Did you ever wonder why?

Have you ever wondered why GOD did something?

I was reading in the Bible and a question rose in my mind. “Why did GOD anoint Saul king fully knowing he would disobey HIM?”

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.

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

2 Peter 1:20-21 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of GOD spoke (and wrote) as they were moved by the HOLY GHOST.

GOD gave us HIS word so that we could learn about HIM and HIS ways for it is through our knowledge of GOD the FATHER and our LORD JESUS CHRIST that we obtain all things necessary for living this life and godliness. In fact, we are told that if we will use (apply) the great and precious promises within the Word of GOD we will be changed bit by bit (here a little/ there a little) into the likeness of JESUS (2 Corinthians 3:18) and take on the divine nature (2 Peter 1:1-4).

Therefore, we know there is a reason that GOD appointed Saul even though GOD, who knows all things past, present, and future, knew how Saul would act. So, I asked GOD, “What were YOU teaching us about YOURSELF in placing Saul as king?”

Then I went back and reread the Bible account.

Saul was taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward (1 Samuel 10:23). That would make him look strong, definitely a good choice to lead the people. But Saul on different occasions chose to do things his way, things he thought best instead of obeying clear directions from GOD. That did not set well with GOD (1 Samuel 15:11).

Saul was told “But now your kingdom shall not continue: the LORD has sought for HIMSELF a man after HIS own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be captain/ leader over HIS people, because you have not kept that which the LORD commanded you (1 Samuel 13:14).

GOD sent Samuel on a mission. GOD told Samuel to go to Jesse and make a sacrifice and anoint one of Jesse’s sons as king (1 Samuel 16:1-3). Samuel went and told Jesse to gather his sons for the feast. Beginning with the oldest Eliab, one by one Jesse’s sons were brought before Samuel (1 Samuel 16:10). When Samuel look at the 1^st one Eliab he thought “he is the one!”

But the LORD said to Samuel, “Look not on his appearance or on the height of his stature because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see what man sees. Man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

GOD said no to all of Jesse’s sons who had come to the feast so, Samuel asked Jesse, are these all your sons? There was one more, the youngest, but he was not there for he was the youngest and, in the fields, watching over the sheep. Samuel told Jesse to get him, and the moment Samuel saw David, GOD spoke, “Arise and anoint him for this is he.”

Why was David chosen?

“And when HE(GOD) had removed him (Saul), HE raised up David to be their king; to whom also HE (GOD) gave this testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after MINE own heart, which shall fulfill all my will (Acts 13:22).

“But why LORD, did you make Saul king since YOU knew how he would not do what YOU commanded?”

Inside came an awareness, “Sharon, it was to teach you not to judge. Because the only basis of your judgments are on appearances (unless I personally show you something more). Appearances can be deceiving and besides, you only have part of the facts, so wait.

I Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the LORD come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of GOD.

Hugs

Sharon

Everything is against me

“Whatever things were written before (the Bible) were written for our learning..” (Romans 15:4).

 Jacob cried out, “Everything is against me!” Genesis 42:36.

Years ago when my older children were in their teens, there were several hard situations going on at the same time and I felt hopelessly that everything was against me.  Have you ever felt that way?

Stay with me as I encourage you with how our LORD encouraged me. 1^st I need to show you a glimpse of that truth illustrated in a Bible story so you can know my experience rings true to Scripture.

Before Jacob was even born the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY GOD had a plan in place to save Jacob’s entire family of 70 people during an extended famine as well as fulfill HIS promise to Abraham to make a great nation out of his descendants through his grandson Jacob.  That moment when Jacob cried out in despair “Everything has been against me,” all Jacob could see was that present situation which only was a piece of the big picture.  What he saw was his favorite son’s robe shredded and covered with blood.  He assumed Joseph was dead, mauled by wild animals. While the truth was Joseph had just begun a wild journey beginning by being sold by his brothers to be a slave that would lead eventually through many struggles to his becoming 2nd in command over Egypt. Joseph many years later would say to his brothers, “You meant it for evil, but GOD meant it for good to save many alive…” (Genesis 50:20).

Much of what we perceive as fact can be totally wrong because we do not have all the facts.  We cannot see what GOD sees, intends, and is doing behind the scenes.  Like Jacob, we are prone to draw erroneous conclusions by making judgments on what we can see rather than checking with and trusting GOD. This leads us too often to speculate with our vivid imaginations.

