November 29: Hard Choices!

Suggested reading: 2 Thess. 1-3, Acts 18:12-19:22

2 Thessalonians 1:5-10

Amplified Bible (AMP)

5 This is positive proof of the just and right judgment of God to the end that you may be deemed deserving of His kingdom [a plain token of His fair verdict which designs that you should be made and counted worthy of the kingdom of God], for the sake of which you are also suffering.

6 [It is a fair decision] since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with distress and affliction those who distress and afflict you,

7 And to [recompense] you who are so distressed and afflicted [by granting you] relief and rest along with us [your fellow sufferers] when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in a flame of fire,

8 To deal out retribution (chastisement and vengeance) upon those who do not know or perceive or become acquainted with God, and [upon those] who ignore and refuse to obey the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

9 Such people will pay the penalty and suffer the punishment of everlasting ruin (destruction and perdition) and eternal exclusion and banishment from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,

10 When He comes to be glorified in His saints [on that day He will be made more glorious in His consecrated people], and [He will] be marveled at and admired [in His glory reflected] in all who have believed [who have adhered to, trusted in, and relied on Him], because our witnessing among you was confidently accepted and believed [and confirmed in your lives].

I can be encouraged! If I am clinging to Jesus and living according to His word, there's a 100% chance my suffering WILL be over!

2 Thessalonians 2:10-12

Amplified Bible (AMP)

10 And by unlimited seduction to evil and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing (going to perdition) because they did not welcome the Truth but refused to love it that they might be saved.

11 Therefore God sends upon them a misleading influence, a working of error and a strong delusion to make them believe what is false,

12 In order that all may be judged and condemned who did not believe in [who refused to adhere to, trust in, and rely on] the Truth, but [instead] took pleasure in unrighteousness.

On the other hand, if I refuse to love and apply truth to my life, and take pleasure in living a sinful lifestyle, I am in deep trouble. God will actually SEND a strong delusion to me.

What do you think of when you think of a sinful lifestyle? My first thought is going out drinking every night and being unfaithful to my husband. Which is not a hard choice for me at all! I'm not even slightly tempted in this area. So I can pat myself on the back and know I'm okay, right? Wrong!

The Bible describes a sinful lifestyle differently.

James 4:17

Amplified Bible (AMP)

17 So any person who knows what is right to do but does not do it, to him it is sin.

BOOM! This explanation is ALL inclusive. Sure, going out drinking and running around on my husband is sin according to the Bible. But I need to take ask myself, "What would Jesus do?", with every decision I make throughout the day every day. It sounds hard, but it's intensely rewarding! 

So every time I DON'T do the right thing, to me it is sin. I've said this many times: The right thing is most often the harder thing. The easy thing is instantly gratifying, but later I feel very uncomfortable and disappointed with my decision. The right thing is sometimes uncomfortable and incredibly hard at first, but deeply rewarding later! And the rewards are lasting! And freeing! 

Maybe you are accustomed to choosing whatever is easier. And you're finding out your choices aren't bringing the happiness you are seeking for. Well then, from this day forward, just do the right thing! And chat with God all day, every step of the way, about your choices. Whether the outcomes are pleasing or not. He wants to hear your thoughts! He wants to walk beside you and guide you every step of the way. You are not on your own here, unless you choose to be. Sometimes doing the right thing will cause pain at first. But just wait it out. You will be glad you did the right thing, I promise. And the rewards are eternal! Whether you do the right thing or the wrong thing, the rewards are eternal.

This next account is too interesting to pass over in today's blog...

Acts 19:11-20

Amplified Bible (AMP)

11 And God did unusual and extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul,

12 So that handkerchiefs or towels or aprons which had touched his skin were carried away and put upon the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them.

13 Then some of the traveling Jewish exorcists (men who adjure evil spirits) also undertook to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, I solemnly implore and charge you by the Jesus Whom Paul preaches!

14 Seven sons of a certain Jewish chief priest named Sceva were doing this.

15 But [one] evil spirit retorted, Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?

16 Then the man in whom the evil spirit dwelt leaped upon them, mastering two of them, and was so violent against them that they dashed out of that house [in fear], stripped naked and wounded.

17 This became known to all who lived in Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks, and alarm and terror fell upon them all; and the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled and magnified.

18 Many also of those who were now believers came making full confession and thoroughly exposing their [former deceptive and evil] practices.

19 And many of those who had practiced curious, magical arts collected their books and [throwing them, book after book, on the pile] burned them in the sight of everybody. When they counted the value of them, they found it amounted to 50,000 pieces of silver (about $9,300).

20 Thus the Word of the Lord [concerning the attainment through Christ of eternal salvation in the kingdom of God] grew and spread and intensified, prevailing mightily.

Wow! I'm amazed that people would actually be dumb enough to play around with supernatural power. But it's common even today! Jesus' power is not to be toyed with!

"Dear Jesus, I want to do the right thing. I know that peace, joy, and happiness follow those who simply follow You and do the right thing! I know I can trust You! You love me so much and You want what's best for me! If I make right choices, in the end I am the winner! And my heart feels good! You are sooooo amazing. I love You soooo much! Thanks, Jesus, for everything! AMEN."