It is not our pastors responsibility to feed us all we need to be spiritually healthyit is our responsibility. God loved them too much to allow them to continue in sin. These studies will take us through the idea of walking with God. However He will always give us the opportunity to repent, and He often gives us the chance at a do-over. They said to them, We cannot give our sister to a man who is not circumcised, for it would be a disgrace to us. This also is vanity. Mark 2:5. Enoch walked with God and entered . They killed Hamor and his son Shechem with the sword, took Dinah from Shechems house, and left. If you find that you are struggling to manifest the different aspects of the fruit of the Spirit, you can pray and ask God to help you yield more to His Spirit. Now Dinah, Leahs daughter whom she bore to Jacob, went to meet the young women of the land. But thankfully, Scripture gives us illustrations: Like us, Jesus suffered, experienced hunger, required sleep, ate food, and had limits on His knowledge (Mark 13:32). He wasnt discouraged; he was looking forward to the future. Many who are genuinely called by God have deviated to pursue fame and wealth. The promises of God are in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20). Moses struck the rock in Numbers 20 in disobedience and, as a result, was not able to enter into the promised land. WALKING WITH GOD. Sadly, many of these consequences can be seen in our societies, churches, and individual lives. They captured as plunder all their wealth, all their little ones, and their wives, including everything in the houses. Something else that may imply the neglect of God in this narrative is the fact that this is one of the few chapters in the Bible where God is never mentioned.2 In the book of Esther, God is never mentioned either, but his sovereign and positive influence is seen throughout the pages. Receiving revelation (living understand) of the Word. We must look for and take "the way of escape" God provides in every situation where temptation is found (verse 13). Look up. Please give her to him as his wife. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is fullgrown, brings forth death (James 1:1315). 3 Guzik, D. (2013). Thats the view given by most English dictionariesa deemphasis on ones own importance. Gen 35:2)leading to great sins. But what is the biblical view of humility. Though his major struggles seemed to be over, his most difficult struggle appearedmaintaining faith in ease and prosperity. During the times when I don't spend time with God, I become numb or blind to sin. https://s3.amazonaws.com/qbchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/24212608/2016-08-14-Consequences-in-a-Life-Not-Walking-in-the-Fear-of-God-Ecc-810-13-AM.mp3, 6356 Post Road, North Kingstown, Rhode Island 02852. It is because of the benefits and results we experience when we walk with God now and forever. We often hear about the benefits of waiting on God, but what about the consequences of NOT waiting on Him? Choose your way or anyone elses way and you will reap absolutely nothing in this life as far as God is concerned when it is all finally said and done. Enjoy Rabbi Schneiders message who shares simple but profound truths to help you grow in your relationship with God Walking with God. It means we're honest first with God and . Such is the picture David paints with his words in Psalm 32a drought of spiritual vitality brought on by his own sin. God gave what He could to His people to keep them from worshipping other idols. Pauls letter to the people at Corinth was an exhortation to remain steadfast. In Genesis 35, after this terrible narrative, Jacob led his family in repentance. This is why Scripture says we should rejoice in various trials and tribulations, as they test our faith (Jam 1:2). As Peter wrote, we look for a new earth in which righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13). Some parents even say things like, Well, I dont want to shelter my kids and protect them from the world! In Romans 16:19, Paul said, But I want you to be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil. We should prepare our children for the world by teaching them the truth about sin, what they will encounter in the world, and how they should respond. Verse Concepts. 6 Consequences of Disobedience to God.1. There are great dangers in working for God without walking with Him. How can we do that? Take the necessary action steps today to strengthen your relationship with the Lord, and enjoy a sweet fellowship with Him, now and forever. W. A. Criswell, Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach to it the message that I tell you. 17Do you not see what they are doing in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem? When you taste the goodness of God, you wouldnt want to go back to a life without Him. 23But this command I gave them:Obey my voice, andI will be your God, and you shall be my people. Oh, to see the glory of the Lord while in the midst of the disappointments in life. Walking with God. It was not uncommon in the Old Testament for the word of the Lord to come to Gods prophets again and again. Perhaps it would help to think of it in those terms. It is much harder to be faithful to God in ease than in difficulty. When God is denied, sexual immorality saturates society. God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son, Jesus Christ (1 John 5:11). Then we will give you our daughters to marry, and we will take your daughters as wives for ourselves, and we will live among you and become one people. Here are two more good verses showing the negative consequences of not being willing to fully follow God in this life. It is true for us today also. on: function(evt, cb) { Its so dangerous, we must run from it. Its the act of becoming too attached to the material things of the worldfalling more in love with the things on earth than on things in heaven. This has nothing to do with how much money you do or dont havea poverty-stricken person can covet just as much as a billionaire. