Micah... a Love/Hate Relationship?

God is so good! We are starting the book of Micah today… WooHoo! Think about how the words “Love” and “Hate” have become so casual in today’s world. The relaxed, laid-back use of these two words has more or less emptied them of their true meaning. I don’t think it’s much of a stretch to say we no longer truly understand statements that describe a loving God who hates sin. Onto the stage walks Micah, who paints the true picture of God – an Almighty Lord who hates sin and loves the sinner.


From the book of Hosea all the way through these books of the Minor Prophets, I see one thing that really stands out… God is always very willing to pardon the sins of those who repent. God through Micah, again describes His judgment of Israel because of their rebellion and sin. Now for God to repeat Himself time after time through each of these prophets, makes me believe Israel had chance after chance to repent and turn themselves around. But they never did, and we later read about their destruction and devastation. The book of Micah is interesting because the prophet lists each one of Israel’s despicable sins:


Fraud – “When you want a piece of land, you find a way to seize it. When you want someone’s house, you take it by fraud and violence. You cheat a man of his property, stealing his family’s inheritance.” Micah 2: 2
Theft – “Yet to this very hour my people rise against me like an enemy! You steal the shirts right off the backs of those who trusted you, making them as ragged as men returning from battle.” Micah 2: 8
Greed – “You have evicted women from their pleasant homes and forever stripped their children of all that God would give them.” Micah 2: 9
Debauchery – “Suppose a prophet full of lies would say to you, ‘I’ll preach to you the joys of wine and alcohol!’ That’s just the kind of prophet you would like! Micah 2: 11

And to name a few more...
Oppression, Hypocrisy, Heresy, Injustice, Extortion and Lying, Murder, and other offenses



But in the midst of this overwhelming prediction of destruction, Micah gives hope and consolation because he also describes God’s love. As we read more into this book, we’ll definitely catch more than a glimpse of God’s anger. But then we will see God’s love in action as He offers eternal life to all who repent and believe. Stay tuned for more of Micah…

Are You "Locked Up?"

“Before this faith came, we were held prisoners, locked up until faith should be revealed.” Galatians 3: 23 KJV



The Bible tells us that God gave people His law in the Old Testament so they could see how utterly hopeless it was to live up to God’s holy standards.


Not everyone reading this, but maybe a few of you can relate to being “locked up.” God still causes some of us to be “locked up until faith” is learned. Are you in a really difficult place right now, maybe the hardest thing you ever had to deal with? No, God is not punishing you for past sins you’ve committed before you were saved – get that out of your mind because your past and everything in it, is covered by the blood of Christ. The Bible says there is NO CONDEMNATION to those who are in Christ Jesus. I say this, because when this disease manifested itself… that’s exactly where my mind went!


My purpose in writing this is to be crystal clear - Whatever adverse thing you’re going through is the perfect will of God for you right now in this season of your life. And those who disagree with that usually are the ones who were never touched… or I should say, never ‘learned or matured’ in the things of God, as a result of their pain and anguish. I can only speak this because God met me in the midst of my suffering and taught me some of His treasures in darkness. And He's still teaching me.


This sounds very strange, I know, but why don’t you thank God He allowed this circumstance in your life? As hurtful as it may be, know that He has allowed it so He could teach you… the #1 thing you will most probably learn is how to rely on Him. He will allow your crutches to collapse so you turn only to Him. God will give you the exact amount of grace you need to overcome whatever it is you're up against. God will send you blessings and help, and will reveal truths to you that otherwise would never have come your way. And many others will receive great insights and blessings because you were “locked up.” Things will get better if you don’t get bitter.


I invite you if you have the time, to leave a comment on how you were “locked up,” and how God brought you out of that experience and what He taught you. I’ll publish the comments on my blog. It will surely encourage others. Have a great weekend!

A Few Posts About Jonah...

In our walk with the minor prophets, we've come to Jonah. A great story! Here are three posts written about Jonah from the PERSEVERE archives...


http://www.lorilaws.com/2008/09/jonah.html

http://www.lorilaws.com/2008/09/more-jonah-taking-god-for-granted.html

http://www.lorilaws.com/2008/09/jonahs-anger-at-gods-mercy-and.html

Obadiah

Obadiah is a great book because it gives us a glimpse of the way God protects His children. God judges those who harm His people. In the shortest book of the Old Testament, Obadiah gives God’s message to the Edomites – the descendants of Esau. Just like their founding ancestor they were rugged, fierce, and proud warriors. It didn’t matter that they were blood relatives of the people of Israel, they gloated over Israel’s problems. They participated in attacks against Judah, captured Israel’s fugitives and delivered them to the enemy, and even looted Israel’s countryside! As we look at the book of Obadiah, let it refresh you, and let it give you a glimpse of what it means to be an adopted child of God. See how the heavenly Father responds to all who would attack those whom He loves…



The Lord says to Edom, “I will cut you down to size among the nations; you will be greatly despised. You have been deceived by your own pride because you live in a rock fortress and make your home high in the mountains. ‘Who can ever reach us way up here?’ you ask boastfully.

But even if you soared as high as eagles and built your nest among stars, I would bring you crashing down,” says the Lord.


This is very interesting to me because years ago, I remember a friend of mine came back from a trip to the Middle East showing me pictures from a visit to the ruins of Petra. Petra was Edom’s rock forest home in the mountains spoken of in the above scripture! Petra is considered one of the marvels of the ancient world, but only as a tourist attraction. People today are very much the same as people in Obadiah’s day, filled with arrogance, envy, and dishonesty. The Bible constantly warns us that pride is the surest route to self-destruction. We can be sure, that just as Petra and Edom fell, so will proud people fall Proverbs 16: 18 - “Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.”


“The day is near when I, the Lord, will judge all godless nations! As you have done to Israel, so it will be done to you. All your evil deeds will fall back on your own heads.

Just as you swallowed up my people on my holy mountain, so you and the surrounding nations will swallow the punishment I pour out on you. Yes, all you nations will drink and stagger and disappear from history.” Obadiah 1: 15-16



Edom wasn’t the only nation to rejoice at Judah’s fall. All nations and individuals will be judged for the way they have treated God’s people. Let’s look at what Jesus has to say about this…


“But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left.

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.” Matthew 25: 31-36

Ok, so we’ll pick up on the book of Amos…

We left off with the word “complacency,” and the book of Amos tell us how Israel was up to their neck in complacency, another word for self-satisfaction, self-righteousness, and contentment…. WITHOUT GOD!!


O my gosh! I’m reading my Bible Commentary on Chapter 6, and let me just summarize for you what it says. Amos tells us how the people were living in luxury and had great wealth. They had comfortable lifestyles, yet they ignored the poor and were not compassionate at all. They basically isolated themselves from the needs of others, and were full of pride and selfishness. These merchants were keeping the religious festivals, but not in spirit. They couldn’t wait for the holy days and Sabbaths to be over so they could go back to making money. Their real interest was in enriching themselves, even if that meant cheating (shortchanging the quantity while boosting the price, or even selling chaff as wheat—anything to make a buck). What really got my attention was this…

“But go over to Calneh and see what happened there. Then go to the great city of Hamath and down to the Philistine city of Gath. You are no better than they were, and look at how they were destroyed . You push away every thought of coming disaster, but your actions only bring the day of judgment closer.” Amos 6: 2-3


Aren’t the same things going on today? America-yes, but all over the world as well! Talk about learning from scripture! "You are no better than they were, and look at how they were destroyed.” I don’t know about you, but hearing these words from God makes me sit up straighter in my chair and pay attention.



Here’s something I was convicted about recently… Taking a day of rest! God included a day of rest for us in the Ten Commandments. He took a day off when He created the world. It's a day He gave us to just relax and recharge. FYI: You're sinning if you don't take a day to rest! Yes I go to church and sincerely worship, but rest means taking a break from what you normally spend time doing the other six days of the week, and that even includes ministry. Do you take a day of rest and worship God at least once a week, or is making money more important to you than anything else? When you give time to God, is your heart in your worship? Or is your religion only a front for unethical practices?


At the end of Amos, we see God’s promise of restoration, but let’s look at some prophetic words spoken to King David before we end today…

“Your house and your kingdom will continue before me for all time, and your throne will be secure forever.” 2 Samuel 7: 16



Jesus fulfilled, and is still fulfilling that prophecy! The exile spoken of in this book makes this promise from God seem impossible. We are so fortunate to have this history in the Bible. We are so blessed to read and see prophetic words spoken and fulfilled! We see that God keeps every promise He makes. So the story of mankind continues and we know how it’s going to end. Are you prepared?



Next, we’ll look at the book of Obadiah.

What I've Been Up To

Greetings! Did I tell you lately how much I love and appreciate you for visiting me here at PERSEVERE? Well I do... love and appreciate you!


Let me give you an update of what I've been working on lately. I'm excited about three things...

1st - I'm working on Volume Two of "A Blessing in the Storm... Muscular Dystrophy messed up my life and made me whole" I am certain that I need to publish succeeding Volumes, each season of my life experiences, because when the healing comes you can read about my personal struggles, but most importantly... my perseverance through the good, the bad, and the ugly! Glory to God! Amazing!

2nd - Our Photo Gallery (Photos by Michael ~ Design by Lori)! I especially love this because it's something Michael and I (my husband) can do together. They are the perfect photos for framing. I absolutely love seeing God's Word on beautiful things! Our home is becoming filled with different sized photos from our gallery, from 5 X 7's to 16 X 20's! Other merchandise is also available. I do have a mousepad with "Be still and know I am God". (If you order a mousepad, or anything for that matter... make sure you use the crop and adjust it so the scripture doesn't cut off.) We tried to keep things affordable. So check things out! Photos by Michael ~ Designs by Lori


3rd - Notecards and Greeting Cards of most of the same photos in the gallery, and some of the Scripture Tags I've done! $2.45 for a Note Card and $2.95 for a Greeting Card. Cards are at http://www.zazzle.com/lorilaws


Thanks for stopping by. Very soon I'll be posting again, continuing with the Minor Prophets. They're my plans, but we know that God will always have His way:)