Dearly Beloved,
THE SAME NUMBER OF BRICKS WITHOUT THE SUPPLY OF STRAW
“You are no longer to supply the people with straw for making bricks; let them go and gather their own straw. But require them to make the same number of bricks as before; don't reduce the quota” (Exodus 5:7-8 NIV).
One of the cruelest treatments of human beings by other fellow human beings was recorded in Exodus Chapter Five. The Egyptians were maltreating the people of Israel because the former saw the latter as a national threat. The latter sought reprieve and this led to more maltreatment: the Israelites were to continue making bricks without the usual provision of straw and their daily production quota remained the same. They protested to Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, who was the architect of this maltreatment, but he was not ready to listen. The Israelites thought that their God would not fight for them, but He did fight and rescue them from these tyrants.
There are many ways in which people are maltreating other people today. Such people think that they can go on in their nefarious and inhuman acts against their fellow human beings unpunished. So, they unabatedly continue in such acts even with pride. Most of the time, the maltreated people may think that there is no remedy for them. However, God will indeed fight for them. As He did fought for the Israelites and delivered them from such tyrants.
Are you been maltreated in any way? Are you required to produce the same number of bricks without the supply of straw like the Israelites? Does it seem as if God is not fighting for you? He will indeed fight for you. The Psalmist declared: “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me” (138:7 NIV).
However, if you are the oppressor, remember that there is Somebody (God) that will repay you accordingly one day.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Quote for the Day 30Jul2010
In this fast-paced, get-ahead world, it is easy to wear ourselves down - pressing ahead and moving forward at all costs. But even in our desire to be effective Christians, we must consistently be willing to retreat into God’s presence. Only in the refreshing of His strength can we find the resources to move forward in our service for Him. Retreat in Jesus before moving forward. - Bill Crowder
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Quote for the Day 29Jul2010
Being rich is not about money. Being rich is a state of mind. Some of us, no matter how much money we have, will never be free enough to take time to stop and eat the heart of the watermelon. And some of us will be rich without ever being more than a paycheck ahead of the game. - Harvey Mackay
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Quote for the Day 28Jul2010
The real winners in life are the people who look at every situation with an expectation that they can make it work or make it better. - Barbara Pletcher
Monday, July 26, 2010
Quote for the Day 27Jul2010
Failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker. Failure is delay, not defeat. It is a temporary detour, not a dead end. Failure is something we can avoid only by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing. - Denis Waitley
Saturday, July 24, 2010
FORGIVE GOD! (Part 5)
Dearly Beloved,
FORGIVE GOD! (Part 5)
“When I refused to confess my sin, I was weak and miserable, and I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide them. I said to myself, ‘I will confess my rebellion to the LORD.’ And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone” (Psalm 32:3-5 NLT).
This is the concluding part of this message. To say that there are no evil or life challenges is like hiding behind a finger. To say that people are not angry with God when such evil or life challenges occur is even worse. People do get angry with God, even the most religious or spiritual people, when they are faced with unpleasant side of life. The best thing is to admit this fact and “forgive” God. “You see, if you harbour anger against your God and do not confess it, guess what; you are the one who suffers.” In spite of the fact that God has not done anything wrong and He does not need our forgiveness as we need His. However, since we have been treating Him as if He offends us, we have to do some things.
“The many Biblical terms translated in English as ‘forgive’ reflect an assortment of meanings: to cancel debts; to lay aside or to cast away sins; to spare, to cleanse, to rescue or to free a sinner.” To “forgive” God means to be reconciled with Him by removing the barriers that separate us from Him, especially from trusting Him for who He is.
The first barrier is the barrier of silence. Do not remain silent when you are going through any life challenge. Communicate it to God. Express to Him how you feel about it, and ask Him to help you pass through the situation successfully.
The second barrier is the barrier of bitterness. “This is perhaps the most difficult barrier to get rid of, for it requires us to acknowledge that we are actually bitter toward God. This is tough for most of us, for who wants to admit that he has the audacity to hold a grudge against God?” However, admit that you are bitter about the situation and let God know how bitter you are.
Another barrier is that of ingratitude. Most of the people that are angry with God never think of God’s goodness over their lives. They take God for granted when life is pleasant. They consider the good things of life as normal things. However, when they are faced with the other side of life, they start questioning the existence and power of God. If gratitude to God has been our lifestyle, it will be difficult to be angry with Him even when it seems that He does not care about what is happening to us. That hymn writer said, “Count your many blessings one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.” In fact, many of the popular hymns were composed by people that had causes to be angry with God because of their bitter life challenges, but because they were not blocked by ingratitude barrier, they could compose inspiring hymns that still glorify God today.
In conclusion, when God gives you a difficult teacher, assignment, or problem to work through, He wants you to trust Him and spend quality time with Him. You do not need to be angry with Him or hold any grudge against Him. He will see you through your life challenges, and you will soon testify to His goodness in Jesus’ name. Amen.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
1. I am so grateful to Rev. Dr. Fred Deegbe who gave me the permission to adapt his book “Forgive God!” in this serialized message. I am grateful also to everyone that has reacted either positively or negatively to the message. The book and your reactions have given me greater insight to the providence and sovereignty of God in dealing with the problem of evil and challenges of life.
2. If you miss any part of the message or you need a compressed version of the whole message, write me at spiritualdigest@yahoo.com. Remember that the message is adapted from a book. I can send the soft copy of the book to you also on request.
3. My two-week ministry-related visit to Mozambique has been postponed at the last minute due to a new development on the South Africa transit visa. Many thanks to all that have been praying for this journey. Continue to pray with me as I now process the South Africa transit visa. The reserved return ticket can be rescheduled.
God bless you!
FORGIVE GOD! (Part 5)
“When I refused to confess my sin, I was weak and miserable, and I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide them. I said to myself, ‘I will confess my rebellion to the LORD.’ And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone” (Psalm 32:3-5 NLT).
This is the concluding part of this message. To say that there are no evil or life challenges is like hiding behind a finger. To say that people are not angry with God when such evil or life challenges occur is even worse. People do get angry with God, even the most religious or spiritual people, when they are faced with unpleasant side of life. The best thing is to admit this fact and “forgive” God. “You see, if you harbour anger against your God and do not confess it, guess what; you are the one who suffers.” In spite of the fact that God has not done anything wrong and He does not need our forgiveness as we need His. However, since we have been treating Him as if He offends us, we have to do some things.
“The many Biblical terms translated in English as ‘forgive’ reflect an assortment of meanings: to cancel debts; to lay aside or to cast away sins; to spare, to cleanse, to rescue or to free a sinner.” To “forgive” God means to be reconciled with Him by removing the barriers that separate us from Him, especially from trusting Him for who He is.
The first barrier is the barrier of silence. Do not remain silent when you are going through any life challenge. Communicate it to God. Express to Him how you feel about it, and ask Him to help you pass through the situation successfully.
The second barrier is the barrier of bitterness. “This is perhaps the most difficult barrier to get rid of, for it requires us to acknowledge that we are actually bitter toward God. This is tough for most of us, for who wants to admit that he has the audacity to hold a grudge against God?” However, admit that you are bitter about the situation and let God know how bitter you are.
Another barrier is that of ingratitude. Most of the people that are angry with God never think of God’s goodness over their lives. They take God for granted when life is pleasant. They consider the good things of life as normal things. However, when they are faced with the other side of life, they start questioning the existence and power of God. If gratitude to God has been our lifestyle, it will be difficult to be angry with Him even when it seems that He does not care about what is happening to us. That hymn writer said, “Count your many blessings one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.” In fact, many of the popular hymns were composed by people that had causes to be angry with God because of their bitter life challenges, but because they were not blocked by ingratitude barrier, they could compose inspiring hymns that still glorify God today.
In conclusion, when God gives you a difficult teacher, assignment, or problem to work through, He wants you to trust Him and spend quality time with Him. You do not need to be angry with Him or hold any grudge against Him. He will see you through your life challenges, and you will soon testify to His goodness in Jesus’ name. Amen.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
1. I am so grateful to Rev. Dr. Fred Deegbe who gave me the permission to adapt his book “Forgive God!” in this serialized message. I am grateful also to everyone that has reacted either positively or negatively to the message. The book and your reactions have given me greater insight to the providence and sovereignty of God in dealing with the problem of evil and challenges of life.
