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

Does GOD always get what HE wants?

THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY can do anything and nothing is impossible to HIM (Luke 1:37) but does GOD get everything HE wants?

GOD tells us to pray for ALL men for HIS desire is that ALL men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1, 4). So we see that GOD wants ALL men to be saved.

GOD the FATHER sent HIS SON JESUS to the world because HE loved mankind and wanted to save them from their sins so they could live with HIM forever (John 3:16).  JESUS is GOD (John 1:1, 14) and is equal with GOD the FATHER yet HE took on a human body so HE could die on the cross and pay for the sins of ALL mankind (past, present and future) (Philippians 2:5-8) and by HIS blood JESUS was a ransom for ALL (1 Timothy 2:6).  But only those who believe in the LORD JESUS CHRIST’s work on man’s behalf and come to GOD through HIM (John 14:6, Hebrews 7:25, 1 Timothy 2:5) get the benefit and are saved. 

On the other hand the ones who suppress the truth (Romans 1:18-19) and thereby refuse to love the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10) and refuse to come to JESUS (John 3:19-20) they still carry their sins and so the wrath continues to be on them (John 3:36) and they perish/ die in their sins (2 Thessalonians 2:10, John 8:24). 

After JESUS rose from the grave and ascended into heaven, HE sent the HOLY SPIRIT to earth in HIS place. The HOLY SPIRIT convicts ALL people of sin (John 16:8).  If one listens to the HOLY SPIRIT he will turn and be saved.

Conviction is like the pointed sharp end of a goad which was used to turn oxen in the way they were to go and JESUS alluded to that when HE spoke to Saul who was on his way to imprison and kill more Christians. The voice of JESUS spoke to him out of heaven saying, “Isn’t it hard for you to kick against the pricks?” (Acts 26:14). JESUS spoke of the conviction of the HOLY SPIRIT that had hounded Saul when he did wrong.  Saul understood and believed in JESUS. Now Saul is the one called Paul who wrote many New Testament books that teach us what we need to know for finally Saul listened to the conviction and believed.

GOD the HOLY SPIRIT gives ONLY the believers in JESUS a 2nd birth/ new life into GOD’s family (John 3:3-6, John 1:12-13, Ephesians 2:1), The HOLY SPIRIT indwells believers becoming a well of water within them that will flow from them HIS fruit of love, joy and so much more.  The SPIRIT becomes their teacher (John 7:38-39, 14:26, 16:13) HE interprets GOD’s Words to them so they can understand what GOD means. An unbeliever may know the words but cannot learn and understand the truths of GOD for they have not the HOLY SPIRIT to explain it to them. (1 Corinthians 2:10-12), HE baptizes every believer in JESUS into the body of JESUS, gives them spiritual gifts, seals them to GOD unto the Day of Redemption (Ephesians 1:13-14, 4:30, 1 Corinthians 12:7, 13, 20) and much, much more.

Yet a believer in JESUS can quench the HOLY SPIRIT’s work in them when the believer refuses to listen and follow the HOLY SPIRIT’s nudges/ teaching (1 Thessalonians 5:19-20).  A Christian grieves the HOLY SPIRIT when he sins (Ephesians 4:30, 21-31).  If you quench the HOLY SPIRIT’s working through you or grieve HIM through sin the HOLY SPIRIT draws back and is not leading you.  For you are either letting the HOLY SPIRIT lead and empower you (that is called being in the SPIRIT/ being led by the SPIRIT/ walking with the SPIRIT) or you think you know better and do what is right in your own eyes, not consulting with or listening to and following the HOLY SPIRIT.  That is call being in the flesh.  Its when we let our old sin nature rule us.  

When the believer rules himself and refuses the conviction of the HOLY SPIRIT, GOD must discipline that one (1 Corinthians 11:31-32, Hebrews 12:5-7, 11). GOD only disciplines HIS own blood bought children. The purpose of discipline is for that one to learn certain things, to grow in righteousness. Discipline is not fun but GOD degrees HIS discipline will work (Hebrews 12:11) that what GOD says will accomplish what HE desires (Isaiah 55:11) and what HE purposes will come to be (Isaiah 14:24). That purpose is to transform every believer in JESUS to have the same nature that JESUS has (Romans 8:29) and participate in the divine nature of GOD our FATHER (2 Peter 1:4, Hebrews 1:1-3).

Discipline can be severe/ harsh! 

Peter was turned over to Satan to be sifted as wheat and it changed Peter into a humble servant GOD used to lead many to JESUS (Luke 22:31-32).

