Today's Forecast...

The waters prevailed over the earth for one hundred fifty days. (Genesis 7:24, NET)

In Sunday's sermon, Pastor Martha noted that there are occasions in Scripture when the earth itself responds to the sinfulness and wickedness of mankind. In the story of Noah, we see that the waters on earth crossed their boundaries. Floods rose from beneath the earth and crested above the mountain ranges (see Genesis 7:17-20). Why did this happen? Because the people on earth had offended God through their acts of wickedness: "... every inclination of the thoughts of their minds was only evil all the time." (Genesis 6:5b) Eventually, the day came where opportunity for repentance had ceased.

It's not popular to speak a message which implies that time is a factor in repentance. But the God we serve has said, "My Spirit will not strive with man forever." (Genesis 6:3a) Our own mortality stands as a witness to the reality of limited time. It makes it all the more astounding that people, who know they are not guaranteed long life, would opt to live their lives in disobedience to the Lord who has called us to be gracious, honest, and compassionate.

• Are we interested in pursuing holiness and promoting healing, or have we opted to fill ourselves with thoughts and acts that are evil?
• If someone were to take inventory of the motives behind our actions, what would they find?

Lord, we who love You long to be accurate reflections of Your goodness and grace. Please help us to become more like You.

Righteous.

The LORD then said to Noah, "Go into the ark, you and your whole family, because I have found you righteous in this generation." (Genesis 7:1)

In this past Sunday's sermon Pastor Martha brought up an important question. Are we modeling righteousness to our family? Who are the people, or systems, that have the most influence in our household?

Noah may have looked ridiculous to his relatives and neighbors as he slowly, but faithfully, built the ark. And we may look ridiculous to our peers, or our unbelieving family members, as we carry out the assignments God has given us. But our hope is in the Lord God. We can be assured that, as in Noah's time, our God will bring His righteousness to bear in the earth: not because He is bent on wrath, but because righteousness is accompanied by justice. All that is wrong will be set right.

Are you, like Noah, surrounded by people who scoff at the provision of God? Don't worry. As you remain faithful in doing what God says, God will surely defend His own name. Righteousness will prevail.

As we go through our day today, let's take time to think of people in our lives who have served as models of righteousness towards us. And, let's endeavor to live as models of righteousness for the people we come into contact with every day.

Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. (Proverbs 14:34)