Psalm 106:13 - God's timing

But they soon forgot what he had done
     and did not wait for his plan to unfold.

Psalm 106 tells of the repeated forgetfulness of the Israelites. So many times God's people disobeyed him and broke their covenant with him. They repeated the cycle over and over of disobedience, struggle, and returning to God. We also quickly forget what God has done for us: how he has made a plan for the forgiveness of our sins, helped us and comforted us. Then we get impatient and forgetful and rebel again. God's plan is not something we always see. We have to focus on God regardless of our circumstances and wait on his timing.

Lord, thank you for your plan. Please help us to be patient and fully reliant on you. Amen.

Matthew 11:16-19 - Bible Study Challenge Day 2

Read Matthew 11:16-19.

Question 1 - What was the relationship between John the Baptist and Jesus? (Luke 1:20-56)
They were cousins. John was a few months older and sent by God to prepare the people for the coming of Christ Jesus. John preached in the wilderness and baptized for repentance. Jesus was the son of God and provided salvation for all.

Question 2 - What would you compare our generation to?
This generation is all about instant gratification. We don't want to wait for anything.

Question 3 - What would a modern day comparison of a "drunkard" and "tax collector" be? Should we befriend them? Why or why not?
Modern day comparisons might be drug addicts and con-men or white collar criminals. If we are strong enough in our faith to resist the sins they are partaking in, then we may be called to associate with one of these groups of people in an effort to share the gospel with them (being in the world, but not of the world). I think we have to be careful to help when God is ready for us to help, but not enable them by "over-helping" when they face problems.

Lord, Thank you for being patient with us. Help us to wait for you and your will in all aspects of life. Amen.

Psalm 44:3 -Win or loose, it's in God's hands

It was not by their sword that they won the land,
     nor did their arm bring them victory;
it was your right hand, your arm,
     and the light of your face, for you loved them.

In this verse, David is talking about the success of his ancestors. The majority of Psalm 44 is about how their armies are losing. If we succeed or if we fail is in the hands of the Lord. God's purposes do not always include our success. And just because we fail, doesn't mean we are doing anything wrong or against the Lord. It may feel like God has abandoned us, but he is always there. We can ask God where he is or to wake up and listen to us, David did. He knows what is going on and he continues to love us. Our job isn't to win, it is to put our trust and hope in God.

Lord, thank you for your guidance over our lives. Please help us to put our trust and hope in you, regardless of our successes or failures. Amen.

Romans 11:33 - God's path

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
     How unsearchable his judgments,
     and his paths beyond tracing out!

God is omnipotent. He sees the big picture, so much more than we could ever see. It is so easy to get caught up in this life and our situation, but our desires are not always part of the Lord's plan, We have to trust God in all things, at all times.

Lord, thank you for being in control. Please help us to accept the path you place us on. Amen.

Romans 5:6 - Just the right time

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.

God's time is not our time. I've heard this phrase many times, but it is so hard to accept. We know God sees the big picture and knows what is best for his servants and kingdom. Our job is to TRUST GOD and not worry ourselves to death while he is doing things at just the right time. "Be patient, be patient, just wait a little longer."

Lord, thank you for your omnipotent knowledge and agape love. We know you want the best for us and have good plans for us. Please help us to be patient and trust you. Amen.

Genesis 48:21 - GOD is in contol

Then Israel said to Joseph, “I am about to die, but God will be with you and take you back to the land of your fathers.

Yes, God was with Joseph and the people of Israel (the you here is plural, more like "y'all") and they eventually make it back to Canaan, but I'm sure Israel (Jacob) never could have imagined what would happen and how long it would take. None of them expected to be in Egypt for over 400 years or for their descendants to become slaves. God's time is almost never our time. Discouragement comes easy when things don't happen the way we think they will. This story is evidence of God's faithfulness. Even when all seems lost, God is still in control.

Lord, thank you for being faithful and never leaving us, even when things are not happening the way we want them to happen. Please help us to be patient and remain faithful to you always. Amen.