God’s ways

The LORD is slow to anger and great in power;
the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished.
His way is in the whirlwind and the storm,
and clouds are the dust of his feet.                                      Nahum 1.3

This verse says so much about God, and its order is perhaps significant. The first thing the prophet mentions is God’s patience. He is slow to anger. He is long-suffering and will take a great deal from us before His indignation is aroused. This is good news for us because often the decisions we make cause us to go the wrong way, and to act contrary to what may please God.

God is extremely patient, but we should not treat Him with over-familiarity or complacency. His power is great. One might say His power is extreme for, indeed, He is omnipotent – all powerful.

And this cautions us to the third statement that the prophet makes which concerns God’s punishing of those who are guilty.

The vivid descriptions of God’s ways emphasise the might of His power and give strong suggestion to the extent to which He is capable of exacting punishment on those who dishonour Him. Such were the Assyrians under their wicked and cruel leaders, and history attests to the mighty penalty that God exacted upon them.

Thus, I can rejoice to know that God is extremely patient, but I need also to remember His mighty power and His sovereign will to see justice – Godly justice – prevail.

Lord God,

I am grateful that You are slow to anger. I know that I do not always do the right thing. I am sorry for this and I ask Your forgiveness. I want to please You, not because I wish to be some sort of “goody-goody” Christian, but because I love You and want to be the best I can be for You.

I acknowledge Your great power. May You look favourably on me and protect and guide me in Your power. Lead me always in right ways, in Godly ways. Let me respond to You in positive desire to please You. Help me in this, in Jesus’ name I ask.              Amen.

My book “God Talk” is available through major Internet booksellers.

A taste of the book's content can be seen in the You Tube clip (Search: Peter Francis - "God Talk").

 

Brought down

“Though you soar like the eagle
and make your nest among the stars,
from there I will bring you down”,
                        declares the LORD.                                Obadiah 4

These words are spoken against Edom who had engaged in hostile activities towards Israel for centuries. The Edomites and the Israelites were related, which makes their hostile attitude all the more reprehensible. But they were setting themselves up against God, and they had no hope.

I cannot ignore the situation in the Middle East today. Many nations have seemingly set themselves up against Israel. I am particularly aware of those countries that have acted as apparent allies of Israel, yet basically work for the destruction of God’s Holy Land. All such would be well advised to heed these words.

Later in his vision, Obadiah speaks further warning:

               The day of the LORD is near for all nations.
                        As you have done, it will be done to you;
                        your deeds will return upon your own head. (v15)

This is further expression of the Biblical principle that you reap what you sow. This applies to individuals as well as to nations.

Let the whole world beware!

Lord God,

I am reminded that I will reap what I sow. Let me so sow in You that all that I do will please you and bring honour to You.

I pray for Israel and all those whose actions are not ultimately for the good of Your chosen people.

I ask You to intervene, mighty God, in the affairs of this sick world. May righteousness prevail. May the right action be taken on the world scene, right in You not right as human perversion sees it. Raise up Godly men and women who will truly fear You and live to do Your will.

Lord, hear my prayer for this whole earth. Save us, as You promised to, in Jesus’ name I ask.        Amen.

Cut off

“I will stretch out my hand against Judah and against all who live in Jerusalem. I will cut off...

those who turn back from following the LORD and neither seek the LORD nor inquire of him.”                                                   Zeph. 1.4, 6

Zephaniah is directing these words to an apostate Judah. They have largely abandoned the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. They have embraced idolatrous ways, turning to Baal, Molech and others.

God is a jealous God. His first requirement of Moses is:

               “You shall have no other gods before me.”  (Exodus 20.3)

His very first command has been ignored. He has been spurned and the joy of His people in relationship with Him has been defiled.

Several millennia later the scene is repeated. In today’s world, many people have consciously chosen not to follow the Lord God. They neither seek Him nor enquire of Him. Perhaps, like Judah, they may face the prospect of God stretching out His hand against them. This is highly possible.

What impacts me even more at this time is the realisation that these people miss out on relationship with the Almighty. They actually deny themselves this blessing. And it is, most assuredly, a blessing. I know from my own experience. I want nothing more than to seek the Lord, inquire of Him, and embrace Him in all that I am and do.

Holy Lord,

I cry out for those who turn from You. I pray that You will be merciful to them, reach out to them and draw them to You. Forgive them, Lord, and lead them into the everlasting life of Your love.

I love You, and seek You in all that I am and all that I do. I ask You to direct me in all things. I want to go only Your way. I know You will not leave nor forsake me and I rejoice greatly in this assurance.

As the day opens ahead, I ask for Your clear direction and guidance. May all that I do be in the fullness of Your will, and may I honour You in everything. I pray this in Jesus’ name.               Amen.

My book “God Talk” is available through major Internet booksellers.

A taste of the book's content can be seen in the You Tube clip (Search: Peter Francis - "God Talk").