2. If you miss any part of the message or you need a compressed version of the whole message, write me at spiritualdigest@yahoo.com. Remember that the message is adapted from a book. I can send the soft copy of the book to you also on request.
3. My two-week ministry-related visit to Mozambique has been postponed at the last minute due to a new development on the South Africa transit visa. Many thanks to all that have been praying for this journey. Continue to pray with me as I now process the South Africa transit visa. The reserved return ticket can be rescheduled.
God bless you!
Monday, July 19, 2010
TWO-WEEK MINISTRY-RELATED MOZAMBIQUE TRIP: POSSIBLY OFFLINE
TWO-WEEK MINISTRY-RELATED MOZAMBIQUE TRIP: POSSIBLY OFFLINE
I am going to Mozambique this week for a two-week ministry-related visit. Since I will be going to the northern part of the country to join a friend in his mission work there, I may be offline for the period. You will likely miss my daily quotes and responses to mails. PRAY WITH ME FOR A SUCCESSFUL VISIT especially in every place I will minister in that country. Till I come back. God bless you!
I am going to Mozambique this week for a two-week ministry-related visit. Since I will be going to the northern part of the country to join a friend in his mission work there, I may be offline for the period. You will likely miss my daily quotes and responses to mails. PRAY WITH ME FOR A SUCCESSFUL VISIT especially in every place I will minister in that country. Till I come back. God bless you!
Quote for the Day 20Jul2010
Life is a mirror. If you face it with a smile, it smiles right back at you! - Author Unknown
Quote for the Day 19Jul2010
To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you. - Lewis B. Smedes
Saturday, July 17, 2010
FORGIVE GOD! (Part 4)
Dearly Beloved,
FORGIVE GOD! (Part 4)
“Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.... For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night” (Psalm 90:2, 4 NIV).
“We know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28 NIV).
This part will discuss two important doctrines about God - the providence of God and the sovereignty of God. This will make one to better understand the ways that God deals with men, and it will determine whether God really needs man’s forgiveness or not.
It is evident from the Bible and human experience that God is faithful and effective in taking care of His creation and in guiding His people wherever they go in accordance with His purposes and plans for each person. Man and any other creature are like clay while He is the great Potter that shapes the clay to His taste. He knows all things. He has a reason for allowing anything to happen to His people. One may not know now, but, one may know later. However, it is definite that everything will be clear to us at the end of age. So, one needs not worry about challenges of life. God knows how He will handle them for us. However, if He does not handle them the way we want, we must know that He has a better (though unknown) plan for us.
Closely related to the providence of God is His sovereignty. “This doctrine teaches that God is the Lord of creation, the source of all things, who brought the world into being and who guides His creation toward a meaningful end as He intended it.” When any evil thing happens, it may be as a result of someone’s action or inaction. However, there are some evil things that beyond human reasoning. Whatever happens, one must know that God is still in control of the universe. Admittedly, this has made most people to be angry with God. If He is in control, why did He allow such evil thing to happen? But, mostly, He allows evil things for a better purpose for us and other people around us. “Joseph’s story in Genesis 37–50 is an example of the manifestation of God’s sovereignty. It shows a commendable attitude in the face of hardship, suffering and injustice.” At the end of the story, he told his brothers (who were the initial architects of his predicaments), “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20 NIV). As Christians we must be ready to take every little thing that happens to us in faith knowing that it is all part of God’s bigger and better plans for our lives. Jesus Christ was unjustly crucified while a notorious robber was released, but the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ brought about the salvation of anyone who accepts Him as personal Saviour and Lord.
If God, in His providence and sovereignty, knows the best for His creatures even when it seems that evil is prevailing, no human being ought to be angry with Him for any reason not to talk of forgiving Him for His action or inaction. To say that we should forgive God is like blaspheming. However, how should we relate with Him when it seems He has offended us by what happens to us? This will be the thrust of the concluding part of this message.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
I am going to Mozambique this week for a two-week ministry-related visit. Since I will be going to the northern part of the country to join a friend in his mission work there, I may be offline for the period. Pray with me for a successful visit especially in every place I will minister in that country. Till I come back. God bless you!
FORGIVE GOD! (Part 4)
“Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.... For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night” (Psalm 90:2, 4 NIV).
