Who is in Control?

O. T. #2211 "Who is in Control?"

June 10, 2022 

Nahum 1-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Who is in control? It is not armies, national leaders, nor their weapons. It is our Jehovah God Almighty.

So far, we have read where God describes Himself as being a jealous God, One who takes revenge on His enemies, slow to anger. (verses 1-3) Also, He has great power that none can resist, and displays it in:

• hurricanes, storms, and clouds.(verse 3)
• oceans that dry up and rivers that disappear (verse 4)
• lush pastures and green forests 
• mountains quake, hills melt away, and the earth trembles in His presence (verse 5)
• people are destroyed.

We have seen the evidence of the strength of hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. Can we fathom how strong our God is who is stronger than they are?

 

It is good for us to stop and realize how powerful our God is. We live in realm that our senses observe things. We must rise above circumstances and trust a God who is all-powerful. Be thankful that He has not zapped us away today. Grace and mercy.

LET IT GROW 

Who can stand before His fierce anger? Who can survive His burning fury? His rage blazes forth like fire, and the mountains crumble to dust in His presence. (NLT, verse 6)

If God did not control His strength and anger, then everything would be destroyed. No one is safe to defy God, the Almighty, the Creator of all the universe. He is sovereign over the sun and galaxies, as well as the things we call "nature." 

Assyria should have recognized that. The Most High God was offering them love and life, if only they had believed and repented of sin. Don't challenge the awesome power of God. Nations have lost. 

I saw in my news feed that archeologists have uncovered Nineveh. God keeps His word. 

LET IT GO

You alone amaze us. You alone are worthy of our praises. You deserve our worship. We adore You. Your glory and majesty. Renew us, consume us.

You hold the whole world in Your hands, and us, too.

We place our life in Your hands.

We trust Your wisdom, grace, and mercy.

 

Is Anger a Problem?

O. T. #2210 "Is Anger a Problem?"

June 9, 2022 

Nahum 1

LET IT GLOW

I just peaked out the window of my door and saw an orange ball of fur in the cat food bowl. a kitten has fallen asleep there. There are about 4 or 5 more kittens. Wish I could send you a picture. They bring me so much joy. In the mornings I leave this troubled world and walk into one of simplicity and love. Sometimes we need to get away from reality and find our happy place. Thank You Jesus for kittens. How about you?

Well, Nahum surely needed his happy place. His assignment was to warn Nineveh and Assyria of God's upcoming judgment if they did not repent and turn from their wicked ways. Those were people of self-sufficiency, a mighty army, oppressors, and slaughterers. They worshiped idols. It had been about 150 years earlier that Jonah walked through the streets preaching God's message. And they repented. Sounds familiar, huh? America has sunk low in sin only in less than 300 years.

We are looking at the 4 ways Nahum describes the God of Judah:

1. He is jealous God who takes vengeance on His enemies. (verse 2)
2. He is a long-suffering God who is slow to anger. (verse 3a)
3. He is a God of power whom none can resist. (verse 3b)
4. He is a good God who is a refuge to those who love Him. (verses 7-8) [Liberty Bible Commentary]

I think 150 years of waiting to execute judgement is pretty slow in anger, right? I am sure none of us want to experience God's jealousy, vengeance, nor anger. 

God told the people in Exodus 20:5, for I, the Lord, thy God, am a jealous God. 

Jealousy is a sin if it means being envious of what others have and wanting to possess it, but it's a virtue if it means cherishing what we have and wanting to protect it. (Wiersbe)

We are told to worship no other god, for He alone is God.

Are we pointing others to worship God?

It is God who should take vengeance, not us. Deut. 32:35, 41 say, It is Mine to avenge; I will repay...I will take vengeance on my adversaries and repay those who "hate Me."

LET IT GROW

Probably, we have all known people who get angry at the drop of a hat. Perhaps it is one thing we have had to learn to control. 

God's anger is not like human anger, which can be selfish and out of control. His is a holy anger, a righteous indignation against all that defies His authority and disobeys His law. (Wiersbe)

We are assured that the Lord is slow to anger. (Jonah 4:2; Ex. 34:6; Numbers 14:18)

How thankful we should be, too. We deserve to be blown away, poof, when we disobey God. Such mercy!

Recon we should be that way as a child of God?

LET IT GO

God is love, so we praise You Loving Father, Holy God!

Worthy are You Lord of worship and praise.

Your praise will forever be on my lips.

Help us to let go of jealousy, vengeance, and anger so we are like You, Jesus.

