Monday March 5, 2012

Read Deuteronomy 7:1-5. Romans 8

 

Just imagine. A daughter comes home with her new boyfriend and introduces him to mum and dad. After a few minutes of discussion it’s apparent that this young man is a drug dealer, a drug user and the manager of an illicit hotel. How would you feel as a father about your daughter wanting to date this young man? Would you be happy?  Would you allow it? Would you condone the relationship? Would you step in and stop the affair?

 

As we read the first 5 verses in Deuteronomy 7 we may be confronted by the harshness of God towards the other nations, but like our father above, our heavenly Father is concerned for the eternal welfare of His children. God can see the danger associated with the pagan nations and the great damage they could do to the Israelites.

 

Often in our own lives we desperately want something and we pray fervently for it but God says, ‘No!’. Sometimes we throw a spiritual hissy fit. Sometimes we brood and keep asking God. Sometimes we just can’t figure out why a loving God would say ‘No!’ and continue to say ‘No!’.

 

Our God is a holy and righteous God who cares for our eternal well being and will not let us walk down paths that are self-destructive or self-destroying. Like the father in the opening scenario God makes decisions and does things which are ultimately for our benefit. He can see around the corners that we can’t see around.

 

This is where trust and obedience are imperative. Rather than being pig-headed and stubborn and doing it my way anyway, I need to trust God and do things His way. I need to joyously walk down His path knowing that ’…. in all things God works for the good of those who love Him…’ (Rom 8:28).  God knows what’s best for me, even better than I do.

 

Prayer:

¥ Pray that each one of us in the congregation would so greatly shine the light of Christ that people around us would see our good deeds and give glory to the Father in heaven. Pray that we would unashamedly shine the light of Jesus.

¥ Pray that Creation Research would be greatly blessed in their work for the Lord. Ask God to bless them with all the resources they need to continue moving forward and that they would have more open doors to teach about the need for creation in the gospel.

¥ Pray for the country parishes around Toowoomba. Many are struggling with finances, with attendance and with reaching the local community. Pray that the Lord would have His hand of grace upon these parishes and that He would bring great blessing to them. Ask God to be building His house in these country regions and that each parish would be able to minister and serve effectively in their town or region.