“Come on lets go!” Like the little puppy, sometimes we are in a rush to get going and we wonder if GOD is sleeping. Why am I not seeing the promises HE gave me fulfilled? But all timing is in GOD’s hands and HE has a reason for every seeming delay (Acts 17:26-27).
Problems and waiting are hard and sometimes we forget to look around us at the little gifts from GOD as HE teaches us in other areas. When I do look around my attitude changes and I am filled with joy.
I just got back from a stroll around the park across the street from my house. The sun is shining brightly, the wind blew softly just enough to keep my hair out of my face and then I saw a tiny squirrel scampering around, I couldn’t help but smile. There also was a beautifully colored bird perched on a fence.
Each of those things, beginning with my ability to walk without pain around the park are special gifts from the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY and redirected my thoughts from struggles to our wonderful loving Creator and totally changed my attitude.
Has tragedy struck and is it about to reach culmination in your life? It might not be the end but a beginning.
Hard things are not always a curse. They are meant to benefit us and are merely a means GOD is using to achieve what needs to be done (2 Corinthians 4:15-17). From the human perspective it can look like the end of the world; but through GOD’s eyes there are forces at work, plans aligning, and miracles taking place. (I have found this out through much personal experience).
Stop and think of Jonah GOD’s man who hated the assignment GOD gave him so he ran the other way got on a boat, was thrown into the sea, was swallowed by a huge fish and after 3 days Jonah cried out to GOD from the bellow of the fish and promised to do whatever GOD told him. GOD had the fish spit out Jonah on dry ground and told Jonah to go do what HE had told him to do (go preach to the Ninivites. So, Jonah went and did as he was told to do.
2 Corinthians 7:9-11 LB says: I am glad…not because it hurt you but because the pain turned you to GOD. It was a good kind of sorrow you felt, the kind of sorrow GOD wants HIS people to have… For sometimes GOD uses pain in our lives to help us turn away from sin (as HE did for Jonah). We should never regret HIM sending it. See how much good grief from the LORD did for you? You no longer shrug your shoulders at sin but have become earnest and sincere and very intent on getting rid of sin.
We need to remember GOD’s ways are not our ways, but they always work (Isaiah 55:8-11).
Let’s look at a few of the great and precious promises GOD has given that we might be partakers of HIS holiness (2 Peter 1:3-4)
GOD promises to lead us and help us mourn for our sins and confess them so HE can bless us (Isaiah 57:18).
(Acts 17:26-27) … HE has preset the exact times and places (that includes red lights and traffic jams) for the purpose that men should reach out to HIM…
Our Heavenly FATHER disciplines us for our profit… and although it may be painful for a while, it will produce the peaceable fruit of righteousness in our lives (Hebrews 12:9-11).
(Lamentations 3:33) GOD does not enjoy causing grief (HE brings/allows it only when it is necessary to achieve an end result of good to those who love HIM and are the called according to HIS purposes (Romans 8:28-29)
(Lamentations 3:32) although HE causes grief, HE will show compassion (Lamentations 3:22- 23) for the steadfast love of the LORD never ceases. HIS mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.
Sometimes we struggle or see another struggling and wonder why. It helps me to remember that GOD is loving and kind and in control and does nothing without a cause (Ezekiel 14:23)
Regardless of how bad things look, know that GOD is in control working behind the scenes for an end result of good.
Holding on to these promises enables me to look to HIM and follow HIS leading one step at a time.
Re-reading an old story one more time Mark 5:1-20, I was amazed anew at how the demons knew 1) GOD’s plan, 2) GOD’s timing and 3) the merciful nature of GOD and 4) used their knowledge of GOD to their own advantage. On the other hand many people don’t even know that JESUS, the one who threw the stars into space, GOD the Son died for them, carrying their sins, so they could live eternally with HIM.
JESUS and HIS disciples had sailed across the lake call the Sea of Galilee to the land of Gadarenes. Just as JESUS was getting out of a boat a wild looking, naked man with cuts all over his body ran up to JESUS and worshiped HIM. In compassionate response to the man, JESUS told the demons in the man to leave the man and the head honcho, demon spokesman of the 2,000 (legion) cried out, “We beg YOU by GOD, don’t torture us before the time, let us go into the pigs.”
