Our God has a choice. He has the prerequisites He uses to choose, and I do not think there is any man on earth who has full knowledge of those prerequisites. He alone knows what He is looking for in the person of His choice. This becomes clearer as you study the Bible.
In 1 Samuel, when the Israelites requested a king like the nations around them, God was displeased, yet He consented and chose Saul. However, Saul was not completely obedient to God, and he was eventually rejected. So God needed to provide another king. He sent Prophet Samuel to the house of Jesse to anoint one of his sons.
Of course, Samuel, being human, assumed that physical appearance should play a major role, since a king would lead in battle. Saul was tall, head and shoulders above others, and to the natural eye, such a person easily commands obedience. Yet Samuel was surprised when God rejected Jesse’s sons, even though they were already part of the army and had the stature that seemed fitting for a king (1 Samuel 16:6–10). Seven of them were rejected because God saw something in their hearts that the human eye could not see.
In the Gospels, Jesus Himself chose the twelve disciples, and it is remarkable that He chose Judas Iscariot, knowing he would betray Him. From this, we can understand that God’s choice is sometimes tied to assignment, what He intends to accomplish determines whom He chooses (John 15:16–19; 1 Corinthians 1:27–29), so that no flesh should glory in His presence. He also chose the poor of this world who are rich in faith (James 2:5).
If some of us were God, we would not go near Paul (then Saul). He persecuted the church and consented to the death of Stephen. Like Ananias, we might try to convince God to leave him. But God, who sees the heart and the inner makeup of a man, said in Acts 9:15–16:
“But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.”
Since we do not fully understand how God chooses, what then is the benefit of being chosen?
Psalm 65:4–5 says:
“Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.
By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation; who art the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off upon the sea.”
When you are chosen:
1. You become God’s witness and servant.
2. You know and believe in Him.
3. You understand that before Him no god was formed, neither shall there be after Him.
4. You know that He alone is the Lord, and besides Him there is no savior.
5. You recognize that He is eternal, and no one can deliver out of His hand.
6. You understand that when He works, no one can hinder Him.
When God chooses, He enters into a covenant with the one He has chosen. Jeremiah 33:24–26 affirms the faithfulness of His covenant with His people.
God is not only concerned about the assignment but He is also concerned about the vessel He has chose. He desires to see you fulfilled. He will support you with all His power to make sure you reach your goal in life. His thoughts towards you are thought of good and not of evil. He is not a taskmaster that will just use you and discard you. He delights in your joy and fruitfulness. He delight to see you reach your full potential not only in the assignment but also in all areas of your life. He rejoices over you when you achieve much.
Now, a word of caution, if you are chosen:
* You must not be negligent (2 Chronicles 29:11).
* Recognize that it is a rare privilege to be chosen, for many are called but few are chosen (Matthew 20:16).
* You must honor God at all times. Being chosen does not mean you cannot be replaced. The same God who chooses can also remove and raise another. You cannot manipulate Him. He is sovereign. Ask Eli the priest (1 Samuel 2:12–36).
It is well.
GOD IS HOLY
Our God is holy. He cannot behold sin. His holy nature will automatically destroy every unholy thing and its carrier that comes His way. He therefore demands holiness from all who approach Him, holiness in all things:
* In food, Exodus 22:31
* In what you touch , Leviticus 11:24
* In what you offer to Him
* In your house and abode
* In all your ways and your works
* In your conversation, 1 Peter 1:15; 2 Peter 3:2
The accuser of the brethren knows this, and he uses all his wiles (tricks or stratagems for deception) and gimmicks (devices used to achieve an end) to make you commit sin so that he can accuse you before God. Because of God’s holy nature, He cannot overlook sin. The devil has no power of his own; he knows this, so he works on you to make you give him the authority he needs to bring evil upon you.
SEPARATION: God separates and identifies His own through holiness. In Leviticus 20:7, the Bible says:
“Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God.
