What we have from God

What do we have from God ?

1. Do we have the promise that we will be alive tomorrow ?
2. Do we have the answer to what city to go to or what job to take ?
3. Do we know that our children are safe from all tragedy ?

The answer to all three questions would be " no." What do we have from God then ? It seems to me after reading several places in the Old testament that we have the promise of His presence. We have the assurance that God is with us and won't fail us. " Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass." ( Joshua 21:45)

After tracking this idea here's what I found:

1. " I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:20

2. " And the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, 'Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city." ( Acts 18:9-10)

encouragement: go on speaking


3. "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst."
( Matthew 18:20)


4. " Certainly, I will be with you..." Exodus 3:12


5. "Now then, go and I, even I, will be with your mouth, and teach you what you are to say."

Exodus 4:12


encouragement: He equips us


6. From those who brought back the minority report from spying out the land:

" Only do not rebel against the Lord; and do not fear the people of the land, for they will be our prey. Their protection has been removed from them, and the Lord is with us, do not fear them."
Numbers 14:9



notes: 1. if God is for us, who can be against us ?

2. The people's response in the next verse: " STONE THEM !"

3. In our culture, we kind of exalt doubt and questioning as wise. God often punished those who did not believe His word, or act on His commands.





By the way: " What is the difference between 'waiting on God' and 'delayed obedience ' ?



7. " You shall not dread them, for the Lord your God is in your midst, a great and awesome God."
Deuteronomy 7:21



8. " No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you. I will not fail you or forsake you. "
Joshua 1:5



9. "Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you."

Deut. 31:6-7



10. "Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, ' I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you' so that we confidently say, ' The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid, what will man do to me ? ' "

Hebrews 13:5-6



Gideon: see next post

why comparison doesn't help

In John 21, Jesus describes to Peter the path he is about to walk ( I mean the path Peter will take .)

After thinking about this, Peter points to John and says: " What about him? " Jesus says: " If I want him to remain, what is that to you ? You follow Me !"

I take from this that the Lord may have different paths for people. When we find ourselves looking around at that person or that situation, the Lord may be saying to us: " What is that to you ? You follow Me."

Comparison ( frequently) doesn't help when thinking through your life.

writing blogs or just quoting other people ?

Sometimes I wonder if people actually write their own stuff or just quote other people....

so after thinking about it... I think I will ...quote Spurgeon:

"For we long to see all religious teaching built upon the solid rock of truth, and not upon the sand of imagination; but, at the same time, our grand object is not the revision of opinions, but the regeneration of natures. We would bring men to Christ, and not to our own peculiar views of Christianity. Our first care must be that the sheep should be gathered to the great Shepherd; there will be time enough afterwards to secure them for our various folds. To make proselytes, is a suitable labour for Pharisees: to beget men unto God, is the honourable aim of ministers of Christ!"

( taken from another blog of someone who didn't write their blog either, but quoted Spurgeon)

The reason I felt compelled to pass along this quote was for the phrase: " We would bring men to Christ, and not to our own peculiar views of Christianity." ( ouch)

I definitely am guilty of doing this and feel the sting of this statement. Thanks Charles for telling it like it is.

Casting lots

In the book of Acts ( chapter 1) the disciples cast lots to decide on Judas replacement. Is this a legitimate way to make decisions in 2009 ? Why or why not ?

hearing the voice of God

I recently listened to a message entitled: "Christianity and the danger of mysticism." It was a warning to believers about using language like : " God said to me..." or " God told me...."
So, if we are to heed this warning what do we do with passages in Scripture where the word of God says: " He told me..." " He said to me..." ?

1. Isaiah 30:21 And your ears will hear a word behind you, " This is the way, walk in it," whenever you turn to the right or to the left.


2. Acts 22:21 " And He said to me, 'Go ! For I will send you far away to the gentiles.'"


So it seems that people in the Bible heard God tell them to do things. Does God tell us to do things ? Yes, He obviously tells us things that are scripture verses. An example would be: " and this is the will of God that you __________________." We can say: " God said..." when we quote a Bible verse. Can we say: " God said," when we are talking about going into the teaching profession or starting a paint business ? How does God guide us ? Do we just consecrate ourselves to Him, reject unbiblical thinking, love our families and then.....do what we want ?

alternatives

I used to go for walks at night through the neighborhood and experienced what I call the "blue glow" effect. This described the colors coming through the windows of the homes from the television. I don't remember ever running into anyone on the streets at night ( maybe one person in 10 years). Most people are in their homes watching tv at night. Some nights... we are too. If you have to be in front of the box at night here are some ideas for redemptive television:

1. Homeless man ( the biography of Rich Mullins) 53 minute video

2. Return to Hauna ( parts 1 and 2) part 1 is Come by here ( the story of Marilyn Lazlo who went to Papua New Guinea to translate the Bible into a native language)

3. Louie Giglio messages ( available from North Point Community Alpharetta Ga)
"Indescribable" " Alive" " Tattoo"


4. Beyond the Gates of splendor ( story of Jim Eliot) just google it


5. Transformations ( the sentinel group) documentaries about revivals in South America and Uganda



There's a part of us that just wants to be passively entertained from 8-10 pm. If this is you, try to find a way to learn during this time as well. One more note: this will cost you. It's not easy to find these things at blockbuster. However, if you want to fly with sparrows... just go outside, but if you want to find a bald eagle, you may have to climb awhile.

a glad heart

Deuteronomy 28:47-48

Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joy and a glad heart for the abundance of all things; therefore you shall serve your enemies...

The Lord has been showing me the need for joy in life, work and ministry. Why are we so petty and why do we complain about the smallest things ? I think because we are looking for joy in circumstances. If the joy that is in us is from the Lord, then nothing can smother it. If our joy is in good food, good feelings, good weather, good pay, no problems,etc... then we will constantly be floating in and out of joy.