Hearing the voice of God is comforting, and it reminds you that you have a loving Father who cares about you and will always be with you. Andthey pour out drink offerings to other gods,to provoke me to anger. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid . Working for God without walking with Him will not give our works the desired value. Where were the parental boundaries? Gen 35:2)leading to great sins. In Genesis 17, God called Abraham to circumcise himself and the males in his household as a sign of faith. In the ancient world, sexual immorality was a part of religious worshippeople would have all types of gross sex to please the gods and seek prosperity. It is much harder to be faithful to God in ease than in difficulty. He listed them in verses 710. Congregations will find teachers who make them feel good by preaching myths. Paul wanted Timothy to hold fast to the truth of God, not allowing himself to be divided. Scripture Passage: Jeremiah 7:16-28 (NASB), 16As for you,do not pray for this people, or lift up a cry or prayer for them, and do not intercede with me, for I will not hear you. That is the life that goes beyond the one we live on earth to the one we will live in Heaven with God. This is what happens in a society that disregards God. Many countries coastlines are littered with plastic and debris, and there is an island of plastic more than the twice the size of Texas in the Pacific Ocean where currents have accumulated the debris. Commitment keeps you going even when you dont feel like praying or reading your Bible. 23But this command I gave them:Obey my voice, andI will be your God, and you shall be my people. Thats the view given by most English dictionariesa deemphasis on ones own importance. But that is what forgiving someone meansrestoring relationships to the status they enjoyed before the offense took place. Seeking the Lord means . But Hamor made this appeal to them: My son Shechem is in love with your daughter. Dwight L. Moody, The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. This is the eternal nature of having a strong relationship with God. In Genesis 35, after this terrible narrative, Jacob led his family in repentance. The journey of faith is not an easy one. And I have paid the price dearly. Hatred and anger are seeds of murder; therefore, when Christians allow those emotions to foster, they lead to acts of violence. But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.". Jesus understood this better and gave a standing instruction that anyone who wants to be His disciple must walk with Him (Mathew 16:24). It's easy to get misled by your own thoughts and emotions of what's right or wrong. Satan tries to sidetrack anybody with a spiritual interest. 1 Peter 5:5, NIV, What is humility? God loved them too much to allow them to continue in sin. As a Christian speaker, I teach the practical steps for renewing your mind, growing in faith and discovering your God-given purpose to help you live an abundant and joyful life. Oscar Amaechina is the president of Afri-Mission and Evangelism Network, Abuja, Nigeria. I pray for a heart that is pure and surrenders to you. There is not too much we read about Enoch in the Bible. Why is this happening? Goodbye hardship and heaviness. (3) Religion is also abused when it primarily focuses on people securing their passions, like lust or wealth, instead of holiness. After all, according to Paul in 1 Corinthians 13, love is known by its actions more than its words. Walking with God: Why It's So Important. Even when God gave them a way to repent and receive mercy, they still did not listen. King Saul was out of the will of God when he offered a sacrifice before going to war. Now Dinah, Leahs daughter whom she bore to Jacob, went to meet the young women of the land When Jacob heard that Shechem had violated his daughter Dinah, his sons were with the livestock in the field. They used to go in and out of the holy place and were praised in the city where they had done such things. Let us go up at once to Bethel. Though a sinner does evil a hundred times and prolongs his life, yet I know that it will be well with those who fear God, because they fear before him. Santa Barbara, CA: David Guzik. All rights reserved. Pauls letter to the people at Corinth was an exhortation to remain steadfast. Ecclesiastes 8:10-13 - Then I saw the wicked buried. You may not always know where God is leading you, but you can be sure that you will never get lost. When we declare Gods promises into our lives, they manifest and bless us tremendously, and the glory goes to God. Did you know in US Jews are harassed 7 times a day? Christians who burn with passion for God's work but refuse to acknowledge the importance of their walk with Him are missing it. Asa fortified the land and built a strong army, (14:6-8) but when the enemy struck, he did not rely on his army, but on God (14:11). His response appears to be hostile. Walking With God 3 1. Talent vs. Faithfulness: What is God Looking For? Then we will give you our daughters to marry, and we will take your daughters as wives for ourselves, and we will live among you and become one people. If they did that, then the two tribes could intermarry. Revelation 21:1. As time goes by, they become carnally minded, and this causes them to backslide. The moment we resolve to stand strong and walk away is when temptation grows most intense. Therefore, if we are to experience victory in this life, it will come only as we depend on Him. And walk in all the way that I command you,that it may be well with