Posts Tagged ‘life’

Job’s trials and his dialogue with his friends brought him to a point where he began to question “why” and wonder if he could get the Almighty to answer his concerns.

When God answered Job and his “friends” He spoke with authority. I find it both humbling and reassuring that God is the One in control of all things. For four full chapters (38-41), God explains to Job that God is God, and Job isn’t God. God points out numerous accomplishments through statements and rhetorical questions.

In Job 38:8-11, God discusses the limits He set for the sea; “This far you may come and no farther; here is where your proud waves halt.” Humility must flow from any true meditation on the God that can control the sea, on a God that determines boundaries for all things.

When Hurricane Katrina reached land, those boundaries between sea and shore appeared to be altered without man’s permission or any explanation from God. Job never received an explanation for the devastation he experienced. The author of those boundaries can move the boundaries according to His choosing. He owes us no explanation for those occurrences. We may find comfort in the wisdom of His decisions if we are willing to lay aside our own plans or “rights” or understanding.

In 1 Corinthians 10, Paul reminds his readers of events in Israel’s history that he says “were written down as warnings for us.” Paul follows these words with another warning, “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” (verse 12 ESV)

That warning is followed with the comforting words of verse 13. “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” God even sets the boundaries of our temptations.

In Matthew 4, Jesus demonstrated that Scripture is a great way to resist temptation. ‘The Way’ to resist temptation is ‘The Word’. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, the Life, and the provision to overcome temptation.

Let us stay within His boundaries.

I know that the chapter and verse designations in Scripture aren’t part of the original documents, but … I couldn’t help but notice the similarity in message between John 3:16 and 1 John 3:16.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.

Christ set the example and lived the life of love without faltering. When we have that same love, “we know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers.” (1 John 3:14a)

Observations from Tony; Scripture quotes from ESV.

Our God provides new life! 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”  AICF’s website has changed, but not nearly as much as God has changed each of us who call upon His name. Let’s spur one another on to love and good deeds as we pursue a relationship with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (notice that He is the God of real people who He knows by name).