Psalm
Psalm 78:1-31
1 Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
2 I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:
3 Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.
4 We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.
5 For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:
6 That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:
7 That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:
8 And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.
9 The children of Ephraim, being armed, and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle.
10 They kept not the covenant of God, and refused to walk in his law;
11 And forgat his works, and his wonders that he had shewed them.
12 Marvellous things did he in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan.
13 He divided the sea, and caused them to pass through; and he made the waters to stand as an heap.
14 In the daytime also he led them with a cloud, and all the night with a light of fire.
15 He clave the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink as out of the great depths.
16 He brought streams also out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers.
17 And they sinned yet more against him by provoking the most High in the wilderness.
18 And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust.
19 Yea, they spake against God; they said, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?
20 Behold, he smote the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed; can he give bread also? can he provide flesh for his people?
21 Therefore the LORD heard this , and was wroth: so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel;
22 Because they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation:
23 Though he had commanded the clouds from above, and opened the doors of heaven,
24 And had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven.
25 Man did eat angels' food: he sent them meat to the full.
26 He caused an east wind to blow in the heaven: and by his power he brought in the south wind.
27 He rained flesh also upon them as dust, and feathered fowls like as the sand of the sea:
28 And he let it fall in the midst of their camp, round about their habitations.
29 So they did eat, and were well filled: for he gave them their own desire;
30 They were not estranged from their lust. But while their meat was yet in their mouths,
31 The wrath of God came upon them, and slew the fattest of them, and smote down the chosen men of Israel.
Outline
Sermon
What was that Earthquake and Tsunami all about?
By Pastor Clinton Macomber
This last week, news rang out hard and fast about a disaster so severe, we have had nothing like it in recent years. People are shaken to their core all over the world, and again, glued to the news media to find out the latest. Panic has set in, destroying moral, and causing great harm.
What can we learn about Earthquakes from the creator of this world? What can we conclude by the location of the earthquake. What can we learn about Tsunamis from God? What do we need to know about where they hit? As with all things effecting life, we have the answers in God's Word and a little digging for facts.
Map of the Earthquake 1
First of all, what does the Bible say about Earthquakes?
Earthquakes were a fairly common occurrence in Israel, due to the frequent geologic disturbances around the Dead Sea and the Sea of Galilee. The Hebrew word for earthquake indicates a great noise and roaring. 2
Earthquakes mentioned in Scripture are:
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The major Mount Sinai quake when God gave the law to Moses. God's powerful presence and powerful energy was displayed in a powerful lightning storm, and fierce shaking of the mountain.
Exodus 19:18 And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly.
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The wandering Israelites survived a quake, when Korah and his followers were swallowed up by the earth for daring to rebel against God's appointed leader of Israel. Korah was the elder family of the Levites, and wanted to take the power of the High Priesthood from Aaron and his family, and so control Israel. God did not stand idly by during this major power grab.
Numbers 16:31 And it came to pass, as he had made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground clave asunder that was under them: 32 And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods. 33 They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation.
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The earthquake when Jonathan and his armor-bearer fought against a troop of Philistines. Jonathan, full of faith and courage, decided to attack a whole troop of Philistine soldiers with only the help of his armor-bearer. The Philistines were filled with such a dread that they trembled and the earth also shook, enabling Jonathan to bring a decisive victory.
1 Samuel 14:15 And there was trembling in the host, in the field, and among all the people: the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled, and the earth quaked: so it was a very great trembling.
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The time Elijah felt sorry for himself after slaying the prophets of Baal, but on hearing Jezebel was going to kill him, lay down after running for his life, a day's journey from Beersheba. While passed out under a Juniper tree, he was awakened twice to be fed and nourished. Then he went to Mount Horeb, and God demonstrated that even though the storm and wind that tore the mountain and broke up the rocks was powerful, it was not God in them that did it. Instead, He was the still quiet voice that wanted to know why Elijah was there.
1 Kings 19:11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake:
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There was an earthquake that fixed a point on the calendar by which people remembered and associated events. Earthquakes are such a catastrophic event, that they cause us to remember them long after they pass, and they become landmarks in time, and events to contemplate.
Amos 1:1 The words of Amos, who was among the herdmen of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel, two years before the earthquake.
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At the time of the Lord Jesus Christ's death, there was a great earthquake, and the curtain in the Temple was ripped in two, from the top to the bottom.
Matthew 27:51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; 52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, 53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. 54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.
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When Christ rose from the dead there was an earthquake and the stone was rolled from the mouth of the tomb.
Matthew 28:2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.
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When Paul and Silas were in Philippi, bound in the stocks, their backs bleeding from the cruel beating with a cat-of-nine-tails whip, singing still at midnight. An earthquake broke the stocks and freed these great missionaries, but instead of escaping, they spared the jailer's life from his suicide attempt and led his whole household to the Lord and Savior, and thus started a new church in town.
Acts 16:26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.
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There are going to be a great earthquake when the Lord Jesus opens the 6 th of 7 seals that are the title deed to the Creation. Things will be so severe that people will crawl into caves and under rocks and beg the ground to bury them alive, so they can hide from God!
Revelation 6:12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; 13 And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. 14 And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. 15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; 16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:
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When God opens up the Temple of Heaven so that people on the earth can see the throne of God, there will be a great earthquake on the earth, along with a violent hail storm.
Revelation 11:19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.
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When the 7 th angel pours out his vial of God's wrath on the earth, there will be an earthquake that will rival all earthquakes that ever happened. There will also be a great voice from heaven declaring that the cleanup process is finished.
Revelation 16:18 And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.
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In the future there are going to be a major earthquake in Jerusalem, when the Lord Jesus comes from Heaven with the Saints, and saves the remnant of Israel from a sure and complete annihilation.
Zechariah 14:4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south. 5 And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach unto Azal: yea, ye shall flee, like as ye fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah: and the LORD my God shall come, and all the saints with thee.
In summary, earthquakes are tools used of God to enable there to be victory on the part righteousness, and an eradication of those committed to evil. It signifies God's powerful presence, and is meant to demonstrate the power of God, and remind people of the wrath to come.
Earthquakes also serve as constant reminders that the earth is young, because such force would have stabilized over time, should the earth be the impossible millions and billions of years old as agnostics wish us to accept by blind faith.
Earthquakes serve to remind us that the earth is groaning and in severe labor pains over the evil that occurs on it every day.
Romans 8:21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
Earthquakes serve as a reminder that all the mountains, buildings, tall trees, hills, towers, walls, and sculptures are going to be brought down and leveled in God's kingdom. Raising such things is a sure way to declare your animosity of God's humble ways.
Isaiah 2:12 For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low: 13 And upon all the cedars of Lebanon, that are high and lifted up, and upon all the oaks of Bashan, 14 And upon all the high mountains, and upon all the hills that are lifted up, 15 And upon every high tower, and upon every fenced wall, 16 And upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures.
What does the Bible Say about Tsunamis?
Tsunamis are known in world of fiction as killer waves. Because of the great fears generated in California over the last 50 years, there is an extensive government funded tsunami monitoring system in the Pacific Ocean, in the hopes of protecting California from a similar disaster as was witnessed this last week. However, anyone that has traveled the freeways of L.A., San Diego, or the Bay Area (the most threatened areas) knows that any sort of warning system will do little to save people. Instead it will trap them in cars on the vast parking lots of the government run transportation system. More damage is done through causing panic, than is actually saved when people want to ignore the threat of danger and live the life of vanity, glamor and pleasure.
Drawing of a Tsunami. 3
There is not just a threat from natural (actually God-ordained) tsunamis, but the dropping of a nuclear or even atomic bomb off the coast of a country could trigger waves of incredible destructive force. It is said that a nuclear bomb dropped off about 100 miles from the Pacific Coast would causes killer waves that would be 800 feet high and would cover and destroy over a third of the United States. Over 40 million people would be dead. 4
Some would have us to believe that it was a tsunami that opened up the Red Sea, 5 enabling the Israelites to pass across on dry ground, but inundated the Egyptian army when they were using the same pass. Although this sounds a bit extreme, and the locations given as to where the crossing was made are bogus, God can use anything He has created!