“We know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28 NIV).
This part will discuss two important doctrines about God - the providence of God and the sovereignty of God. This will make one to better understand the ways that God deals with men, and it will determine whether God really needs man’s forgiveness or not.
It is evident from the Bible and human experience that God is faithful and effective in taking care of His creation and in guiding His people wherever they go in accordance with His purposes and plans for each person. Man and any other creature are like clay while He is the great Potter that shapes the clay to His taste. He knows all things. He has a reason for allowing anything to happen to His people. One may not know now, but, one may know later. However, it is definite that everything will be clear to us at the end of age. So, one needs not worry about challenges of life. God knows how He will handle them for us. However, if He does not handle them the way we want, we must know that He has a better (though unknown) plan for us.
Closely related to the providence of God is His sovereignty. “This doctrine teaches that God is the Lord of creation, the source of all things, who brought the world into being and who guides His creation toward a meaningful end as He intended it.” When any evil thing happens, it may be as a result of someone’s action or inaction. However, there are some evil things that beyond human reasoning. Whatever happens, one must know that God is still in control of the universe. Admittedly, this has made most people to be angry with God. If He is in control, why did He allow such evil thing to happen? But, mostly, He allows evil things for a better purpose for us and other people around us. “Joseph’s story in Genesis 37–50 is an example of the manifestation of God’s sovereignty. It shows a commendable attitude in the face of hardship, suffering and injustice.” At the end of the story, he told his brothers (who were the initial architects of his predicaments), “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20 NIV). As Christians we must be ready to take every little thing that happens to us in faith knowing that it is all part of God’s bigger and better plans for our lives. Jesus Christ was unjustly crucified while a notorious robber was released, but the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ brought about the salvation of anyone who accepts Him as personal Saviour and Lord.
If God, in His providence and sovereignty, knows the best for His creatures even when it seems that evil is prevailing, no human being ought to be angry with Him for any reason not to talk of forgiving Him for His action or inaction. To say that we should forgive God is like blaspheming. However, how should we relate with Him when it seems He has offended us by what happens to us? This will be the thrust of the concluding part of this message.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
I am going to Mozambique this week for a two-week ministry-related visit. Since I will be going to the northern part of the country to join a friend in his mission work there, I may be offline for the period. Pray with me for a successful visit especially in every place I will minister in that country. Till I come back. God bless you!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Quote for the Day 14Jul2010
Trusting in God is a habit we can significantly develop when we experience difficult circumstances that we cannot fully control. God wants to know whom we trust when the going gets tough. - Sean Yarbrough
Monday, July 12, 2010
Quote for the Day 13Jul2010
It is not what others believe about you that matters. Opinions can be changed. It is what you believe about yourself! - Bob Gass
Quote for the Day 12Jul2010
God tests our faith, character, obedience, love, loyalty and integrity through many of the circumstances we face daily and the choices we make. - Rick Warren
Saturday, July 10, 2010
FORGIVE GOD! (Part 3)
Dearly Beloved,
FORGIVE GOD! (Part 3)
“The LORD's anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down and he died there beside the ark of God. Then David was angry because the LORD's wrath had broken out against Uzzah, and to this day that place is called Perez Uzzah” (2 Samuel 6:7-8 NIV).
In the second part of this message last week, five reasons were highlighted why people may get angry with God. In this third part, how people handle their anger will be discussed. It has been established earlier in this series that anger is an essential part of man. However, “Counsellors have noted that there are four ways of approaching anger. Three are unhealthy: suppressing anger, open aggression and passive aggression. The fourth which is the [healthiest] is expressing anger.”
One can suppress one’s anger when one refuses or hesitates to admit that one is angry. Such a person would not want other people to know that he is angry. Even, when it is glaring that he has been provoked, he would pretend as if nothing has happened. Such people are dangerous and they really do not like themselves.
One can express one’s anger openly in an aggressive manner. Such a person is tend to openly criticize, abuse, fight with, or/and gossip about the person he is angry with. If the person is angry with God, he may deny His existence, power, or withdraw from serving Him. Such person indeed needs to forgive God!
People that passively express their aggression may be silent and transfer such aggression to another person. Such people are “snake under grass.” David was angry with God for killing Uzzah, but he transferred his anger indirectly to Obed-Edom (see 2 Samuel 6).