 

Vengeance

O. T. #2209 "Vengeance"

 June 8, 2022 

Introduction to Nahum 

Nahum's name means comfort, consolation, a short form of Nehemiah, which means comfort of Yahweh. We don't know much about this prophet, other than he was born at Elkoshite or that was his place of ministry. (1:1) It is suggested that was our modern northern Iraq, since he was a descendant of the exiles taken to Assyria in 722 BC. Or perhaps Capernaum in southern Judah was his birthplace. At any rate, his birthplace was not significant.

Background

No mention is made of any kings in the introduction, but it was probably before the fall of Assyria and Nineveh, its captial. Probably, his prophecy was during the reign of Manasseh. Doom is predicted by Nahum for them. Although the Ninevehites had repented about a century earlier, due to Jonah's preaching, they returned to idol worship. His preaching occurred about 100 years before its message came true.

Now Nineveh was a proud city, with walls 100 feet high, 150 feet wide, and 60 feet deep. So they thought no army could bring them down. We know that nothing is impossible with our God, who brought vengeance upon them for violating His laws. (The same God who rebukes also shows His loving kindnesses upon the faithful.) He brought a flood with the Tigris River and destroyed the walls to let the Babylonians through. Nothing is greater than the God of Judah.

[Resource: The MacArthur Bible Commentary]

Nahum preaches against idolatry, immorality, injustice, and all manner of sin. Also, he gives encouragement to oppressed Judah.

Nahum describes God in 4 ways:

In 1:2, we read that God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth: the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on His adversaries, and He reserveth wrath for His enemies.

First, He is a jealous God who takes vengeance on His enemies. Three times Nahum says this warning. God is not imperfect, but burns with zeal for righteousness and justice, rises to defense of His own, yet executes judgment on those not His own or hurts His own.(Falwell)

No rival gods or nations that abused god's people will be tolerated by the Lord.  So let's watch what we do so we do not make God angry with us. Let's watch how we treat others, also.

Our God will see us through whatever comes our way. Stay on the path that is His Way, for Jesus is The Way for us to live.

 

Which God Will You Worship and Serve?

 O. T. #2208  "Which God Will You Worship and Serve?

June 7, 2022

Summary of Micah-Part 3

LET IT GLOW

Who is a God like unto Thee? (KJV)

Where is another God like You? (NLT)

Who is a God like Thee, who pardons iniquity and passes over the rebellious act of the remnant of His possession? (NAS)

There is no other God! How wonderful He is! How loving, forgiving, kind, and merciful He is! 

LET IT GROW

You will recall when Joshua challenged the Israelites back in chapter 24-choose you this dfay whom ye will serve... but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. (verse 15)

Which God will you worship? 

There is no other God besides Jehovah that is real and alive. Others are manmade and only stone or wood, not real and living. 

Christ Jesus paid a debt He did not owe (for He was perfect), I owed a debt I could not pay. I needed someone to wash my sins away. And now I sing a brand new song. Amazing grace, all day long. Christ Jesus paid a debt that I could never pay.

If you have accepted this free gift of salvation through faith in Jesus, then you are on your way, along with me, to heaven. It is not because of our goodness or our righteousness, but because of Jesus' righteousness. 

Glory to God in the highest!

LET IT GO

There is none like You. No one else could touch my heart like You do. I could search all eternity long and find-THERE IS NONE LIKE YOU, GOD!

Coming Again

O. T. #2207 "Coming Again"

June 6, 2022

Summary of Micah 

LET IT GLOW

We had a wonderful weekend, attending our oldest grandson become an Eagle Scout and graduate from high school. It had been a year since we had seen our daughter and her family. So our whole family was together. (Including her in laws, also.) Although we did experience cancelled flights, but finally arrived. And so we will do this again next year, since our second oldest grandson will graduate. It is exciting to hear about their future plans. We are so proud of the kind of young men they have become, with integrity, loving and caring, and faithful Christians. They are a reflection of their parents. We pray they will surrender to special callings in the Kingdom of God work.

As we look back over what Micah wrote in prediction from his God, we know some became true, with the birth of Messiah Jesus in Bethlehem. (5:2)

Then Micah predicted the second coming of the Messiah to establish His Millennial Kingdom. He will meet the needs of His people, feeding them, giving them peace and security. (5:4-5) During that time, Jesus will do away with strongholds, witchcraft, and graven images. God will be worshiped by all, finally. (5:11-13)

Are we ready for this? Have you acknowledged that Jesus is the Messiah, the only way to God and eternal heaven when death comes? 

Jesus proclaimed that He is The Way, The Truth, and The Life. No one comes to the Father except through Him. (John 14:6)

LET IT GROW

In 6:8, we found out what God requires of us, what would please Him:

• do justly, outwardly in our dealings with others, we are to be fair and right in our deeds and render what is due,;
• love mercy, meeting the needs of people in kind ways;
• walk humbly with our God, in the heart, so sin is taken away, and outwardly showing it by doing good in a cheerful manner. Our thoughts and conversations should be evidence that we are submitting to God and His will, swerving Him, even when costly. 

It is always good to have self-examination. Do we need to change any of our ways? 

LET IT GO

Your love never fails, never gives up, never runs out on me, Jesus.

I never have to be afraid.

Change our hearts so we are like You.

The Little Things

O. T. #2206  "The Little Things"

June 3, 2022 

Summary of Micah

LET IT GLOW

By the time you read this, we are visiting our 6 grandchildren and our daughter with husband. It is due to our first grandchild graduating high school. Although he has been homeschooled all his days, we are still celebrating. Besides, it has almost been a year since we saw them.

Micah's roots were about 25 miles southwest of Jerusalem in the foothills of Judah. If you have a chronological Bible, it's found between Isaiah and 2 Chronicles 32, during the years of King Hezekiah, and a few years before Assyria captured Israel. 

Micah's 3 messages were presented like a courtroom trial. God was condemning His people of their sinful ways, turning to worship idols instead of Him, and mistreating the Jewish family. 

However, each message moves from doom to hope. Doom because they broke God's Law and hope because of God's unchanging covenant with their forefathers. (Their remnant did repent and worship God alone.) We see God's divine judgment and His promises kept.

How are we doing in those areas mentioned? 

LET IT GROW

It's it the little things that give us hope, joy, and peace?

Hope came as Jesus was born in Bethlehem, predicted in 5:2: 

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

One day, our Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, will return to earth to reign as King. His will be a kingdom of peace, power, and worship. Idolatry and witchcraft will be destroyed. What a time that will be! Love will reign. 

In His eternal kingdom, Jesus will reign as our King, also. No more wars, hate, murder, sin. Can we imagine? Are you prepared, friend? The only way to heaven is through Jesus Christ, not works, good deeds. It take faith in Jesus as Savior and to know Him personally. Has there ever been a time when you asked Jesus to be your Savior and forgive your sins? Don't put it off, for death can come quickly.

LET IT GO

Everyone needs forgiveness and hope.

Savior, He can move the mountains.

My God is mighty to save. 

Forever Author of salvation.

Jesus rose and conquered the grave.

Fill our hearts with Your love as we surrender to Your kingship, Jesus.

Shine Your light on us so the whole world sees You.

Glory to Your name, King Jesus!

 

Remember When?

O. T. #2204  "Remember When?"

June 1, 2022

Micah 7-Part 4  

LET IT GLOW

What does it take to maintain hope in harsh times? Micah shows us that it is through watching, waiting, praying, and remembering. He looked to the Lord for help and waited confidently, was certain that his God heard him. Micah waited patiently as he confessed his sins. In praying, Micah heard God say that He would do mighty miracles for him. 

Then, as Micah remembered how God rescued His people from Egypt. That same God could do it again as they went into captivity. He could do marvelous things for His beloved, again. So it is with us, friend. When times get hard, harsh, and hard to bear, remember the things God has done for you previously.

God provided for us so many times in our younger years in the ministry-money for milk for our preschoolers, places to live, jobs to provide as hubby pastored small churches, cars that kept going, and protection from evil. How about you, dear one? 

Give thanks unto the Lord for He is good; His mercy endureth forever.

LET IT GROW

Starting in verse 16, the nations:

•  will see what Israel's God can do. In fact, they will stand amazed, according to NLT;
• They will be embarrassed by their feeble power.
• They will cover their mouths in silent awe.
• Like snakes, they will crawl from their holes to meet the LORD our God. 
• They will fear Him greatly, trembling in terror at His presence.(verse 17)

What reassurance for Micah, the prophet who bore bad news for Israel. His loving God promised to perform miracles and shame the nations who had opposed them. His anger is for a moment, for he delights in faithful love. (verse 18)

We all experience hard times, the testing of our faith. Will we pass the test or not?

LET IT GO

Thank you Father for Your faithfulness.

Your great love lifts me up, sets my feet on a solid rock.

Great is Thy faithfulness unto me.

You amaze us, and are worthy of our praises.