What Are the Positive and Negative Values and Principles From God’s Word?

When negative values and principles from God’s Word are applied to a situation, such as what would normally be viewed as sinful – Self-righteousness, pride, being crooked and evil in thought, word, and deed; the individual is wrapped up in negativity. When positive values and principles are applied to a situation, such as what would typically be viewed as sinful – humility, being kind, fitting an example, trying to help someone fall straight, and being truthful; the individual is wrapped up in positives.

Please note that I used the words “positive” and “negative” to express a moral position on a subject instead of a moral obligation.

Two years ago, while living in Arizona, I was diagnosed with Osteomyelitis, a vicious staph infection over my spine. It had been a long time since I had had a physical, and even a couple of years prior to that, I had been told by a conventional doctor that I was completely healed. But, I certainly could not be healed from something so draining on my body.

I certainly did not intend to be so weak. I kept asking the Lord why He said I should be so weak? Why should He say I should be so troubled?

Remember, I (and my Lord) do not change. Obeying God is an ongoing process, and for me, it sometimes requires a lot of strength.

Nevertheless, even as I stumbled daily, praying about this health challenge, God was doing wonderful work in my life.

One day, while walking down the hallway at church, I heard the words of Isaiah 61:1-2 that read: “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. If anyone is thirsty, let him take the bread of life. As the bread of life gives, and the water of life without cost gives to them, so do this to my people. As they learn of me, they will be my people, and I will be their God. (2) If anyone makes his boast before my people, he has those he does not desire.”

Even as I heard those words, I tried to wrap my mind around what they meant as I continued to walk down the hallway. But to my surprise, I heard that same Isaiah word reversed in Proverbs 4:20 when it says, “If you listen to me, you will live. If anyone listens to these words of my mouth, he will live in victory.” (Bible- New Living Translation)

My heart sank, and I turned, and said to God, “No! I will not die but live…”(John 18:37)

But you said “Yes.”

So shall I die that I may live, look not back, and rise and live?(Deuteronomy 31:35)

And look for my messenger, and for my release, from the oppression of the wicked.(Isaiah 51:12)

These words were between God and me, and He confirmed it with His angels. I shut my eyes again, closed my ears, put my hands in my pocket, pulled my bottom lip near my nose, closed my eyes, said a sweet prayer, stood up, and walked out of the hospital wing, pretty numb, taking deep breaths.

Now, I felt fine! But I walked into the hospital wing as I owned it, like I was the luckiest man alive. I couldn’t wait to see the doctor! I couldn’t wait to see my casts off! I couldn’t wait to feel those hands of healing. And I wasn’t about to let some old b***le Benny knock me around. So I strayed and walked into the hospital wing, totally skinny and weak and tired, hoping that the next tray of IVs would help my hips! And the doctor came in and began to pray for me, and to my surprise, the next tray was a little bigger than the rest and different! And he began to ask me if I wanted to swap sides? So I said yes! And that’s when he came into the room and began to operate on me.

I’m thinking: So, if this is God, He’s con precise in His aiming. He knows exactly where His arrows are going, the direction of the mail, and where to dig and plow. I’m talking like a Kentucky steel beyond conception! If this is God, He’s con precise in His aiming. He knows exactly where His arrows are going, the direction of the mail, and where to dig and plow.

I wouldn’t even reach back and kosher it up to you if I were you. He is so precise.