Joshua 24:14 “Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord.”
Micah 6:6-8 With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousand rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
2 Corinthians 1:12 Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity and godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace.
2Corinthians 2:17 Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.
Ephesians 6:24 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.
1 Thessalonians 2:3-6 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority.
2 Thessalonians 3:7-8 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.
1 Timothy 1:5 The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
When I started my walk with Jesus I was at first excited, then uncertain, and finally a little mistrustful. ‘Would He really be there for me?’ I had no reason to not trust others; my parents followed through on what they told us to expect and what plans were.
I certainly had teen insecurities as I was aware girls loved to gossip and there was a competition amongst them—not that I understood what the competition was directed at, but certainly was aware that somehow some of the girls found me lacking in some areas. It was a source of embarrassment and insecurity, but nothing I could identify. And if one can’t identify what needs to be changed or altered to be more fully accepted, it’s difficult to be successful at trying to change.
I found myself sometimes uncomfortable with whatever things I tried to change. The alterations I attempted were not who I was deep down. I was never quite comfortable with many of the changes I tried. I did not mind trying my hand at makeup or a different hairstyle, and although I was friendly with many of these girls, I was not totally accepted. And could feel….something off. And those relationships were just not a comfortable fit
And I knew me as a stinker—a bossy older sister, a threatening older sister if the youngest was preparing to tattle, and I knew I was doing things my parents had forbidden—sneaking cigarettes, going to places that I’d been told not to go, hanging with kids that were on the NO list…I was full of sin.
“So, wait a minute, wait a minute. I need to re-think this. Jesus is going to look at me and my record of naughties, and discard me. Maybe I should discard Him first; at least that would be my choice and I would not be shoved to the curb. Right?” Thankfully, that is not the way my life continued. I did choose to hold on, with the barest of hopes he would stick with me.
By the time, I answered Jesus’ invitation, my self-esteem was quite low. I had confidence in my schooling and on that front, but socially I was not comfortable with new situations and made some mistakes because of that.
Walking with Him was at times confusing. Although I’m a good reader, and love it, most of the bible was just confusing to me. But I found avenues that did open me up to better understanding; Charles Stanley, Dr Jeremiah, Joyce Meyer….and with her I could laugh as I recognized myself at different parts of her story. She opened the thought to me of “being in the desert wilderness” as we are trampling around in our own mistakes and not moving forward. We are stumbling through our own wilderness and continuing around mountains repeatedly. Oh! Eye opener!
Once some light began to shine, and I realized that we also can ask the Holy Spirit for help, guidance, enlightenment, more clarity came. And boy, that Holy Spirit is good! I’d get stuck and confused on another section, send up a quick prayer and ask for understanding. It might not come right then, but within 48 hours I would have an answer and understanding—sometimes the subject came up in a bible study, sometimes it was one of the tv preachers I followed, but LIGHT and TRUTH were given to me.
As I grew in my relationship with Jesus, I realized he wanted my heart. “Oh, shouldn’t I hold just a bit back?” No, not the way it works. If you really want to know Him, you have to give Him all. So, I do try to turn things over to Him. Yet, still I find I’m holding on to this, and occasionally that. Time for confrontation of self. ‘Why are you holding that? Not good for you, does not really give you any positive feedback and because it is not that good for you, you are holding back something you have now made into an idol. Gotta go!’ That is still sometimes a struggle even though I know whatever I’m holding onto is disposable and SHOULD go, I’m still like a bratty toddler screaming ‘MINE’ while clutching a toy.
But, I want to sincerely know Him more and more and have a deeper relationship. So although I may not want to, I know the right thing to do. Time to hand it over. And be thankful that I do recognize his learning and teaching. He wants our sincerity, our heart all fully exposed.
Lord, I know I have been a struggle and a brat over the years. Thank You for patiently waiting and encouraging as I continued in disobedience in many things. You have stood and encouraged me and ‘mybellaviews.’
Isaiah 9:9-13 All the people will know it—Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria—who say with pride and arrogance of heart, “The bricks have fallen down, but we will replace with dressed stone; the fig trees have been felled, but we will replace them with cedars.” But the LORD has strengthened Rezin’s foes against them and has spurred their enemies on. Arameans from the east and Philistines from the west have devoured Israel with open mouth. Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away, his hand still upraised. But the people have not returned to him who struck them, nor have they sought the LORD Almighty.
Chronicles 7:14 If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Acts 3:19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the LORD.
Joel 2:13 Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and He relents from sending calamity.
