Deuteronomy 10:12 And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
Deuteronomy 14:23 And before the LORD your God, in the place that he will choose, to make his name dwell there, you shall eat the tithe of your grain, of your wine, and of your oil, and the firstborn of your herd and flock, that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always.
Psalm 34:7,9,11 The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them. . . Oh fear the LORD, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him. . . Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Psalm 147:11 The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy.
Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 2:3-5 if, you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.
Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.
Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
Proverbs 22:4 By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches and honor and life.
Matthew 10:28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
2 Corinthians 7:1 Therefore, having these promises beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
I sometimes wish there was another word used to describe being humbled, honoring, and being in awe of God than “fear.” Fear has negative connotations for me.
When I was a child if I messed up, I feared the repercussions, maybe even feared being found out to begin with. I might have mentally pleaded (prayed) that the misdeed would not be found out or at least not reported to my parents. Although I never went to parochial school, we did have nuns who ran our catechism classes, and several (not all) could be unkind, controlling, and intimidating. One priest was lovely and kind and would play a few minutes of kickball with us, but the other spent time doing little except practicing his glare, I think. So, going to that church did make me fearful. We knew we had to respect and adhere to what we were told by these “holy” people; but it did not instill an idea of love, kindness, and protection, which is what my parents would tell us each night as we knelt and said our nightly prayers. God was watching over us and was always there to protect us and love us.
There was a fresco on the ceiling of clouds with Jesus looking down on us and smiling, holding out His hand. I somehow found comfort with that, although many of the human representatives of “Him” brought no sense of relief.
So, I have negative meanings for the word fear, and I can now understand it is not just a terror, a fright, but a respect, an AWE—look at all He created! The world and all in it—each fish and crustacean in the ocean, each dolphin and whale, each mountain, each valley, each star, the sky and all it beholds, and each one of US—each individual. There are no two exactly alike, even identical twins have differences. We are each unique and He keeps track of us. So that is awe, admiration, humbling, glory, reverence, wonder, and worship. I understand how the word ‘fear’ can mean all of that, now as an adult, but I like the words I chose better.
The other reason I don’t like ‘fearing God’ is that when we worry, we are fearful about what may be happening or what we think or anticipate will happen. And then fear mean mistrust, doubting what God has promised when He says He wants good for us, not bad, He will be there, we are not to be doubtful and mistrustful of what He has promised. I understand it is our belief that we are in charge throughout so much of our life that causes the fear to come when we realize we are no longer in charge. We are never really in charge; life can change in a moment, for good or bad. But if we worry and fret about something that is saying loudly that one does not trust God to bring out a good outcome.
I am more than a little amazed at how little I worry nowadays. I used to hold the championship ring, I think for worrying, fretting, and turning issues over and over in my mind. I no longer do.
God has proved Himself to me time and time again. My life goes so much more smoothly—I sleep well, I do the things I commit to, and take care of life and am confident He is with me and will guide me through any issues that come up that are not routine. I no longer borrow things to worry about that ‘maybe’ a problem.
It was normal for me to fret and worry and be all in knots about many things. Looking back, I feel badly for my family—I must have seemed like a maniac at times. It’s a wonder they are all confident, well rounded, and grounded, hard-working people who are happy and in stable relationships.
I no longer live fearfully. He walks with me and guides me each day. I am so very thankful He does as it is a relief to no longer borrow things to worry about, as Matthew 6:25-27 says there is no need to worry and certainly not to borrow things to worry about which may NEVER happen.
Thank You for stepping in and showing me You are always with me, You will always guide my steps, and You have only good things planned for my life, and there is no need to worry. I am so very thankful for all You have done, my Lord, for me and ‘mybellaviews.’
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
Psalm 18:6 In my distress I called upon the Lord: to my God I cried for help. From his temple, he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.
Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Matthew 6: 24 therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Matthew 11:28 Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Luke 24:38-39 And He said to them, ”Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See my hands and feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.”
Romans 8:28 And we know for those who love God all things work together for good for those who are called to His purpose.
2 Corinthians 1:3,4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ , the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down but not destroyed.
Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Tribulation a cause, state, or time of great trouble or suffering; severe trial of misery, deep sorrow.
Without stressing my mind too far, I can think of many times of tribulation for people over the years. There are wars, and those atrocities man against man, man against woman, punishing for stealing in some countries is to cut off the offending hand; a very ill child born and the agony of the coming loss, yet ‘please do every treatment in case. . .’ losing everything in a fire, earthquake, avalanche or whatever natural disaster—not just material possessions, but a family member, someone racked with cancer, trying to bravely fight and go through treatments, yet be losing the battle and the family grasps for just a few more moments.
Tribulations are trials we all go through at times. Those are the tough times that are a part of life. Each person goes through them in their lifetime, and each person’s story is different. Life delivers bad blows at times.
God is taking us (humans) through different trials sometimes to refine us and make us a better, stronger Christian; sometimes to bring one to their knees so they reach out to Him, humbled and broken without Him. We all have periods of struggle and testing. Often our hearts grieve for what someone else is going through, and we can offer encouragement, prayers, but the person/family must walk the path.
Some know they can turn to their Savior and find comfort. It may not allay the anger, the hurt with the cause of the trouble, but there is a comfort and strength for those who know Jesus and God and have a relationship. The trouble is still there, but those who know God know there is strength, direction, and God will help with the details and outcome; for He can make all good.
God cherishes us. Trouble, pain, and suffering are at times a part of life, but it is less frightening for those who know Jesus. You know the outcome. Physical death may not be an outcome we want; but if the person dying knows Jesus, there is a tremendous peace that you will see that person again when you pass from this world to the eternity of heaven.
There is reassurance even when we walk through tough, difficult unexpected times if we walk with Jesus daily. He does give rest, peace, and strength. The Bible never says a word regarding not having to deal with pain and loss and issues in life just because you walk with Jesus. Just the opposite is written. In fact, He promises there will be times of strife, difficulty, and turmoil. Christians will certainly be tempted, troubled, and must deal with the dirty plucking of Satan as he tries to uproot our beliefs and strength. Satan loves to poke at us during times of desolation to say ‘See, God doesn’t care. Look how you’re suffering. If He loved you. . .’ But remember each and EVERYDAY Satan lies, moment to moment, anything to pull you away and make you doubt your Savior.
If we have walked long enough or have the confidence in Jesus, we know leaning on Him during our troubles and tribulations will enable us to deal with all developments easier. The issues are not easier—they still hurt, anger, but we have confidence and knowledge He is walking with us, we are not alone, and most importance, “all things turn out for our good.” (Romans 8:28)
I know no better way to help with troubles, worries other than prayer. If I am a long distance away, that is all I can offer, other than encouraging texts. If I can get to the person, I offer more practical help—assistance with childcare, bringing food, driving others to where they have to be, help with housework or anything practical that is neglected in an emergency, hugs, offering to listen and holding one, praying and asking if the person would also like to pray, and reassure with His promises, such as Romans 8:28. There are so many ways we can help, but prayer is a KEY help even if the other person is unaware of our prayers.
I think, especially if a new Christian, one is shocked when truly bad things slam them back. But bad things—life—happens to each of us. But having Jesus walk with us, helps us get through with more confidence. We will have questions, doubts, and get concerned if He seems silent for a time, but knowing He will never leave nor forsake us, is a promise that helps and reassures. God designed us to have other humans who will support and help us get through those hard times. To have other Christians come along beside you is in itself a special strength. Those who aren’t Christian still offer a comfort, but there is a reassurance one gets from a praying believer who utters prayers on your and the issue’s account.
So troubles, tribulations will come to all. But take heart, He has overcome the world. Thank You for teaching me, I am not alone. You are always with me and ‘mybellaviews.’
Deuteronomy 4:29 But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your soul.
Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
Psalm 40:16 May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the Lord!”
Psalm 63:1 O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
Psalm 119:10 -11 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart.
Proverbs 8:17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently will find me.
Matthew 7:7-8 “Ask and it will be given to you, seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds and to the one who knocks it will be opened.
Luke 11:9-10 And I tell you, ask and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.
Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
Early in my Christian walk, I did not know much about what I was doing and did not have a mentor to explain and advise. I knew I believed in God, and I wanted to be a better person than I was but for awhile I floundered unsure of the steps. I had not attended a bible teaching church. There was usually a paragraph or two of verses read, but not followed by any explanation, not did it have anything to do with whatever the message was about; most frequently I remember messages about giving more to this or that.
My first bible that I attempted to read was a KJV and I was confused and frustrated with an English I was unfamiliar with and sounded stunted and formal, and therefore to me the message was not clear. Believing there was more, I sought other churches, looking for one that would teach me what the bible was saying. I read John 1:1-6. Then my brain was so confused. ‘Created by the Word, who was with God, and is God’ I was confused! It is all so clear now, but in my beginning, it was not clear to me.
I began following several different TV preachers—Charles Stanley, David Jeremiah, Joyce Meyer and some of my confusion lessened as they taught. Then I got 2 bibles that were easier to understand, and could listen to their teaching, and compare versions—and things became clearer—and exciting.
Anyway, growth and growing closer to Him is part of what the bible wants for us. It is God’s living Word, and we can see different meanings and words of importance in our lives at different times. It is a guidebook, a book of Laws, to some degree, but the real message is LOVE. Love and honor God, be loving and kind to others, help in any circumstances you can or are able. You may not know how to take care of an injured person, but you can grab a blanket to keep them warm and stay with them, until someone arrives who does.
When I first read the verses in Matthew 7:7-8 I assumed it meant I can ask for anything, believing, and I will get it. Wow, I can wish for enough money to buy this sweater, or this and that; I will have success in this endeavor, and on and on with wishes of the moment. Of course, those did not come to pass. IN the first point, they were not all good for me; second, God is NOT Santa Claus and should never be treated as such; and third, God gives me what I need—and sometimes, He does not give that, but each week gives me the health, knowledge, and ability to do my job and earn funds to support my family. So He has given me exactly what I need. And that is what His word says. It was MY selfishness which chose to believe it would be whatever I want.
When I forward that Sunday, I am not sure I thought of confessing my sins or was repentant. I just recognized there was joy, a happiness if I went forward. And I had the joy, the feeling of being included and welcomed. Shortly, thereafter my life changed, I moved and had to search for a bible teaching church. Because of my job, I worked every other weekend, so there were limited Sundays to find the right fit for a church. All I knew was I wanted the message to be a teaching one—help understand the bible. Unfortunately, there was no teaching in the church I grew up in and much of what many children had gotten as a foundation in other churches, I had missed.
It has taken years to get a good handle and since it is the Living Word of God, there are constantly new messages for me—but now they are truths—not just a clump of words strung together.
But truly, what ASK was referring to was seeking God, asking Him to come into your life, and answering His knock when He gave the invitation. He wants us, our committed love to Him, seeking Him daily, learning His path for your life when you are weighing options. He wants a RELATIONSHIP with each one of us. So, I was not supposed to ask for things I desired from my selfish heart, but to ask Him into my life so He could guide me, and help me learn to be a joy-filled person who could help others in whatever manner.
It might be to help with a nursing/health issue, it might be to supply a meal or two, to give a ride to someone in need, donate time, objects, and skills. I have to realize what He might be ASK-ing me to do for His kingdom, and supply that need when ASK-ed. How my life has flourished following His guidance when He asks.
Lord, thank You for coming into my life even if I went forward with probably a non-repentant heart, but learned how freeing and joy-filled I become when I confess my sins and answer yes when You ASK for me to do something for another in Your kingdom. Thank You for changing my outlooks and selfish views and for guiding me and ‘mybellaviews.’
1 Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.
1 Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man looks on outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
Psalm 4:5 Offer right sacrifices and put your trust in the Lord.
Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Psalm 139:23,24 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me and lead me in the way everlasting!
Proverbs 4:23 Keep your heart with all diligence, for from it flows the springs of life.
Jeremiah 17:10 “I, the Lord, search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.”
Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Luke 6:45 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
Luke 16:15 And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God
1 Timothy 1:5 The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
God wants us to love Him. Well, that sounds like a given, right? Sure, and that should be easy. Ok, love, God, and all will go well for the rest of your life. You love Him like you love your cat, the study of different birds, and/or animals (like bats—ugh) that eat and decrease the bug population, or the way you love stamps, or love to read romance novels, or walking in the rain, or seeing a fierce lightening storm over the ocean. We love—actually “love” many things.
But not with the heart. We prefer to read a good novel, maybe during a fierce and magnificent lightning storm—but that’s NOT our heart. And God wants that—that piece of you that makes Him First, Most Important, the One who created you, now makes you alive, safe, secure, and Who has forgiven you, has taken you and enveloped you and will never, NEVER let you go. Our God knows True love. His is not a love that diminishes after the honeymoon period, when things are not rosy—there are bills piling up, you are no longer able to spontaneously go for dinner and drinks, no longer able to take a weekend to Mexico or Bermuda, or…….
We don’t love like God does. We are too selfish and self-centered. If something hurts us, we pull back and start looking for ways the other might be hurting us, using us. We pull back, there are walls erected—usually on both sides, although generally, without an outside source we only see and feel our own hurts and grudges. But the walls, the barriers are usually on both sides. It may start off as confusion—“What did I do to get him/her angry?” Then worrying, fussing without good communication and the foundation of the wall is laid, but without communicating FROM the HEART, it is going to further interrupt communication. This is not Unconditional love. We have a hard time with unconditional love.
We also tend to be judgmental. Hard to be caring and loving when you are judging someone and finding them on the difficult side, the lower side, or doing something you think is sinful or damaging, or just makes you uncomfortable—drug use, promiscuity, there are SO many things we all judge. One of favorite reminders in the Bible is that I will be judged the same way I judge others. OH my goodness, I truly repent, because I am harsh. Help me Lord, Holy Spirit, correct me immediately when I judge others.
We are our number ONES. And that does not serve giving unconditional love to others. We prefer giving unconditional love to ourselves. We are most important, we are number ONE—at least in our own minds and hearts. Generally, we believe we are good, loving, generous, and worthy….but would anyone else who knew us think we are that good? Does God, who had the only sinless Man as His Son be our atoning sacrifice for ALL of our sins—past sins, present and future. If we look closely, will we see any faults and sinfulness within? Are we truly giving our entire heart to Him, changing our behaviors and confessing sins and asking for the Holy Spirit to show us each and every time we fall short of what God wants us to be doing? Are we loving like Jesus?
When we finally hit our reason for reaching out for God because we cannot go on, we cannot see a way to do anything else, we cry out—with any belief that He will answer?—usually doubtful, but our LAST RESORT, OUR LAST DESPERATE CRY FOR HELP. Will He really help? Is He really there? Will this really change my circumstances? My cry of GOD HELP. . . PLEASE!!! That close to the end, do we believe He will help? No, it’s a matter of a helpless moan, will this plea—not even a prayer—really help me?
We love and want to give while it is to our benefit. But when things get difficult, we nibble at the problem and then. . . Pull back. ‘How will it affect me? How is this going to ever be okay for me? I have given more love to. . . than I have been given. I am not loved as much as I have given, right God? I gave my all, and this is all I get? It’s not enough, God. I want and expect more.’
That is not the way God loves, and He wants us to love one another unconditionally—just the way He loves us. Oh My! He sees our sins, repeatedly, and more than one, and more than when we find Him and claim Him and still we sin—and He forgives us, He loves us! HE LOVES US ALWAYS.
We don’t love always. We see hurt, we see things that can hurt us, and we put up walls. That is not God’s way. And the fact He has done this since He created Man and Woman helped Man commit the first sin. He wants to LOVE ON US—He wants us to LOVE HIM UNCONDITIONALLY. Yikes, He wants us to love the way HE loves us. How deep, how wide, how strong, how circular and loving can that be? WoW! The greatest love of ALL. And He GIVES it to us. No monetary cost, no danger, only pure, GRACE and unconditional LOVE, giving, generous beyond measure, forgiveness, and LOVE. The kind you cannot deny. It’s deep—you mess up, and still His forgiveness reassures you you are HIS. His grace and love want you!!
