“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22 NIV
God has a plan. He loves us all. His plan is proof… His good and perfect plan! He spells His plan out for us many times over. His messaging is broadcast multiple times throughout Scripture and Nature. Sometimes we miss God’s “show” because we are too caught up in producing our own show.
John Lennon of the very popular Beatles rock band once made the comment that they were more popular than Jesus.
From a young John Lennon’s vantage point, I’m sure that appeared true or he wouldn’t have said it. But instead of compassionately investigating why he would say such a thing, there was a public outcry basically for his head! People burned Beatles records and condemned John for his simple comment.
I’m sure in the limelight that the Beatles were living in, and from the self centered mindset of society, that just seemed true to John. Maybe it was true. But instead of society taking responsibility for giving a young artist that impression, society basically crucified John Lennon out of fear that he was right.
Sounds familiar doesn’t it. Jesus went through a similar scenario.
Communication
God Spirit “talks” to us in multiple ways. The most important thing that we have to do in our lives is to pray, look and listen for God’s directing messaging. Some of us are not able because we’re too focused on our own audience. see John 9:31
His Spiritual messages come to us through Scripture, Nature, other people and our own mind when we pray. God works in mysterious ways. He uses all sorts of people and sometimes surprising means to relay a message. Remember, we are assured that something good will be the ultimate final outcome no matter how horrible things seem! When we are seeking, discerning and quiet it’s easier to “hear” God’s messaging. see Matthew 6:6. see Psalms 46:10
Antagonist
Satan is strong… it takes a lot of prayer and perseverance to overcome the Devil’s influence. Satan does not want us to know God’s good and perfect plan. The Devil works hard to confuse us. Satan does his job all too well. see Philippians 2:13
Credits
God understands our plight. He created us AND the stage we’re living on. He put up all the “props” and wrote the entire “screenplay”. But it’s up to you and me to appropriately “act” out our roles. God did not write our lines, We get to write our own lines and God Spirit is ready, willing and able to help.
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV
