Release it to HIM

When my world seems to be falling apart I have learned since I believed in JESUS and called on the name of the LORD to save me (Romans 10:9-10, 13) to run to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and receive grace to help in my time of need (Hebrews 4:16).  Then I will open my Bible and begin to read. For faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of GOD (Romans 10:17).  As I read HIS Word peace comes over me.. 

In GOD’s Word, we discover wonderful things about GOD. I’ve learned the LORD really knows what will work, and that HE acts on my behalf because HE loves me and wants what is best for me.  Sometimes GOD allows hard things in my life as discipline (Hebrews 12:10-11) to develop me into the likeness of JESUS (Romans 8:28-29) restoring me into HIS image.

Faith in GOD, HIS love, goodness, and power to perform is why I pray.  I don’t pray when we think we can handle things.  But even knowing I need GOD to work I sometimes foolishly try to instruct GOD (who knows all things) in how to handle what I do not know how to handle on my own. 

The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY says HIS ways are not our ways but that they work (Isaiah 55:8-11).  Often we want GOD to do things our way, on our time schedule. 

One day when several situations, all out of my control struck the LORD led me to 2 Corinthians 4:15-18 it begins with “all things are for your benefit” (that means the hard things as well as the good Romans 8:28).  I thought, “Yeah sure!”

But I went on reading anyway and in verse 17 it said my problems were achieving for me and then in verse 18 it commanded me “don’t look at what you can see (your situation) but look at what you cannot see (what GOD is achieving for you through your situation) for what you see is temporary, but what you don’t see is eternal.”

I didn’t understand but I had no other option, so I chose to do what GOD said and released to HIM all those situations out of my control.   Guess what, HE worked them out little by little, but HE gave me peace the moment I released them to HIM.

Do you have a problem? Talk it over with our LORD and release it to HIM.  HE will show you anything you might need to do.

Hugs

Sharon

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

Why doesn’t GOD answer?

Have you ever prayed and prayed, but nothing happens? Have you ever wondered why?

Of course, our prayer might not be GOD’s best for the situation so is not HIS will, or it could be not GOD’s timing for HE is lining other factors up before HE answers. But another issue has come apparent several times lately that I want to talk about.

Now there are famines from time to time but when there was a famine for 3 years running King David inquired of the LORD asking, “WHY?”

The LORD replied it was because of certain actions of King Saul the previous king toward a group of people. David sought out those people and asked them what he should do for them. Since their request was according to the practices of that day and GOD’s written word (Exodus 21:34), David agreed. When David made things right with those people, the LORD answered David’s prayers and the famine ended (see 2 Samuel 21).

This Old Testament incident illustrates a GOD principle about prayer. GOD will not answer prayer until sin is dealt with.

Psalm 66:18 If I REGARD iniquity in my heart the LORD will not hear me.

The Hebrew word for REGARD here is to look at/ focus on and resultant holding on to something. It doesn’t have to be something we consider big like stealing, lying or adultery.  The iniquity spoken of can be anything GOD has said not to do.

John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled (do not allow something to stir you up) believe in GOD and believe also in ME. John 14:27…Let not your heart be troubled, neither be afraid.

For when we allow ourselves to be troubled it is because we do not TRUST GOD to be in control and able to do what HE said HE would do. HE promises to work all things for the benefit of those who love HIM (Romans 8:28, 2 Corinthians 4:15-18). And GOD has given us HIS Word to illustrate for us how HE does what HE says HE will do.

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

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.

By reading the Word of GOD we learn GOD’s ways are not our ways but always work for good (Isaiah 55:9-11). And we see that what initially appears as something horrible can actually be something of great value. Like when Joseph was sold as a slave and then unjustly put in prison. We see GOD was always in control. GOD allowed the wicked thoughts of sinful men to play out and GOD used their actions to prepare Joseph for a great work to save many alive and to give Joseph great honor (Genesis 50:20).

The iniquity (sin) we REGARD (focus on) can be anything from worry, fretting, demanding things be done my way (as I lean on my own understanding of what is needed (Proverbs 3:5-7), when I refuse to forgive, hold on to anger or anything I know is wrong I am regarding it more that I regard GOD.

Sometimes I must ask, “Is there something in me hindering the answer to my prayer?”  When I ask, HE shows me by giving me an inner awareness of what is hindering the answer to my prayers. If I am not hindering the answer GOD gives me peace that HE is at work behind the scenes, and I must wait to see what HE is doing.

