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

YOU keep YOUR Promises

There is no GOD like the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, either in heaven above or on the earth beneath.

“YOU (LORD GOD) have kept what YOU promised to YOUR servant … YOU have spoken with YOUR mouth and have fulfilled YOUR Word with YOUR hand.. (1 Kings 8:24).

Are you or someone you know struggling with something?  Family members, several of the girls in my classes, and even I have physical issues right now and that is not even counting the other troubles we face.  As one pastor recently said, you just come out of one crisis to face a problem.

This morning as I was speaking with the LORD and laying several people’s concerns before HIM, I thanked HIM that HE was a GOD who keeps HIS promises and does or allows nothing without a purpose (Ezekiel 14:23).

I began rejoicing as I lay one concern after another before our Mighty LORD.  I smiled as I thought of Ezekiel 36:36 last clause through the 1^st clause of verse 37 “…I the LORD have spoken it and I will do it says the LORD GOD, Yet I will have them ask ME for it…”  

Yes GOD keeps HIS promises, but we must ASK!

This morning like usual I prayed according to promises found in specific verses. Beginning with, “LORD GOD, YOU say that when YOU have spoken something that YOU will do it.  I know that we must ask for that fulfillment and we must also fulfill any conditions that are attached, so I ask…”

Romans 8: ²⁸ And we know that ALL things work together for good to them that love GOD, to them who are the called (because they called on the name of the LORD -1 Corinthians 1:2) according to HIS purposeà ²⁹ For whom HE did foreknow (would call on the name of the LORD), HE also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of HIS SON (JESUS), that HE (JESUS) might be the firstborn among many brethren.

2 Corinthians 4: ¹⁵ For all things are for your benefit, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of GOD. ¹⁶ For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our light affliction, which lasts but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and (unending) weight of glory; ¹⁸ While we look not at the things which are seen (our situation/problem), but at the things which are not seen (that which YOU are achieving for us through our situation): for the things which are seen are temporary; but the things which are not seen are eternal (will last forever).

LORD, I don’t have to know what YOU are doing or how YOU will achieve what YOU promised.  Just knowing YOU will do what YOU said is enough and gives me peace as I bring each concern to YOU.

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

Check it out

One summer in the early 70’s was a terrible time of difficulties and confusion for me. Although I lived 50 miles away I decided to go to the Quincy fair to see if I could see any of my friends from high school.  Walking around at the fair, a stranger at the Gospel trailer introduced herself to me and said, “You look troubled. If you ever want to talk here is my address, write me.” And with that she handed me a slip of paper with her name and address. While doing laundry the following week I found that slip of paper and wanting to vent I wrote her.  She challenged me to take 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and give thanks to GOD every time I felt hurt or got mad at my situation, even if it meant doing it dozens of times each day. She told me to disregard my feelings and do just want it said- to give thanks.

I took her challenge and being I had to change my focus off the problem and on to GOD each time I thanked HIM for something negative, things began changing in me. For being with GOD changes us. After a few letters back and forth (we lived over 100 miles apart) she invited me to go with their little church up a mountain for a few days of camping with preaching,  She dismissed my excuses by saying just to bring my 2 young daughters and everything from a tent to food would be provided. I accepted.  During a break in the preaching we were told to go alone and read the Bible. GOD met with me as I sat under a tall Ponderosa Pine reading in Isaiah 50.  Through HIS word the LORD told me what HE was calling me to do (Isaiah 50:4-5) and gave me a strong warning to wait for HIS instructions for if I plotted my own way I would only get myself into trouble (Isaiah 50:10-11).  I believed HIM as HE spoke through HIS Word and the HOLY SPIRIT made it clear in my heart.

As you probably have noticed, GOD called me to share with others that which HE speaks to me through HIS word. Check out what I say by GOD’s Holy Word.

Never in scripture do you find the words, “figure it out yourself.” But repeatedly GOD’s Word urges us to “ask GOD” (James 1:5-7), or “acknowledge GOD” (talk to GOD about it-Proverbs 3:5-7). That is because the LORD has already figured out and knows what I need to do. HE declares that HE has even prepared the way ahead for me and you (Ephesians 2:10).  When GOD nudges me or tugs at me to do something, I know that I need to do it.

Still there are times I must force myself to not to be like a stubborn mule and just trust HIM when I don’t understand. The HOLY SPIRIT reminds me (John 14:26) that HE warned me not to scheme my way ahead but wait for HIS to leading (Isaiah 50:10-11).

There were times that even the 12 disciples questioned our LORD’s leading. “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing, nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” The disciples chose to obey JESUS’ nudge when it made no human sense to them. Because they did, they caught so many fish they had to call for another boat to help them pull them in the catch (Luke 5:5-7).