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Thats the way He cares for us tooevery day, all year long, always. You can place your steadfast trust in Him. . It is important to know them, so we can repent of them. I will continue to push forward and be faithful with my time with the Lord.. You are such a gracious God. Instead of justice, they seek vengeanceturning many away from Christ. But if you do not agree to our terms by being circumcised, then we will take our sister and depart. Their offer pleased Hamor and his son Shechem. In three days, when they were still in pain, two of Jacobs sons, Simeon and Levi, Dinahs brothers, each took his sword and went to the unsuspecting city and slaughtered every male. declares theLord. Intermarry with us. In Genesis 38, Judah, Jacobs son, will visit a prostitute. Richard Sibbes, DavidJeremiah.blog is part of the broadcast ministry of David Jeremiah. In the middle of lifes battles, were tempted to question Gods ordering of our circumstances, but every follower of Christ can look back and see the conspicuous hand of Gods Providence. Enoch had fellowship with God (Genesis 5:24) and was faithful to Him. The Pharisees made a career out of separating themselves from society. Jesus repeatedly said that He only did what the Father showed Him to do (John 5:19), and prayer was His means. CP VOICES do not necessarily reflect the views of The Christian Post. Waiting is an essential part of the Christian life and, as I learned, there are hefty consequences to not developing this spiritual discipline. Rather, we should think of it soberly and realisticallyhumblyand minister accordingly. In Romans 12:3 Paul exhorts the believers not to think of themselves pridefully but rather to think of themselves soberlythat is, realistically or accurately. The God of grace loves to forgive. I have also heard an unbeliever saying, "If Christianity is all about the lifestyle of that pastor, I will never be a Christian.". After all, according to Paul in 1 Corinthians 13, love is known by its actions more than its words. Only God can move you from confusion to clarity. Is it things above? Isaac wouldnt allow Jacob to marry a Canaanite. } How should it be remedied? Why was Jacobs teenage daughter even allowed to go to the city by herself? To stop this gradual fall, we must be faithful and disciplined. God's actions at the Tower of Babel demonstrate how He brings confusion when we make decisions . I praise you and pray for all these things in Jesus' name. Love One Another The Overlooked Commandment. Enoch lived among people who lived ungodly lives. In Genesis 34, though God is not mentioned, we know he is present, but he seems to be present for judgment. Profit has eroded their sense of mission and integrity. We will give you our consent on this one condition: You must become like us by circumcising all your males. Negatively. The activities of those who claim that they are working for God but are not walking with Him have brought shame and reproach to the body of Christ. Away from me, you evildoers! (Mathew 7:21-23). They do not entangle themselves in the things of this world, and they mind the things of God. Because of our human nature, we can easily be overwhelmed by troubles, especially, when they stay with us for long. We will take their daughters for wives, and we will give them our daughters to marry. When God is neglected in a society, sexual immorality saturates it. The way to cover our sin is to uncover it by confession. However, before they went in, they sent in twelve spies to see what their enemies looked like and what they would encounter once they crossed over to possess the land from some of these evil people. So let them live in the land and travel freely in it, for the land is wide enough for them. Have you found it helpful to know The Benefits and Results of Walking with God? But Enoch did not waver in His faith. I LOVE trusting Him. The people leaned on their own understanding and were hardened with evil. Pleasing God, Making Disciples of Jesus Christ. Most likely, they further explained the symbolic nature of circumcision. Like Paul said, the name of God is being blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you (Rom 2:24). So lets consent to their demand, so they will live among us. All the men who assembled at the city gate agreed with Hamor and his son Shechem. The story is tragic. America is full of them. The moment you got ahead of God is the moment you stepped out of His will. Broken relationships. When Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, who ruled that area, saw her, he grabbed her, forced himself on her, and sexually assaulted her. If someone compliments you on a job well done, do you refuse to take credit or receive their compliment? 'Today in the city of David a Saviour has been born to you. Divine wisdom helps us increase our knowledge of God so that we can trust Him more each day. When his sons agreed to intermarry with the Hivites on the condition of circumcision, Jacob doesnt say, No. This was a major spiritual failure on Jacobs part. When the apostle Paul wrote to his young pastoral protg, Timothy, he told him to show integrity in doctrine, to be incorruptible in belief and in actions. Lets make our walk with God our central goal. You are so faithful and understanding of my circumstances and you reach down to me with compassion. listeners: [], A man reaps what he sows." Life is a matter of reaping what you sow. They said to them, We cannot give our sister to a man who is not circumcised, for it would be a disgrace to us. When we allow the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts, we can walk with God all the days of our lives. So Jacob remained silent until they came in. Marine litter is a huge ecological problem. Sometimes like Jacobs sons, they go even farther than thatreturning face for tooth and body for finger. Hiding sin does not remove it from Gods sight; but when we seek Gods forgiveness, the refreshing living water from the Father is poured out on us and we are restoredthat is the power of confession. When his thirtieth birthday came, he must have struggled with questions of why and if only.. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12) Walking in the light isn't just theological jargon. This deal was deceptive. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Join me for a 5-Day Mountain-Moving Faith Devotional. Make sure Christ is at the center of your life and that your love for Him eclipses everything else! A result is a thing that is produced by something else; it is an outcome. Though redeemed, believers still have a sinful nature that must be subdued by living in the Spirit (Gal 5:16-22). Jacob had flaws, and the Israelites had flaws. The benefits and results of walking with God far outweigh a life of not walking with Him. Satan tries to sidetrack anybody with a spiritual interest. The story of Enoch teaches us that we can also walk with God and benefit from this walk if we have fellowship with God daily. They become the authors and stewards of Gods Word. J. C. Ryle, I rejoice at Your Word as one who finds great treasure. Shechem said to his father Hamor, Acquire this young girl as my wife. When Jacob heard that Shechem had violated his daughter Dinah, his sons were with the livestock in the field. All rights reserved. Most likely, Dinah was around fourteen to sixteen years old. This passage really highlighted the consequences of not walking with the Lord. Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik. Study your Bible and listen to the Holy Spirit as you commit your entire being to knowing the will of God. 1 Peter 5:5, NIV, What is humility? As the entertainment world promotes violence, our young people will become even more violent. Asa knew, as everyone who grows strong in the Lord knows, that a powerful . The humanity of Christ, while at the same time divine, is hard to understand. Righteous doesnt mean sinless, of course. Temptation. Many parents set no appropriate boundaries, which allows the enemy to tempt and influence them negatively. They captured as plunder all their wealth, all their little ones, and their wives, including everything in the houses. Isnt it great to know that the Lord is by your side, and if you are on the wrong path, He will redirect you? The creation is both a monument of Gods power, and a looking-glass in which we may see his wisdom. There are no "new" temptations in life. I have heard someone saying, "I decided to become a Christian because of the lifestyle of my neighbor." It has everything to do with whats at the center of our affections. With Dinah, Jacob is probably quiet because she wasnt his priority. The Lord never said that our lives here on earth would be easy. While there, Jacob built an altardeclaring that the God of Israel was God (Gen 33:20). You can make the bride price and the gift I must bring very expensive, and Ill give whatever you ask of me. The verse says that when we do this we will fall. Let us go up at once to Bethel. They depend absolutely on the leading of God. By walking with God, we have access to His precious promises that we see in the Bible. Francis Schaeffer, And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. And he was called the friend of God. From the very beginning, God had a relationship with Adam and Eve that found them "walking in the garden in the cool of the day" (Gen 3:8). Enoch walked with God and entered Heaven alive. I wonder how many Christians have missed out on entering into their Promised Land this side of heaven all because they failed to fully follow God and take the path that He wanted them to take in this life! Verses 24-25 show that they walked by their own advice and in their stubborness went backwards instead of forwards. In the ancient world, sexual immorality was a part of religious worshippeople would have all types of gross sex to please the gods and seek prosperity. One was an old copy of The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. If the people aren't willing to turn to God themselves, they shouldn't rely solely on the faith of others to get them out of this mess. The video games, movies, and music will be filled with it. Gen 19, Judges 19)! 18The children gather wood, the fathers kindle fire,and the women knead dough, tomake cakes forthe queen of heaven. If God had allowed Jeremiah to pray for them, what more could it do? God eventually takes this blasphemous and murderous family and makes them the twelve tribes of Israel. They are filled with every kind of unrighteousness, wickedness, covetousness, malice. Deuteronomy 11:12, In a letter to Brigadier General Thomas Nelson, George Washington marveled at how Gods hand had protected him and given success to the cause of liberty: The hand of Providence has been so conspicuous in all this, that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and has not gratitude enough to acknowledge his obligations.. California is a dry state that needs water to be transported over many miles to population and agricultural centers. And it also happened to Jonah: The word of the Lord came to Jonah the first time (Jonah 1:1) and then the second time (Jonah 3:1). Every sin a person commits is outside of the bodybut the immoral person sins against his own body (1 Cor 6:18). While the Hivites were in pain from their circumcision, two of Jacobs sons, Simeon and Levi, murdered all the men of the village. When we find a man meditating on the words of God, my friends, that man is full of boldness and is successful. Even though God had sent them His servants and prophets daily, they still strayed and did not listen. When God is neglected, the abuse of religion will be comprehensivedeveloping many false believers and false teachers. This would be like only eating once a week! Inside was $4,000! He acted on his desires, and it cost him dearly. It was when they were prosperous and admired by others that they neglected God (cf. But Hamor made this appeal to them: My son Shechem is in love with your daughter. "If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in the darkness, we lie, and do not the truth. Many might question, Why is this story in the Bible? and What can we learn from it? There are many things: For one, stories like this give evidence of the Divine authorship of Scripture. Snowfall in the winter and melting snow in the spring are critical factors in replenishing shrinking reservoirs. Gods Word is a powerful litmus test for our souls and actions. King Saul was out of the will of God when he offered a sacrifice before going to war. The first, the First Council of Nicaea, met to agree on the nature of Jesus of Nazareth as both Son of God and Son of Man, as both fully divine and fully human. We can imagine a child writing an appreciative and sentimental memoir about her perfect father, understanding that perfect was not intended to be taken literally. This mindset has landed me in a heap of trouble on more than one occasion. However, this situation is very common when God is neglected. As mentioned, it was common and accepted in that society for unaccompanied females to be sexually assaulted. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid . Why do parents neglect their children, other than the fact theyre neglecting God? The apostle Paul addressed that question in 1 Corinthians 10:11"Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition." 1 Corinthians 15:57. In what ways is God drawing you back to himself through discipline? Turn off the TV! First of all an encouragement: you are on the right track. Our human wisdom has no comparison with the wisdom of God. Walking With God Makes Things Possible. The result is an abundant life that bears fruit for the Kingdom of God. What It Means to Be Clay in the Hands of the Potter, 5 Principles for Biblical Decision Making, 40 Bible Verses for Navigating Gods Promises and Blessings. We serve the same God who said: And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. The people of Israel were no better than the world around them. John 11:10. He can take our thorns and make them our greatest boasts (2 Cor 12:7-9). If Moses, the author of Genesis, was simply trying to encourage Israel before they entered the promised land, this story would have been left out, as it displays the Jews in an unflattering light. In response to Hamors and Shechems offer, Jacobs sons said that it would be disgraceful for Dinah to marry someone uncircumcised. Genesis 39:1-9, 41:38-44. Anyone who walks with God desires to do things for Him because it brings a fulfillment that no other work does. To get the best use out of [the Bible] for daily life,Give it the best and freshest, not the most tired and dull, hour of the day. If we do so, wont their livestock, their property, and all their animals become ours? The word heaven itself implies that our eternal destiny is somewhere up there in the heavens. You can make the bride price and the gift I must bring very expensive, and Ill give whatever you ask of me. If you need a victory in your life, begin every day by renewing your faith in Christ in whom all our victories are to be realized. He had skeletons in his closet and fell into