HE knows

Have you ever been surprised?  GOD has never been surprised.  HE never has to rethink anything since the LORD has always known everything that would ever happen HE never learns anything new.

“Now are we sure that YOU (JESUS) know all things…” (John 16:30)

“JESUS said to him… Simon, son of Jonas, do you love ME? Peter replied LORD, YOU know all things; YOU know that I love thee…” (John 21:17)

“… GOD is greater than our heart, and HE knows everything.” (1 John 3:20)

“… Does HE who teaches mankind lack knowledge?” (Psalm 94:10).

If we think about it most believers in JESUS who read and believe their Bibles will agree that the LORD knows all things.  But have you considered that GOD never had to learn anything because before anything happened HE knew all that would happen. Not because HE forces it to happen but because of HIS AWESOME quality called FOREKNOWLEDGE (Acts 2:23, 1 Peter 1:2) along with HIS pre-creation choice to preset the times and places setting the stage for people to choose from (Acts 17:26-27).

But we must not think that by setting the stage GOD is forcing the characters act a certain way.  Each person has been given the gift of choice>>>that is each one determines what he/she will do in any given situation and thereby is responsible for the action taken.

GOD is LORD of all, but HE is not a puppeteer.

“JESUS therefore, knowing all things that should come upon HIM (before they happened), went forth,…” (John 18:4).

“Known unto GOD are all HIS works FROM the beginning of the world” (Acts 15:18 KJ). Through HIS amazingFOREKNOWLEDGE GOD knew how HE would answer every prayer before HE created the world.

“… the LAMB (JESUS) slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 13:8 KJ).  JESUS was crucified in the eternal plan of GOD before HE (JESUS Hebrews 1:1-3) created the world.  Therefore, HE had to know people would sin and would need a Savior and volunteered for the job.

In Psalm 139 it says GOD (the FATHER, SON and HOLY SPIRIT) knows what we will say before we form the words in our minds.  The LORD knows what we will say before we do.  Amazing isn’t it? 

In this way, our eternal Creator knew what choices individual people would make before HE even made them.  Yet the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY chose to make people in HIS image and give them the ability to choose.  They could choose right or wrong.  They could choose to believe and follow GOD or suppress the truth and turn away from GOD to the things of the world (Romans 1:18-21).

GOD’s amazing FOREKNOWLEDGE (definition = to know/to see before it happens) is the basis on which GOD could give mankind the ability to choose and yet remain completely Sovereign= in control.

“HIM (JESUS), being delivered by the determinate will and FOREKNOWLEDGE of GOD, you have taken and by wicked hands have crucified and slain.” Acts 2:23  

There we see GOD’s purposes and Sovereignty played out by man’s choice.  Remember GOD sets the stage with purpose in FOREKNOWLEDGE of man’s heart and what he will do, but it is man who decides what to do. (Acts 17:26-27).  I can’t say I understand how it all works but know from GOD’s word that it does.

“Remember the former things of old for I AM GOD and there is none else.  I AM GOD and there is none like ME declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying MY counsel shall stand and I will do all MY pleasure.  …I have spoken it, and I will do it.” (Isaiah 46:9-11)

“Elect (chosen/ called) according to the FOREKNOWLEDGE of GOD the FATHER” (1 Peter 1:4 KJ).   We see that FORKNOWLEDGE comes 1^st and is foundational.

What did GOD FOREKNOW for some to be elected (called and chosen)?  I would say HE knew who would believe and who would refuse to believe even though given light to believe (Romans 1:18-21).

“…In CHRIST JESUS called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of JESUS CHRIST our LORD, both theirs and ours.” (1 Corinthians 1:2 KJ).   So those who call on the name of the LORD are the called.  And what happens when one chooses to call upon the name of the LORD?  “For whoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved” (Romans 10:13 KJ).

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love GOD, to them that are the called according to HIS purpose.  For whom HE did FOREKNOW, HE did predestinate to be conformed to the image of HIS SON, that HE (JESUS) might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:28-29).

