November 30, 2012   

Today's Photograph . . . . He Cannot Be Bribed, Tricked, or Manipulated   (Jack M)

Bible Study Verses  

Luke 15:28-31

But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, 'Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!'  And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. (ESV)

Thoughts

Have you ever treated God like a vending machine? Or maybe like Santa Clause? Have you tried to manipulate Him or obligate Him to do what you want Him to do? Have you ever thought, "If I do this, then God will have to do this in return?" I know that I have been guilty of that very thing.

(Jack M)

Action Point

We need to understand that God owes no one anything. All that He gives is because of His goodness, grace, mercy and love. He cannot be bribed. He cannot be tricked. He cannot be manipulated.

The elder brother in the passage above (Read Luke 15:1-31) was angry because his father was generous and forgiving. He did not like it that his younger, lost brother had been reinstated to full status as a son and as an heir. This certainly cut into his own inheritance.

What amazes us is that the father comes out to seek them both! When he speaks with the older brother, the younger is already present at the feast. The lost younger brother has now been found and is saved. The older, manipulative brother was still standing outside the banquet hall.

Have you accepted God's offer of salvation in Christ, or are you still standing on the outside?

Sportsmen's Tip of the Day

Make a list. Check it twice. When heading out for a trip in the outdoors, especially to a remote area, make a list of all you will need ahead of time. Check off what you will need as you pack it. Chances are the wilderness areas will not have a store, a vending machine, or a retail outlet so you can purchase what you need in an emergency situation.