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

Whosoever

It is always fun when GOD confirms something true that I have come to believe from my personal study of HIS Word. Such was the case when Chuck Smith illustrated the beginning words of 1 Peter 1:2, “elect according to the foreknowledge of GOD the FATHER”.

Chuck asked, “If you went to the racetrack fully knowing without question which horse would win, who would you bet on?” 

Why would you not bet on a loser?

In the same way, GOD knowing who would believe and trust in JESUS chose them to be HIS own and designed a specific plan for their lives (Ephesians 2:10) even to the determining of all times and places where all occurs (Acts 17:26, Ephesians 1:11) for the purpose that man might reach out to HIM (Acts 17:27).

In other words humanity does not reach out to GOD on his own but as things happen to us they are designed to give us opportunities to reach out to GOD, but the choice is ours. 

GOD knows all things past, present and future (John 16:30, John 15:18 KJ, Isaiah 42:8-9, 46:9-10), GOD knew before HE created anything that people would sin.  Knowing that, the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY devised a plan to save WHOSOEVER would turn to HIM and believe and trust in JESUS the SON of GOD’s sacrifice on the cross and resurrection from the dead.  The offer is given to everyone even though GOD knows many will refuse it.  This was all determined before the foundation of the world, or anyone sinned (Revelation 13:8).

It is so amazing how our Sovereign Maker can have absolute control and yet allow humanity choice. No one can take the credit for GOD gives all opportunities and insight, nor have any excuse (Romans 1:18-21).  

We definitely do not understand why GOD allows all that HE allows for we do not have all the facts.

As the Most High says, “For MY thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways MY ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are MY ways higher than your ways, and MY thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Even though we cannot understand the Most High GOD completely, we can believe that HE is and that HE rewards those who diligently seek HIM (Hebrews 11:6).

Are you in that number?

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

Be ready

You have heard about Noah and how GOD told him to build an ark because HE was going to send a flood that would cover the entire earth.  Do you realize that it took Noah 120 years to build that ark and during that time he preached about the coming judgment of GOD (2 Peter 2:5)?

What did the people do when Noah preached? They refused to listen and suppressed the truth of the coming wrath like they did in Romans 1:18, so they are without excuse.

Have you thought about why GOD sent a universal flood?

Doing things our own way and thinking our own way is better than GOD’s way is nothing new.  In the book of Judges, it is called: “every man did what was right in his own eyes.”  We often do that don’t we?

From that first bite of the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:6), to the 1^st baby boy ever born growing up to murder his brother (Genesis 4:8) then its only two chapters later we read that “every thought of man was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5). 

For sin escalates and is malignant.  Sin is like the tempter- that old serpent Satan (Revelation 20:2), sin kills, steals and destroys (John 10:10) although sin usually comes wrapped up in pretty packages of lying promises.

Now, “All have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD” (Romans 3:23) and as we have seen sin left alone grows to mighty proportions.  Therefore, Our holy GOD has determined, “The wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23) but GOD offers everyone a gift.

“The wages of sin is death but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD” Romans 6:23

“For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON (JESUS), that whosoever believes in HIM (JESUS) should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16).  “He that believes on the SON has everlasting life: and he that believes not the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD (continues to) stay on him” (John 3:36).

The choice is yours whether you receive the gift of eternal life GOD offers or reject it.

Just as Noah preached of coming judgment, so the Bible urges believers in JESUS to warn people of the coming judgment and offer to them the free gift of eternal life. 

GOD sent JESUS to tell John who was on the island of Patmos to send warnings of the coming judgment so that all believers can preach that message to the lost (Revelation 1:1).  That message GOD gave is recorded in the book of Revelation. 

The book of Revelation details a coming judgment of the wrath of GOD upon those on the earth.  I am greatly comforted to know that all believers in JESUS will be taken up to be with JESUS in heaven (Romans 5:9, 1 Thessalonians 1:10,  4:17-18, 5:9, Revelation 6:16-17) before JESUS opens the seals and initiates the outpouring of the wrath of GOD.  That wrath of GOD men call the 7-year Tribulation and Jacob’s trouble. 

