In the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, Jesus points out the humility of the tax collector and said “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” – Luke 18:14
Brought out in “The Butterfly Effect” is the idea that some slight distress can have larger positive effects in the future. Think about how every achievement had backing from others either a teacher, a parent, or mentor that influenced the person toward the attainment.
Like the butterfly that changes from a caterpillar, we are changed when we do as the song “I Surrender All by Lifebreakthrough” says. We are approved by God. At that point in life, there is joy and a sense of purpose forever. We don’t have to follow those that lead us down the wrong path.
The butterfly effect is the idea that minor distresses can have big effects in the future. Think about a butterfly that started as a caterpillar, spins itself a silky cocoon, and transforms into a butterfly. Also, think about how every achievement had discipline from others like a teacher, a parent, or mentor that encouraged them to be transformed into the person they became. Everything we do to help someone can have a big impact on their achievements if we love them and help them to accomplish their full potential.
Today, reading in 1 Kings 21, we read about someone that had a negative effect named Jezebel who was married to King Ahab of Israel. She was a power hungry and ruthless person who introduced her gods to Ahab. In today’s passage, she set up a scheme to have Naboth put to death simply for refusing to sell his vineyard to her husband.
Jezebel had influenced Ahab to do evil by worshiping her gods and agreeing to her sinister schemes. At times, we can let others influence us in today’s world. Those we feel have power over us at the work place or out of touch government agencies that tell us what to do even when it brings harm to us personally or to our organization.
We don’t have to follow those that are leading us down the wrong path. By following God’s plan for us, we can surrender all to fulfill our call. We then become approved by God and there is purpose in our life. We can have joy in life even when things don’t work out for worldly success.
In today’s passage, we do note that Ahab’s repentance does affect God’s punishment. He humbled himself and disaster was not brought to him personally, but it was brought to his son (v. 29). The challenge for us is to set things right in the world in our generation so that future generations ultimately are transformed into a thing of beauty.
Thank You Lord that there are people around us that hold us accountable to Your Way Lord. Thank You for family members and fellow believers that influence us to glorify You. We surrender all to fulfill our call. We have a purpose in sharing Your Word Lord and we stay on track. We are grateful for each day we have to gain victories and build memories that we treasure. Amen.
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. - 1 Corinthians 15:57
Reading 1 Kings 20 and touched upon in “Advantages Toward Victory” are the plusses God gives us to help gain the victory against the forces of evil. By accepting Jesus, there is grace, the Holy Spirit, and the power to be victorious. These are big benefits God gives to His people.
Do not refuse to see that it is God who makes it happen. Without our Creator, we are just like the lyrics to the song Dust In The Wind by Kansas, but because of God, we are molded as the vessel to contain the Spirit and to fulfill God’s Plan For Us.
By accepting Jesus, there is grace, the Holy Spirit, and the power to be victorious. These are advantages God gives to His people. Today, we are reading 1 Kings 20, and will be given an example of God giving the advantage to His side.
Ahab was king of the northern kingdom of Israel who was not a good king because he built a temple and altar to Baal. Another bad king named Ben-Hadad was the king of Aram who also worshiped many gods instead of the ONE true God.
Ben-Hadad was powerful and initiated war with Ahab. He was arrogant and did not prepare for the war. We note that God gave the Israelites the advantage with information, courage, and set things up for victory.
I’m reminded of a major league baseball player and coach from 1946 through 1989 named Yogi Berra who often made humorous but wise comments called Yogi-isms. One example is “It ain’t over ‘til it’s over.”
The photo above is the Baylor vs TCU game in 2014, Baylor was behind by 21 points with only about 11 minutes left in the game but came back to win 61-58. The lesson is that if you hang in there and try your best, you leave yourself a chance to win. In football, you try to win each play and in life you try to win each moment.
Another Yogi-ism is, “He hits from both sides of the plate. He’s amphibious.” What he was talking about is being a switch hitter. Switch hitters have an advantage because the pitcher is not effective with a curve ball when a batter hits from the left side against a right handed hitter or a batter hits from the right side against a left handed pitcher.
That’s what God does for us. He give us the advantage to win at life. God was for Israel and wanted Ahab to change his ways so he sends a prophet to give advice. God is seeking to teach Ahab that there is no other God except the ONE true God.
We note in today’s passage that God gave the advantages to Ahab and gives Ben-Hadad into Ahab’s hands. With God’s help, Ahab’s army defeats Ben-Hadad’s army. But we also note later in the passage that Ahab shows mercy on Ben-Hadad so he spares his life and makes a treaty so Ben-Hadad was set free.
One thought is that Ahab spared Ben-Hadad’s life because they had a common conviction to idol worship. At the end of today’s passage, a prophet of God condemns Ahab for making the treaty and setting Ben-Hadad free. Ahab’s attitude towards God’s judgment is one of anger and gloom. God had helped but Ahab still didn’t accept His help for the future.
This day, we pray for help in making a difference as we wage this war with the forces of evil. We have the Truth on our side and are fortified with the Word to fight the good fight. We are on the winning team and have a game plan which includes being kind to our neighbor, praying for the church, and lifting up teammates with encouragement. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
A takeaway from Psalm 71 is to never get down because a new day will come around. God’s past action is a basis for hope. When God has been faithful and made good on promises, tell others about it so you produce hope for others. Hand over to the next generation an optimistic future shaped by your hope.
This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 