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

Do you

Do you Qualify?   Anybody out there got troubles? 

Just an annual check up with my cardiologist found me in the hospital to get a stent.  Well, once in 3 doctors not only placed 2 new stents one on the left and one on the right of my heart but they found something else that called for radiation to stop disease that was beginning in another area. My doc didn’t know, I sure didn’t know but GOD knew and set us up. (as is HIS way lol).  A few complications but I’m trusting they are for a reason.  

We can trust GOD even when all goes wrong since it is GOD who has preset our times and locations (Acts 17:26-27) and always has a good reason (Ezekiel 14:23).

I’m not being super spiritual, it’s just life is so much easier when I choose (and at times it is a definite, deliberate choice) to believe GOD’s Words and see GOD’s hand in otherwise hard things (Ephesians 1:11). Just as we see GOD the FATHER’s hand in JESUS being on the cross (Acts 2:23, Isaiah 53:6) so that whosoever chooses may believe in JESUS and have everlasting life. 

GOD proclaims, and shows us in HIS word, that HE works all things together for an end (and eternal) result of good for those who love HIM (Romans 8:28).  We are told not to keep our eyes focused on our situation but on what GOD is achieving for us through our troubles, for our troubles are temporary but what GOD is achieving (things we can’t yet see) are eternal (see 2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

Do you Qualify?

LORD, we are grabbing on to YOUR word that YOU are never late (2 Peter 3:9).  Thank You for reminding me of Joseph. He didn’t know what YOU were doing from the time his brothers sold him as a slave, was lied about when he did the right thing, and put in prison. YOUR promising word to him that YOU gave him through those dreams tried and tested him as he sat in prison until YOU brought him out and made him 2nd over the land of Egypt (Psalm 105:19).

LORD so many, me included, are being sorely tested but like Joseph we trust in You. Please encourage them as YOU do me I ask in JESUS name.

Trusting and applying GOD’s word is what keeps me sane is this topsy turvy world.

hugs

Sharon

HE has a name

The word Allah is the Arabic word for GOD. Therefore, the Islamic GOD does not have a name.

Unlike the GOD of Islam, our GOD gave HIS people a covenant name by which to speak of HIM and call upon HIM as well as explain HIS nature. The name of our GOD is YAHWEY(sometimes pronounced Jehovah, written in the Old testament as the LORD-all caps).  By this name YAHWEY, GOD announced HIMSELF as the great I AM- the One Who IS, and it is because HE IS that everything else is.

YAHWEY is the reality behind all reality, the underlying cause of all.  HIS name proclaims HIM as self-existent, sovereign and wholly free from constraint by or dependent on anything outside of HIMSELF.

Yet the GODHEAD (YAHWEY) exists in 3 persons.

John 1:¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with GOD, and the Word was GOD ² The same was in the beginning with GOD. ³ All things were made by HIM (JESUS); and without HIM was not anything made that was made (see also Hebrews 1:1-2). ¹⁴ And the Word was made flesh (JESUS), and dwelt among us, (and we beheld HIS glory, the glory as of the only Begotten of the FATHER,) full of grace and truth.

From John 1:1-3, 14 we clearly see that JESUS is equally GOD with the FATHER.  Colossians 2:9 tells us “that in HIM (CHRIST) dwells the fullness of the GODHEAD bodily.” For of the 3 persons of the GODHEAD only JESUS has a body (Philippians 2:7), HE took that on HIMSELF through the virgin Mary so HE could come and in all ways be made like us (Hebrews 2:17-18) to live among us to show us what GOD is really like, and then die to save us that we might be forgiven and become the children of GOD (Colossians 2:13-14, John 1:12-13, 1 John 3:1-2).

 In JESUS’ command to the disciples in Matthew 28:19 we see the HOLY SPIRIT is also equally GOD. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the NAME (singular) of the FATHER, and of the SON, and of the Holy GHOST (SPIRIT).

YAHWEY is unchanging (Malachi 3:6) therefore HE is consistent in everything HE does.  But we can’t always know what HE is doing for YAHWEY tells us in Isaiah 55:^{8 “}For MY thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways MY ways, saith 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.”

In other words, GOD thinks differently than we do.  But when we cannot understand what HE is doing or allowing we can hold on to what we do know is true about HIM.  That is why we need to search the scripture to find out what HE is like. 

Some of the things that help me trust GOD when everything seems wrong are: GOD knows all things (including what everyone will do before they do it Psalm 139). GOD is merciful (Lamentations 3:22-23). GOD forgives believers in JESUS when we confess our sin (1 John 1:9). GOD is sovereign and does nothing without a good reason (Lamentations 3:37, Ezekiel 14:23). GOD has preset the exact times and places for specific purposes (Acts 17:26-27). GOD is fair (Genesis 18:25). HE will not leave me nor forsake me (Hebrews 13:5). GOD is unchanging (Malachi 3:6). GOD works all things together for an end result of good for those who love HIM (Romans 8:28). What GOD says, HE will do (Numbers 23:19). Both my troubles and HIS discipline of me are achieving awesome things for me (2 Corinthians 4:15-18, James 1:2-4, Hebrews 12:11).  GOD has an eternal plan.

Isaiah 46:⁹ Remember the former things of old: for I am GOD, and there is none else; I am GOD, and there is none like ME, ¹⁰ 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: ¹¹ Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executes MY counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.

We can trust our GOD, HIS name is YAHWEY!

hugs

Sharon

GOD keeps HIS promises

Jude1:²⁵ To the ONLY wise GOD our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

GOD tells us in 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.

Deuteronomy 29:²⁹ The secret things belong unto the Lord our GOD: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law (all the HE has assigned for us to do).

The Sovereign LORD GOD ALMIGHTY Maker of heaven and earth is over all. HE has given us HIS word and sent HIS SON JESUS in order that we could know what HE is like and could have a relationship with HIM through JESUS (Hebrews 7:25).

Colossians 2:⁹ For in HIM (JESUS CHRIST) dwells all the fulness of the GODHEAD bodily.

GOD’s Word, the Bible, relates many things true about GOD. HE is eternal, unlimited, powerful, all wise and has all knowledge -in that is HE knows all things past, present and future-even our thoughts before they are formed so HE knows who will eventually believe and who will not (Psalm 139:2). The LORD is loving, compassionate, gentle and longsuffering, HE is good and never makes a mistake, but HE also is fair and punishes wrong. There is so much more about our GOD that we learn as we seek HIM and study HIS love letter to us, the Bible listening to that still small voice of the HOLY SPIRIT (our teacher within us John 7:38-39, 14:26 who interprets the Bible to us 1 Corinthians 2:10-12).

But there are also things that are secret that we cannot know.

There is one fundamental aspect of our amazing triune GOD that I want to zoom in on for it must be fully grasped for us to know and trust HIM. GOD cannot lie or promise something HE cannot or will not perform.

Isaiah 45:¹⁸ For this is what the Lord says— HE who created the heavens, HE is GOD; HE who fashioned and made the earth, HE founded it; HE did not create it to be empty but formed it to be inhabited. HE says: “I am the Lord, and there is no other. ¹⁹ I have not spoken in secret, from somewhere in a land of darkness; I have not said to Jacob’s descendants, ‘Seek ME in vain.’ I, the Lord, speak the TRUTH; I declare what is right.

Titus 1:² In hope of eternal life, which GOD, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.

John 14:⁶ Jesus answered, “I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life. No one comes to the FATHER except through ME.

Can you trust someone who does not keep his promises?

Romans 3:⁴ GOD forbid: yes, let GOD be TRUE, but every man a liar.

In other words, every man has told at least one lie and with that potential man cannot be totally trusted. But GOD who always speaks the TRUTH can be trusted to do what HE says HE will do.

Numbers 23:¹⁹ GOD is not a man, that HE should lie; neither the son of man, that HE should repent: has HE said, and shall HE not do it? or has HE spoken, and shall HE not make it good?

Let us just look at something GOD has declared and, therefore, know is TRUE.

Jeremiah 31:³ The Lord appeared to us (the descendants of Jacob who today are known as the Jews) in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. ⁴ I will build you up again,

Jeremiah 31:¹⁰ Hear the word of the Lord, you nations; proclaim it in distant coastlands: ‘HE who scattered Israel will gather them and will watch over HIS flock like a shepherd. ¹¹ For the Lord will deliver Jacob and redeem them from the hand of those stronger than they. ¹² They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will rejoice in the bounty of the Lord—

Jeremiah 31:³¹ “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will (future) make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. ³² It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,” declares the Lord. ³³ “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God,

Who is GOD talking to? To the offspring of those HE sent Moses to take out of Egypt and put them in the Promise land. In other words, the LORD is speaking to the Jews of today.

