Sunday Words of Encouragement January 12, 2020

I was glad to attend Sunday School where our usual teacher has returned. He explained that he has been overwhelmed with work as a leading contractor in our area and during this past year of restoration. He took a break from his teaching duties which was a loss for us, his students. However, he recently realized that he was the one losing in the relationship of study and sharing God’s word. He discovered that he needed to stay plugged in and God has given him a clear call to return to his sharing Sunday School. We are all glad.

His lesson this morning continued the one I missed last week but that is included by summary. He asked the class: “Why did God create man?” Answers included: “For companionship.” “To worship Him.” “Because He could.” The teacher proposed that God created man for His pleasure and to rule (have dominion over earth. This is supported by Genesis 1:28; Revelation 22:1-5 and Revelation 2:24-26.

Man was God's agent on earth but for the machinations of Satan. Satan used the serpent to create doubt in Eve which she conveyed to Adam. Sin changed their view. Disobedience led to loss of dominion. Man had to work and struggle with his wife.

Why did Satan tempt Eve? To separate Adam and Eve from God; for revenge; out of jealousy. What Satan accomplished was to rob man of his relationship with God and rob man of his position of dominion over the earth. Satan gained control over earth because man gave up control.
Genesis 12:13-17. Matthew 12:43-45. John 12:31; 14:30. Ephesians 2:2-3. Job 1:6-7. The “Esau syndrome” shows man trading away God's gift for a short term gain. Genesis 25:29-34.

We must remember though that God has the ultimate control and say so. Job 1:8-12. The Holy Spirit helps us fight against the evil of Satan. 1 Peter 5:8. This is why we pray for God to intervene in earthly concerns.

I chose one wonderful song but another reached out to me for today.

Verses for Today:
Job 7:17-18 (NIV)
17 “What is mankind that you make so much of them,
that you give them so much attention,
18 that you examine them every morning
and test them every moment?

My prayer today: I trust God to be with my husband in hospital and to be with me for peace and strength. I know He is sovereign, ultimately in control!