Today's writing, "TOPSY-TURVY WORLD" talks about how things seem to be turned upside-down and backwards sometimes in our world today. Right is wrong, wrong is right, and so forth. But is this really a new thing? In this writing you will find that there is really nothing new under the sun, and who really turned the world topsy-turvy.
May your Sunday be blessed!
Jan and Corinne
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Today's Devotional:
"TOPSY-TURVY WORLD"
by
Jan Andersen
Since when was doing right, following the rules, or enforcing the laws deemed wrong?! It is frustrating lately how what is right or wrong seems to be changing. Those who are doing the right thing are vilified. Those who are doing wrong are being hailed as heroes. People who are hired to protect and serve us are being denigrated for trying to carry out their duties. Criminals are being defended in court and in the court of public opinion. Some who are trying to comply with the laws are being harassed or even killed by officers gone wrong. It is a topsy-turvy world!
Our very laws seem to be turning upside-down. If you follow the speed limit law on the highways, traveling in the far left lane, you can get a ticket in many states for impeding traffic. I lived near a town where if you left items of value clearly visible in your car, YOU could receive a ticket for tempting someone to break in! The laws on social issues continue to change in ways that many of us believe are against the teachings in the Bible. Things that were once universally considered wrong are now acceptable. We live in a topsy-turvy world!
Even when we turn to God’s Word, confusion arises because of different interpretations. For example, Isaiah 1:17 says: “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” There are arguments made on both sides right now regarding our southern border as to what is right and just, while still defending the oppressed, orphaned and widowed. Are we defending those who are currently citizens and those who are going through the proper channels to enter our country and following our laws, vs defending those breaking the law and crossing the border illegally? Are we remaining open to helping those seeking asylum? Are we treating all humanely? Who do we hold accountable for children being separated from their parents as they cross the border - those breaking the law to come here to begin with vs those trying to enforce a law that may not be just? Are we being understanding and civil to one another as we debate these things? Are we holding onto resentments over it? Are we taking responsibility for our part, but no more than that?
However, the Old Testament tells us there is nothing new under the sun (Ecc. 1:9) and indicates there were even people who call evil good and good evil back then (Is 5:20). But what is really topsy-turvy is that our perfect God would come down in the form of man and pay the price through death on the cross for all of us for our sins!
2 Corinthians 5:21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God..
Dear God Almighty, thank you for the undeserved forgiveness of all our wrongs. Help us to live our lives to your glory as a way of thanking you and witnessing to others. Guide us as we study your Word and try to apply it to our lives, justly and lovingly. Bless our decisions, to use the right words and actions as we deal with our topsy-turvy world. Help us to reflect your love in all we do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Song:
JESUS FRIEND OF SINNERS
by Casting Crowns
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"We all like sheep have gone astray..." and the perfect lamb paid the price for all.
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Prayers are lifted up daily for
you by the Devotional Writers
and the Monthly Writing Staff
of Women's Focus Ministries.
Blog Writers:
Jan Andersen, Sandy Billingham, Carol Steficek,
Brother Thomas Ukwute, Jody Ward, Karen Bennett,
Collette Phillips, Cathy Friberg, and Corinne Mustafa
Occasional Contributors:
Kathy Bireley, Lynda Kinnard, Mary M. Wilkins,
Terri Baker, Beverley Napier, Kelly Dobyns
Glenna Williamson, Shelly Keith, Amie Spruiell,
Lisabeth Lipp, and Nandita Bhatnagar
This was a thought challenge to all of us, Jan. I know what I think about the ill placed support that I see others on the other side of the fence placing. Still sometimes I wonder how God is looking at all this tipsy turviness. He is the only one who is entirely correct. As for me I am at a loss about what is correct. Still, Jan, you always write a devotional that engages thought. Thank you and God bless!
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed a challenge to balance all of these things and to know fully what is right. All we can do is make the best decisions we can at the time with the information we have and the teachings we know, then ask God to bless those decisions!
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