Is there a why behind the what?

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Is there a why behind the what is going on, or is life meaningless?

I want to begin with a disclaimer.  Not all problems are a direct result of our misconduct, but these thoughts are for the times they are.  For the times we have done it our way instead of GOD’s.

Things stood out as I read Psalm 107 this morning. I was incredibly impressed and deeply comforted as I saw anew the steadfast love and longsuffering of GOD toward HIS people.  The captivating concepts the Psalm so clearly revealed repeatedly were:

1)How it took much opposition or trouble for the people to look to GOD

2)How quickly they turn back away from GOD to do their own thing

3)Yet, immediately GOD’s response was to run to their aid, once they cried out to HIM.

“Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and HE delivered them” Psalm 107: 6, 13, 19, 28

It was as though GOD was waiting to have them reach out to HIM.

Isaiah 30:18 And therefore will the LORD wait, that HE may be gracious to you and therefore will HE be exalted, that HE may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a GOD of judgment blessed are all they that wait for HIM.

Psalm 107 shows troubles that invariably came as a consequence of something the people did. Their turning to GOD in their struggles suggests the truth seen in the verses below.

Acts 17:²⁶ “(GOD) has determined the times before appointed (preset them) and (preset) their boundaries of habitation (movement) ²⁷ that they should seek the LORD…”

Job 14:5 “Seeing his (man’s) days are determined, the number of months is with YOU (GOD), for YOU (GOD) have appointed his boundaries that he cannot pass.”

Have you ever been in a performance where between scenes the props were changed to fit what was coming up next?  In one way you could say that GOD does that.  HE sets the up the stage by pre-determining the times things will happen and places/ boundaries wherein the action will take place, and all this is done according to HIS infallible foreknowledge.

Then we come on stage, and we choose how to act in the circumstances HE has put into place.

GOD knows what it will take to turn us to come to HIM.  In our crazy world there are many fearful scenarios.  Some will use their ability to choose to turn to GOD and find peace and direction in this crazy world, while others will not.

I for one find great peace in GOD’s Sovereign control during turmoil for I know HIS purposes will be fulfilled even as they were when evil men took the LORD JESUS with wicked hands and crucified HIM.  Through HIS death all who will believe have eternal life (John 3:16).

I call on HIM in times of trouble, do you?

Hugs

Sharon

Why Purim?

Lately not just personally but globally events seem out of hand, troubles that we cannot control. So, what should we do? The 1^st thing I do, is run to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16) and there I am reminded that GOD works all things for an end result of good to those who will call on the name of the LORD (Romans 8:28+ 1 Corinthians 1:2).

On Monday and Tuesday, March 6-7, Jews around the world will celebrate Purim. This holiday is a memorial of GOD’s deliverance of the Jews from annihilation.  Although the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY’s name never appears in the little book of Esther, we see the LORD GOD sovereignly at working behind the scenes to control the outcome.

The queen refused to come when the king called her to come show herself to his guests. The king became enraged, and his advisors suggested that he dispose the queen for her actions. They said that if her actions were allowed, since they were done before many guests, women everywhere would despise their husbands.  The king quite drunk agreed, and she was permanently removed from being queen.

Later, the king missed his queen, his advisors suggested a beauty contest to select a new queen and the king thought it was a great idea.  So, messengers were sent throughout the 127 providences of his kingdom from India even unto Ethiopia, to gather the most beautiful young girls to be brought into his harem and considered for the title of queen. The one the king favored would become queen.

Meanwhile a proud man in a high position of the kingdom, an antisemitic, Haman by name, had conceived plans to kill all the Jews throughout the vast kingdom ruled by the king just because one Jew refused to bow before him.

Purim is an annual reminder and celebration of GOD’s omniscience (GOD knows all things, past, present and future) and HIS love and provision for HIS people the Jews.

Even before Haman and his plot, GOD knew it was coming for HE knows our thoughts before we think them. The LORD set the stage and nudged/whispered suggestions for people to act in certain ways. So, by the time this villain had gotten the king to sign off on his scheme, GOD had already provided for the rescue of the Jews by giving a beautiful young Jewish girl named Esther great favor and she was selected as queen.

Upon learning of the plot, Esther knew she had a life-threatening choice to make. To go before the king without being called would mean instant death, unless the king held out his scepter to her.  Before going into his presence, Esther insisted all the Jews fast for 3 days for her. (Fasting is a form of humbling yourself before GOD, a form of prayer).

After the 3 days she was strengthen and stated, “If I perish, I perish,” and dressing in her royal robes she humbly went before the king and he held out his scepter to her.  Through her intercessory work the plan to destroy the Jews was thwarted and much more.  For the Jews gained great honor throughout the kingdom of 127 providences.

Other episodes within this short book, including the king not being able to sleep, show how GOD secretly put things in place, synchronizing them, and setting the stage so the people’s personal choices would accomplish HIS will.  If you have not yet read this short book, you are missing out.

