteronomy 2:30 But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him: for the LORD thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand, as appeareth this day.
What an intersesting passage! Here we see that Sihon was against God's people, and he was trying to discourage them. Even more important is the fact that God let him do this thing, and God even allowed his heart and spirit to get worse so that he would do it. God was trying to teach His people a lesson through this bad circumstance. We must all learn these hard lessons, and it is always a comfort to realize that God is still in complete control!!!!! The main reason that Sihon had risen up against Israel was so that God could tear down Sihon. Sihon would not turn to God, therefore, God allowed Sihon to mess with the wrong nation, and even "encouraged" him to do so. But when the time was right, God stepped in and destroyed Sihon, and allowed His people to go on and live for Him. Problems will come to our lives, but we must always step up, and allow God to direct us so that we may boldly overcome these problems. May God help ME and YOU to be able to do just that with our lives.
What an intersesting passage! Here we see that Sihon was against God's people, and he was trying to discourage them. Even more important is the fact that God let him do this thing, and God even allowed his heart and spirit to get worse so that he would do it. God was trying to teach His people a lesson through this bad circumstance. We must all learn these hard lessons, and it is always a comfort to realize that God is still in complete control!!!!! The main reason that Sihon had risen up against Israel was so that God could tear down Sihon. Sihon would not turn to God, therefore, God allowed Sihon to mess with the wrong nation, and even "encouraged" him to do so. But when the time was right, God stepped in and destroyed Sihon, and allowed His people to go on and live for Him. Problems will come to our lives, but we must always step up, and allow God to direct us so that we may boldly overcome these problems. May God help ME and YOU to be able to do just that with our lives.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)