What is God Like?

O. T. #2205 "What is God Like?"

June 2, 2022 

Micah 7-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

did you notice that we are almost finished with this book? Thank you for staying with me to study yet another prophet who was directed to share the doom and gloom that lay ahead for Israel. (It was because they would not repent of their idolatry.)

Who is a God like unto Thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He retaineth not His anger for ever, because He delighteth in mercy. (verse 18)

There is no one like our God!

As Micah closes his prophecy with praise for His dealings with sin, we learn:

• God is Creator, holy and righteous, and pardons sin, as well as delights in mercy.
• He pardons iniquity (evil, perversity, sin).
• He overlooks the transgression (rebellion, sin) of the remnant or special people of His.
• He will not stay angry at His people forever.
• Because God delights in showing mercy and unfailing love. (verse 18)

How wonderful it is to know that our God pardons our sins and rebellion. Now who doesn't need mercy and love? We just need to admit that we have sinned again and ask forgiveness from a Holy God. But don't take it lightly, friend. That forgiveness came at a price for Jesus. 

LET IT GROW

In verse 19, Micah continues to recognize who God is:

• He has compassion on us once again.
• He will subdue (to tread down, to disregard) our iniquities
• God will cast all our sins into the depth of the sea.
• He shows us unfailing love and faithfulness.

In other words, God does not forgive grudgingly but is glad when we repent, and He offers forgiveness to all who come back to Him. (Life Application Study Bible)

What a picture-our sins are completely removed forever because of Jesus' sacrifice for us! He made this possible for us, for our righteousness is as filthy rags.

 LET IT GO

God, what an awesome God You are!

You never fail, work all things out for our good and Your glory.

We bless Your name!

We glorify the name of Jesus!

Keep us humbled before You and trusting You.

Marvelous Things

O. T. #2203  "Marvelou Things"

May 31, 2022 

Micah 7-Part 3

LET IT GLOW 

Even though evil was rampant in Israel, Micah pointed to Jehovah, who was their only hope. Having seen a prophetic vision, Micah looked down through the centuries to the Great Tribulation, and then victory for God's people. Then the Lord will fulfill His promises and establish His Kingdom.  Micah was watching, waiting, and praying.

In verses 14-18, we read of his prayer. Since the prophet relates to his people and loves them, he is specifically praying for them. Let's listen in on the wonderful way he commits his people to the Good Shepherd's care:

• He asks God to feed His people, the flock of His heritage, with a rod of comfort, as David did in Psalm 23. As the shepherd protect and provides for his sheep, so Micah realizes God disciplines and instructs us, also. As in the good ole days, the land was fruitful, peaceful, and had obedient sheep. (verse 14)

Then God answered Micah, According to the days of thy coming out of the land of Egypt will I show unto him marvellous things. (verse 15)

The Hebrew word for marvellous is pala (paw-law'), which means hard, hidden, things too high, miracles, wonderful (things, works).

Can we say that God did marvellous, wonderful, and high things as the plagues came upon the Egyptians, demonstrating His power above the magicians?  I believe it is not just a story, but actually happened, for it appears in God's Word. Amen? Also, God provided for the remnant who returned to the Jerusalem to rebuild it. What a marvelous thing for King Cyrus to allow them to return and supply what they needed. It was a God Thing.

What marvellous and wonderful thing has God done for you lately? I stand in awe that God gave us such a wonderful church. May He receive glory, honor, and praise for His mighty works. Let's share them with others.

LET IT GROW

Realistically, we may question why 17 children and 2 adults died in the Texas school. For whatever reason, God did not intervene. Perhaps He wants to do marvelous things in that community, and it would take such a sacrifice to bring the folks to repentance and salvation through Jesus. But then, we may not know the answers until we reach heaven. 

There are other verses which use the word marvelous. Psalm 98:1-2, O sing unto the LORD a new song; for He hath done marvellous things: His right hand, and His holy arm, hath gotten Him the victory. The LORD hath made known His salvation: His righteousness hath He openly shown in the sight of the heathen. 