He wants you to love the way He loves. Can you do it? Can you be that unselfish? Can you be not self-centered? After years of loving Jesus and God, I find I am still FAR, FAR so distant from the Jesus I follow and want to emulate
How about you? Are you struggling with your heart? I see some improvements, but I am not where I would like to be heart-wise.
Lord, I know it’s a struggle , but am I making my heart more like Yours? Thank You, Lord, for always being there for me and ‘mybellaviews.’
Exodus 20:3-6 You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.
Deuteronomy 4:15-19 “Therefore watch yourselves very carefully. Since you saw no form on the day that the Lord Spoke to you at Horeb out of the midst of the fire, beware lest you act corruptly by making a carved image for yourselves, in the form of any figure, the likeness of male or female, the likeness of any animal that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the air, the likeness of anything that creeps on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the water under the earth. And beware lest you raise your eyes to heaven, and when you see the sun and the moon and the stars, all the host of heaven, you be drawn away and bow down to them and serve them, things that the LORD your God has allotted to all the peoples under the whole heaven
Psalm 115:4-8 Their idols are silver and gold, and the work of human hands. They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see. They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell. They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat. Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them.
Isaiah 45:20 “Gather together and come; assemble, you fugitives from the nations. Ignorant are those who carry about idols of wood, who pray to a god that cannot save
Jeremiah 44:8 Why do you provoke me to anger with the works of your hands, making offerings to other gods in the land of Egypt where you have come to live, so that you may be cut off and become a curse and a taunt among all the nations of the earth?
Hosea 4:10-13 They shall eat, but not be satisfied; they shall play the whore, but not multiply, because they have forsaken the Lord to cherish whoredom, wine, and a new wine, which take away the understanding. My people inquire of a piece of wood, and their walking staff gives them oracles. For a spirit of whoredom has led them astray, and they have left their God to play the whore. They sacrifice on the tops of the mountains and burn offerings on the hills, under oak, poplar, and terebinth, because their shade is good. Therefore, your daughters play the whore, and your brides commit adultery.
Hosea 8:4-6 They made kings, but not through me. They set up princes, but I knew it not. With their silver and gold, they made idols for their own destruction. I have spurned your calf, O Samaria. My anger burns against them. How long will they be incapable of innocence? For it is from Israel: a craftsman made it; it is not God. The calf of Samaria shall be broken to pieces.
Hosea 13:2, 5 And now they sin more and more and make for themselves metal images, idols skillfully made of their silver, all of them the work of craftsman. It is said of them, “Those who offer human sacrifices kill calves!”
Jonah 2:8 Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them.
Habbakuk 2:18 What profit is an idol when its maker has shaped it, a metal image, a teacher of lies? For its maker trusts in his own creation when he makes speechless idols.
Romans 1:21-23 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God as give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.
1 Corinthians 10:14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.
Colossians 3:5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature; sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.
1 John 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols.
God created everything. After several years of trying to get the people to acknowledge He alone was and is their God, suppling all their needs, food, water, clothing, and so forth, He wanted them to love, revere, and respect Him, to worship Him. He did not have much luck with these self centered persons who preferred to sin (pridefully and selfishly have their own way) than to live with God in peace and obedience. God loved man, created in His image, but man did not wholly love him back, they did not honor Him. They honored themselves and their desires first, then would maybe acknowledge God. Certainly, God did not deserve to be bumped down to second place–sometimes even lower than that!
They refused to listen and eventually God determined He needed to flood the world. He had chosen Noah’s family to be the start of new peoples and He hoped these would desire to spend time with Him as He wanted to do with them. After the flood, Noah’s family began to repopulate the land; and even with the knowledge and experience of the flood, some of them were still not honorable, loving people.
He decided to have Abraham become the Father of His people. From the sons Abraham had, one with a slave woman he was urged to sleep with by his wife; and the other son he fathered with his wife, Sara. Isaac was the son fathered with Sara, his wife. Isaac married a woman named Rebecca, a cousin from his father’s family who lived a good distance away. Their union was blessed with twin sons who never got along. Isaac’s son Jacob, became father to twelve sons with four different women. His brother also had several children, and they raised their families in separate areas. Jacob’s children became the twelve tribes of Israel.