But GOD says–“… judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the LORD comes. HE will bring to light what is hidden in darkness…” (1 Corinthians 4:5).

That day I felt like everything was against me, found me waiting for one of my daughters in a dentist’s office. I saw a Bible laying on the end table and reached over and picked it up.  Aimlessly I opened it and began reading.

“All this is for your BENEFIT, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of GOD. (things we don’t understand GOD is using for an end result of good for you who love HIM [Romans 8:28] and they will reach other people and cause them to reach out to GOD and it will all overflow to HIS glory [Acts 17:26-27]) Therefore we do not lose heart (don’t become discouraged). Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our (comparative) light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that FAR OUTWEIGHS them all.  So we fix our eyes (focus our attention) not on what is seen (our circumstances), but on what is unseen (what GOD is achieving through our circumstances), since what is seen(our situation) is temporary, but what is unseen (what GOD is accomplishing through it all) is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

As I read those words my despair turned to joy for faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of GOD (Romans 10:17). 

GOD ways are not our ways, and HIS thoughts are not our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).  GOD works all things after the counsel of HIS own will…Ephesians1:11.

Believe HIM for without faith it is impossible to please GOD, because anyone who comes to HIM must believe that (1) HE exists and that (2) HE rewards those who earnestly seek HIM Hebrews 11:6.

When problems hit, instead of saying, “everything is against me!” say “I believe YOU are in control and I choose to trust YOU LORD.  Just show me what I need to see!”

Hugs

Sharon

GOD is at work

With all that is going on around the globe, do you find direction in GOD’s Word?

“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of GOD spoke as they were moved by (GOD) the HOLY SPIRIT” (2 Peter 1:20-21).

JESUS said that man cannot live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD (Matthew 4:4).  GOD’s Word is alive and powerful!  “For the word of GOD is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

GOD’s Word judged my thoughts and attitudes of my heart as I read in Ezekiel. It convicted me, showing me that I was wrong and sinned whenever I judge things happening around the globe such as certain governments actions, or natural upheavals. Like Job I spoke and thought about things I didn’t understand, things too wonderful for me to know (Job 42:3).  In other words, I don’t know how GOD is using for good the evil we see. Lacking all the facts, I have no right to make judgments.

“Therefore, judge nothing before the time, until the LORD come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of GOD” (1 Corinthians 4:5).

I know I am not to judge people’s motives, although I can know if something (action or statement) is right or wrong for GOD’s absolute standards have been given to us in HIS word and they never change (Psalm 119:89), because GOD never changes (James 1:17, Malachi 3:6).  Yet I have no reason to fear or right to criticize for according to scripture things are not falling apart they are coming together. GOD foretold in HIS word these things that are happening now not to frighten us but to prepare us and keep us from fear. The Bible tells us that GOD is at work behind the scenes taking men schemes and using them for an end result of justice.

A prime example of this is seen when we look at Joseph, with his coat of many colors, being thrown down into a pit and then sold by his own brothers, then how GOD used Joseph’s troubles for an end result of good. By pondering Joseph’s life we get a glimpse of how GOD works all things together (like stirring up the ingredients of a cake) for an end result of good to those who love HIM (Romans 8:28-29).  

Many years later Joseph himself told his brothers, “You meant it for evil, but GOD meant it for good to bring to pass as it is today, to save many alive (Genesis 50:20).

That being what it is, does not say that meanwhile we are not to pray for those who are suffering.  As we pray for the suffering they are encouraged, strengthened and perhaps will even reach out to the LORD and be saved (Acts 17:26-27, Romans 10:13).

My conviction came against my thoughts/ my judgments concerning world events for I began to see GOD’s hand of judgment on the nations as one country rises against another as I read,  “Therefore, says the LORD GOD, behold I will give the land of Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon…it shall be wages for his army…I give him the land of Egypt for his labor…because they wrought for ME says the LORD GOD” (Ezekiel 29:19-20). “I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon and put MY sword in his hand” (Ezekiel 30:24)  “He (Nebuchadnezzar) and his people with him, the terrible of the nations, shall be brought to destroy the land” (Ezekiel 30:11).

Deuteronomy 28:49 The LORD shall bring a nation against you from afar…

Wow! Again, like Job I must proclaim, “Things to wonderful for me to know!”  Truly, GOD ways are not our ways, nor are HIS thoughts our thoughts, but as high as the heavens are above us so are HIS thoughts and ways above our thoughts and ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).  We can rest assured for HIS ways always work (Isaiah 55:11).