A Christian man sleeping with his father’s wife was turned over to Satan for the destruction of his flesh that his soul might be saved (1 Corinthians 5:5) and every indication is he turned back and did right.

Two Christian men were turned over to Satan to learn not to blaspheme (1 Timothy 1:20).  We know these are Christians for unbelievers 1) refuse the truth and 2) they have not the HOLY SPIRIT within them to explain the truths of GOD so they cannot learn the things of GOD.

But, Praise the LORD! there is a quick fix.  “If you confess your sins GOD is faithful to forgive you your sins and cleanse you from all unrighteous (wrong that you are not aware of)” (1 John 1:9). 

So to answer my initial question,  Although, Our triune GOD, the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY is absolutely Sovereign and through HIS unfathomable foreknowledge (knowing before time began everything that will happen and every choice man will make before the outplay on earth Psalm 139, Acts 15:18 KJ) the LORD of all the earth brings about everything HE decrees to happen, still the answer is NO GOD does NOT get everything HE would prefer. 

One thing GOD says HE would like but cannot have is for ALL men to be saved. For in the counsel of the GODHEAD it was decided and recorded in Genesis 1:26 that GOD would make man in HIS own image.  That means in accordance to HIS own nature.  In order to give man HIS nature, HE made man with the ability to choose. In big things and little things you and I make choices everyday.  GOD may set the stage (Acts 17:26) but man chooses how to act within those perimeters.

The LORD GOD does not delight in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 18:23, 32, 33:11, 2 Peter 3:9, 1 Timothy 2:4) and does everything in HIS power (without infringing on man’s ability to choose) to woo ALL men to HIMSELF, by GOD’s goodness, forbearance and longsuffering (Romans 2:4) and sending the HOLY SPIRIT to convict men over and over. 

Yet the LORD said, “My Spirit shall not always strive with man” Genesis 6:3.  GOD is longsuffering, but that quality is exactly what it says.  GOD suffers the wrongs of man just so long (up to a set point) as is seen in Genesis 15:16.  HE is so patient.  But the time comes when that’s it.  And everyone not written in the Lambs book of life will be thrown into the everlasting lake of fire (Revelation 20:15).

I am so glad that I have called on the name of JESUS and I am saved eternally by the blood of JESUS, by believing in the LORD JESUS and that GOD the FATHER raised HIM from the dead. (John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10, 13). Knowing that I belong to JESUS and have the HOLY SPIRIT in me to teach and explain things to me, when trouble hits or I am having trouble understanding, I check first to see if I have grieved or quenched the HOLY SPIRIT. 

Do you?

Hugs

Sharon

Camping and GOD

A dear friend told me she and hubby were heading out for a week in the mountains with her daughter and family and for a moment I envied her.  It’s been so long since I’ve been to my favorite place (anywhere in the mountains with pine trees) let alone go camping. 

But then I remembered how due to her husband’s nearly non-existent immune system, they were stuck home alone, couldn’t even go for groceries or have her kids over for months on end during the pandemic. So instead of pouting I began rejoicing as I saw the lovingkindness and justice of our eternal GOD.

The prefix omni is often placed before the attributes of GOD because it means all and unlimited. Being GOD is the source of all things that adjective belongs uniquely to HIM.

Now every thing true about GOD, all of HIS divine nature, compliments each of the other things true about GOD.

GOD is amazing and there is so much that can be said and so much more that we do not have a clue about our Creator-the source of all things.  Today, my heart is especially standing in AWE at the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY’s power and knowledge as it ties in with HIS justice and lovingkindness. 

In religious circles GOD’s power and knowledge are called omnipotence and omniscience.  They are a mighty combination and speak of the unlimited power of GOD over all and HIS unlimited knowledge of past, present and future events. Combine that with HIS unlimited love and justice you can see all at play in my friend’s week’s trip to the mountains. 

In the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY’s unlimited knowledge and power HE has synchronized events to display HIS love for HIS children and the justice of blessing them for their looking to HIM and endurance during the pandemic.

That speaks volumes to me and encourages me right now concerning the multiple crisis situations facing dear ones.  There is an awesome principle written in the word of GOD.

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

“For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of GOD.  For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment {in comparison}, works {achieves} for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” {that far surpasses the pain of today} (2 Corinthians 4:15-17).

So, I can rest confident that GOD knows what HE is doing. HE says I will be comforted when I see the reason for all HE has allowed.

