Many times I have read the story of the yo-yo relationship between God and the children of Israel. It’s a love/hate relationship. God loving his people enough to give them guidelines to follow and the people hating to be told what to do.
In this interesting verse, we find God’s chosen people pointing a finger at God. They are blaming Him because they have walked away from His ways; blaming Him that their hearts have become hardened so they no longer revere Him.
People today are not much different than those living in Bible times. Recently, I was told of a man who came to our church. He got out of his vehicle and began yelling and screaming at the church building. As he stood there, shaking his fist at God, in great anger, he was saying what the people in Isaiah’s time said: “God, it’s Your fault that I am in this mess.” We live in a world filled with hatred, greed, selfishness, all kinds of evil and wickedness. Many have bought into the lie that the more one has the happier they will be. In reality things do not bring happiness. With things come payments. With payments come working longer hours. Working longer hours brings on major stress and stress causes us to loose focus as to what really matters most, relationships! Relationship with God and with people. We wonder why things are as bad as they are.
Years ago there was a commercial that was showed a person shopping. On the person’s right shoulder stood a devil and on his left shoulder stood an angel. The devil was saying, “Go ahead get it, you know you want.” While the angel was telling the man what was best for him.
Could this be what is happening in our world today? God is telling us what is best for us while the devil is standing right there saying, “Oh, don’t listen Him. Go ahead and get it. Go ahead and do it. You know it’s going to make you feel good. You know you deserve it.” When we give into that voice, we soon find ourselves getting further and further away from God. Then things start falling apart, our lives are a mess and we blame God. The truth is, the devil is the one feeding the lies, leading us in a direction that would cause pain, destruction, heartache, disappointment, discouragement, and even death. He has the audacity to stand on our shoulder, point a finger at God and say, “It’s all His fault!”. Many believe him.
The book of James, found in the new testament, tells us: “When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” James 1:13-15
Many times I have heard others blame God for the mess they are in. In reality we all are where we are because of the choice we have made.
God has made it very clear in His Word the Holy Bible what we need to do to live in the blessings He has for us.
In the book of Jeremiah, found in the old testament, we read: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
In the book of Deuteronomy, also found in the old testament, God says: “This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” Deuteronomy 30:19
My personal life is not exempt from heartache, pain and disappointment, those things come with life. But when faced with them I have a choice to make. I can choose to blame God and turn from Him or I can choose to run to Him. I choose life every day so that I and my children may live.
Choosing life comes easier when one realizes that God has given us all we need to make the right choices.
In the book of Titus, found in the new testament, we read: “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." Titus 2:11-14
My prayer for you today:
Father God, I pray for those reading this blog. Help them to understand You did not bring about the bad things in their lives. Reveal to them today how much you really do love them and may they come to know You in a personal way. In Jesus name I pray, Amen
426 Laurelwood Road
Pottstown, PA
* All scripture has been taken from the Holy Bible.
No comments:
Post a Comment