Whatever you are facing today, GOD has known about it from eternity past. Just like with Esther, when we trust in the LORD with all our hearts (Proverbs 3:5-7), HE will carry us through all the trials that come against us in this life until the day HE calls us up and we see HIM face to face.

Take a moment today to thank GOD for HIS unending love and provision for you.

Hugs

Sharon

What are you thinking?

What are you thinking?

Having trouble with your thoughts? Well, GOD explains the problem and gives us the solution in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.  The LORD does know what HE is talking about, and all HIS ways are right and they work (Isaiah 55:8-9, 11).  So, when GOD tells us how to combat our thoughts, just do it even though it may not make sense to you. 

Don’t be seduced from the simplicity that is in CHRIST JESUS! Yes, we are in spiritual warfare, but GOD says that HIS weapons are more powerful even to the pulling down of strongholds of wrong thinking and every deceptive argument that rises up against GOD’s knowledge.  The whole battle begins in our minds and what we think changes everything.

So, when GOD tells us to take all our thoughts to the obedience of CHRIST (2 Corinthians 10:3-5), but you don’t know how to get them under control, remember (Hebrews 4:16). “Run to the throne of grace to obtain (get) mercy and receive grace to help in time of need.”  Just take your thoughts to JESUS, tell HIM about them and HE will help you corral them.

To take my thoughts to JESUS who sits on the throne brings my thought into obedience for JESUS has a way of taking my thoughts and I begin to see whatever the situation is from an entirely different angle, and they become obedient to HIM.

JESUS said, “without ME you can do nothing” (John 15:5). In another place, 2 Corinthians 3:5 to be exact, it says, “we are not sufficient as of ourselves to think anything as from ourselves, our sufficiency comes from CHRIST.” So, when a thought is rebellious just take it to JESUS. HE tames them real quick. Believe me, I know!

So don’t struggle in your own strength (or lack of it) with the fiery darts of lying thoughts coming at you from the enemy, take those thoughts to JESUS and talk to HIM about it.

hugs
Sharon

GOD said

Each day we hear of national and global events that show this world seemingly is in a mad rush spiraling downward to chaos. But within GOD’s word is hope. HE has told us what will happen in the future of this world and has given promises of protection if we will just believe in HIM and trust HIM (Proverbs 3:5-7).

GOD says: “I am GOD, and there is no other; I am GOD, and there is none like ME, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure,… Indeed, I have spoken it; I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it; I will also do it” (Isaiah 46:9-11).

Now GOD told King Ahaz, “If you will not believe, surely you shall not be established/ stand” Isaiah 7:9.  Then GOD told King Ahaz to ask for a sign to help him believe so he could stand, but the king refused to ask for a sign (Isaiah 7:10-12).

There are times when I need ‘a sign’/ the encouragement of a word from GOD. So go to HIS word and cry out to HIM concerning what I am facing.  GOD brings me hope and expectation as I read.  For the word of GOD is living and powerful (Hebrews 4:12) and through it GOD speaks personally to anyone who comes expecting to meet HIM there.

GOD will meet with you and help you believe and trust HIM if you seek HIM with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:13).

GOD knows all things (John 21:17) and HE knew exactly how the wicked king Ahaz would respond through the valid offer to give a sign GOD exposed Ahaz as a man who did not want to trust GOD even if he had the evidence.

Do you want to trust GOD?

Hugs Sharon

Who or what are you looking to for your provision?

Who or what are you looking to as your provider?

I’ve heard that fireworks were invented by China to ward off evil spirits and make the new year prosperous. I delight in watching fireworks yet know and rejoice that GOD alone in sovereignty controls our circumstances, not the evil spirits Ephesians 1:11).  Evil spirits exist and they do influence people with their suggestions, but GOD alone is in control.

We take our circumstances for granted, we may even say GOD is in control, but not really believe it. For if we truly believed GOD is in control, then why do we act as if the things that happen were completely manipulated and controlled by people?

GOD preset the exact times things happen and the exact locations they would occur.  HE does it for a reason- that reason is that people will reach out to HIM (Acts 17:26-27).  But although HE sets the stage, we choose how to respond to our circumstances and who we allow to influence us.

Joshua had just taken over as leader after Moses died and he was about to lead the Jews to take over the land promised them by GOD.  The previous 40 years they had struggled through the wilderness and now faced battles. GOD knew Joshua was fearful and unsure of what lay ahead so spoke to Joshua. Three times GOD commanded Joshua to be STRONG and courageous for I -the LORD your GOD- am with you wherever you go (Joshua 1).

Then HE told Joshua that the way he could be successful in tackling what lie ahead was to meditate (or think about) the Word of GOD (Joshua 1:8).  The same is true for us!  It is in the word of GOD that we get our marching orders.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for [c]instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

For whatsoever things were written in times past, were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. (Romans 15:4 KJV21).