“and ye shall be comforted concerning the evil that I have brought upon Jerusalem {them}, even concerning all that I have brought upon it. And they {those you love and see in crisis} shall comfort you, when you see their ways and their doings: and you shall know that I have not done without cause all that I have done ..says the LORD GOD (Ezekiel 14:22b-23). 

Rejoicing in hope and exalting in the ONE who has preset the exact times and places according to HIS purposes which are good! (Acts 17:26-27, Ephesians 1:11).

Hugs

Sharon

How do you look at it?

Look at the picture and then tilt your head to the right and tell me is the picture of a frog or a horse?

It’s all in how you look at something. Take for instance my total knee surgery.  If I focused on the knife cutting me open and the shaving off of the old bone then hammering on metal covers, or as my primary provider said “They are going to cut your leg off  and then put it back together,” I would have been terrified. 

If I didn’t have the pain I would never have agreed to the surgery but I had the pain and it grew worse and worse. 

Well things are getting worse and worse on planet earth and it is causing many people to think more about GOD and to call out to HIM to help.

Now GOD has promised all those who believe in JESUS and call on HIM for deliverance from their sins, an eternal life without pain or sorrow.  But throughout HIS word the Bible HE also tells us that before the earth can be fixed for that eternal habitation where there is no pain and no sorrow some hard things must occur.  The things HE spoke of include things like senseless murder, famines, earthquakes, persecuting and imprisoning believers and pandemics (Luke 21:9-12). It sure looks like some of those things have begun- that we are even in the birth pains- perhaps even in the seals.

JESUS said concerning these things, “Don’t be terrified, these things must happen” (Luke 21:9) and in Luke 21:28 HE said when you see these things coming to pass look up your redemption draws near.

It will be just like when Noah went into the boat before the flood hit.  He and his family were saved, in the same way we who believe in JESUS will be kept safe.

But you know many, even some Christians, don’t like this truth which told over and over in the Bible.

Do you know why? They are focusing on and trusting in what they have in this life instead of what is promised to them.

Looking unto JESUS who has promised to come back for me.

Hugs

Sharon

A prophesy update:

Give Thanks?

In Psalm 50:23 we are told: “Those who sacrifice thank offerings honor ME (the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY Maker of heaven and earth) …”  (remember a sacrifice costs us something.

During this global pandemic, are we honoring GOD with our thanksgiving and praise?

Although GOD clearly states that HE thinks and does things vastly differently than we do (Isaiah 55:8-9), many of us think that GOD is altogether just like us (in how HE thinks and evaluates events (Psalm 50:21).

“Wisdom comes to the heart that is hungry for GOD” AW Tozer.  In other words, the more we learn from GOD the wiser we become.  We are urged to grow in our knowledge of GOD the FATHER and our LORD JESUS CHRIST (2 Peter 1:1-4).

One has said, “To us things seem just to happen at random, but for GOD it is a different story.  HE is moving things into place to do HIS will. 

Around the globe there is huge prayer movement seeking to cause GOD to do what they think is best. All those people are praying because their focus is on the virus that makes sick and kills people.  It is on their mind and consumes their thoughts. They seem to think that if they get enough other people to join in their prayers GOD will be coerced to act.

GOD however is looking at something totally different. HE sees ETERNITY. HE sees HIS people who are wandering and others who are lost. HE cares about their ETERNAL state. It is decreed that our Holy GOD’s wrath will come, and the LORD doesn’t want any to perish (2 Peter 3:9).

I love the truth found in Acts 17:26-27….GOD has preset the exact times and places for the purpose of causing men to reach out to HIM.

Some things we know for sure are GOD’s will, but where we are on the prophetic calendar plays a big part in what GOD has purposed to do at this time.

GOD tells us to pray so we know we need to.  In order to pray rightly (so we get an answer) we need to ask GOD how to pray, trusting that HE will do as HE promised and work in us to want to do (pray) what HE wants (Philippians 2:13).  Then pray what HE places in us.  As we gain the direction from GOD, our prayers can move HIS hands just as the simple prayer of Elijah did on Mt Carmel (1 Kings 18:36-35).

Ask and it shall be given unto you, seek and you will find and then pray!

hugs

Sharon L Manning

Connect the dots

“Connect the dots” is a tool created for young children’s learning. When the dots are correctly connected, the child sees what the picture is. Often numbers are used by each dot in a -connect the dot picture- to teach the child how to count.

