Righteous Criteria

Righteous Criteria

Genesis 18: ²² Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the Lord. ²³ And Abraham came near and said, “Would You also destroy the righteous with the wicked? ²⁴ Suppose there were fifty righteous within the city; would You also destroy the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous that were in it? ²⁵ Far be it from You to do such a thing as this, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be as the wicked; far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?”

²⁶ So the Lord said, “If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.”

²⁷ Then Abraham answered and said, “Indeed now, I who am but dust and ashes have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord: ²⁸ Suppose there were five less than the fifty righteous; would You destroy all of the city for lack of five?”

So He said, “If I find there forty-five, I will not destroy it.”

²⁹ And he spoke to Him yet again and said, “Suppose there should be forty found there?”

So He said, “I will not do it for the sake of forty.”

³⁰ Then he said, “Let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: Suppose thirty should be found there?”

So He said, “I will not do it if I find thirty there.”

³¹ And he said, “Indeed now, I have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord: Suppose twenty should be found there?”

So He said, “I will not destroy it for the sake of twenty.”

³² Then he said, “Let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak but once more: Suppose ten should be found there?”

And He said, “I will not destroy it for the sake of ten.” ³³ So the Lord went His way as soon as He had finished speaking with Abraham; and Abraham returned to his place.

 

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Abraham recognized that the LORD was going to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah from the cryptic words given by GOD. He was told by GOD that there was a great outcry against Sodom and Gomorra and their sin is very grave. Abraham knew GOD had come to destroy the city, so he began using his bargaining talents that he probably learned while acquiring his wealth.

 

My Observations:

• Abraham started with a very low number, thinking it would be ridiculous to destroy a city if fifty righteous people lived there.
• Abraham suddenly recognized that all of his numbers were too high when it came to finding righteous people in Sodom and Gomorrah.
• GOD’s criteria for righteousness does not match human criteria.

 

Being born with a sin nature makes it hard to see GOD as HE really is. HE hold the criteria for what is righteous and what is not. HE gave Sodom and Gomorrah plenty of time to turn to HIM, but they refused and now HE was going to destroy it.

 

He allowed Abraham to try to bargain with HIM, attempting to convince HIM to not destroy the city.  GOD probably allowed this to show Abraham how far humans would fall and that HE holds the criteria for what is righteous. Abraham was probably concerned about Lot and his family. So he bargained feverishly to no avail.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD allow Abraham to bargain with HIM?
• Have you ever tried to bargain with GOD, trying to convince HIM to give you something?
• Will you align with GOD versus trying to bargain with HIM today?

Repaired and Restored

Repaired and Restored

1 John 3: ⁷ Let no one deceive you, my children! Whoever does what is right is righteous, just as Christ is righteous. ⁸ Whoever continues to sin belongs to the Devil, because the Devil has sinned from the very beginning. The Son of God appeared for this very reason, to destroy what the Devil had done.

 

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Walking up to my car, I noticed I could see in one window better than others. As I walked a little closer, I reasoned that I must have left the window down. But when I reached the car, I found my window had been broken out and my tapes were stolen. Yes, I said tapes.

 

• I wondered why did this happen to “me?”
• I felt a sense of loss that I could not reconcile, so I became angry.
• I had spent years collecting the right music for my moods and now they were all gone!

 

John makes an implied appeal to stay firm in doing what is right according to the LORD. He gave a strong reason, namely the Devil came to steal GOD’s people away from HIM. John explains that JESUS appeared specifically to repair what Satan broke and restore humanity.

 

My Observations:

• At times, the difficulties in life cause me to lose my hope, BUT GOD knows what I go through and always provides a way.
• Troubles in life are placed in front of me and I have to make a choice to continue to serve GOD or fall to my own sins.
• JESUS knew I would choose sin, BUT HE died for me anyway and gave me a way to live forever, in spite of my sins.

 

Being repaired and restored is exciting! I mean, when something that is damaged or stolen is repaired or returned, it is exciting to be the benefactor. Unfortunately, we have an adversary who will not give up as easily. He will keep trying to make you and me lose hope in CHRIST. But there is hope.

 

JESUS sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me so I would not lose hope. HE opens my eyes to see beyond the trouble of the day, so I can keep doing “what is right” for GOD. CHRIST did not die so mankind would be weak, sick and hurt, rather HE was raised from the dead to repair and restore you and me. I am grateful for HIS love!

 

Challenge

• What deception could the writer be talking about?
• Have you ever been tempted to lose hope in JESUS and follow the recommendations of the world?
• Will you keep doing “what is right” as GOD has laid out HIS plan to you so you will remain in union with HIM today and forever?

Full of Courage

Full of Courage

1 John 2: ²⁸ Yes, my children, remain in union with him, so that when he appears we may be full of courage and need not hide in shame from him on the Day he comes. ²⁹ You know that Christ is righteous; you should know, then, that everyone who does what is right is God's child.

 

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Having told the lie, I did not feel confident in answering any questions. I could be tripped up easily because I made up a convenient story that was not consistent with what I was doing at the time.

 

• My mind raced as I tried to think of other lies to support the current lie.
• Blame entered my mind as a possible way out of “my” current lie.
• After a while, I gave up and said “lying is just too hard too hard to keep up.”

 

John wraps up his discussion about remaining in union with CHRIST. He implies that if we remain in union with JESUS, then when HE returns, we will not be ashamed, but full of courage.

 

My Observations:

• Confidence comes from staying with GOD, even when things look terrible.
• Assurance comes from following GOD instead of trying to create my own security blanket.
• Courage comes from doing “what is right” as GOD has defined it, not humans.

 

Sin makes me question GOD’s love for me. I mean, when I sin and something goes terribly wrong, I wonder if it was the sin that caused the pain. Even though I know I am forgiven, I still feel unstable in my relationship with GOD when blatant sin is in the picture. GOD has another way.

 

HE is not placing extreme pressure on us to be perfect. In fact, HE knew we would not follow HIM, yet JESUS died for humanity anyway. But there are times when GOD sees when you and I do “what is right” and gets excited. I am glad GOD can use sinful people to do HIS marvelous works of love.

 

Challenge

• How does the writer try to make the message precious to everyone?
• Have you ever questioned GOD’s love for you?
• Wil you have courage in your relationship with GOD by doing “what is right” so HE can call you HIS child today?

Caring

Caring

1 John 2: I am writing this to you, my children, so that you will not sin; but if anyone does sin, we have someone who pleads with the Father on our behalf—Jesus Christ, the righteous one. ² And Christ himself is the means by which our sins are forgiven, and not our sins only, but also the sins of everyone.

 

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Renting a “wreck” was my best option at the time. I was still in school and had totaled my car, but really wanted to go to a party on another campus. After some reckless driving, I wondered if I could break my record for returning to the campus.

 

• I treated the car as if it was not mine.
• I could care less about the maintenance of the car or how clean it was.
• I did whatever I wanted to do in the car as long as it got me to and from “my” destinations.

 

John shows extreme endearment by calling us his “children.” He makes a gentle appeal to reduce, if not stop, sinning. He gives the warning with some good news, that JESUS would personally plead with the FATHER for even the tiniest of sins.

 

My Observations:

• GOD is perfect and devoid of sin of any kind.
• GOD requires atonement for each and every sin.
• JESUS became the payment for any and every sin the world has ever done by dying and being resurrected.

 

Sin makes me care less and less about what GOD wants. I mean, when I sin, I am usually thinking only about myself and what would happen to me. I care less and less about obedience, or giving something precious up that “I” want or serving others when I am blinded by sin. I treat life lie a rental, driving as reckless as I can. BUT GOD has another way.

 

HE is even more gentle than John. HE gently reminds me that HIS way is the best way. HE accepts me with open arms when I come back to HIM. HE then says to me “Go and sin no more”, knowing that sin breaks a great relationship with HIM, even though HE holds onto me. I am glad JESUS is my advocate and I want to do my part by reducing my sin.

 

Challenge

• What is the tone of the writer?
• Have you ever done something you felt bad about doing?
• Have you ever had someone who cared for you, who spoke on your behalf?
• Will you give your life over to JESUS so HE can become an advocate for you on your behalf today?

Readiness

 

Readiness

Ephesians 6: ¹⁴ So stand ready, with truth as a belt tight around your waist, with righteousness as your breastplate, ¹⁵ and as your shoes the readiness to announce the Good News of peace.

 

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“Where is the rest of the presentation?” was the question that caught me by surprise. A senior leader was practicing and my part was incomplete. I had to make up something to keep the situation from boiling over. I blamed it on the technology and said I will try to “recover” it soon.

 

• I was not ready with the truth.
• I was not ready with what I was supposed to be doing.
• I was not ready to take on responsibility and I flew by the seat of my pants.

 

“Stand ready” were the words of inspiration Paul gave everyone. Life had become hard for many, and people were getting discouraged. They turned to exaggerations, faking it until they made it and would no longer speak about JESUS, rather their own pursuits.