Jeremiah 31:³⁵ This is what the Lord says,

HE who appoints the sun to shine by day, who decrees the moon and stars to shine by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar- the Lord Almighty is his name: ³⁶ “Only if these decrees vanish from my sight,” declares the Lord, “will Israel ever cease being a nation before me.”

So as long as there is a sun, moon and stars the Jews are GOD’s people. Only after the Tribulation and 1,000 years reign on this earth, only after this earth is dissolved (Revelation 20:7-11, 2 Peter 3:12-13) do the sun, moon and stars disappear. So, until that time, the promises to the physical descendants of Isaac and Jacob remain in force.

Jeremiah 31:³⁷ This is what the Lord says: “Only if the heavens above can be measured and the foundations of the earth below be searched out will I reject all the descendants of Israel because of all they have done,” declares the Lord.

GOD is saying that since the heavens above cannot be measured, and the foundations of the earth below cannot be searched therefore GOD will not reject ALL the descendants of Israel because of all they have done. There will be the remnant saved.

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 that smote them (the Antichrist); 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 (remaining) Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: ²⁷ Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the Israelites be like the sand by the sea, only the remnant will be saved.

Romans 11:²⁹ For the gifts and calling of GOD are without repentance (irrevocable).

GOD will not break HIS covenant promises.

The LORD must keep HIS promise to the Jews since HE cannot lie. Yet, GOD is fair. During the 7-year Tribulation/ Daniel’s 70^th week also called Jacob’s Trouble, 2/3^rd of the Jews will die (they are the secular Jews who do not believe in GOD) and the remaining 1/3 Jews who believe in GOD but not JESUS will be refined during that time and when they see JESUS coming down out of heaven (Revelation 19:11-16, Zechariah 12:9-10) ALL the remnant (those 1/3)will believe on JESUS and be saved (Zechariah 13:7-9. Isaiah 10:20-21).

What it boils down to is: if GOD can break HIS eternal promise to the descendants of Jacob, then we have no guarantee HE will keep HIS promise to us who believe in JESUS.

Aren’t you glad GOD does do what HE says HE will do? I sure am!

Hugs

Sharon

Not a second time

Have you ever had something beautiful that you treasured but it got broken or marred?  How did you feel about having to trash it?

I have had special items ruined in one way and another and I have felt sad that what I treasured was no longer any good and needed to be thrown away. 

When GOD made the heavens and the earth after each creation of making the moon and sun and stars. The earth, the grass and the trees and the animals HE delighted in them and saw that it was good!  But after making mankind, male and female, GOD said it was very good (Genesis 1:12, 18, 21, 31).

1^st the sin was in the garden of Eden when man decided to reject what GOD said and do as he deemed best.  Soon after we hear of envy and murder and sin escalated until we find a few chapters later that the wickedness of man was great on the earth and every imagination of the thoughts of hearts was evil continually and GOD was grieved and knew HE must stop it.  The only way was to eradicate sin and since men refused to repent and turn to GOD than meant they must die (Genesis 6:5-6).  Hence the universal flood. 

The problem is that Noah and his family, saved in the ark, began to sin also.  So, the whole thing started up again.  GOD in HIS fantastic foreknowledge knew all this would happen and devised a plan whereas it is written that JESUS was slain before the world was made (Revelation 13:8) in order to pay for all sins,

For you see man had to change before sin could be eliminated.  1^st sin had to be paid for so GOD the FATHER sent HIS SON into the world and the blood of JESUS did that when HE died on the cross.  Whoever will can come to JESUS and receive that cleansing from HIS sin.

(Romans 5:9) Much more then, being now justified (just as if I’d never sinned) by HIS blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.  

But it doesn’t stop there, for when a person believes GOD the FATHER sends GOD the HOLY SPIRIT to live in the believer.  The HOLY SPIRIT is our teacher and little by little HE is placing GOD’s desires in our minds, so we think GOD’s thoughts, and in our heart, so we want what GOD wants (Philippians 2:13, Hebrews 10:16).

But many choose to refuse GOD’s free gift of forgiveness and eternal life because they want to do things their way (John 3:18-20).  The wages of sin is death and since they refused GOD’s gift of forgiveness and eternal life through the LORD JESUS CHRIST they must die.  As it is written “It is appointed once for men to die and after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).

If sin and those who refuse to love the truth are not condemned to be excluded from GOD’s Presence and the wonderful things HE has prepared for those who love HIM (1 Corinthians 2:9, Revelation 21:8, 27), the terrible mess of sin would begin all over again. 

But in Nahum 1:9 GOD has promised that that will not happen.  “What do ye imagine against the Lord? HE will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time” (Nahum 1:9).

Actually, when you think about it, GOD is showing the rejectors respect. HE is respecting their choice of refuse JESUS and the gift of eternal life.

The terrible things that happened last Saturday when the Hamas crossed over into Israel and attacked and slaughtered men, women, teens, children and even babies in such horrible ways show they too must be stopped.  If they are not, no one will be safe.

These past few days I have experience times of deep grieving rising up from within and believe it is the HOLY SPIRIT grieving of the horrors that have and are happening in and concerning Israel and their enemies.

Israel released thousands of notices over Gaza telling the people to leave northern Gaza and go to southern Gaza for their own protection because the Israelis intended to exterminate the Hamas but  didn’t want to harm innocent civilians.  When I heard that I thought of an incident that happened in the wilderness journey of Israel going to the Promise land of Canaan.

One of the leaders gathered others together in an uprising to take over the rule from Moses who at GOD’s command had lead over a million Jews out of Egypt.  GOD needed to show this was not to happen and stop such uprisings.  Therefore, HE had Moses tell the people to separate themselves from the ones causing the problems, warning them that unless they got away from that leader they too would suffer as the leader did. 

Like some from Gaza paid attention and fled to southern Gaze, so many Jews left the one starting the uprising and GOD cause the earth to open up and swallow that rebel, those with him and all their belongings for there are consequences for sin (read all about it in Numbers 16).

Pray for Israel in their need and for all concerned. Many of our USA troops are there. Pray also that in HIS great Mercy GOD would use this horrible time to cause men to seek the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY and come to HIM through the LORD JESUS CHRIST (Acts 17:26-27, Hebrews 7:25) that they might be saved from the wrath to come.

Pray for Israel!

Hugs

Sharon

How much longer?

How much longer?

Waiting can seem hard when we focus on getting something or getting some place.  But when we get busy doing something, time goes so much faster.

On long road trips, young children often repeatedly ask, “Are we almost there?” or “How much longer?” When they repeated ask over and over, It can be frustrating.  Therefore, it is handy to divert their attention to something they can do. Starting an alphabet word game with signs or license plates can help.

Like those little ones, JESUS disciples were focused on getting ‘there’. ‘There’ being when JESUS would assume HIS power and become political ruler over the entire world as Scripture declares HE will. They had tunnel vision and focused solely on that time JESUS would rule and when they would be ruling with HIM. Therefore, they asked JESUS when that would happen.  Instead of answering their question, JESUS, (like a good parent whose child is asking question, whose answer they could understand), redirected their focus from when HE would do something to themselves and to what their present assignment and responsibility was.

JESUS answered, “It is not for you to know the times and the seasons, which the Father has placed in HIS own power. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be witnesses to ME both in Jerusalem and in all of Judea and in Samaria and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:7-8)

Today, many are focused on when JESUS will come for HIS own (believers in JESUS) to deliver them from earth before the onset of the 7-year-Tribulation.  I believe that JESUS would redirect our focus just as HE did the disciples around 2,000 years ago.

We are commissioned to witness of JESUS wherever we find ourselves. Are you, am I doing what has been assigned for us to do?

2 Peter 3:12 says we can hasten that day when JESUS will return by how we live and what we say.  If we really want JESUS to come, then we need to do our part.

In Acts 1:7 we are clearly told, “It is not for you to know the times and the seasons, which the FATHER has placed in HIS own power.”

1- GOD is in control of when things happen. (Acts 1:7, 17:26)

2- GOD knows when things will happen for they have an appointed time (Daniel 8:19)

3- GOD keeps secrets (Duet. 29:29)

4- GOD determines who knows what (Daniel 1:17)

5- GOD distributes or grants power/ or authority with whom HE chooses (Daniel 4:17)

Instead fuming about today’s problems or of trying to figure out when JESUS will come for us, let ‘s focus on what GOD has asked us to do and call more people into the kingdom?

hugs

Sharon

HE can use anything

JESUS said HE would never leave us nor forsake those who have come to GOD through believing in HIM (Hebrews 13:5). But HIS ways are not ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). GOD used a donkey to speak to a rebellious prophet (Numbers 22:28) and a huge fish to save HIS messenger and transport him (Jonah 1:17) to where GOD wanted him, so GOD can use anything.

When I was in my early 20s, I answered an ad in the paper for a free puppy. He was so fluffy and beautiful- half Keeshod and half Samoyed with a mane like a lion. I was so tickled and felt blessed. I did not know anything about dogs and did not realize he was nearly completely blind when we got him as a tiny puppy.

I was about to have our 3^rd child and I was huge and moving very slowly. Well, our little blind dog carefully watched over our little rambunctious 2-year-old Kari. If he thought she tried to stray too far, Tuffy would gently, but firmly, grab her by the seat of her pants and pull her back. How my blind dog knew, only GOD knows.

GOD knew just what we needed when HE led me to that ad in the paper. That is just one reason I have to trust my all-wise Sovereign GOD to lead me in the way I need to go (Proverbs 3:5-7).

Hugs

Sharon

GOD doesn’t change

Where do you get your direction?  Do you go with your own ideas, the suggestions of others, or do you seek direction from the only ONE who knows what tomorrow holds?

GOD is good and every good and perfect gift comes down from above from the FATHER of lights (GOD) who doesn’t change.  With the Sovereign Maker of heaven and earth there is no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning (James 1:17). But because of the rebellious sins of men, there is evil and because of evil people blame GOD. They doubt HIS goodness, reject HIS wisdom and rebel against HIS authority.

We live in an age where everyone seems to have an opinion about everything and openly vocalize their thoughts as though their viewpoint is the end word on whatever subject is being discussed.  They turn away and stop their ears from hearing anything other than their perspective.  They deem their angle as the only reality. They believe only they can decide what is true for them.  Yet the LORD JESUS said there are absolutes.  GOD’s standard is the one truth there is.  HIS absolutes are GOD’s nature and HE set them in place to protect HIS creation. Truth is found in the Word of GOD- the Bible.  What GOD says ends all discussion.

GOD’s ways are not our ways, HIS thoughts are not like our thoughts, but we find HIS ways always work and achieve what needs to be done (See Isaiah 55:8-11).

Throughout the Bible GOD talks about HIS ways and often tells us the dangers of going our own way. Yet, we want our own way, don’t we?

Isaiah 65:² I have spread out MY hands to a rebellious people who walk in a way this is not good, after their own thoughts.

Isaiah 66:³ “they have chosen their own ways… therefore I also will choose their delusions and will bring their fears upon then; because when I called none did answer; when I spoke, they did not listen, but they did evil before MY eyes and chose that in which I delight not.

Isaiah 58:¹³ “if you honor GOD, don’t go your own way or seek/ or find your own pleasure, neither speak your own [idle] words, ¹⁴ Then will you delight yourself in the LORD.”  Doing right bring delight!

GOD gives wonderful promises for those who will turn from their own ways to listen and follow HIM. With those promises HE also gives a graphic description of ones who refuse HIS way and go their own way.

Psalm 32:⁸ GOD says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go. I will guide you…⁹ don’t be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding whose mouth must be held in with a bit and bridle” (the mule is known for being stubborn and wanting to go his own way).

I must confess there have been times that I’ve acted like the horse and the mule determined to go my own way.  Have you?

May you be blessed as you seek to learn GOD’s ways so you can walk in them.  You can find GOD’s ways in the Bible.  Once you accept JESUS who died for you, that is.  For when a person turns to JESUS CHRIST, he is given the HOLY SPIRIT who will explain the bible to him and give him direction.  (John 16:13, Ephesians 1:13, 1 Corinthians 2:10-12, 2 Corinthians 3:16-18).

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