SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES WITH BOB
December 13, 2013
WHO CAN BE AGAINST US?
How tempting it is to lay the blame on the Lord. My wife is in hospital, trapped there, after she was supposed to be discharged, by an ice storm that has descended upon our city. If that simple statement were not enough, like Job, one is tempted by others to blame the Lord for it. The section of carports above ours had collapsed pinning five cars in, and another lower down, as well, pinning in another four. The steel supports just could not bear the weight of the ice. When I first heard the crash of the collapse, I rushed out and moved our car to a open guest parking space. There are a half dozen or so open, unprotected spaces. Then I went to the office to report what had happened. Rhena the receptionist was the only staff on duty so she phoned her superiors and took their camera to photograph the damage.
Now, days later, churches all over the city have announced they will not have services, including the Valley View Christian Church where most of the parking is a sloping glaze of ice. My car is parked, nose down, on such a spot here. I doubt if it will be able to get traction, so I listened to three sermons on TV and after lunch, when I hoped the temperature would rise above freezing, I managed to get to the hospital to take communion to Phyllis. That was successful, and I had planned to fellowship with another congregation we often visit, for evening worship. They have a level parking lot and are among the few remaining that have evening services but a friend there phoned to tell us that they were also closed. Phyllis made it back home on Monday after lunch.
Before the worship programs a discussion program dealt with the lack of privacy that has come into effect since the New York City tragedies a few years ago. Years before that in Africa, we accepted the fact that our phones were tapped, and our worship services were spied upon. I had no phone in Windhoek, but as soon as we moved to Kimberley, we did. Daily we heard a slight “jingle” when the tapes were changed. In Windhoek our interpreter was a planted police spy. When it was clear that there was no reason, we lost our teacher and interpreter. Such things were, and probably still are, common. Jesus was spied upon by the Pharisees and priests of the temple. If we are faithfully spreading his same message, be will be too. God does not send it, but unlike Job, we know who is to blame. Job didn’t know, but we have been informed for the book of Job tells us it was Satan..
Romans 8:30-39
EVERY LIFE HAS A DESTINY CHOSEN BY GOD
Other texts point out that God had a plan for us long before we were born. However, we are not forced into fulfilling it If you have ever built a new home, you know that the finished building has, at the least, slight alterations from the approved plan submitted for approval. God had a plan for you, and he equipped you with the DNA to do that and as long as you are following his plan, he will open “doors of opportunity.” Looking back on my own life I clearly see those times now, but unfortunately, I also see “doors” not opened. So it probably is with us all.
30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
IF GOD IS FOR US, HE WILL PROVIDE
God will provide if he is with us in our planning. The problem is how to recognize them and then work to fulfill them. Some time ago, I was approached by a very wealthy woman, if you can believe the emails I received are really from her. She is dying of cancer and wants her wealth to be used for the Lord. Something like the rich young ruler only in reverse. I am tormented, like Job, I did not really work for it as I had reservations. Was I wrong? Who knows? I may have rejected an open door of opportunity. Perhaps I was brought to this point in life for just this opportunity. There is no, question that the world could use an ”infusion” of practically unlimited cash to partially heal its turmoil and missions could be greatly helped by multiple millions slowly applied to really worthy causes.
Of course, who could be against us, is clearly Satan and his world. That much we do know.
31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
GOD GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON
We can say those words so glibly! We have no idea how great a sacrifice that was. Our minds can’t grasp how much Jesus gave up to become a homeless, vagrant teacher. Words can not describe the wonders of heaven, or the power of the creator that he gave up for our sakes. If it is his will, he will provide. That is why I have just turned such offers over to God. Let His will be done. He can override all opposition. If it is of Him, He will provide freely.
32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
33 Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
WE KNOW HE LOVES US
Christ suffered all these and more and we can expect the same.
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
BUT REMEMBER, CHRIST OUR LORD UNDERSTANDS, AND HE LOVES US.
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