We cannot always trust what we see and hear in the headlines or social media. Of course, as time goes on, we trust digital information less and less. However, there is "truth" that can be trusted—the Word of God. Therefore, no matter what happens in the world, we can have confidence in our God to meet us in our greatest hours of need. Trusting Him in the context of our broken culture, we can still trust Him even when it does not make sense. Do you believe that God will do the right and just thing? I do! But what does that look like? Proverbs 16:9 tells us, "A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps." 

But doing things our way can lead us to large amounts of self-inflicted pain and unnecessary suffering at our own doing. Proverbs 16:18 says, "Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall." And again, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." (Proverbs 16:25). So, are we going to do things God’s way or our way? The answer seems simple, but common sense is not as common as we hope.

Hebrews 11:23

Genesis 18:13–14

Jeremiah 32:17–18

Jeremiah 32:27

Luke 1:37

Matthew 19:26

Psalm 27:14

Isaiah 40:31

Genesis 9:6–7

Ephesians 6:12–13

Galatians 5:13–15

Hebrews 11:23–27

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If God revealed Himself to you in fire, smoke, lightning, and thunder, and miracles beyond our human comprehension, would you choose to be loyal to Him then? Is that what it would take for you to believe? What if His voice thundered from the sky so you and all around you heard His words of love, grace, and the terms of relationship with Him? Would you listen then? Would you respond? How would you respond? 

Many say, "When I see, I will believe," but we know from the Bible that is just not true. God's people did see, hear, and experience miracle after miracle and still could not keep it together. So, stop making foolish excuses and trust in Jesus fully. God would ask us to believe that we may see. Jesus said to Martha, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe, you would see the glory of God?" (John 11:40) Jesus also said, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” (John 6:29) 

When someone asks me, "What do you think God wants me to do for Him." I tell them to start by believing Jesus, taking Him at His word, and being fiercely loyal to Him and Him alone, and the rest of it will work itself out if they stay faithful to Him day by day. Proverbs 3:5–6 says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”

References:

Acts 4:12

Micah 7:18–20

Jeremiah 31:34

Psalm 103:11–12

Acts 3:22

Jeremiah 17:9

Mark 7:21–23

Matthew 12:36–37

Proverbs 13:3

Titus 3:4–7

2 Chronicles 6:18

1 Corinthians 3:16–17

1 Peter 2:4–5

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We cannot always trust what we see and hear in the headlines or social media. Of course, as time goes on, we trust digital information less and less. However, there is "truth" that can be trusted—the Word of God. Therefore, no matter what happens in the world, we can have confidence in our God to meet us in our greatest hours of need. Trusting Him in the context of our broken culture, we can still trust Him even when it does not make sense. Do you believe that God will do the right and just thing? I do! But what does that look like? Proverbs 16:9 tells us, "A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps." 

But doing things our way can lead us to large amounts of self-inflicted pain and unnecessary suffering at our own doing. Proverbs 16:18 says, "Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall." And again, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." (Proverbs 16:25). So, are we going to do things God’s way or our way? The answer seems simple, but common sense is not as common as we hope.

References:

Hebrews 11:23

Genesis 18:13–14

Jeremiah 32:17–18

Jeremiah 32:27

Luke 1:37

Matthew 19:26

Psalm 27:14

Isaiah 40:31

Genesis 9:6–7

Ephesians 6:12–13

Galatians 5:13–15

Hebrews 11:23–27

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So, do you know God loves you? I hope so, but do you know how much God loves you? That reality is beyond our finite comprehension and ability to understand in its divine fullness. We often try to dive into the depths of God's love, but we will need to come up for air in the end. You and I may only partially understand how much God loves us in this life but rest assured He does.

Paul writes in Ephesians 2:4–7, “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. Even when we’re present with Him in heaven, we will still learn of God’s amazing grace. Wow!

Jesus Christ, the GOD-MAN, the only begotten of the Father full of grace and truth, God incarnate took for us and wiped out the record of our debt by dying on the Cross for you and me. But, when Jesus rose from the dead, His victory over death made a public mockery of the Kingdom of darkness and its power—showing that the kingdom of God is the only everlasting kingdom, and that Jesus is the King forever and amen.

We need to tell others about this, right? 2 Corinthians 5:20–21 says, “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

[Col 2:11–15]

In Him (Jesus) you (us) were also circumcised (Genesis 17:9–14) with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, (So not a work of the flesh but of the Spirit)

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I would argue that there is a difference between a healthy fear of God and being afraid of God. I think if you're afraid of God, you want to avoid Him, and the thought of Him brings negative emotions and feelings of dread. For example, Revelation 6:15–17 says, "And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave, and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”

On the other hand, if we fear God, we seek to bring honor to Him. We respect Him and His commands, live and worship in awe of Him, and really want to please Him. "Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, And the LORD listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him For those who fear the LORD And who meditate on His name. (Malachi 3:16) The fear of the Lord is a good thing, but "being afraid" of God is unhealthy. Why? "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." (Romans 8:28)

We often wonder what is right in "this situation" or regarding "that problem" that vexes us. James says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." (James 1:5–8)

Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." Therefore, asking for wisdom without faith is an act of futility without the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." If we fear the Lord more than this world, we are likelier to do the Just and right thing.