And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the LORD which sanctify you.”
Sanctification is the process by which a believer is made holy through the help of the Holy Spirit. It is often gradual and requires conscious effort on the part of the believer.
It is not humanly possible to be holy. Human nature does not have the ability to be completely obedient in all things that a holy God demands.
Psalm 24:3–5 says:
“Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.”
Do you have these prerequisites, my brothers and sisters? God is described as the High and Lofty One, Isaiah 57:14.
Apostle Paul said in Romans 7:14–20:
“For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.”
Then what is the way out?
The human nature cannot be holy until it is crucified. Colossians 1:21–22 says:
“And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight.”
So what does it mean to be crucified? Jesus Christ, the sinless One who bore our sins, was executed by being nailed to the cross. He paid the price for our sins. Imagine yourself in Christ as He was nailed to the cross. You were supposed to be on that cross, but He took your place.
Therefore, you are dead. Galatians 2:20 makes it clear:
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
You are no longer living your own life if you have accepted Him as your Lord and Savior. As long as you are here on earth, you are living a surrendered life in Him.
So when you are tempted to commit sin, tell that nature it is dead. A dead person no longer lives and cannot respond to the pull of sin. Now it is Christ who lives in you, and it is His commands that you are expected to obey.
Friends, examine your life: are you still responding as one who is alive to sin or as one who is dead to it? Do not allow the death of Jesus Christ on the cross to be in vain in your life. He has given you the Holy Spirit to help you live a life that is pleasing unto Him.
Accept that help today. It is possible.
* In food, Exodus 22:31
* In what you touch , Leviticus 11:24
* In what you offer to Him
* In your house and abode
* In all your ways and your works
* In your conversation, 1 Peter 1:15; 2 Peter 3:2
The accuser of the brethren knows this, and he uses all his wiles (tricks or stratagems for deception) and gimmicks (devices used to achieve an end) to make you commit sin so that he can accuse you before God. Because of God’s holy nature, He cannot overlook sin. The devil has no power of his own; he knows this, so he works on you to make you give him the authority he needs to bring evil upon you.
SEPARATION: God separates and identifies His own through holiness. In Leviticus 20:7, the Bible says:
“Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God.
And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the LORD which sanctify you.”
Sanctification is the process by which a believer is made holy through the help of the Holy Spirit. It is often gradual and requires conscious effort on the part of the believer.
It is not humanly possible to be holy. Human nature does not have the ability to be completely obedient in all things that a holy God demands.
Psalm 24:3–5 says:
“Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.”
Do you have these prerequisites, my brothers and sisters? God is described as the High and Lofty One, Isaiah 57:14.
Apostle Paul said in Romans 7:14–20:
“For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.”
Then what is the way out?
The human nature cannot be holy until it is crucified. Colossians 1:21–22 says:
“And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight.”
So what does it mean to be crucified? Jesus Christ, the sinless One who bore our sins, was executed by being nailed to the cross. He paid the price for our sins. Imagine yourself in Christ as He was nailed to the cross. You were supposed to be on that cross, but He took your place.
Therefore, you are dead. Galatians 2:20 makes it clear:
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
You are no longer living your own life if you have accepted Him as your Lord and Savior. As long as you are here on earth, you are living a surrendered life in Him.
So when you are tempted to commit sin, tell that nature it is dead. A dead person no longer lives and cannot respond to the pull of sin. Now it is Christ who lives in you, and it is His commands that you are expected to obey.
Friends, examine your life: are you still responding as one who is alive to sin or as one who is dead to it? Do not allow the death of Jesus Christ on the cross to be in vain in your life. He has given you the Holy Spirit to help you live a life that is pleasing unto Him.
Accept that help today. It is possible.
GOD DOES TALK WITH MAN
God Almighty is a Father, not like some fathers in the world, but a Father who delights in doing you good. He is described as the Double-Breasted One, the Abba Father. He has a close, loving, and trusting relationship with His children. This denotes an affectionate intimacy with respectful obedience, representing a profound confidence in Him as tender yet authoritative.
