Blog Post 6th February

Bible Blog- 6th 

Exodus 23:14-25:40

Matthew 24:29-51

Psalm 30:1-12

Proverbs 7:24-27

In Exodus versus 23:20-22, God choose to make himself known in this special way for a purpose this is comforting to us. It gives a sense of how we should live in todays world we should not make a covenant with worldly attributes. Nowadays we live among neighbors whose values may be completely different from ours, we as believers are called to maintain a lifestyle that shows our faith, and our lives should reflect that we obey God and that God takes precedence over conforming to the ways of the world.

Gods word, not society, dictates our life. Gods plan requires constant cooperation, persistence and effort  as God warns us to be careful of pagan influences and idols.

In the Old Testament they sacrificed an animal and the blood of an animal brought forgiveness. The sinner could then approach God because their sin has been paid and they could be reunited with God.

Jesus Chris is that sacrifice now. Through this symbolic act God promises to Israel were re-affirmed, lessons are taught to us about the atonement of Jesus Christ (future sacrificial death).

 The book of Matthew gives us a strong sense of warning.  The nations will mourn because unbelievers will suddenly realize they have chosen the wrong side, but it will be too late for them.

It is a good thing that we don't know exactly when Christ will return. If we knew we could become lazy in our working for Christ and we could keep sinning with the foolish thought that we could turn to God at the end (See Romans 1: 18-32) . Our ultimate goal is heaven; we must work here on earth until death or our saviour returns. The coming of Christ will be sudden and there will be no opportunity left for last minute repentance or bargaining . Our choices that we have already made will determine our destiny. Our only safe choice is to obey him today. We must spend the time to disciple and take care of his people inside the church and out. We need to live with the constant expectancy of Christs return as Gods judgement is as certain as Jesus return to earth.

 You can take steps to avoid sins, by guarding your mind, Don't fill you heart and mind with images, and thoughts that will lead you to temptation or, that will stimulate the wrong desires. Second keep away from settings and friends that tempt you to sin. Thirdly don't think only of the moment- focus on the future. Todays thrill may lead top tomorrows ruin.

I pray that we listen for the whisper of God, that we don't turn our hearts too the ways of the world as the worldly things may tempt us to sin and lead us to the death. I pray God will turn your mourning into joy. God stopped the great plague that he had used to discipline David and David turned to God and placed his complete trust in the Lord Let Gods anger be a sharp pain that warns you to turn from sin. Security made David feel invincible, as he knew his riches and power had come from God but it had gone to his head and he became prideful. Wealth, fame and power can be intoxicating making us feel, self-reliant, self-secure and independent of God. But this false sense of security can easily be shattered. I pray that we don't become trapped by the false security of prosperity and that we depend on God for our security and that we wont be shaken by worldly possessions, Amen