Sovereign Sorrow

Sovereign Sorrow

Genesis 6: ⁵ Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. ⁶ And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. ⁷ So the Lord said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.” ⁸ But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

 

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With GOD, there are no mistakes, yet GOD seems to have expressed a problem that HE had to deal with. HE created a perfect world. HE created man and woman and placed them in the Garden of Eden. Plants would grow themselves. Animals would come up to the man and woman to be named and cared for. There was harmony. But the Devil, who wanted to be GOD, caused humans to sin.

 

Every human was born with a sin nature. Only a few walked with the LORD and spoke with HIM. The rest ignored HIM. The descendants of Cain multiplied and so did evil. After a while, humans got tired of seeing the Garden of Eden that they could not get in. They too wanted to be GOD.

 

My Observations

• Because of our sin nature, humans have a difficult time relating to GOD’s timing and ways.
• Human thoughts and intentions can go wildly away from GOD if left unchecked.
• Insecurities about GOD causes humans to think of evil thoughts that seem innocent.

 

Justified thinking made people rationalize their evil behavior. Giants introduced the thought of “Only the strong will survive.” Humans fought over land that would produce food. Selfishness grew stronger within each human to the point of no return. They would someday storm the Garden of Eden and take it over! Or at least they may have thought. BUT GOD saw their heart and was sorry HE had to destroy them. All but one found grace.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses about the conversation HE held with HIMSELF?
• Are your thoughts on you or GOD?
• Will you get a hold of your thoughts and focus them on what GOD will have you do today?

Arouse Pure Thoughts

Arouse Pure Thoughts

2 Peter 3: My dear friends, this is now the second letter I have written you. In both letters I have tried to arouse pure thoughts in your minds by reminding you of these things. ² I want you to remember the words that were spoken long ago by the holy prophets, and the command from the Lord and Savior which was given you by your apostles. ³ First of all, you must understand that in the last days some people will appear whose lives are controlled by their own lusts. They will make fun of you ⁴ and will ask, “He promised to come, didn't he? Where is he? Our ancestors have already died, but everything is still the same as it was since the creation of the world!” 

 

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When I accepted CHRIST at a young age, I started learning about promises HE made. It was an exciting time for me. But when life hit me and the world suggested leaving the “GOD” stuff alone and focus on “proven” solutions, I decided to follow the world.

 

• I tried to compartmentalize GOD into something that “I” do on Sundays.
• I tried to use a doubleminded approach to GOD by half serving HIM and half serving the world.
• I realized GOD was not real in my life, rather HE was a concept that was made to serve me and allow me to get “my” way.

 

Peter attempted to address some cloudy thinking believers were having towards GOD. Some people may have ridiculed believers for following GOD versus following the ways of the world. He gave an example of the type of ridicule people would give to undermine the believers faith.

 

My Observations

• Belief in GOD will require withstanding ridicule from those who do not put their trust in HIM.
• GOD promised that HIS SON will return, so I should prepare myself and others for HIS promise.
• GOD always keeps HIS promises, BUT HE does it in HIS time and HIS way.

 

When I was a child I believed and trusted fully. But as an adult, I questioned GOD’s methods and motives. I mean, I expect things to go one way, and when they go differently, I question GOD. “Don’t YOU realize the urgency of BLANK situation?” Insert your current situation where it says BLANK.

 

GOD wants me to grow up to realize I am made for HIM, not HE for me. HE gave me promises like “I have plans to prosper you” and “I will never leave you.” BUT HE also has promises like “If you turn from your wicked ways, I will heal…”  GOD expects me to grow and have faith in HIM that is unshakable. I gladly take some ridicule to side with the MOST HIGH GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer write the letters?
• Have you ever wondered if GOD would keep HIS promises HE has for you?
• Will you place your trust in GOD, knowing HE will keep HIS promises HE made to you today?

Thoughts to Words

Thoughts to Words

James 3: My friends, not many of you should become teachers. As you know, we teachers will be judged with greater strictness than others. ² All of us often make mistakes. But if a person never makes a mistake in what he says, he is perfect and is also able to control his whole being. ³ We put a bit into the mouth of a horse to make it obey us, and we are able to make it go where we want. ⁴ Or think of a ship: big as it is and driven by such strong winds, it can be steered by a very small rudder, and it goes wherever the pilot wants it to go. ⁵ So it is with the tongue: small as it is, it can boast about great things.