The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY says, “So shall MY word be that goes forth out of MY mouth: it shall not return unto ME void, but it shall ACCOMPLISH ALL that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11).

GOD is good and HE is working for an end result of good for those who love HIM. Do you love HIM because HE 1^st loved you and sent HIS only Begotten SON to die for you that you might live forever with HIM? (John 3:16, 36).  Sure hope so!

Hugs

Sharon

Burn off the mist

This morning I awoke praying. During that conversation with my heavenly FATHER, a dear friend came to mind.  This friend recently was greatly disappointed when another barraged her with lies.  Although she denied their validity little things she is saying and the subjects she chooses to speak on show that those lies are haranguing her, taunting her and it appears they have made way into and even infected her thinking, blocking her vision of truth. 

When I got out of bed and walked into my office, I automatically glanced out my window to catch a glimpse of the early morning beauty of the grass and the flowers and the trees. But I was dumbfounded when what greeted me was a thick murky mist, one I could not see through.  It shrouded from my sight all that was out there. Being it was so unexpected I was mystified by what I saw.  So, I went to the kitchen and brewed a cup of coffee to regain my bearings.  Then upon returning to my little office the bright glare of sunshine hit me. For as the sun had risen it had melted off that heavy mist, reminding me of truth.  “The entrance of THY (GOD’s) words gives light, it gives understanding to the simple” (Psalm 119:130).

Today there are many issues clouding the vision of millions.  Those issues stir up anger and hostility in our country and around the world.  3 them came up in my time with my heavenly FATHER this morning.  These three seem to have blurred the vision of several I love and millions of others.  They concern gender, race, and rights.  For me the spin these issues have taken baffle me for I come from a different era since I am just weeks away from 77.  But GOD reminded me of a simple truth this morning that excludes me from judging.

When I sinned and each time I sinned against another I was saying, “I am more important than you.”

When I refused to walk in GOD’s ways spoken of in HIS word I was saying, “I know better than YOU (GOD) what is best for me.”

Those 2 simple truths cover all the issues don’t they?

GOD says, “Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever you are that judges: for wherein you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you that judge do the same things” Romans 2:1.

So, instead of judging (1 Corinthians 4:5) let’s pray (1 John 5:16) for only GOD can open blind eyes to truth (2 Timothy 2:24-26). Let us gently speak lovingly the Words of GOD, for the entrance of GOD’s word brings light (Psalm 119:130) and will melt the thick mist of lies that blinds them.

Hugs

Sharon  

Critiquing

Ever have a thought come into your mind from nowhere?

While reading the Word of GOD and praying, out of the blue (not attached to a verse or previous thought) came a word: busybody.  As many of you know I have learned that when a word comes, even if another person comes to mind, I must 1st check where that may apply to me. 

Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, you which are spiritual (walking by the nudges of the SPIRIT), restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering yourself, lest thou also be tempted.

Turning to the LORD I asked is it referred to me but only felt nudged to do some homework on the word and share whatever I found for HE had opened me ear so I would have a word in season. 

There are only 3 times we find the word busybodies in the Bible.

2 Thessalonians 3:11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly (literal per Greek/English interlinear Bible-disruptive– getting people off track), working not at all, but are busybodies (Greek/English interlinear New Testament -doing nothing themselves but meddling in the affairs of others).

1 Timothy 5:13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering (literal fliting -always on the go) about from house to house; and not only idle (unproductive), but tattlers also (gossips who share information with one who is not part of the solution) and busybodies (doing nothing themselves but meddling in the affairs of others) speaking things which they ought not..

1 Peter 4:15 But, let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.

A busybody included in that mangy group?  As I read 1 Peter 4:15 I wondered why the HOLY SPIRIT moved Peter to place murder, being a thief or an evildoer with being a busybody (By the way, the word busybody here is a different word than in Timothy and 2 Thessalonians. It means trying to oversee others affairs, to meddle in things belonging to others).

I asked the LORD “Why murder?” and was reminded of JESUS’s words: “You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not murder,’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be answerable to the court.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be answerable to the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be answerable to the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell (Matthew 5:21-22 NASB).

Those words of JESUS concerning murder tie in with being a busybody for they refer to talking about another’s character or what they do or should do.

John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly.

Therefore, being a busybody/ tattler snitching on another’s activities and meddling or trying to oversee or control the affairs of another is destructive just as a thief is.

Wow! I never realized that being a busybody/ a tattler/ a gossip– just putting one’s 2 cents worth in/ stating your critical opinion -critiquing another’s individual situation was so serious.  It sure makes me think!

When it comes to concerns of others, where we are not responsible to act, it’s best to just do what GOD tells us. 1 Corinthians 4:5 “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the LORD come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of GOD.

Hugs

Sharon

NOTE: Giving information and your evaluation- with those not related to a situation- of how another should handle his personal situation IS NOT the same as discussing a general issue or value.  The latter is perfectly correct.

Not yet

Jacob cried out, “Everything has been against me!” Genesis 42:36

Have you ever felt that way? I know I have. Stay with me as I elaborate on the intricately complex details concerning GOD’s truth found in Isaiah 55:8-11 and Ephesians 1:11 by relating just a bit of 2 Bible stories. These tidbits show us an amazing truth.

1-The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY GOD had set a plan in motion to save Jacob’s entire family of 70 people during an extended famine and then fulfill HIS promise to make a great nation out of them. But at the moment all Jacob saw was a piece of the big picture. What he saw was his favorite son’s robe shredded and covered with blood. He assumed Joseph was dead, mauled by wild animals. While the truth was Joseph had just begun a wild journey that would lead to his becoming 2nd in command over Egypt (Genesis 42-50).

2-The angel of the LORD appeared to a barren women and gave her specific instructions and telling her she would have a child that would be a Nazarite (devoted) to the LORD from her womb. Many years later that mother of Samson and her husband were very upset when Samson asked his dad to arrange his marriage to a certain young Philistine woman. They said something like, ‘Why can’t you marry an Israelite girl instead of one of our enemies?’ But let’s hear what GOD thought about it: “But his father and his mother knew not that it was of the LORD, that HE (the LORD GOD) sought an occasion against the Philistines: for at that time the Philistines had dominion over Israel” (Judges 14:4).

These true stories illustrate for us how much of what we perceive can be totally wrong because we cannot see what GOD intends and is doing behind the scenes. Like Jacob, we are prone to draw erroneous conclusions on what we can see and then speculation with our vivid imaginations. But GOD says–“… judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness…”(1 Corinthians 4:5).

“All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of GOD. (things we don’t understand GOD is using for an end result of good for you who love HIM [Romans 8:28] and they will reach other people and cause them to reach out to GOD and it will all overflow to HIS glory [Acts 17:26-27]) Therefore we do not lose heart (don’t become discouraged). Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our (comparative) light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that FAR OUTWEIGHS them all. 18 So we fix our eyes )focus our attention) not on what is seen (our circumstances), but on what is unseen(what GOD is achieving through our circumstances), since what is seen(our situation) is temporary, but what is unseen (what GOD is accomplishing through it all) is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

“And without faith it is impossible to please GOD, because anyone who comes to HIM must believe that (1) HE exists and that (2) HE rewards those who earnestly seek HIM (Hebrews 11:6).

Faith is just believing what GOD says HE will do. GOD’s eternal word says that it all “according to the plan of HIM who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of HIS will” (Ephesians 1:11)When problems hit, instead of saying, “everything is against me!” say “I trust YOU LORD!”

Hugs

Sharon

Trouble figuring out what’s true?

2020 has been a year that so much has happened, much of which we don’t like. We don’t always know what is true. There are many things we cannot know and therefore cannot judge. We cannot judge another person for we do know all about their circumstances, what GOD is doing in their life, nor what is in their heart.  We cannot judge events or situations for we do not know what GOD is using them to do.  But JESUS tells us one thing we can judge rightly and that is doctrine.

In John 7:15-24 we find JESUS teaching in the temple in Jerusalem.  Some wondered about HIS doctrine and some even accused HIM as being a law breaker and having a demon. JESUS calmly answered them with 2 astounding proclamations. 

1- “don’t judge by appearance but judge righteously” John 7:24  

He told them to think through (or connect the dots) before making judgments (concerning right doctrine).  The Sabbath was made for man’s good for men need a day of rest. “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27).  Via Moses (actually via Abraham and the fathers) came circumcision with its rule to be done on the 8^th day.  People accepted circumcision  being done on the Sabbath if it was the 8^th day for they considered it as a priority.  But their anger arose when JESUS healed making one well and whole on the Sabbath.  They did not realize genuine human need was a priority in the sight of GOD.

