Something to Think About

A couple of interesting questions arose at Bible study last night.  No answers given but I love the questions.

 

What if Job had been in the garden?

 

Genesis 3:6

When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.

 

Job 2:9-10

His wife said to him, "Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!"  He replied, "You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?"   In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

 

 

 

If Satan is able to be in the presence of God, why can’t we?

 

Job 2:1

Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them to present himself before the LORD. 

 

Exodus 33:20     

“But,” he [God] said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.”

 

John 1:18

No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only,[a][b]who is at the Father's side, has made him known.

 

 

Have fun pondering.  Maybe I’ll blog about the plethora of thoughts running through my mind another time. 

 

 

Gift of Passion

Have you seen someone use a gift in a wrong way?

A few years ago, someone asked me what my passion was. I couldn’t come up with anything. Life was frustrating in those days. I was exhausted from trying to be everything I thought I should be and not enjoying any of it.

Then God gave me a gift – passion.

Now, I don’t think I actually asked for this gift. I thought it was something I needed to find. I’ve learned passion is a custom made gift from God. Finding it used on EBay is not a good idea. Passion requires a lot of energy and perseverance. It comes with rejection and pain as much as joy and excitement. And, once you’ve opened up your passion, it’s like a child’s favorite toy; it fits perfectly and you want to have it in everything you do.

Sometimes I misuse this gift. Like a child misusing a jump rope as a lasso, I’ve discovered this can be dangerous.

God has given me a passion to motivate people into a more intimate relationship with him. I love talking to people about their relationship with Christ and who God is. Generally, it is so apparent that my passion is intended for their good that I am not offensive even if they don’t agree with my statements.

But, when I use my passion in areas not designed for the gift I received, things can get messy.

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about the role of women in church. I can easily put my passion in action there but God has reminded me, once again, that is not the intent for the passion he gave me.

Yes, I will continue to study God’s word regarding the role of women because it is part of who God is and who he created me to be. I want to know God as much as I possibly can. The role of women in church is a worthy battle. But it is not the battlefield I’ve been called to.

The lesson I’ve learned from this experience is that when I’m in the wrong battlefield, I’m tempted to use my human logic to fight against an opposing person. Please accept my apologies if I wounded or irritated your flesh with the misuse of my gift of passion.

How about you? Are you in the right battlefield? Do you feel like you are fighting against the people around you or for them? Passion is an invigorating gift when it is used as intended. Don’t get wounded in the wrong battle. He has gifted you for the place he wants you to be.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Ephesians 6:10-12