Now in adult discourse the phrase “connect the dots” can be used as a metaphor to illustrate an ability (or inability) to associate one idea with another, to find the “big picture”, or significant feature, in a mass of data. It is that adult concept, I believe the Biblical term “rightly dividing the Word of truth” conveys (2 Timothy 2:15 KJ). We need to correctly connect the dots of truths in the Bible to understand what is being said.

As we study the Bible, if we don’t connect the dots, dangerous false doctrine can sneak in for the devil is constantly maligning GOD. As you remember, it began way back in the garden of Eden when he said, “Did GOD really say?”.

When I feel compelled to share with others that which GOD has taught me. I try to show them how to connect the dots of ideas by comparing verse with verse.

One horrendous lie being spread is that JESUS is appeasing GOD the FATHER’s anger toward believers by answering the devil’s felonious accusations. That slandering concept simply is not found in Scripture. Let’s see what the Bible does say.

There are three instances recorded where the devil accuses people. In each case GOD the FATHER answers the accusations HIMSELF (Job 1,2, Zechariah 3:1-5) where JESUS is standing by as FATHER GOD rebukes Satan}, and Jude 1:9).

In Romans 8:33 it is written that when one believes in JESUS, GOD justifies us (just as if I’d never sinned) (Romans 8:32-34.) GOD gives us HIS very own righteousness when we believe in JESUS (Romans 3:22-24). If GOD is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31).

You might ask, then why are the HOLY SPIRIT and JESUS interceding for believers?

The HOLY SPIRIT intercedes to help us pray, for we don’t know how to pray as we ought. In other words, we don’t know what to ask for because we don’t know what is needed. HE knows our needs and GOD’s will for each of us, therefore HE asks for provision according to GOD’s specific plans for us (Romans 8:26-27).

Now it is said that JESUS intercedes for us and thus saves us to the uttermost/ completely (Hebrews 7:25, Romans 8:34). Let’s look at what HE intercedes for. When praying for Peter, JESUS asked for a specific need Peter was totally unaware that he had. JESUS prayed that Peter’s faith would not fail-( Luke 22:32). As JESUS prayed for everyone who would ever believe-HE prayed for our character development (Hebrews 7:25), and for the believer’s protection from the evil one (John 17:11-15), that GOD the FATHER would sanctified us by the truth of the WORD (John 17:18), and HE prayed for unity between believers (John 17:21-23). These are all things concerning our development and being transformed into the image of JESUS (Romans 8:29), which GOD the FATHER decreed. They are not answering accusations against us.

So, you see all three of the Eternal Trinity are at work together for us.

Our heavenly FATHER loves us, planned good for us (Ephesians 2:10), and sent HIS own precious SON that we might not perish but be reunited with HIM and have everlasting life (John 3:16).  It is the FATHER who justifies us (Just as if I’d never sinned).

JESUS came and died to show us what GOD is really like, to save us from our sins, and to set us free from the enemy and our sin (Matthew 1:21) and HE ever lives to intercede for us.

The precious HOLY SPIRIT has come to live within us. HE patiently comforts, teaches, empowers us, and directs us in the way we should go. As HE shows us more and more about JESUS, we are changed into that likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18, Romans 8:29).

Therefore we can conclude- as we connect the dots-that the interceding of the HOLY SPIRIT and of JESUS is not to convince an angry GOD- Abba FATHER- not to hurt us, but rather the three persons of the GODHEAD are conversing as they constantly work together to develop GOD’s children and bring about the believer’s transformation into the image of JESUS CHRIST decreed by Abba FATHER- HIMSELF (Romans 8:29).

Let us never forget that JESUS-Who loves us and died for us-is the express image and exact representation of GOD our FATHER (Hebrews 1:1-3).

Looking unto JESUS, the Author and Perfecter of my faith
Hugs
Sharon

Even the details

Each and every artist, whatever his style (cartoon, abstract, impression) whether a doodler or sketcher, regardless of being a beginner or highly experienced, starts a new work in the same way- with a single line. Then line goes on line, here a little line- there a little line. That is the very way GOD teaches us. (Isaiah 28;9,10)  So as I reread a favorite Bible story… GOD put another line in place and deepened my appreciation of HIS work in my life. So, here is the story- Sharon style.

Now several young good looking, highly educated and quick to learn, socially adept teenage boys who had never known a moment of dire need or deprived of any valid joy (for all were children of Jewish royalty or leaders) were among those taken captive by the Babylonians. Can you even imagine their horror of being captured and forced to walk for miles and miles? They were in no way prepared for this situation.

