Photo; Taken by Liz in Florida.
While reading the Scripture today in preparation for my Bible Study for tomorrow.. (We are studying Paul's Epistles and finish Galatians tomorrow.) At any rate the following verse jumped out at me as I followed a link to next weeks lesson in Ephesians 1.
"For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." 2 Chronicles 16:9
What a beautiful thought and challenge! He really wants to bless and guide us. To realize that as our Heavenly Father, who owns the cattle on a thousand hills, wants to supply our every need and that, more often than not, he gives us the desires of our hearts, should thrill us and cause us to draw closer to him. To understand that he wants more for us than we can ever imagine. He wants to give us life more abundant. John 10:10 His ways are past finding out but he understands us completely having formed us in our mother's womb. Why then do we 'go our own way?' Try to solve our own problems? Proverbs 3:5,6 tells us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
I've been pondering the commandment that Jesus gave to the Pharisees when they asked him, "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' " In Philippians we read in the second chapter that as Christians 'our attitude should be the same as that of Jesus Christ.' In verse 8 of same chapter it says 'he humbled himself and became obedient to death.' And in 2:12c it says: 'continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling," It is truly a fearful thing to fall into the hands of an angry God." Hebrews 10:31
Where did the idea come from that when it comes to doing God's will or obeying his Word we can have our own opinions about it?
Where does it say that in Scripture?
David said "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119:9-11.
Sin is sin. We read where God does not tolerate it. We might think we have so much love for others that we can overlook their sin. BUT God does not. I hear you say, but God is love and tells us to love one another. True! but we must not be misled to believe that those persons who are living in sin have no responsibility to God, especially if they know God.
"Be not deceived God cannot be mocked. Whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap." Galatians 5:6,7
People know us by the friends we keep.
Proverbs 3:5-7 tells us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil." May God help - us in this world today- with all the permissiveness going on.
May the Lord keep our families close to Him and help them to discern truth and error. Satan is so cunning and we are so vulnerable. Solomon wrote in Proverbs.. "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Prov. 4:23
May God bless your hearts and help us all to realize, truly realize what Jesus said in John 10:10 "I have come that they may have life and have it to the full." To give up our own opinions and embrace the Word of God, seeking Him first is the only way to find peace and His blessing on and in our lives. Praise be to our most Holy God and Savior. May we be ready to meet him in Eternity.
