My Journey 8/21 - 8/23/2010

God's insight to me:

Here are three devotionals by Adrian Rogers. This first one when I read it brought back an interview with Mother Teresa. She was asked that when she went to Heaven was there something she wanted to ask Jesus? Her answer was, "Why did so many have to suffer?" Adrian Rogers devotional I believe is right on. Even if we don't understand it, we chose what happened to us. If you didn't choose then maybe because of someone else' choice has caused you suffering. I truly believe that God does not want manor woman to suffer. As I read in the bible two verses stood out to me, Genesis 1:30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the heavens, and to every creeper on the earth which has in it a living soul every green plant is for food; and it was so. Genesis 2:16 And Jehovah God commanded the man, saying, You may freely eat of every tree in the garden. It was man's choice to change the structure of what we eat. So every since the fall of man and woman, when they were banished from the Garden of Eden, by their choice, enter sickness and problems. God did not create evil. God created man and gave him the ability to choose. God also gave us His Son, Jesus, who said in John 16:33 I have spoken these things to you so that you might have peace in Me. In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world. How did Christ overcome the world, on the Cross. Isaiah 53:4-5 Surely He has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was on Him; and with His stripes we ourselves are healed. Praise God!

This next devotional everyone should pay special attention to, Prayer is one our untapped resources. A personal conversation with God. Humans have a unique way of tuning each other out, but not God. He is always waiting to talk with us. Any minute, at any time, He is there, waiting on us. Each child of His has the Holy Spirit inside ready to intercede on our behalf. Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groaning which cannot be uttered. Thank You, Holy Spirit.

This final devotional "In Christ Jesus", should be each Christians daily battle cry. As it is written in the bible, Joshua 1:5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not fail you nor forsake you. Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

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August 21

Why Is there Suffering in the World?
By Adrian Rogers

"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." John 8:36

"If there is a God, and that God is a good God, then why is there suffering?"

"What kind of a God is it that has created evil?"

Ever heard those comments before? Ever made them yourself?

You're not alone. Many people have thought the same thing. But that's not straight thinking. Let me tell you the way it truly is.

God did not create evil. God created perfection. God made man perfectly free. The freedom He granted man meant that he had to be free to choose to love. Then in order to choose to love, we must be able to choose not to love. This freedom of choice gave rise to evil, for man's freedom meant he could make a wrong choice.

Which kind of love do you want from others? A forced love or a free love? Which sounds better, "I love you" or "I have to love you"?

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August 22

Pray to Be Heard of God, Not Men
by Adrian Rogers

"And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward." Matthew 6:5

One time a young professional was waiting for a meeting when he heard someone walking down the hallway. Thinking that this might be a potential client for him, he picked up his telephone and pretended to be having a high-powered conversation.

Soon the footsteps stopped at his desk. Looking up he asked, "What may I do for you?" The man standing before him replied, "I'm from the telephone company. I've come to hook up your phone."

Prayer is the same way. The prayer that gets our Savior's attention comes from the heart and not from the head, "to be heard by men." Prayers to impress people are one-way conversations.

Find a quiet place in your home where you can be alone with the Lord every day for a special time of communion with the Him. He is waiting for you there.

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August 23

To Be "in Christ Jesus"
By Adrian Rogers

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Romans 8:1

What does it mean to be "in Christ Jesus?" First, think about what it was for Noah to be in the ark. The ark was waterproof. How do we know it was? Well, God told Noah, "put pitch on the inside and on the outside" (Genesis 6:14). The word "pitch" in the Hebrew is kapar, and it is exactly the same word translated as "atonement." You see, we are in Jesus as Noah was in that ark. Just as the storms of God's wrath beat upon that ark, the storms of God's wrath beat upon the Lord Jesus. But we are on the inside, and not one drop of judgment can come through.

Read Romans 8:35-39. Reflect on the things that Paul says will never separate you from God's love. Give glory to God that your sins have been atoned for by the righteous blood of the Savior.