turn of events

Monday, October 24, 2011 (3:09 p.m.)

Awesome, Blessed God,

How I thank You Lord for turns of events. Mm. Yes. Turn of events. I almost didn’t even bother to look in Your Word for the chance that there might be a verse [or THREE J] referencing this phrase. Three individual verses. Two separate sets of circumstances.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011 (7:50 a.m.)

A day and a half later and I’m still looking around thinking, “How quickly things change.” One moment we had a fifty-minute drive planned for the week and the next we have nine hours of flying and connections to look forward to. A HUGE turn of events!

Lord God, I read here in Your Word of people making decisions based on overconfidence (Joshua 7:5) or foolishness and self-confidence (1Kings 12:15, 2Chronicles 10:15). I read the overall theme of both accounts and I am filled with quiet awe. I respect You Lord. Admire. Revere. Esteem You.

In the retelling of the event in Joshua, the commentary says, “The Israelites grew overconfident.” How often do I resemble that statement! “Their small force was soundly defeated because God was angry at Israel for the sin of Achan… We must be careful not to take back control of our life once we see what God can do when He is in control.” Oh, Your goodness Lord! Isn’t that the truth?

Concluding the comment my head nods in agreement. “On our own, we may allow some seemingly insignificant area of our life to lead us away from God’s plan. Our call is to submit our whole life to His control.” Yes Lord! Every aspect of my being.

The section in 1Kings tells of the two kings who followed Solomon. Both “made foolish, self-serving decisions.” One (Rehoboam) followed his own selfish inclinations, while the other (Jeroboam) led out of fear of losing his kingdom [even though YOU appointed him king!]. The commentary here says, “The selfish attitudes of these two men led entire kingdoms on the path toward sin. We need to realize that our decisions always touch the lives of others. We should measure our decisions by God’s truth and by how they will affect others.” Oh, dearest Lord. YES!

The comment in 2Chronicles regarding the rebellion of the people and the splitting in two of the kingdom of Israel accurately reminds us, “Two wrongs never make a right.” The people made things worse for themselves by acting rashly. As tempted as we may be to take matters into our own hands “when we are mistreated by others or when they fail to take our claims seriously. Before doing anything, we must be extremely careful.” Lord God, how I thank You for the ways You get my attention. You are so good, so very generous. And You love us so much.

Keep us in Your care. Guide and direct our interactions with others. Thank You Lord for the love You’ve given us to share with others. Continue Your work in each of us, making us people after Your own heart. I love You so very much blessed Lord. Thank You. Amen.

(513 words ~ 8:36 a.m.)