It is His utmost desire to communicate with you at all times. He wants you to know Him and hear His voice. It gives Him joy when His children hear His voice and obey. In John 10:1–5, Jesus was teaching and said:
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.”
It is your responsibility as His sheep to identify His voice and follow Him.
There are many voices that speak, so it is important that you are able to identify His voice. Apart from God speaking, the devil and his agents also speak. Your own voice speaks, and other human beings also speak to you. In fact, situations and circumstances also speak. To recognize the voice of God takes practice. It is continuous, and you grow from one stage to another.
Below are some of the ways God speaks to us:
1. Through His Word
2. Through dreams
3. Through visions
4. Through prophets and other spiritual fathers
5. Directly to you in an audible voice
6. Through inner nudging
7. During prayer and other spiritual exercises
8. Through situations surrounding you, and so on
Now, the extent of your relationship with Him will determine how He speaks to you.
Hearing and recognizing His voice is progressive. His desire is that you hear Him yourself. In Ephesians 4:7–14, with special emphasis on verses 11–14:
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”
No communication from God will contradict His Word. This is very important. To gain assurance that it is God speaking to you:
1. There must be confirmation in His Word. Any prophecy or word that does not have a basis in the Word of God needs to be examined thoroughly.
2. There may be confirmation from other sources, other people, situations, etc. The Bible says, “Out of the mouth of two or three witnesses a matter shall be confirmed” (Deuteronomy 17:6).
3. There is a peace that floods your heart when it is God, a peace that surpasses all understanding.
4. The devil also speaks and disguises himself as an angel of light. He may start with a word from the Bible to get your attention, but you need discernment to know, he may remove a part or introduced a lie. Therefore, you must master the voice of God and study His Word deeply so that you are not deceived. This must be done deliberately, as the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 9:25–27 and 2 Timothy 2:5.
5. It starts with small directives and instructions, and as you obey, you grow.
6. If you truly desire this, you can ask for His help. However, understand that your idea of help may differ from God’s. He may ask you to cut out certain things and take on others. Obey Him completely. You are on a journey that can only lead to your best life yet.
There is absolutely nothing that God cannot speak to you about if you have truly engaged in the process of growth.
Hearing God will save and keep you from diverse headaches and destructions. Purpose to hear His opinion on all things. Determine to obey that still, small voice.
He knows everything. He knows your end from your beginning. He knows every obstacle on your path, even if the road appears like a smooth six-lane expressway. He alone knows the wickedness in the heart of man, even when that person declares love with their mouth. The hidden agenda in man’s heart is clear to Him.
Have you been tossed to and fro? Has life or relationships become like a generational cycle of failure? Has all your effort felt like hitting a rock every time? Then lay aside all distractions and seek to know His voice.
God speaks at all times. He is not a talkative, but He speaks through diverse ways and means. Even the silence of God is speech. When it seems He is silent, He is still speaking.
Develop the habit of hearing Him, not only when you need something. He also has desires, even though He is God. Your fellowship with Him should not be based only on your needs. The Bible refers to Abraham as God’s friend. Do you think the word “friend” would have been used if Abraham approached God only to ask for a child every time? He related with God.
There is always a way that seems right to man. Ask Lot in Genesis 13:7–18 what followed is history. Yes, the grass may look greener on the other side, but it may be artificial turf that heats up when the sun rises.
When you become accustomed to His voice, you will not make unnecessary haste that leads to destruction. When He says move, you move. When He says stay, you stay. When you cannot hear His voice, do not take a step or make decisions.
He may lead you through rough paths, but be assured that the end of it will be for your good.
SHALOM.
It is His utmost desire to communicate with you at all times. He wants you to know Him and hear His voice. It gives Him joy when His children hear His voice and obey. In John 10:1–5, Jesus was teaching and said:
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.”
