1 May 2023 - Turning things upside down

Isaiah 29:16 (ESV) You turn things upside down!

The definition of turning things upside down is, to turn (something) so that the top is at the bottom. Turning something upside down is not always a bad thing. Sometimes we need to turn things upside down. We need people that are prepared to turn things upside down. That is prepared to go the extra mile. They are prepared to walk by faith. Take risks. Do what others are not prepared to do.

Act 17:6 And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down; Act 17:7 Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus. Act 17:8 And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things. Act 17:3-4 “For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.”

Notice what Paul says in these verses: Our message is true— “not from error.” Our message is pure—"not from impure motives.” Our message is honest—"not trying to trick you.” Our message is trustworthy—"entrusted with the gospel.” Our message is from God – men approved by God.

We need people that are prepared to turn this world’s norm upside down. These are people that are prepared to:

Love - John 13:34-35(NLT) “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

Put others before their interests - Philippians 2:3-5 (NLT) “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.”

Generous People - Psalms 112:5 (NIV) “Good will come to him who is generous…” Righteous People - Proverbs 10:25 (MEV) s the whirlwind passes, so is the wicked no more, but the righteous has an everlasting foundation.

They seek God. 2 Chronicles 15:2b (NLT)Whenever you seek Him, you will find Him. But if you abandon Him, He will abandon you.

Psalms 10:4 (MSG) The wicked are too proud to seek God. They seem to think that God is dead.

I conclude by turning things upside down today, by going the extra mile. Be prepared to walk by faith. Take risks. Do what others are not prepared to do.