“Out
of Our Control” Job 5: 6-8 1.1.13
"...affliction does not come from the dust,
nor does trouble spring from the ground;
Yet man is born to trouble as the sparks
fly upward. But as for me, I would seek
God and to him I would commit my cause.
(A Proverb of Solomon)
"...affliction does not come from the dust,
nor does trouble spring from the ground;
Yet man is born to trouble as the sparks
fly upward. But as for me, I would seek
God and to him I would commit my cause.
(A Proverb of Solomon)
A man's life is about 70 years and full of
trouble. There's nothing in this life a man
may do to avoid trouble, conflict, accident
or other catastrophe. As I see it, even apart
from the Scripture, it is obvious; a man is
not in control of his immediate destiny. It
is in the hands of seeming chance. He is
also affected by those near and far. The
following is an excellent illustration:
trouble. There's nothing in this life a man
may do to avoid trouble, conflict, accident
or other catastrophe. As I see it, even apart
from the Scripture, it is obvious; a man is
not in control of his immediate destiny. It
is in the hands of seeming chance. He is
also affected by those near and far. The
following is an excellent illustration:
During the year of 2001, the
executives of
the Enron Corporation, a publicly traded
the Enron Corporation, a publicly traded
company, regulated
by the Securities and Ex-
change Commission, performed some ques-
tionable accounting gymnastics in order to
cause their stock to perform above actual
value and save their skins. More details are
unimportant for purposes of this illustration,
tionable accounting gymnastics in order to
cause their stock to perform above actual
value and save their skins. More details are
unimportant for purposes of this illustration,
but there were
companies in our local area,
wholly ignorant of all this, who were nearly
forced into bankruptcy due to the actions of
wholly ignorant of all this, who were nearly
forced into bankruptcy due to the actions of
men a continent
away. Fallout is a continu-
ing sage. Nest is an example that no matter
what precautions we take, the control of our
lives and health is our of our hands:
Several years ago, a middle aged
man, after having a physical exam,
walked out of his doctors office
with a clean bill of health, seated
himself in his car, had a massive
heart attack and died.
It seems great strides in medecine are only paci-
fiers or brass rings to entertain us while we wait
for the inevitable event that occurs to every man
on the face of the earth. Of all men born, 100%
die. See the Old Testament of Scripture for the
exceptions. At this point, let's look into God's
Word for two persons who did not have to face
death:
Enoch, at the approximate age of 300 years,
passed from this existence into the other with-
out going the way of death. It is said of Enoch
that "he walked with God and was not for God
took him. Elijah, a prophet of God, was car-
ried away to the great beyond aboard a "char-
riot of fire." These two are the only incidents
of this nature recorded in ancient history.
There are none in modern history, so where
does this leave us? You will notice neither of
these made request for this kind of treatment.
These may be references to persons of whom
the world was not worthy in the letter to the
Hebrews, chapter 11, verses 37-40.
These individuals did not deserve the treatment
they received at the hands of wicked men; but they
were not spared stoning, affliction, persecution,
nor destitution. By living holy and righteous lives,
we are not to be spared unjust treatment or death;
on the contrary, right living may well bring oppo-
sition and even persecution. One might ask, "why
seek to live a life that counts for God and right, if
there is no special recognition or reward? Here,
again we must say we seem to have no control of
what happens in our lives. There is another way
to see this. Is this life all there is? Is there some-
thing beyond to consider?
When we look into God's Word, we find this
life a mere training ground or prep-school for
a much greater existence. During my lifetime,
there was never a moment I have entertained
the notion that this life was all there is. Being
born and raised in a family of faith in God, it
should be of no great surprise. What though,
of one who did not have that experience? It
would be difficult to find an individual who is
not aware of the faith community and does
not entertain ideas of a life after death.
Understanding comes from God's Word,
and Romans 1:18-32 gives the story of men
who denied their creator and of their sorry
end. No details are needed here, except to
say; God had given them up. God's word is
clear; all men are given revelation of God's
wrath and are without excuse. This being
the truth of man's condition, men who are
infidel, agnostic or atheistic, are deluded by
satan, and their own motives, have lied to
themselves and believe the lie. Has the Lord
God given them over?
Would this not be a sad place to end this
discussion. If we look further in this same
letter to the church at Rome, penned under
the leadership of the Spirit of God by Apos-
tle Paul, there is an answer. (This might be
opportunity to read "Blinded by the Light,"
part of this blog. What determines our eter-
nal destiny, and in whose hands is that?
God's power over his created universe and
his care for us, his creation, Romans 2:1-16
ing sage. Nest is an example that no matter
what precautions we take, the control of our
lives and health is our of our hands:
Several years ago, a middle aged
man, after having a physical exam,
walked out of his doctors office
with a clean bill of health, seated
himself in his car, had a massive
heart attack and died.