Just looking at our world we see those things JESUS said would mark the end days.  Looking at our own nation we can see that today, as in the day of Noah, evil thrives. There are many mockers today just as there were back then.  Don’t be one of them.

We don’t know when JESUS is coming for HIS bride, but we can be sure of one thing, JESUS is coming back for HIS bride because HE said HE would (John 14:1-3), and HE cannot lie (Titus 1:2).  Therefore, be ready to be caught away when JESUS comes.  Anyone who comes to the door once it has been shut, JESUS will tell, “Depart from ME, I never knew you” (Matthew 7:23). 

HE is coming to get HIS bride before HE unleashes the wrath of GOD by opening up the seals of the scroll (Revelation 5-6).

How can you be ready?

“if you confess with your mouth that JESUS is LORD (Master), and believe in your heart that GOD raised HIM from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart man believes (and gets) righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation…  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD (JESUS) shall be saved” (Romans 10:9-10, 13).

I urge you in the name of JESUS be ready.

Hugs

Sharon

The choice is yours

In these troublesome times are you stressed out, anxious about what lies ahead?

Anxiety isn’t a condition – it is a choice. When we choose not to pray and trust GOD with our lives, we have chosen to be anxious. The formula is very simple, you are either going to pray or you are going to worry. /Jimmy Evans

The Word of GOD substantiates that statement for it says that if we make our requests known to GOD with THANKSGIVING (that HE is listening, really cares and is actually at work through our situation and HE has a plan that will bless you if you belong to JESUS) the LORD will give us HIS peace that will throw us beyond  having to understand and will shield our minds and emotions against stress, worry and demonic spirits of fear and anxiety attacks. (Philippians 4:6-7).

Do you know JESUS? 

Do you believe that

1. You have sinned?  (Romans 3:23)
2. The wages of sin is death? (Romans 6:23)
3. But the gift of GOD is eternal life through believing in JESUS CHRIST? (Romans 6:23, John 3:16)
4. GOD sent JESUS to die for your sin because HE loves you? (John 3:16)
5. If you confess with your mouth JESUS is LORD (Master) and believe in your heart that GOD raised HIM from the dead that you will be saved? (Romans 10:9)
6. With your heart you believe and thus justified (just as if I’d never sinned), and with your mouth you confess and are saved? (Romans 10:10
7. All who call on the name of the LORD shall be saved? (Romans 10:13).

The choice is yours.

Hugs

Sharon

Choice

As I began to read I was startled, for the truth struck me across the face.  I had opened the Word to start compiling questions for our Exodus 8 lesson when the words jumped off the page in clarity.  I noticed again and yet anew the way GOD deals with people. 

In the Garden of Eden GOD gave a command and stated what would happen if they did not comply, then GOD dealt with our ancestors according to their choices.  In Exodus 8:1-6 YAHWEH, the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY again gives a command and names the consequences should it not be obeyed and then when it was spurned, HE kept HIS word and sent the consequences HE had declared would result.  

This speaks to me of 2 things: our responsibility to listen to and obey GOD, and our responsibility to choose if we will or not.  Although GOD is in absolute control, our choices will determine how GOD will respond to us.

If we seek HIM, we will find HIM if we seek HIM with all our heart (Jeremiah 29:13).  If we call on the name of the LORD we shall be saved (Romans 10:13).  Once we come to JESUS to be saved but then we refuse GOD’s leading or to acknowledge wrong, GOD will discipline the believer to correct us so that HE will not have to condemn us with the world (1 Corinthians 11:31-32). 

But if we refuse to believe and trust JESUS died to forgive us our sins and reconcile us to GOD, if we refuse over and over and over again there will come a day when GOD turns us over to our own thoughts, our own ways, our own inventions (Romans 1:18-26) and eventually HIS long-suffering will come to it’s end (for our waywardness harms all those around us) and we will be completely blinded to the truth because we have refused to receive the love of the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10).  And that will sadden GOD (Ezekiel 18:23, 32).

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) as HE guides you with HIS peace (Colossians 3:15), strengthens you with HIS joy (Nehemiah 8:10), and enables you with HIS grace (Hebrews 4:16). Now may the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT.”(Romans 15:13) Keep looking unto JESUS (Hebrews 12:2) and talk over your thoughts with HIM (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Hugs

Sharon