1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in HIM, that, if we ask any thing according to HIS will, HE hears us:

Hugs

Sharon

Choices

My son got 2 very young kittens a few weeks back. Knowing that after they ate they would have to do their business somewhere, we got two litter boxes.  We did not know what we know now. The kittens did not know what litter boxes were and became frightened when we would place them in one.  To cut down on the mess, I asked the LORD what to do. Then thought to put down cardboard with liter on it in the spots the kittens favored going (which is in my bedroom, under my bed). They are getting better on doing their business on the litter, but I still don’t know how to graduate them to the litter boxes.   

One of so many things I love about the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY is that HE knows all things (John 16:30), not just things past and present but also future. That simple mind-boggling fact helps me accept so much I cannot grasp.

GOD in three persons makes up the GODHEAD (Matthew 28:19) and in the counsels of heaven HE chose to make mankind to fellowship with HIM.  HE chose to make them in HIS image (Genesis 1:26).  Part of that image is the ability to make choices. Yet GOD did not make man to be in control.

Many scripture texts show that GOD allows men to do wrong to show us what is in us and why we need a Savior. Each person is always responsible for their own choices and choices have consequences. Often the MOST HIGH allows wicked men to do wrong.  But as Genesis 50:20 (and many other texts) show when GOD allows men to do wrong with evil intent, GOD has pre-planned to use their actions for an end result of good to those who love HIM (Romans 8:28).  There is always a plan in place (see 2 Corinthians 4:15-18) and GOD is always in control (Ephesians 1:11).

In making man with the ability to choose that meant they could either accept and love HIM or reject HIM.  HE knew before creation which would do what.  Yet for GOD to give the ability to choose meant HE had to 1st choose to allow HIMSELF to selectively suffer certain things because of mankind’s choices while GOD HIMSELF maintained complete Sovereign control. GOD is never at man’s mercy.

GOD the HOLY SPIRIT is said to grieve at times because of our actions (Ephesians 4:30). HE is holy and anything unholy grieves HIM. GOD the SON, our LORD JESUS, consented and chose to suffer much on earth from humiliation to carrying all the punishment for the sins of mankind in torture on the cross of Calvary.  GOD the FATHER suffered as HE laid HIS wrath for sin on HIS beloved SON.  HE did it out of HIS love for mankind.  But our triune GOD chose to do that because HE wanted us. 

“GOD devised means, that HIS banished be not expelled from HIM” (2 Samuel 14:14).

Interestingly, we find that GOD preset (past tense) the times and places (Acts 17:26) thereby set the stage where we make our choices.  In HIS astounding foreknowledge HE knew what choices would be made and synchronized it all.  It’s beyond amazing, just blows my mind thinking of it.

Hugs

Sharon

A wall of water coming at me

Back in the day, over 57 years ago, we had this crazy little car- a BMW where the steering wheel opened out when you opened the door from the front of the car.  Pregnant with my 2nd daughter and incredibly huge I had trouble closing the car’s door because the steering wheel came in across my tummy. I felt rather cramped, but being I had a doctor’s appointment, I headed into town from the Black Forest anyway.  In town and nearing the doctor’s office, suddenly, the sky seemed to open up and torrential rain crashed down as sheets of water.  Glancing up I saw a wall of water was coming down the mountain towards my tiny car just as I was started down a steep hill.

Crying out to GOD, the words of Isaiah 59:19 flooded over me, “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the SPIRIT of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.”

I believed GOD was speaking to me and I received HIS words.  Relieved and excited I supposed GOD was going to divert that wall of water I saw heading my way.  So, I was caught by complete surprise, and filled with horror when the flood caught up my car, swirling us (my 3 year old daughter and me) around and around and down that hill. I was terrified, Jeri was screaming.  But as quick as it came, it was over.  We were fine, there was no damage to us or the car.

It took a moment to catch my breath then I rushed to the doctor’s appointment.  After seeing the doctor, I questioned GOD concerning HIS word to me.  HE brought (Proverbs 21:1) those words back into my mind. “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the SPIRIT of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.” 

It was as if the LORD said: “Wasn’t that what I did?  I never said that the flood would not come but that WHEN it came I would rise up a standard against it.

I had misinterpreted the LORD’s words.  I’d leaned on my own understanding, presuming I knew what GOD was going to do.  And HE didn’t do it my way.

The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY actually fulfilled HIS word with exactness. HE had raised up a standard against the enemy by protecting me from harm.

