The Devotional - A Look at the Book #572

The Devotional - A Look at the Book #572

by Jesse Abel

A Thought for today by Papa “J”

Psalm 119:33-40 – Our conscious will approve or disapprove the things we do. A healthy conscious will seek justice from the LORD since His judgments are the only source of restoring a guilty soul.

Good Morning

Even though it seems that nothing changes, change is always going on. We all like to be active doing something, but there are many obstacles in the way for some of us. Health, income and opportunity just to name a few. One opportunity may override another, health may hinder us from a season of activity and income may prevent us from reaching a certain goal. Yet, there is the other side of this that often goes unnoticed. What is God's Will for the freedom to do activities, reach goals and manage opportunity? Many give His Will no thought at all! I have understood this for a long time, but it is ever so much clearer to me today since the LORD is the LORD, even when I am unable to do the will of my heart because of some obstacle there is no need to be critical. For example; I like to drive to places that I would not normally get a chance to go too. So living in this world of restriction and change, the LORD knows how to provide the desires of my heart in order that I might delight in Him and not in my own self effort. He has opened a door that I could not. About once or twice a month I get the opportunity to make trips for a car dealership to various other dealerships in the New England states. So in spite of the circumstances that are always changing, turn your day over to the LORD and allow Him to direct your path and give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 27:11 and 37:1-8

2 Corinthians 9

2 Corinthians 10:5-6 – There is not a day that goes by that we do not see arguments and wickedness seeking to destroy our fellowship with God. Many of us like the passive approach to settling arguments and overcoming every outburst that seeks to exalt itself above the knowledge of God. Even earlier in this chapter the apostle pleads with his readers to utilize the resources of God the Holy Spirit, rather than our own fleshly tools and it would seem that the way to deal with spiritual wickedness would be to remain passive; but not in every case.

One cannot cast down an argument, nor can one bring into captivity obedience to God by always being passive. Verse 6 puts this in perspective. Being ready to punish all disobedience, but note; if we are disobedience in the process, like making some fleshly statement or lying to cover up then we have not fulfilled the will of the LORD in the matter at hand.

So we must be willing to get into the face of evil minded people. Is this backed up by scripture? There is this process found in Colossians 4:1-6 that the apostle mentions in dealing with relationships between management and employee. Cover the circumstance in prayer; be watchful with thanksgiving; pray for God to open the door of opportunity to speak, revealing to you what to say. Then in that wisdom as you redeem the time and opportunity, go for it; with grace. Use the salt that God provides to cleanse the wound of evil when it attacks. Matthew 5:13-16 and Mark 9:50.