God's Faithfulness Releases Us From Worry And Anxiety

Text: Matthew 6:30

Worry locks up people in the darkroom of unbelief but faith opens the windows to let in the light of positive thinking and logical reasoning. Anxiety casts the shadow of frustration and despair on us and keeps us from meditating on the provision and promise of our freedom.

Many people, even some dear Christians are prevented from enjoying a fuller and happier life because they are imprisoned by worry and anxiety. The unrenewed mind breeds worry and anxiety and walks by sight in a world of uncertainty. The truth taught by Christ and applied by the Holy Spirit sets us free. Even when we know the truth in our head, unbelief and worry can keep us from experiencing the joy and liberty of the children of God. "Seeing many things, but thou observest not" and "therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge; and their honourable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst" (Isaiah 42:20; 5:13).

Our Saviour, Lord, Master and Teacher Jesus Christ, said: "Behold the fowls of the air". "Consider the lilies of the field". The Scriptures command, "Ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee" (Job 12:7,8). "Go to the ant, consider her ways, and be wise" (Proverbs 6:6). "The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but my people doth not consider" (Isaiah 1:3).

God's revelation and God's creation join their voices together, teaching us to live by faith and banish worry and anxiety from our hearts. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, still commands us today: "Have faith in God"; "Take no thought". Trust in the Lord and be free from worry and anxiety.

1. GOD'S FAITHFULNESS OUTLAWS ALL WORRY AND ANXIETY

Text: Matthew 6:30; Luke 12:24,28; 2 Chronicles 25:9; Matthew 7:11; Luke 11:13; Romans 5:9,10,15,17; Romans 8:32; Lamentations 3:23-25; 2 Timothy 2:7,13; Psalm 36:5-10; Hebrews 10:22,23; 1 Thessalonians 5:24.

Our Lord uses the words "much more" to remind us of the certainty of God's faithfulness. Every time He uses those words, He makes a simple and logical comparison. Our heavenly Father feeds the birds - He has never failed in this responsibility. The least of the birds are faithfully fed. We know this, as a matter of fact. This also we should know without a shadow of doubt: He will feed us. Our heavenly Father is always faithful.

Christ also uses the words "much more" in comparing us with the grass of the field. God, our Creator and Father, clothes the grass, the lilies and the flowers. We see the evidence of this everywhere. It is a fact no one can argue against. "Thou openest thine hand and thou renewest the face of the earth" (Psalm 104:28,30).

Every year we see the renewal of the face of the earth with the beauty of the grass, the lilies and the flowers. What lesson does Christ draw from this? "How much more will He clothe you." God's faithfulness to all His children in every generation is guaranteed.

The words "much more" appear again in Christ's teaching in the family setting. Earthly parents feed their children. No one doubts this. Generally, children do not worry about the next meal. Generally, children do not need great faith in order to expect to be fed by their parents. From this obvious fact, our Lord leads us to expect the full care of our heavenly Father.

We have no reason to worry. Our Father is always faithful to His promises. He does not change and cannot fail. "Behold, I will perform that good thing which I have promised. If ye can break my covenant of the day, and my covenant of the night, and that there should not be day and night in their season; then may also my covenant be broken" (Jeremiah 33:14,20,21). How can we ever worry as children of such a faithful God? Rest in God and be free from all worry and anxiety.

2. GROWING FAITH OVERCOMES ALL WORRY AND ANXIETY

Text: Matthew 6:30; Luke 8:22-25; John 20:26-31; Hebrews 10:35-38; Romans 4:19,20; Hebrews 11:8-10,17-19; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; Luke 17:5,6; Mark 11:22-24; Colossians 2:5-7; Isaiah 26:3,4; Philippians 4:6-8,13,19.