GOD used my trouble for my good (Romans 8:28) for through the ordeal I saw HIM working on my behalf.  The whole episode taught me a lesson to let GOD be GOD, HE strengthened me in my faith and left me knowing I could trust HIM when things got out of control.

Not only that, but HE gave me great story to tell.  A story illustrating how the LORD will delivered those who call out to HIM.  And If I read 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 correctly GOD was preparing me to comfort others in their struggles with the very same comfort HE gave me in my trouble.

When the enemy is coming in against you remember, GOD is there to raise up a standard against him.  Call out to the LORD for HELP and HE will answer.  You don’t need to tell HIM what to do or how to do it but expect HIM to act in whatever way HE chooses because that invites HIM to come in as HE knows is best.

hugs

Sharon

Put on hold

Ever made a business phone call and been put on hold? The wait gets so long you wonder if they know you are still on the line. Sometimes you have to call back a time or two. That happened to me recently as a scheduler had never called me concerning scheduling me for the procedure the doctor ordered. Finally after over 3 weeks I called again. This time I got a hold of my doctor’s nurse who was able to contact the scheduler and in a couple of hours I received a call, with an apology for the order had never gotten to the scheduler. My calls were needed.

Do you feel like you have been put on “hold” by GOD?  What I mean by that is the LORD has promised something but day after day, week follows week and even year after year goes by and you are still waiting.

Unlike my scheduling situation, delays with GOD are never that lines were crossed.  But it still feels like I’ve been put on hold.

One morning I woke up while it was yet dark, feeling greatly troubled and defeated but not sure why. Then I read, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick” (Proverbs 13:12).

“Yes,” I agreed, “That’s it!  That is what I’m feeling, my heart feels sick.”

Circumstances looked so wrong, not a bit like my expectations concerning the Promise the LORD impressed on my heart years ago. Rather the situation seemed to mock the promise.

Then the LORD’s whisper came, “Didn’t I promise you?” and the word ‘deferred’ came to mind. 

I pondered that word. Looking it up I saw it has 2 meanings.  1st It can mean delayed, put off for a while, but not denied.

“The LORD is not slack (tardy) concerning HIS promise, as some men count slackness (being late); but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any (of us) should perish, but that all (of us) should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

“Do you despise the riches of GOD’s goodness and long-suffering and forbearance (putting up with things?) Don’t you know that the goodness of GOD leads you to repentance?” (Romans 4:2).

The reminder that this time of waiting has a purpose, and its purpose will help people. This lingering delay is for me as much as the others for during the years of delay GOD has changed me and even now patience has not yet finished its perfecting work in me (James 1:3-4).

Then there is the 2nd meaning of ‘deferred’ to submit to and accept.

LORD, YOU are a faithful GOD who has synchronized the universes, so stars and planets never collide, and autumn follows summer therefore I choose to humbly submit to YOUR timing!  YOU know all things and do all things well, I defer to YOUR wisdom and understanding and completely trust that this delay will achieve things that far surpass anything I can imagine.  I bow before YOU my GOD and defer to YOU as I expectantly await the fulfillment of YOUR word to me, YOUR servant.  Thank YOU, LORD for loving me and sending JESUS to save all who will believe and reconcile us to YOURSELF.  My eyes are on YOU, and I am watching to see YOUR plan unfold.

Are facing a delay like me?  Turn your eyes to JESUS.  Look to GOD, HE has preset the exact times and places for a reason (Acts 17:26-27).  If you have asked the good LORD is neither ignoring the issue you are facing nor is HE late with the answer. HE will get there before the tardy bell rings IF you have asked and continue to remind HIM. 

Remember James 4:2 “You have not because you ask not”

Isaiah 62:⁶ “…never be silent day or night.  You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest ⁷and give HIM no rest till HE establishes”

It is not that GOD needs to be reminded but that by going to HIM continually HE continually assures your heart restores your confidence in HIM, HIS wisdom and that HE is at work behind the scenes.

Because He bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath! (Psalms 116:2 – NIV) 

Hugs

Sharon L Manning

It’s not fair!

Life just isn’t fair. JESUS warned us it would be this way when HE said, “in this life you will have tribulation but cheer up I have overcome the world ” (John 16:33). 

