Deuteronomy 4:2 ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.

The word of God is enough. We don’t need to add to it, change it, or improve on it.

Yet that often does not stop us from trying!

Sometimes we add our own opinions, traditions or seek to make it more convenient.

Let us abandon ourselves to the sufficiency and authority of God’s word.

Let us limit our contentment to God’s word just like it is.

This week let us saturate our hearts and minds with God’s word.

Numbers27:5 "And Moses brought their cause before the Lord"

 

Moses was faced with a question about inheritance.

 

The law, to this point, did not give clear direction.

 

So what did Moses do? As a good leader and a wise man he sought the mind of God.

 

Today let us not be too hasty.

 

When God's word is not clear let us take time to seek His leadership.

 

We need to take time to read our Bible, pray, and when appropriate seek Godly council.

 

Remember God desires to lead us by His love, wisdom, and power. (Matthew 6:24-33) .

Ezra 4:4-5
^“ Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building, And hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.”

Predictable Cycle of Conflict

Step #1 - The people of God had committed themselves to the will of God (rebuilding Temple). (Ezra 1-3)

Step #2 - The unbelieving world wanted them to compromise. (Ezra 4:1-3)

Step #3 - The people of God resisted.

Step #4 - Trouble came.

The Bible promises that everyone who seeks to do God’s will suffer opposition: (II Timothy 3:12)

It was true in Ezra’s day, in the first century and today.

Let us not look for conflict but let us not be surprised when it comes.

Today may we commit ourselves to doing the will of God from the heart, with love for God and for those we come in contact with.

Then let us accept the consequences. Even if they are not pleasant. 

All the time resting in God’s grace, following God’s word and being empowered by His Spirit.

Revelation 2:1-3

Revelation 2:1-3 "Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;  I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted."

 

How does God confront His children when they need to be corrected?

 

He starts with praise! As God is about to confront the church at Ephesus for it's short comings He begins with praise and affirmation.

 

While it is true that not all of the seven churches in Revelation 2 - 3 had something that they could be praised for, whenever it was possible - He did it!

 

What a model for us to keep in mind.

 

Everyone you come into contact with today is in great need of encouragement and affirmation.  That is especially for those you have to confront.

 

Today let us look for ways to affirm, reasons to praise and avenues of verbal encouragement.

 

Let's look for the right that can be and should be acknowledged.

 

May we who name the name of Christ be known as those people who encourage others as they seek to do right!

Exodus 12:13 “…and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you….”

Thank God for the blood! Not the blood of animals but the blood of Christ!

The Passover of the Old Testament gives us a historical and yearly picture of God’s plan for deliverance.

In the New Testament Christ is our one – only – and complete sacrifice for our sins.

The blood of Christ, God’s son, cleanses us from all our sins.

Today, let us spend time rejoicing in the security of our own salvation.

That all our sins are forgiven by the sacrifice of Christ.

To God be the glory – great things He has done!

Genesis 27 tells the story of Jacob deceiving his father Isaac.

Afterwards Jacob's mom, Rebekah, comes up with the idea of sending Jacob to her brother's house (Laban) until things "settle down".

We read in verse 45: "Until thy brother's anger turn away from thee, and he forget that which thou has done to him: then I will send and fetch thee from thence: why should I be deprived also of you both in one day?"

She planned to call him back - but never saw him again!

What we have here is an example of the "Law of Unintended Consequences".

We cannot contain the impact of sin.

When we take matters into our hands.

When we ignore truth and deceive others.

There is no telling what it will lead to.

Today, let us not make any excuse for doing wrong. Let us not seek to convince ourselves that we know how things will work out if we do wrong.

Let us do what is right and leave the consequences to God!

II Thessalonians 2:16-17 "Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace,  comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work."

 

Where do we turn for comfort and stability?

While it is true that God uses people and events in our lives as His tools,

the ultimate, complete and sustainable power to "stay the course" comes from God Himself.

Today let us rest upon the love and grace given us through Christ. (verse 16)

Then, we will find the comfort and stability to take on life one step at a time. (verse 17)

God is the one that will walk with us down every path no matter how dark, uncertain or unpleasant.

Let us keep our eyes and hearts fixed on Jesus all day long.