 

My Observations

• Life’s situations can take me away from GOD’s truth when I am not ready.
• I will turn to ways that are unrighteous unless I get ready.
• My own pursuits, desires and dreams can keep me too busy to open my mouth for the “Good News of peace.”

 

“Stand ready” means I have gotten into a position where I am ready. I mean, I needed to have already changed my mind to serve GOD before life’s storms hit. When life comes at me, then I can “Stand ready” versus falling down.

 

GOD wants me to stay away from the world’s manipulations so I can accept HIS righteousness, and so HE can put me in places where I can speak the “Good News of peace.” I am glad GOD puts me on HIS path to “Stand Ready” versus getting ready someday.

 

Challenge

• What do you think the writer means by “readiness?”
• Is there another path to self-preservation in this passage?
• Will you protect yourself against life’s challenges by becoming more prepared to speak about the “Good News of peace” which is the salvation through belief in JESUS today?

An Appealing Plea

An Appealing Plea

2 Corinthians 5: ²⁰ Here we are, then, speaking for Christ, as though God himself were making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ's behalf: let God change you from enemies into his friends! ²¹ Christ was without sin, but for our sake God made him share our sin in order that in union with him we might share the righteousness of God.

 

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Speeding tickets seemed to be the norm for me until one day I got one too many. “You need a lawyer” was the suggestion of the judge. I was unable to speak on my behalf to overturn the latest violation.  I needed someone who could appeal to the judge in a way that could be heard. “How do you plea?” was the question The lawyer spoke for me and used words that could be heard by the judge.

 

• I was guilty but needed an advocate.
• I was clearly in the wrong but needed someone to make an appeal.
• I was on my way to being sentenced, but had someone make a plea to overturn the violation.

 

Paul is trying to make an appeal to overturn the thoughts of people who did not believe in JESUS. He spoke as though GOD HIMSELF were making an appeal. He then mentions how JESUS was without sin, but for our sake, HE was made sin so we could share in the righteousness of GOD.

 

My Observations

• An appeal was made to me to guide my thoughts to JESUS.
• When I believed that JESUS died for me and was raised from the dead, I became eternally saved.
• I plead with others to open their eyes to the one true Savior, which is CHRIST our LORD.

 

Usually a plea is seen as a way to get “my” way. BUT GOD sees it different. JESUS not only gave up HIS life, HE pursues each and every one of us, pleading to keep us from harm. The HOLY SPIRIT begs on our behalf and GOD sends people to plea to turn to HIS ways. I am grateful for the people who prayed for me and pleaded on my behalf.

 

Challenge

• Can you hear the plea from the writer?
• Have you ever been in trouble and needed someone else to explain things on your behalf?
• Will you make a plea on someone else’s behalf to turn to JESUS for all answers today?

Also for Us

 

Also for Us

Romans 4: ¹⁸ Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” ¹⁹ Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. ²⁰ Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, ²¹ being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. ²² This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” ²³ The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, ²⁴ but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. ²⁵ He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.

 

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As the preacher preached, I prayed for the people. Some of the fortunate had shoes but most did not. After hours of singing and a message that stirred the heart, many people gave their lives to CHRIST. They were filled with hope. Two years later when I returned, a person I had a long conversation with, was now spreading that hope.

 

It is exciting to hear what GOD is doing in other folk’s lives.

It is exciting to hear that GOD is still doing great things even in very tumultuous times.

It is exciting to hear people who are filled with hope because of GOD’s promise for them.

 

Paul finishes writing about Abraham explaining that he had hope in GOD against all odds. Abraham and Sarah, being very old, conceived a child against all “hope.” GOD did what HE promised and because of this, many people were given hope.

 

GOD wants me to have hope.

GOD wants me to remember the many great things HE has done and know HE will keep doing them.

GOD wants me to “not waiver through unbelief” regarding HIS promise for me.

 

Difficult times happen and when prayers for specific things seem to not be heard, we feel left out of the promise. BUT GOD is still there providing grace to those who are hurting. “What about me?” or “What about my family?” Yes, GOD sees you and your family and loves you. This hope was written just for you. I am glad GOD gives me eternal hope.

 

Does the situation you are facing seem hopeless?

Do you feel worn out asking GOD for the same thing over and over?

Will you believe HE has the power to do just as HE promises and allow HIM to guide your heart to see HE loves you and your family, in spite of the current situation?

Provided For

 Provided For

Romans 3: ^25-26 God offered him, so that by his blood he should become the means by which people's sins are forgiven through their faith in him. God did this in order to demonstrate that he is righteous. In the past he was patient and overlooked people's sins; but in the present time he deals with their sins, in order to demonstrate his righteousness. In this way God shows that he himself is righteous and that he puts right everyone who believes in Jesus.

 

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“How will I eat?” and “Where will I sleep?” and “Will it be cold or hot?” and “Bugs… Will there be bugs?” were some of the many questions I asked as I volunteered to go on a missions trip to another country. The missions trip leader relaxed my mind by saying “Don’t worry, everything is taken care of.” This rested my mind a little, but the unknown was still ahead.

 

The unknown can sometimes raise many questions inside me.

The unknown can sometimes make me feel uneasy.

The unknown can sometimes make me question if I will be taken care of.

 

Paul continues writing about the Law of Moses. The Law was given to the Jews but the Gentiles benefit from it because GOD wrote the Law in everyone’s heart. The Law is used to show our need for GOD to save us. But doing the Law does not provide salvation. GOD provided “the means” for which we are saved, namely belief in JESUS.

 

GOD knew I would not choose HIM so HE chose me.

GOD knew I needed to be saved so HE chose to die for me.

GOD knew someone had to die to pay for all the sins of the world so HE chose to die so I could live.

 

Trying to be “good” is fine, but what happens when I mess up? Do I get a “do-over?” GOD showed compassion for me and forgave me of all my sins. HE then sent the HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me so I can be guided daily. HE also wants the best for me, so HE corrects me when I sin. I am glad HE is righteous and I accept HIS correction and eternal salvation.

 

Are you worried about your future?

Do you think your skills or talents got you where you are?

Will you place your faith in JESUS and allow HIM to correct you while providing you with everything you need to fulfil the purpose HE has for you today?

Sunny Warm Days

Malachi 4: ² But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.

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Wet and cold were my toes from snow engulfing my boots. Dark was the day and it seemed like the word dismal was the only description for life at that time. As I stood waiting on the bus, a snowplow drove by and sloshed its slush on my cold feet.

• Sometimes it seemed like the sun would never shine again.
• Sometimes my mood felt like a cloud of grey.
• Sometimes multiple difficult situations made me think everything was wrong.

When new dirty slush hit my frozen toes I had reached my final straw. I officially declared that particular day the worse day of my life at the time. Nothing would cheer me up and I was ready to be grumpy, but lo and behold I saw the familiar lights of the bus shining in the darkness. My heart was filled with relief as the driver pulled directly in front of me for a change.

• GOD provides me with the sun of righteousness.
• GOD provides me with the warmth of HIS love.
• GOD provides me with the rays of HIS healing power.

I sat in a warm spot and noticed an extra bonus. Somehow I had even more heat than normal blowing towards me as I sat near the tire well. The bus was very old. I removed my boot and socks, emptied the excess water placed my socks and toes next to the vent. Such great relief! I got off the bus with warm toes and dry socks. Maybe the day wasn’t so bad after all, I thought.

• Have you reached your limit?
• Do you think the day is filled with nothing but grey clouds?
• Can you see GOD’s healing sunshine even when it is cloudy?
• Will you learn to take GOD’s warmth to people instead of cold bitter words?

I Don’t Mean to Brag But…

Jeremiah 9: ²³ This is what the Lord says:

“Let not the wise boast of their wisdom
    or the strong boast of their strength
    or the rich boast of their riches,
²⁴ but let the one who boasts boast about this:
    that they have the understanding to know me,
that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness,
    justice and righteousness on earth,
    for in these I delight,”
declares the Lord.

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After my meeting I asked “How do I get promoted.” “Manage upward” was the reply. “What does that mean?” I asked. “It’s a subtle way of telling your accomplishments without going overboard. Do this regularly and you will get ahead.” “Hmmm, I wonder if this would work everywhere.”

• There were times that I would brag about “my” accomplishments.
• There were times that I would speak about what “I” had done through “my” strength.
• There were times that I would talk about “my” wisdom so I could get ahead.

Boasting about my accomplishments in a subtle way worked. I moved up the ladder only to find the top floor filled with people who did the same. Egos ran rampant and after a while we were all “managing upwards” to ourselves, never once acknowledging GOD’s hand.

• GOD wants me to brag about the wonderful relationship I have with HIM.
• GOD wants me to boast about the LORD’s kindness.
• GOD wants me to show off HIS justice and righteousness everywhere I go.

Pointing my life towards me only yields temporary applause on earth. People will smile and give me accolades one day and move far away from me the next. GOD wants me to point my life towards HIS. HE delights when I bring more and more people to HIM and desires that I not be silent about my relationship with HIM. HE has shown me kindness beyond anything I could imagine. HE is a wonderful GOD!

• Are you trying to be in the spotlight?
• Do you feel it necessary to be recognized by everyone?
• Can you point your life towards GOD by giving HIM the credit for “your” accomplishments?
• Will you tell others about HIS kindness towards you?

Getting What’s Due

Proverbs 11: ⁸ The righteous person is rescued from trouble,
    and it falls on the wicked instead.

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“I found a checkbook” said a friend. “Let’s go buy some groceries!” He said. I thought this was a great idea since my bank account was more than nil. We bought all kinds of groceries and piled them in my junker of a car. On the way back to my apartment, my car broke down. I had to get a tow truck and the cost of repairs was exactly half the cost of the groceries.

• Sometimes my action causes trouble.
• Sometimes I am involved in evil plots.
• Sometimes my ways are not GOD’s ways.

It seemed like people could “get away” with stuff and I couldn’t. Every time I tried something evil, it seemed like I would get in trouble for it and they wouldn’t. Was I supposed to be learning something?

• GOD says to me “If you follow MY ways, I will guide you to the best path.”
• GOD says to me “Drop your wicked ways and follow ME.”
• GOD says to me “A little sin is like yeast, it rises up and ruins the entire batch of dough.”

I was on the wrong path, BUT GOD saw fit to intervene and put me back on HIS path. No get-rich-quick schemes or theft shall win the prize. Following GOD is the way to go. I was a teen at a crossroads and GOD said follow me or die. I chose GOD and HE has blessed me tremendously ever since!

• Are you dreaming up wicked ways?
• Do you have a scheme you are trying to secretly do?
• Do you understand that every wicked action from you will fall on you tenfold?
• Will you stop scheming and start following GOD?

Admiration Focused in the Right Direction

Psalm 85: ¹⁰ Love and faithfulness meet together;
    righteousness and peace kiss each other.
¹¹ Faithfulness springs forth from the earth,
    and righteousness looks down from heaven.
¹² The Lord will indeed give what is good,
    and our land will yield its harvest.
¹³ Righteousness goes before him
    and prepares the way for his steps.

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It probably started at a very young age. People seemed to gravitate towards a crowd and I was on the sidelines wanting to be included. I saw the group of notables in high school and thought how cool it would be to fit into the crowd. It didn’t happen. In college I wanted to fit in and this time I got a little closer but then I graduated. In business the “in crowd” required that I admire some people who wore their lusts on their sleeve. What would it hurt to pursue just a little sin?

• Sometimes I’m blinded by the crowd rather than seeing where I am.
• Sometimes I want to go on the wide road where everyone else “seems” to be having fun.
• Sometimes I desire to be like the “in crowd” no matter what they are doing or saying.

Separation from sinners is not what I’m saying because I would have to separate from myself. What I am saying is, it is already tough enough to battle my own sins let alone following someone into theirs. Being blinded by the in crowd can make me desire to be like them, no matter what the cost. BUT GOD wants my admiration.

• GOD wants me to notice HIS unending love for me rather than looking at what others have.
• GOD wants me to see HIS never ending faithfulness HE has towards me rather than thinking HE isn’t blessing me.
• GOD wants me to observe HIS righteousness so I can never become haughty and think I can ever be righteous enough to judge someone.

Love, faithfulness and righteousness are qualities to admire in GOD. When I complain about what HE is doing or not doing I cannot see these wonderful attributes HE wants to show me on a daily basis. HE pours out HIS love on me daily. HE is faithful and just to cleanse me of my unrighteousness because HIS steps are prepared in righteousness.

• Are you envious of someone?
• Do you think you would like to fit in with the crowd who could care less about GOD?
• Will you focus your attention on the wonderful attributes of GOD instead of complaining?
• Will you tell people of HIS greatness today?

HE is definitely worthy!

Revelation 4: ¹¹ “You are worthy, O Lord our God,

    to receive glory and honor and power.
For you created all things,
    and they exist because you created what you pleased.”

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GOD is worthy to receive glory from me which puts HIM highest in my life and I revere HIM in wonder.

GOD is worthy to receive honor from me which puts HIS name as the one with authority in my life accepting HIS integrity and knowing HIS quality is highest.

GOD is worthy to leverage HIS power in my life for only HE has power over all forces and actions.

GOD has always existed, still exists and will always exist.

GOD created everything and they only exist because HE wanted it to exist and was pleased by what HE made.

GOD has no evil in HIM only pure love.

By understanding GOD a little more maybe I should translate the fact that everything I have is HIS. Every bite of food I take, HE provided. Everything I accomplish, HE ordained.

GOD is definitely worthy!