August 17, 2018
“Ready for a game?” I called out to my ten- and eight-year old grand-kiddoes.
They dashed to the couch and snuggled beside me. “What are we playing?”
Each game I invent has strange rules and quirky turns.
As I give the instructions, I emphasize what they cannot do or what they cannot say.
Once they learn the do’s and don’ts, the game begins. We laugh, learn and pass the time with delight.
God does the same thing. When He gave directions to many of His people, He used the same approach.
There was no game involved, but rather, with each instruction, a profound and life-changing impact to our destiny took place. And all because He gave instructions of what to do and what not to do.
Here are some paraphrased examples of what God said not to do:
- To Eve, He said don’t eat.
- To Cain, He said don’t lie.
- To Moses, He said don’t worry about your stuttering.
- To Joseph, He said don’t lose faith.
- To Abraham, He said don’t doubt.
- To Noah, He said don’t stop.
- To Sarah, He said don’t laugh.
- To Hannah, He said don’t stop praying.
- To David, he said don’t fail to repent.
- To Elijah, He said don’t run.
- To Jonah, He said don’t say
- To Joshua, He said don’t be discouraged.
- To Jeremiah, He said don’t think about your age.
- To Martha, He said don’t whine.
- To Paul, He said don’t give up.
- To Ruth, He said don’t look back.
If He was clear with all these powerfully influential people, why wouldn’t He say the same to you and me today? His voice hasn’t lost its timbre. His desire to be close to us hasn’t faded, and His instructions haven’t become lame.
With His love-overflowing authority, He speaks as we face the deepest pain and hardest times.
Here are 12 examples for us of what not to do:
- Don’t worry, I have each moment planned. Each day orchestrated. (Matthew 6:19-34)
- Don’t fear. Consider what I gave you—not a spirit of fear, but one of love, power and of sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)
- Don’t try to figure it out. Trust in me with all your heart, think of me in every situation and I will show you the way. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
- Don’t look back. Forget what happened yesterday. Focus on today. Hope for tomorrow. (Isaiah 43:18)
- Don’t follow your wisdom. Seek mine instead. My thoughts and ways are higher than yours. (Isaiah 55:8-9)
- Don’t let guilt in. If you repent, the slate is clean. The stains are removed. (Psalm 103:11-12)
- Don’t despair. I’m near you, I will save you from all the gloom and sadness. (Psalm 34:18)
- Don’t seek the things of this world. Seek instead a closer and more intimate relationship with me. (Matthew 6:33)
- Don’t feel lonely. I’ll be with you when you get up. When you move and when you take off on your journey. (Joshua 1:9)
- Don’t envy what others have. I gave you what you need for today. I’ll fill your desires with good things. (Psalm 103:1)
- Don’t listen to bad news. Fill your heart with my promises instead. (Psalm 102: 3-8)
- Don’t lament your weaknesses. I will strengthen you and I will help you. (Isaiah 41:10)
God does say to “Look to me for answers. Do love me with all your heart. Do expect a life filled with blessings.”
Let’s Pray
Father, I understand the restrictions you placed for my protection. Thank you for your guidance that leads me to the place that is best for me. In Jesus name.
As you face today’s problems, what is God telling you not to do?
Janet
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Thank you Janet.
Always admire your thoughts.
Love,
Miren
I appreciate your kind words, dear Miren…thank you!
I really enjoy reading your writings and also really enjoy your prayer you send me weekly. Thank-you so much for all your inspirations as I too have an eye problem. I am blind in my left eye and as hard as I try it really effects me. I know I need so much to listen to and be inspired by you. Thank you and may God bless you for all you do.
Dear Glenda,
Thank you for sharing your heart. I know God is watching and lovingly guiding you day and night.
I so appreciate the time you took to write me, and I pray you’ll continue to be touched by the message God has for you.
In His grace, Janet
Dear Janet, thank you so much. You are a true blessing in my life. May God continue blessing the works of your hands. Blessings, Jacqy.
Thank you Jacqy, encouragement like yours makes my life shine even brighter…thank you!
Thank you Janet for this timely reminder of God’s unending love for me. I’m greatly blessed. God bless you
Dear Lara,
I so appreciate you letting me know! Notes like yours sure make my day shine brighter!
Janet
Hi’ I’m Greg in Hobbs NM who goes into the Hospital Again They have a room foe me simce I’ve been there so oftef foor another operation. I don’t tell al that for pity dear just lrt toy klnow that Whith partail brin and many other tings I stil do chil;drens chuiurch (Even though I don;t remember mames ans such and help in C>C and so on. The 42 pills I take each day enqable me to do this (and many other things- please ignopore the the mistqakles I’m Lookig at these keys which I tll u all this). He is my 1 and only God abd my wobnerful wiife of 46 years has me well to due (she’s at the chursch now .the Pastor Prsaise God.) need to stop now, but thaks so much for what yuo do
By His Grace
Greg
Dear Greg,
Dear Greg,
I was touched by your note and request for prayer.
And as I ask the Lord to provide the healing you need and the support you ask for, I admire your desire to turn to God, the only One who can turn the impossible around.
Praying for you, Greg.
Good Morning Janet!!!! I’m Crying Right Now After Reading About Your Life!!!! I’m Ashamed About Myself….. I Have So Much And Yet Feel I Have Nothing!!!! My Wife Is A Survivor Of Cancer…. We Lost Our Son Adam 8 Years Ago…. Adam Was Only 28…. We Are Both In Our Late 60’s Janet And Sometimes Just Looking Around Is Depressing!!!! You Just Made My Day Complete Janet!!!! Love You!!!! God Bless You!!!! Keeping You And All Your Loved Ones In My Prayers!!!! Sincerely, Ray Griffiths
Dear Ray, thank you so much for writing. Thank you for sharing your heart. I think although we ask God why, He already knows the questions we ask, the sorrow we experience, and sad days we endure, but He offers His peace and faithfulness for each moment.
Hanging on to that truth keeps us moving forward with renewed joy, right? Again, Ray, I so appreciate you writing, and will pray for you and your wife.
Janet
In His grace,