The demons were afraid of being sent to the pit, and parallel verses in Matthew 8:28 shows they knew of GOD’s appointed time for their judgment; and in Luke 8:26 says JESUS had been ordering the demons to go the bottomless pit. Because of this they begged JESUS, calling on HIM to remember GOD’s nature of compassion, GOD’s plan and GOD’s timing.
JESUS granted the demons request and it wasn’t long before the entire herd of squealing pigs plunged down over the steep hillside and drowned themselves in the lake. The herdsmen ran to the nearby city and spread the word. A crowd came to see for themselves and saw the madman dressed and sitting in his right mind and listening to JESUS speak. Did they marvel at the transformation? NO! They didn’t want to change, like the madman had, so they didn’t want anything to do with JESUS. Therefore, they begged JESUS to leave and HE did.
As JESUS and HIS disciples were getting into the boat to go back across the lake, the man who JESUS cast the legion of demons out of begged JESUS to let him go with HIM, but JESUS said, No!
1 The demons begged and JESUS said “Yes.”;
2 the town people rejected JESUS and begged JESUS to leave them and HE did;
3 but when the man who worshiped JESUS begged to go along with HIM, JESUS said, “No.”
How can it be that JESUS would answer the prayers of demons, and those who rejected HIM, but flatly refused the one who honored and worshiped JESUS?
The reason for HIS response to the cured demonic is explained in what JESUS said after HE said “No”. JESUS told the man whom HE had cast out the legion (about 2,000) demons, “Go home and tell your friends and family the wonderful things GOD has done for you.” In other words, the one who wanted JESUS was not left to himself to determine what he should or should not do, but, he was given a GOD assignment to witness to those who knew him best of wonderful things GOD has done for him.
All believers, just like that man, have been sent on an assignment to witness of JESUS (Acts 1:8) for only the ones who believe and have the Son have life, everyone else stands condemned for they have refused to believe in JESUS (John 3:18, 36). And how can they believe is they have never heard. That is our job. Are we doing it?
Looking unto JESUS, the author and perfecter of my faith.
Did you ever wake up thinking of a person, or had someone come to mind clear out of the blue when you were busy doing something else?
When that happens to me, I take it as a call to pray for that one or the situation. Laugh if you will, sometimes when a pain hits I will stop to pray for those I know have trouble in that area.
A few days ago, I learned a friend is facing a horrific situation. Since then she and her entire extended family keep coming to my mind, so I keep praying and praying for them.
Praying for others is also called “standing the gap.” It seems that like never before GOD looks for those who will stand the gap Ezekiel 22:30. Perhaps it is because the LORD is coming soon and they need JESUS.
We understand GOD wants us to stand the gap and often feel called to pray for our friends, the lost or ones we know are in sin. But have you ever considered that GOD has also called believers to stand the gap not just for loved ones or the underprivileged but for our enemies- the very ones that hurt us?
JESUS tells us in Matthew 5:44 to pray for our enemies and those who do us wrong. But we think it was different in the Old Testament, don’t we? Haven’t you heard it said that GOD demanded an eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth retaliation in the Old Testament? Actually, that eye for an eye business was governmental guidelines for a law of justice; not the rule for human personal relationships.
Reading in Job and Genesis we can see just how unchanging GOD and HIS ways are.
Job’s story is told in the Bible book with his name. Job suffered incredibly and then his ‘friends’ came to comfort him but instead bad mouthed him continually accusing him of sin. GOD did not like it. GOD required Job to pray for his ‘friends’. When he prayed for them, they not only were released from their guilt but Job’s troubles were turned around and GOD blessed him in every way. (Job chapter 42)
When we pray for someone, we stand the gap for them so GOD can help them, or forgive them and bless them. You know when we are angry at someone, it blocks GOD’s blessings from us but if we pray for them it frees GOD to bless both them and us
Another place we see GOD requiring HIS kids to pray for their enemies is with Abraham the father of faith. A king had taken Abraham’s wife, so I don’t imagine Abraham was any too happy with the king. But GOD told him to pray for the king. (If you want to know the full story, and by the way Abraham wasn’t exactly innocent in the situation read Genesis 20.)
So whether one is innocent in a situation, or part of the problem, GOD requires us to pray for both our friends and those that hurt us. If we obey HE will bless us both. Awesome isn’t it?
It is interesting to see how unchanging GOD’s ways are?
Some people just seem to know what to do, while others struggle to find out what’s the next step to take. Often, they struggle because they don’t want anyone telling them what to do. They want to do it their way by themselves.
Isaiah 30:1 GOD seems said when HE says, you go get counsel but not of ME.
In Isaiah 28 the Word of GOD speaks of GOD as teaching the farmer.
Isaiah 28:26 The farmer knows what to do, for GOD has made him see and understand…
Isaiah 28:28 speaks of how different things need to be handled in different ways
Isaiah 28:29 sums it up with “The LORD of Hosts is a wonderful teacher and gives wisdom.”
If you lack wisdom (and want it), ask of GOD, who gives to all generously, without scolding or bringing up the past, and it shall be given to you. But be sure you ask expecting GOD to answer and are willing to do whatever HE says or you’ll be greatly disappointed for HE won’t tell you anything (James 1:5-6).
Each of us face struggles and temptations of many kinds. At those times we need help, wisdom and perhaps even provision. Let’s look at how the Old and New Testament point us to how to get what we need from GOD’s eternal Word.
‘Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need’ (Hebrews 4:16).
‘The Name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to HIM and are safe’ (Proverbs 18:10).
*A Biblical reference to the Name of the LORD speaks of HIS divine nature/character (things true of GOD).
*The very nature of GOD (HIS faithfulness and power for instance) means that we can regard HIM as our ‘safe place’.
*In times of challenge or difficulty we can run to HIM.
*When we run to HIM, we will discover that HE is all we need and will supply whatever we need.
LORD, today I choose to run to YOU. I know that I am safe when I call unto YOU. I am safe and secure, because YOU are all I need and YOU supply what I need. Thank YOU LORD. In JESUS name Amen.
You have all heard me say that from 2 Peter 3:9 we know that the LORD is waiting for all Gentiles who will accept JESUS to be saved before HE call for us at the Rapture. HE will come for the Jews after Jacob’s trouble at the 2nd coming…
Lately the HOLY SPIRIT has moved pastors from different denominations and non denominations to stress the need for every believer to witness to the unsaved in their world. Knowing that many want to but simply shy away not sure how to go about telling others of JESUS and the gospel, my pastor (David Smith), Offered 5 questions we might ask to open up the subject and then gave some simple verses to share. I want to share it with you for perhaps someone among you might want the info
.Questions to open up people to talk about GOD
1-Do you have any spiritual beliefs?
2-To you, who is JESUS CHRIST?
3-Do you think there is a heaven and a hell?
4-If you died right now, where would you go?
5-If heaven—why? 6-If what you believe is not true, would you like to know?
Sharing JESUS-you might want to read verse
1-Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (ask “What does that verse say to you?”)
2-Romans 6-23 The wages of sin (even just one) is death, but the gift of GOD is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (ask, What does that say to you?)
3-Romans 5:8 But God commended his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (ask, What does that say to you?)
4-2 Corinthians 5:21-For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (ask, What does that say to you?)
5-John 14:6 Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (ask, What does that say to you?)
6-Romans 10:9-10 That if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
Romans 10:13 For ‘everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.'(ask, What does that say to you?)-
2 Corinthians 5:15 And that he (JESUS) died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
What happens if you don’t believe in JESUS? 1-2 Thessalonians 2:10 them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 2-Revelation: 20:15, if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. 3-John 3:18, Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
Hope this helps someone get started telling others about JESUS.
WHY does not everyone who has heard the truth have faith?
Since FAITH comes from HEARING (Greek word means: to hear, listen to, pay attention, heed) and hearing comes through the WORD (rhema-spoken word) of CHRIST (Romans 10:17), WHY does not everyone who has heard the truth have faith?
We know they have heard for: GOD the FATHER shows/ manifests the truth of HIS existence and HIS eternal power, wisdom and so much more about HIMSELF to everyone (Romans 1:19-20) so they are without excuse (Romans 1:20).
JESUS brings light (truth) to everyone who comes into the world (John 1:9).
When believers in JESUS are yielded to the HOLY SPIRIT and tell others about JESUS, the HOLY SPIRIT gives power to their message spoken (Acts 1:8) by clearly explaining the truth of GOD in the heart of man (1 Corinthians 2:10-12) and convicting those who hear (John 16:8).
2 Thessalonians 2:10 relates that some REFUSE to RECEIVE the love of the truth.
Romans 1:18 tells us men PUSH AWAY, SUPPRESS the knowledge of the truth they hear.
Zechariah 7:11-12 says when the Word of the LORD came men REFUSED to LISTEN, PULLED AWAY they TURNED FROM the truth and even STOPPED their EARS (like putting in ear plugs), that they should not hear and have MADE their hearts HARD as STONE.
John 3:19-20 relates men won’t come close (listen) and grab on to the truth because they don’t like what it says.
Every one of the things men did to avoid the truth shows that initially they understand what is being said, just like the Bible says in Romans 1:18-22.
I submit that faith is offered when the Word of CHRIST goes out and the HOLY SPIRIT shows its truth to the inner man. But faith must be RECEIVED, it is not shoved down the throats of men.
The scenario goes, I hear the truth and say YES! and I have RECEIVED faith. Initially I did it to Receive CHRIST as my Savior, now I do it when I see more truth from the Word of GOD. But I can say ‘NO!’ and turn away from the truth and the insight I had initially will go away (Mark 4:23-25, Luke 8:18).
JESUS said: “Anyone who is willing to hear should listen and he will understand! And be sure to pay attention to what you hear. The more you do this, the more you will understand, and even more, besides. To those who are open to MY teaching, more understanding will be given. But to those who are not listening, even what they (initially) have (understood) will be taken away” (Mark 4:23-25 NLT).
I urge you in CHRIST’s stead to consider these things and may the good LORD give you wisdom and understanding (James 1:5, 1 Corinthians 2:10). Then talk over your thoughts with HIM (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Remember you will either believe the truth or believe a lie…Note: take off the 1st 2 letters and the last to letters of the word believe and what do you have? ( Lie) So don’t add or subtract from the Word of GOD.
The Word of GOD creates faith if received, but sometimes knowing how a command found in the Word of GOD is to be enacted is difficult, so we have to dig a bit to find out. Often by finding out the meaning of the words in their original language helps me know how to apply the Word to my life. And anyone can do that by looking them up in a Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance or any Bible ‘word-study’ book.
With my daughter in the hospital, one great-grandson with 2 strains of flu and facing heart surgery plus multiple other serious problems with other family members I was excited this morning when looking up the Hebrew of be still in Psalm 46:20 to learn the meaning of that command.
Bestill, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth (Psalm 46:10).
The original Hebrew in this verse for ‘Bestill’ means ‘desist and let go.’ In other words, ‘stop trying to control’
So, as we bring our concerns to GOD in prayer, we are to release them completely to GOD in faith knowing/trusting that GOD knows what to do and really cares.
Does What We Do Matter? Will it matter in 50 years?
Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Do you or have you ever played cards? My earliest memories of Mom is of her playing cards. Although Dad was a teacher, it was Mom who taught me to count before entering school, by having me play canasta with her. After she retired, Mom kept busy with volunteer work. But, when she had a break, she would unwind by playing solitaire, so she usually had a deck of cards nearby. She said it was to keep her mind active. I laughed at her delightful affair with solitaire.
I laughed that is, until one day I began playing solitaire on my computer. As the Word says, “Judge not lest you be judged for you do the very same things” (Romans 2:1). I was doing what my mom had done and I truly enjoyed doing those 5 daily games and quickly became addicted and could spend hours playing cards. Then one day the LORD said, “Enough, I have other things for you to do.”
I quit because GOD said to, but there were times I was really tempted to go back to the relaxing game. Whenever that happened, GOD gave me another assignment. LOL! HE also reminded me of the old saying, “In 50 years how much will that matter?”
Yesterday morning my kids wanted me to play crazy 8s with them. I stopped what I was going to do and enjoyed a hand of cards and banter with 2 of my children. The difference between me playing solitaire alone and my playing crazy 8’s with my kids is my input into my children as we played cards. The subjects that we talked about may very well matter in their lives 50 years from now should our LORD tarry that long.
wakemyear 