References:

Lk 9:30–31

Genesis 15:13–16

Genesis 46:3–4

Genesis 13:16

Ro 8:28

Jn 16:33

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Have you ever wondered why the Bible is written the way it is? I mean, it does show the ugly side of humanity and the tragic cost of sin and rebellion against our Creator God. It also shows us how loving, merciful, and gracious our God is. Well, in some ways, the Apostle Paul answers that when he writes, "Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come." (1 Corinthians 10:11)

Paul also writes to the Christians in Rome, saying, "For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. (Romans 15:4) The whole of God's Word is profitable for the believer in faith and practice.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 states that, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." This means that God's Word teaches us what is right, what is wrong, how to get right, and who to say right.

We need that whole counsel of God's word to help us grow in the faith. We and those around us need God's word because "...faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17). So, are we students of the whole counsel of God’s word or just the parts we like? For, It is good to learn from the mistakes of others.

References: (Including the one above)

Ex 4:10–12

John 1:9–11

Hebrews 4:14–16

Acts 4:12

Mic 7:18–20

Je 31:34

Ps 103:11–12

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I would argue that there is a difference between a healthy fear of God and being afraid of God. I think if you're afraid of God, you want to avoid Him, and the thought of Him brings negative emotions and feelings of dread. For example, Revelation 6:15–17 says, "And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave, and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”

On the other hand, if we fear God, we seek to bring honor to Him. We respect Him and His commands, live and worship in awe of Him, and really want to please Him. "Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, And the LORD listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him For those who fear the LORD And who meditate on His name. (Malachi 3:16) The fear of the Lord is a good thing, but "being afraid" of God is unhealthy. Why? "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." (Romans 8:28)

We often wonder what is right in "this situation" or regarding "that problem" that vexes us. James says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." (James 1:5–8)

Hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." Therefore, asking for wisdom without faith is an act of futility without the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." If we fear the Lord more than this world, we are likelier to do the Just and right thing.

References:

Lk 9:30–31

Genesis 15:13–16

Genesis 46:3–4

Genesis 13:16

Ro 8:28

Jn 16:33

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There is real evil in the world. You and I see, hear, and experience the effects of man's depravity all the time. So, how do we answer evil? Before we venture down this road, I would like to point out that evil is irrational. As much as we would like to know or understand all the "whys" of evil done by those who bear the image of God, we can't.

There are things that do not make any sense in this world. Many of these atrocities should have no place to exist, yet in this fallen world, they seem to find a place to exist and flourish. Genocide, murder, war, terrorism, torture, rape, slavery, human trafficking, child abuse and molestation, adultery, discrimination, abuse of power, and so many others that reveal man's fallen nature. (See Romans 1:18-32)

Genesis tells us, "Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." (Genesis 6:5). This is why we need the transformation of the heart, soul, and mind that comes through a life loyal to, led by, and filled with the Holy Spirit of God. You and I cannot trust our own hearts; Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked; who can know it?

So then, how do we answer evil? We do what Jesus did in the wilderness, and Steven does in Acts 7; we answer with the Word of God. (See Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13) “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. (Isiah 55:10-11)

Confronting evil in all forms is always challenging, but it must be done. Sometimes, we do not have a choice in the matter. So, when that time comes, be ready with the Word of God. “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:12–13)

Referances:

Lk 6:44–45

Ps 119:11

Proverbs 22:6

Luke 24:27

Ro 8:28–30

Ps. 91:15

Isa. 52:4

Ex 4:10–12

Mic 7:18–20

Je 31:34

Ps 103:11–12

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Who wrote Exodus, and how do we know or do we? What are the main literary styles and key themes? What is the general structure and what is the big picture to keep in mind as we study this wonderful book? How does it relate to Genesis and Leviticus?

References:

Jn 5:46–47

Genesis 3:15

Genesis 12:1-3

Exodus 34:27

Deuteronomy 31:24

Exodus 17:14

Numbers 33:1–2

Deut. 31:19

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Most of the time, when we "regift" something, it is a white elephant gift, and we rewrap and take it to the next party and save a few bucks. This is more difficult if you are in multiple parties with the same people, so be careful. Other times, someone was well-intentioned with a gift but missed the mark for us, so we passed it on to others. 

But as Christians, we have the greatest gift of all we are to be giving away every day—the hope of the Gospel. Paul said, "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you." (2 Co 4:7–12) 

Therefore, no matter what we are going through in this life, we must faithfully share the hope of Jesus in us. Declaring the message of salvation to all we meet. We are giving away the gift of salvation given to us by faith in Jesus. This is called evangelism. We pass the hope of Jesus to others daily as we have and make opportunities to do so.

References:

Jn 8:12

Jn 1:1–9 

Mt 5:14–16

Mt 28:18–20

Acts 1:8

John 4:1-26

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