Yes, those GOD foreknew would call upon the name of the LORD HE planned for/ predestinated that they would be conformed to the image of CHRIST JESUS.  Each believer is GOD’s workmanship in CHRIST JESUS for GOD preset times and places for everything that occurs in their lives to work together to conform them to their LORD and Savior JESUS.

“For you are GOD’s workmanship created in CHRIST JESUS unto good works that GOD prepared in advance that you should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

The infinity/ limitlessness of the ALMIGHTY’s wisdom, power and love blows my mind! Yet at the same time makes me feel so secure for HE has promised me eternal life (John 3:16).

Hugs

Sharon

Does GOD mean what HE says?

The heavens declare the glory of GOD and we as believers in JESUS are to do the same.

I love the Old Testament for it illustrates New Testament truth and we vividly saw that again yesterday in class as we discussed 2 Samuel 7:2-6. Nathan, the prophet of GOD told the king that GOD was with him, and the king should do what was in his heart to do.

Now the role of a prophet was critical in the life of GOD’s people in the Old Testament. He acted as GOD’s messenger, delivering GOD’s special instructions. After JESUS’ resurrection every believer in JESUS CHRIST receives the HOLY SPIRIT within himself to teach and guide us so that we do not need a prophet to instruct us in what GOD wants us to say and do.

2 Samuel 7 tells us that during the night after Nathan had given King David the go ahead to build the temple, GOD spoke to Nathan and in effect said “NO! You gave David bad advice. Go tell King David he should NOT (do what was in his heart to do) he should NOT build ME a house.”

Why did Nathan, truly a godly man, a prophet of GOD do wrong? The words of Joshua 9:14 say it perfectly: he had NOT asked counsel of the LORD.

Nathan’s response to David’s question was a personal opinion, based on Nathan’s observations of David’s devotion to GOD and how GOD had defeated David’s enemies. It just seemed right. We believers in JESUS often make most decisions (big and little) on personal opinions based on our general understanding of right from wrong and what seems good to us.

Does GOD mean what HE says? Let us just look at a few things the LORD says and then put them together in how they apply to you and me.

I Samuel 16:⁷ But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.

Isaiah 55:⁸ For MY thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways MY ways, says the Lord. ⁹ For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are MY ways higher than your ways, and MY thoughts than your thoughts.

Proverbs 3:⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. ⁶ In ALL your ways acknowledge (speak with) HIM, and HE shall direct your paths. ⁷ Be not wise in your own eyes: fear the LORD and depart from evil.

The LORD GOD declares that since HE sees things from a different perspective and knows things we have no way of knowing that we as HIS ambassadors must ask HIM what to say and do in ALL things (Proverbs 3:6), always pray (Luke 21:36, Ephesians 6:18) and continuing instant in prayer (instantly pray when something comes up Romans 12:2).

How is it practical to in every instance to pray always or continue to instantly pray? Back in the day we called it arrow prayers. That is, we would silently cry out to GOD, “What shall I say or what shall I do?” Then count on GOD to keep HIS word and direct us if we ask (Proverbs 3:5-6) and check it with what scripture says (Isaiah 8:20).

There are also times I will pray aloud with a person asking GOD what to say or do with interesting results.

GOD gives warning:

Isaiah 30:1 Woe to the rebellious children, says the Lord, that take counsel, but not of ME. 

Don’t you find it amazing that our LORD JESUS who made heaven and earth (John 1:1-3,14, Colossians 1:13-16, Hebrews 1:1-3) while on earth, never did nor said anything without getting instructions from GOD the FATHER?

John 8:²⁸ Then said JESUS unto them, When you have lifted up the Son of man, then shall you know that I am HE, and that I do nothing by MYSEELF; but as MY FATHER has taught ME, I speak these things. ²⁹ And HE that sent ME is with ME: the FATHER has not left ME alone; for I do always those things that please HIM.

If even JESUS consulted GOD on everything, how much more should we? Do you want to do things GOD’s way and declare the glory of GOD? I am not saying that it is automatic or even easy, but it is your choice.

