Today, instead of a simple verse, I am inviting all who are interested to join me and some of my friends on the Bible App for a 7 day study, The Bible is Alive. It promises to be interesting and challenging! Who’s in?
The Bible is Alive • Devotional https://bible.com/reading-plans/27787/day/1?segment=0
Reality or fantasy? Do you have a firm grip on what is real and true? Do you recognize the difference between the “reality” of our own creation (fantasy), and true reality? I wonder. Have you ever seen someone talking to someone who is not there? We all have. And, we’ve all done it. I know I do. Before my husband died, I got used to having someone to talk to, especially at night while sitting home. So now, I often conjure up a listener – someone to “talk” to. However, I am fully cognizant of the unreality of that interaction, the falseness of that “world.”
On the other hand, a great deal of humanity has created their own version of the world, without regard to what is really true. How do we do that? By choosing to believe what we want and not what God says is true. I know some of you are now offended by that statement, but our reactions to and choices of belief or disbelief do not alter reality. Truth is truth. God says his name is “I AM.” (Exodus 3:14). His name says it all – everlasting, eternal, not changing. We say, “God is contained by the scope of my mind, my ability to define him.” God says “I am first and last, and there are no gods besides Me.” (Isaiah 44:6) We say, “I elevate (money, status, my ego, my possessions) above God and seek after that instead. ” God says, “I created all, am sovereign over all, forever.” (Isaiah 40:28). We say, “Man is creator and ruler of all.”
God does not restrict definitions of Himself to the Old Testament, however. Jesus says “I AM” as well. “I AM” eternal (John 8:58). ‘I AM” the way to eternal life (John 11:25). “I AM” the only way to be in a right relationship to God (John 14:6).
We often choose, however, to believe only those biblical truths that fit our our manufactured or culturally acceptable worldview. Worldviews that elevate man and his abilities to near godhood. Oddly however, when we look back at ancient civilizations like the Egyptian pharaonic era, we shake our heads when we see the pharaohs declaring themselves gods, and say to ourselves, how foolish they were. But do we do less? Not really. We say that we cannot imagine a god who can: part the sea, raise the dead, live forever, (you fill in the blank.) but isn’t that the point? If we can define, limit and label who God is, then are we not constructing a God only capable of being human? Isn’t the point of God is that He is more than? Beyond our understanding? Are we not then indulging in the fantasy of creating something less than reality?
Why bother? And why be satisfied with “less than?” After all, we are not usually willing to live in the fantasy world of a movie or book for the entirety of our lives. Why do it in relation to God? Sometimes we remake God out of fear – fear of having to give up something, or surrendering something. Sometimes it’s simply fear of the unknown. Yes, believing God will change things. It will change the way you think and act. But what do you lose? You lose the fear of death because Jesus promises eternal life. (John 11:25). You lose hopelessness (Psalm 39:7). You lose fear (Joshua 1:9).
And what is there to gain? Heaven, for one (Luke 23:43)! Also, a sense of purpose (Jeremiah 29:11) Most of all, you gain a constant abiding presence, a close companion, and a guide in your life (Joshua 1:5, John 14:16, Psalm 145:18).
But I cannot force belief or reality on anyone. All I can do is challenge you to look for yourself. Search ot the words, the truth for yourself. God himself promises that if we seek him out, we will find him (Jeremiah 29:13., Jeremiah 33:3). So that’s my challenge – seek, and find. And let me know the results of your search!
We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything.
As I read this passage this morning, it suddenly struck me that this is one of the most stirring and inspiring passages in Paul’s letters. However, it is also very challenging.
Paul begins as usual with prayers for the people he is writing to. He speaks of the work faith has done in them, which led to their labouring out of love for Jesus as well as their steadfast hope in Him. But why is that remarkable?
As Paul continues, he tells why. Not only did the believers in Thessalonica accept the Gospel message, but they did so “in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction.” They took it in fully, wholeheartedly, and ran with it. The Thessalonian church became an example of the salvation and glory of the Gospel throughout the area. Wow!
Can that be said of us? Of me? I pray that God may make it so! To be fully convinced of the eternal Truth, filled with the very Spirit of God, and to live in His power daily would change the way we do everything! It would change the world! As we begin a new year, that is my prayer – for me, for you. May the true gospel fill us with His power, Spirit, and conviction so that we too may be examples to the world around us!
Two things I ask of you; deny them not to me before I die:Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me,lest I be full and deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God. PROVERBS 30:7-9
An idea worth considering: enough resources to live on but not so little as to be in want, nor so much as too become proud or arrogant.
Pray for All People: First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. – 1 Timothy 2:1 – 2 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Timothy2:1-2&version=ESV
We pray as our Christian calling, seeking the Lord’s direction, because it is our duty as citizens of the Kingdom.
We vote as our civic duty, for someone to fulfill a job, but only as a secondary concern.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33.
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