Because these teenagers were already trained in many areas, the foundation was laid and therefore they were selected to live in the king’s palace and put under teachers to be taught for 3 years the learning and culture, writings, and language of the Chaldeans so they could stand as counselors to the king. The King also ordered that they be feed and given drink from the very best of his own table. What an opportunity, what an honor. Though the teens grieved the horrors they had seen in Jerusalem and the struggle to survive during the trudge of walking to Babylon, can you imagine the teens relief when they were selected and taken to the palace?

But one of the boys felt a check in his spirit… I image a check very like you or I feel when placed in a situation where we know we shouldn’t do something everyone else is doing. When in Rome should we not do as the Romans do?

But not Daniel. He knew the law of the LORD said that he was not to defile himself by eating meat of an unbled animal, or meat fried with its fats, or offered 1^st to idols even when a captive in another land. (Leviticus 3:17 Hosea 9:3).

But what could he do about it? He had no options for he was a slave. Even though he didn’t know how yet, he purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s meat nor with the wine (Daniel 1:8). Since his heart was in the right place, I believe GOD placed a plan in his thoughts (Proverbs 21:1, Philippians 2:13). He share this idea with his 3 closest friends. They agreed to join him.

Bravely he ventured to the one in charge and requested to be allowed to eat only veggies and drink only water. (not that meat was wrong in itself but the kings meat had not been bled so was unclean, and it was roasted with its fat and all fat belongs to the LORD plus animal fat harms the human body and most important of all 1^st it was offered to idols.)

The head guy was horrified at such a request for he felt such action would lead to the 4 boys to wither away and he knew without a doubt that if these 4 looked poorly to his master the king who had assigned the meat and wine for the boys, he would be killed. But the teen plead that his plan just be tested for 10 days. Now how much damage could happen in just 10 days? Since GOD had already given this teen favor in the head honchos eyes, (Daniel 1:9) he agreed to test Daniel’s plan.

And what happened? After the 10 days those 4 teens looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate and drank the royal food. So the one in charge allowed Daniel and his friend to continue on their diet of vegetables and water. Because of their desire to do what HE wanted GOD gave those 4 knowledge and understanding, skill in all learning and wisdom: and gave Daniel understanding in all visions and dreams (Daniel 1:17).

Why? Those 4 looked not on their own comfort, but on what GOD said was right.  GOD delights in obedience.

We’ve sees Daniel’s desire to do right, to act as prompted by GOD and we have seen his bravery to go to the one in charge and change the King’s command. Now let’s focus now on GOD’s part in this familiar story:
1. GOD created this teen in the womb of his mom and given him special abilities (Psalm 139:13).

2. Our Creator had a plan for Daniel (Jeremiah 29:11).
3. The LORD placed him in a family of royalty or nobility (Daniel 1:3-4).
4. The Almighty ONE nudged the king to make specific commands concerning the Jewish teens (Lamentations 3:37). 
5. The Holy SPIRIT nudged the teen by putting a check in his spirit, reminding Daniel that what the king expected was wrong. Perhaps HE did this by bringing a piece of Scripture to Daniel’s mind. I know that is often how HE speaks to me. 
6. The Designer of the universe placed within Daniel a plan and the desire to do what GOD wanted with the ability to do so (Philippians 2:13). Daniel didn’t have to think up his own plan.
7. GOD gave Daniel favor in the eyes of the one in charge (Daniel 1: 9). We see that so often in scripture how GOD opens doors through giving people favor with those in charge.
8. GOD blessed the choice and action to do right with physical health and vitality above the others (Daniel 1:15).
9. GOD gave Daniel and his friends more in intelligence, wisdom, understanding and skills plus special abilities because they used what they already had (Daniel 1:17).

I must never lose sight of the fact that I have nothing that has not 1st been given to me so have no reason to boast (1 Corinthians 4:7).  I need to remember that I am GOD’s workmanship (Greek=poem) (Ephesians 2:10) and never have to fear for HE has prepared the way ahead for me to fulfill the assignments HE gives me.

GOD is the artist and has a plan for you and also has given you the HOLY SPIRIT to lead and empower you.

Hugs
Sharon

changes

At different stages of our lives as we grow physically and mentally different things are expected of us. So it is as we grow spiritually. The one constant for the journey is ‘do what you know you are to do.’

Studying Greek taught me things about prepositions I’d overlooked in English. As their name implies, prepositions tell of the position of the verb to the object and thereby help us understand what is happening. This morning the little preposition of eis encouraged me. eis = into. Something is outside an object but is progressing into that object.

Hebrews 10:14 by one offering HE (JESUS) has perfected forever (a FINISHED WORK in GOD’s sight) the ones (believing in JESUS) being sanctified (WORK still IN PROGRESS we are not there in our experience).

For GOD our heavenly FATHER predestined everyone (that’s you and me) who would call on the name of the LORD JESUS and be saved (1 Corinthians 1:2, Romans 10:13) to be transformed into the image of JESUS.

I Peter 1:2 (tells us that purpose of the sanctifying work of the HOLY SPIRIT) is to (eis) obedience -a hearkening to/ submission to- JESUS CHRIST.  HE is teaching us how to hear and submit to JESUS desires.

Even though JESUS created the heavens and the earth and all things in them- for nothing was made without HIM- including the angels, JESUS while on earth, never said a single word or did anything until HE got the get go from GOD (John 8:28). For JESUS came to do the will of HIS FATHER (Hebrews 10:7).

That little preposition eis explains what is happening to us. eis = into. Something is outside and object but progressing into that object.  We are not what we should be but are progressing toward the goal of being like JESUS.

The HOLY SPIRIT is constantly at work, bringing us step by step eis = into obedience (a listening to divine instructions and following them.  We are not there yet but step by step be are being changed eis = into submitting to what GOD wants.   

The term from glory to glory used in 2 Corinthians 3:18 shows that as HE reveals things about CHRIST JESUS’ nature we are being changed into what we see thus gaining more and more characteristics of our awesome Savior so that we increasingly look more and more like JESUS.  For GOD our heavenly FATHER predestined everyone (that’s you and me) who would call on the name of the LORD JESUS and be saved (1 Corinthians 1:2, Romans 10:13) to be transformed into the image of JESUS.

HE uses the daily events, our struggles, yep, those hard things to complete the work HE has begun in us who believe in JESUS (Romans 8:28-29).  HE who has begun a good work in us will complete it! (Philippians 1:6).  For GOD always finishes what HE starts.  And what’s our part?  Do what we know we should do. 

The simplicity of CHRIST,  isn’t it amazing?

hugs

Sharon

GOD’s decrees

When GOD Created the heavens and the earth and everything in them HE established decrees for HIS creation according to HIS divine nature of love, order and justice (and more but I will just mention these).  For instance, the Almighty placed the heavenly bodies in synchronized orbits and set boundaries to the seas.  Some decrees, like the ones mentioned, are physical laws that we call the laws of nature, like gravity. Others are relational laws like what goes around will come around (what you do will come back to you) as seen in Proverbs 26:27.  Because of these laws you will fall if you step off a cliff, and when you break GOD’s command to forgive, others will not forgive you.

“… forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:  Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, SHALL MEN GIVE into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:37-38 KJ).

Notice that phrase I have made bold with all caps SHALL MEN GIVE? If you forgive people, GOD will give you favor (Exodus 11:3) in the eyes of others so people will forgive you.

These verses are not speaking of eternal forgiveness for JESUS blood on the cross earned that for us (Hebrews 9:15) for without the shedding of blood there is no remission (Hebrews 9:22).

The forgiveness spoken of in the Luke passage above is speaking of interpersonal-relationships/ actions between people on earth and right now in everyday life. If you forgive others, people will also forgive you. It is GOD’s decree and it will happen.

People fail us and we fail them and unless there is forgiveness there is division.  GOD commands us to forgive if anyone has done us wrong just like JESUS forgave us.  “Forbearing (putting up with) one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye” (Colossians 3:13).

We didn’t deserve to be forgiven by GOD or even ask to be forgiven but because GOD loved us JESUS died for us so we could be forgiven when we were selfishly being hateful to HIM.  So GOD tells us to forgive even when people are not sorry for the wrong they have done.

If we refuse to forgive not only will others not forgive us, but a root of bitterness will spring up in us. GOD says that root of bitterness will trouble us and defile others (Hebrews 12:15).  If it has come to that, let GOD pull out that root of bitterness that is troubling you and spoiling others by handing HIM all the unfair things others have ever done to you. Let them go and say I forgive. Let GOD handle the injustice, for HE is a GOD of justice and HE will make it right.  “…avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, “Vengeance is MINE, I will repay saith the LORD” (Romans 12:19).

I urge you in CHRIST’s stead to consider these things.

hugs,

Sharon