Where in the World?

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“I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” — Jeremiah 32:27

Have you ever wondered. . . .

Where in the world did we get the idea that sin has no consequences?

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” — Galatians 6:7.8

Where in the world did we get the idea that celebrities have all the answers to life?

“For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight.” — 1 Corinthians 3:19

Where in the world did we get the idea that biblical roles of manhood and womanhood are out of date?

“. . . .each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” — Ephesians 5:33

Where in the world did we get the idea that nothing would ever go wrong in life?

Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33

Where in the world did we get the idea that when there is a time of trouble in a marriage that the only answer is divorce?

“Haven’t you read,” He (Jesus) replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” — Matthew 19:4-6

Where in the world did we get the idea that “if I have my health, I have everything?”

“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” — 1 Timothy 4:8

Where in the world did we get the idea that “the one who dies with the most toys wins?”

Jesus said, “What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?” — Matthew 16:26

Where in the world did we get the idea that there was no hope for PTSD sufferers?

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: . . . .A time to kill and a time to heal . . .” — Ecclesiastes 3:1-3

Where in the world did we get the idea that God is not with us downrange, or at home?

“Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit? To be out of your sight? If I climb to the sky, you’re there! If I go underground, you’re there! If I flew on morning’s wings to the far western horizon, You’d find me in a minute—you’re already there waiting!”— Psalm 139:7-10 (The Message)

Where in the world did we get the idea that “fooling around” is okay because “everyone is doin’ it?”

“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” — Hebrews 13:4

Where in the world did we get the idea that there is no such thing as absolute truth?

“Jesus answered, ‘. . . . In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.’” — John 18:37

Where in the world did we get the idea that nothing good for my family can come out of being separated by deployment?

“. . .but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.” — Romans 5:4,5

Where in the world did we get the idea that the Old Testament isn’t relevant?

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” — 2 Timothy 3:16,17

Where in the world did we get the idea that God cannot heal a broken marriage?

“Jesus looked at them and said, . . . . all things are possible with God.” — Mark 10:27

Where in the world did we get the idea that the purpose of life is to be happy?

“And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” — Micah 6:8

Where in the world did we get these ideas? Answer–In the world. . . .

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world.”— 1 John 2:15-17

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

So when you are faced with a situation, where do you look for answers? Be careful not to just rely on your own thoughts and feelings, perhaps influenced by well-meaning friends or relatives whose suggestions might be “worldly.”  “My buddy says I should ________.” “My sister thinks that I should _______.”

What does God say you should do? Truth is in His word, the Bible.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5,6

Questions to Share:

1. What situation are you facing right now for which you need God’s guidance?

2. Pray for God to guide you to trust Him for direction.