Are we 'Conveniently' Using God?

Recently in our Small Group meeting we discussed “Covenant vs Contract”.  According to Deuteronomy 28, Last week we learned that the Bible is the book of Covenant.  This week we will learn the difference between covenant and contract. We tend to use these words almost interchangeably.  But that's very misleading when we try to compare our notion of “contract” with the biblical notion of "covenant".  The difference between the two words in the Bible is profound… so much so that we could almost say it's the difference between roommate (contract) and marriage (covenant).

Contracts involve promises, covenants involve oaths.  Were you aware that politicians used to swear on the Bible opened to Deuteronomy 28, where the blessings and curses are recorded?  The reason is because they were affirming to uphold the constitution or suffer the curses recorded in those pages.  This Bible passage was such a part of the political fabric of our country that George Washington took his oath with it for his First Inauguration on April 30, 1789.  Think about it, we still make doctors, police officers, military personnel and public officials swear oaths.  Why?  Because we depend on them; we put our lives in their hands and we want them to swear to God they'll do their jobs.  We don't just take their word for it; we want them to know that they'll have to answer to a higher authority, God! And guess what? God is the same one who cut a covenant, not a contract, with us to provide all those blessings in Deuteronomy 28. Receive them!!!  #ImpactChurchSmallGroup

A question arose from the lesson: “In your own words, explain the covenant between man and God.”

Our group response was: “Some Christians make a “Covenant of Convenience” with God.”

“Hmmmmm, very interesting.  This is absolutely so true.  We see this in many instances such as when people go to jail/prison, when their finances are low, when their health is bad, when they are dealing with family problems or generally at any times where their back is against the wall or they feel that now that they've tried everything else, they should "try God".  Like, "God if you get me out of this, I'll serve you for the rest of my life, etc."” – Small Group Leaders: Leo & Norma Davis.

Where do you stand with God?

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“There Was Bending, Yet Never Breakage” Pt. II

Ever hear the expression, “It takes money to make money”?  Here are a few more tips on starting your own business:

1.      Don’t be afraid to step out of the boat.  Take a chance, but don’t put you and your family at risk.  Make sure that you can afford to do without some things, but don’t sacrifice the necessities of life – food, a roof over your head, health, family time (sure a new business takes time to develop, but it shouldn’t be at your family’s expense), and time with the things of God.

2.      Advertise, advertise, and advertise some more.  People have to know the who, what, when, where, why, and the how of your business.  Advertise first and then allow word of mouth to help push the advertisement.  If someone sees your ‘ad’ then they may pass the word on to someone else.  Keep your company’s name out there.  Remember, there is always someone out there who hasn’t heard about you.

3.      Save some funds to offset the lean times.  Be able to pay your bills, even if there’s no income for a while.

4.      Be in agreement with your spouse about all business decisions.  If you can’t come to a mutual agreement, then come to a compromise.

5.      Above all else, make sure that you pay off your debts to others and know when it may be time to seek something else.  To quote a song sung by Kenny Rogers, “You got to know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em, know when to walk away, and know when to run…”^[1]

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[1] Daley, Dan. “The Gambler” Published by Hal Leonard. 

“Listen & Do”

It had been six years since I’d had a vacation, and finally, I had the opportunity to go on one.  I forgot how beautiful Arizona and southern New Mexico could be.  Everywhere you look there are mountains in the background.  At night the sky cascades with millions of lights, bright and clear to the eye.  My bus ride was a wonderful way to appreciate the beauty that God has given us, and it also afforded some time to catch up on much-needed rest.
 

I asked the Lord if He would grant me some time alone and not have me witness (strike up a conversation) with anyone on the trip to Phoenix.  God does have a sense of humor.  He sat me a couple of seats away from some guy reading, “Divine Revelation of Hell?”  I immediately wanted to inquire about his reading material, but I did ask to be to myself.  I prayed that God would send another laborer.  I was tired, but I started feeling a little guilty also.  I witness at work, at the gym, and at church; why couldn’t I share my faith now?  Besides, I had homework to catch up on (I was able to take a couple of college courses), and besides, I was on a mini vacation.  So, I kept to myself.

Bus terminals are sometimes cold and unfriendly places.  There are many different classes of people taking buses, different from those who hang around airports, yet we’re all God’s children—His creations.  He desires all to come to repentance and eventually to “come home.”  Put it like this—if you are not saved and filled with the Holy Ghost…

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Jonah’s Prayer 2:2-10

(A Modern Day Interpretation)

Deep in a world of sin and decay, we call upon the Lord for mercy. We may have done something wrong or might have been disobedient.

:2 “I need you Lord. I’ve called on you before and you heard my cry and answered my call. I’m calling on you Lord. Hear me.”

:3 “You put me here in this world, to do a job for you. You let me stumble and fall to the lowest low. Trouble is all around me. Bills, pain, suffering and despair. Lord, it looks bad.”

:4 I said, “Lord, where are you? Do you hear me? I’ve really done it this time. I can’t seem to feel you Lord. Will I ever be in your good graces again?”

:5 “Where are you Lord? I can’t get out of this rut I’m in. I’m being smothered Lord. I can’t see my way. I can’t get out of the situation I’m in. Lord, you know I’ve tried.”

:6 “I tried to end it all. I couldn’t take it (life) any more, but that wasn’t your plan. You wouldn’t let me end my life.”

:7 “At that very moment, when I felt my life slipping away, I prayed to you. I asked your forgiveness. I requested your help, and from your throne, you heard me.”

:8 “Lord, I know that those persons, who don’t look to you for help in their time of need, look to a false god. They have cut their own throats. They that look to other gods than you, and do not adhere to your Word; give-up their grace from you.”

:9 “But from now on, I’ll do right Lord. I’ll do what I’ve promised you I’d do. I’ll fast, I’ll Pray, I’ll go, when and where you tell me to go. No ifs, ands or buts. You are my only hope. Others can do what they will Lord, but I will trust in you.”

:10 God gave His command and Satan had to step back. It’s up to us as to what we do with an order from God. Do we give up when we make a mistake, and throw in the towel? Why not ask for God’s forgiveness and press-on?

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Fixed Income

“I can’t pay my tithes because I’m living on a fixed income.” This is a statement that should not be spoken by any Christian who believes in the power of Almighty God. First of all, we can do all things through Christ (Phil. 4:13). The word “can’t” is a word, which should not be in our vocabulary. Secondly, there are many Christian financial advisors available, who will help you manage your money today, so you will not have future worries. We are living in a time where we must depend on God and the resources He has given us.

Sure we have to use the word not sometimes, but I have curtailed my use of the word cannot. There may be some things I won’t do or might not do, but I can do anything I set my mind to by the grace of God.

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“Believe in Yourself”

“Back during the first half of the eighteenth century, there was a young boy who aspired to be a writer. Because of his lack of formal education, the young boy wasn’t sure of his ability. And his lack had not been one that would foster self-confidence. His family had moved quite often, his father finally being jailed because of his inability to pay his debts. Because of the circumstances the young boy had been able to attend school for only four years.

To earn a living he got a job putting labels on bottles in a dilapidated warehouse. He found himself a place in which to sleep in a dismal attic, and he shared that room with others who couldn’t afford anything better.

But this young boy was determined to write. He did write. Day after day. Finally he got enough courage to submit a manuscript to a publisher. He mailed that manuscript at night, when no one could see him because he was afraid someone might ridicule him. Soon, he heard from the publisher. His manuscript was refused.

Time and time again this young boy submitted his writings. Again and again the same answer came back – rejected. No one was interested in his writings. But the desire to write was burning in the young boy’s heart and he refused to quit.

Finally, one of his stories was accepted. He didn’t receive any money for the story, but the editor did give him some praise. It was such a happy moment for him that he walked the streets with tears of joy coming down his cheeks. Now someone else had shown some belief in him.

This bit of encouragement gave that young boy the impetus he needed to go on to greater things. And in a few years all of England was reading his writings. The young boy believed in himself, believed he was capable of reaching the dream he had for himself in his heart. For that reason, he would not quit.

Too often in life we quit too soon. Many times the victory is just around the corner if we would only keep trying.

It is of great importance that a person believe in himself. Selling ourselves short is no virtue. It is a vice. It hurts us. It keeps us from developing our God-given resources to become all that we can become – all that God wants us to become.

The dreams we have for ourselves – can come true. They can, that is, if we are willing to continue to work toward the fulfillment of those dreams with all the resources we have. But we must remember that the fulfillment of any dream requires dedication, sacrifice, and persistence on our part.

The young boy in London who refused to quit was Charles Dickens. His novels are still read to this day. He believed in himself.” ― American Family Association president, Mr. Donald E. Wildmon

Believe in yourself. God does. Praise God, still I will trust Him.

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