We need to be open minded and eager to hear GOD’s instructions, willing to do whatever HE wants. JESUS said if we are willing to do what GOD wants we will know if something is really from GOD or not (John 7:17).

A good way to learn to discern GOD’s voice is to be like the Bereans and daily search the scriptures (Acts 17:11). That way we will recognize the LORD’s voice when we hear it and know if the nudge or tug we are feeling is really from GOD.

hugs

Sharon

Looking for the glorious hope

When I saw this picture I thought of Simeon.  ^“Behold, there was an old man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel (the coming of the promised Messiah): and the HOLY SPIRIT was upon him’ (Luke 2:25). 

Now in the Old Testament days the HOLY SPIRIT would come upon certain people for specific reasons but did not indwell believers as HE does today.  Today the HOLY SPIRIT not only indwells believers but will also come up believers with a special anointing for specific work GOD has for them to do.  But that special anointing comes and goes, just as it did in the Old Testament, while the indwelling of believers today seals us to GOD until the day of Redemption (Ephesians 4:40).

Back to Simeon…

“The Holy SPIRIT revealed to Simeon, that he should not see death, before he had seen the LORD’s CHRIST /Messiah, anointed ONE” (Luke 2:26).

Simeon clung to that promise and one day, prompted by the Holy SPIRIT, Simeon went to the temple at the precise time Mary and Joseph came with the baby JESUS (Luke 2:27).

The moment the old man saw JESUS he recognized that the baby JESUS was the Messiah!

He took the baby JESUS into his arms and blessed HIM and his praise rose up to bless GOD in heaven saying, “Now YOU may release me in peace for according to YOUR word my eyes have seen YOUR salvation, which YOU have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for the revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to YOUR people Israel” (Luke 2:25-32).

How did Simeon recognize that JESUS was the Messiah? We are told: 1) he did right and was devoted to GOD 2) he looked for the promise of the Messiah. Simeon spent time with GOD and got to know GOD’s voice (that still small whisper). 3) the HOLY SPIRIT was on Simeon 4) Simeon’s attitude must have pleased the MOST HIGH for GOD gave him the promise that he would not die until he saw the Messiah come. 5) We also know he obeyed the nudges of the HOLY SPIRIT, evidenced by his entering the temple (by the SPIRIT) just when Mary and Joseph arrived to have JESUS presented unto the LORD according to the Law.

As we enter into this new year- I want to be like Simeon and 1) I cling to and look for the promise of the appearing of our LORD JESUS for HIS church (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18)  2) spend much time with GOD in HIS word and prayer for in HIS presence there is peace and the more time I spend with HIM the better I can recognize HIS voice.  3) HIS words always direct me and motivate me to do right.  4) I have learned to obey the HOLY SPIRIT’s leading for I have seen over and over there is always a good reason that HE prods me forward or holds me back.  

Yes, I want to please the LORD, but I also know those who walk by the SPIRIT recognize what others cannot see. For GOD reveals HIS secrets to those who obey HIM and seek HIM with all their hearts for they are the ones who love HIM and are HIS friends (Psalm 25:14, Proverbs 3:32, John 15:15).

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great GOD and our Savior JESUS CHRIST (Titus 2:13).  Will you join me?

Hugs,

Sharon

I will do it

Psalm 119:¹⁶⁰ Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endures forever.  

Yes, GOD’s word is true (2 Samuel 7:28) and GOD’s word is magnified even above HIS holy name (Psalm 138:2).  As JESUS told us, we cannot live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD (Matthew 4:4). Therefore, we know we can trust it.

Therefore, we need to go to GOD’s word, not man, to understand what GOD means (Isaiah 8:20).  The Word of GOD written and explained by the HOLY SPIRIT (2 Peter 1:20-21, 1 Corinthians 2:10-13) is its own best interpreter. So, let’s prayerfully look at a promise the Word of GOD gives us.

Hebrews 9:²⁸ So CHRIST was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto THEM that look for HIM shall HE APPEAR the second time without sin unto salvation.

JESUS will APPEAR in the clouds for believers only. That is commonly called the Rapture a word from the Latin translation which means= to catch away.

The bible also refers to the Rapture as being made perfect.

Hebrews 11:⁴⁰ GOD having provided some better thing for us (who are alive and remain until HIS coming), that they (who died believing) should not be made perfect without us (before us).

The Rapture is also called the redemption of the body.

Ephesians 1:¹² That we should be to the praise of HIS (GOD’s) glory, who first trusted in CHRIST (JESUS). ¹³ In whom (JESUS) you also trusted, after that you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom (JESUS) also after that you believed, you were sealed with that HOLY SPIRIT of promise, ¹⁴ Which is the earnest (down payment) of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of HIS (GOD’s) glory.

Ephesians 4:³⁰ And grieve not the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD, whereby you are sealed unto the day of redemption.

2 Corinthians 4:¹⁴ Knowing that HE (GOD) which raised up (the body of) the LORD JESUS shall raise up (the bodies of) us also by JESUS and shall present us with you.

1 Corinthians 15:⁴² So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: ⁴³ It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: ⁴⁴ It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

1 Corinthians 15:⁵² In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed (see the two groups?). ⁵³ For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

1 Thessalonians 4:¹⁴ For if we believe that JESUS died and rose again, even so them also which sleep (have died believing) in JESUS will GOD bring with HIM (JESUS). ¹⁵ For this we say unto you by the word of the LORD, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the LORD shall not prevent (precede) them which are asleep. ¹⁶ For the LORD HIMSELF shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of GOD: and the (bodies of the) dead in CHRIST shall rise first: ¹⁷ Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up (with new bodies) together with them in the clouds, (then together we will go) to meet the LORD in the air: and so shall we ever be with the LORD.

Therefore, when the LORD JESUS CHRIST comes back 7 years later to fight as seen in Revelation 19:11- 20:3, we will be with the LORD. 

Then, when JESUS judges those alive after Tribulation and sets up HIS 1,000-year reign (Revelation 20:4, Matthew 25:31-45) we will be with HIM.  

1,000 years later after the devil is released and gathers an army against JESUS and GOD sends fire down from heaven and the elements of heaven and earth dissolve being melted with a fervent heat and flee from the face of GOD (2 Peter 3:10-12, Revelation 20:11) leaving only a great White Throne, we will still be at JESUS’ side. 

For you see only the dead in trespasses and sins will be judged that day (Ephesians 2:1, Revelation 20:12-13).  Since none of them have believed in JESUS their names will not be written in the book of life therefore they will be cast into the eternal lake of fire with the Antichrist, the false prophet (already there 1,000 years Revelations 20:10) and the devil and his hordes (Revelation 20:15).

GOD’s word, especially prophesy, is not intended to scare you but to prepare you.

If you believe in JESUS and trust HIM to save and lead you, you will be at JESUS side (John 3:16).  If you choose you want to call the shots by yourself and refuse to look to JESUS you will be among the dead standing before that Great White Throne (John 3:36). So where will you be?

Looking to JESUS

Sharon

GOD is fair

GOD is just. HE does what is right.

The war in Israel is being talked about everywhere along with videos the horror of it’s beginning, plus Israel’s retaliatory actions necessary in order to stop further attacks of like nature not only from the south but also from the north.

Israel WARNED Gaza’s residents to leave before they bombed.  That was Mercy to the unmerciful. Just as our great GOD and Savior the LORD JESUS taught us (Micah 6:8, Matthew 5:7).

I pondered on that WARNING given to Gaza before Israeli active retaliation against the terrorists. It gave the citizens time to leave, which is something Israel is known to do before civilians are affected.  That WARNING makes me think about how Israel’s need to strongly retaliate in order to stop further such attacks is like GOD’s need to stop sin but cause it only increases.

GOD’s WARNING is what we believers are to give out to the unbelievers.  It says “GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believes in HIM shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). “He who believes on the SON has everlasting life, and he that believes not on the SON shall not see life, but the wrath of GOD abides on him still” (John 3:36.

Just as the Jews must stop these attacks for they will only get worse, so GOD must stop sin. HE must utterly wipe it out. Yet GOD does not delight in the death of the wicked but that the wicked turn and live (Ezekiel 18:23, 32). 

In the ALMIGHTY’s longsuffering HE sends out the WARNING both through HIS word and HIS believers longing for people to reach out to HIM and be saved (Acts 17:27).  But the day of reckoning, that day of the attack has been set (2 Peter 3:7) we call it the 7-year Tribulation or Jacob’s Trouble.  No one knows when it will happen, but when it comes it will come suddenly unsuspecting.

Have you fled to safety by believing in the LORD JESUS CHRIST’s blood that saves from the coming wrath of GOD?

As I thought of these things I recognized that this is a picture of what is coming. Israel is giving us a view of GOD’s wrath.  

We have a hard time watching, but seeing the escalation of sin we know it is necessary.

Surprisingly, many nations who usually condemn Israel’s defense of themselves are now in support of Israel.  By that very action we know this isn’t yet the time of the  Ezekiel 38 and 39 war. For the Bible is clear that at that time, though many nations will say to the aggressors why are you attacking Israel, no nation will help Israel.

Be ready for we know not the day.

Hugs

Sharon

Massive flooding

We are hearing and seeing videos of massive flooding in countries all around the world. It reminds me of Noah.

