Category: #God

What does God require of Man? (See notes below Image)

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3–5 This was the Lord’s appeal. With tenderness and emotion, the divine Plaintiff recalled His many gracious acts toward them, almost to the point of assuming the tone of a defendant. Noting their trek from bondage in Egypt to their own homeland, God had provided leadership (v. 4), reversed the attempts of Balaam to curse the people (v. 5a; cf. Nu 22–24), and miraculously parted the Jordan River (v. 5b) so they could cross over from Shittim, located E of the Jordan, to Gilgal on the W side near Jericho. God had faithfully kept all His promises to them. † 6:6, 7 Micah, as though speaking on behalf of the people, asked rhetorically how, in light of God’s faithfulness toward them, they could continue their hypocrisy by being outwardly religious but inwardly sinful. † 6:8 Micah’s terse response ( v. 8) indicated they should have known the answer to the rhetorical question. Spiritual blindness had led them to offer everything except the one thing He wanted—a spiritual commitment of the heart from which right behavior would ensue (cf. Dt 10:12–19; Mt 22:37–39). This theme is often represented in the OT (cf. 1Sa 15:22; Is 1:11–20; Jer 7:21–23; Hos 6:6; Am 5:15).

Wisdom, does not come from mere knowledge, but is given to those who know and revere God. Just because someone is smart, doesn’t mean that they are wise! (See notes below)

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1:7 The fear of the LORD.

The overarching theme of this book and particularly the first 9 chapters is introduced—reverence for God (see v. 29; 2:5; 3:7; 8:13; 9:10; 14:26, 27; cf. also Job 28:28; Ps 34:11; Ac 9:31).

This reverential awe and admiring, submissive fear is foundational for all spiritual knowledge and wisdom (cf. 2:4–6; 9:10; 15:33; Job 28:28; Ps 111:10; Ecc 12:13).

While the unbeliever may make statements about life and truth, he does not have true or ultimate knowledge until he is in a redemptive relationship of reverential awe with God.

Note the progression here:

1) teaching about God;

2) learning about God;

3) fearing God;

4) knowing God; and

5) imitating God’s wisdom.

The fear of the Lord is a state of mind in which one’s own attitudes, will, feelings, deeds, and goals are exchanged for God’s (cf. Ps 42:1).

Wisdom Literature: From “The Bible Project”

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There are three books in the Bible that are made up what is called the Wisdom literature.  They are Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Job. Love to hear what you think of this first part.

Father, forgive us, when the only thing we see, is what is wrong! Your Word, clearly states, we are to focus on the things that are right, below. Give us clear vision today!

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Books of Solomon Overview: From “The Bible Project”

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Each book offers a unique perspective on how humans are to attain wisdom and honor God. In this video, we briefly explore how the message of each book fits into the overall story of the Bible.

Consider below the image, the opposite of walking/living by the Spirit. Which do you think would give you more peace and joy, even in the midst of trials? We do not walk alone, as we walk in the Spirit.

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NOT WALKING BY THE SPIRIT

“Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭19‬-‭21‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

PRAYER

FATHER, help us remember each day, that walking by the spirit, is a gift from you above, that by not falling into the trap, of all the deceptive lies of this world, we can live a life of Hope, and Love and Joy, and Peace.

Amen

Psalm 100 – A Psalm of Thanksgiving & Gratitude

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As we approach this beautiful season we call Autumn of Fall, may we approach this changing of the season, with a heart ❤️ of Joy and Thanksgiving, (In spite of our circumstances). Every day is a gift from God, whether you know it or not. Take the time, to remember, all the things that God has blessed you with, and not the circumstance you find yourself in. Whether you know God or not, take the time in a quiet place and seek him out. Ask him to reveal himself to you in a personal way. He love us, in spite of ourselves. He care so much, that HE created us in his own image. He gave his only son, to take our place before him, that we might stand before him, without blemish. Is that not reason to rejoice, I ask you. If you can take the time, in your stillness, take a moment and listen to the song below of Gratitude, by Brandon Lake, but more importantly, reflect on his Word, from the Psalm 100. I this will be a blessing it is for you, as much as it is to me.

Thanks for your time.

Alan

God Bless You and Your Family

ALL men & women are encouraged to Praise God!

Gratitude (Click to listen and view video)

IF WE CONFESS our SINS, HE is ABLE & JUST to FORGIVE US our SINS, and CLEANSE US from ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS! (Capitals added for emphasis)

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If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, to forgive us our sins, and deliver us from ALL unrighteousness.

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Trust in the Lord, with ALL your Heart, lean not on your own understanding, in ALL, your ways, acknowledge HIM, and HE will make your paths straight,

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We can trust him, if we only let him in. He is THE WAY, the TRUTH and Life! Father, forgive us, when we won’t take you hand, and allow you to guide us, walk with us, and be there for us, in our daily struggles. May you guide us in the path that is everlasting. Your promises as are true and righteous. Even though, we walk through the Valley of the shadow of Death, you are with us!