temptation. Application Question: In what ways have you witnessed this growing trend of parents neglecting their children by not loving them, disciplining them, and setting boundaries for them? Please give her to him as his wife. God sent them His servants and prophets DAILY, again and again. Walking With God Our destiny is to walk with God. Your relationship with God is very personal, and He knows what will work for you. If we dont do that, the world will expose them in a negative wayit will be done in a way that promotes evil and lures them into sin, instead of away from it. A man who pleases God is one who obeys His commands and who submits to His plans. Isaac, Jacobs father, also lied about his wife, afraid someone would take her and kill him (Genesis 26:7). It wasnt when things were bad that Jacobs family neglected God and committed treacherous acts; it was when things were good. The Bible says that Enoch walked with God for three hundred years before God took him away (Genesis 5:22-24). Politicians' religious beliefs vs. the general public (and why it matters), Building a Jesus church and lifestyle in a topsy-turvy world (part 1), Internationally trained doctors will save America's rural health care. Some neglect their children simply because they were neglected as children, and therefore, they dont know how to properly parent. She was a child of Leah, and she wasnt a boy. You'll lose time, energy and focus very easily, which makes it harder for you to make tangible progress on particular tasks or projects. We will give you our consent on this one condition: You must become like us by circumcising all your males. Proverbs 20:24 says that the Lord directs our steps, or in other words, when you walk with God, you shall always go in the right direction. But when we apply that impatience to God it can have grave consequences. Therefore, if we are to experience victory in this life, it will come only as we depend on Him. With false humility? He doesnt charge Shechem with wrong and doesnt even get involved with the negotiation. Ready to take your faith to the next level? Take more time to read and meditate on Gods Word, and allow Him to speak into your life. It is used to sell all types of products. Integers, from a Latin root meaning whole or entire. The word integrity comes from the same root; a person with integrity cannot be divided in beliefs or morality based on varying circumstances. From a human perspective, adding this story makes no sense. When You Stumble, Get Back Up! Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily, the heart of the children of man is . When a man walks with God, his character will attract unbelievers to Christ without him knowing. Artists who sing about their abuse of women, drug selling, and gang banging will go platinum and get movie deals. 2 Guzik, D. (2013). Abraham and Sarah were promised a son but they werent content to wait for the promise to come to pass. His calling is to take the gospel to where no one has neither preached nor heard about Jesus. Youll notice that there are people who are joyful, despite some things they are going through, and you wonder how they do it. For twenty years of hostile service in Haran, God protected and prospered Jacob. Temptation is not sin; yielding to temptation is. In some areas, even unaccompanied men might be raped (cf. Soften my heart and melt away the strongholds of sin. Jacobs sons agreed on the condition that the men of Shechem circumcise themselves. God doesn't tempt us, but He may allow temptation to enter our lives in order to give us opportunities to make obedient and mature choices. Ecclesiastes 8:10-13 Then I saw the wicked buried. Holy Bible, New International Version , NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. If It Is During The Millennium How Will There Not Be Pain And Tears When The Devil Is Released To Deceive The Nations? The journey of faith is not an easy one. All rights reserved. One of the most striking and helpful illustrations of Jesus humanity was His prayer life. He stayed faithful. So Jacob remained silent until they came in Jacobs sons answered Shechem and his father Hamor deceitfully when they spoke because Shechem had violated their sister Dinah. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you (John 15:15). Church of England: Gay couples can't marry but will receive 'God's blessing', Church mourns pastor, wife who died trying to save son from drowning at the beach, Trump condemns 'disloyalty' of Evangelical leaders who haven't endorsed his 2024 run, Is Congress Christian? I pray for a heart that is pure and surrenders to you. Then we will give you our daughters to marry, and we will take your daughters as wives for ourselves, and we will live among you and become one people. After a long period of time living in the land of Succoth, Jacob finally brought his family to the land of Shechem in Genesis 33. Pornography is one of the biggest industries in the world. Before Jesus left the earth, He told His disciples that they had the ability to recognize the Holy Spirit, because He would be with them and in them (John 14:17). Titus 2:7. It happened to Samuel, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Haggai, Zechariah, and others. In 1 Timothy 6:5, Paul warned Timothy about those who used godliness as a way of making a profit. Many churches and Christian organizations are just money-making businesses. Confession and repentance reveal the access to restoration. A leper approached Jesus and said, If You are willing, You can make me clean. Jesus touched the man, saying, I am willing; be cleansedand he was healed (Mark 1:40-42). } A good idea is not always a God idea so you need wisdom to determine the God ideas. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.' 24 But they did not obey or incline their ear, but walked in their own counsels and the stubbornness of their evil hearts, and went backward and not forward. We see this happening all around us. But it was all lost until Christ came to the earth and introduced the loving Father into the world. Jesus understood this better and gave a standing instruction that anyone who wants to be His disciple must walk with Him (Mathew 16:24). All rights reserved worldwide. In Genesis 35, we see that the family picked up many idols while dwelling in Canaan. A tent or a cottage, why should I care? They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed. I am a classic type-A personality who feels that if Im not doing something, I must be in sin. Now Dinah, Leahs daughter whom she bore to Jacob, went to meet the young women of the land When Jacob heard that Shechem had violated his daughter Dinah, his sons were with the livestock in the field. (2) Religion is also used to control and abuse peopleas often seen in cults. { Judas worked for God, occupied a good position in Jesus' ministry, moved around with Jesus, yet he did not walk with Him. Genesis (Ge 35:1). Priests began their temple duty at the age of thirty. He sent warnings and prophets to guide them. Did you know in US Jews are harassed 7 times a