10-9-2022 Devotion: More on Sovereignty

 Jeremiah 10: 23: "O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps." No man can walk right apart from the revelation of God in His Word. The minute a man turns from the Word of God, he is on a detour. That is our natural course. In fact, we begin that way. My friend, “it is not in man … to direct his steps.” We are dependent upon the omniscient God for direction in every area of our lives. If you read Romans 3, you will see that man in his natural state will never choose God. It is only when God orders the steps of a man that man will choose to go God's way. Jeremiah knew that man was incapable and needed God's direction. Look around at the church programs today and see if the current pastors know this. (Hint: Most don't.) I take comfort in knowing that when I am facing a personal challenge that the God of all Creation is directing my steps. You may walk through the fire but you are never alone.

10-8-2022 Devotion: Sovereignty Part 3

 We continue looking at the Sovereignty of God. Isaiah 14: 24: "The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand." At the time of writing, Babylon had not become a world power. Yet, the LORD is having Isaiah foretell that the current great power being Assyria will be overtaken. That I will break the Assyrian in my land, and upon my mountains tread him under foot: then shall his yoke depart from off them, and his burden depart from off their shoulders [Isa. 14:24–25]. The principle of Who is in charge of world events is made clear by these verses. What God thinks will happen. His Purposes will come to fruition. This is a comfort to me when I see what is happening in our country. Things that used to be considered good are now bad. Things considered bad are now good. My comfort comes from knowing and believing that our LORD is in control of every detail occurring today. That makes me sleep better.

10–7-2022 : Sovereignty Part 2

 We continue looking at the Sovereignty of God. Isaiah 46:10: "Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure...." From the beginning of time He declared the end of time, and the end of all things. Enoch prophesied, Behold, the Lord comes. From the beginning of a nation He declares what the end of it will be. He told Israel what should befall them in the latter days, what their end should be, and wished they were so wise as to consider it. From the beginning of an event he declares what the end of it will be. Only the one that had the power and ability to control the outcome could guarantee the ability to know the end before it occurred in time. This gives me great comfort. Are you facing something next week? Well, the LORD has seen it. Moreover, He has determined what will serve His purposes. That should be shouting ground. This does not eliminate man's responsibility to act. We will write later about secondary causes. For now, know that you have a role to plan in God's Perfect Plan. But it is a role of submission to His Sovereignty and Purpose. Rest in that.

10-6-2022 Devotion: Sovereignty

 I want to spend five weeks on the major theological doctrines in the Bible. First, we will examine the Sovereignty and Providence of God. This is so important. If I had understood this 25 years ago, it would have saved me a lot of heartache. Isaiah 45: 7: "I form the light and create darkness, I make peace and create evil. I the LORD do all these things." This verse supports the doctrine of the Sovereignty of God. God is in charge, not you. You cannot manipulate Him, coerce Him, or control Him in any way. I remember being in a debate with an Oxford Ph.D.  on this subject. He had a more Deist view of God. His view was that God set laws and principles in motion and then allowed our free will to control the vents of the earth. My response to him was, "You need a bigger God." However, we need to take a closer look at the phrase "create evil."  “And create evil”—the word evil does not mean wickedness in this instance, but rather “sorrow, difficulties, or tragedies”—those things which are the fruit of evil, the fruit of sin. This is the Old Testament way of saying, “The wages of sin is death …” (Rom. 6:23). If you indulge in sin, there will be a payday for it! So God, while the author of world events, does not create evil. However, He will use the difficulties of life to draw men to Him. Don't interfere.

10-5-2022 Devotion: More Desert Experiences

 We continue our study of some devotional writings from Andrew A Bonar. Bonar (1810-1882) was a minister in the United Kingdom. His devotional writings are very special to me. Today, we look at going through the desert experiences in life part 2. Boner wrote: "It is pleasant work Christ gives us to do for Him, and it is vineyard work. There are clusters of grapes to refresh us, there is the shade of the vines, and there are songs to cheer the heart, and visits of the Master." Grapes can grow in the valley or on the mountain. Mountainside grapes are known to be subject to extreme temperature changes, that result being very succulent grapes. Whether you find yourself in the valley or on the mountain, your LORD is able to provide you refreshment and shade from the extreme. Bonar knew that regardless of your journey at the movement, God would see you through. He is Your Sustainer, Security and Surety! That is the most comforting news you will hear today!

10-4-2022 Devotion: The Desert

 We continue our study of some devotional writings from Andrew A Bonar. Bonar (1810-1882) was a minister in the United Kingdom. His devotional writings are very special to me. Today, we look at going through the desert experiences in life. Bonar wrote: "God knows best how to ripen a soul for His own presence in glory." "Trials are the opening of channels for more grace." "Our Maker fashions our lot as well as fashions our frames." "The Lord chooses our lot for us here and He chooses our mansion for us above." I take great comfort in praying every day acknowledging that God is Sovereign and in charge of the world. Our LORD is never taken by surprise and is never slumbering or sleeping. Whatever you may experience in life, is exactly what He is having you to go through. Whether mountaintop or valley, He is with you. That is a great comfort to me.

10-3-2022 Devotion: Pray without Ceasing

 We continue our study of some devotional writings from Andrew A Bonar. Bonar (1810-1882) was a minister in the United Kingdom. His devotional writings are very special to me. Today, we look at more on prayer part 4. Bonar wrote: "Delayed answers may be very abundant answers." "Ask God for anything, but let Him judge as to the manner and measure of the giving." Prayer is not an act of manipulation. You are not trying to change God's mind, instead you are changing you. I like to acknowledge God's Sovereignty over every situation that challenges me. I bring my petitions to Him, but at the same time I recognize that He knows best and I submit to His Divine Will. He will use Providential means to bring about His Perfect Will. Not only can I live with that, but I rejoice at it. God is in charge. He knows best. Embrace in prayer these concepts of Providence and Sovereignty. Prayer becomes so much more enjoyable when you know your role. Pray without ceasing.