One can however express one’s anger in a healthy manner if “the anger is directed at a wrongdoing or behaviour. In this case, the right or justified anger is disciplined and under control.” This kind of expression is purposeful and seeks to correct a bad situation. Jesus Christ demonstrated this when He drove away all the people that were buying and selling in the temple (see John 2:14-16). Nonetheless, there are some examples in the Old Testament of people that expressed their anger against God for what they perceived God did wrong. Jonah’s case is a classic example (see Jonah 4).
In any case, the way one views life will determine the way one expresses one’s anger. If one agrees that life itself is a test and that as Rick Warren puts it, “God tests our faith, character, obedience, love, loyalty and integrity through many of the circumstances we face daily and the choices we make,” then even if one is angry with God, one will easily forgive God and seek what God wants to bring out of the test of life whether it is a disproportionate punishment, a perceived injustice, blocked goals or unmet desires, acts of Satan, or even “acts of God.”
How do you handle your anger? Do you pretend as if you are not angry, do you transfer it to other person, do you openly and aggressively express it, or do you healthily and purposefully express it to right the wrong?
The next part of this message will enable us to further gain a perspective on our lives and circumstances and eventually forgive God as two very important doctrines - the providence of God and the sovereignty of God will be discussed. Till next week, forgive God!
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
FORGIVE GOD! (Part 3)
“The LORD's anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down and he died there beside the ark of God. Then David was angry because the LORD's wrath had broken out against Uzzah, and to this day that place is called Perez Uzzah” (2 Samuel 6:7-8 NIV).
In the second part of this message last week, five reasons were highlighted why people may get angry with God. In this third part, how people handle their anger will be discussed. It has been established earlier in this series that anger is an essential part of man. However, “Counsellors have noted that there are four ways of approaching anger. Three are unhealthy: suppressing anger, open aggression and passive aggression. The fourth which is the [healthiest] is expressing anger.”
One can suppress one’s anger when one refuses or hesitates to admit that one is angry. Such a person would not want other people to know that he is angry. Even, when it is glaring that he has been provoked, he would pretend as if nothing has happened. Such people are dangerous and they really do not like themselves.
One can express one’s anger openly in an aggressive manner. Such a person is tend to openly criticize, abuse, fight with, or/and gossip about the person he is angry with. If the person is angry with God, he may deny His existence, power, or withdraw from serving Him. Such person indeed needs to forgive God!
People that passively express their aggression may be silent and transfer such aggression to another person. Such people are “snake under grass.” David was angry with God for killing Uzzah, but he transferred his anger indirectly to Obed-Edom (see 2 Samuel 6).
One can however express one’s anger in a healthy manner if “the anger is directed at a wrongdoing or behaviour. In this case, the right or justified anger is disciplined and under control.” This kind of expression is purposeful and seeks to correct a bad situation. Jesus Christ demonstrated this when He drove away all the people that were buying and selling in the temple (see John 2:14-16). Nonetheless, there are some examples in the Old Testament of people that expressed their anger against God for what they perceived God did wrong. Jonah’s case is a classic example (see Jonah 4).
In any case, the way one views life will determine the way one expresses one’s anger. If one agrees that life itself is a test and that as Rick Warren puts it, “God tests our faith, character, obedience, love, loyalty and integrity through many of the circumstances we face daily and the choices we make,” then even if one is angry with God, one will easily forgive God and seek what God wants to bring out of the test of life whether it is a disproportionate punishment, a perceived injustice, blocked goals or unmet desires, acts of Satan, or even “acts of God.”
How do you handle your anger? Do you pretend as if you are not angry, do you transfer it to other person, do you openly and aggressively express it, or do you healthily and purposefully express it to right the wrong?
The next part of this message will enable us to further gain a perspective on our lives and circumstances and eventually forgive God as two very important doctrines - the providence of God and the sovereignty of God will be discussed. Till next week, forgive God!
