God Has Plays Favorites

“[The promise] is not only for those who live under the law of Moses but for anyone who lives with faith like that of Abraham.” - Romans 4:16 (NCV)

God doesn’t play favorites…regardless of your background, status, or sin. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a religious person, a formerly religious person, or if you have any religious background at all.

Romans 4:16 says, “[The promise] is not only for those who live under the law of Moses but for anyone who lives with faith like that of Abraham”. Who are these people who live under the Law of Moses? The Jews. The Jewish people were given the ways of God before anyone else.

Have you ever thought about why the Jews were called God’s chosen people? Does God love them more than he loves the rest of us? No. They were chosen for a purpose…to spread the message to everybody else that there is one true God. They were kind of like the missionaries to the rest of us.

Now God has taken that task and given it to the church, which includes everybody who puts their faith in Christ, regardless of their background. God says His salvation is available to anybody who opens up his or her heart in faith: “Everyone who calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13 NIV). There are no quotas in heaven. The Bible doesn’t say only really good people will be saved if they call on the Name of the Lord. Everyone who calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved.

The sad thing is many people still try to work their way into heaven, even though they know God offers His Gift of Grace. They think they can make themselves good enough…that they don’t need God’s Gift of salvation through Christ.

You may have done some really nifty things in life. But if you think they’re going to get you into heaven, forget it. The only way any of us gets in is by receiving God’s Gift of Grace, which is available to every person.

Your Journey Should Be Recorded

“Moses recorded their starting places according to their journeys by the command of the LORD, and these are their journeys according to their starting places.” - Numbers 33:2 NASB

There were many stops along the path toward the Promised Land as God guided the Israelites by cloud and fire throughout the wilderness for 40 years. Each divinely selected stop held an opportunity for the people to choose how they would react.

As they prepared to enter the Promised Land, Moses took time to record what had happened at each stop. This record proved how God had been with them. As they looked back, they could remember the times they had doubted Him, complained, and worried. But in the end, they realized they never had a reason to doubt. When they trusted Him and let Him guide them, they were always successful. He faithfully protected them, provided for them, and led them toward their destination.

As we read Moses’ account, we can evaluate the decisions the Israelites made each step of the way and see patterns that apply to our lives today.

Do you realize God has a plan for your life? Are you following Him and obeying His Word, trusting Him to guide you? Don’t give in to worry or fear, doubt or temptation.

Think about the significant events of your journey through life. Where has God taken you? How have you responded? How has God guided and provided for you? You need to journal your stops and record what happened on each stop of your journey.

Be encouraged. God cares about you, and He has a plan for your life. Trust Him and stay faithful to Him along your journey.

Father, thank You for directing my steps. I trust my life to You. Help me choose to have faith in You. In Yeshua’s Name…Amen.

Your Choices

“’Now hear this, you foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see; who have ears but do not hear. Do you not fear Me?’ declares the LORD… ‘This people has a stubborn and rebellious heart.’” - Jeremiah 5:21–23 NASB

Your choices matter to God. Are you making wise choices or foolish choices?

God’s people had become foolish and senseless. They knew about God but did not fear Him. In spite of His warnings, they ignored His Word.

Using a parallel from nature, God reminded them that the sea did not question the boundaries He had given. Waves might toss, but they did not prevail. However, His people were different, defying Him and flaunting His boundaries through their stubborn hearts and rebellion.

Out of compassion, God spoke through His prophets and urged them to change. He was ready to help, but they had to return to Him, fear Him, and submit their lives to Him. Still, they refused, filling their lives instead with sin. God knew their choices would inevitably lead to negative consequences. They were polluting their lives, and the result could only be judgment.

Even today, God offers us choices…blessings or curses, victory or defeat, mercy or judgment. And His Word tells us which choices will lead to His favor. Learn from the mistakes described in Scripture. Don’t be blinded by the ways of the world but humble yourself before Almighty God. Listen to His voice and live according to His Word. Submit your life to Him.

So many times, we choose to move ahead of God or allow others to influence or actions especially when we have prayed and trusted Him for a favorable outcome.  We need to wait patiently on the Lord to act, trusting only the voices that confirm what He spoke to us. His timing is perfect.

Let’s purpose to make choices that will result in God’s blessings. Pay attention to His warnings and obey Him. Seek forgiveness for your sins. Don’t allow godless people to poison your life but seek relationships with those who honor the Lord.

Lord, I humble myself and submit my life to You. Please right the wrongs in my life from the bad choices I’ve made. Help me make the right choices and experience Your favor. In Yeshua’s Name…Amen.