Part 1 GOD knows

Donna, Virginia and I have been friends, gone on treasure hunts and studied the Word of GOD together for many years.  We dearly love one another but don’t always see things eye to eye.

But that is not true of GOD the FATHER, JESUS and the HOLY SPIRIT for JESUS is the exact representation of GOD the FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT is called both the SPIRIT of GOD and the SPIRIT of CHRIST.  Those 3 agree on everything.

When GOD said, “Let US make man in our own image” Genesis 1: 26 it was a decree of the counsel of the GODhead.  For there are 3 that bear witness in heaven, the FATHER, the WORD (JESUS-John 1:1, 14), and the HOLY GHOST (SPIRIT) and these 3 are one (1 John 5:7KJ).

JESUS said to Nicodemus, a Pharisee, a ruler of the Jews, “I say to you, you must be born again” Then JESUS said, “Verily (it is true), verily (it is true), I say to you, WE speak that WE do know, and testify to what WE have seen; and you receive not OUR witness. (John 3:11).

Notice JESUS goes from 1 person singular (I) to 1 person plural (WE, OUR)? Why? JESUS clearly says both HE and the HOLY SPIRIT only say to men what GOD the FATHER has told them to say. (John 12:49-50, 16:13).  What JESUS says and what the HOLY SPIRIT convicts men of agrees with what GOD the FATHER proclaims.

What did they proclaim? “It is the truth, We speak only what WE know and testify to what WE have seen.” There is no guessing, and no speculation they speak only fact.

What does GOD know?  For one thing HE knows the hearts of each of us and how we will act in any given situation. “But JESUS did not commit (entrust) HIMSELF unto them, because HE knew all men,  And needed not that any should testify of man: for HE knew what was in man.” John 2:24-25.

GOD knows what we are going to say before we speak, in fact all the days of our lives (everything we would do) were recorded in HIS book before even one began (Psalm 139:4, 16).

GOD does not live in time as you and I,  but HE sees our past, present and future as one.  That is how HE sees what will happen.  Personally, I have no clue how that could be but trust the word of GOD that it is so.

GOD works (accomplishes) all things after the counsel (purpose) of HIS own will (Ephesians 1:11) by working all things together for an end result of good to those who love HIM (Romans 8:28-29) and call on the name of the LORD JESUS CHRIST (1 Corinthians 1:2). A well-used illustration of this is stirring together the good and the bad like a cook beating up a raw egg, flour, sugar, shortening, vanilla, milk and baking powder then sticking it in a hot oven for a prescribed period of time.  All according to a recipe with an expected end of good!

GOD only allows or does that which will eventually produce good according to HIS eternal purposes.

A couple verses indicate to me how our GOD decided what HE determined (decreed) to happen.

Elect (chosen) according to the foreknowledge of GOD the FATHER… 1 Peter 1:2

So, what is foreknowledge.  It is two Greek words put together to make one: to know+before.  GOD knows beforehand what each man’s choices will be and knowing what choices man will make in any given circumstance GOD can determine the outcome by presetting the times and the places things happen.

An example from my life: GOD says I am HIS workmanship created in CHRIST JESUS unto good works that HE prepared in advance that I should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10).  Well, there was a day of great turmoil in my life and I was going to leave my husband and would have gone I to a different location.  GOD said to me, “If you leave, you will lose your ability to do what I have planned for you.”  Nothing was worth that, so I stayed.

Later I realized that the LORD wasn’t saying that HE was going to punish me and take my work away but rather that my work was in a certain place for a certain time all preset by HIM.  Of course, HE knew what my choice would be so there never has to be a plan B.

“HIM (JESUS), being delivered by the determinate counsel (nothing can happen without GOD’s permission-Job 1, 2) and foreknowledge of GOD, you have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain” Acts 2:23  GOD determined to achieve our salvation through the blood sacrifice of JESUS and therefore let wicked men do what they determined in their evil hearts to do.