They were not a perfect bunch, not a perfect family. Nor did they all seek God and try to follow Him. Jacob had a couple sons who deceived then murdered neighbors, all of his sons agreed to ‘get rid’ of their brother, Joseph, and sold him into slavery. But God’s plan . . . Joseph became the second highest ranking official in Egypt, in charge of the foods and so forth during the large famine. Most of his brothers came to Egypt when the famine was so bad in their area, seeking food. Joseph recognized them, but they did not recognize him. I’m guessing that they believed he was dead, even though they had not delivered the killing blow!
He was reunited with his family when they all moved to Goshen, not far from where Joseph worked for the Pharaoh. About 400 years after his death, the once admired Joseph died and was no longer remembered, nor were his family, now numbering in the millions.
The Israelites were slaves in Egypt. God heard their murmuring, their unhappiness, and laid a plan to help them escape their slavery, leave the only country they knew, and head to the land He was going to bless them with. God chose a man with low self esteem, who had issues speaking clearly, who was an Israelite, but for the first 40 years of life was raised in Pharaoh’s home, to lead the Israelites from Egypt into the Promised Land. After a period when God showed His extraordinary powers bringing suffering to the Egyptians, after 10 plagues, Pharaoh finally ordered them all to go.
As they traveled, they grumbled, they fretted, they cried in thirst and doubt, in fear, and they begged God to let them return, to let them get settled, and they disobeyed. The people did not trust or really even know God, the Creator, the One in charge of all. They knew Moses had a huge trust and closeness with God, but they realized they did not have it.
The first time Moses climbed the mountain to have a discussion with God, the people became agitated and fearful, demanding Aaron make them an idol. Aaron conceded—even after all the miracles he and Moses had told Pharaoh to expect and then had witnessed. The disasters happened, and eventually, Pharaoh sent the Israelites from him and the country. Aaron saw the millions of people fleeing Egypt with their herds and all their belongings. Then he witnessed the Egyptians chasing them all with chariots and horses, and realized they were all pinned. Yet God interceded—He confused the Egyptians, He damaged their chariots, and He raised the sides of the sea, so the people could easily cross, with the herds, and once they all arrived on the opposite side, God closed the sea over the Egyptians—killing them all. Aaron and all the people had seen all these miracles. Yet, within days of Moses climbing the mountain, they urged for an idol to be made–they believed a man-made object could lead them, care for them, and protect them, supplying all their needs.
How could it have been that easy for them to urge to have a false god made? How could they believe that something thrown into a fire and man made be able to save them, or help them in anyway? How could they truly worship such a thing? How can one believe in something they have created or relegated to some kind of high point? None of this is God inspired; all of this was their choices, their design, their lack of substance believing.
But people can make idols from many things. TV, electronic devices, having to have some kind of media entertaining (facebook, instrgram, twitter or whatever), foods, alcohol, lust, gossiping, abominable sex practices, and so many other things we can elevate to a place of priority in our lives. It is very clearly stated that God is to be our number ONE always. Not food, not alcohol, not filling our lives and minds with social media, and putting yourself as the most important thing in the world. First and foremost God, and then all things will go well with you. (Matthew 6:33).
God’s word is clear. We are to destroy idols—anything that takes our focus off God, that interrupts our relationship with God, and keeping Him as number One. There is to be nothing besides God in first place.
There is no reason we should have an idol other than our Creator. He created everything, He deemed us one of His chosen, and He has repeatedly made clear He only wants to be loved, in a relationship with us, and have us revere, honor, respect Him–be cause He IS God, Creator, full of goodness, mercy, grace, and love. i want to fight my demons who try to fight for “their” place in my life. ‘NO, NO, and NO! Leave now. I want to serve only my God.’
It’s all a process and sometimes I feel so sluggish, or I take three steps forward and slide back six. but thank You that You have given me Jesus and the Holy Spirit who help when I stumble and am unsure. You grace and mercy have abundantly blessed me and ‘mybellaviews.’
Hi, I'm Kathy. Welcome to my website!