It seems great strides in medecine are only paci-
fiers or brass rings to entertain us while we wait
for the inevitable event that occurs to every man
on the face of the earth. Of all men born, 100%
die. See the Old Testament of Scripture for the
exceptions. At this point, let's look into God's
Word for two persons who did not have to face
death:
Enoch, at the approximate age of 300 years,
passed from this existence into the other with-
out going the way of death. It is said of Enoch
that "he walked with God and was not for God
took him. Elijah, a prophet of God, was car-
ried away to the great beyond aboard a "char-
riot of fire." These two are the only incidents
of this nature recorded in ancient history.
There are none in modern history, so where
does this leave us? You will notice neither of
these made request for this kind of treatment.
These may be references to persons of whom
the world was not worthy in the letter to the
Hebrews, chapter 11, verses 37-40.
These individuals did not deserve the treatment
they received at the hands of wicked men; but they
were not spared stoning, affliction, persecution,
nor destitution. By living holy and righteous lives,
we are not to be spared unjust treatment or death;
on the contrary, right living may well bring oppo-
sition and even persecution. One might ask, "why
seek to live a life that counts for God and right, if
there is no special recognition or reward? Here,
again we must say we seem to have no control of
what happens in our lives. There is another way
to see this. Is this life all there is? Is there some-
thing beyond to consider?
When we look into God's Word, we find this
life a mere training ground or prep-school for
a much greater existence. During my lifetime,
there was never a moment I have entertained
the notion that this life was all there is. Being
born and raised in a family of faith in God, it
should be of no great surprise. What though,
of one who did not have that experience? It
would be difficult to find an individual who is
not aware of the faith community and does
not entertain ideas of a life after death.
Understanding comes from God's Word,
and Romans 1:18-32 gives the story of men
who denied their creator and of their sorry
end. No details are needed here, except to
say; God had given them up. God's word is
clear; all men are given revelation of God's
wrath and are without excuse. This being
the truth of man's condition, men who are
infidel, agnostic or atheistic, are deluded by
satan, and their own motives, have lied to
themselves and believe the lie. Has the Lord
God given them over?
Would this not be a sad place to end this
discussion. If we look further in this same
letter to the church at Rome, penned under
the leadership of the Spirit of God by Apos-
tle Paul, there is an answer. (This might be
opportunity to read "Blinded by the Light,"
part of this blog. What determines our eter-
nal destiny, and in whose hands is that?
God's power over his created universe and
his care for us, his creation, Romans 2:1-16
What is the most critical and difficult responsi-
bility, professionally, on earth? To begin, this
section with a question for which there are many
answers with a question for which to cause and
effect of one's occupation. Most of us have occu-
pations or professions that will have an adverse
affect on us or persons in business if we make a
mistake. Most bad effects are not critical, but
may be serious. Others have professions that
deal in life and death situations. Some have
eternal consequences, by the very nature of the
profession. For example, psychologist or medi-
cal doctors, officers of the law, attorneys make
mistakes that have life and death ramifications.
Pastor's mistakes may well have eternal conse-
quences as well a emotional effect.
A judge, however; has in his hands, the very life
of a defendant, and makes decisions based on
information and presentations by witnesses for
prosecution and defense attorneys. Depending
many times on the several abilities of attorneys,
bias of the judge and the whims of a jury, the
decisions can be tainted or just error. What are
the consequences? The persons involved may be
stigmatized as having committed, at times, hei-
nous crimes of which they may be completely
innocent. So I am convinced, of the list above, a
jusge's responsibility might be the most difficult.
His judgments may have eternal consequences
for those on trial and for the judge as well.
Romans 2: 1-16 starts our; "Therefore you
are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who
judge, for in whatever you judge another you
condemn yourself; for you who judge practice
the same things." Now I do not think that Scrip-
ture is talking about the professional judge, but
I do believe professional judges must remember
this principle when he is in the act of pronoun-
cing sentence or a judgment on a defendant or
he is writing a decision in a civil case. His deci-
sions had best be based on absolutely positive
conviction, having heard the witnesses or other
information pertaining to each case. His judg-
ment must be just; free of personal bias and be
reached in a court proceeding that has given
truth the best chance of coming to the fore.
There is no room in a court room for ego, or
pride to surface. Therefore, judges are inclu-
ded along with the rest of us as being under
the condemnation of the Lord God if they Con-
demn a person wrongfully, or if the judge is
guilty of a similar act as the person under his
condemnation. Another way a judge falls un-
der condemnation is by receiving bribes or
favors that affect his handing of a matter. I
believe Scripture holds persons in any autho-
rity to a higher standard that the general pub-
lic.
bility, professionally, on earth? To begin, this
section with a question for which there are many
answers with a question for which to cause and
effect of one's occupation. Most of us have occu-
pations or professions that will have an adverse
affect on us or persons in business if we make a
mistake. Most bad effects are not critical, but
may be serious. Others have professions that
deal in life and death situations. Some have
eternal consequences, by the very nature of the
profession. For example, psychologist or medi-
cal doctors, officers of the law, attorneys make
mistakes that have life and death ramifications.
Pastor's mistakes may well have eternal conse-
quences as well a emotional effect.
