Tag: Direction

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Trusting in Man will bring Doom- Isaiah- Week 6- Day 1

On By Ben JenningsIn DevotionalLeave a comment

Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!

Isaiah 31:1

Explanation:
In this week’s text we start out with a very definitive statement, that must be read all the way through to make a proper interpretation. God, through the mouth of the prophet Isaiah pronounces “woe” or doom, danger, and destruction to a certain kind of person with a specific kind of thinking.

Who is the one in danger? Notice the list of characteristics given in this text of the person who is in danger:
• Those who rely on Egypt
• Stay on horses
• Trust in chariots
• Count the number
• Trust in horseman
There is a way of thinking that suggests that man’s plans, man’s strength, man’s strategies, man’s inventions, and the like are worth putting all your trust and confidence. The issue is not with having plans, strategies, or inventions. The issue with God is mentioned at the end of the verse when it says, “…but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, nor trust in God.” Ultimate, eternal security can only be found in the True and Living God of Israel. All other hope is false hope.

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

Psalms 20:7

Putting our trust in mortal man at the expense of putting our trust in the eternal True and Living God will always ultimately lead to “woe”, danger, and destruction.

Application:
Certainly, this passage has a national perspective in mind, but it does not disclude this principle being applicable to our own individual lives. Is it wrong to plan or prepare? Of course, it is not. The issue is not having defenses, or a plan. The issue is one of trust. Where is your security? Do you trust in your plan, your weapon, or some temporary man-made factor more than, or instead of trusting in God? Anything that we trust in at the expense of trusting in God becomes an idol competing with God for honor, glory, and worship due solely and exclusively to Him. We ought to plan, but our plans ought to be as unto the Lord. Proverbs 3:5-6 give us wise direction about this very issue.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (6) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Response:
• Are you trusting in something else more than you trust in God?

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God Directs Our Steps- Proverbs Week 8- Day 2

On By Ben JenningsIn DevotionalLeave a comment

A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

Proverbs 16:9

Explanation:
Ultimately the best laid plans are subject to the direction of God. Nothing happens in our lives that he does not allow. This does not make God the author of our sin. We cannot accuse Him of being responsible for the sin that we do. On the contrary, we have the responsibility to make wise choices. We must choose to do the right thing.

Application:
Again, there is comfort in this verse. It is my responsibility to make the wisest decisions I can make. I can trust the Almighty God who is in control. He loves me. He gave His Son to die for me. I can trust Him no matter what is going on.

Response:
Take a few moments to praise God for His sovereignty today!

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Getting Direction from God- Proverbs- Week 2- Day 3

On By Ben JenningsIn DevotionalLeave a comment

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  (6)  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.  (7)  Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.  (8)  It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. 

Proverbs 3:5-8 

Explanation:

We make decisions every day.  Even though we may not make life changing decisions every day, the daily decisions we make do affect our lives.  Often the most life changing decisions we make are ones that we did not know would come.  They are not on our calendars.  But these decisions come to us, and we have to make a choice.

The Bible clearly teaches that it is foolishness to try to make decisions in life based on our own wisdom and understanding.  This is a theme in the book of Proverbs.  Consider Pro 16:25.

“There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”

Proverbs 16:25

In today’s text, there are two parts- the command and the results. 

First, let’s talk about the command in this text.  There is the command to adopt an attitude and action.  Solomon pleads with his son to adopt an attitude of submission to the wisdom and revelation of God (v. 5-6a).  If the Lord says it, even if it does not make sense to you, hear it and obey it.  Lean into what the Lord says and not into what you think.  Do not be wise only from your own perspective and way of thinking(v. 7).  Acknowledge the Lord in every decision (v. 6a).

Next, let’s talk about the results.  When his son adopts this attitude, there will be two results. 

1. Direction.  When we adopt God’s wisdom, trust Him, and acknowledge Him in all our decisions, we will be guided down the right path.  We will have direction for life. 

2. Health.  Remember, this is a probability and general result and not a universal promise.  He is not saying that those who trust in the Lord will never get sick.  He is saying that there are healthy  outcomes for those who obey.  The person who trusts the Lord when it comes to God’s commands and teaching about sex need never worry about sexually transmitted diseases.  The person who trusts God’s Word about drunkenness will never face the consequences of driving drunk or destroying their liver.  I’ve heard it said that when God says don’t, he is saying don’t hurt yourself.  There is wisdom in this statement.

Application:

Do we want right direction and health for our lives?  If we do then we cannot ignore these principles.  You can fight against these principles, but you will not like the outcome.  Conversely, think about this.  The God of the Universe has given you His wisdom.  The Designer has given us insight into living in the world He designed.  We are limited in our knowledge, experience, and perspective.  God is infinite!  Out of His infinity He has revealed Himself in the Word and through His Son.  Let us hear, trust, and obey what He says!   

Response:

  • How can you acknowledge God today in your decisions?
  • Where do you need to trust God more today?