Highlands Fellowship
September 26, 2021
KINGDOM EQUATION
Calling Evil Good and Good Evil = DOOM
You are doomed if you call evil good and call good evil. Destruction is certain when you call darkness light and light darkness; when right is considered wrong and what’s wrong is considered right; when you claim what is bitter is now sweet and what is sweet you now call bitter. Isaiah 5:20
And all the foundations of society are shaken to the core. Psalm 82:5b
Daniel 1:1 - 7 (paraphrase)
In the third year of Judah’s King Jehoiakim’s reign, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon besieged Jerusalem with his armies. God gave Nebuchadnezzar the victory.
When Nebuchadnezzar returned to Babylon, he took with him the best sacred objects from the temple of God in Jerusalem and put them on display in his pagan temple of Babylon.
He also ordered that the best young men of Judah be taken as captives to be brought to his palace “Select only the best looking, strongest and smartest young men, and bring them to my palace. Make sure that they’re well versed in every branch of learning, that they’re gifted with knowledge and good sense and have the poise needed to serve in my royal palace. Teach these young men the language and the literature of the Babylonian culture.”
DON’T BE SURPRISED BY ADVERSITY.
Dear friends, don't be shocked or surprised when you suffer through painful tests and trials as if something strange is happening to you. 1 Peter 4:12
“In this world you WILL experience difficulties. But take heart! I have conquered the world! I've told you this so that in trusting me, you will be UNSHAKABLE and deeply at peace.”
John 16:33
LOOK FOR WAYS THAT GOD MIGHT USE IT FOR GOOD.
Sometimes God shakes things up in my life to INSPECT ME.
The Lord searches our hearts and examines our deepest motives so he can give to each person his right reward, according to how he has lived. Jeremiah 17:10
What does this problem REVEAL about me?
Sometimes God shakes things up in my life to CORRECT ME.
God corrects all of his children, and if he doesn't correct you, then you don't really belong to him! God corrects us for our own good, because he wants us to be holy, as he is. It is never fun to be corrected. In fact, at the time it is always painful. But if we learn to obey by being corrected, we will do right and live at peace. Hebrews 12:8 - 11
What is this problem TEACHING ME?
And sometimes God shakes things up in my life to DIRECT ME.
A person may plan his own journey, but the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9
Sometimes it takes a painful experience to make us change our ways. Proverbs 20:30
Where is this problem LEADING ME?
Sometimes God shakes things up to PROTECT ME.
God has led you away from danger, giving you freedom.
Job 36:16a
How could this problem PROTECT ME?
God uses things and problems to PERFECT ME.
We can rejoice when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us, they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it … Romans 5:3 - 4
How can I GROW from this problem?
TRUST GOD FOR WHAT I DON’T UNDERSTAND.
Since the Lord is directing our steps, why try to understand everything that happens along the way? Proverbs 20:24