 

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Saying something funny had become a skill of mine. I could say something to make people chuckle, but this day I couldn’t. I tried again and received no laughter. I realized I was trying to make people laugh when I should have been listening to why they were crying.

 

• I could not control what I was saying.
• I spoke first before thinking about what I was saying.
• I used my words to say whatever pleased me, rather than what was needed to be said.

 

James addressed mindfulness of what people say. He is not speaking about being politically correct, rather providing a warning to those who desire to be a teacher for JESUS. This important declaration requires control of what is being said. He then provides a continuum that ranges from total imperfection to someone who perfectly controls themselves in what they say.

 

My Observations:

• My thoughts may not be suitable to share, so GOD gives me self-control to keep my thoughts to myself.
• Words are extremely powerful, so GOD wants me to use them with wisdom.
• What I say can lift people up or tear them down, so GOD wants me to choose encouragement when teaching.

 

Being mindful of what I say is important. I mean, when I am hurt, I think of awful things to say and do. But when I am healed, GOD provides wonderful words for me to say to encourage people and to assist in his or her growth.

 

Being able to control my words begins with my thoughts. If I am in a very negative environment, I may pick up negative words that could eventually penetrate my heart. After a while, I find myself speaking negatively. BUT GOD can enter my heart and place HIS love inside. This way, I can speak to ensure others are encouraged. I am glad GOD is willing to guide my words.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer warn those who desire to be teachers of JESUS?
• Have you ever said discouraging words in an argument or in a group of gossipers?
• Will you consider examining your thoughts to see if they are negatively opposing GOD’s kingdom so HE can give you words of encouragement to help others today?

Split Decision

Split Decision

Acts 15: ³⁶ Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” ³⁷ Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, ³⁸ but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. ³⁹ They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, ⁴⁰ but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. ⁴¹ He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

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When I heard the news of a friend leaving the gathering I regularly attended, I was shocked. The leader of the gathering and the co-leader had parted ways. Not knowing what happened between them, I attempted to get them to speak to one another to no avail. Now I was put in a bad spot. If I stayed, then one would think I was “siding with the opposition,” and vice versa if I left.

• When people split up it stinks!
• When people split up it affects many.
• When people split up it weakens the purpose.

Paul and Barnabas had been through very difficult times together. Paul was stoned and left for dead, yet he continued in the faith. Barnabas wanted to bring Mark with them on their next journey. Paul adamantly disagreed, saying Mark had deserted them.

After a sharp disagreement, Paul and Barnabas separated. While the believers commended Paul, this weakened the support of Barnabas.

• GOD wants me to try to avoid splits.
• GOD wants me to work on loving one another, even when we disagree.
• GOD wants me to see HIM as the goal rather than siding with a group.

Humans are creative with how we hate each other. Immediate reactions to what a person wears, or does not wear or how a person is wearing it or when a person wears it, shows how easily humans throw out compassion in the cause of compassion. No one wins in a split. BUT GOD still continues.

GOD knew humans would not choose HIM. HE saw the poison of sin mixing in with my blood, blinding me of the truth. HE died for me and placed the HOLY SPIRIT in me, to forgive me and guide me back to HIM. This act of kindness cleansed me but did not prevent me from sinning. I am grateful JESUS forgive me daily.

• Are you on a side of something?
• Are you taking a stance against someone or a group?
• Will you check to see if your heart is turning to stone and ask GOD to soften it enough to have you pray for your opposition in a loving way today?

Delightful Detour

Delightful Detour

Acts 7: ¹⁷ “But when the time of the promise drew near which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt ¹⁸ till another king arose who did not know Joseph. ¹⁹ This man dealt treacherously with our people, and oppressed our forefathers, making them expose their babies, so that they might not live. ²⁰ At this time Moses was born, and was well pleasing to God; and he was brought up in his father’s house for three months. ²¹ But when he was set out, Pharaoh’s daughter took him away and brought him up as her own son. ²² And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and deeds.

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Although the road was crowded with stopped cars, I was in the vacation mindset, so it did not matter. I exited to find a place to sleep on the longer route and ran into an oasis of a town with plenty of food I liked and a good place to rest for the night. I never would have picked that town to stay in but it was probably the best rest I had on the trip.

• There have been times when I complained about detours.
• There have been times when I thought alternate routes were a problem.
• There have been times when I was convinced that the faster route was the best route.

Stephen explains that Moses was born during a time of deep paranoia. A decree was sent out to have all Hebrew newborn males killed in an effort to control the size of the population and keep the people slaves. BUT GOD put a detour in Moses life. He was kept alive and learned the Egyptian ways.

• GOD has some delightful detours for me as part of HIS plan.
• GOD prepares me to go out and serve HIM.
• GOD sees the rewards HE has for me because HE was the one who prepared me to serve HIM.

Some detours, even painful ones, turn out to be delightful. When I look back at some of the situations I was furious over, I can see how GOD used a detour to “my” plans so I could be guided in the right direction and learn what HE wanted to teach me.

GOD intervenes. HE does step in and mess things up so I can see what HE truly wants me to do. Even the difficult situations placed in front of me have meaning. I am grateful GOD guides me in places I never would have chosen.

• Are you upset at the current situation?
• Were you moving fast and now GOD has you somewhere else?
• Will you accept GOD’s detour in your life and know HE is preparing you for something bigger than you?

Do What You Gotta Do

Luke 19: ⁴⁵ When Jesus entered the temple courts, he began to drive out those who were selling. ⁴⁶ ‘It is written,’ he said to them, ‘“My house will be a house of prayer”; but you have made it “a den of robbers”.’

⁴⁷ Every day he was teaching at the temple. But the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the leaders among the people were trying to kill him. ⁴⁸ Yet they could not find any way to do it, because all the people hung on his words.

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“This person seems like they are after me” I said with distress. I mean they treat me different than the rest. I added. “Fight back” were the words of human wisdom. “You don’t have to stand for that nonsense. You have to do what you gotta do.” After this advice, I was filled with rage. The conflict was on! I had to protect “myself.”

• There have been many times I have been filled with rage.
• There have been many times I have gotten mad at someone who was in charge.
• There have been many times I was told to do something, but the person giving the advice had rage inside of them.

JESUS entered the temple and saw what it had become. It was not a place where HIS people were being fed, rather it was a “den of robbers.” JESUS was filled with rage and began to drive out those who sold their stuff blatantly. The church leaders mentioned “GOD” but wanted to kill HIM. They too heard the words “Do what you gotta do.”

• GOD wants me to listen to HIM for advice.
• GOD wants me to put HIS word over my actions.
• GOD wants me to remove my rage and let HIM decide what HE wants to do with the oppressor.

Hate breeds more hate and those who love to hate people may not be able to recognize love. The church leaders hated JESUS enough to kill HIM because they wanted to protect themselves and their lifestyle. They were willing to do whatever it took to take control of the situation, even murder.

GOD wants me to check my heart and give my desires to HIM. HE does not want me to be so desperate that I would prey on HIS followers. GOD wants me to seek peace with HIM so I can pass it on to others. HE is my guide.

• Are you enraged by someone?
• Do you feel like you “gotta do what you gotta do?”
• Will you consult GOD before you add rage and hatred to your heart today?

Asking Why

Job 3: Why is life given to a man
    whose way is hidden,
    whom God has hedged in?

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After bargaining with GOD and blaming HIM, my thoughts went to questioning HIM as Job did in this passage. “Why” was the beginning of my question each time I went through something. Then I would add an extra helping of “Why” when I would compare my life to someone else’s.

• When I have gone through trouble I have asked “Why?” and received no answer.
• When I have gone through problems I have asked “Why?” and did not receive a sound.
• When I have gone through issues I have asked “Why?” and hear nothing.

“Why” is a question of clarity but it can also carry a tone of entitlement as if I could change GOD’s mind by making HIM reason HIS way into thinking like me. Does GOD owe me an explanation?

• GOD does not owe me an explanation because HE has already shown HIS maximum love by dying for me.
• GOD does not owe me an explanation because HE has already forgiven me.
• GOD does not owe me an explanation because HE has a plan for me that is HIS perfect will.

Sometimes I forget that GOD is supreme. I think HE can and should change HIS mind to think like me. I squirm and wiggle and HE stays steady. I then realize the struggle against HIS will is futile. The better question is “What” instead of “Why”. “What would YOU like me to do today?” “What is YOUR will and can you help me align to it today?”

Asking GOD “What” helps me accept the fact that Satan wants to thwart GOD’s plan. It makes me get up off the ground and fight another day. “Why” points to the past, “What” points to the here and now.

• Are you going through something?
• Have you been facing this problem very long?
• Can you stop feeling sorry for yourself by stopping your “why” question?
• Will you gain your life back by asking GOD “What” for a change?
• Will you receive HIS glorious power by being led by HIM today?