When the second Heavenly messenger sounds his trumpet, there will be a huge mountain of fire that will be thrown at the earth. This will result in a tsunami that will cause the destruction of a third of the ocean going vessels, and death of a third part of sea life.
Revelation 8:8 And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood; 9 And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed.
The target of destruction is the ships of Tarshish as mentioned in Isaiah 2:16. Pride and loftiness is going to be ended in the future. In their place will be humility and kindness.
Tsunamis are the left-over remnants from the flood, as are earthquakes and volcanoes. Because the earth is still severely limited in land mass due to the fact that oceans cover 75% of the earth, populations are reminded of the incredible destructive ability of huge amounts of water when released upon the land surface. The flood was a serious judgment of God upon the earth and it did completely destroy all life on earth. The oceans will remain until Christ comes to set up His Wonderful and so needed kingdom on this earth. At that point the seas and oceans will be gone, so that the threat of tsunamis will be past.
Revelation 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
What does the Bible Say about God's Judgments?
They are specific, and are set up hundreds of years ahead of time, knowing they will be called upon. God knows everything, and knows what people and governments will do, and knows when things need to be stopped. He told Abraham that his descendants would be sent to Egypt for 400 years until the iniquity of the Canaanites had reached its full. Then at that point, God wanted the Israelites to take the land and destroy that wicked nations that needed to be stopped. However, they needed to follow His lead in the matter. Jumping ahead of God even by 40 years brought sure disaster.
God put the Israelites at the specific location with the families of Korah right over the fault line, so that when they rebelled, and those that were not part of the rebellion against God and Moses' leadership had left, the whole of Korah and all that they owned was swept into the earth and swallowed up.
God only uses the appropriate force to get the job done. When Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed, there were 5 cities of the plain that were to go. Lot plead for the sparing of the fifth city so he could live there. God granted him the request, but Lot was so uncomfortable there, he soon moved to the mountains as God had instructed him, to escape the terror of living in this last city. Thus we learn that God has complete control over the extent and degree that His judgments fall.
What do we Know about the Countries Hit?
The Epicenter was just off the coast of Sumatra, in Indonesia.
Indonesia, Sra Lanka, India, Thailand, Malasia, Somolia, and the Maldives Islands were the worst hit.
Each and every one of these countries are at the top of the list of countries that ruthlessly slaughter Christians, are part of the United Nations, World Trade Organization, UNESCO, etc.
Each of them is seeking to follow the Environmental Protection Pact.
Each of them is proud of their heathen religions and seek to prohibit Christianity.
Each of them is ruled by governments considered proper and exemplary by the United States and European governments.
What do we know about Indonesia and especially Sumatra?
Flag of Indonesia
Indonesia is a predominately Muslim country (87%). Christians are slaughtered wholesale every day in this country. They are major exporters of marijuana and heroine, and server as a distribution point for several countries in illegal drugs. The people are poor and has almost 500 ships.
In 1969 there was a law passed that makes it illegal to build a church unless the community first approves it and the Ministry of Religion then issues a permit. As such it is very difficult to get permission to build. Witnessing is considered disruptive, even though it is not specifically against the law. The army has helped Muslims in trying to rid the country of Christians.
It is often that Christians are killed, their houses burned, and their businesses bombed, and many other kinds of atrocities in the holy war jihad. This country has the largest Muslim population in the world, and so the most ruthless.
All citizens must carry a national identification card that specifies what the religion that they have chosen, but if you are Muslim, you get preferential treatment.
What do we know about Sri Lanka?
Flag of Sri Lanka
This country was a British colony until 1948. Christians have been considered a part of the imposed religion of the West, and something the country must purge itself of having. In the mid-1980's civil war broke out between the government which is mostly Buddhist, and the Hindu's who are a minority. At the end of 2001, a peace accord was set up, and it is hoped that the civil war will be brought to an end. On December 23, 2004, the country was to pass an anti-conversion law, to stop the spread of Christianity.
Because such violent activities are not published, catalogs of the acts of persecution and martyrdom are sporadic. However several organizations are tracking such activities, and have stunning news releases they have written to help inform Christians and editors of facts they have gathered.
The Voice of the Martyrs has compiled a the following list of persecutions and martyrdoms they know happened. Their list for the last year has almost 30 news stories. This is over one every two weeks! Last year they report that there were over 14 attacks during Christmas week alone. This last week there were several threats against preachers and church members, and we can rest assured that the violence was quite severe this last week. While Christians were partying across the globe, our brothers and sisters in Christ were being slaughtered and suffering dearly for their faith. They report that one church was shut down due to violence and vandalism, then reopened for Easter week, only to have 100 monks enter their service and try to force the pastor to bow before Buddha. He did not, so they trashed the church and drove off those in attendance and threatened the pastor and his family with their lives 6
Another organization reports that they had reports of 164 acts of violence against Christians in the last two years. 73 of them were just from this last year. 140 churches were closed due to attacks, intimidation and harassment.
This last week, a law making Buddhism the national religion and forbidding any other religions to witness was supposed to pass.
What do we know about India?
Flag of India
This country is the harborer of what our current federal government considers terrorists. This country has been at war with the neighboring countries of of Bangladesh, China, and Pakistan. It is an evil country being predominately Hindu, but Muslims gaining ground.
Missionaries have not been allowed in the country since the 1960's. The Hindu government has been verbally supportive of Religious freedom, but does little to curb any violence against Christians, and in fact seems to condone it by a lack of interest. Because India is based on the caste system, Christians in the lower castes are not allowed jobs.
What do we know about Thailand?
Thailand's Flag.
This country has been at war with its neighboring countries over border disputes. These countries are Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. It is predominately Buddhist at 95%. Very few will admit they are Christian. This country has been under martial law since 1991. It has had 6 governments in 5 years. This is a major drug trafficking country and receives over $600 million in aid from us each year.
What do we know about Somalia?
Somalia Flag
This country is somewhat familiar to Americans because of our involvement there under orders of the United Nations. It is a shame that those who join to serve are military are forced to instead serve evil and anti-American leaders to do what no other country would stoop to do, go in to be laughed at and bled dry.
This country has also been in border wars with Ethiopia. It is not a country but a UN territory. It is the poorest of countries and devastated from years of civil war and strife. Its people are nomads, and it has hardly anything to export, and continues in widespread famine. This country is a lesson in anarchy, with no government, infrastructure, courts, or laws. It is a perfect example of what is wrong with the United Nations having any say about world politics. It should be noted that this chaotic state is a member of all the World Organizations!
This last year we know of a pastor who was murdered for evangelistic work, and seven Ethiopians are being held prisoner since 1999 for witnessing.
What do we know about the Maldives?
Maldive Flag
This country has made it illegal to be a Christian. It is a Muslim nation. Any that get saved when abroad suddenly disappear when they return home again.
In 1998 all foreign known Christians were expelled from the country, while those all other Christians were arrested. International pressure get them released, but they remain under close surveillance. Any actions suggestive of Christianity see swift arrest. There are five men in prison since 2002 that we know of today.
So Do We Do?
Knowing that the earthquake and Tsunami are sent from God to warn these heathen and godless nations that they are reckoning with more than a few Christians, what are we to do?
First, do not mindless donate money to help these countries. Our government is already dumping billions of dollars each year to support these countries that hate God and America.
Second, pray fervently for the witness that is there. Pray that the Word of God will go forth and challenge these dark nations. Pray that God will be able to use His people mightily. Pray that God's blessing will be evident to each Believer.
Third, know that our country is in a frightening situation when we continue to support these kinds of governments all over the globe and support the World powers that encourage such heinous deeds against Law abiding citizens. It is our job to lend support to the righteous abroad by stepping out and letting our officials know that they must be accountable to God, and need to do the right things. For too long Christians have been silent, and for no good reason, but that they do not want to take responsibility for what is happening. Our government is supposed to be built on the belief that taxation without representation is tyranny. But if we never speak up and say we are upset about the government support of oppression, anarchy, and dictatorships of heathen lands, our government is going to keep doing what is wrong.
Fourth, pray for this country and the christians here to become saints of God, separated unto that which is good, and willing to take a stand against evil.
Pray that there will be godly people in office that can make good laws and cancel laws put in place by agnostics, heathens, and tree huggers.
1 Guardian Unlimited Special Report. http://www.guardian.co.uk/graphic/0,5812,1380083,00.html
2 Walter A. Elwell and Barry J. Beitzel, Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible. (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House, 1988). Vol. 1, p. 647.
3 Dennis Gordon Lindsay, The Original Star Wars and the Age of Ice (Dallas, TX: Christ for the Nations, 1999, c1992). fig 11a.
4 Paul Lee Tan, Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations a Treasury of Illustrations, Anecdotes, Facts and Quotations for Pastors, Teachers and Christian Workers (Garland TX: Bible Communications, 1996, c1979). 7284.
5 Hershal Shanks, “The Exodus and the Crossing of the Red Sea, According to Hans Goedicke.” Hershel Shanks Editor, BAR 07:05 (Sep/Oct 1981) (Biblical Archaeology Society, 2002; 2002).
6 Voice of the Wilderness of Canada.
Topic Study
Quote
Devotions
Monday, Psalm 78:1-5 and Ecclesiastes 6:1-2
There are things that are important to teach children, but only parents can do it. Schools cannot teach such important matters, nor will a hireling do it. They are the dark sayings of old, that man will work hard and attain wealth and honor, but it is left for foreigners to use and enjoy. This is contrary to the blessings that are granted to those who follow the law of God. Americans need to take heed, as their taxes are grievous to be born, and are used in Foreign Aid, Health Care for illegal aliens, “police actions” in over 150 countries, world health organization funding, etc. Christians have got to seek God's face for blessing and provision, and seek to help others follow the same laws. Only then can we lessen the impact of the judgment of God on the land.
Tuesday, Psalm 78:6-11 and Ecclesiastes 6:3-4
Humanly speaking, when a person lives a life of vanity, because there is no satisfaction in being beneficial and God-honoring, there is no reason for them to live. Spiritually speaking, everyone is given an opportunity of observing the facts, listening to God's word, and allowing God to use them. Instead, people are calloused, self-centered, and rebellious. Instead of taking the opportunity offered to them, they trample it under their feet. Such belligerence seems like such a waste, but the question is, how much of this evil is part of our own life? How much sin do we rebelliously hang onto?
Wednesday, Psalm 78:12-16 and Ecclesiastes 6:5-6
Solomon could not buy long life, yet he realized that even if one could live 2000 years, it would not change the fact of the grave. The Psalmist itemizes the extensive things God has done for Israelites and thus for anyone that follows God, yet, rebellion is still a common disease. Have we fallen prey to the same problem? Do we see the hand of God, yet murmur and complain and forget God? Take some time to list the goodness of God and our attitude lately. Take even more time in confession and a determination to change the course of life.
Thursday, Psalm 78:17-22 and Ecclesiastes 6:7-8
Mankind has a problem with not considering anything beyond his own mouth and stomach. Even though God has supplied countless times for a person in the past, yet, if one meal might be late, there is a severe clamoring and bitterness against God. Are you emotionally dissatisfied? Have you found that there is no real happiness in life? Do you blame God for anything that makes you sad? Maybe we are on the wrong team, and need to get on board with God and His salvation. Only He can satisfy the soul, and satisfaction can only come from absolute and total dedication to God and obedience to God's Word.
Friday, Psalm 78:23-27 and Ecclesiastes 6:9-10
Man rarely moves from living by sight to living by faith, unless God works with them and weans them from being materialistic. It does not matter how much God does to demonstrate His power before our eyes, unless we see miracles all the time, and miracles that cause us to wonder, we become demonstrative towards God, begging Him for everything and trusting Him for nothing. What can we do to increase our faith and trust in God today and for months to come?
Saturday, Psalm 78:28-33 and Ecclesiastes 6:11-12
There are many ways to increase a person's wasted life, but only one thing to make it of eternal consequence. Following what we want is a sure way to find eternal death. Following God and His almighty way, is the sure way to find eternal joy and reward. Pick a lust of the flesh that is keeping you from the blessing of God and take steps to have it cleansed before God and man. Then take steps to make sure it cannot be fulfilled again.