Ezekiel 18:32 For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!
Luke 13:3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.
It’s September 11, 2021 as I write this. Of course, for any of us onlder than 30, that is a pretty clear memory. There have been several of those horrifying days which have left an impression on me over the years; Kennedy’s assination, the Challenger explosion, but certainly 9/11 ranks as the most horrific and appalling to me.
And today, as that morning was, it is beautiful—the sky clear blue, the air cooler and drier than it has been running, and even without the memorials and television coverage, our minds go back to that day and what we were doing when we first heard, and those first initial reactions, which then turned to horror as we watched these attacks unfold.
And our God was there.
That gives me comfort. I pray that all those who were innocently slaughtered knew their Savior. I’m sure many who were trapped within those buildings, or on that plane which was heroically smashed into the earth killing all those on board–yet saving many more lives in DC–came to know Him in those instances before their deaths.
But for all of us who know our Lord, we always know we are not alone, and that no matter what He is with us. We may not like the outcomes always, but we will, with full belief, know we are spending eternity with Him.
It saddens me there is an arrogance that claims there is no God, and people choose not to believe. I can not wrap my mind around that fact. It feels alien to me to think about it. ‘What does happen then?’
Very soon after The Harbinger by Jonathan Cahn was published, I was reading it. I have to admit, hearing the various poiliticians say “We will rebuild” to me was a way of banding us together, strengthening our country, increasing our flagging national pride, and I liked idea we would band together and be stronger; and rebuild. However, this book and others showed me a different way God could look at our country’s response by quoting Isaiah 9:10. God’s view to the Israelites was to be angry with their arrogance. HE, GOD, would help them rebuild, it would not be them without HIM.
I had not found those remarks immediately following that tragic day as arrogant. But, later, reading this novel from a strong Messianic rabbi, I could see perhaps it was correct. Cetainly, there are many in our country who live lives of arrogance, plenty and have made money, jobs, positions, possessions and so forth their god. Cahn’s presentation opened my eyes to perhaps while I felt those speeches were rallying, there may have been some undelying superiority and arrogance. I was glad to see a resurgence in national pride, as it seemed it was flagging and dismal, and there was an air of entitlement which seemed to be increasing to me then. (And certainly not denying, I think we tend to be more critical of the younger generations…..”Well, in my day..”) But for a time, those vicious attacks pulled us together to want to face the enemy, protect others.
God wants us living WITH HIM, following His will for our lives, teaching others about His words, His truths, and His ways. And seeking Him consistently and persistently is how we do that; not always standing on a bandwagon and not seeking His will and direction. I think this for many was a call to repentance, and to others a wake up that the need for Jesus, God Creator, and God the Spirit should be something we seek diligently and daily. Matthew 7:7 ASK ..”Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock and it will be open to you.” Of course, this is referring to finding Jesus and learning about Him, not finding your keys or a flashlight or your misplaced glasses.
We cannot do without Him leading and guiding. Or, we can, but many things may not come out right, may not come about smoothly, and may not stand for the long term.
I have no idea if Cahn’s presentation is correct. I just know it had me realizing we can be arrogant even when we think it is pride, it is national unity, and fighting ‘the bad guys’ the same we did as children watching black and white tv shows like The Lone Ranger, Rifleman and others. We like the idea of good guys beating the bad ones. And certainly it was bad ones who attacked that day.
I never want to experience anything so overwhelming again. I would love to see this country have a huge repentance and revival.
God, You have so blessed this country, and we have the freedom to read and learn and hear Your words, Your living words. We can study and delve deeper and learn more of who You are, and who You want us to become knowing You. I never want those blessings to be taken, and pray that soon, in the countries where You are banned, that that too will change, and all can experience You.
Thank You for always helping me and ‘mybellaviews.’
Nehemiah 9:17 you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them.
Isaiah 54:10 “For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord who has compassion on you.
Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers all wrongs.
Proverbs 3:27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act
Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Matt 5:43-48 “You have heard that it was said, ’Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. . . . If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that. . . ( great verse to read and live by)
Luke 6:27-36 (again, too long for me to write out, but a great verse to keep in mind when dealing with others, and I think we remember better when we look them up and are touched by them.)
Corinthians 16:14 Let all that you do be done in love.
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.
Romans 12:9-10 Love must be sincere Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love Honor one another above yourselves.
Mark 12:30-31, 33 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is not commandment greater than these.” . . . and to love your neighbor as yourself is more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
Sometimes we find it is difficult to care about others. Perhaps a person hurts your feelings and repeats the offense even after you have tried to point out the offense. Maybe it is just a person you find crass and arrogant. We all have run-ins with people who can ruffle us, hurt our feelings, be blunt and haughty. Certainly, I do not know many who cannot give several examples of times they have had run-ins with others who have made us wonder if we can get past and truly love the offender.
But we are supposed to grow enough in God’s love for us, that we can be slammed by others and still love them. That is who Jesus is/was/ and continues to be. And that is what and who He wants us to grow, to become. It is a process, and the Holy Spirit is actively guiding our steps. Jesus loved the people, all the people who came to follow Him, to listen to Him, to be fed by Him. He was a curiosity of the time, and people flocked to see Him so they could share their own story of what He had done/said.
Everyone has curiosity about the new novelty—a new band, comedian, movie, and many will flock to that in a rush. Obviously, in our time, things are so different. We are hearing about things before they even appear for sale. Advertisements tease about the newest band, the newest movie, actor, the newest, and then must be best, video game or whatever. But news of new gadgets or whatever reach us FAST because of social media, cell phones, internet, televisions, and so forth.
But then, things were heard and passed on in a much slower manner. People walked from town to town, and so did the news of the day. It was rare that one had donkey or camel to travel faster, so it took time for new things and information to spread. But once it had begun to spread about Jesus, it caused a bit of a ruckus. His siblings were embarrassed and upset, He was upsetting the Pharisees and not acting at all as the loving brother they had known and lived with for years. Now, He had separated from them, gathered twelve strangers and were saying all sorts of strange things: as well as supposedly doing these strange miracles. He had no abilities to heal, to preach, to teach really that they were aware of. And the brothers at least, were a little miffed, ‘you have the skill to do finer work as a carpenter than we do, and we need you here.’ But He did not return to the family home and take up the role of the eldest son and help with the family business.
They thought He was a bit crazy and were embarrassed, irritated. They did not want to hear of His sayings, and the crazy things folks said they saw Him doing or heard Him saying.
Yet it was pertinent that Jesus show His followers love, care, He healed their diseases, demon possessions and freed them, and encouraged them to sin no more. He quoted the Old Testament because he and His Father and the Spirit led some humans to write their words, their ideas, their commands. Basically, ‘Love the Lord your God, and Him only; have no other gods before you.’ Avoid your selfish desires and stay obedient to God.
We are the problem. We are selfish, self-centered, and then choose disobedience and because we get an immediate answer to something we think we want, need, or must have. But it is not in line with what God’s plan is for us. Humans have issues with impatience, greed, self-lying (‘well, I will only do this the one time; it’s not like I do this all the time. God will overlook this one mistake.’)
But that is not God’s way. And He looks past LOTS of mistakes. But He wants us to be obedient and avoid things that will hurt us because of our greed, selfishness, jealousy, lust, and wants us to choose (yes, He gave us free choice)-to choose to obey Him and avoid things that will hurt us, or He has told us omit.
His Son, our Savior, came and lived and showed us how to act, how to love, how to demonstrate love. He showed love to each person He encountered. The people felt that, experienced His love, His forgiveness, His healing and were overjoyed. He gave of Himself freely, at times at great cost to Himself, being exhausted, needing time alone with His Father, awakening early in the mornings so He could have time without the disciples there vying for Him, and He needed ‘the rest that surpasses all understanding.’
In all His ministry here, He showed unselfishness, called out wrong behavior, healed and encouraged no further sinning, and He showed no prejudice to those who were looked down on—the poor, the Samaritans, the dirty, the ill and severely wounded. He gave to all freely, full of love and compassion. He showed how He wanted others to live. He showed how to love. And that was His prime message—love and obey His Father, and love others as they loved themselves—they should love freely and openly, not selfishly.
Still, more than two thousand years later, we are ALL still dealing with our selfish, self-centered natures, and our prejudices, judgments, and not freely and graciously loving others. We need to go back to His example—and to read about God’s love daily.
Thank You for Your Word and the examples of Your love and Your Son’s life for the brief time of His ministry. Thank You for being patient as I walk and grow for me and ‘mybellaviews.’
Joshua 1:7-9 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Psalm 94:8-11 Take notice, you senseless ones among the people; you fools, when will you become wise? Does he who fashioned the ear not hear? Does he who formed the eye not see? Does he who disciplines nations not punish? Does he who teaches mankind lack knowledge? The Lord knows all human plans; he knows that they are futile.