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Quote for the Day 08Jul2010
Where we put our money reveals much about our spiritual life. - John Maxwell
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Quote for the Day 07Jul2010
On this 7th day of the 7th month of the year, the Lord will perfect that which concerns you; because His mercy endures forever He will not forsake you in Jesus name. Amen. (Ps 138:8). - Bayo Afolaranmi
Monday, July 5, 2010
Quote for the Day 06Jul2010
Do not underestimate the destructive power of sin. If there are strongholds in your life that you have never defeated, the Holy Spirit is still prepared to bring you complete victory. - Henry Blackaby
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Quote for the Day 05Jul2010
Have setbacks slowed you down to a snail’s pace? Be encouraged. God does not ask for a fast finish. He expects persevering progress. - Dennis Fisher
Saturday, July 3, 2010
FORGIVE GOD! (Part 2)
Dearly Beloved,
Expectedly, there are both positive and negative reactions to the first part of this message last week. I have admitted in that first part that the title of the message sounds somehow blasphemous. However, I will implore you to be patient and follow this serialized message to the last part and discover the conclusion of the original author of the book that is being adapted and my own conclusion as well.
Here is the second part of the adapted message:
FORGIVE GOD! (Part 2)
“I cry out to you, O God, but you do not answer; I stand up, but you merely look at me. You turn on me ruthlessly; with the might of your hand you attack me” (Job 30:20-21 NIV).
Two things were established in the first part of this message: one, suffering and evil are inevitable, and two, one needs to forgive God! This second part will deal with why people get angry with God.
There are five reasons why people may get angry with God.
Reason One: one may feel that the punishment that one is getting for one’s wrongdoing extremely outweighs the wrongdoings. Cain was a good example of this (see Genesis 4).
Reason Two: one may feel that one is not getting fair treatment or reward from God or any other person/institution for one’s good deeds. The elder brother in the Parable of the Prodigal Son (see Luke 15:25-32) and the labourers in the Parable of the Labourers in the Vineyard (see Matthew 20:1-16) demonstrated this.
Reason Three: one may be angry with God if one has “blocked” goals or unmet desires. One might have been serving God with the anticipation that He would meet one’s desires and help one to achieve one’s goals. However, a fact of life is, “We do not always get what we deserve or want in life.” This may be as a result of not fitting into God’s plans and purposes for one’s life, or wrong/selfish desires. James clarified this in his epistle (4:3). One has to always remember that declaration of the Lord in Isaiah 55:8-9, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.... As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (NIV).
Reason Four: one may have illness, particularly chronic ones, and hereditary conditions that are challenges of life. Such a “person so challenged and afflicted feels so helpless and sometimes may be angry with God for [his/her] affliction.” At times, God does glorify Himself in such afflictions.
Reason Five: God may deliberately allow Satan to cause hardship on people, or He may allow what can be referred to as “acts of God” (things that are beyond human control) to happen that will make people to be angry with Him. Job was a classic example here, and he did express his anger towards God. While I deliberately do not make use of any real life stories that Dr. Deegbe used in his book to illustrate his arguments, let me make use of this that happened to a very close person to me just some days ago. She was preparing for her wedding last weekend, and the husband-to-be died mysteriously two days to the wedding day. It is so painful. Why did God allow such?
Have you been, or are you in any of these situations? How did or do you feel for such situation? How have you handled, or how are you handling the situation? Did or does the situation make you to be angry with yourself, other person/people around you, or even God? How should you deal with your anger in any of these situations? This will be the thrust of the second part of this adapted message next week.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
You can send your comments/reactions directly to Rev. Dr. Fred Deegbe (the author of the book “Forgive God!”) through his email: fdeegbe@gmail.com. Dr. Deegbe is a trained counsellor and ordained pastor of Ghana Baptist Convention. God bless you!
Expectedly, there are both positive and negative reactions to the first part of this message last week. I have admitted in that first part that the title of the message sounds somehow blasphemous. However, I will implore you to be patient and follow this serialized message to the last part and discover the conclusion of the original author of the book that is being adapted and my own conclusion as well.
Here is the second part of the adapted message:
FORGIVE GOD! (Part 2)
“I cry out to you, O God, but you do not answer; I stand up, but you merely look at me. You turn on me ruthlessly; with the might of your hand you attack me” (Job 30:20-21 NIV).
Two things were established in the first part of this message: one, suffering and evil are inevitable, and two, one needs to forgive God! This second part will deal with why people get angry with God.
There are five reasons why people may get angry with God.
Reason One: one may feel that the punishment that one is getting for one’s wrongdoing extremely outweighs the wrongdoings. Cain was a good example of this (see Genesis 4).
Reason Two: one may feel that one is not getting fair treatment or reward from God or any other person/institution for one’s good deeds. The elder brother in the Parable of the Prodigal Son (see Luke 15:25-32) and the labourers in the Parable of the Labourers in the Vineyard (see Matthew 20:1-16) demonstrated this.
Reason Three: one may be angry with God if one has “blocked” goals or unmet desires. One might have been serving God with the anticipation that He would meet one’s desires and help one to achieve one’s goals. However, a fact of life is, “We do not always get what we deserve or want in life.” This may be as a result of not fitting into God’s plans and purposes for one’s life, or wrong/selfish desires. James clarified this in his epistle (4:3). One has to always remember that declaration of the Lord in Isaiah 55:8-9, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.... As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (NIV).
Reason Four: one may have illness, particularly chronic ones, and hereditary conditions that are challenges of life. Such a “person so challenged and afflicted feels so helpless and sometimes may be angry with God for [his/her] affliction.” At times, God does glorify Himself in such afflictions.
Reason Five: God may deliberately allow Satan to cause hardship on people, or He may allow what can be referred to as “acts of God” (things that are beyond human control) to happen that will make people to be angry with Him. Job was a classic example here, and he did express his anger towards God. While I deliberately do not make use of any real life stories that Dr. Deegbe used in his book to illustrate his arguments, let me make use of this that happened to a very close person to me just some days ago. She was preparing for her wedding last weekend, and the husband-to-be died mysteriously two days to the wedding day. It is so painful. Why did God allow such?
Have you been, or are you in any of these situations? How did or do you feel for such situation? How have you handled, or how are you handling the situation? Did or does the situation make you to be angry with yourself, other person/people around you, or even God? How should you deal with your anger in any of these situations? This will be the thrust of the second part of this adapted message next week.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
You can send your comments/reactions directly to Rev. Dr. Fred Deegbe (the author of the book “Forgive God!”) through his email: fdeegbe@gmail.com. Dr. Deegbe is a trained counsellor and ordained pastor of Ghana Baptist Convention. God bless you!
FORGIVE GOD! (Part 2)
Dearly Beloved,
Expectedly, there are both positive and negative reactions to the first part of this message last week. I have admitted in that first part that the title of the message sounds somehow blasphemous. However, I will implore you to be patient and follow this serialized message to the last part and discover the conclusion of the original author of the book that is being adapted and my own conclusion as well.
Here is the second part of the adapted message:
FORGIVE GOD! (Part 2)
“I cry out to you, O God, but you do not answer; I stand up, but you merely look at me. You turn on me ruthlessly; with the might of your hand you attack me” (Job 30:20-21 NIV).
Two things were established in the first part of this message: one, suffering and evil are inevitable, and two, one needs to forgive God! This second part will deal with why people get angry with God.
There are five reasons why people may get angry with God.
Reason One: one may feel that the punishment that one is getting for one’s wrongdoing extremely outweighs the wrongdoings. Cain was a good example of this (see Genesis 4).
Reason Two: one may feel that one is not getting fair treatment or reward from God or any other person/institution for one’s good deeds. The elder brother in the Parable of the Prodigal Son (see Luke 15:25-32) and the labourers in the Parable of the Labourers in the Vineyard (see Matthew 20:1-16) demonstrated this.
Reason Three: one may be angry with God if one has “blocked” goals or unmet desires. One might have been serving God with the anticipation that He would meet one’s desires and help one to achieve one’s goals. However, a fact of life is, “We do not always get what we deserve or want in life.” This may be as a result of not fitting into God’s plans and purposes for one’s life, or wrong/selfish desires. James clarified this in his epistle (4:3). One has to always remember that declaration of the Lord in Isaiah 55:8-9, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.... As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (NIV).
Reason Four: one may have illness, particularly chronic ones, and hereditary conditions that are challenges of life. Such a “person so challenged and afflicted feels so helpless and sometimes may be angry with God for [his/her] affliction.” At times, God does glorify Himself in such afflictions.