"O ye of little faith" accounts for the reason for our needless worry. Faith is the key that opens the door to a life of joy, fullness and fulfillment. "O ye of little faith" is the reason for all our needless fears. Our needless FEAR:

False Experiences Appearing Real (2 Kings 3:21-24; 7:5-15),

Falsified Evidence Affecting Reasoning (Matthew 14:24-33),

Frequent Exaggerations Altering Reality (Numbers 13:28-33; 14:1-4)

Feeble Enemies Arousing Restlessness (1 Samuel 4:5-7; 5:1-9; 6:19,20),

Fictitious Expectation Anticipating Rejection (Judges 13:8-23),

Frightening Eloquence Announcing Retaliation (2 Chronicles 32:9-22),

Fierce Egyptians Approaching Ruin (Exodus 14:9-30) --

These needless fears cause unnecessary worry because of lack of faith or little faith. Saving faith makes us believe in Christ for our salvation. We believe that Christ died for our sins and paid the full price for our redemption, that He has borne all the penalty of our sins. Repenting of all our sins and believing in Christ's death and resurrection, all our sins are forgiven and the Holy Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. Now we believe that God is our heavenly Father. That is what it means to have saving faith.

All who have saving faith but who do not go further to believe that God will take care of their day-to-day needs, who are worried and anxious, not believing God for the temporal needs of life have just little faith. Saving faith keeps them in God's family but the little faith robs them of so much blessings in this life. The lack of family faith or the faith of a child in the family may make their earthly life disturbed or distracted by worry and anxiety.

3. GUARANTEED FREEDOM OVERLOOKS ALL WORRY AND ANXIETY

Text: Matthew 6:30; Psalm 112:6-8; Acts 12:5-11; Psalm 125:1-3; Judges 13:8-23; Psalms 46:5-11; 55:22; 62:1,2,5-8; Habakkuk 3:17-19; Acts 16:23-26; Psalms 16:8,9; 121:1-8.

"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. If the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. The Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free. Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free" (John 8:32,36; Romans 8:2; Galatians 5:1). Glorious freedom - freedom from sin - "being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness" (Romans 6:18,22). Guaranteed freedom - freedom from all worry and anxiety.

"Therefore take no thought, for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things" (Matthew 6:31,32). Just as we cannot serve two masters, we cannot concentrate our thoughts on two different objects in two different places at the same time. We cannot meditate on God's promises and our problems at the same time. Meditating on God's promises, considering God's providence and trusting in God's power, we shall forget the problems, leaving them in God's hands.

The bigger and greater our God is in our hearts, the smaller our problems become. When the Most High God becomes all in all to our faith, our problems diminish and become nothing. Putting God in His place, on the throne of our heart, worry and anxiety will have no place. A heart full of love and faith towards God has no room for worry and anxiety. We are free and free indeed.

=== Culled from DCLM Bible Study Outline ===

Trust in the Lord always for He alone is able to make all your fears and anxieties fade away. May the grace of the Lord be with you.

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You Must Make A Choice

It doesn't end at the hospital,

Laid out on a gurney;

That is only the beginning of your eternal Journey.

The BIBLE clearly tells us what lies ahead,

Both for the saved and the unsaved dead.

The biblical Prophets have much to tell,

You must make a choice: HEAVEN OR HELL!

=== Written by: Carl Hatter ===

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I Know Who Holds Tomorrow

I don't know about tomorrow,
I just live from day to day;
I don't borrow from it's sunshine,
For its skies may turn to gray;
I don't worry o'er the future,
For I know what Jesus said,
And today I'll walk beside Him,
For He knows what is ahead. 

Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand;
But I know who holds tomorrow,
And I know who holds my hand.

Ev'ry step is getting brighter
As the golden stairs I climb;
Ev'ry burden's getting lighter,
Ev'ry cloud is silver lined;
There the sun is always shining,
There no tear will dim the eye;
At the ending of the rainbow,
Where the mountains touch the sky

I don't know about tomorrow,
It may bring me poverty;
But the One who feeds the sparrow
Is the One who stands by me;
And the path that be my portion,
May be through the flame or flood,
But His presence goes before me,
And I'm covered with His blood.

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How To Enjoy Life

Text: Ecclesiastes 5:18-20

"Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work--this is a gift of God" (Ecclesiastes 5:19).

Enjoyment does not come from possessions or riches; nor does it come from companionship, popularity, and fame; or from the approval and admiration of others. Enjoyment comes by knowing the living God and taking everything from His hand with thanksgiving, whether it is pain or pleasure. That is the gift of God, and that is the lesson of this great book of Ecclesiastes.

