Some Questions.....

Our focus this week is on the sovereignty of God. As we continue our study in the weeks to come, we will look at names that show us some other characteristics of His attributes and His nature. We’ll see truths that will balance this truth. But today we’re seeing that He is the One who is in control. How does personal responsbility fit into that picture?  Does the fact that God is sovereign mean that I'm just a puppet?  Let's think about that today and put this into perspective.
First, let's review some of what we've learned so far:

• Daniel 4:34-35....."He does according to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of earth and no one can ward off His hand or say to Him, 'What hast Thou done?' "
• Isaiah 14:24....."The LORD of hosts has sworn saying, 'Surely just as I have intended so it has happened and just as I have planned so it will stand'."
• Isaiah 46:11....."Truly I will bring it to pass.  I have planned it, surely I will do it."
• Luke 22:31....."Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat."

We have seen from these verses and others we have examined that God is in control, that nothing happens without His permission.  How does that impact your daily life?  What difference does that make when it comes to obeying some of the instructions we find in the New Testament, such as Ephesians 5:20....."always giving thanks for all things."

Is it easier, or is it more difficult, to give thanks in all things, or to rejoice always, or to pray without ceasing, when you realize that El Elyon is in control and nothing can happen without His permission?  Knowing that our God and Father, El Elyon, is sovereign over ALL things, does that make it easier to give thanks in all things, knowing that He "causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."  (Romans 8:28).

Here's your challenge for today......think back over all you have learned this week about the sovereignty of God.  Read the Scriptures again.  You might want to use your word study tools to find additional references that show us the sovereignty of God.  Then think about these questions and how you would answer them:

• How would you explain the sovereignty of God to another person? 
• How would you explain the meaning of El Elyon? 
• What have you learned about El Elyon that makes a difference to you in whatever circumstances you are finding yourself today? 
• As you look at the world around you - in your home, your city, your country - how does knowing God as El Elyon, the Most High God, help you to deal with, to give thanks in those circumstances? 
• How is El Elyon at work in your life today?