day? You shall call to them, but they will not answer you. Since God's people weren't spending time with Him daily, they could not hear or see how much their lives were being consumed by sin. King Saul was out of the will of God when he offered a sacrifice before going to war. He knows, cares, pursues, and changes me.as He sees fit. Consider what he says to his household and all who were with him, Get rid of the foreign gods you have among you. Proverbs 11:28 speaks to the consequences of trusting in riches (and other things) instead of God. All rights reserved. When God is neglected in our lives, often, lust will rear its ugly head in some form or another. (Galatians 6:7) which states "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. And when he believed God, [God] accounted it to [Abraham] for righteousness (Genesis 15:6). Many unbelievers have vowed not to come to Christ because of this group of workers. Yet He did, following the example of godly men like Daniel in Babylon (Daniel 2:16-18). Sometimes, in the course of life, your walk with God becomes weakened by the hardships, storms, trials, and difficult circumstances. The populations of churches are decreasing because many are disgruntled with what is happening in churches today. Jonah 3:1-2. Walk the plank! Learn how your comment data is processed. Just give me the young woman as my wife! Jacobs sons answered Shechem and his father Hamor deceitfully when they spoke because Shechem had violated their sister Dinah. (1) They dont establish appropriate boundaries for them. He didnt protect her by loving her and establishing appropriate boundaries for her. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc Used by permission. When God was neglected in Shechem, religion was used for personal gain. 27So you shall speak all these words to them, but they will not listen to you. (3) Religion is also abused when it primarily focuses on people securing their passions, like lust or wealth, instead of holiness. He listed them in verses 710. Red Dam Baptist Church 488 Red Dam Church Road Hardeeville, SC 29927 843.784.6083 office@reddam.org www.reddam.org This is part of our series on the Full Surrender. Sadly, we live in societies where abortions happen more than live births. When Solomon became King, he walked in the ways of the Lord. That is why Scripture is of paramount importance. So you are certainly right that you . - Today is the day that you can know that the Saviour has been born for you. Copyright 2023 Haly Ministries All Rights Reserved. Moses had flaws. Live in it, travel freely in it, and acquire property in it. Then Shechem said to Dinahs father and brothers, Let me find favor in your sight, and whatever you require of me Ill give. God wants His children to live the abundant life that Jesus came to give us (John 10:10). Jacobs sons killed them and looted the city because their sister had been violated. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. Some people wonder about the value of the Old Testament in a Christian's life. Whatever you love more than God is your idol. Therefore, sex wasnt special, and it wasnt necessarily to be preserved for ones spouseespecially if one was a man. Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV) Copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. The works of many ministers of the Gospel have transformed so many lives but their own lives are not transformed. When Gods mandates go unfulfilled on earth, Gods glory is diminished. Get instant access to the Grow Your Faith Devotional series delivered to your email. A person of integrity obeys the whole counsel of God every day, in every circumstance. Therefore, as we consider our dark and desperate situations, we must be hopeful. Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, and 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. When a worldly environment gets our children for eight or more hours a day (especially if we include television, music, etc. This shows me how important it is to be filled daily in order to open my eyes and ears to the Lord. Walking with God means that you are blessed, and you have access to His great promises, which He has given in His Word. It tells us that God loved the world so much that He sent Jesus to die for us so that we will not perish, but have eternal life. They took their flocks, herds, and donkeys, as well as everything in the city and in the surrounding fields. G. Campbell Morgan, When Jesus saw [the friends] faith, He said to the paralytic, Son, your sins are forgiven you. A really humble manwill not be thinking about humility, he will not be thinking about himself at all. And it appears that Jacob and his family began to neglect God in this season. A person who walks with God manifests the fruits of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23, which includes love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. If pride expands ones importance, does humility deflate ones importance? When we have a relationship with God, He puts His Spirit in us, who then gives us divine wisdom (Colossians 1:9). Enoch was mentioned in the book of Genesis as a descendant of Adam through his son, Seth. There was so much pain and suffering that could have been avoided had Abraham and Sarah exercised a little patience and waited on God. You may live among us, and the land will be open to you. Therefore, they promised to give consent if all the males of the city became circumcised. Q. We must be zealous and brutal to stay pure in a world that is being increasingly sexualized. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. We live in a society that wears impatience as a badge of honor. It happens gradually. Daniels three friends in Babylon demonstrated integrity when they were threatened with being burned alive (Daniel 3:16-18). In Romans 1:24-27, Paul describes this: Therefore God gave them over in the desires of their hearts to impurity, to dishonor their bodies among themselvesFor this reason God gave them over to dishonorable passions. The adage, "You can't keep a good man down" is a biblical concept. When Jonah ran from God, God brought a storm in his life to turn him back (Jonah 1). 2. A person, who wanders off the path . 1. Could any father set a more worthy example to his children or grandchildren than that of being friends with God? Privacy Policy, Then God blessed them, and God said to them, Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth. Snap judgments and impulsivity may be excused for children, but not for mature Christians. But if you do not agree to our terms by being circumcised, then we will take our sister and depart.. callback: cb He allows his sons to handle it. This is the tragic story of society, as we see these consequences happening all around us and often in our own lives. He spoke of looking forward to these things. and [looking] for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13-14). He can be trusted and He wants to bless you beyond your imagination (Ephesians 3:20). Most likely, they had some servants help with this slaughter. It is clear that Jacobs sons had no plan to intermarry with these people. Abraham had flaws. 