Hugs

Sharon

No duh!

The expression “no duh!” often coincides with the speaker tapping his palm to his head one time. It is an idiom, a slang declaration describing the concept- that is obvious. No duh! is usually used of something said by someone not thinking things though to their logical conclusion.

I was reading in I Kings about a wicked king. His little boy got sick, and the king told his wife to disguise herself, and go to the prophet to find out if the boy would die or not. To my way of thinking, that is so stupid. If you could deceive a prophet about who you are, how, in the world, could you believe that he could know the future about if the boy would die or not? Duh! The king didn’t consider the obvious. 

Reminds me of the way this world is thinking today.

The king’s wife did as she was told, and the prophet told the king’s wife many things beginning with:

“Come in, wife of Jeroboam. Why this pretense? Or, come on I know who you are (I Kings 14;6)”. Then, he continued, “When you set foot in your city, the boy will die. All Israel will mourn for him and bury him. He is the only one, belonging to Jeroboam, who will be buried, because he is the only one, in the house of Jeroboam, in whom the LORD, the GOD of Israel, has found anything good (1 Kings 14; 12-13).  And it happened just as the prophet said.

Wow if that doesn’t shout the foreknowledge of GOD and GOD’s choices because of the heart/ attitude of a person, nothing does!

Hmmm the good LORD found something good in the boy. I asked the LORD about it, and pondered on what it could mean. Was it foreknowledge of what the boy would choose, if he had a chance? Was it an attitude the child young as he was had? What good did GOD find in the child?

“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? In Micah 6:8

-to act justly (do what you know is right)

-to love mercy (care about others)

-to walk humbly with your GOD. (Choosing to think about GOD and voluntarily submit to HIM)

Because you know that the LORD will reward everyone for whatever good he does (Ephesians 6:8).

Then they asked HIM, “What must we do to do the works GOD requires?” JESUS answered, “The work of GOD is this: to believe in the ONE HE has sent.” (John 6:28-29)

Have you believed in JESUS being born of a virgin, living a perfect life, dying on the cross for the sins of mankind, raised from the dead 3 days later, and preparing to come again?

GOD requires people to believe (have faith) in the ONE HE has sent- JESUS.  “For GOD so loved the world that HE sent HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believes in HIM shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).  He that has the SON has everlasting life but he that believes not the SON shall not see life, but the wrath of GOD abides on him still (John 3:36).

GOD is holy and sin corrupts.  All have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD (Romans 3:23) knowing this would happen, the GODHEAD (GOD the FATHER, GOD the SON and GOD the HOLY SPIRIT) planned for JESUS, GOD the SON to come to earth, take on a human body  and fulfill the law during HIS 30 some years on earth and as a perfect sacrifice with no sin of HIS own HE was crucified and all the sin of all men was placed on HIM. 

But there is a catch.  In order for your sins to be forgiven, you must be IN CHRIST JESUS by accepting GOD’s gift (Romans 6:23) through believing in JESUS and calling on the name of the LORD to be saved (Romans 10:9-10, 13).  GOD’s love is IN CHRIST JESUS (Romans 8:39).

Don’t be duped like the wicked king, and his wife. Think these things through and ask GOD to show you what is true.   Anyone who chooses to do the will of GOD will find out whether my teaching comes from GOD or whether I speak on my own. (John 7:17).

Hugs,

Sharon

Did you ever wonder why?

Have you ever wondered why GOD did something?

I was reading in the Bible and a question rose in my mind. “Why did GOD anoint Saul king fully knowing he would disobey HIM?”

1 Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime (the Bible) were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

2 Peter 1:20-21 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of GOD spoke (and wrote) as they were moved by the HOLY GHOST.

GOD gave us HIS word so that we could learn about HIM and HIS ways for it is through our knowledge of GOD the FATHER and our LORD JESUS CHRIST that we obtain all things necessary for living this life and godliness. In fact, we are told that if we will use (apply) the great and precious promises within the Word of GOD we will be changed bit by bit (here a little/ there a little) into the likeness of JESUS (2 Corinthians 3:18) and take on the divine nature (2 Peter 1:1-4).

Therefore, we know there is a reason that GOD appointed Saul even though GOD, who knows all things past, present, and future, knew how Saul would act. So, I asked GOD, “What were YOU teaching us about YOURSELF in placing Saul as king?”

Then I went back and reread the Bible account.

Saul was taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward (1 Samuel 10:23). That would make him look strong, definitely a good choice to lead the people. But Saul on different occasions chose to do things his way, things he thought best instead of obeying clear directions from GOD. That did not set well with GOD (1 Samuel 15:11).

Saul was told “But now your kingdom shall not continue: the LORD has sought for HIMSELF a man after HIS own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be captain/ leader over HIS people, because you have not kept that which the LORD commanded you (1 Samuel 13:14).

GOD sent Samuel on a mission. GOD told Samuel to go to Jesse and make a sacrifice and anoint one of Jesse’s sons as king (1 Samuel 16:1-3). Samuel went and told Jesse to gather his sons for the feast. Beginning with the oldest Eliab, one by one Jesse’s sons were brought before Samuel (1 Samuel 16:10). When Samuel look at the 1^st one Eliab he thought “he is the one!”

But the LORD said to Samuel, “Look not on his appearance or on the height of his stature because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see what man sees. Man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

GOD said no to all of Jesse’s sons who had come to the feast so, Samuel asked Jesse, are these all your sons? There was one more, the youngest, but he was not there for he was the youngest and, in the fields, watching over the sheep. Samuel told Jesse to get him, and the moment Samuel saw David, GOD spoke, “Arise and anoint him for this is he.”

Why was David chosen?

“And when HE(GOD) had removed him (Saul), HE raised up David to be their king; to whom also HE (GOD) gave this testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after MINE own heart, which shall fulfill all my will (Acts 13:22).

“But why LORD, did you make Saul king since YOU knew how he would not do what YOU commanded?”

Inside came an awareness, “Sharon, it was to teach you not to judge. Because the only basis of your judgments are on appearances (unless I personally show you something more). Appearances can be deceiving and besides, you only have part of the facts, so wait.

I Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the LORD come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of GOD.

Hugs

Sharon

Be Merciful as GOD is Merciful

O what a beautiful LORD’s Day.  I had a delightful walk in the cool of early morning after feeding the birds  and squirrels  .  It began to sprinkle just a mite as I was finishing up my rich quiet

 time out back, so quickly grabbed up my Bible, journal and coffee cup and dashed into the house.

This morning during our time together the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY answered my cry to know how to pray for my children and their children and their children who have been deceived by the lies of this world. As GOD often does, the HOLY SPIRIT brought Bible verses to my mind to answer my question.

Eve sinned but was deceived with consequences, but a promise of mercy is given to women stating they can be saved from passing on their sin nature if they act correctly (1 Tim 2:14-15). On the other hand, Adam, who was not deceived but sinned knowing the truth (1 Timothy 2:14) has passed on the sin nature to all humans, so all die physically (1 Corinthians 15:22).

As horrible as his crimes were, Paul received mercy because he acted in ignorance (1 Timothy 1:13).

Luke 12:47-48 shows those who have been deceived by the culture and know not what right is are not as responsible as those who know what to do.

In John 9:41 JESUS told the Pharisees, “if you were blind you should have no sin.”

Then Lamentations 3:22-23 came to mind. Ah the mercy of our GOD. Don’t you love the song:  The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning, new every morning, great is YOUR faithfulness o LORD, great is YOUR faithfulness!

And I knew how I was to pray. I was to ask for mercy, confessing their sin 1 John 5:16 and asking GOD to expose the lies and give them light. I love it that GOD lays on our hearts what HE wants us to pray for (Philippians 2:13) and then gives us great joy when HE answers those prayers.

Does that mean that those things will always happen even if we do not pray? NO!  GOD says, “You have not because you ask not!” (James 4:2)

Coming in out of the sprinkles, I checked my texts and found one I needed to answer. One sent me yesterday Oops .  The answer to that text, crazy as it sounds, had to do with being merciful as our FATHER in heaven is merciful (Matthew 18:23-35).  (Just additional confirmation on how to pray!)

Hugs

Sharon

A mind of your own

Have you heard it said, “He has a mind of his own?”  Do you think that is a positive statement or a negative one?

Now we know that GOD the FATHER, GOD the SON (previously known as the WORD John 1:1-3, 14), and GOD the HOLY SPIRIT are equal and share the same glorious nature though we see them each in their different roles.  All things flow from GOD the FATHER, who made all things in Heaven and earth through the Word (GOD the SON) by the moving power of the GOD the HOLY SPIRIT.  Yet they are ONE GOD and share in the same nature- things like their goodness, eternity, wisdom, power, infinity, gentleness and patience just to mention a few. 

But In class yesterday an interesting topic came up concerning the individual personhood of each of the Trinity. I’ll just share a peek into that topic and then you can do your homework.

GOD the FATHER, who searches the hearts, knows the mind of GOD the HOLY SPIRIT (Romans 8:28).

GOD the HOLY SPIRIT searches the things (mind) of GOD the FATHER (1 Corinthians 2:10) and understands GOD the FATHER’s will (Romans 8:27).

GOD the SON, JESUS, had a will (mind) of HIS own but submitted HIS will (thoughts of HIS mind) to GOD the FATHER’s will (thoughts of the FATHER’s mind) (Luke 22:42).

So we see each person of the Trinity has a mind of HIS own and they graciously honor and submit one to another.

When GOD created man, HE did so in HIS likeness, literally “in Our likeness”(Genesis 1:26).  The pronoun in that verse points to the oft seen triune nature of our ONE GOD. GOD made man as a person.  To be a person one must have a mind (the Bible often refers to this as the heart). The thoughts of one’s mind (what is in his heart) determine his choices.

You may say, of course, so what are you getting at?

For those who are living according (yielding to the desires of) to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh which gratify their wants, but those who are living according to the SPIRIT (follow HIS instructions and nudges), set their minds on the things of the SPIRIT (HIS will and purpose seen in HIS teaching and nudges). Romans 8:5.

Though he may be influenced, each person has a mind of his own which is also called the will.

Calling on the name of the LORD (Romans 10:13) when we have understood and accepted that JESUS died for sin and all we need do is go to HIM for forgiveness and eternal life, brings us salvation and makes us children of GOD (John 1:12, 3:16, 36).  We also are placed into JESUS kingdom (that means HE is our king/ our ruler).  To help us know how to act as GOD’s child in JESUS’s kingdom we were given the HOLY SPIRIT to teach and lead us (John 14:26, 16:13-15).

Bear in mind that although we may hear and understand and even feel drawn to do what the LORD says, we have minds of our own and have the ability to refuse to comply.  Wrong actions are never because GOD the HOLY SPIRIT wasn’t directing us, but because we chose not to do what we knew we should do. 

GOD’s ways are not our ways, nor are HIS thoughts our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9) so don’t expect that which the HOLY SPIRIT impresses on our hearts to do (Philippians 2:13) will always make sense to us.  Nonetheless, in any given situation only GOD knows what is really needed and what will work the best.

If we allow the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD to lead us, nudging us ahead we are walking in the SPIRIT and doing GOD’s will.

Once we are saved, GOD the FATHER is now our heavenly FATHER. When we choose to do wrong HE disciplines us (Hebrews 12:4-8) because HE loves us.  No discipline is fun while it lasts, but it seems painful at the time. Later, however, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness for those who have been trained by it (Hebrews 12:11).

Hugs

Sharon

HE will do it

Talking to the LORD about one who is broken but filled with pride, I asked concerning him and how I might stand in the gap and pray on his behalf (Isaiah 45:11). In HIS tender love and mercy, the LORD spoke a verse to me as a rhema word for the situation.