Reason Five: God may deliberately allow Satan to cause hardship on people, or He may allow what can be referred to as “acts of God” (things that are beyond human control) to happen that will make people to be angry with Him. Job was a classic example here, and he did express his anger towards God. While I deliberately do not make use of any real life stories that Dr. Deegbe used in his book to illustrate his arguments, let me make use of this that happened to a very close person to me just some days ago. She was preparing for her wedding last weekend, and the husband-to-be died mysteriously two days to the wedding day. It is so painful. Why did God allow such?
Have you been, or are you in any of these situations? How did or do you feel for such situation? How have you handled, or how are you handling the situation? Did or does the situation make you to be angry with yourself, other person/people around you, or even God? How should you deal with your anger in any of these situations? This will be the thrust of the second part of this adapted message next week.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
You can send your comments/reactions directly to Rev. Dr. Fred Deegbe (the author of the book “Forgive God!”) through his email: fdeegbe@gmail.com. Dr. Deegbe is a trained counsellor and ordained pastor of Ghana Baptist Convention. God bless you!
Expectedly, there are both positive and negative reactions to the first part of this message last week. I have admitted in that first part that the title of the message sounds somehow blasphemous. However, I will implore you to be patient and follow this serialized message to the last part and discover the conclusion of the original author of the book that is being adapted and my own conclusion as well.
Here is the second part of the adapted message:
FORGIVE GOD! (Part 2)
“I cry out to you, O God, but you do not answer; I stand up, but you merely look at me. You turn on me ruthlessly; with the might of your hand you attack me” (Job 30:20-21 NIV).
Two things were established in the first part of this message: one, suffering and evil are inevitable, and two, one needs to forgive God! This second part will deal with why people get angry with God.
There are five reasons why people may get angry with God.
Reason One: one may feel that the punishment that one is getting for one’s wrongdoing extremely outweighs the wrongdoings. Cain was a good example of this (see Genesis 4).
Reason Two: one may feel that one is not getting fair treatment or reward from God or any other person/institution for one’s good deeds. The elder brother in the Parable of the Prodigal Son (see Luke 15:25-32) and the labourers in the Parable of the Labourers in the Vineyard (see Matthew 20:1-16) demonstrated this.
Reason Three: one may be angry with God if one has “blocked” goals or unmet desires. One might have been serving God with the anticipation that He would meet one’s desires and help one to achieve one’s goals. However, a fact of life is, “We do not always get what we deserve or want in life.” This may be as a result of not fitting into God’s plans and purposes for one’s life, or wrong/selfish desires. James clarified this in his epistle (4:3). One has to always remember that declaration of the Lord in Isaiah 55:8-9, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.... As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (NIV).
Reason Four: one may have illness, particularly chronic ones, and hereditary conditions that are challenges of life. Such a “person so challenged and afflicted feels so helpless and sometimes may be angry with God for [his/her] affliction.” At times, God does glorify Himself in such afflictions.
Reason Five: God may deliberately allow Satan to cause hardship on people, or He may allow what can be referred to as “acts of God” (things that are beyond human control) to happen that will make people to be angry with Him. Job was a classic example here, and he did express his anger towards God. While I deliberately do not make use of any real life stories that Dr. Deegbe used in his book to illustrate his arguments, let me make use of this that happened to a very close person to me just some days ago. She was preparing for her wedding last weekend, and the husband-to-be died mysteriously two days to the wedding day. It is so painful. Why did God allow such?
Have you been, or are you in any of these situations? How did or do you feel for such situation? How have you handled, or how are you handling the situation? Did or does the situation make you to be angry with yourself, other person/people around you, or even God? How should you deal with your anger in any of these situations? This will be the thrust of the second part of this adapted message next week.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
You can send your comments/reactions directly to Rev. Dr. Fred Deegbe (the author of the book “Forgive God!”) through his email: fdeegbe@gmail.com. Dr. Deegbe is a trained counsellor and ordained pastor of Ghana Baptist Convention. God bless you!
Quote for the Day 03Jul2010
Do not bother yourself about the existence of enemies, just focus on God's grace on your life and be obedient to Him because He takes care of every situation. - Author Unknown
Friday, July 2, 2010
Quote for the Day 02Jul2010
God’s love does not keep us from trials; it helps us get through them. - Our Daily Bread
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