Lev 26-27 God's blessings are large but not required

January 10th, Leviticus 26-27

       Sometimes we make life to complex, most of the time it's really very simple. Chapter 26 makes it all very, very clear...

        God wants to bless with rain in season, land that bears fruit from one harvest to the next. That we would live secure, unafraid, harmful animals removed and our enemies flee. Children everywhere, with a need to throw away old stuff, because your storehouse will need more space for the new harvest. Walking hand in hand with God, no longer slaves or a yoke around our necks, able to stand upright, physically and in our hearts. All we have to do is what God asks of us.

       If we don't then we get to live in panic and anxiety, with a heart that aches. Seeds are sown in vain and enemies eat what comes up. Pestilence, enemies, nature, faintness of heart, weakness and strife can be yours if you'd like to say no to God.

       This fall when the school shooting in Newtown happened, people angry at God asked where he was. The answer is rather simple. He was where we have asked him to be, outside of our life. God respects people a great deal. When people don't want God in their life, he won't push his way in. Our lives reflect an invitation or rejection of God with us. God shows us what happens as a result. I invite you to the blessing side of the equation. 

Gen 16-18 God's not as Worried as I am...I'll go ahead and fix it.

Jan 5th, Genesis 16-18

       Notice how God takes several thousand years to work out his plan. Maybe it's one of the benefits of eternally existing. There's no pressure of time. I only have 80 years. If God promised me I'd be a great nation, I'd need some land and some kids. As the commercial says "I WANT IT NOW!"
      Chapter 16 is classic human behavior. A need, followed by a realization, lack of faith, a plan excluding God, plan works, resentment, rejection, chaos in the home. Too often it's plan A, and often it is the way that prompts people to question God.
       Chapter 17  I notice God doesn't clear this issue up anytime soon. Four years is the span between chapters. That's a long time to resent the people you live with. God still has a plan, it still includes the people of promise, and it includes the unexpected. God will fulfill His thing, His way and what God wants from his people is to consistently be a people who ask and live in faith, rather than prescribe to God and wonder how this got offtrack.
       Other items of note: Glad I got circumcised before I could remember anything!!! There is rich blessing waiting for God to fulfill His plan. Being close to God and witnessing His power is more grand than doing my own thing. Prayers to God can be bold, never telling Him what to do, just asking(Genesis 18:22-33).
       God is fulfilling His plan in your life today. Don't fight it, just join with it and Him.

Working With God, This and Every Day...