22For in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, I did not speak to your fathers or command themconcerning burnt offerings and sacrifices. The spiritual battle, the loss of victory, is always in the thought-world. Often these people dont have any Christian values at all. Somehow, at the end of the age, when Christ has returned to reign and inaugurate the eternal state, this earth will be renovated and a new earth will be the resulta new earth full of righteousness in which pain and sorrow will be absent. Asking someone to explain the importance of walking with God won't be the same for each person. 3 Truths to Remember When Youre Tired of Waiting on God. Jacobs sons murdered the men of the city after they were circumcised. Walking with God: Why It's So Important. Fish become entangled in discarded fishing nets and lines, with bellies full of plastic debris they have swallowed. D. L. Moody, In my thirtieth year, in the fourth month on the fifth day, while I was among the exiles by the Kebar River, the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God. Q. The Bible is clear that God does not show favoritism. C. S. Lewis, For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my vitality was turned into the drought of summer. The men agreed to circumcision, not because of faith, but to gain the wealth of Israel (v. 20-24). You are. All emphases in Scripture quotations have been added. Many people have walked away from the Lord and are not concerned about it. Sadly, in many places, Christians dont have great testimonies either. In fact, there are no instances of Jesus being asked to help or heal and Him answering, I am not willing. There is a place where the Bible says God is not willing, and that is 2 Peter 3:9. "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man" (verse 13). After the assault, the young man (also named Shechem) realized that he loved Dinah and sent his father to arrange a marriage between the families. One of the results we witness of someone walking with God is bearing fruit for the Kingdom of God. Let us marry your daughters, and take our daughters as wives for yourselves. He fell in love with the young woman and spoke romantically to her. To make this even worse, it is clear from the narrative that Dinah wasnt at home with Jacob but was being held captive by this family (Gen 34:26). We will be with God now and even after we leave this earth. - Today is the day we stop and remember the greatest gift of all. Many people ask how one hears God, and this is because they dont understand how it happens. With the other prophets, the second time meant additional prophetic utterances they were to deliver. 5 Whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. Hello heaven! However, God delivered Jacob from that situation as wellbringing reconciliation. Genesis 34 is one of the more tragic chapters in the Bible. God will not honor our impatience. The New Jerusalem, on the new earth, is that place. . Look for opportunities to do both. If you dont, you are helping them destroy themselves. Without appropriate discipline, children will grow up wild and rebellious. In this state, you can easily be pulled from one task to another. Romans 1:28-32 says: And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what should not be done. And have you forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as sons? We must train our children to be wise and at the same time innocent. He is committed to caring for us, watching over us, and giving us strength when we are within His will. They killed Hamor and his son Shechem with the sword, took Dinah from Shechems house, and left. When God is neglected, parents neglect their responsibilities to their children. The moment we resolve to stand strong and walk away is when temptation grows most intense. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves and chastises every son he accepts. But if you do not experience discipline, something all sons have shared in, then you are illegitimate and are not sons. It is obvious that every man's work will be tested by God, "But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. Hebrews 12:5-6 and verse 8 says. It is also walking in the newness of life in Christ and not in our old life before Christ". Again, not perfect or sinless, but in a right standing with God. Lev 18). Gods Word will show you His will, His ways, and what pleases or displeases Him. Sexual immorality and homosexuality are results of denying God. Application Question: In what ways have you seen or experienced the growing promotion and acceptance of sexual immorality in society? Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily, the heart of the children of man is fully set to do evil. The fire will show if a person's work has any value" (1 Corinthians 3:13). Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquities. That is the life that goes beyond the one we live on earth to the one we will live in Heaven with God. Consequences in a Life Not Walking in the Fear of God. By devoting time each day to the study of Gods Word. Abraham wouldnt allow Isaac to marry a Canaanite. By thus walking with God the soul contracts a holy intimacy with Him. } Amid the strange and apocalyptic vision described in Ezekiel 1, God called the thirty-year-old exile to be a powerful prophet. forms: { Peter wrote his final letter shortly before his execution. Working for God without walking with Him will not give our works the desired value. You desire and you do not have; you murder and envy and you cannot obtain; you quarrel and fight. Even more, we should practice demonstrating our forgiveness by our acts of lovingkindness. Here are two more good verses showing the negative consequences of not being willing to fully follow God in this life. Jacob fails his children practically and spiritually. When working reactively, you're not sure and often, you can't see beyond the task in front of you. No one can deny that our walk with God has many benefits in this lifetime and the next. So, Jesus proved He had the authority to say, I forgive you, by doing something harder. As it is written: Gods name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you (Romans 2:24). 1 Corinthians 15:58. Verse Concepts. He was using his prophetic gift. You're a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month, n ever dropping a leaf, always in blossom. There are so many people who have confessed that God has called them into specific ministries. One can only obey God because they hear Him speak. How should Christians protect their minds and bodies from this very present danger? Mind you, the Israelites had just seen one of the greatest displays of Gods power that the world has ever seen when He threw 10 whopper plagues at the Pharaoh to set them free. We have a purpose for being hereto refresh the memory of others regarding the things of the Lord. Paul writes that we belong to God and we are to glorify Him with our care and use of our body. This was to be a perpetual sign of their covenant with God for generations. Ecclesiastes 8:10-13 - Then I saw the wicked buried. Having a focused mind will remind you that you need to set time aside to spend with God; it will keep you away from distractions. Religion was also abused for vengeance. Officially, church historians recognize seven ecumenical church councils held between A.D. 325 and A.D. 787. In one sense, this chapter should give us all hope. When Jacob fled from Laban, God rescued him. Verse Concepts. He did for us what we cannot do for ourselves. They did worse than their fathers. They build the tabernacle and temple and become witnesses to the pagan world. With that background, Paul exhorted believers not to make the same choices the Israelites madenot to provoke God's discipline by willfully sinning. Second, as a result of Abrahams trust in God, he became a friend of God (Isaiah 41:8). Its not even you who stopped. In addition, not only does this story demonstrate the Divine authorship of Scripture, but also shows us what happens when God is neglected. Another common reason parents neglect their children is simply for career purposes. Yet they walked by their own advice and went backwards instead of forwards. And I have paid the price dearly. God loves diversity and everybody's walk with Him is different and unique. When he failed to confess his sin to God, his bones grew old and he groaned all the day long (verse 3). This story is a perfect poster story for one group of people who were willing to follow God fully, and another group of people who were not. 2:5) 2. We hear God speak through His Holy Spirit, Who dwells in us. Follow Abrahams example as a faithful father by deepening your friendship with God. After God delivers Jacob and his family from Laban and Esau and they arrive safely in Canaan, it seems they neglected God. J. Vernon McGee, The Lord your God cares. You can tell Him where you lost your zeal for Him and that you are ready to have a more intimate relationship with Him. Are you guarding yourself and others against sexual immorality? God is more concerned with your maturity than your blessings. In order to have a higher standard of living, kids are handed off to schools, coaches, and tutors for training. (We reserve the right to moderate comments. Sadly, when God is neglected, religion will be abusedleading to tragic results in our societies as well. It is not possible to do the work of God, unless you are connected to Jesus Christ through a relationship with Him. When Paul says heartless (Rom 1:31), it can also be translated without natural affection (KJV). To first-century leaders in the Roman world, the imagery was familiar: A victorious Roman general returning from battle leading his soldiers and their captives into the city. In addition, the Hivites, who were pagans, were already experiencing the results of not acknowledging the true God. Then he became very attached to Dinah, Jacobs daughter. When Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, who ruled that area, saw her, he grabbed her, forced himself on her, and sexually assaulted her. This is also common in society and church when God is neglected. They told the king they would not divide their allegiance, that they would maintain their faith in God and His promises. But, since God is the ultimate author of Scripture, he doesnt hide the flaws of his people. Living our lives with God in it, makes things easier and gives us hope. In this narrative, one of the sad realities is the lack of parental involvement and leadership. In addition to this, after the rape, Jacob is quiet and uninvolved. See the words about Jesus in the Gospels as sparkling like diamonds. At the time of this instruction, Abraham was already working for God but most probably had not surrendered himself to God's deep relationship. Our own "desires" entice us away from God and desire "gives birth to sin" (James 1:1315). M. S. Kimber in The Sunday School World, 1893, I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside. Even our entertainment will be violent, as people apart from God love violence. For more, log onto, 8 Habits That Are Destroying Your Walk With God, responsibility to take care of the Lords business, commit your entire being to knowing the will of God, they knew the One in whom they had placed their trust. According to him, I have this great desperation for wealth, fame and crowd in my church and every pastor that I met with for advice told me that I cannot make it in ministry. He confessed how he has killed seven people for a renowned prophet who preaches Christ in Delta State. We each desire to walk with God and reap the benefits of our relationship with Him. How should true believers seek to remain faithful in times like these? Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik. May I not be overtaken by this world but be continuously refreshed in my quiet times with you. Please help Betsy complete her mission "Books for Souls." Jesus faced this dilemma when He healed a paralytic man. Living in right standing with God? In this story, a pagan rapes Dinah, and in return, the Israelites deceive and kill all the men in the citycommitting a worse sin. Even when there was an easy way out, they would still stick to Gods plan, His instructions. Our God is greater! We must be careful of this. Men committed shameless acts with men and received in themselves the due penalty for their error. Amen. Yes, God can and often does restore, but why would you want to go through an ordeal if you didnt have to? Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, and He took the same means of escape that is available to usobedience to God's Word (Matthew 4:111; Hebrews 5:8). The fruit of the Spirit is evident in our daily interactions with others. He healed the mans paralysis. God loves you and He desires to bless you abundantly. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. God used that book to soften my heart, reignite my walk with Him, and prepare me for a difficult time. As we read the Bible and immerse ourselves in Gods truth and character, our lives are changedwe become more like Him. Its easy to get distracted by the pleasures of the world and forget to nurture your walk with God. In the ancient world, it was known that unaccompanied ladies were vulnerable to being assaulted by men. Every ministry has workers, but are all workers in the vineyards of God genuine Christians? Because of the potential to gain great wealth through the partnership, the men of the town agreed and went through with the procedure. To intermarry with the Canaanites would have threatened Gods promise. Intermarry with us. The people that suffer most when you're not doing God's business are your close family. In the same way, when things are good, we tend to neglect God and fall into sin as well. Our walk with our Heavenly Father results in godly fruit in our lives and hearts, filled with joy and peace. However, when people neglect God, abortions become common place because love comes from God. It is obvious that every man's work will be tested by God, But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. He has served over eighteen years in pastoral ministry, and currently serves as a chaplain and professor at Handong G More, Getting Spiritually Fit 1 ( Corinthians 9:24-27), Steps to Biblical Reconciliation (Luke 17:1-4; 2 Corinthians 5:15-21). Paul uses that image to say that Christ leads His followers in a victory procession through every difficulty in life (2 Corinthians 2:14-15). Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don't think you are better than you really are. When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them. London, United Kingdom, W1A 6US. Below Deck and its spinoff series may be reality TV shows, but there can be real-life consequences for the crew's actions both on and off the ship. We are going to go through hard times and we are going to have . What first step would you like to make? Do Your Priorities Align With Gods Will. Although they fully know Gods righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but also approve of those who practice them. Yes, Satan is certainly trying to have his way with you. (4) Trusting in the Lord, not methods. [The Lord] loves, and cares, and sympathizes, and understands, and seeks, and saves, and forgives, and helps, and encourages, and walks by our side taking care of us in life when we cant take care of ourselves. Only God can move you from confusion to clarity. Asa fortified the land and built a strong army, (14:6-8) but when the enemy struck, he did not rely on his army, but on God (14:11). As a Christian speaker, I teach the practical steps for renewing your mind, growing in faith and discovering your God-given purpose to help you live an abundant and joyful life. We can walk with God for life if we keep our eyes focused on Him. Those who walk with God obey Him no matter what. This happened twice with Abraham, as his wife was taken into Pharaohs and Abimelechs harems (12:15; 20:2). But Jonah fled west toward Spain because he feared the Assyrians. Even the Canaanites look more righteous than Israel in this story. Let thy hope of heaven master thy fear of death. Would you like to be the one who makes the right choices? Here are 3 bad things that happen to you when you do not put God first in your life every day. Integrity of heart is indispensable. You provide and make my paths straight. Sex trafficking is a growing illegal industry. Be honest about your faith. Instead of returning good for evil (Rom 12:21), they return eye for eye and tooth for tooth. Ezekiel is the prophet of the glory of the Lord. There is always a righteous choice to be made if we are willing to seek it. I want to intentionally be sensitive to God's voice and have an obedient heart towards Him. Do Your Priorities Align With God's Will? The evidence of you having a relationship with God is people see that God is in your life. His response appears to be hostile. But with God, it is possible. We've all been there, but we've all also experienced the results of not trusting God. The Habit of Irresponsibility: Then he became very attached to Dinah, Jacobs daughter. For example, in Romans 2:9-11 (NIV) it states: King David was a classic example of impulsivity. To what things was Paul referring? Office 19170, POBox6945 God commissioned Jonah to go east to Assyria, to the capital of Nineveh and deliver a message of judgment. Those are the consequences of not having enough faith and belief in God the Father and not being willing to fully follow Him in this life. Let signs and wonders come from God and let us allow the Holy Spirit to come back to the Church and minister in every department. Both times, aware of this tragic cultural reality, Abraham lied and said that she was his sister to protect himself from being killed because of her. Eventually, Solomon stopped seeking God, and he started . Humanity was made to worship God, and if we dont worship him, we will worship something else. Working for God without walking with Him will not give our works the desired value. The church in Corinth was an undisciplined church, and he was letting them know that even though the culture around them was in flux, their faith in Jesus Christ needed to remain focused and sure. This can be a really deadly interference in our walk with God. Colossians 3:5. As a believer in Jesus Christ, you can ask that every promise given to you by God in His Word, be fulfilled in your life. 1. They neglect Godleading to being conformed to the world and often committing worse sins than the world, impacting society negatively. But well soon put aside the tent of our earthly body, and what a relief! Application Question: In what ways have you experienced strong discipline, including the consequences of sin, which turned you from sin back to God? Thomas Watson, Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. None of us is above God's discipline if we engage in sin. They used to go in and out of the holy place and were praised in the city where they had done such things. Choose God and His divine path for your life, and you will find true, inner happiness and fulfillment in this life. Start today! When the Corinthian church was abusing the Lords Supper, God disciplined some with sickness, depression, and even death (1 Cor 11:28-30). The passage 1 Samuel 13:13-14 shares the consequence for not waiting on God: You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. Instead, the Lord sought a new King to replace Saul. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for an image resembling mortal human beings or birds or four-footed animals or reptiles. Though God is never mentioned in this terrible narrativehope in him is implied. May I walk in wisdom and obedience to you. Sadly, that often happens in our world as well, when believers neglect God. Revelation 21 Seems To Be After The Millennium Where It Says There Will Be No Pain Or Tears. Though mankind was given the mandate to have dominion over (that is, to care for) all of creation, we have not done a good job. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, contrivers of all sorts of evil, disobedient to parents, senseless, covenant-breakers, heartless, ruthless. Our relationship with God begins when we become born again and continues to eternity. David had flaws. Therefore His anger is to be poured out on all the living things. But the Bible says our eternal destiny is earthly, not heavenly. Only on this one condition will these men consent to live with us and become one people: They demand that every male among us be circumcised just as they are circumcised. It is commonly promoted on the TV, news, college campuses, and city parades. Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are from the King James Version of the Bible. It says: Then God said to Jacob, Go up at once to Bethel and live there. But what makes this deception even worse is the fact that they used their sign of faith to secure the deal. But he did manifest some qualities that every father should emulate. 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