Day 296: Thinking of God

Titus 1;  Jeremiah 13-14; Psalm 125

Paul compares and contrasts the type of people that should be leaders of the church and those that shouldn't. Part of what he talks about is their belief the truth and adherence to teaching it. He says that they must stick to the true message so they can correct and instruct. Paul says that some people are spreading a different message, something they made up, because they want money. Could this be similar to the "prosperity gospel" that is spreading so rampantly in our nation? Perhaps. But nonetheless, may we be careful to choose and follow leaders that stick to the truth.

Jeremiah paints a picture of what it would look like for God's rejection. It's devastating, so complete. I cannot imagine living in a world where there is no hope, where I know that God is angry, and where war, disease, and starvation rule. I think we catch glimpses of this here on earth once in a while, and it's very sad, but I still have hope that there are followers of Christ willing to do good and that God is still present. It concludes with this verse: "Only you control the rain, so we put our trust in you, The Lord our God." Only God can provide us with what is necessary to grow and prosper, whether that is material or even better, spiritual. We can look to him for all our needs because he is in control, even if it doesn't seem like it. I know this from my own experiences. God doesn't want to destroy or abandon, people choose to reject him and leave him; instead, he wants to pour out his great love on us.

The psalm continues with this thought: that God protects those who obey him. Obviously obedience is the key. Obedience unlocks blessings. And I will be careful to point out, not material blessings. God is more concerned about giving us spiritual blessings because those things last into eternity and that's what we are being prepared for.