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WEEKLY ENCOURAGEMENT
Updated: Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Just not listening!
Is it not interesting how man can be told in advance, warned what is coming, and yet when it comes, he responds as if it were a total surprise. Let us consider a couple examples of this phenomenon.
God explained to Moses in Exodus 3:17-22 how the king of Egypt would react to the idea of letting the people of Israel go. God said he would not consent at first but only after God had preformed wonders in the land, would he agree. God assured him that the king would in due season, not only let the people go, but that the Jews would take a great spoil from the Egyptians.
In spite of Moses being told in advance what would transpire, when it took place, Moses was upset and dismayed. "Lord, wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people? Why is it that thou hast sent me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all." Exodus 5:22-23
The Book of Matthew gives us an example from the New Testament. Christ told his disciples clearly at least three times, that He would be put to death and raise again three days later. (Matthew 16:21, 20:19, 26:32) He when the time of Christ's death came, His disciples were devastated. They did not even believe it when they were informed of His resurrection! "Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. And went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. And they when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not." Mark 16:9-11
It might be easy for us to pass judgment on these people, and their lack of spiritual understanding and faith. However, I wonder if we are any better. We are living in a day when evil appears to be growing stronger and more ugly every day. Many are overcome with fears and anxiety about the future. The world's systems as we know them seem to be crumbling around us. Yet, our Lord has already warned us: "These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world." John 16:33 "And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet." Matthew 24:6 "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27
Everything is under control, under His control! It is all going according to plan. Let us not make the same mistake as some have in the past. Let us choose to believe our Lord and put all our trust in Him and His word. He is faithful and the Shepherd always goes before and prepares for His sheep. Now is the perfect time to be live in faith and to be looking for His appearing. "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." John 14:1-3
Maybe today, are you ready?
If any of you are willing to share a testimony of how God has helped you to overcome a difficulty in your life, you could be a help and encouragement to someone else. I hope you will take a few minutes to write in our guest book, and may God bless you. Sandy
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- Sandy Hastings |
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