By saying “don’t judge by appearance but judge righteously”, in effect JESUS said “don’t just jump to conclusions, think things through using common sense and reason.  If you can pull out a child or a donkey who fell in a well (Luke 4:5-6) on the Sabbath, and can circumcise on the Sabbath mercy and compassion rank higher in importance so must be the priority.”

2-“If anyone will to do the will of HIM (GOD) he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it comes from GOD or whether I (or any teacher) speak on MY own authority” John 7:17.

The HOLY SPIRIT is given to everyone who believes in JESUS as LORD (Master) and (Savior) as out teacher and guide.  When we refuse to listen to HIS still small voice, we not only become deceived we also grieve and quench the HOLY SPIRIT who is sealed to us until the day of Redemption (Ephesians 4:30).  But when we seek to do GOD’s will and listen to the HOLY SPIRIT’s still small voice or little nudges, HE always will lead us right into truth.

We can judge if a doctrine of teaching is true when we want nothing more but to do the will of GOD.

Hugs,

Sharon

What do you see?

As I was thinking of the two who walked on the road to Emmaus, I became convicted.

You see two were walking on the road to Emmaus and JESUS joined them, but HIS identity was hidden from them. JESUS asked them what they were talking about and after they stated facts concerning JESUS last day they concluded: “We were hoping that it was HE who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened” (Luke 24:21).

Every single fact that the disciples related was right, but the conclusion (that JESUS death showed HE was not the Redeemer) they drew from those facts was totally wrong. Why? Because they didn’t have all the facts.

Until JESUS explained scripture to them, they didn’t understand that the very things they thought had disqualified JESUS were exactly what qualified JESUS to be the Redeemer and Savior of all who would believe in HIM and HIS resurrection (Romans 10:9-10, 13).

Like them I have drawn conclusions concerning people but not having all the facts (nor GOD’s perspective) I could be totally wrong for GOD’s thoughts and ways are vastly different than mine (Isaiah 55:8-11).

You and I need to be careful not to judge anything (and especially anyone) before the time, until the LORD come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of GOD (1 Corinthians 4:5).

LORD open my eyes to see others as YOU do.

Hugs
Sharon

The thief

Don’t judge on appearances

“Therefore, judge nothing before the appointed time, wait till the LORD comes.  HE will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts..”(1 Corinthians 4:5).  Only GOD knows what’s in our heart.

But isn’t it easy when someone we have heard talk strongly against the reality of GOD, or seen someone living a reckless life of sin to assume we know where they are headed once they die, even knowing we are clearly commanded not to do so (Romans 10:6-7). 

There were two thieves being crucified on either side of JESUS.  Both of them had lived wicked reckless lives, both of them mocked JESUS as HE hung on the cross (Matthew 27:44). 

But to one of them JESUS made a promise, “Today, you will be with ME in Paradise.”  What gives?  What made the difference. Why would that thief not go to hell?

As that thief hung on a cross and watched JESUS and heard the other thief continuing to bad mouth JESUS the light came on and he rebuked the other thief saying, “Don’t you fear GOD, seeing we too are being crucified and we justly for we are receiving the just reward of our actions.  But HE has done nothing wrong” (Luke 23:40-41). Then, he said to JESUS, “LORD remember me when YOU come into YOUR kingdom” (Luke 23:42).

Clearly that thief believed JESUS was LORD and he met the requirements to be saved by believing JESUS would live to rule over a kingdom and calling on the name of the LORD he was saved (Romans 10:9-10, 13). 

But anyone knowing that guy’s history but was not at the cross to hear his last words would assume hell was his destination.  We would be totally wrong, and GOD warns us about assuming/ judging and in HIS amazing wisdom and faithfulness gives us illustrations to help us do what is right.

“Now all these things happen to them for examples and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come” (1 Corinthians 10:11).

“Now everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4).

GOD is faithful to do what HE says, and GOD promises that no temptation will ever be too hard for us to resist, but that when we are tempted, HE will also provide a way to escape sinning and endure the struggle (1 Corinthians 10:13).  We can escape the temptation to judge when we acknowledge we don’t have all the facts.