“… he kept on in his willful ways. I have seen his ways, but I will heal him. I will lead him also and I will restore comfort to him and those who mourn for him” (Isaiah 57:17-18 ESV).

GOD said HE was going to manage it.

How can GOD promise that being righteous and having set the standard and the way, yet having given man choices? The LORD can only promise what will be done, because HE knows all things past, present, and future. Included in HIS amazing knowledge is how my rebel will respond in each situation he faces.

In Job 36:8 one is described as bound and held in the cords of his own sins. GOD promises in Job 36:9 that HE will show such a one his sins and how he has gone beyond the boundaries GOD HIMSELF has set. Then GOD declares that HE will open the rebel’s ears through problems and through discipline and tell that one what he needs to do. Then comes that person’s choice (Job 36-10-12). If one chooses to believe GOD, he will do what GOD directs. But If he chooses not to believe that which GOD has shown him, he will lose that which he was told, and he will die without knowledge.

So, for GOD to speak of healing one as HE did in Isaiah 57, we can be sure HE sees a whole lot more than we can. HE sees the choices that one will make before he makes them.

The truth related in Psalm 139 about how well GOD knows each person that has or will live blows my mind. And to think included in all that knowledge is what it will take to get my loved ones to see clearly and receive truth. It makes seeing the discipline and affliction they must endure so much more bearable for me to watch.

I find myself paraphrasing 2 Corinthians 4:15, 17 “All things are for their benefit…their light and momentary troubles are achieving for them great and eternal things that far surpass the pain of today.”

In Isaiah 57 GOD was saying that HE- the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY would heal my rebel and lead him and will restore comfort to him. I was reminded (Proverbs 21:1, John 14:26), of Jonah who was tossed into the depths of the freezing cold ocean. Yet GOD had provided a fish to swallow him, to protect and keep him safe until the time when GOD commanded the fish to spit Jonah out on dry land.

My loved ones present troubles are no more an issue to GOD, than that deep ocean.

I praised the LORD, HE knows what HE is doing. The LORD’s word that jumped off the page into my heart (the rhema word) concerning what the LORD HIMSELF was doing, assures me and gives me peace and joy, filling my heart with thanksgiving and telling me how to pray (Proverbs 3:5-7).

When GOD speaks, and you receive HIS word into your heart, choosing to believe it (Romans 10:10), it creates faith whether in JESUS, or what HE is doing in an individual or situation. For faith come from hearing (paying attention to what is being said) and hearing (in your heart) from the (rhema) word of CHRIST. (Romans 10:17).

Faith the is assurance of things hoped for, the evidence (conviction of the reality) of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).

Has GOD, who cannot lie, given you a (rhema) promise? Hold on to it. If it seems long in coming, wait for it. For it is for an appointed time (Acts 17:26). It will surely come, and that not second late (Habakkuk 2:3).

Hugs

Sharon

How to escape

Some think that the GOD of the Old Testament changed and is different than the GOD of the New Testament. BUT GOD does not change. James 1:¹⁷ tells us, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the FATHER of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” Over and over we see that the GOD of the Old Testament is the same as the GOD of the New Testament.  A prime example of this is found in 2 Chronicles 33:^12-13 check it out.

Job 33:²⁴ “GOD is gracious…to deliver man from going down to the pit (HE says) I have found a RANSOM.”

Due to details given in the book of Job many believe the man Job was a contemporary of Abraham. Therefore, the book of Job precedes Genesis by over 500 years.  How could GOD have found a RANSOM at that time to keep men from the pit (hell)?  Is not JESUS the only way?

JESUS declared, “I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the FATHER but by ME” (John 14:6).

What ransom did GOD find?

Hebrews 9:22 “and almost all things by the law are purged (cleansed) by blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no remission (forgiveness of sin).

Hebrews 10:4 “For it is not possible that the blood of bull and of goats should take away sins.”

John 1:29 “the next day John (the Baptist) saw JESUS coming to him and said, ‘Behold the LAMB of GOD who takes away the sin of the world.”

