Right-side-up in an Upside-down World
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
November 1
We live in perilous times (2 Timothy 3:1-9). As children of God looking to the world’s systems for solutions, we are left crippled by its ideologies and opinions. Our lives should be established upon God’s kingdom principles. Our unresolved problems are rooted in our failure to surrender our will to God and seek His wisdom and direction for our lives. With God, all things are possible.
Therefore, I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
—Matthew 6:25
Personal Reflections:
What is God’s plan and purpose for my life here on earth? How do the cares of this world keep me from focusing on my walk with Christ Jesus?
November 2
Our heavenly Father has promised to provide for all our needs (Philippians 4:19). As members of His family, God’s children are not dependent upon men’s institutions.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
—Matthew 6:33
Personal Reflections:
Should I look to government, or to God, to meet my needs? If I lack essentials of life where can I go to have my needs met?
November 3
In rebellion against God and His Word, our culture calls good evil, and evil good (Isaiah 5:20). From every direction, corruption seduces individuals to accept the mores of a degenerate world.
Christians are not to blindly follow the dictates of men. When evil parades as good, mankind has lost its God-given ability to discern right from wrong. Stand for righteousness, and stand firm.
It is not good to show partiality to the wicked, or to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
—Proverbs 18:5 (NKJV)
Personal Reflections:
Describe how the world shows favoritism to the wicked, while rejecting Christians. Explain how laws are being changed to provide loopholes for the criminal element in our society.
November 4
Daily, believers have an opportunity to serve God or this world in everything we do. We must humble ourselves and pray (Proverbs 18:12). It is only by the grace of God that it is possible for us to communicate with Him and know His will.
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
—Galatians 6:7–8
Personal Reflections:
Explain why sowing hate and discord will not produce a harvest of love and unity. When I pander to my flesh and put my relationship with God on hold, will I experience a victorious life?
November 5
Scripture defines faith as substance of things hoped for, evidence of things we do not see (Hebrews 11:1). When obstacles prevent us from moving forward in the kingdom of God, words of faith can remove them. In the name of Jesus, we can speak to them and they must obey (Philippians 2:9–11). The gates of hell cannot prevail against the church.
And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.
—Luke 17:6
Personal Reflections:
How much faith do I need to move the destructive obstacles in my life? Explain what it means to have mustard seed size faith.
November 6
God is faithful. Our ability to accomplish something may not seem realistic, but with God all things are possible. Believe. Do not doubt in your heart. You will have what you say.
Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
—Mark 11:22–23
Personal Reflections:
How do I utilize the authority Jesus has given me in His name? Explain how the victories in my life are possible, because of what I do, or because of God.
November 7
Godly wisdom is first pure, without selfish motives. Then it is amiable, calm, compassionate, forgiving and noble. It is without duplicity. In contrast, worldly wisdom is arrogant, divisive, harsh, biased. God has made His wisdom available to those who ask Him. The wise believer will seek God’s pure and unselfish wisdom in all matters.
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
—James 3:17–18 (NKJV)
Personal Reflections:
What kind of knowledge do I seek: godly wisdom, or worldly wisdom? Explain why I have been known in my family as the peacemaker.
November 8
False doctrine spreads like leaven throughout the Christian community, affecting everyone and everything it touches. Unless we know the truth, we will not be able to recognize the counterfeit. Pray and seek God’s face to know His genuine, unleavened Word.
Then Jesus said to them [His disciples], Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees. Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
—Matthew 16:6, 12 (NKJV)
Personal Reflections:
When I listen to someone preach either at church or at a Christian conference, am I able to discern if it is biblically based, or a worldly trend? Explain why words of compromise are like leaven.
November 9
When you find yourself in a competitive work environment, remember to guard your heart.
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
Although hopelessness surfaces from every area of our world, governments and their leaders would have you believe they are adept at crisis management. They would have you think they possess the ability to get everything under control, solve the world’s problems and manage chaos. However, the evidence of their failure expands. Everything around the globe is shifting positions, dismantling law and order. Anyone can search the daily news and see for themselves mankind’s foolishness. Our sin is not hidden. The church must wake up, repent and use the spiritual authority Jesus Christ invested to believers (Matthew 28:18-20).
Right-Side-Up in an Upside-Down World imparts practical wisdom and offers hope through God’s Word. This daily journal will help the reader use their God-given authority in their daily lives. This work stresses the importance of seeking the Word of God and prayer in every situation. Christians can view the world’s calamities with the peace of God that is beyond understanding. Anxiety will not overcome us nor have place in our lives if we seek God and His wisdom in prayer (Philippians 4:6-7).
We live in uncertain times. Right-Side-Up supplies insight from God’s Word to direct us through the dark maze the world creates. Without true light, mankind will continue to stumble and fail. As believers, our hope springs from our assurance that nothing takes God by surprise (Romans 8:28). We know He is in control of all things. God ordains individuals in leadership roles for good or for bad to accomplish His plan (2 Chronicles 7:14; 1 Timothy 2:1-4). Nothing happens without His knowledge. In a world inundated with information and change, only the Bible, the inerrant Word of God, contains God’s wisdom that can offer mankind true hope for a better tomorrow (Colossians 2:2-3).
About the Author
In 1983, Kathe Rumsey’s life was radically turned right-side-up following a series of relatively insignificant events: a class reunion, a neighborhood craft group that evolved into a Bible study. Through her determination to discover genuine purpose in life, she came to know Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Kathe grew up in a Christian home and traditional denomination. Later, receiving the gift of the baptism with the Holy Spirit, Kathe has undeniably experienced God’s faithfulness. The Word of God is her Rock-solid basis for all her life choices. She resides in Washington State with her husband and family.
Born again in 1985, Roberta Wong received Jesus Christ into her heart and was baptized with God’s Holy Spirit. She experienced God’s powerful intervention and life eternal began. Rescued from the darkness of false doctrines, the Bible became her source of light! The Spirit of truth became her teacher and the kingdom of God unfolded before her. Roberta came to know the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. As she delved into the Word of God, she discovered that Jesus Christ is truly the Bread of life. She and her husband reside in Washington State.
Kathe S. Rumsey and Roberta M. Wong have also co-authored or authored: ~ Love Is the Commitment: Protocol Guidelines for God’s Royal Wedding; ~ The Lamb’s Wife Makes Herself Ready: Love Is the Commitment Bible Study Workbook with Commentary; ~ Tell that Bully, No! The Overcomer’s Handbook; ~The Powerless Church America's National Disgrace.