GOD’s promise to make a way applies to all our struggles not just judging. Since JESUS was tempted in all ways as we are but without sin, HE knows just what we need to stand strong against temptation (Hebrews 4:14-16). GOD’s word encourages us to run to the throne of grace for mercy and grace to help us in our times of need (Hebrews 4:16).

I run there, do you?

Hugs

Sharon

Check the criteria

Part 2 of 3 

There is a way that GOD uses on the earth, during time when dealing with all people. It could be stated: what you do will come back to you, or what goes around comes around. Here are a few of many examples explaining this principle. As you read them note how they would have to happen on earth during time.

The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined (Psalm 10:2).

Whoso digs a pit (for someone else) shall fall therein: and he that rolls a stone, it will return upon him (Proverbs 26:27).

He that turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination (won’t be heard) (Proverbs 28:9).

So, they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king’s wrath pacified (Esther 7:10).

And he said unto them, “Take heed what ye hear with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given” (Mark 4:24).

Judge not lest ye be judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged (if you are harsh, people will judge you harshly): and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again (If you use false scales, you will be cheated too) Matthew 7:1-2.

On earth and during time GOD judges people accordingly to how they treat one another. One very important illustration of this I am saving to discuss in my next post.

GOD deals with everyone with this principle- those who believe in JESUS as well as those who do not. It is called justice.

That is also the criteria used to determine who can enter the 1,000-year reign (Revelation 20:4 Matthew 25:40) which occurs AFTER Armageddon and Satan being bound for 1,000 years. The last part of the 1st resurrection occurs at this time (Revelation 20:5) Each part (there are several) of the 1 resurrection is also referred to as the resurrection of the just (Luke 14:14) a time when rewards will be given according to work done.

The 1,000-year reign comes BEFORE Satan is released after the 1,000 years and gathers an army from around the world to come against the reigning CHIRST (Revelation 20:7-9). When they reach Jerusalem, fires falls from heaven and devours Satan’s human army (Revelation 20:9), the earth explodes, the elements melt, the sky flees (2 Peter 3:10,12, Revelation 20:11) and all that is seen is a great white throne (Revelation 20:11). Then comes the 2nd resurrection -the resurrection of the wicked- and they will be judged by a different criterion.

And whosoever was not written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire (which is the 2nd death) Revelation 20:14-15). This makes sense since JESUS tells us that eternal life is to know GOD the FATHER and the ONE HE sent (JESUS) (John 17:3) and these refused to believe in JESUS and receive the love of the truth that they might be saved (Romans 1:18, 2 Thessalonians 2:10) and enter into the new covenant where there is forgiveness of sin (Hebrews 9:15, 10:16-17).

For it is in JESUS that there is life (John 1:4) and through believing in HIS dying for our sins and resurrection from the dead that we gain forgiveness and life (John 3:16, 36).

You might note that these wicked dead are also judged by their works, although the sentencing is done only on whether they belong to JESUS. You might ask why? I can only give an opinion for it is not clearly stated. I think it is to show them their good works do not measure up to the required standard, which is the glory of GOD (Romans 3:23).

Over 1,000 years BEFORE the White Throne judgment was JESUS judgment seat of believers (those written in the Lamb’s book of life), The works of ones in JESUS – which will include their motives and the intents of their hearts (1 Corinthians 4:5) but not their sins (since JESUS paid for them on the cross) are also judged. They go through a roaring fire as they leave the earth to meet with JESUS in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:14-17). If a believer’s works were done through JESUS (John 15:5) they will receive a reward but if not, they will still be saved but as if coming out of a roaring fire, smelling like smoke. GOD will wipe their tears of remorse from their eyes (1 Corinthians 3:9-15, Revelation 21:4).

There are judgments on earth and judgments after this life for both those who believe in JESUS and those who refuse to the love of the Truth and suppress the truth in unrighteousness. Although the criterion used to make these judgments are different, we often lump them all together which just leads to confusion.

I urge you in CHRIST’s stead to prayerfully consider these things I’ve felt compelled to share with you and may the good LORD give you wisdom and understanding and keep you from deception (James 1:5, 1 Corinthians 2:10) as HE guides you with HIS peace (Colossians 3:15), strengthens you with HIS joy (Nehemiah 8:10), and enables you with HIS grace (Hebrews 4:16). Now may the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT” (Romans 15:13). Keep looking unto JESUS (Hebrews 12:2) and talk over your thoughts with HIM (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Hugs

Sharon