Reasoning Right!

(Psalms 34:10) “The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.”

The Bible is a book full of wonderful truths, simple fact and if only we had ears to hear, with hands ready to act upon what we are taught, in faith, life would be a lot less painful. This assumption is no longer an opinion but I have settled on it as fact. Through trial and error; experientially I have proved this to be true in so many areas of my life. And yet in so many other areas of my life I am unpeeling the first’s layers to what the bible teachers on certain subjects. This is some indictment and rather sad, no wonder on reflection on my life there are so many battered and bruised chapters to it. Nevertheless these chapters have played there part in helping me learn very valuable lessons and sometimes I had to repeat the semester more than a few times. Whenever we lose sight on where God is taking us we often need a reminder and a refresher course is thrown at us. This may or may not have to do with sin in our lives. Job was a righteous man one who eschewed evil and he was blameless and yet he had lessons to learn. Samson on the other hand took what he had received at times for granted and was taught a very valuable lesson even though he lost both his eyes he still came out on the other side as a victor. So will it be for all of God’s children and yet why do some endure a lot more than is apparently needed, it is simple they resist the simple truth of God’s instruction. Our journey here on earth would be a lot less painful if we learn to obey! Nevertheless whatever the outcome in our lives, it is always for our own good, even if we cannot see it at the time. Another fact! This then is the lesson; we must learn to trust and obey the Word of God!

Take yesterday’s blog for instance the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil and yet so many churches preach a message of “naming and claiming” blessings to one’s life, this is a doctrine of devils and it is not sound instruction form God’s Word.

The bible clearly teachers; the reason we should be faithful to a job and look to support ourselves and our families is so that we would not be a burden to others. And yet it goes much further, it is never about self and our own wants, this type of mentality is a trap to keep us in bondage to money, which in turn opens a can of worms to other sins that takes our eyes of the cross. The reason we work is so that we can help others in need, this then is now sound counsel from God’s Word; “for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.” (1Timothy 6:7-8) – A simple statement but will we settle on it? I have ignored this teaching throughout life but it is now time to start looking for grace to make it part of my life. “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” (1Timothy 6:17-19)

It should be clearly evident to see the difference in mind-sets. One speaks of giving so that we can get more to spend on our own wants as the other clearly teachers an attitude of sharing so that we can store up treasures in heaven, it has nothing to do with wealth here on earth. We are clearly taught that with food and raiment we are to be content! This is what the Apostle Paul learnt to accept while he was here on earth and remember this was a statement of fact and not simply an opinion; “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” (Philippians 4:11-12)   

There are many other areas of our lives that this principle needs to take root and if nurtured will eventually flourish and it will bring forth its fruit in due season. For I am persuaded, that when we heed the counsel of God’s Word it will be beneficial to our lives. How will we then benefit? God will bless us with the fruit of His Spirit, which is; “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Galatians 5:22-24)   

Now for all of us who look to hoard what we have this is what will become of us; “The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.” (Psalms 34:10) And we have just learnt that the good things in life are the fruits of the Spirit! 

Signing off

Tyrone