How to Rely on God—September 25 Bible Reading Plan - Denise Pass

How to Rely on God

God gave us clear directions on how to be in His favor and we broke them. Then life got hard. And God still made a way back to Himself. But sometimes we can be a stubborn lot and try to do things our way, right? The problem is, we aren’t enough. We need someone greater to restore and heal us. We need to rely on our Creator, not the created. But we can struggle with how to rely on God when life falls apart. But it starts by remembering what God has done and what He will be faithful to do again. Relying on anything or anyone else will fail.

Bible Reading of the Day: Micah

Today’s reading is the book of Micah, which can be divided into three sections. Section one – chapters 1-2, describes God’s judgment for Israel and Judah. Section two, chapters 3-5, is for rulers and leaders, and section three, chapters 6-7, is for all of God’s people. The book of Micah ends with a song celebrating God’s rescue.

Micah lived during the time of the Judges, when everyone did what was right in their own eyes. Kind of reminds me of today – a sense of lawlessness and doing whatever seems good.

How to Rely on God—Repent

According to gotquestions.org,

“Micah was given a word from the Lord about the future of Samaria and Jerusalem (Micah 1:1). He is sixth in the order of those we call Minor Prophets, so called because their writings are comparatively short. It was the prophet Micah who foretold of Christ’s birth in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:6). His is a message of both hope and doom, declaring the lovingkindness of God toward those who repent and turn to Him (Micah 7:18–19). And Micah condenses God’s requirements into this familiar refrain: “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).

Micah warns God’s people of coming judgment. Unjust leaders, false prophets, and people who have rejected God and His word.

How to Rely on God—Remember What God Has Done

Micah 6 is titled, “God’s lawsuit against Judah” in my Bible and such a clear description and reminder of our condition before a holy God. We are guilty. We deserve condemnation. But God uses the prophets to warn His people so they will turn away and be restored. God’s purposes are always redemptive and restorative. Man likes to condemn and accuse, but God wants to give a clear understanding of His expectations so we can walk with Him.

Micah 6:3-8

“O my people, what have I done to you? What have I done to make you tired of me? Answer me! 4 For I brought you out of Egypt and redeemed you from slavery. I sent Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to help you. 5 Don’t you remember, my people, how King Balak of Moab tried to have you curse and how Balaam son of Beor blessed you instead? And remember your journey from Acacia Grove to Gilgal, when I, the Lord, did everything I could to teach you about my faithfulness.” 6 What can we bring to the Lord?  Should we bring him burnt offerings? Should we bow before God Most High with offerings of yearling calves? 7 Should we offer him thousands of rams and ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Should we sacrifice our firstborn children to pay for our sins? 8 No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”

How to Rely on God—Follow God’s Requirements, Not Man’s

God has told us. We are without excuse. Our culture struggles with social justice.

God is telling His people to remember. When we look back over our lives, we can have clarity. Sometimes we get so busy we forget to look up and notice what God is doing in our midst.

We need a wake-up call, friends, so we remain faithful to God and know what matters most in this life.

How to Rely on God—don’t rely on anything else

Micah reminds us that though people turn away from God, we have a choice to stand firm in our faith. Micah 4:5, “Though the nations around us follow their idols, we will follow the Lord our God forever and ever.”

How about us? Are we aware of things that distract us from devotion to God? The world pulls us away, friends, but we can choose to draw near. God’s judgment is certain. It’s coming like a freight train. But then so is His mercy for those who will walk with Him.

How to Rely on God—Rely on His Goodness

The prophet Micah’s name means ‘Who is like Yahweh (God)?’ And at the end of the book, Micah asks this question as he reflects on how good our God is.

Micah 7:18-20

“Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love. 19 Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean! 20 You will show us your faithfulness and unfailing love as you promised to our ancestors Abraham and Jacob long ago.”

Scripture of the Day: Micah 7:7

“As for me, I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me.”

Application

What do you rely on, friend? Life has some curveballs and pain. We can want to rely on ourselves or others, but it is only God who can deliver.

7-Fold One-Year Bible Reading Plan

Day #269: Micah Scripture of the Day: Micah 7:7

Listen: https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/niv/Mic.1

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