Today's Reading
Jeremiah: earlier this year, we discovered that Egypt often symbolizes the world system. The Israelites escaped from Egypt (the world) and God delivered them to the Promised Land (abundant life). They were often tempted to handle difficulties by going back to Egypt. Last Sunday at church, we talked about some of the false lords we worship and depend on. For instance, it's often easier to depend on a piece of plastic -- a credit card -- to take care of our finances than it is to depend on God. The plastic is tangible, but it is severely limited and it will ultimately enslave us. God, who has no limitations, will set us free.
2 Timothy: "life is tough." So walk with God. Don't give up. Don't get caught up in arguments and gossip. God is always faithful because it is His nature.
Psalms: talk about an complementary Scripture to Jeremiah today! "11 My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies;
my ears have heard the defeat of my wicked opponents.
12 But the godly will flourish like palm trees
and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon.
13 For they are transplanted to the Lord’s own house.
They flourish in the courts of our God.
14 Even in old age they will still produce fruit;
they will remain vital and green.
15 They will declare, 'The Lord is just!
He is my rock!
There is no evil in him!'"
Proverbs: I love it that Scripture always keeps a balance. Often we learn the character and nature of God by studying His contrasts. Rarely have I found two adjacent verses that so clearly do this as: "4 Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools,
or you will become as foolish as they are.
5 Be sure to answer the foolish arguments of fools,
or they will become wise in their own estimation." Don't try to convince a fool who is already convinced. Do speak the truth, but don't argue.
What do you see today?
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Psalms 92:7 When the wicked flourish it is so they may be destroyed forever...
ReplyDeletethat's interesting. It brings up the thought that God desires no one to go to hell, but yet we are pre-destined. So, if we are predestined, how do we have free will / choice? That kinda fits in with Proverbs today. God is 'simple' yet He's not. (sounds like a woman to me!)
You asked a great question, Chewie. "If we are predestined, how do we have free will / choice?" If you find a simple answer, copyright it, because theologians have been scratching their heads over it for centuries. I wonder sometimes if "free will" is our human perspective and God's sovereignty is the heavenly perspective.
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