GOD tells us in HIS word that our temporary troubles are achieving eternal things for us that far surpass the unfairness and pain of today (2 Corinthians 4:17).  In fact, the LORD promises that HE is using all the good and bad, working them together for an end result of good for us who love HIM.  HE is developing Christlikeness in us through what we encounter (Romans 8:28-29).

JESUS said, If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am (John 14:3).

JESUS went up in a cloud 40 days after HE rose from the grave (Acts 1:3, 9-11).  HE went to prepare a place for us, and HE is coming again to get us and take us to where HE has been.

Since the beginning of the world men have not heard…neither eye seen…what GOD has prepared for those who wait for Him (Isaiah 64:4, 1 Corinthians 2:9).

Are you expectantly waiting for JESUS to return and take us to be with HIM?

I urge you in JESUS’s stead to consider these things and may the good LORD give you wisdom and understanding (James 1:5, 1 Corinthians 2:10) and reveal to you whatever you need to see (Philippians 3:15) 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

Should we not pray for Israel?

Most of our misconceptions are described by one truth that JESUS referred to: You do err not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of GOD” (Matthew 22:29).

At 1^st glance it jolted me when I found out that some are changing/ editing and deleting parts of history at will.  They do it in order to get people to think the way they want them to think.  Pondering their actions, I am not altogether surprised at unbelievers in JESUS altering truth in order to manipulate others. We are told in Romans 1:25 that they deliberately choose to exchange the truth for a lie. They have altered the younger generations’ way of thinking by changing the historic records and adding their own ideas/inventions (Ecclesiastes 7:29, Psalm 99:8, Psalm 106:29, 39).

These (like we believers before accepting JESUS as LORD (ruler and Savior) live in an ‘I am god/ it is all about me’ society ruled by the devil.

Before believing in JESUS, every one of us was: Ephesians 2:¹… dead in trespasses and sins; ² Wherein in time past you walked according to the course of this world, (the devil) the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience: ³ Among whom also we all lived our lives in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Therefore, it is not surprising that they feel free to change history to suit their purposes.  Their present opposition to Israel is no surprise either for GOD foretold it thousands of years ago.  HE spoke openly that this would occur in Psalm 83:¹ Keep not silence, O GOD: hold not YOUR peace, and be not still, O GOD. ² For YOUR enemies make a tumult: and they that hate YOU have lifted up the head. ³ They have taken crafty counsel against YOUR people and consulted against YOUR hidden ones. ⁴ They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. ⁵ For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against YOU:

You see the hatred of Israel is demonic for Satan hates GOD and wants to destroy those GOD loves.

But what blows me away is when someone who says he knows the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY chooses to edit, delete and change the Bible/ the HOLY WORD of GOD to suit what they think instead of accepting what GOD says in HIS word.  The LORD had recorded in Isaiah 8:20 that if one speaks things against what the scriptures say, ‘they have no light in them’. In other words, they are in darkness.

JESUS said that man cannot live (eternally, abundantly) by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD (Matthew 4:4).

The LORD (ruler) GOD (source) Almighty (all powerful) the triune GODHEAD cannot lie it is against HIS divine nature (Titus 1:2).  If HE could lie, HE could not be trusted to do what HE says HE will do. Christians would then have NO basis whatsoever to believe or hope on HIS promises.

Many within the church at large are saying that GOD is fed up with the Jews for their many sins and that the church (despite her many sins) has hence taken its place and is now spiritual Israel.  that is called Replacement Theology. But what does GOD’s word say?

GOD has promised, declaring by two immutable things, 1) in which it is impossible for GOD to lie, (Titus 1:2, Hebrews 6:18) and 2) by taking an oath (Jeremiah 32 and several other texts) certain things for the nation of Israel (the natural physical descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob/ Israel and David) that have not been fulfilled.

First look in one text where the LORD GOD Most High declares in an oath to bless Israel everlastingly.  Notice in this text the Sovereign LORD declares/ promises 11 times I will do something.

Jeremiah 32:³⁷ Behold, I will gather them (Israel Jeremiah 32:30) out of all countries, whither I have driven them in MINE anger, and in MY fury, and in great wrath; and I will bring them again unto this place (Jerusalem/ Israel- Jeremiah 32:31-32), and I will cause them to dwell safely: ³⁸ And they shall be MY people, and  I will be their GOD ³⁹ And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear ME forever, (cause up to now they haven’t) for the good of them, and of their children after them: ⁴⁰ And  I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that  I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but  I will put MY fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from ME. ⁴¹ Yes, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and  I will plant them in this land assuredly with MY whole heart and with MY whole soul. ⁴² For thus says the LORD; Like I have brought all this great evil upon this people, so I will bring upon them all the good that I have promised them.