The LORD GOD is almighty- HE is good, HE has all power, all wisdom, and because HE knows all things down to how each of us will act in any given situation HE can set the stage (preset times and places Acts 17:26-27 with a specific goal in mind) and know precisely what will occur without infringing on HIS decree to make us (humans) in HIS own image (which included giving man the ability to choose). 

Therefore, the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY can proclaim the future with 100% accuracy.  Over 300 prophesies were fulfilled when JESUS the eternal WORD (John 1:1, 15) took on a human body (Philippians 2:7) and was made in all ways as we humans except for sin (Hebrews 2:14) came as a baby, so that through HIS death on the cross HIS blood would ransom (pay for) all the sins of mankind.  Being both GOD and man HE is the only mediator between GOD and man (1 Timothy 2:5) and JESUS is now seated on the right hand of the FATHER in heaven.  There are still many, many more prophesies concerning JESUS CHRIST our LORD left to be fulfilled before the new heavens and new earth spoken of in Revelation.  Everyone will be fulfilled.

In part 2 want to share a bit about the times and seasons and how GOD changes them without HIM changing in purpose or nature.

Hugs

Sharon

JESUS is the brightness

Through time my vision had become more and more obstructed so I was not able to see what I should.  My husband believes that it accounted for my being hit by a car.  He assumes that if I could have seen what was coming at me, I could have avoided it.  Therefore, I agreed to surgery. 

“Beloved (Ephesians 1:6 those in CHRIST) do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of GOD, but he who does evil has not seen GOD” (3 John 1:11).

Our sin is a direct result of a faulty view of GOD.

So how do we get the right view of GOD?  The Bible often urges us to look to JESUS and the following verses tell us why (Hebrews 12:2-3).

GOD… “has in these last days spoken to us by HIS SON (JESUS), whom HE has appointed heir of all things, through whom (JESUS) also HE (GOD) made the worlds;  who (JESUS) being the brightness of HIS (GOD’s) glory and the express image of HIS person, and upholding all things by the word of HIS power, when HE (JESUS) had by HIMSELF purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high” Hebrews 1:2-3).

“JESUS said to him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet have you not known ME, Philip? he that hath seen ME (JESUS CHRIST) has seen the FATHER” (John 14:9).

“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to CHRIST.  For in HIM (JESUS CHRIST) dwells all the fullness of the GODHEAD bodily; (in body form)” (Colossians 2:8-9).

I don’t know about you, but I don’t like to be cheated.  And if we know the facts, we can’t be tricked so study your Bible.

Hugs

Sharon

Are you reading the Bible?

Keeping in mind that “all Scripture is inspired by GOD and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16), let me recap for you a recent journey that lead me to a clearer understanding of one of the marvelous ways of GOD.

Reading, “HE causes them to change their minds” (Job 33:17NLT), I wondered, how does GOD do it? Speaking with the LORD, as I thought on the verse, I felt nudged to check out the wording in my Hebrew interlinear Bible.

The literal Hebrew reads: “GOD speaks one way and another, but they do not notice…then HE opens the ears of men and seals their instructions, that HE may turn man aside from his deed” (Job 33:14, 16-17).

Wow! GOD seals their instructions. That is how I feel when GOD speaks to me from HIS word. We used to say “I know that I know”. When the HOLY SPIRIT speaks, I know what I am suppose to do. I go from pondering ideas, to the confident assurance of knowing concretely what GOD wants me to do. Now, I seldom know all the steps that it will entail. But, I get the general idea. Then, as I step out in faith to do what I know to do (like the nudge to look at the verses in Hebrew), HE leads me on step by step.

My mind flashed to Revelation 17:17: “for GOD has put it into their minds to carry out HIS purpose and to make them come to agree to give their kingdoms unto the beast, until the words of GOD shall be fulfilled.” Aha, I had often wondered, how GOD was going to get those kings to hand over their kingdoms. Whatever it is that GOD says in their ears, will seal their instructions-causing them to be certain that to agree and hand their kingdoms over is in their best interest.