Revelation 13:8 “…the book of life of the LAMB slain from the foundation of the world.”

GOD who knows all things past, present, and future, knew before Creation that people would sin, and a Savior would be needed for the LORD GOD to have an eternal people of HIS own.  JESUS’ sacrifice was pre-determined, agreed on, and accepted by the GODHEAD before the Creation of the world. JESUS taking on the form of man, living, dying for our sins and being raised again for our justification was not a provision added to GOD’s original plan and purpose, but the very plan A itself. GOD’s plan was not Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden, but JESUS in the garden (John 18:1-3).

Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, that GOD who cannot lie, promised before the world began but in due time manifested HIS Word through preaching (the plan was in place and promised but not explained until JESUS).

JESUS was the RANSOM GOD found in Job 33:24.

I love the clarity of the explanation of how a person obtained that RANSOM in the Old Testament given in Job.

Job 33:¹⁴ “Why do you strive against GOD for HE gives not an account of any of HIS matters.  ¹⁶ GOD opens the ears of men (HE speaks to them), and seals (describes) their instructions… ¹⁷ So HE may withdraw man from his purpose (own way) and to hide pride from man.  Job 36:⁹ GOD shows man his transgressions, where they have exceeded (gone beyond the boundaries GOD has set for them). ¹⁰ GOD opens their ear through discipline and commands that they turn from iniquity ¹¹ if they obey (choice) and serve HIM (good will happen) ¹² but if they do not obey, they will perish, and they shall die without knowledge.”

Warning, GOD shows men the truth and their transgressions (sins) but if they refuse to accept the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:¹⁰) or suppress the truth (saying it is not true or doesn’t apply to me Romans 1:^18ff) they lose the knowledge of what GOD has shown them (Luke 8:18).

Job 33:²⁷ “GOD looks upon men and if any say, ‘I have sinned (agree with GOD that they are wrong) and perverted that which was right and it profited me not’ ²⁸ GOD will deliver his soul from going to the pit (lowest hell) and his life shall see the light. ²⁹ all these things GOD often times works with man. ³⁰ to bring him back from the pit (lowest hell) and to be enlightened with the light of the living.”

Therefore, in the Old Testament faith in and obedience to GOD’s word spoken in their hearts was the way they found forgiveness.  “Even as Abraham believed GOD and it was accounted unto him as righteousness” (Galatians 3:6).

As Job 34:⁴ says, “let us choose judgement (GOD’s words).” Accept the RANSOM.

John 3:¹⁶ “for GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believes in HIM shall not perish but have eternal life”.

Hugs

Sharon

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Have you ever had a ‘Bestie’ (best friend)? Although I’ve many friends, not all do I share my heart with. How does one become that to you? For me it was by spending time with another, learning about each another and sharing interests that I get to trust enough to share my heart. I don’t do that easily.

Every single one who comes in faith and calls on the name of the LORD JESUS (Romans 10:13) is born into GOD’s family and becomes GOD’s beloved child (John 1:12).  Now GOD doesn’t have favorites, but HE definitely does have intimates (ones HE tells HIS secrets to- Psalm 25:14).  It is your choice which category you fit in. 

Just as GOD offers salvation to all and gives it to all who choose to believe in JESUS (John 3:16), all who have become HIS children obtain many things like salvation, eternal life, GOD the HOLY SPIRIT to live within us to teach and empower us, unlimited access to the throne of GOD the FATHER and so much more. But you and I individually are the ones who choose to either draw near to GOD or not.  It is the ones who seek GOD’s face daily in HIS Word and prayer that get to know HIM best.  To the others, those who spend time with GOD may seem to be GOD’s favorites, they often think GOD talks with them more. 

Actually, GOD speaks to all of HIS children, but the ones who spend time with GOD have come to quickly recognize HIS voice and know HIS heart. By daily listening to HIS voice in the Bible and doing what they know they should do.  Therefore, they listen expecting GOD to speak and understand what HE means when HE impresses verses or thoughts on their heart.