Jeremiah 31:³¹ Behold, the days come, says the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: ³² Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which MY covenant they broke, although I was an husband unto them, says the Lord: ³³ But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, says the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and I will be their GOD, and they shall be MY people.

Jeremiah 31:³⁵ Thus says the Lord, which gives the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divides the sea when the waves thereof roar; the LORD of hosts (armies) is HIS name: ³⁶ If those ordinances depart from before ME, says the Lord, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before ME forever.

Well, as far as I can see the sun, moon and stars are still there and will be until the new heaven and earth spoken about in the last two chapters of Revelation.  Therefore, Israel is still a nation before the LORD.

Jeremiah 31:³⁷ Thus says the Lord; If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, says the Lord.

The heavens cannot be measured, nor the foundations of the earth searched out so it looks like the LORD will NOT cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done.

But through the nation of Israel, we learn of the faithfulness of GOD and that the steadfast love of the LORD never ceases nor do HIS mercies ever come to an end (Lamentations 3:22-23).

As is often the case in scripture, there is a time element for the promises to be completed: It will be completed in segments.  The nation of Israel came back into being in one day in 1948 (Isaiah 66:8) yet to this day an influx of Jews continue to come back to Israel from the nations that have turned against them.  Israel has had opposition ever since it became a nation, but we see here that GOD is working even the opposition for good to fulfill HIS purposes (Genesis 50:20).

During the 7-year tribulation/ Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7) / Daniel’s 70^th week of years (Daniel 9:24, 26-27) GOD is working with the Jews and the unbelieving wicked world.

In speaking of the Jews and the land of Israel, the prophet, a scribe for the LORD GOD said in Zechariah 13:⁸ And it shall come to pass, that in all the land (speaking of Israel), says the Lord, two parts therein shall be cut off and die (during the 7-year-Tribulation); but the third shall be left therein. ⁹ And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on MY name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is MY people: and they shall say, The Lord is MY GOD.”  That is why this period is called Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7). As is written, “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I have kept YOUR word” (Psalm 119:67).

JESUS said that the Jews will not see HIM again until they say blessed is HE who comes in the name of the LORD (Matthew 23:39).  That will happen when they see JESUS coming at the end of the 7-year-tribulation (Revelation 19). Zechariah 12:⁹ And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. ¹⁰ And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon ME whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn…

Isaiah 10:²⁰ And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him (the Antichrist) that smote them; but shall stay upon the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. ²¹ The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty GOD.

Romans 11:²⁶ And so all Israel (the 1/3^rd that made it through the 7-year-Tribulation) shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer (JESUS) and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: ²⁷ For this is MY covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.

In the meantime, we are told to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6), should we not obey the LORD our GOD?

Hugs

Sharon

Do you fret?

Now tell the truth, it is just between you and GOD anyway, are you worried about anything?

GOD says, “Do not fret— it only causes harm” (Psalm 37:8).

Fretting causes harm!

Fretting is just another word for worry.  It means getting ourselves “out of joint” mentally or spiritually.  It’s easy to say, “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him” (Psalm 37:7) until our own little world is turned upside down and we are forced to live in confusion and agony and all sorts of accusing thoughts come into our minds.

Many are experiencing that right now not only with personal struggles but also with chaos breaking loose worldwide as hatred of the Jews escalates as it did before World War II. 

Let’s face it, if we don’t obey the command “Do not fret” in the middle of a storm when we don’t know what is coming next, then we won’t obey it anywhere.

This “Do not fret” is applied by choosing to believe GOD is still in control even when it looks like HE isn’t.

All our fretting and worrying is caused by planning without considering GOD is sovereign and actively at work behind the scene on our behalf working the good, bad and ugly together for an end result of good to us who love HIM (Romans 8:28). 

Those fretful thoughts come as lying whispers from our enemy to stir us up and feed our old nature’s desire to have its own way and be in control.

Our LORD JESUS never worried and was never anxious because HIS purpose was never to accomplish HIS own plans.  All HE wanted to do was to fulfill GOD’s perfect plan (Hebrews 10:7).

Fretting accomplishes nothing good, so it is foolish and a total waste of our time and energy.  But it’s not just foolish it is wickedness for a child of GOD because it is trying to take over GOD’s job and be in control.

