consequences of not walking with god

They captured as plunder all their wealth, all their little ones, and their wives, including everything in the houses. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; The activities of those who claim that they are working for God but are not walking with Him have brought shame and reproach to the body of Christ. Also, because sons were favored over daughters during that period of time, Dinah might have been his least favorite. Officially, church historians recognize seven ecumenical church councils held between A.D. 325 and A.D. 787. All rights reserved. When Jonah ran from God, God brought a storm in his life to turn him back (Jonah 1). Let thy hope of heaven master thy fear of death. The treasury of Scripture will enrich your mind, refocus your goals, replace your doubts, and redirect your pathbut only if you read it and heed it. One of the best benefits we have of walking with God is that we can be sure we have eternal life. Why do parents neglect their children, other than the fact theyre neglecting God? Since God's people weren't spending time with Him daily, they could not hear or see how much their lives were being consumed by sin. All rights reserved. Or soberly and realistically according to the grace of God in your life? When People Let You Down: Dealing with Disappointment. The journey of faith is not an easy one. When God is neglected in a society or a home, parents typically neglect their responsibilitiesto the demise of their children. To make this even worse, it is clear from the narrative that Dinah wasnt at home with Jacob but was being held captive by this family (Gen 34:26). Intermarry with us. (2) In a society where people neglect God, not only will parents neglect their responsibilities by not setting appropriate boundaries, but they also will tend to not discipline their children at all. If you find that you are struggling to manifest the different aspects of the fruit of the Spirit, you can pray and ask God to help you yield more to His Spirit. If we did this, we would be horribly malnourished! In fact, they were probably worse. God will not hear any of it because He has seen the ceaseless sins of His people. It happens as we stop attending church faithfully, reading our Bibles, praying, and having Christian fellowship. 1 Peter 5:5, NIV, What is humility? This is a very dangerous trend in the body of Christ. The word heaven itself implies that our eternal destiny is somewhere up there in the heavens. They work together to offer sacrifices to other gods. Shechem said to his father Hamor, Acquire this young girl as my wife. When Jacob heard that Shechem had violated his daughter Dinah, his sons were with the livestock in the field. Here are two more good verses showing the negative consequences of not being willing to fully follow God in this life. We must be careful of this. This is also common in society and church when God is neglected. God sent them His servants and prophets DAILY, again and again. Though his major struggles seemed to be over, his most difficult struggle appearedmaintaining faith in ease and prosperity. All rights reserved. The spiritual battle, the loss of victory, is always in the thought-world. He had skeletons in his closet and fell into temptation. In response to Hamors and Shechems offer, Jacobs sons said that it would be disgraceful for Dinah to marry someone uncircumcised. God doesn't tempt us, but He may allow temptation to enter our lives in order to give us opportunities to make obedient and mature choices. Perhaps it would help to think of it in those terms. Sex trafficking is a growing illegal industry. Then we will give you our daughters to marry, and we will take your daughters as wives for ourselves, and we will live among you and become one people. In three days, when they were still in pain, two of Jacobs sons, Simeon and Levi, Dinahs brothers, each took his sword and went to the unsuspecting city and slaughtered every male. In what ways is God drawing you back to himself through discipline? Only God can move you from confusion to clarity. When working reactively, you're not sure and often, you can't see beyond the task in front of you. During difficult times, the hope of eternity gives us strength. Congregations will find teachers who make them feel good by preaching myths. And it appears that Jacob and his family began to neglect God in this season. G. Campbell Morgan, When Jesus saw [the friends] faith, He said to the paralytic, Son, your sins are forgiven you. They said to them, We cannot give our sister to a man who is not circumcised, for it would be a disgrace to us. Therefore His anger is to be poured out on all the living things. Because of our human nature, we can easily be overwhelmed by troubles, especially, when they stay with us for long. A classic Bible verse that reminds us of one of the best benefits of walking with God is John 3:16. However, God delivered Jacob from that situation as wellbringing reconciliation. Many might question, Why is this story in the Bible? and What can we learn from it? There are many things: For one, stories like this give evidence of the Divine authorship of Scripture. Abraham and Sarah were promised a son but they werent content to wait for the promise to come to pass. However, before they went in, they sent in twelve spies to see what their enemies looked like and what they would encounter once they crossed over to possess the land from some of these evil people. I dont wait well. } Moses had flaws. In Genesis 35, after this terrible narrative, Jacob led his family in repentance. How do you view yourself? 'Today in the city of David a Saviour has been born to you. Choose your way or anyone elses way and you will reap absolutely nothing in this life as far as God is concerned when it is all finally said and done. Below Deck and its spinoff series may be reality TV shows, but there can be real-life consequences for the crew's actions both on and off the ship. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them. There is not too much we read about Enoch in the Bible. It is normal for parents to love their children. A life with God is one of righteous living because of the transformation that comes by His Spirit, who lives in us. Here are two very powerful Scripture verses describing the above scenario. The result is an abundant life that bears fruit for the Kingdom of God. We have spoken of this fellowship in our treatment of the third verse. Talent vs. Faithfulness: What is God Looking For? Yet, just as they were getting ready to cross over into their Promised Land, they started questioning and doubting that God could take these enemies out for them, even though God had just got done delivering them from an entire Egyptian nation several years earlier! When were neglecting God, he is replaced by some idolsomething that gets most of our attention: social media, video games, career, money, relationships, etc. Strengthen your walk with the Lord today, knowing that it is a relationship that goes on into eternity. (1) They dont establish appropriate boundaries for them. Enoch continued with his walk with the Lord when he left the earth. Whether we realize it or not, it is part of our past, and it will be part of our future. The story is tragic. When you taste the goodness of God, you wouldnt want to go back to a life without Him. Those who walk with God have a better understanding of the work of ministry. Consider what he says to his household and all who were with him, Get rid of the foreign gods you have among you. Hiding sin does not remove it from Gods sight; but when we seek Gods forgiveness, the refreshing living water from the Father is poured out on us and we are restoredthat is the power of confession. When he was about to encounter his angry brother, God protected him again. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.' 24 But they did not obey or incline their ear, but walked in their own counsels and the stubbornness of their evil hearts, and went backward and not forward. With Dinah, Jacob is probably quiet because she wasnt his priority. In periods of modern droughts, aerial photographs document the receding water levels in reservoirs around the stateshorelines growing wider and drier as water levels fall. It was like his soul was being evaporated by the heat of his own guilt and shame. Richard Sibbes, DavidJeremiah.blog is part of the broadcast ministry of David Jeremiah. })(); Gods promise You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out. This was to be a perpetual sign of their covenant with God for generations. Now God will make them known as the nation that did not obey and perished. The creation is both a monument of Gods power, and a looking-glass in which we may see his wisdom. Jonah 3:1-2. King David was a classic example of impulsivity. By walking with God, we have access to His precious promises that we see in the Bible. We hear God speak through His Holy Spirit, Who dwells in us. Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. And if a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit.". In the same way, when things are good, we tend to neglect God and fall into sin as well. J. C. Ryle, I rejoice at Your Word as one who finds great treasure. But with Jonah, the second time was because Jonah had failed to speak Gods word the first time. While the Hivites were in pain from their circumcision, two of Jacobs sons, Simeon and Levi, murdered all the men of the village. A good idea is not always a God idea so you need wisdom to determine the God ideas. Divine wisdom helps us increase our knowledge of God so that we can trust Him more each day. Then Shechems father Hamor went to speak with Jacob about Dinah. Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily, the heart of the children of man is fully set to do evil. Where do the conflicts and where do the quarrels among you come from? Not only will the leaders neglect God and abuse the people, but also the people wont want God and his Word. Instead of justice, they seek vengeanceturning many away from Christ. The moment you got ahead of God is the moment you stepped out of His will. Verse Concepts. He has served over eighteen years in pastoral ministry, and currently serves as a chaplain and professor at Handong G More, Getting Spiritually Fit 1 ( Corinthians 9:24-27), Steps to Biblical Reconciliation (Luke 17:1-4; 2 Corinthians 5:15-21). There are so many people who have confessed that God has called them into specific ministries. Jacobs sons killed them and looted the city because their sister had been violated. Jonah repented and called on the Lord and was delivered. He sent warnings and prophets to guide them. In the US, one out of six females are victims of an attempted or completed rape.4 Similarly, one out of four females on college campuses experience sexual assault.5 In addition, the acceptance of homosexuality has grown. Amid the strange and apocalyptic vision described in Ezekiel 1, God called the thirty-year-old exile to be a powerful prophet. First, he believed the promises of God about the future God had planned for him (Hebrews 11:8-12). Human authors would not have added this story. Let prophecies be given by divine revelation. He was from a priestly family, and he undoubtedly looked forward to serving God in Jerusalems temple. Follow Abrahams example as a faithful father by deepening your friendship with God. The hardest part of forgiving another person isacting like the offense never occurred. Someone had used a knife to cut a hole in the middle of the book. Ezekiel is the prophet of the glory of the Lord. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his masters business. God loves you and He desires to bless you abundantly. 1 John 1:6. This is the eternal nature of having a strong relationship with God. Why is this happening? To walk with God daily, you must be committed. Walking with God certainly has good results in our lives, which others witness and celebrate. The perfection of his work relied absolutely on his walk before God. The benefits and results of walking with God now and forever far outweigh the sacrifices we make today to spend more time with Him. Are you a whole person or a fractioned person today? As we read the Bible and immerse ourselves in Gods truth and character, our lives are changedwe become more like Him. 1. Walking with God means that you are blessed, and you have access to His great promises, which He has given in His Word. Both times, aware of this tragic cultural reality, Abraham lied and said that she was his sister to protect himself from being killed because of her. But when we apply that impatience to God it can have grave consequences. Hello golden streets, glorified bodies, endless days, and the fresh air of New Jerusalem! God is far more willing to save sinners than sinners are to be saved. Children fight with their parents, and church members continually hurt one anotherbehaving worse than pagans. Why Dinahs father or brothers are not with her is unclear. Living our lives with God in it, makes things easier and gives us hope. We, the children of God, are instructed to mark those who don't walk in unity and withdraw ourselves from them. But, since God is the ultimate author of Scripture, he doesnt hide the flaws of his people. Many people ask how one hears God, and this is because they dont understand how it happens. Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don't think you are better than you really are. Though God is never mentioned in this terrible narrativehope in him is implied. 19Is it I whom they provoke? I LOVE thinking about this. He can bring light out of darkness and beauty out of ugliness. As believers, we should manifest fruits that are obvious to others. They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed. When we declare Gods promises into our lives, they manifest and bless us tremendously, and the glory goes to God. That's just what we see in this chapterthe consequences of neglecting God, both among pagans and . The patriarch Isaac could have written that book about his father, Abraham. Consequences in a Life Not Walking in the Fear of God. And that mandate extends to our personal life as well. A tent or a cottage, why should I care? J. Vernon McGee, The Lord your God cares. Its the act of becoming too attached to the material things of the worldfalling more in love with the things on earth than on things in heaven. These two verses are giving all Christians major revelation on what God is looking for from each one of us. Why was Jacobs teenage daughter even allowed to go to the city by herself? One of the most dramatic examples of one group of people who followed Godfullyand another group who did not were the Israelites who were tested by God the Father in the desert after being rescued from the Egyptians in the story of Moses. This was a sad situation. But it was all lost until Christ came to the earth and introduced the loving Father into the world. Ex 20:5). This mindset has landed me in a heap of trouble on more than one occasion. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.". That means communing with Him, walking with Him, living for Him, and above all, trusting Him and His promises. Maybe, Jacob doesnt say anything because he knows that he is responsible. I pray for ears that can hear and eyes that can see. He acted on his desires, and it cost him dearly. Big Question: What are the consequences of neglecting God, as demonstrated in the Genesis 34 narrative? Paul uses that image to say that Christ leads His followers in a victory procession through every difficulty in life (2 Corinthians 2:14-15). Join me for a 5-Day Mountain-Moving Faith Devotional. To get the best use out of [the Bible] for daily life,Give it the best and freshest, not the most tired and dull, hour of the day. They killed Hamor and his son Shechem with the sword, took Dinah from Shechems house, and left. They used to go in and out of the holy place and were praised in the city where they had done such things. California is a dry state that needs water to be transported over many miles to population and agricultural centers. The adage, "You can't keep a good man down" is a biblical concept. Francis Schaeffer, And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. And he was called the friend of God. Most likely, they had some servants help with this slaughter. In this narrative, one of the sad realities is the lack of parental involvement and leadership. He fell in love with the young woman and spoke romantically to her. A leper approached Jesus and said, If You are willing, You can make me clean. Jesus touched the man, saying, I am willing; be cleansedand he was healed (Mark 1:40-42). The young man did not delay in doing what they asked because he wanted Jacobs daughter Dinah badly. Many unbelievers have vowed not to come to Christ because of this group of workers. Seeking the Lord means . In Genesis 38, Judah, Jacobs son, will visit a prostitute. (We reserve the right to moderate comments. In fact, there are no instances of Jesus being asked to help or heal and Him answering, I am not willing. There is a place where the Bible says God is not willing, and that is 2 Peter 3:9. It tells us that God loved the world so much that He sent Jesus to die for us so that we will not perish, but have eternal life. It is possible because of the fruit of joy that comes from the Holy Spirit. Consider these verses: No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it (1 Corinthians 10:13). So, Jesus proved He had the authority to say, I forgive you, by doing something harder. In Genesis 34, though God is not mentioned, we know he is present, but he seems to be present for judgment. Often disciplining children will be looked down upon, as if left alone, children will naturally blossom into maturity and wisdom. The God of grace loves to forgive. They are idolatry, immorality, infidelity, and disloyalty. Think of every promise as a precious stone. Eternal Life. You'll lose time, energy and focus very easily, which makes it harder for you to make tangible progress on particular tasks or projects. In some areas, even unaccompanied men might be raped (cf. Genesis 39:1-9, 41:38-44. We can imagine a child writing an appreciative and sentimental memoir about her perfect father, understanding that perfect was not intended to be taken literally. Be careful of those times. Now Dinah, Leahs daughter whom she bore to Jacob, went to meet the young women of the land. Let us consider them and be warned, which, no doubt, is the narrators purpose in sharing this story. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'halyministries_com-box-4','ezslot_11',617,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-halyministries_com-box-4-0'); When you dont know what to do, or you have confusion in your mind, ask God to fill you with the knowledge of His will. With the livestock in the city because their sister had been violated Dinah to marry uncircumcised. In a society or a home, parents typically neglect their children, other than the fact neglecting... 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