I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are Thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. (Ps. 139:14)

And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are Thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, Thou King of saints. (Revelation 15:3)

LET IT GO

My God, You do marvelous and wonderful things.

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.

To You be the glory, honor, and praise forever and ever. Amen.

 

Enemies Will Be Brought Down

O. T. #2202  "Enemies Will Be Brough Down"

May 30, 2022

Micah 7-Part 2

LET IT GLOW 

In verses 1-7, Micah spoke about watching in harsh times.  Then in verses 8-13, he speaks of waiting, waiting for things to get better. 

Then my enemies will see that the LORD is on my side. They will be ashamed that they taunted me, saying, "So where is the LORD-that God of yours?" With my own eyes I will see their downfall; they will be trampled like mud in the streets. (verse 10)

Micah knew his people were going to experience punishment for their sins-captivity by Assyria. Its purpose was to bring them back to God, not send them away. So it is with us. Eventually, after 70 years, Israel's enemies would witness the restoration of Israel and no longer taunt her. Assyria was conquered by Babylon, who captured Judah, also. Later on, Persia took over both of them. Jerusalem was rebuilt. A faithful remnant remained to do all of the rebuilding. How God blessed and protected them!

So if you have those who taunt you because of your faith in Jesus, let the wind blow. One day they will bow before our King Jesus and declare Him as Savior. We must keep on keeping on, friend.

LET IT GROW

Looking to the future, Micah gave hope through the future of Israel:

• their cities being rebuilt, which we read about in Nehemiah;
• their borders would be extended;
• people would come there from many lands of Egypt and Assyria;
• Israel would be honored. 

God will ultimately triumph one day. When Jesus returns as King, the Temple will be restored, people will go up to the mountain to worship the Savior, His laws will be obeyed, and there will be peace. (chapter 4)

 

In the meantime, look up, for our Redemption draweth nigh. 

Jesus said in Matthew 24:13, But he that shall endure unto the end the same shall be saved. 

Is our house in order? Are we ready to meet Jesus in the air?

 LET IT GO 

Can you sing, It is well, with my soul?

Is Jesus the anchor for our soul?

Keep Watching and Waiting

O. T. #2201  "Keep Watching and Waiting"

May 27, 2022

Micah 7

LET IT GLOW

Can we stay hopeful during harsh times? Micah tell us how, by watching, waiting, praying, and remembering. God hears our cries when our circumstances are overwhelming us. 

What does Micah have to teach us in this chapter?

1.Watching-The problem is with the people, not with God, who does not change. The good people have vanished in Israel. Good is the Hebrew word chasid, which means kind, merciful, pious, godly, or better, covenant loyalty.                                           

*Micah saw no grapes on the vines. (verse 1-2) No one walked uprightly before God, nor treated his fellow man uprightly in his day. It was as though they were bloodthirsty and cast nets like pursuing animals to kill others.                                               

 *Their officials and judges were skilled at doing evil and demanding bribes. (verse 3) God's watchmen, the prophets, predicted judgment; the day of visitation came as God punished the guilty using another nation. ((verse 4)                                  

*Don't trust your friend, spouse, children, parents. 

Your enemies are right in your own household! (verse 6, NLT)

In other words, the interpersonal relationships will be destroyed. How serious and bad things had gotten when family members turned against each other. 

Now is the time we need to be sharing Jesus with our family.

LET IT GROW 

2.Waiting-Look at verses 7-9. 

As for me, I look to the LORD for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me. (NLT)

King James calls Him the God of my salvation. Though things looked bleak for Micah, he looked to his God for hope. He waiting on God, too. Micah's confidence was (New Living Translation)

For though I fall, I will rise again. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light. I will be patient as the LORD punishes me, for I have sinned against Him. He will give me justice. I will see His righteousness. 

Verse 10 says, Then my enemies will see that the LORD is on my side. They will be ashamed that they taunted me.

Dear one, do not ever give up on God. He is faithful. He's got this. He will right the wrongs for us. Is Jesus your Risen Savior? Is He your light? Is He your Righteousness? Hold onto Jesus.

LET IT GO

Pray for our enemies and family.

Put back together, our broken hearts, Lord.

There's nothing better than You, Jesus!

We watch and wait for Your return, Sweet Jesus!

You alone are our hope.

When Life Doesn't Turn Out Like We Planned

O. T. #2200 "When Life Doesn't Turn Out Like We Planned"

May 26, 2022

Micah 6-Part 8

LET IT GLOW

We are aware that life is short. Sometimes it doesn't turn out like we had planned. Things happen, people do bad things, we question why. But through it all, we trust in You, the Everlasting God.

We thought that we would continue singing in revivals with our friend Rick, but he passed away of covid last year. We thought we would be doing more mission trips with our friend R.E., but he passed away last December. However, sometimes our plans are not God's plans and we have to accept what He deems His will and plans. So we continue to carry the gospel to others. How God has blessed! 

We have covered verse 8 extensively, so here is a test on it: What are the 3 things God requires of us?

It is to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. How did you do, friend? More important, how are you doing in applying those?

Now we will read about Israel's guilt and punishment in verses 9-16. The Lord warns Israel that the armies of destruction are coming, for the LORD is sending them. Why?

• Homes of the wicked are filled with treasures gained by cheating. (verse 10)
• They practice dishonest measures.
• Merchants in Jerusalem use dishonest scales and weights. (verse 11)
• Their rich become wealthy through extortion and violence. (verse 12)
• Their citizens are so used to lying that their tongues cannot tell the truth. 

Our heart attitude and relationship with God is revealed through our dealings with others. How is our heart measuring up?

LET IT GROW

Therefore... What is God saying He will do to Israel because of their unrepentance of sins?

• He will make them sick. (verse 13)
• They will experience hunger pains and emptiness, due to not eating enough. (verse 14)
• Saving money will not happen, for God will give it to their conquerer. 
• There will be no harvest, and no oil to annoint them, and no grape juice for wine. (verse 15)
• God will bring them to complete ruin since they do not obey His laws, but the kings' laws.
• They will be treated with contempt and mocked by all who see Israel as captives. (verse 16)

Since Israel and Judah later worshiped false gods and idols, they brought judgment upon themselves. History tells us that Assyria conquered the northern kingdom and later Babylon conquered Judah. But there was a remnant that stayed faithful to loving God.

Is God trying to get our attention by sending a pandemic, floods, fires, wars?

How is our relationship to Him?

LET IT GO

 Father, we pray for the community in Texas who lost so many children and 2 adults. So much pain and agony of soul because of sin. Have mercy and save the lost. Show them that eternity is only a breath away. Please give comfort in the midst of heartache. 

You are in control, merciful and loving Father. To You be the glory for ever.

We ask for strength to carry on today, love for others, and surrender to You.

When Good Works Aren't Good Enough

O. T. #2199  "When Good Works Aren't Good Enough"

May 25, 2022

Micah 6-Part 7

LET IT GLOW

Folks, this is such an important Scripture that I feel there is one more thing for us to learn here. Wiersbe has this to say about it (Micah 6:8):

None of the sacrifices Israel brought could cleanse them from their sins. "Doing penance" without truly repenting and trusting God's mercy only multiplies the sin and deadens the conscience. When the people asked Jesus, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?" He replied, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent." (John 6:28-29)

True saving faith comes from a heart that's been broken in repentance and realizes no amount of good works can atone for sin.(Acts 20:21; Ephesians 2:8-10)

Spiritual blindness had lead them (Israel) to offer everything except the one thing God wanted-a spiritual commitment of the heart from which right behavior would ensue. (MacArthur)

We must not get the cart before the horse, so to speak. First, we repent of our sins, agree with God that it was wrong, ask forgiveness, believe that Jesus died for those sins to become our Savior. As a result, we love Jesus, and want to please Him and do the works He directs us to do, for His glory.

Why are we doing good works? Is it for the glory of God, in obedience, to show His love to others, or is it for our won gain, recognition? Something to think about, huh?

LET IT GROW

Another perspective on the three things Micah said to do come from Wiersbe:

1. We can't do justly until we have been justified by faith and are right with God. (Ps. 32:1-2)
2. How can we love mercy if we personally have not experience the mercy of God? (Eph. 2:4)
3. If we want to walk humbly with our God, we must first bow himself before Him, confess our sins, and claim His promise of forgiveness. (Luke 14:11)

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior. (Titus 3:7-8)

Israel didn't get it, but do you get it, dear one? Have you believed in Jesus as Savior? Has He thrown your sins as far as the east is from the west? (Ps. 103:12)

If so, then you and I have the hope of eternal life with Jesus in heaven one day. 

What about our family and friends and neighbors? Do they have this hope, too?

LET IT GO

Your blood has washed away my sins, Jesus thank You.

The Father's wrath completely satisfied, Jesus thank You.

Once Your enemy, now seated at Your table, Jesus thank You!

Thank You Jesus that salvation is not by works because we could never measure up nor do enough to meet the requirement of God. Thank You that it is my faith, by Your grace, Your sacrifice that we are saved!

What do you need to let go of today, friend?

 

What Pleases God?

O. T. #2198  "What Pleases God?"

May 24, 2022

Micah 6-Part 6

LET IT GLOW

One time we went to the same restaurant where a couple of former church members were eating. They had caused some problems while we were serving there. However, I didn't even remember those things anymore, for I had forgiven them. We spoke to them, friendly like, and were concerned with the bad health of one's wife. Certainly, we were showing mercy that day. It does get easier as time goes by. (One man even bought our lunch.)

What does God require of us? Now that is a fair question, isn't it? What does God take delight in as He looks into our heart and life? In other words, what pleases our God? Micah was straight forward in relating the answer to the Israelites and to us in verse 8:

to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. (NLT)

The KJV says to do justly.

It isn't a works religion nor are we saved by our works. Instead, it's a matter of the heart, an internal experience, a rebirth, where a new nature is given to an individual.

So whenever we are a Christian and believer in Jesus, how do we show His love to others?

1. We are just in our dealings with our fellow man and woman. We are honest and true. We keep our word when we give it. We do what is right in God's eyes and according to His Word. We lift up His standards and are an example.

2. Not only are we to love the mercy of God, but to be merciful in our dealings with others, too. We are to forgive in the same way we ask God to forgive us.

3. Our life is to be one of humility before our God, who is Holy, Almighty, and Righteous. We realize that He reached down, yanked us out of the pit of sin, and loved us all the way to the cross.

Is there one of those that you need to work on? If so, He has all the strength that you will need, so turn to Jesus.

LET IT GROW

What did Jesus tell His disciples in Matthew 16:24? If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

It's a mission for the followers of Jesus Christ, not an easy one, nor a lot of fun to deny our self. Putting God first and then others is a road to happiness and peace.

In the Greek language, deny means to deny utterly; disown; abstain.

In order to experience the lordship and provision of Christ on earth, you must be willing to say "no" to yourself. (Tony Evans)

So in order to please God, we must disown our will and do God's will, abstain from sinful acts, and do whatever God tells us in His Word and by the Holy Spirit's leading. Right? Be careful, for the flesh dies hard. It may even cause a war inside of us. Jesus is there to help us with the struggle.

When my husband felt the call to a church in West Virginia, it was one of the hardest things we had ever done together, I dare say. Our son had just graduated high school and was moving to grandma's to take a job with a well-known company. Our daughter had gotten married and moved to Rhode Island. And that new church seemed a million miles away from our parents.

Now, it wasn't easy to get into that U Haul and leave our state and family only 6 hours away, who would be double that. I cried that day on the road and so did my husband. (His mom had cancer.) He offered to turn around, but I told him we would never know what God had planned for us if we didn't go. That was denying our will and doing God's will. I think of it as a test similar to Abraham's when God told him to sacrifice his son Isaac. We did go and were received with loving folks. God blessed our denying our selves.

LET IT GO

Is there something that God is asking you to abstain from, disown, or utterly deny?

Surrender it to the Lord, or you will not know the blessings He has in store for you.

Thank You Jesus for denying Your self, leaving heaven, dying on the cross, and loving us.