“For it is GOD who works in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases HIM” (Philippians 2:13).

Then, while doing some research for a friend, I came across another verse. “he will turn the hearts of the…disobedient to the attitude (wisdom, perspective) of the righteous” (Luke 1:17) WOW! What a verse to pray for a rebellious child!

We are told that the porter opens the door to the Shepherd, and the sheep recognize and listen to the voice of the Shepherd (not the porter-messenger) (John 10:3). We speak with gentleness and it opens hearts to listen to GOD.

With what I had learned from Job, and seen in Revelation, it was clear how the HOLY SPIRIT, opens the ears of a person through the words of either a person or Scripture, and HE speaks HIS rhema words (words for the particular situation) into their heart and mind, sealing their instructions. Or, as is said in Job 33:17 NLT, “HE causes them to change their minds.”

Don’t you just love how one verse in the Bible, helps you understand others?

If on some point you think differently that too GOD will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained (learned) (Philippians 3:16).

Looking unto JESUS the Author and Perfecter of my faith.

Hugs

Sharon

Eye exam

Have you ever been baffled when trying to explain something to someone that seems so very clear to you, but the other person doesn’t have a clue what you mean? There is that unmistakable blank look. But why?

“But their eyes were held that they should not know HIM” Luke 24:16

That word held in the Greek text speaks of a superior power hindering them from recognizing JESUS and reveals to us that GOD- (the giver of all good things), when HE chooses, can refuse to give us the ability to see things as they really are. In other words, HE can block our vision if there is a purpose in it for GOD does nothing without a just and good reason (Ezekiel 14:23).

 “Yet the LORD has not given you a heart to perceive, and eyes to see and ears to hear, unto this day.” Deuteronomy 29:4

“The secret (or hidden) things belong to our GOD; but the things that are revealed (made clear to us) belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all ( GOD has for us to do)…” Deuteronomy 29:29

“…their eyes were opened, and they knew HIM. (JESUS)” Luke 24:31

“Then JESUS opened their understanding that they might understand the Scriptures.” Luke 24:45

As these verses show us our ability to see, to hear, to understand things as they really are is a gift from GOD. Therefore, we need to ask GOD to open the eyes of our understanding (Ephesians 1:18)

Open the eyes of my heart LORD, Open the Eyes of my heart I want to see JESUS, I want to see JESUS

Open the eyes of my heart LORD, Open the Eyes of my heart I want to see JESUS, I want to see JESUS

To see HIM high and lifted up, shining in the light of HIS glory, pour out YOUR power and love
As we sing Holy, Holy, Holy, Holy, Holy, Holy, Holy, Holy, Holy, I want to see  YOU, I want to see YOU

So, if others are baffled by what seems so clear to you pray that their eyes be opened so that they can see.  The prophet Elisha did. 

“and Elisha prayed, and said,’ LORD, open his eyes that he may see’  Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw and beheld the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.(2 Kings 6:17)

Hugs

Sharon 

Is GOD Good?

What is GOD like?  Your answer to that question will be seen in how you act, for the character of the worshiper will always be molded by the character of what he worships.  If your GOD is critical and demanding, those qualities will show up in you as well.  Therefore, it is essential that we think rightly about GOD. The ALMIGHTY, GOD our heavenly FATHER has promised that every believer in JESUS will be transformed slowly, a step at a time into the wonderful image (character likeness) of JESUS CHRIST our LORD (Romans 8:29, 2 Corinthians 3:18).

Truth is a revelation of reality, to know the truth is not just learning facts but to know the truth is to accept its reality and live accordingly. “GOD’s Word is truth” (John 17:17). Truth about GOD is revealed both in HIS creation and in HIS written Word.