Noah lived in troubled times where there was much wickedness.  He knew GOD and obeyed GOD by preaching as well as building the arc according to the directions GOD gave him.   GOD wanted the people warned that HE was going to punish the evil world but if they would believe and get in the arc they could be saved from the coming flood.  Noah preached for over 120 years but only his family chose to believe.  They believed and got in the arc along with the animals so were ready when the rains came. 

We too live in troubled times and wickedness and violence is increasing.  Times that makes us think our LORD will surely come soon.  But as we look around, we realize that many do not know our JESUS.  They are like those in the days of Noah who didn’t believe and therefore didn’t get in the arc.  The ones who do not believe in JESUS are not ready for HIM to come and will have to face the 7-year Tribulation.

John 3:¹⁶ GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believes in HIM should not perish but have everlasting life … ³⁶ He that believeth on the SON has everlasting life: and he that believeth not the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abides (stays) on him.

Some wonder what is the hang up that keeps the LORD from coming for HIS own.

The LORD is not slack or tardy concerning HIS promise (to rescue us from the evil), as some count slackness, but is LONGSUFFERING.  Not willing (wanting Ezekiel 18:23, 32) any to perish, but that all (who will believe) should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

You see GOD is waiting for everyone who will believe in JESUS to come to HIM.  HE knows precisely who they are.

JESUS has left us (who believe in HIM) here to witness of the LORD JESUS CHRIST our Savior so that others have a chance to believe and be saved from HIS wrath that must come against evil in order to stop evil.  If we want JESUS to hurry up and come get us out of this growing evil, we better get busy doing our job of telling others all about our amazing Savior JESUS.

For all who call on the name of the LORD will be saved (Romans 10:13).

Hugs

Sharon

Be encouraged

“Anyone who wants to hear, let him listen and understand” (Mark 4:23 NLT).

I am teaching in Hebrews 3-4.  We are at the section of the absolute importance of RESTING in GOD by believing GOD’s word and trusting HIM to do as HE says HE will do.  It is often said that when one teaches on a subject, GOD will test the teacher in that area.  Talking with the LORD this morning HE impressed me, that is exactly what HE is doing with me now.

Remember David and Goliath?  Well, Goliath the giant would step out and ridicule and confront the Israelites and mock GOD and all the Jews, even King Saul, trembled in fear.  But not David, for the teenager David who had kept the sheep of his father had experienced GOD’s deliverance when a lion and a bear attacked.  David learned to trust GOD (REST in GOD) through the things he had suffered.

Let it suffice to say there are several giants attacking my people, mocking my GOD, and tauntingly sneering at me as they attack my loved ones.  Often, they mock and attempt to provoke me with words like, “Did GOD really say?”/ or “You should take control and do this or that.” But the LORD has clearly said this is HIS battle and I am to stand back and see the deliverance of the LORD.

Another of continuing attacks came this morning and our gracious LORD just brought to mind a verse.  HE had originally impressed me years and years ago with this verse as an explanation and encouragement for some upcoming situations in my life.  One word stuck out.  After asking the LORD what HE meant by that word, I was compelled to go to the original Hebrew.  The word that fascinated me was “SIGN.” 

There are several Hebrew words translated SIGN.  The one used in my verse is owth.  It means an inducement to believe what is affirmed, professed, or promised.  It is something that brings to mind (reminds us of) shows or confirms a truth.  It is used of the rainbow (Genesis 9:13), of the scarlet rope Rahab left dangling through her window on the Jericho wall (Joshua 2:12-18), and although translated into the word mark, owth is the word used when speaking of what GOD did to Cain so that no one would kill him (Genesis 4:15).

It is like the word SIGN used in Mark 16:20 when the HOLY SPIRIT would confirm the message of the disciples going out witnessing of JESUS.

Now the context states that the SIGN is for others not me.  Which definitely goes along with 1 Corinthians 12:7 that tells us that we are given gifts to profit others not ourselves and 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 when GOD tells us we suffer and are comforted by the GOD of all comfort in order that we might be able to comfort others with the very same comfort GOD has given unto us.

In case you are interested, the verse GOD gave me decades ago was, Isaiah 8:18 Behold, I and the children whom the LORD has given me are signs (to bring conviction and confirmation of the trustworthiness of GOD’s Word.  To enable others to keep hanging in there in terrible times for they can see GOD does fulfill HIS promises).  And that is why I write these things to you.

“…I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass, I have purposed it, I will also do it” Isaiah 46:11

“GOD is not man, that HE should lie; neither the son of man, that HE should repent; has HE said, and will HE not do it? (of course not!) Or has HE spoken, and will HE not also bring it to pass? Numbers 23:19

Be encouraged, I am.

Hugs

Sharon