Hosea 6:6 TLB GOD says, “I don’t want your sacrifices- I want your love; I don’t want your offerings– I want you to know ME!”

Can’t you just hear GOD’s heart, longing for a relationship with you and me in that verse? 

Prayerfully read 2 Peter 1:1-4 and you will get a glimpse of some of the awesome things that await anyone who will spend time with GOD and grows to know GOD better.

So, how do we grow to love GOD more?

A line from my 1st favorite song as a 7th grader in the mid 50’s was, “to know, know, know you is to love, love, love you and I do, I do I do.”

That is true in my relationship with GOD, to know HIM and HIS ways causes me to love HIM more and more.  As I read GOD’s word and I see GOD’s love and HIS wisdom as HE relates to others, I get to know HIM better and love HIM more.

“JESUS said if you love ME you will do what I say” (John 14:15 NLV).  That is not legalism it is following the instructions of someone you trust to know best.

The fact is I have experienced GOD being there for me, through sadness and tears, times I have fallen on my face, times when I don’t know what to do or am afraid.  Through it all I have learned that GOD is there for me,  cares about me and what I go through.  GOD gave the best because HE loves me. 

“HE (GOD the FATHER) that spared not HIS own SON (JESUS), but delivered HIM up for us all, how shall HE not with HIM also freely give us all things” (Romans 8:32).

As I have seen GOD’s wisdom in HIS creation and in how HE has worked in my life and others, how HE has walked me through death and struggles and brought good out of what seemed horrendous situations and have learned to trust HIM no matter how things look.  Therefore, I don’t hesitate to do what HE nudges me to do.  I delight in doing what HE wants for I know it is the best thing to do and is for my benefit even if it makes no sense to me or even hurts.

How about you?  Are you getting to know the LORD?  Have you learned to trust HIM?

Hugs

Sharon

IF means there are conditions

I came to Isaiah 58 in my reading this morning.  And like it does every time I read those beginning verses they gripped me and I stopped to consider myself.

“Cry aloud, spare not, lift up your voice like a trumpet, and show my people … their sins… they seek ME daily, and delight to know MY ways, as if they did right, and forsook not the ways of their GOD: they ask of ME how to do justice; they take delight in approaching to GOD (Isaiah 58:1-2).

From there on are words of correction and promise.  I want to talk about just one of the verses for it speaks of something too easy to fall into while it explains why some of our prayers go unanswered.

The verse I want to mention contains that little word IF. That word IF shows that the promise to answer prayer has conditions connected to it.  Conditions that must be met before GOD will hear prayer. Isaiah 59:2, puts it this way: “But your iniquities have separated you from your GOD, and your sins have hidden HIS face from you, that HE will not hear.”

Isaiah 58 is talking about people who gathered to worship GOD, they daily sought to hear and understand GOD’s word and they prayed.  Therefore, it is safe to conclude that the things mentioned in this chapter are things they don’t consider sin, but things GOD hates.

^“Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you shalt cry, and HE shall say, ‘Here I am.’ IF you take away … the yoke (nonbiblical rules and expectations), the pointing of the finger (she did thus and so) and speaking vanity (I’d never do anything like that!)” (Isaiah 58:9).

That verse makes me stop and examine myself by asking some questions.

1-Are the standards I demand of others really found in the Bible or are they just my person preferences?

2-Do I have a right to point the finger of blame to others?  Am I making judgments without all the facts? Even if it is obvious, public sin, do I have the right to speak of it to ones who cannot help them do right?

3-By focusing on another’s sin, do I say/ or think I am guiltless?

GOD says, “You are inexcusable o man, whoever you are who judges another, for when you judge another you condemn yourself for you who judges do the same things yourselves (Romans 2:1).

Since I learned Romans 2:1, when I find myself judging another’s actions, I ask GOD to forgive me and show me where even a speck of the problem is within me.

That is just one verse, but doesn’t it says a lot?  Since I want my prayers answered I am going to reread the whole chapter and see if there is something I have overlooked.

Hugs

Sharon