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19
May
2024
God’s Goodness: Beyond Anger and Judgment

God’s Goodness: Beyond Anger and Judgment

Nahum 1:2 – The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. The Lord takes vengeance on his foes and vents his wrath against his enemies.

Have you ever read a Bible verse like this one, that kinda left you scratching your head? A verse that talks about God’s anger?

It can be tough to reconcile the idea of a loving God, with a jealous or angry one.

Good News: God’s Love is Real

The Bible overflows with God’s love for us. He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for our sins, proving just how much He cares. (John 3:16)

He longs for a relationship with us, filled with joy, blessings, and His presence. He’s faithful and keeps His promises.

But Here’s the Thing: God is Also Just

God is perfectly holy and righteous too.

Sin and evil go against everything He stands for. He hates injustice and the suffering it causes. He’s not some indifferent observer; He’s actively involved, a God of justice and judgment.

Understanding God’s Anger

So, why the anger? God’s jealousy isn’t like petty human jealousy.

It’s a fierce defense of His glory and His name. His anger is a response to evil and the harm it inflicts on His creation and His people.

He’s not impulsive or vengeful, but sovereign, patient, and wise.

How This Impacts Us

This verse shouldn’t make us fearful, but grateful for God’s amazing grace.

He hasn’t punished us as our sins deserve. He offers forgiveness and welcomes us as His children.

This should also make us respectful and obedient. It’s a wake-up call to the seriousness of sin and the importance of turning away from it.

Putting It All Together

Here’s how this truth can be a guiding light in our lives:

  • Facing Troubles: When life throws punches, trust that God is in control. He’ll see you through and deliver you.
    • (Psalm 46:1) God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

  • Seeing Injustice: When you witness unfairness, pray for God to intervene and bring peace and justice.
    • (James 5:16) Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

  • Overcoming Temptation: When tempted, resist the devil and flee from sin. God is your protector and helper. (James 4:7)
    • Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

  • Seeking Forgiveness: When you mess up, confess and ask for forgiveness. He’s your Savior and healer. (1 John 1:9)
    •  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

  • Living for God: As you worship and serve Him, express your gratitude for His goodness and faithfulness. He’s your Lord and King. (Romans 12:1)
    • Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

God’s character isn’t a confusing puzzle. He is both loving and just. He’s not a tyrant, but a loving judge. He’s not distant, but a personal Father. He’s not a weak ally, but a strong and faithful friend.

Let’s rejoice in His goodness, with a healthy respect for His anger, and yes . . . His Wrath! Let’s love and obey Him, worshiping and serving Him with all our hearts. He deserves nothing less.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock
25
Apr
2024
Judgment Begins at God’s Household

Judgment Begins at God’s Household

1 Peter 4:17 – For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

This verse reminds us that the time for judgment is now. This is a sobering reality that calls us to closely examine our lives and ensure we are living according to God’s will.

Judgment Begins with God’s Household

The verse emphasizes that judgment begins with God’s household, meaning we as Christians must be especially careful to live in a way that is pleasing to God.

We are called to be an example to others, showcasing what it means to walk in obedience to God’s commands.

Rather than judging others, we must focus on our own lives and make the necessary adjustments to align with God’s perfect standards.

Outcome for Those Who Do Not Obey

The verse also warns that there will be consequences for those who do not obey the gospel of God.

A stark reminder of the importance of taking judgment seriously and doing everything in our power to share the good news of salvation with others.

We must be a light in the darkness, guiding people towards the life-transforming message of the gospel.

Living a Life Pleasing to God

In light of these truths, we must diligently examine our hearts and actions to ensure we are living a life that is pleasing to God. This requires a posture of humility, constantly seeking to grow in our love and devotion to the Lord.

As we align our lives with God’s will, we will become living testimonies of His transformative power, inspiring others to follow the same path.

As part of God’s household, you must take this message to heart, striving to live in a way that honors Him and brings glory to His Name. By doing so, you will fulfill your calling to be salt and light in this world, leading others to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock
11
Feb
2024
Value of Wisdom

Value of Wisdom

“And he said to the human race, ‘The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.” Job 28:28

Wisdom Begins with Reverence

In a world obsessed with wealth, power, and pleasure, we need to refocus on what holds real value. This verse teaches that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord.

More than mere respect, the fear of the Lord is deep awe, reverence, and submission to God. It’s recognizing His unmatched greatness and bowing humbly before Him.

Do you approach God with a trembling, obedient heart?

Proper fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. It realigns our priorities and perspectives. When we stand in awe of the Almighty, earthly troubles grow smaller. Pursuit of selfish gain loses appeal.

Focusing our minds on His majesty floods our hearts with priceless wisdom. Ask the Spirit today to instill godly fear and wisdom within you.

Understanding Through Obedience

The second half of this verse equates understanding with shunning evil. As we walk closely with God, listening to His voice, wisdom produces moral discernment. We gain ability to spot wickedness and walk the other way.

Understanding guards us from foolish choices and the heartache they bring. We develop spiritual instincts to flee anything disruptive to our intimacy with Christ. But this understanding only flourishes through obedience.

As James 1:22 states, we must “be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” Active surrender to God allows Him to sharpen our discernment.

Obedience and wisdom feed one other in a beautiful cycle. Are there areas of obedience God is calling you to? Take steps to submit today. Watch understanding blossom!

Greater Worth than Riches

Proverbs 8 lavishes praise on the excellency of wisdom, declaring it more valuable than rubies, gold, or silver. All the money in the world cannot purchase wisdom! It springs from a heart surrendered to the fear of the Lord.

A life applied in obedience to God blooms with discernment and insight no amount of wealth can replicate. Don’t envy those with overflowing bank accounts or prominent positions. Covet instead the priceless wisdom only God provides to the humble and obedient.

He is eager to grant it to those who earnestly seek Him. Treasure time spent in the Word, in prayer and worship, allowing healthy fear to take root. This is investment into eternally precious wisdom!

Pillars of Spiritual Maturity

As we journey through life with Christ, may we build our homes on the twin pillars of godly fear and spiritual understanding. One leads to the other in a cycle of growth and maturity.

When we awake with an awe-filled heart, eager to revere and obey God, He directs our paths and grants keen discernment. As we then walk out that obedience, the wisdom He imparts strengthens our resolve to honor Him above all.

This day, commit yourself fully to this beautiful process. Determine to treasure nothing above intimacy with God. The rewards of wisdom He bestows on the faithful heart are beyond measure!

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock
21
Jan
2024
Childlike Wonder

Childlike Wonder

Luke 10:21 – At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.”

Believing Hearts

In a moment of exultation, Jesus rejoiced that His Father concealed truth from the worldly-wise but unveiled it to childlike hearts ready to believe. This reveals what delights God’s heart.

Wonder and wholehearted faith, more than intellect or status, prepare us to receive the things of God’s kingdom. He longs for us to approach Him with wide-eyed dependence like little children.

Posture of Receptivity

Come to God full of wonder, curiosity, and joyful expectation – eager to see all He wants to reveal. He loves to uncover truth to receptive hearts not restrained by pride or skepticism.

Ask God to give you a childlike heart that finds joy in seeking Him. Let go of the need to intellectualize everything. Let Him awaken wide-eyed faith like a little child.

Lord, Give Me a Child’s Heart

Father, remind me that intelligence and accomplishments cannot unlock spiritual truth – childlike receptivity holds the key. Give me the wonder, curiosity, and trust of a little child. Fill me with joyful expectation to receive all You want to reveal.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock