Divine Nature
Thursday, July 9, 2020 Good morning, Lord V.O.D.: Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 M.O.M.: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27 Today's reading: Job 41-42 Acts 16:22-40
Divine Nature
(Book of Acts, chapter17) Paul was speaking to a group of philosophers in Athens, Greece as he had been wandering the city and taking in all the idols and statues to all the Gods. " 29 Being then the children of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and thought of man."
There is the problem-'an image formed by the art and thought of man'.
"Why is that a problem?", you ask. We do it in every facet of life. Someone is a hero for being the best at something. What is wrong with that? Our young people need good examples.
All people are flawed. What happens when young people pattern their lives after a hero that turns out to be a criminal after a few years? Because---it has happened...and it will continue to happen as long as human beings are idolized.
There are some great human beings, yes, there are many. But God is no respecter of people. Acts 10:34 34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons
It is good to know God has done something great in and through us but God has done it. He has given us the means and talents to achieve and He is the one who is to be worshiped.
Celebrate achievement; but putting people on a pedestal is human nature-so is setting oneself up for failure.
God has set us up for peace. He has set us up for strength. He has given us victory. God has made a way for us to know that when all else fails, He is the one who has overcome the world, John 16:33.
God is success-God is victory-God is all power-God is the only source of real love.
Great are the accomplishments of mankind, yes, BUT, man is created in God's image to do good works. Ephesians 2:10 ►For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Mankind has always wanted to create God with their own hands. It is a control issue. Man wants credit for creation so man creates wonderful and beautiful things-lifeless things, but beautiful and wonderful.
But man will never create another man out of materials he made from nothing and do it all with pure love.
That would be divine...
...because He loves us...
Father in Heaven, Forgive me my idolatry. Search me and show me what I may have forgotten. I want to know Your divine nature a step at a time. Sovereign God of power and love!
In the name of Christ Jesus, Amen