We are entering a new year after enduring an especially rough, rough year and we don’t know what lies ahead.  But GOD is in control and has promised to be with us wherever we go.  GOD may cause our circumstances to suddenly fall apart, as they have over and over in 2020.  When that happens focus on GOD and HIS promises and remember that GOD has ordained our situation and will achieve for us through it (2 Corinthians 4:15-18)..

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and don’t lean your own understanding. In ALL your ways acknowledge HIM (talk everything over with GOD), and HE will direct your paths (not necessarily your mind-you may not understand HIS leading, but you will know the next step you are to take- wait until HE directs you.  Don’t rush ahead with your own solutions-Isaiah 50:10-11) Be not wise in your own eyes: fear the LORD and depart from evil (Proverbs 3:5-7).

Oswald Chambers once wrote: “The remarkable thing about fearing GOD is that when you fear GOD you fear nothing else, whereas if you don’t fear GOD you fear everything else.”

Isaiah said it this way, ““Do not call conspiracy everything this people calls a conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The LORD ALMIGHTY is the one you are to regard as holy, HE is the one you are to fear, HE is the one you are to dread. Then HE will be for you a sanctuary…” (Isaiah 8:12-14a).

Whatever may pass and whatever lies before us let us be singing praises to the LORD our GOD who is with us and will strengthen us with HIS power (2 Timothy 2:1, Hebrews 4:16).  For while we don’t know what tomorrow holds, we do know the One who holds tomorrow.

Happy New Year

Hugs

Sharon

Upside down

Does your world seem topsy turvy or maybe even upside down? Since March of 2020 many are troubled as our world seems to spin out of control.

Notice in the picture that John is not too happy to be upside down.  Part of the reason for that is he doesn’t know the one holding him by his legs so he not sure he can trust him.

But the Sovereign LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, the Creator of heaven and earth is in control. But the Sovereign LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, the Creator of heaven and earth is in control and can be trusted.  HIS ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-11) but HE knows what HE is doing and works for an end result of good for those who love HIM and have called on the name of the LORD (Romans 8:28, 10:13).

Unless you have grown to know HIM through the Word of GOD and seen evidence of HIS goodness reflected in HIS infinite creation you may not trust HIM.  Just like John didn’t trust Steve.  And unless you trust GOD there will be fear.

See why what a man thinks about GOD is the most important thing about him, for how we view GOD will determine how we will feel and act.

Unless you trust GOD’s infinite wisdom as seen in the heavenly bodies, the seasons, or water cycle, If you don’t connect the tremendous power evident in a lightning storm with GOD, or understand GOD’s love in sending HIS SON JESUS that we could be forgiven and reconciled to HIM you might not trust GOD.  For if GOD could make even one little miscalculation, just one, in that HE would have to change something then there is reason not to trust HIM.

 “I know LORD that THY judgments are right…” (Psalm 119:75). I know that because I believe GOD exists and that HE rewards those who diligently seek HIM (Hebrews 11:6).

There is only one way to learn to trust GOD.   “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of GOD (Romans 10:17).

You might say the Bible doesn’t make any sense.  But GOD says that when one who turns to LORD he will begin to understand (2 Corinthians 3:16).  So, turn to the LORD- go to the Bible, GOD’s letter to mankind.  Say, “GOD if YOU are real show me.” Then begin reading. 

I suggest perhaps the book of John in the New Testament to start with.  If you really want to know the truth, HE will show you.

Hugs

Sharon

Are you resting?

Those of us who believe in JESUS know that during this present pandemic when we are not in control, that GOD is still in control. GOD says that if we look to HIM, we will have peace and grace to help in times of need (Hebrews 4:16) so can rest from fear and striving.

YOU will keep in perfect peace the mind that is stayed (focused) on YOU, because he trusts in YOU.  Trust in the LORD for ever and ever for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength (Isaiah 26:3-4). 

   Therefore, since a promise remains of entering HIS (GOD’s) rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. 2 For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with FAITH in those who heard it.

    3 For we who have believed do enter that rest, as HE has said: “So I swore in MY wrath, They shall not enter MY rest,” (because they refused to believe and trust GOD’s love and power-Deuteronomy 1:26-27) although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

    4 For HE has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: “And GOD rested on the seventh day from all HIS works”; 5 and again in this place: “They shall not enter MY rest (rest from self-effort and trusting the loving power and control of the MOST HIGH GOD.” because, they wouldn’t believe GOD and do what HE said).

    6 Since therefore it remains that some must enter it, and those to whom it was first preached did not enter because of disobedience (because of unbelief), 7 again HE designates a certain day, saying in David, “Today,” after such a long time, as it has been said: “Today, if you will hear HIS voice, Do not harden your hearts.”

    8 For if Joshua had given them rest, then HE would not afterward have spoken of another day. 9 There remains therefore a rest for the people of GOD. 10 For he who has entered HIS (GOD’s) rest has himself also ceased from his (own) works as GOD did from HIS.

11 Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience (same Greek word as disbelief). (Hebrews 4:1-11 NKJV)

Are you resting?

Hugs

Sharon