Proverbs 16:1-5, 9 To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue. All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. The Lord works out everything to its proper end—even the wicked for a day of disaster. The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this; they will not go unpunished. . . In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose which will prevail.
Jonah 3:6-10 When Jonah’s warning reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. This is the proclamation he issued in Nineveh: “By decree of the king and his nobles: Do not let the people or animals, herds or flocks, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. But let people and animals be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. Who knows? God may relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.” When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.
Jonah 4:1-11 But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.” (I’m only writing the last couple of verses, 9-11, but this last chapter in Jonah sounds like me without the Holy Spirit!) { 9 } But God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?” “It is,” he replied, “And I’m so angry I wish I were dead.” But the Lord said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?”
Matthew 28: 18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Many persons want to avoid committing to God as they fear they will have to give up something they really enjoy—perhaps cigarettes, laziness, drugs, marijuana or other illegals, alcohol, many and varied sexual partners or frequent same sex interactions, or many other things people have chosen to do to avoid following the commandments that God carved on two stones and handed to Moses. They have chosen to honor themselves and not God. And that does not end well. We do not do a great job of being in charge and doing what we WANT to do rather than the protective rules God has placed is our lives. And trust me they are easier to follow than many of OSHAs stringent rules
Afterall, we are in charge, right? Yeah, thankfully, I am NOT. Things would be very much more messed up if I was running things. There is no way I could juggle the planets, the stars, the fish and mammals in the sea, the flight of the birds, all the awesome critters that roam over the earth, as well as clarifying all the different types within one species. How could I possibly keep track of this indigo bunting and that painted bunting and their mates and their young? There are suddenly an abundance of bunnies roaming near me, very rare on the island, and now there are several. But at the rate they reproduce, I certainly know I could not govern them.
And then, of course, trying to keep track of prayers. To listen, hear, and answer prayers in the best manner for each person? No, I am not in charge, and am grateful I am not. Instead, I get to bask in my Father’s love, have a relationship with Him, and when things are perhaps not going as smoothly as I would like, I can complain, or remind Him of my busy day and ask for some smoothing out, or I can be grateful and say, “OK, I know You have a purpose for this delay. Here’s my deep breath. . .now who are You putting in my path? What do You want me to do? And I have had all those different reactions—because I am NOT in charge, even though I sometimes think I am.
So, at those times I have mentally ranted and complained, then I am reminded I am not in charge, and that my complaining is NO different than the whining and complaining the Israelites did in the desert when they could not fathom how they would get water for themselves and their huge herds. Same thing. . . albeit my time crunch is not nearly as dire as their need for water, but complaining and whining is not trusting, and it is not believing, at least in that moment, that He has a plan. It is pure unadulterated selfishness because you are believing that YOUR business of the moment is more vital and important than someone else’s.
The entire story of Jonah running from God’s command to prophesize to Nineveh and running and jumping on a ship was his belief he was in charge. That didn’t turn out so well. . . He was given quite a bit of time to reflect on his decision; and even then he tried to argue with God
We are selfish and self-centered, and I am probably leading the whole bunch of us like a maestro leading an orchestra. Yuck. I so dislike that trait, and although it makes me cringe when I realize I’ve done that again, that big deep breath out is part of the Holy Spirit reminding me I’m being bratty, and all time is His time, not mine. It gives me a whole new perspective. . .and I relax and rest in His charge.
I can’t say I have given up anything I did not want to give up. I relinquished cigarettes and am so thankful I did. I used to curse frequently and had terrible YUCK words spewing forth, and that too is gone. Whatever changes I have made over the years, I have wanted, and none of it has ever felt like a sacrifice, or a struggle to let go.
I have enough with me and ‘mybellaviews’ to keep supervising without thinking I am in charge. I am so thankful He is and He is doing an awesome job always. Thank You God for all the times You remind me You have whatever I have started fretting over, and You are there to comfort, encourage and love me through it. I love You. . . Continue to guide me and ‘mybellaviews.’
Deuteronomy 31:26,27 “Take this Book of the Law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God. There it will remain as a witness against you. For I know how rebellious and stiff-necked you are. If you have been rebellious against the Lord while I am still alive and with you, how much more will you rebel after I die!
Proverbs 16:2-5 All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. The Lord works out everything to its proper end—even the wicked for a day of disaster. The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: they will not go unpunished.
Isaiah 1:4 Woe to the sinful nation, a people whose guilt is great, a brood of evildoers, children given to corruption! They have forsaken the Lord; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him.
Isaiah 30:1,9 “Woe to the obstinate children,” declares the Lord, “to those who carry out pans that are not mine, forming an alliance, but not by my Spirit, heaping sin upon sin . . . For these are rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to listen to the Lord’s instruction.
John 6:31-33 Our fathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat’” Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.’
1 Samuel 15:22-23 But Samuel replied, “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.”
Romans 1:28-32 Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.
Most of us have an arrogant, selfish tendency. It seems it will take more than my lifetime before my sinful nature will be bridled. I need a bit in my mouth to stop some of my remarks, I need a bridle to turn me back into His direction and off the course I want to tread. And like most of those gorgeous, wild horses, it will take time and control and patience to break it. Even an old nag like me is taking a long time to be really broken and ready to behave!
There are many people in my life who have wonderful, giving, loving hearts, but they do not want to look to God for His mercies, confess their errors and see Him as the Savior He is. They do not believe there is an importance in knowing God as Creator, deity, Almighty, and feel and justify themselves as “good people”—and they are, usually better than I see myself. But that is still not a reason Jesus will let them in on Judgment Day. He will turn and say, “I never knew you.” They firmly and argumentatively claim they do not want to know a God who causes bad things to happen to good folks, that He chooses certain folks and not others, they see a lot of the crime, abuse and darkness in this world and attribute it to God. Some also claim, that throughout the bible god has destroyed peoples and why should they honor a god like that. But the denials are argumentative and self-righteous. And I cringe and try to point out that perhaps you have not read and understood the fact that WE brought sin into the world. We caused God’s desire of friendship and relationship with us to fall.
Many compare themselves to others, with a sense of righteousness and satisfaction, ‘well, at least I’m not as bad as so-and-so.’ That’s called justification and God does not care about comparisons. He cares about you and your heart, your sinful nature. That is a human trait to compare….behavior, possessions, clothing, figures, strength, etc, etc. A pretty endless list.
They, like many, want to blame God, challenge His sovereignty and justice. We misbehave and it is God’s fault…huh? Justifying one’s “goodness” does not make you good. There is only one who was/is good, and that is Jesus. Even as He descended into our sinful world and had all the temptations and means to sin, He did not. I frequently wonder how He got away with not falling into sibling rivalry, fighting, and carrying on.
There certainly are stories of violence and immediate punishment and death coming. God laid laws down when He first created Adam and Eve. “Do not eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil…” But, the beginning of the Fall…they did eat, they allowed their ulterior motive and selfish desire to reign… and sin became rampant. They needed to then be separated from God’s presence—a death from the constant communion and relationship they had enjoyed with Him. Many want to argue with what the bible says, and find God guilty, and an unfair judge. But these are people who do not know God, certainly do not know His words, have a relationship with Him, and have taken things totally out of context since they have not ever read the book. They have embellished a story or two they have heard and have not done research into who God is, the Creator, the Savior, and the Helper
As sin grew, then God would step in and punish. Sometimes the punishment was swift as in the man who stole things during a battle and kept a robe, gold, and silver for himself in the family tent. The entire family, including animals were stoned and wiped out of the Israelite camp.
God’s specific instructions had been to destroy all the city of Jericho, except Rahab and her family, but it certainly included any material from the city—it and all within the city was to be destroyed. Achan decided to take a bit for himself. As an example of God’s judgment, power, all-knowing and to show all His people the Israelites of the cost of sinning, He had them killed – with the Israelites casting the stones to kill them all. God does not tolerate sinning.
Good hearts do not allay the fact we all sin. We are not always without sin, no matter what WE think. “Everyone can be mad sometimes, everyone gossips every now and then, occasional sex with a boy/girlfriend is okay—this is the 21st century. Hmm, I haven’t read in the bible that promiscuity is okay beginning in the 20th century; I missed the part in the bible where it says it is now okay to talk about others and pass information on without knowing its truth and so forth. The Word has not changed. No one can edit it and take only the snippets they want to use to justify their actions to themselves. That still will not save you from an eternity in hell, and the loss of a relationship with the Savior before your physical death.
I find it frustrating to hear these people I love so easily pushing against God. Of course, there’s always time later. . . until there’s not. But in our arrogance and selfishness, we don’t see that. I pray their eyes will be opened to see and their ears opened to hear, and they face the truth and open the door to Him.
Thank You, God for your many blessings You have endowed to me—including my family and friends who at this point are choosing to believe they are in control and have no need of You. I am so thankful for all you have done for me and ‘mybellaviews.’
Hi, I'm Kathy. Welcome to my website!