October 12
Jer 19:1-21:14 | PS 82:1-8 | Prov 25:9-10 | 1 Thes 5:4-28
For some reason, people recoil at the word, "evil". Living in a world of opinions and moral relativism, most deem it too strong to label things as evil. We have just witnessed actions which should be unthinkable, as the Palestinians massacred individuals in ways that shouldn't even enter one's minds. The beheading of babies, filming their murders on the victim’s own social media so that their loved ones have to witness the brutal death of them. Yet, the world chooses sides and seeks to rationalize such behavior. If this is not called evil, what is? Do we not see how debased we are when evil is explained away, when evil is even applauded in our own society? Some eye these events through the lens of prophecy. Though I continuously look for this also, we must never forget these are real people going through unthinkable events. My thoughts and prayers are for the Jewish people, and the nation of Israel. Through it all I pray that we all remember Ephesians 6:12, "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Though the people in Israel are strong and courageous, their strength primarily lies in their God, and always has. It is my prayer, that they seek God like never before, turn their eyes and hearts towards Him, for He is stronger than any forces that may come against them.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, we read, "pray without ceasing,". Realize this does not mean that we must be on our knees 24/7. Prayer is the constant awareness of and communion with God. This is what we should always be doing, and especially now when faced with evil on display. If we seek Him, God will indeed communicate with us. Some of what He says may comfort us, other times it may convict us, but we are to be His mouthpiece, and not censor what it is that He speaks forth. At times what He shows us may not be popular, but nevertheless, we, His children must speak it forth, as we read what Jeremiah went through, being mocked and treated harshly for speaking forth God's word in Jeremiah 20:9-11, "Then I said, "I will not make mention of Him, Nor speak anymore in His name." But His word was in my heart like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not. For I heard many mocking: "Fear on every side!" "Report," they say, "and we will report it!" All my acquaintances watched for my stumbling, saying, "Perhaps he can be induced; Then we will prevail against him, And we will take our revenge on him." But the Lord is with me as a mighty, awesome One. Therefore my persecutors will stumble, and will not prevail. They will be greatly ashamed, for they will not prosper. Their everlasting confusion will never be forgotten."
We, in Christ, must be sensitive, but outspoken. We need to be in continuous communication with God, and make sure that what we are stating from Him is from Him. God has called us to be bold at such a time as this. As events unfold in our nation or anywhere in this world, we are to remember that God is sovereign. Nothing occurs outside of His sight. When evil surrounds, seek Him. When things don't seem fair or right, seek Him. When it seems like the world is going in the wrong direction, seek Him. God's plan is and will continue to move forward according to His timetable. He is good. He is righteous. If we seek Him, things will make sense, otherwise, if eyes remain off of Him, confusion and disillusionment result. We praise you God, in the good times and in the storms of life.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: