May 20th

"Might" inferring authority, God's disciplining His children, this is true and is motivated by His love. In the context of raising our children, I think that is generally correct too, though sometimes even we parents are in the wrong and make mistakes (only God's love is perfect). But in the day to day world of dealing with people, treating others and responding to their needs it can be unfair and unjust. But this seems to be the way of the world: get ahead in the rat race, and become the top dog. Then you have more influence to get done what you want, regardless of what others may think (listen to them or not). I won't even want to apply this line of thought to the political sphere; I don't want to ruin a perfectly beautiful morning right now!

Thanks for this opportunity to respond! It is nice when this coincides with the radio program. The repetition helps extend the study throughout the day.

I think we encounter opportunities for power in many ways all day long. As soon as we get in our cars & on the freeway, we're looking for ways to get ahead of the car in front of us if they're going a little slower than we'd like & tailgate them when no other openings occur. We want the better parking spot. Our cars become our vehicle of power. And people have to get out of our way. We drive thru residential neighborhoods 20 mph over the speed limit, not thinking about how hard it is to stop in time should some little one run unthinking into the street. There's plenty of power being abused in higher government, in business, etc, but we have to deal with temptations to abuse power at a more personal level.

When I read the first few verses I couldn't help but think about a situation that my husband and I are going through right now. We filed bankruptcy last year in June. The Office of Child Support (OCSE) has done nothing but try to take us back to court and harass us. OCSE is not suppose to be contacting us but our attorney. OCSE wants to set up a hearing for child support. Both children are over 20 years old and the child support is not suppose to be active but it is. Our attorney's assistant told my husband that we might have to get a divorce attorney for the child support. Both people (OCSE and the attorney) are in positions of authority. My husband and I are like puppets in their hands. Our daily lives are affected by the decisions both of these people make. We don't have the money to get ANOTHER attorney. All we can do is say "God, I give it to You" and then leave it with Him because God is bigger than both OCSE and the attorney and GOD is in CONTROL of the entire situation.

It seems to be the order of the day in this world, if God blesses you that means you become ruthless with your power and your wealth and you no longer care. With power you can do anything and get away with it. But God is a mighty God and he says woe to those who continue to ill treat my people and think of ways to steal from them.

Hi Tami. I definitely agree with Kevin in the sense that having the bible reading here at poweredby4 coincide with the BTTB radio program reinforces in me the message of God's Word. Thanks!