Notice how the chapter closes: "He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart" (Ecclesiastes 5:20). Have you ever met people like that? They have lived a full life, but they never talk about the past. Some people live in the past.

William Randolph Hearst, who amassed one of the great fortunes of our time, ended his days amidst all the opulence and splendor of the castle that he built in southern California, sitting in a basement, playing over and over again the movies of his paramour from Hollywood in an effort to eke out a degree of enjoyment from the past.

When people discover the richness of life that God has provided, they do not think of the past or even talk about it. They do not talk about the future, either, because they are so richly involved with the savor of life right now.

How good it is to know the living God, to know that He controls what comes into your life. He expects you to make choices; Scripture always encourages that. But rejoice in the wisdom of a Father's heart and richly enjoy what is handed you day-by-day; that is the secret of life. Such a one "seldom reflects on the days of his life" because God will keep him occupied "with gladness of heart."

May the grace of the Lord be with you. Feel free to share and leave your comments.

Copyright © Ray Stedman Ministries | www.raystedman.org

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God Chastises For Correction

TEXT: JEREMIAH 29:1-9 

Key verse: “Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, unto all that are carried away captives, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem unto Babylon; Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them” (Jeremiah 29:4,5).

Billy Graham, in his book entitled, Worker’s Handbook, said: “If life were all easy, wouldn’t we become flabby? When a ship’s carpenter needed timber to make a mast for a sailing vessel, he did not cut it in the valley, but up on the mountainside where the trees had been buffeted by the winds. These trees, he knew, were the strongest of all. Hardship is not our choice; but if we face it bravely, it can toughen the fiber of our souls. God does not discipline us to subdue us, but to condition us for a life of usefulness and blessedness.”

Jeremiah wrote to the Israelites, who were in captivity in Babylon as a form of discipline by the Lord, that they should move ahead with their lives and pray for the heathen nation that enslaved them. 

From experience, we discover that trials and suffering can come from three sources. Firstly, it can come due to disobedience to the commandment of God, that is, as a result of sin. Secondly, it can also be permitted by God without any iniquity on the part of man. Job’s experience is an example. Thirdly, it can be as a result of satanic oppression. In all these causes of calamities, it is the one by Satan that is the easiest to handle. When God demonstrates His omnipotence by allowing divinely arranged trials in our lives, we should realize that it is to achieve His own glory through us. If it is from Satan, all we need do is to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, pray and believe God for solution. The most difficult of all trials to tackle is one caused by sin. Some people hide sins in their hearts and go about as if there is no problem. But God, who knows the state of their hearts, will not answer their prayers.

Whatever your calamity, you need to, first of all, examine your life. Ask God to reveal, through His Spirit, the cause of the problem to you. Then, make your way right with God.

Thought for you: Chastisement is designed for our good; to bring us closer to God.

See more by clicking daily manna above or here: <<Daily Manna>> Feel free to share and leave your comments. May the grace of the Lord be with you.

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O, How I Wish You Knew

O, how I wish you knew, 

The world seeks Christ in you.

Beneath your lofty eyes,

They see a life of lies:

You claim to know the Lord

But won't obey His word;

You scorn your friends in sin

And nurse hatred within.

You go to Church always,

To hide your sinful ways;

You think the world won't know,

The deeds you wouldn't show.

But God sees everyone;

Our toils under the sun;

He knows His true children

Salvaged from devil's den:

They walk in ways of love,

And live for Christ above;

Doing the thing that's right,

Like those transferred to light.

O, how I wish you knew

The world hungers for  true

Believers of the Cross,

Who see their lives as loss

In Jesus Christ alone;

Who won't cast the first stone

At every wrong they see,

Instead, would show mercy.

Dear brethren in the Lord,

It's time we live the Word;

Teaching the ways of love,

Living for Christ above.

It is not what we know,

It is the care we show,

That shows sinners the Way,

Through kindness everyday.

O, how i wish you knew

The world seeks Christ in you.

We need not play the "church"

But start being the Church.

Jesus depends on us

To proclaim of the Cross,

To speak of salvation,

With joy to all nations.
Through kindness everyday,
We show sinners the Way;
It is not what we know,
It is the care we show.

The world seeks Christ in you,
O, how I wish you knew.

===Written by: Jacobs Adewale ===

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Seeing Life From God's View

What is your life? James 4:14b (NIV)

"We don't see things as they are; we see them as we are" ~ Anais Nin

"The way you see your life shapes your life"

How you define life determines your destiny. Your perspective will influence how you invest your time, spend your money, use your talents, and value your relationships.

One of the best ways to understand other people is to ask them, "How do you see your life?" You will discover that there are as many different answers to that question as there are people. I've been told life is a circus, a minefield, a roller coaster, a puzzle, a symphony, a journey, and a dance. People have said, "Life is a carousel: Sometimes you're up, sometimes you're down, and sometimes you just go round and round" or "life is a ten-speed bicycle with gears we never use" or "life is a game of cards: You have to play the hand you are dealt."
  

If I asked how you picture life, what image would come to your mind? That image is your life metaphor. It's the view of life that you hold, consciously or unconsciously, in your mind. It's your description of how life works and what you expect from it. People often express their life metaphors through clothes, jewellery, cars, hairstyles, bumper stickers, even tattoos.

Your unspoken life metaphor influences your life more than you realize. It determines your expectations, your values, your relationships, your goals, and your priorities. For instance, if you think life is a party, your primary value in life will be having fun. If you see life as a race, you will value speed and will probably be in a hurry much of the time. If you view life as a marathon, you will value endurance. If you see life as a battle or a game, winning will be very important to you.

What is your view of life? You may be basing your life on a faulty life metaphor. To fulfil the purposes God made you for, you will have to challenge conventional wisdom and replace it with the biblical metaphors of life. The Bible says, "Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God."

The Bible offers three metaphors that teach us God's view of life: Life is a test, life is a trust, and life is a temporary assignment. These ideas are the foundation of purpose-driven living.

Life on earth is a Test. This life metaphor is seen in stories throughout the Bible. God continually tests people's character, faith, obedience, love, integrity, and loyalty. Words like trials, temptations, refining, and testing occur more than 200 times in the Bible. God tested Abraham by asking him to offer his son Isaac. God tested Jacob when he had to work extra years to earn Rachel as his wife.

Adam and Eve failed their test in the Garden of Eden, and David failed his tests from God on several occasions. But the Bible also gives us many examples of people who passed a great test, such as Joseph, Ruth, Esther, and Daniel.

Character is both developed and revealed by tests, and all of life is a test. You are always being tested. God constantly watches your response to people, problems, success, conflict, illness, disappointment, and even the weather! He even watches the simplest actions such as when you open a door for others, when you pick up a piece of trash, or when you're polite toward a clerk or waitress.

We don't know all the tests God will give you, but we can predict some of them, based on the Bible. You will be tested by major changes, delayed promises, impossible problems, unanswered prayers, undeserved criticism, and even senseless tragedies. In my own life, I have noticed that God tests my faith through problems, tests my hope by how I handle possessions, and tests my love through people.

A very important test is how you act when you can't feel God's presence in your life. Sometimes, God intentionally draws back, and we don't sense his closeness. A king named Hezekiah experienced this test. The Bible says, "God withdrew from Hezekiah in order to test him and to see what was really in his heart." Hezekiah had enjoyed a close fellowship with God, but at a crucial point in his life God left him alone to test his character, to reveal a weakness, and to prepare him for more responsibility.

When you understand that life is a test, you realize that nothing is insignificant in your life. Even the smallest incident has significance for your character development. Every day is an important day, and every second is a growth opportunity to deepen your character, to demonstrate love, or to depend on God. Some tests seem overwhelming, while others you don't even notice. But all of them have eternal implications. Character is both developed and revealed by tests, and all of life is a test.

The good news is that God wants you to pass the tests of life, so he never allows the tests you face to be greater than the grace he gives you to handle them. The Bible says, "God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out."

Every time you pass a test, God notices and makes plans to reward you in eternity. James says, "Blessed are those who endure when they are tested. When they pass the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him."

Life on earth is a Trust. This is the second biblical metaphor of life. Our time on earth and our energy, intelligence, opportunities, relationships, and resources are all gifts from God that he has entrusted to our care and management. We are stewards of whatever God gives us. This concept of stewardship begins with the recognition that God is the owner of everything and everyone on earth. The Bible says, "The world and all that is in it belong to the LORD; the earth and all who live on it are his."

We never really own anything during our brief stay on earth. God just loans the earth to us while we're here. It was God's property before you arrived, and God will loan it to someone else after you die. You just get to enjoy it for a while.

When God created Adam and Eve, he entrusted the care of his creation to them and appointed them trustees of his property. The Bible says, "[God] blessed them, and said, "Have many children, so that your descendants will live all over the earth and bring it under their control. I am putting you in charge."'

The first job God gave humans was to manage and take care of God's "stuff" on earth. This role has never been rescinded. It is a part of our purpose today. Everything we enjoy is to be treated as a trust that God has placed in our hands. The Bible says, "What do you have that God hasn't given you? And if all you have is from God, why boast as though you have accomplished something on your own?"

Testimony from my father in the Lord...

Years ago, a couple let my wife and me use their beautiful, beach-front home in Hawaii for a vacation. It was an experience we could never have afforded, and we enjoyed it immensely. We were told, "Use it just like it's yours," so we did! We swam in the pool, ate the food in the refrigerator, used the bath towels and dishes, and even jumped on the beds in fun! But we knew all along that it wasn't really ours, so we took special care of everything. We enjoyed the benefits of using the home without owning it.

Our culture says, "If you don't own it, you won't take care of it." But Christians live by a higher standard: "Because God owns it, I must take the best care of it that I can." The Bible says, "those who are trusted with something valuable must show they are worthy of that trust." Jesus often referred to life as a trust and told many stories to illustrate this responsibility toward God.

In the story of the talents, a businessman entrusts his wealth to the care of his servants while he's away. When he returns, he evaluates each servant's responsibility and rewards them accordingly. The owner says, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness."

At the end of your life on earth you will be evaluated and rewarded according to how well you handled what God entrusted to you. That means everything you do, even simple daily chores, has eternal implications. If you treat everything as a trust, God promises three rewards in eternity. First, you will be given God's affirmation: He will say, "Good job! Well done!" Next, you will receive a promotion and be given greater responsibility in eternity: "I will put you in charge of many things." Then you will be honoured with a celebration: "Come and share your Master's happiness."

The more God gives you, the more responsible he expects you to be.

Most people fail to realize that money is both a test and a trust from God. God uses finances to teach us to trust him, and for many people, money is the greatest test of all. God watches how we use money to test how trustworthy we are. The Bible says, "If you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?"

This is a very important truth. God says there is a direct relationship between how I use my money and the quality of my spiritual life. How I manage my money ("worldly wealth") determines how much God can trust me with spiritual blessings ("true riches"). Let me ask you: Is the way you manage your money preventing God from doing more in your life? Can you be trusted with spiritual riches?

Jesus said, "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.' Life is a test and a trust, and the more God gives you, the more responsible he expects you to be.

THINKING ABOUT MY PURPOSE

Point to Ponder: Life is a test and a trust.

Verse to Remember: "Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won't be faithful in large ones.” Luke I6:l0a (NLT)

Question to Consider: What has happened to me recently that I now realize was a test from God? What are the greatest matters God had entrusted to me?

==Written by: Rick Warren (Purpose Driven Life) ===

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Be Thou An Example

TEXT: 1 TIMOTHY 4:12; 1 THESSALONIANS 2:1-11

The Lord Jesus is set forth as a perfect example for the Church in purity, humility, quiet resignation to God's will and in suffering wrongfully without retaliation. In like manner, every true follower of Christ has been called unto radiant and exemplary living in all spheres of life - at home, in the neighbourhood, at work, and in the church of God. Such exemplary living is an index of true discipleship and means by which the world glorifies God in us.

In practical terms, our texts above reveal the attitude, and disposition expected of a Christian. He must serve as a pattern for imitation and inspiration to other members in the church and among unbelievers. The realms of such exemplary living are in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith and in purity.

To start with, a true child of God must be an example to believers in word. He/she does not speak, critical, angry, idle words. He/she is never accused of murmuring, frivolity, talkativeness, boasting, flattery, lying or worse still, swearing. A Christian is a man or woman of unquestionable integrity. His/her yea is yea and his/her nay, nay.

Conversation relates to the general lifestyle of a believer. The attitudes, conducts and actions of a true child of God is devoid of greediness, disobedience, unruly behaviours, contention, indulgence and talebearing, etc.

However, as beneficiaries of God's matchless love and grace at salvation, having been cleansed from all selfish tendencies, a Christian's heart is exercised unto unfeigned love of the brethren, extended even to unbelievers.

In addition to these virtues is his/her fervency of spirit. A Christian is grave, sober, prayerful and heaven-minded. His/her affections are wholly set on things above and he/she constantly expects the Lord's return.

Moreover, a true child of God is a man or woman of faith. His/her quiet repose in God in times of crises is an inspiration to others. Nevertheless, the total picture of the Christian is holiness. He or she is pure in his dealings at home, at work and in the church. He/she does not indulge in secret sins.

As believers, we must watch against bad examples as they can make others fall from their steadfastness in the Lord and shrink in faith. We should know that God's judgment awaits those who live in guile, deceit and gross misconduct as opposed to His commandments.

Dear Christians, I urge you "to live lives worthy of God, who called us into His own kingdom and the glorious blessedness into which true believers will enter after Christ's return" (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12; Amplified Bible). We are the living Bible this sinful world will ever read.

"And if you call upon Him (God) as your Father Who judges each one impartially according to what he or she does, then you should conduct yourself with true reverence throughout the time of your temporary residence on earth, whether long or short" (1 Peter 1:17).

"...Christ has left us an example that we should follow in His footsteps" (1 Peter 2:21). Thus, we are to live as ambassadors of Christ, so God's appeal to the world through us would be accepted and not ridiculed (2 Corinthians 5:20).

"Be imitators of God as well-beloved children imitate their father ... For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of Light [lead the lives of those native-born to the Light] ... And try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord [let your life be a constant proof of what is most acceptable to God]" (Ephesians 5:1,8,10).

Be thou an example! "Lead a life worthy of the divine calling to which you have been called [with behaviour that is a credit to the summons to God's service...]. Let your life lovingly express truth ... and let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, even Jesus Christ [the Messiah, the Anointed one]" (Ephesians 4:1,15).

Finally, dear brethren, I urge you all to be thou an example! In whatever you say or do, know whom you represent and have believed in. The world is watching; let others see Jesus in you.

Now to Him who, by the power that is at work within us, is able to do superabundantly, far over and above all that we ask or think, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (Ephesians 3:20-21).

May the grace and peace of the Lord be with you. God bless! Feel free to share and leave your comments.

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Avoid Working Against God

TEXT: 2 KINGS 16:1-9 

Key verse: “And he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree” (2 Kings 16:4).  

Donald Arthur Carson, a Canadian-born, Reformed Evangelical theologian and professor of the New Testament, said: “In the first garden, ‘Not Your will but mine’ by Adam changed Paradise to desert and brought man from Eden to Gethsemane. Now ‘Not My will but Yours’ by Jesus Christ brings anguish to the Man who prays it but transforms the desert into the kingdom and brings man from Gethsemane to the gates of glory.” 

Ahaz would equally have had such a beautiful testimony in his life, if he had allowed God’s will as against his, to dominate his existence. This would have made not only his entire life’s story to be somewhat different, but equally had a transforming impact on the Israelites. Sadly, he was indifferent to God’s unequivocal warnings about the conduct of the people around him and the dangers of emulating their evil ways.  

Clearly, Ahaz was a king who was not guided by a sense of history and who never bothered to read the Scriptures. Otherwise, he would have recognized in Leviticus 20:3 and 5 that God emphatically said “1 will set my face against that man” who makes his son to pass through fire, and who defiles His holy sanctuary. He did enough to incur God’s wrath, and had a measure of it. 

Today, some so-called Christians have followed the path of Ahaz. They set aside days to celebrate old idolatrous practices, though under different colourations. They spend fortunes on revisiting the evils, which drew their ignorant ancestors far away from the living and true God. Believers will do well to avoid association in any form with any and all of these evils. Are you involved in any form of superstition, idolatry or compromise with those who do them? Confess your sins and sever your relationship with all forms of idolatry.  

Thought for you: Anything you want more than God is an idol.  - See more at: <<Daily Manna>>

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TEXT: 2 KINGS 16:1-9

Key verse: “And he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree” (2 Kings 16:4). 

Donald Arthur Carson, a Canadian-born, Reformed Evangelical theologian and professor of the New Testament, said: “In the first garden, ‘Not Your will but mine’ by Adam changed Paradise to desert and brought man from Eden to Gethsemane. Now ‘Not My will but Yours’ by Jesus Christ brings anguish to the Man who prays it but transforms the desert into the kingdom and brings man from Gethsemane to the gates of glory.”

Ahaz would equally have had such a beautiful testimony in his life, if he had allowed God’s will as against his, to dominate his existence. This would have made not only his entire life’s story to be somewhat different, but equally had a transforming impact on the Israelites. Sadly, he was indifferent to God’s unequivocal warnings about the conduct of the people around him and the dangers of emulating their evil ways. 

Clearly, Ahaz was a king who was not guided by a sense of history and who never bothered to read the Scriptures. Otherwise, he would have recognised in Leviticus 20:3 and 5 that God emphatically said “1 will set my face against that man” who makes his son to pass through fire, and who defiles His holy sanctuary. He did enough to incur God’s wrath, and had a measure of it.

Today, some so-called Christians have followed the path of Ahaz. They set aside days to celebrate old idolatrous practices, though under different colourations. They spend fortunes on revisiting the evils, which drew their ignorant ancestors far away from the living and true God. Believers will do well to avoid association in any form with any and all of these evils. Are you involved in any form of superstition, idolatry or compromise with those who do them? Confess your sins and sever your relationship with all forms of idolatry. 

Thought for the day: Anything you want more than God is an idol. 

- See more at: http://dailymanna.dclmhq.org/2014/09/topic-avoid-working-against-god.html#.VB3KohawHIU

TEXT: 2 KINGS 16:1-9

Key verse: “And he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree” (2 Kings 16:4). 

Donald Arthur Carson, a Canadian-born, Reformed Evangelical theologian and professor of the New Testament, said: “In the first garden, ‘Not Your will but mine’ by Adam changed Paradise to desert and brought man from Eden to Gethsemane. Now ‘Not My will but Yours’ by Jesus Christ brings anguish to the Man who prays it but transforms the desert into the kingdom and brings man from Gethsemane to the gates of glory.”

Ahaz would equally have had such a beautiful testimony in his life, if he had allowed God’s will as against his, to dominate his existence. This would have made not only his entire life’s story to be somewhat different, but equally had a transforming impact on the Israelites. Sadly, he was indifferent to God’s unequivocal warnings about the conduct of the people around him and the dangers of emulating their evil ways. 

Clearly, Ahaz was a king who was not guided by a sense of history and who never bothered to read the Scriptures. Otherwise, he would have recognised in Leviticus 20:3 and 5 that God emphatically said “1 will set my face against that man” who makes his son to pass through fire, and who defiles His holy sanctuary. He did enough to incur God’s wrath, and had a measure of it.

Today, some so-called Christians have followed the path of Ahaz. They set aside days to celebrate old idolatrous practices, though under different colourations. They spend fortunes on revisiting the evils, which drew their ignorant ancestors far away from the living and true God. Believers will do well to avoid association in any form with any and all of these evils. Are you involved in any form of superstition, idolatry or compromise with those who do them? Confess your sins and sever your relationship with all forms of idolatry. 

Thought for the day: Anything you want more than God is an idol. 

- See more at: http://dailymanna.dclmhq.org/2014/09/topic-avoid-working-against-god.html#.VB3KohawHIU