A judge, however; has in his hands, the very life
of a defendant, and makes decisions based on
information and presentations by witnesses for
prosecution and defense attorneys. Depending
many times on the several abilities of attorneys,
bias of the judge and the whims of a jury, the
decisions can be tainted or just error. What are
the consequences? The persons involved may be
stigmatized as having committed, at times, hei-
nous crimes of which they may be completely
innocent. So I am convinced, of the list above, a
jusge's responsibility might be the most difficult.
His judgments may have eternal consequences
for those on trial and for the judge as well.
Romans 2: 1-16 starts our; "Therefore you
are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who
judge, for in whatever you judge another you
condemn yourself; for you who judge practice
the same things." Now I do not think that Scrip-
ture is talking about the professional judge, but
I do believe professional judges must remember
this principle when he is in the act of pronoun-
cing sentence or a judgment on a defendant or
he is writing a decision in a civil case. His deci-
sions had best be based on absolutely positive
conviction, having heard the witnesses or other
information pertaining to each case. His judg-
ment must be just; free of personal bias and be
reached in a court proceeding that has given
truth the best chance of coming to the fore.
There is no room in a court room for ego, or
pride to surface. Therefore, judges are inclu-
ded along with the rest of us as being under
the condemnation of the Lord God if they Con-
demn a person wrongfully, or if the judge is
guilty of a similar act as the person under his
condemnation. Another way a judge falls un-
der condemnation is by receiving bribes or
favors that affect his handing of a matter. I
believe Scripture holds persons in any autho-
rity to a higher standard that the general pub-
lic.
Almost every occupation and activity a person can ethically
and
morally involve himself, gives that one the opportunity to demonstrate
“God in us,” but none more perfectly gives the opportunity than that of
judge. The Lord is referred to as a judge throughout the Word of God
and the chapter under consideration is no exception. In verse 2 we see
God, himself, holds the person who judges accountable. In verse 3 there
is indication that one cannot escape God’s judgment and although God
is long-suffering toward us, there is coming a time when we will stand
before Him to give account of our deeds; good or evil; verse 6. There is
a recording of the deeds, a reckoning day for the deeds and recompense
for our deeds. Yes, the judge will stand before the Great Judge of the
Universe one day to give account of how he judged others as will the rest
of us who have engaged in the out-of-hand condemnation of another for
whatever reason. We all stand daily before our Lord, guilty of all man-
ner of sin and are justified only on the basis of the work Jesus Christ
finished, and are unqualified to pass judgment on another.
morally involve himself, gives that one the opportunity to demonstrate
“God in us,” but none more perfectly gives the opportunity than that of
judge. The Lord is referred to as a judge throughout the Word of God
and the chapter under consideration is no exception. In verse 2 we see
God, himself, holds the person who judges accountable. In verse 3 there
is indication that one cannot escape God’s judgment and although God
is long-suffering toward us, there is coming a time when we will stand
before Him to give account of our deeds; good or evil; verse 6. There is
a recording of the deeds, a reckoning day for the deeds and recompense
for our deeds. Yes, the judge will stand before the Great Judge of the
Universe one day to give account of how he judged others as will the rest
of us who have engaged in the out-of-hand condemnation of another for
whatever reason. We all stand daily before our Lord, guilty of all man-
ner of sin and are justified only on the basis of the work Jesus Christ
finished, and are unqualified to pass judgment on another.
What is “judging.”
Judging is verbalizing condemnation of an indivi-
dual. We are unqualified for this reason; There is no way for one person
to be cognizant of all facts in any situation or all facts pertaining to ano-
ther’s life and motive. Judging is simply attaching motive to the actions
of another. There is indication in the writings of Paul, the Apostle, that
we are incapable of even judging ourselves, and should just do right and
leave judgment to the Lord. (1 Corinthians 4: 1-5, also check out Proverbs
3: 5-8) One day we will each stand before the Lord to give account for
the deeds done in the flesh. Here we speak of small and great, rich and
poor; those who have held high office and the quiet citizen of no great
repute. In the eyes of our God we are all the same. His expectation of us
is based on the gifts, talents and opportunities with which each has been
entrusted. Ultimately, what we do with Jesus Christ, God in the flesh,
will be the determining factor in our eternal condition.
donporter 1.03.13
dual. We are unqualified for this reason; There is no way for one person
to be cognizant of all facts in any situation or all facts pertaining to ano-
ther’s life and motive. Judging is simply attaching motive to the actions
of another. There is indication in the writings of Paul, the Apostle, that
we are incapable of even judging ourselves, and should just do right and
leave judgment to the Lord. (1 Corinthians 4: 1-5, also check out Proverbs
3: 5-8) One day we will each stand before the Lord to give account for
the deeds done in the flesh. Here we speak of small and great, rich and
poor; those who have held high office and the quiet citizen of no great
repute. In the eyes of our God we are all the same. His expectation of us
is based on the gifts, talents and opportunities with which each has been
entrusted. Ultimately, what we do with Jesus Christ, God in the flesh,
will be the determining factor in our eternal condition.
donporter 1.03.13
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