1 Dec, 2021

What’s The Answer?

Habakkuk 1:1-4

READ – “Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight.” Habakkuk 1:1-4 NLT EXAMINE – The book of Habakkuk was written just before the Southern Kingdom of Judah was conquered by the Babylonians. Things had deteriorated in Judah both spiritually and politically. Habakkuk, a frustrated prophet, was crying out to God (Habakkuk 1:2a). Violence was everywhere (Habakkuk 1:2). The land was full of evil deeds, misery, destruction, and people who just loved to argue and fight (Habakkuk 1:3). What was the answer? Apparently, the answer was not their judicial system where the law had become paralyzed and there was no justice in the courts (Habakkuk 1:4). Even the faith community was outnumbered by the pagans. APPLY – The preacher was frustrated and upset, and he asked a simple question, “How long must he call for help?” (Habakkuk 1:2). Churches today are upset by the evil they see and the violence all around them. Have you ever felt helpless about what you can do? Have you ever felt hopeless that things will never change? Have you ever felt heartbroken about the shape people are in? Let’s keep calling on the LORD for help. God is still Sovereign and He’s on the Throne. PRAY – Father God, may the joys and hope of Christmas remind us that You are with us and Your power is still unlimited! In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

30 Nov, 2021

All Lives Matter!

Numbers 34-36

READ –  “This will ensure that the land where you live will not be polluted, for murder pollutes the land.  And no sacrifice except the execution of the murderer can purify the land from murder.” Numbers 35:33 NLT EXAMINE – God established the boundaries of the Promised Land and then enlisted one leader from each tribe to help in the division of the land (Numbers 34). Each tribe had to give the Levities towns within their territory and six of these Levitical towns were established as Cities of Refuge to protect those who had accidently killed someone from retaliation (Numbers 35). There was no mercy for premeditated murders which defiled the land (Numbers 35:30-34). Finally, the LORD established laws regarding inherited land passed on to daughters (Numbers 36). All tribal land must remain within the tribes so women who had inherited property must marry within their tribe. APPLY –  Murder defiled and polluted the land (Numbers 35:33). Sadly, our country and communities have been defiled from the senseless killings happening on a regular basis. Unfortunately, the culture of our nation has devalued life from the life of the unborn to the lyrics, movies, videos, and games that promote violence.  God designed the justice system to deter crime by punishing wrongdoers (Romans 13:1-5). What can you do? Advocate for life – All Lives Matter!  Vote for a strong justice system! Parent your children with proper discipline (Proverbs 23:13-14, 29:17).  Spread the Good News so that hearts may be changed by the power of Jesus Christ – the only Real Solution! Please share and leave a comment with some other practical solutions for stopping the violence. PRAY – Father God, since You designed us to live in safe communities, give us the courage to stand against wrong, to stand up for righteousness, and to speak up Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!