Tag Archives: God’s wrath

40 Years of Anger

Posted on September 2, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Most books written throughout history contain a clear author.   On the other hand, the Psalms of the Bible are comprised of multiple authors.  Besides Asaph, David and the sons of Korah, a few chapters do not contain a subscribed author.  Such is the case of Psalm 95 which unveils God’s 40 years of anger, Psalm 95:10 and the closing of mankind’s porthole to God, Psalm 95:11.

In view of this information, Moses would be a likely candidate, who regularly spoke with the Lord face to face on Mount Sinai.  Following 400 years of slavery in Egypt, God performed several miracles known as the 10 plagues through Aaron and Moses, Exodus 7-11.  Expecting Israel to be more grateful, not even the parting of the Red Sea would sway their hearts.  Instead, they repaid God by breaking the first and second commandment, Exodus 32:1-14.

This act of blatant disobedience ignited the Lord’s 40 years of angry.  A journey that should have taken less than a month, resulted in 40 years of punishment, wandering back and forth through a desert for 40 years.  The book of Exodus serves as a warning today for whiners and complainers.  Yes, its true that life is not fair at times.  However, if you encounter hardships in the future, perhaps God is using events to bring you back where He wants you to be.  By embracing this perspective, you will steer clear of God’s wrath.

by Jay Mankus

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When Holiness Faded into Sin

Posted on October 26, 2013 by expressyourself4him

jesus christ on the cross photo: cross jesus_cross.jpg

According to Genesis 10:21, the Hebrews were descendents of Eber whose grandfather was Shem, son of Noah, whom the Lord found favor on, Genesis 6:8-9.  The father of this nation was called out of Ur, as God promised Abraham a great land with countless offspring, Genesis 12:1-3.  The formation of Israel neared completion through Jacob, Genesis 32:22-30, whose 12 sons formed the 12 tribes mentioned in Numbers 1.  Despite God’s attempts, introducing the 10 commandments as a guide for life in Exodus 20:1-17, holiness faded into sin 12 chapters later.

 In the absence of Moses’ leadership, Aaron wilted under peer pressure like Eve in the garden, giving the Israelites just what they wanted, Exodus 32:1-4.  With the words of God out of sight, the hearts and minds of the Jews quickly broke the second commandment, Exodus 32:5-6.  This sinful act enraged the Lord so much that He contemplated wiping out everyone, Exodus 32:9-10.  Just as Abraham had fought for the citizens of Sodom and Gomorrah hundreds of years earlier, Genesis 18:16-33, Moses intervened seeking God’s favor in prayer, Exodus  32:11-14.

Not much has changed today as God is watching daily from the sidelines in heaven, scratching his head at similar selfish acts.  God’s efforts to set Israel apart from the rest of the world through the covenant of  circumcision failed.  Thus, plan 2 was necessary, sending His one and only son to earth, to be sin for mankind so that righteousness could be restored, 2 Corinthians 5:21.  When holiness faded, Jesus stood up, hitting a spiritual home run by offering his life as a living sacrifice for sin, Hebrews 9:26-28.

by Jay Mankus

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Full Force Nature

Posted on October 14, 2013 by expressyourself4him

 

In their original series Full Force Nature. the Weather Channel credits Mother Nature for these awe inspiring events.  The purpose of each 30 minute episode is to rebroadcast extreme weather conditions caught on film.  However, before the days of phone, ipad and video cameras, historians who survived nature’s full force recorded similar natural disasters.

One such phenomena took place around 1450 years before Christ was born.  According to Moses, an eyewitness, a horrific storm pounded Egypt in Exodus 9:13-32.  This passage reveals God’s anger toward Pharaoh as the Lord unleashes his full power, not holding anything back.  Based upon Moses’ description, lightning, thunder and golf ball sized hail pelted any animals, crops, homes or people who were unprepared.  If we are to take Moses at his word in Exodus 9:23-26, no storm can compared to this massive system sent by the hand of God.

Since God warned Egypt, those who feared God took immediate measures, Exodus 9:20, while the ignorant and skeptics were caught with their pants down.  Unfortunately, in real life, God get’s all the blame for destruction and Mother Nature get’s a pass except for the beautiful days.  Unless you consider the film A Year Without A Santa Claus when most people gave Santa the credit for snow on Christmas Eve.  My point is that you can’t have it both ways, either God created it, He allowed it to happen or scientific conditions for a Perfect Storm merged forming a super cell.

James, the earthly brother of Jesus paints an unique picture.  Like Pharaoh, James doubted Jesus, not able to comprehend God’s full force nature until some how his big brother rose from the dead. Acts 1:3.  This front row seat transformed his perspective of God in James 1:16-17.  James was deceived by the world, unable to grasp the truth until he was confronted by a ghost, a resurrected Christ.  Hopefully, you don’t have to endure an earthquake, hurricane or tornado before you become a believer.  May you share in the promise of James 1:18, passed on by an eyewitness to God’s full force nature.

by Jay Mankus

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I Think I Got Away With It… Or Did I?

Posted on August 18, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Maybe you faked being sick so you didn’t have to go to school and or work?  Perhaps you exaggerated slightly to avoid being blamed for a mistake or oversight?  Or did you flat out lie to your parents, creating a fictional story which rescued you from being grounded?  If you are like me, there were times in my past when I thought I got away with a lie.  However, future consequences, events and trials suggest that God was watching and I did not escape His punishment.

Genesis 27 provides a perfect case study for someone who thinks they got away with a lie.  Rebekah is the mastermind of this initial lie, trying to steal Isaac’s blessing from Esau.  While ease dropping, she overhears Isaac’s request for his favorite meal.  Once Esau leaves his father’s presence, Rebekah lays out her plan to deceive the blind, but not deaf Isaac.  With meal in hand, fake hair and one of Esau’s favorite outfits which he wasn’t wearing, Jacob tricks his curious father into the blessing he longed to receive.  The plan was executed with perfection or was it?

Upon hearing he had been duped by his twin brother, Esau sobs, begging Isaac for another blessing, yet he is denied.  Genesis 27:41 reveals Esau’s ploy for revenge, murder.  When she heard this through the grapevine, Rebekah ushers Jacob quickly out of their house to stay with her brother Laban until Esau’s anger cools off.  However, Uncle Laban teaches Jacob a few lessons about lying, Genesis 29:15-30, possibly in response to his sister’s foolish actions.

The answer to the question, did I get away with it or not is found in Deuteronomy 30:17-18.  Whenever you add or subtract from God’s commands, Deuteronomy 12:32, you forfeit God’s favor.  While forgiveness will be received after confession, God’s formula for blessings in life is simple, fully obey God’s commands, decrees and laws, Deuteronomy 28:1-2.  When you rely on your own strength, this is impossible, Romans 3:23.  Yet, in Christ, Philippians 4:13, with sole dependence on Him, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, God’s power is unleashed.  Therefore, the next time you are tempted to exaggerate, falsify or lie, remember to place your faith in God, Proverbs 3:5-6, so that He alone will make your paths straight.

by Jay Mankus

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