It is your responsibility as His sheep to identify His voice and follow Him.
There are many voices that speak, so it is important that you are able to identify His voice. Apart from God speaking, the devil and his agents also speak. Your own voice speaks, and other human beings also speak to you. In fact, situations and circumstances also speak. To recognize the voice of God takes practice. It is continuous, and you grow from one stage to another.
Below are some of the ways God speaks to us:
1. Through His Word
2. Through dreams
3. Through visions
4. Through prophets and other spiritual fathers
5. Directly to you in an audible voice
6. Through inner nudging
7. During prayer and other spiritual exercises
8. Through situations surrounding you, and so on
Now, the extent of your relationship with Him will determine how He speaks to you.
Hearing and recognizing His voice is progressive. His desire is that you hear Him yourself. In Ephesians 4:7–14, with special emphasis on verses 11–14:
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”
No communication from God will contradict His Word. This is very important. To gain assurance that it is God speaking to you:
1. There must be confirmation in His Word. Any prophecy or word that does not have a basis in the Word of God needs to be examined thoroughly.
2. There may be confirmation from other sources, other people, situations, etc. The Bible says, “Out of the mouth of two or three witnesses a matter shall be confirmed” (Deuteronomy 17:6).
3. There is a peace that floods your heart when it is God, a peace that surpasses all understanding.
4. The devil also speaks and disguises himself as an angel of light. He may start with a word from the Bible to get your attention, but you need discernment to know, he may remove a part or introduced a lie. Therefore, you must master the voice of God and study His Word deeply so that you are not deceived. This must be done deliberately, as the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 9:25–27 and 2 Timothy 2:5.
5. It starts with small directives and instructions, and as you obey, you grow.
6. If you truly desire this, you can ask for His help. However, understand that your idea of help may differ from God’s. He may ask you to cut out certain things and take on others. Obey Him completely. You are on a journey that can only lead to your best life yet.
There is absolutely nothing that God cannot speak to you about if you have truly engaged in the process of growth.
Hearing God will save and keep you from diverse headaches and destructions. Purpose to hear His opinion on all things. Determine to obey that still, small voice.
He knows everything. He knows your end from your beginning. He knows every obstacle on your path, even if the road appears like a smooth six-lane expressway. He alone knows the wickedness in the heart of man, even when that person declares love with their mouth. The hidden agenda in man’s heart is clear to Him.
Have you been tossed to and fro? Has life or relationships become like a generational cycle of failure? Has all your effort felt like hitting a rock every time? Then lay aside all distractions and seek to know His voice.
God speaks at all times. He is not a talkative, but He speaks through diverse ways and means. Even the silence of God is speech. When it seems He is silent, He is still speaking.
Develop the habit of hearing Him, not only when you need something. He also has desires, even though He is God. Your fellowship with Him should not be based only on your needs. The Bible refers to Abraham as God’s friend. Do you think the word “friend” would have been used if Abraham approached God only to ask for a child every time? He related with God.
There is always a way that seems right to man. Ask Lot in Genesis 13:7–18 what followed is history. Yes, the grass may look greener on the other side, but it may be artificial turf that heats up when the sun rises.
When you become accustomed to His voice, you will not make unnecessary haste that leads to destruction. When He says move, you move. When He says stay, you stay. When you cannot hear His voice, do not take a step or make decisions.
He may lead you through rough paths, but be assured that the end of it will be for your good.
SHALOM.
GOD IS NOT A MAN
In Numbers 23:19, the Bible says, “God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent: hath He said, and shall He not do it? or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good?”
In understanding the nature of God as One who is not a man, I believe we should first look at who or what man is. A dictionary describes man as:
1. The genus Homo. A genus is a category in the classification of organisms, ranking below family and above species.
2. Humankind in general.
3. Furthermore, a man is described as an adult male, typically distinguished by XY chromosomes. This does not fully apply to our discussion because, in Genesis 1:27 and Genesis 5:2, when man was created in God’s image and likeness, he was created male and female. So, for our discussion, man includes both genders.
Now, let us look at the Word of God for the description of who man is:
* Man was formed from the dust of the ground, and God breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul (Genesis 2:7). Without God’s breath of life, man, being dust, does not become a living being. At that stage, he can be compared to an object made by a potter.
* Man is naturally inclined to disobedience (Genesis 3:11).
* Man is mortal (Job 4:17). Mortal means susceptible to death through aging, sickness, injury, or wounds. Man is fatally vulnerable; he is not immortal (Psalms 103:15).
* Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble (Job 14:1).
* Man at his best state is altogether vanity (Psalms 39:5; Psalms 144:4). Man is vain, futile, and limited.
* Man, even though in honor, does not abide; he is like the beasts that perish (Psalms 49:12). It is deeply troubling to see highly placed and wealthy individuals still engage in acts of great evil. A man who can afford anything money can buy may still commit terrible acts. Indeed, this is very pathetic.
* Proverbs 5:21–23 says, “For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and He pondereth all his goings…” Man is completely open before God; nothing is hidden.
* Man does not know his time. He is snared in evil times that can come suddenly (Ecclesiastes 9:12).
* Man’s way is not in himself; he cannot direct his own steps, no matter how great, rich, or famous (Jeremiah 10:23).
* Trusting in man leads to disappointment and destruction (Jeremiah 17:5).
* Man’s heart is unstable; it can waver like the waves of the sea.
Now, enough of this species called man. You become troubled when you reflect on how many times you have been disappointed by others, and also how you may have disappointed those who trusted in you. You are not wired to put your trust in someone with the same nature as you. Many people have harmed themselves, fallen into addictions, and even reached the point of suicide because someone they trusted failed them. That is the limitation of human nature.
Except for the man that God has worked upon. Psalms 8:4–9 outlines what God intended for man. Yet a man in honor who does not understand this will behave like a beast, without knowledge, dangerous, and uncivilized.
Now, who is God?
1. God was not created; He created all things.
2. God was not formed from dust.
3. God does not need breath; He is the giver of breath.
4. God does not fail.
5. God does not outsource power; He is the source of all power in heaven, on earth, and under the earth.
6. God knows all things.
7. God is not partial; He deals with all equally when they open themselves to Him.
8. God is love. Everything He does flows from love.
9. God does not lie. Whatever He says, He brings to pass. He has no need to repent or apologize.
10. God is not selfish. He does not withhold any good thing from His children when they are ready to receive it.
11. God does not condone sin. He does not hate the sinner but the sinful nature, and He provides a way out.
12. God is immortal. He cannot die or be destroyed. He lives from eternity to eternity.
13. God is all-knowing and controls times and seasons. He exists outside of time.
14. God is a righteous Judge. He is not biased; He sees all things, even the secrets of the heart. You may deceive man, but you cannot deceive God.
So, child of God, now that you understand the nature of man, you can bring all your impurities to your Maker. He is the Refiner, and He can refine your life.
When someone offends you and you feel like lashing out, remember: a man in honor who does not understand is like a beast without knowledge. When you feel like engaging in behavior that does not glorify God, stop and think deeply.
Is it in line with Psalms 8:4–9?
“What is man, that Thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that Thou visitest him? For Thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour…”
You cannot allow any addiction to destroy the temple of the Lord, which you are. You were created in His image and likeness. The least you can do is allow that image to fully reflect in your life daily.
It is possible. Joseph refused to sin with Potiphar’s wife because, to him, it was a sin against God, not just against man.
Let God and the knowledge of Him govern your entire being.
YOU CAN ONLY BUT SUCCEED
In understanding the nature of God as One who is not a man, I believe we should first look at who or what man is. A dictionary describes man as:
1. The genus Homo. A genus is a category in the classification of organisms, ranking below family and above species.
2. Humankind in general.
3. Furthermore, a man is described as an adult male, typically distinguished by XY chromosomes. This does not fully apply to our discussion because, in Genesis 1:27 and Genesis 5:2, when man was created in God’s image and likeness, he was created male and female. So, for our discussion, man includes both genders.
Now, let us look at the Word of God for the description of who man is:
* Man was formed from the dust of the ground, and God breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul (Genesis 2:7). Without God’s breath of life, man, being dust, does not become a living being. At that stage, he can be compared to an object made by a potter.
* Man is naturally inclined to disobedience (Genesis 3:11).
* Man is mortal (Job 4:17). Mortal means susceptible to death through aging, sickness, injury, or wounds. Man is fatally vulnerable; he is not immortal (Psalms 103:15).
* Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble (Job 14:1).
* Man at his best state is altogether vanity (Psalms 39:5; Psalms 144:4). Man is vain, futile, and limited.
* Man, even though in honor, does not abide; he is like the beasts that perish (Psalms 49:12). It is deeply troubling to see highly placed and wealthy individuals still engage in acts of great evil. A man who can afford anything money can buy may still commit terrible acts. Indeed, this is very pathetic.
* Proverbs 5:21–23 says, “For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and He pondereth all his goings…” Man is completely open before God; nothing is hidden.
* Man does not know his time. He is snared in evil times that can come suddenly (Ecclesiastes 9:12).
* Man’s way is not in himself; he cannot direct his own steps, no matter how great, rich, or famous (Jeremiah 10:23).
* Trusting in man leads to disappointment and destruction (Jeremiah 17:5).
* Man’s heart is unstable; it can waver like the waves of the sea.
Now, enough of this species called man. You become troubled when you reflect on how many times you have been disappointed by others, and also how you may have disappointed those who trusted in you. You are not wired to put your trust in someone with the same nature as you. Many people have harmed themselves, fallen into addictions, and even reached the point of suicide because someone they trusted failed them. That is the limitation of human nature.
Except for the man that God has worked upon. Psalms 8:4–9 outlines what God intended for man. Yet a man in honor who does not understand this will behave like a beast, without knowledge, dangerous, and uncivilized.
Now, who is God?
1. God was not created; He created all things.
2. God was not formed from dust.
3. God does not need breath; He is the giver of breath.
4. God does not fail.
5. God does not outsource power; He is the source of all power in heaven, on earth, and under the earth.
6. God knows all things.
7. God is not partial; He deals with all equally when they open themselves to Him.
8. God is love. Everything He does flows from love.
9. God does not lie. Whatever He says, He brings to pass. He has no need to repent or apologize.
10. God is not selfish. He does not withhold any good thing from His children when they are ready to receive it.
11. God does not condone sin. He does not hate the sinner but the sinful nature, and He provides a way out.
12. God is immortal. He cannot die or be destroyed. He lives from eternity to eternity.
13. God is all-knowing and controls times and seasons. He exists outside of time.
14. God is a righteous Judge. He is not biased; He sees all things, even the secrets of the heart. You may deceive man, but you cannot deceive God.
So, child of God, now that you understand the nature of man, you can bring all your impurities to your Maker. He is the Refiner, and He can refine your life.
When someone offends you and you feel like lashing out, remember: a man in honor who does not understand is like a beast without knowledge. When you feel like engaging in behavior that does not glorify God, stop and think deeply.
Is it in line with Psalms 8:4–9?
“What is man, that Thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that Thou visitest him? For Thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour…”
You cannot allow any addiction to destroy the temple of the Lord, which you are. You were created in His image and likeness. The least you can do is allow that image to fully reflect in your life daily.
It is possible. Joseph refused to sin with Potiphar’s wife because, to him, it was a sin against God, not just against man.
Let God and the knowledge of Him govern your entire being.
YOU CAN ONLY BUT SUCCEED