Dishonoring God

Eli’s sons dishonored God in their holy priestly duties. After a warning, God expelled them from the priestly class. In God’s work and at his discretion, he will remove those who dishonor and hold him in contempt. God will act - human intercession won’t work at that point.

1 Samuel 2:22-25 (NIV)  22 Now Eli, who was very old, heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel and how they slept with the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting. 23 So he said to them, “Why do you do such things? I hear from all the people about these wicked deeds of yours. 24 No, my sons; the report I hear spreading among the Lord’s people is not good. 25 If one person sins against another, God may mediate for the offender; but if anyone sins against the Lord, who will intercede for them?” His sons, however, did not listen to their father’s rebuke, for it was the Lord’s will to put them to death.

11/25/2108

Sin

Sin is something everyone does and it isn’t about imperfection. To consider it such is a mockery against it’s damage:  It is replacing God’s plan for yours, his will and his ways for yours. No one wins outside a sacred relationship with God. Human limitations lead to destruction and loss.

1 Samuel 12:24-25 (TLB)  24 “Trust the Lord and sincerely worship him; think of all the tremendous things he has done for you. 25 But if you continue to sin, you and your king will be destroyed.”

11/18/2018

Prayer for Others

Paul’s directions for praying for others is found in 1 Timothy 2:1-2:  Pray much, plead for God’s mercy on them, give thanks for all he is going to do for them. Pray for others in love and goodwill. This includes praying for those in authority, even if you don’t like them.

1 Timothy 2:1-2 (TLB) 1 Here are my directions: Pray much for others; plead for God’s mercy upon them; give thanks for all he is going to do for them. 2  Pray in this way for kings and all others who are in authority over us, or are in places of high responsibility, so that we can live in peace and quietness, spending our time in godly living and thinking much about the Lord.

11/14/2018

Political Connections

When Joseph was in power in Egypt, the Jewish people had a “connection” and good status.  When he was gone, they were again strangers in a strange land. Always walk and talk with God as political power, even a favorable kind like Joseph exhibited, comes and goes.

Exodus 1:8 (NIV)  8 Then a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt.

11/11/2018

Wicked Spirits of the Spirit World

One reason to rely upon the Lord is that you see only a part of what really exists. In fact, what you think is going on probably isn’t. Ephesians 6:12-13 speaks of what is behind the evil around you and it isn’t visible, but huge numbers of wicked spirits in the spirit world.

Ephesians 6:12-13 (TLB)  12  For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against persons without bodies—the evil rulers of the unseen world, those mighty satanic beings and great evil princes of darkness who rule this world; and against huge numbers of wicked spirits in the spirit world. 13 So use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy whenever he attacks, and when it is all over, you will still be standing up.

11/4/2018