you.24But they did not obey or incline their ear,but walked in their own counsels andthe stubbornness of their evil hearts, andwent backward and not forward. It is not our pastors responsibility to feed us all we need to be spiritually healthyit is our responsibility. Sadly, we live in societies where abortions happen more than live births. Verse Concepts. This leads to children disrespecting teachers, bosses, government leaders, and even Godcreating increased dishonesty, crime, and anarchy in society. As it is written: Gods name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you (Romans 2:24). We will explore five benefits of walking with God and how they affect our lives. How can we remain steadfast in our faith and avoid the pressures of this ever-changing world? Let us consider them and be warned, which, no doubt, is the narrators purpose in sharing this story. The Christians victory is through Christ. Instead you thrill to God 's Word, you chew on Scripture day and night. The Spirit of God helps us obey God and keep away from anything that hinders our relationship with Him. God sent them His servants and prophets DAILY, again and again. God gave him a second chance. That means communing with Him, walking with Him, living for Him, and above all, trusting Him and His promises. This happened twice with Abraham, as his wife was taken into Pharaohs and Abimelechs harems (12:15; 20:2). The result is an abundant life that bears fruit for the Kingdom of God. Shechem said to his father Hamor, Acquire this young girl as my wife. When Jacob heard that Shechem had violated his daughter Dinah, his sons were with the livestock in the field. After a long period of time living in the land of Succoth, Jacob finally brought his family to the land of Shechem in Genesis 33. Pornography is one of the biggest industries in the world. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. 1:24-33)! "If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in the darkness, we lie, and do not the truth. You may realize it or not, but we are all connected with God. Choose God and His divine path for your life, and you will find true, inner happiness and fulfillment in this life. 1. He has served over eighteen years in pastoral ministry, and currently serves as a chaplain and professor at Handong G More, Getting Spiritually Fit 1 ( Corinthians 9:24-27), Steps to Biblical Reconciliation (Luke 17:1-4; 2 Corinthians 5:15-21). Sadly, when God is neglected, religion will be abusedleading to tragic results in our societies as well. 1 Corinthians 15:57. The benefits of God are available to those who have a relationship with Him. Copyright by Michael Bradley and Chris Bradley. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'halyministries_com-box-4','ezslot_11',617,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-halyministries_com-box-4-0'); When you dont know what to do, or you have confusion in your mind, ask God to fill you with the knowledge of His will. In Romans 1:28, Paul adds: And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what should not be done. When people neglect God, their thinking becomes depravedleading to depraved actions. Faithfulness and Fellowship enabled him to walk with God for three hundred years without wavering. God commissioned Jonah to go east to Assyria, to the capital of Nineveh and deliver a message of judgment. (2) In a society where people neglect God, not only will parents neglect their responsibilities by not setting appropriate boundaries, but they also will tend to not discipline their children at all. There is always a righteous choice to be made if we are willing to seek it. The Habit of Irresponsibility: James 4:1-3 says. You can unsubscribe at any time. However, God can change flawed people and use them for his purposes, which he eventually does with Israel. But, since God is the ultimate author of Scripture, he doesnt hide the flaws of his people. In Genesis 38, Judah, Jacobs son, will visit a prostitute. Jesus said He was going to prepare a place for you if you belong to Him (John 14:1-4). Are you a whole person or a fractioned person today? They said to them, We cannot give our sister to a man who is not circumcised, for it would be a disgrace to us. Often disciplining children will be looked down upon, as if left alone, children will naturally blossom into maturity and wisdom. It was not uncommon in the Old Testament for the word of the Lord to come to Gods prophets again and again. With Dinah, Jacob is probably quiet because she wasnt his priority. The supernatural ability to feel loved by God and to feel love back (for Him and others). To live a life that pleases God and inspires others to know Him means that you know Him well and are intimate with Him. Live in it, travel freely in it, and acquire property in it. Then Shechem said to Dinahs father and brothers, Let me find favor in your sight, and whatever you require of me Ill give. Also, because sons were favored over daughters during that period of time, Dinah might have been his least favorite. In mathematics two of the basic kinds of numbers are integers and fractions: 2, 100, and 56 are integers, while , , and 2.5 are fractions. One of the results we witness of someone walking with God is bearing fruit for the Kingdom of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Walking with God certainly has good results in our lives, which others witness and celebrate. If we are without discipline, we are not true children of God. Hebrews 12:5-6 and verse 8 says. This is part of our series on the Full Surrender. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. You know the storyJonah ended up in the sea where he was swallowed by a great fish. 22For in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, I did not speak to your fathers or command themconcerning burnt offerings and sacrifices. Paul uses that image to say that Christ leads His followers in a victory procession through every difficulty in life (2 Corinthians 2:14-15). Application Question: In what ways have you seen or experienced the growing promotion and acceptance of sexual immorality in society? They are idolatry, immorality, infidelity, and disloyalty. They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed. A leper approached Jesus and said, If You are willing, You can make me clean. Jesus touched the man, saying, I am willing; be cleansedand he was healed (Mark 1:40-42). It is not easy to live a godly life in the world. It is used to sell all types of products. Jacobs sons answered Shechem and his father Hamor deceitfully when they spoke because Shechem had violated their sister Dinah. He healed the mans paralysis. God loves us too much to allow us to continue to neglect him and go our own way. The moment you got ahead of God is the moment you stepped out of His will. They did worse than their fathers. Consider these verses: No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it (1 Corinthians 10:13). We have spoken of this fellowship in our treatment of the third verse. Religion was also abused for vengeance. 18The children gather wood, the fathers kindle fire,and the women knead dough, tomake cakes forthe queen of heaven. It is true for us today also. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Scripture taken from New King James Version. He enables us to live a life that pleases Him, and we bear fruit in the work that He has called us to do. Strengthen your walk with the Lord today, knowing that it is a relationship that goes on into eternity. The moment you got ahead of God is the moment you stepped out of His will. event : evt, It is obvious that working for God is not good enough. In what ways is God drawing you back to himself through discipline? Abraham had flaws. And when he believed God, [God] accounted it to [Abraham] for righteousness (Genesis 15:6). Near the beginning of the 40 year wilderness experience, they were all getting ready to go into the Promised Land to reap their big reward in God. - Today is the day that you can know that the Saviour has been born for you. Those who work for God but do not walk with Him do not have a deep relationship with Him. You're a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month, n ever dropping a leaf, always in blossom. Now Jacobs sons had come in from the field when they heard the news. The video games, movies, and music will be filled with it. When God was neglected in Shechem, religion was used for personal gain. Please give her to him as his wife. Integrity of heart is indispensable. Woe to the rebellious children, says the Lord, . In the ancient world, it was known that unaccompanied ladies were vulnerable to being assaulted by men. Use your imagination to see every word of Scripture turning to gold as you read it. They took their flocks, herds, and donkeys, as well as everything in the city and in the surrounding fields. Those who walk with God know where they are going, and they dont lose their way in life. By following the instructions of God. Tagged: consequences of not walking with god . We dont just see this in the world around us, but we see this in ourselves, as believers. God will not honor our impatience. A man who pleases God is one who obeys His commands and who submits to His plans. He is Christ the Lord!'. We live in a society that wears impatience as a badge of honor. If Moses, the author of Genesis, was simply trying to encourage Israel before they entered the promised land, this story would have been left out, as it displays the Jews in an unflattering light. Yes, God can and often does restore, but why would you want to go through an ordeal if you didnt have to? Take more time to read and meditate on Gods Word, and allow Him to speak into your life. In Genesis 34, though God is not mentioned, we know he is present, but he seems to be present for judgment. Youll notice that there are people who are joyful, despite some things they are going through, and you wonder how they do it. Just give me the young woman as my wife! Jacobs sons answered Shechem and his father Hamor deceitfully when they spoke because Shechem had violated their sister Dinah. Most likely, they further explained the symbolic nature of circumcision. They depend absolutely on the leading of God. How do you view yourself? Ecclesiastes 8:10-13 Then I saw the wicked buried. In Genesis 35, we see that the family picked up many idols while dwelling in Canaan. He is handing people over to a depraved mind as theyve neglected himallowing them to commit sin and reap the terrible consequences of it. A result is a thing that is produced by something else; it is an outcome. We cannot go through life without being hurt by others, so we should learn to forgive. In addition to this, after the rape, Jacob is quiet and uninvolved. Asa knew, as everyone who grows strong in the Lord knows, that a powerful . But then the rains of grace came and David confessed his sin and God forgave him (verse 5). The Lord never said that our lives here on earth would be easy. If you find that you are struggling to manifest the different aspects of the fruit of the Spirit, you can pray and ask God to help you yield more to His Spirit. I praise you and pray for all these things in Jesus' name. This is exactly how Paul describes the pagan world in Romans 1:21-23: For although they knew God, they did not glorify him as God or give him thanks, but they became futile in their thoughts and their senseless hearts were darkened. Paul writes that we belong to God and we are to glorify Him with our care and use of our body. But with Jonah, the second time was because Jonah had failed to speak Gods word the first time. The populations of churches are decreasing because many are disgruntled with what is happening in churches today. We have victory now and for eternity only because of the victory Christ won for us. For twenty years of hostile service in Haran, God protected and prospered Jacob. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Dont miss or even delay your blessing because you refuse to wait on God. If you want to revive your walk with God or strengthen it, there are ways you can do that. He can turn around our lives, churches, and nations. Consequences in a Life Not Walking in the Fear of God. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. This story is a perfect poster story for one group of people who were willing to follow God fully, and another group of people who were not. When his thirtieth birthday came, he must have struggled with questions of why and if only.. Daniels three friends in Babylon demonstrated integrity when they were threatened with being burned alive (Daniel 3:16-18). We must be careful of this. Ezekiel looked beyond the sufferings of Christ to the glory that should follow. Some people wonder about the value of the Old Testament in a Christian's life. We can walk with God for life if we keep our eyes focused on Him. We respect your privacy and will never share your email address or personal information with others. They build the tabernacle and temple and become witnesses to the pagan world. But thank God, we have the Holy Spirit, Who is our Helper. Have you responded to Gods willing invitation to come to Him? I have heard someone saying, "I decided to become a Christian because of the lifestyle of my neighbor." Gods Word will show you His will, His ways, and what pleases or displeases Him. Genesis 1:28. D. L. Moody, In my thirtieth year, in the fourth month on the fifth day, while I was among the exiles by the Kebar River, the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God. The church in Corinth was an undisciplined church, and he was letting them know that even though the culture around them was in flux, their faith in Jesus Christ needed to remain focused and sure. One of the results we witness of someone walking with God is bearing fruit, Enoch was mentioned in the book of Genesis, Is there Hope for Ukraine and Russia? The Bible . God loves diversity and everybody's walk with Him is different and unique. Marine litter is a huge ecological problem. And you can trust him to pursue your child who may not be walking His direction right now. Many will say to me on that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles? Then I will tell them plainly, I never knew you. God does the same with us. J. Vernon McGee, The Lord your God cares. There are so many people who have confessed that God has called them into specific ministries. So let them live in the land and travel freely in it, for the land is wide enough for them. - Today is the day we stop and remember the greatest gift of all. Intermarry with us. From a human perspective, adding this story makes no sense. This created terrible hatred and jealously to the point where Hagar and her son Ishmael were banned from their presence and sent off to die. He is looking for those who will follow Him fully. Being willing to fully follow God means that you are willing to enter into this full surrender with Him where He will be the One who will fully guide your steps in this life not you or anyone else. Tagged: consequences of not walking with god Christian Living November 2, 2020 Walking with God: Why It's So Important Asking someone to explain the importance of walking. He is the author of the book Mystery Of The Cross Revealed. Revelation 6: A shattered universe and a time of unprecedented terror, Relentlessly pursuing Gods will for your life, Passing on the faith: Good news and bad news, 7 effective lies the devil tells believers, My response as a former Muslim to Barry 'Phanatik' Goodwin leaving Christianity. This shows me how important it is to be filled daily in order to open my eyes and ears to the Lord. It means we're honest first with God and . Let prophecies be given by divine revelation. It was after God delivered them from Laban and Esau. Jacob fails his children practically and spiritually. Then we will give you our daughters to marry, and we will take your daughters as wives for ourselves, and we will live among you and become one people. It says: Then God said to Jacob, Go up at once to Bethel and live there. We've all been there, but we've all also experienced the results of not trusting God. Genesis 39:1-9, 41:38-44. Jesus told us in John 15:4 that no one can bear fruit unless they remain in Him. Amen. It tells us that God loved the world so much that He sent Jesus to die for us so that we will not perish, but have eternal life. Please share your personal meditations on this Scripture passage with the HolyWave community in the comments section below. M. S. Kimber in The Sunday School World, 1893, I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside.