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Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Monday, 17 April 2023:
Job 37:1; 19 — At this also my heart trembles and leaps out of its place…. Teach us what we shall say to him; we cannot draw up our case because of darkness.
Does God’s immeasurable greatness, power, and holiness leave you overwhelmed and speechless? Does the truth of who God is leave you humble and surrendered?
Job 37:24 — Therefore men fear him; He does not regard any who are wise in their own conceit.
Many who won’t respond humbly, submissively, and obediently to God based on what is clearly revealed to us about Him through Creation and His word, look aimlessly for a more ‘special’ revelation, for a deeper enlightenment, a hidden revelation, for miraculous signs or miraculous abilities. Some search within God’s Bible for secret messages and codes, though they neglect the very simple commands within the Bible of love, forgiveness, charity, hospitality, worship, evangelism, evangelism, fellowship, and worship. For most, there is a massive chasm between knowing and doing, based on pride. “If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority.” (John 7:17) “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)
Romans 4:11 – He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised.
We are not saved by our obedience; our obedience is evidence that we were actually saved, empowered by the Holy Spirit to overcome our sinful nature and obey. We are not saved by obedience, but we are sanctified through obedience. Do not grieve the Spirit, quench the Spirit, or get out of step with the Spirit through disobedience.
Romans 4:16 – That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all….
The children of Abraham are children in faith, not children in blood.
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 17 April 2023: Today, instead of seeking more answers from God, pursue more obedience in what God has already told you, and trust Him with what He hasn’t revealed. Accept your current circumstances with thanksgiving, and be faithful with what you have been given. Stop lamenting or reminiscing over the past, and stop worrying about the future and put all your energy into now, the only thing God has given you the authority to control and your best hope for influencing the future.
- Ecclesiastes 7:10 — Say not, “Why were the former days better than these?” For it is not from wisdom that you ask this.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 — Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.
- Philippians 3:13 — Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead….
- Matthew 6:34 — Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 