Divided Heart

We have heard the expression that a divided nation will soon come to ruin. Divided loyalties within our own hearts also lead us to destruction. For instance, if a person tries to carry on romance with two or more other people, it is very likely that these relationships will soon self-destruct due to the deceptions.

Psalm 86:11 says, “Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.” A divided heart will lead us down a wrong path. Only a heart completely devoted to God can walk securely in the truth. Trying to walk with God while serving ourselves in sinful pleasures will surely lead us down a path of darkness to ultimate destruction.

Cry For Justice

In recent years we have heard an ever louder cry for justice. But that cry has been distorted by rising crime and confusing applications of justice. When most people call for justice, they are really asking for what they think is fair for themselves or others like them. However, what is fair is highly subjective and able to be manipulated based upon biases and personal affections. We should be demanding what is right, rather than what is simply fair. Righteousness is objective and is based upon the perfection and holiness of God. It is not unduly affected by personal wishes or circumstances.

Proverbs 21:15 says, “When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.” Don’t ask, “What is fair?”, but rather, “What is right?”. Determining what is fair is subjective, but determining what is right is the divine perogative, objective, and never changes.

Fading Hope

Today is election day in our country. People place their hopes on their favorite candidates, and they fear what will happen if the opposition wins. However, after election day, hope begins to fade again, and disappointment rises with the failures of the new leaders to deliver on their promises. Fears replace hope.

Romans 5:2 says, “Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Faith in Jesus gives us the grace of God for salvation and the true hope of God’s glory. Hope in God’s glory never fades as He never fails.

Play Under Review

I watch a lot of sports on television and I enjoy going to games occasionally. Periodically, during games, one team will challenge a call made by the official. They will then go to watch the replay and consider all available angles. Many times, they will see something that was not immediately considered when the play took place.

I think that we often don’t take the time to consider the mighty works that God does on our behalf. We don’t pause and understand all that He is doing around us. We could use a video replay to see what we missed in God’s works.

Deuteronomy 3:24 says, “‘O Lord GOD, you have only begun to show your servant your greatness and your mighty hand. For what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do such works and mighty acts as yours?” God has already done many mighty acts on our behalf, and He has plans for much greater things to do for us. Let’s open our hearts to receive and understand these mighty works.

Best Laid Plans

We all have plans and schemes for our lives. We have goals to achieve, people to meet, things to do, and lives to lead. But what if someone were to have a video of our entire lives before we lived it. And better yet, this person knew how we could make better choices and therefore have a better life. This person would have our best interests in mind as they told us what we should do. God is this person, and He does have the plan for the better life that He has in mind for us.

When Jesus met Saul on the road to Damascus, Saul responded, “‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Rise, and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all that is appointed for you to do.'” Acts 22:9-10 When we meet with God, we should expect to be told what we should do, not just tell God what we want. God has a plan for us, and His plans are good. If we listen and follow Him, we will live the life that He has designed for us.The best response that we can give God is, “What shall I do, Lord?”