To rest in the LORD is not dependent on our external circumstances at all, but on our relationship with GOD HIMSELF and our confident trust in HIM. 

So, say “no!” to those accusing lying whispers that can nag at you and take all your opinions and speculations to JESUS.  As I talk them over with HIM HE has a way of letting me see things from HIS point of view (2 Corinthians 10:5). 

When the taunts to fret or worry come, run as fast as you can to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16) and “abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1).  It is only there we find release from our fears.

Do you fret?  It is better to tell yourself the truth, “I am not in control, but my GOD is, and HE loves me and promises that HE will fulfill HIS purpose for me” (Psalm 57:2 NIV).

When we do that GOD promises to direct our hearts and minds (Proverbs 3:5-7) and then our job is just to do what we know we should do.  It is that simple, the simplicity that is in CHRIST.

Hugs

Sharon

How do you know?

One of the things about GOD that blows my mind yet at the same time makes me feel so secure is GOD’s FOREKNOWLEDGE. GOD never learns anything for HE knows all things. Before HE made anything, HE knew every choice I would make and knew how to use it for my good and to fulfill HIS eternal purposes. A pastor used the life of Joseph to show how our individual choices day in and day out GOD works together for the end result of HIS purposes and our good (Romans 8:28-29). His words blessed me so much I want to share his insight with you.

Jacob had 12 sons. His favorite son was Joseph, and he gave Joseph a coat of many colors –a good thing, how do you know?

At 17 Joseph had 2 dreams that indicated his family would bow down to him…a good thing, how do you know?

Because he was the favorite and because of his dreams his 10 older brothers hated Joseph-a bad thing, how do you know?

One day Jacob asked Joseph to go find out how his brothers were doing. Joseph could not find them at Shechem …a bad thing, how do you know?

but a man found Joseph wandering in the field asked Joseph what he was looking for. When he told the man he was looking for his brothers, the man said, I heard them say they were going to Dothan. A good thing, how do you know?

Jacob found his brothers…a good thing, how do you know?

Joseph’s brothers sold him as a slave to a caravan. a bad thing…how do you know?

A good and high official bought Joseph as his slave and seeing Joseph’s good work and attitude promoted him over all his goods…a good thing, how do you know?

His owners wife found Joseph attractive and tried to seduce Joseph. a bad thing

But when he continually refused her, she accused Joseph of trying to rape her and he was thrown into prison …a bad thing, how do you know?

In prison he was put in charge. 2 other prisoners (from the Pharoah’s house) looked sad, so Joseph asked them why are you sad? After he correctly interpreted their dreams Joseph thought the cup bearer would help him. The cupbearer forgot Joseph…a bad thing, how do you know?

When Pharoah had 2 dreams that no one could interpret, the cupbearer remembered Joseph and told the Pharoah about him. When Joseph interpreted Pharoah’s dreams giving GOD the glory, GOD showed Joseph the solution for the problem and Pharoah placed Joseph over all the country when he was 30 years old. A good thing

Years later his brothers came to Egypt and after playing a few games on them, Joseph let them know who he was. Joseph told them, “Do not be afraid although you sold me as a slave, GOD sent me to Egypt to save many alive (Genesis 50:19-20).

GOD had given Joseph a word through 2 dreams and although during those long years as a slave and in prison that word from GOD tested him.

Psalm 105:19 AMP   Until the time that his word [of prophecy regarding his brothers] came true, The word of the Lord tested and refined him.

But Joseph was determined to trust the LORD and do right.

Throughout the story you can see GOD using people’s choices to place Joseph where he needed to be for the next episode of his life.

Acts 17:26-27 …(GOD) preset the exact times and places for the purpose that men should reach out to HIM…

Notice, If that man had not asked young Joseph why he was wandering in the field how would Joseph have gotten to Egypt? If that brazen woman had not lusted after Joseph and then spitefully lied, or if the cupbearer had remembered Joseph when he first got out of jail, how could Pharoah had found Joseph to interpret his dreams and save Egypt.

This all was according to GOD’s eternal purpose and how HE set Jacob’s family in a safe place to begin forming HIS people, the nation of Israel?

Therefore, our daily choices big or small definitely do matter. That is why GOD advises us:  Trust in the LORD with ALL your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In ALL your ways acknowledge HIM and HE will direct your path. Be not wise in your own understanding, fear the LORD and depart from evil (Proverbs 3:5-7).

hugs

Sharon