GOD through the HOLY SPIRIT (spoke to) moved on the hearts of men and they spoke GOD’s word or wrote it down and we have GOD’s Word preserved in the Bible for us (2 Peter 1:21).  “GOD’s Word is living and powerful, sharper than any 2-edged sword…it is a discerner of thoughts and the intents of heart” (Hebrews 4:12)

“YOU are good and do good, teach me YOUR statutes” (Psalm 119:68). GOD spoke (GOD’s word) and things were created (Genesis 1:3) and GOD said, “It is good.” The initial creation was good for GOD is good.

There is a lie going around, a lie presented to mankind in the garden of Eden.  The Liar inferred that GOD was keeping something good from Eve, something that would benefit her.  In effect he was saying that GOD was not being good to her.  She believed the liar over GOD for it appealed to her senses and we are still reaping from that choice.  The devil uses the same lie on us today.

When something we perceive as bad happens many, even Christians say, “How could a good GOD let this happen?” I know I have thought it a time or two myself.  When one doubts the goodness of GOD it opens the door to disobedience and leads to independence of GOD.

Yes, it is true GOD is Sovereign and could stop anything.  But HE tells us up front that HIS ways are not our ways, and HIS thoughts are not our thoughts but as high as the heavens are above the earth so much higher are HIS thoughts than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).  That means we cannot always understand what HE does and what HE allows.  It is at those times we must cling to what we know is true about GOD.

Look out your window and see GOD’s Power and order, HIS wisdom and love beauty in HIS creation.  Then, turn your eyes to JESUS and see GOD’s love of mankind, HIS generosity, HIS humbleness, yes, HIS goodness.

GOD says that HE works all thing together (like stirring them into a pot) for an end result of good to those who love HIM (Romans 8:28).  HE says that everything is for our benefit (2 Corinthians 4:15) and that our troubles are achieving for us (believers in JESUS) an eternal weight of glory that far surpasses the pain of today and HE urges us to look beyond what we can see (our situation) to that which we can’t see (those things HE is achieving for us through our situation) for what is seen is temporary but what is unseen it eternal (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

When my infant son died, and I cried out in despair for GOD to bring him back, there came a still awareness that this was the will of GOD.  HE had a purpose, as HE always does (Ezekiel 14:23), a purpose for good not evil (Jeremiah 29:11).  Looking back although I miss my 1^st boy I know some of the good GOD intended and brought out of Little Mac’s death.  “Except a corn of wheat falls into the ground and dies it remains alone, but if it dies it brings forth much fruit” (John 12:24).  The first thing his death accomplished was to bring me back to JESUS for I had wandered away as a teen.  We are told GOD has preset the exact times and places for the purpose that men would reach out to HIM (Acts 17:26 last clause-27) and that it did for me.  Because of my boy’s death many others have reached out to GOD and have found comfort and eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD.

Good does not mean easy.  Some of GOD’s ways seem very  hard but they achieve good. Let us never forget, that though we may not understand why, we can know GOD is good!

Looking unto JESUS (Hebrews 12:2).

Hugs

Sharon

Clouds and horsemen

As a child I would love to lay out on the grass and watch the clouds.  Often as they took shape I could see an elephant, a duck, a man.  But one day a gal sent me an email with this picture of these clouds coming down over the mountains.  My husband saw only one thing ‘a storm’ was on its way, while I, who had been studying the last book of the Bible saw something quite different.  I saw Revelation chapter 6 and the 4 horsemen riding down out of heaven and it fascinated me.

What one sees is often greatly influenced by their mindset and what they are looking for.

Now GOD on the other hand sees all things past present and future as they really are.  HIS thoughts are not our thoughts and HIS ways are not our ways, but they accomplish what HE sends them to do (Isaiah 55:8-11).  Therefore, I find it a good idea to acknowledge (ask) HIM in all my ways (concerning all things) that way HE can direct my path (in the way that I should go) (Proverbs 3:5-7).

Looking unto JESUS the Author and Perfecter of my faith.

Hugs

Sharon