GOD confirms

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Don’t try to be more holy than GOD”? Meaning, don’t go further than GOD does.

I think of that quip when I hear such things as “it is wrong to ask GOD for confirmation.”  This concept is probably taken out of context from when the Pharisees came to dispute with and test JESUS. It is written JESUS groaned in HIS spirit and said, “No sign will be given to this generation.”

Well, no sign was needed for that generation because JESUS was there performing miracles right and left.

However, GOD delights in confirming HIS words.  GOD worked with the Apostles as they went out and preached everywhere, confirming HIS words spoken through them with accompanying signs.  This was brand new theology and had to be confirmed to be believed.

Now we are told to walk in the SPIRIT and to do so we must be able to grasp what we are to do.  We know the absolutes from the Bible but in little things we are to stop and listen to the HOLY SPIRIT’s still small voice.

The fearful idol worshipping Gideon asked for 2 opposite signs to know that GOD was really speaking to him and GOD gave them to him.  But then notice although Gideon didn’t ask for more, GOD said to him if you are still fearful (because GOD knew Gideon’s heart, as HE knows ours, and the LORD knows what it will take for us to be strengthened) do this and it will convince you (see Judges 7:10-11).

GOD wants us to be strengthen and to know what HE wants us to say and do.  It is written that JESUS only said and did what GOD told HIM to say and do (John 8:28).  Should we not do the same?

There is one other aspect of JESUS giving signs I want to briefly touch on.

The disciples asked JESUS what to look for /what signs will indicate the end times.  JESUS didn’t rebuke them or hesitate but proceeded to lay out specifics concerning the end days as it pertains to the Jewish people and the world in general in Luke 21:7-28. 

Then JESUS gives 2 hints.  The 1st hint pertains to the timetable of the beginning 70^th week of Daniel 9:24 when HE spoke a parable of the fig tree.  The fig tree is a symbol of Israel and from Luke 21:29-to 32 JESUS tells that when Israel is budding (comes back to life which it did in 1948) you know that the time is near.

The 2^nd hint is found in Luke 21:32-33, 36.  The generation that sees Israel bloom will not all pass away before all the things HE spoke about came to pass.  Therefore, those who see and understand are to look up for their redemption (to escape the 7 years of Jacob’s terrible trouble) draws near.  In other words (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) the rapture when JESUS comes for HIS bride before HE breaks the seals of the wrath of GOD on the earth.

Well, I am part of that generation that saw Israel bloom in 1948 for I was born in 1945.  Many of my generation have already passed away, and today I was notified of 3 more of my generation getting their go to heaven pass.  But as scripture tells us they will come back for their new bodies and go up with the rest of us who believe in JESUS to meet HIM in the air before the wild ruckus explodes here on earth. 

So don’t hesitate to ask GOD to show you what to do, or say for we are told that we have not because we ask not.  But remember unless we are willing to stop and listen we will never hear/ get our instructions.

Hugs

Sharon

What is your attitude?

Are you ever confused because different teachers say different things?  Then check it out for yourself!

During our study in Judges 6 one gal was amazed at what was said about Gideon because she had been taught something different.  When I asked her if GOD indicated in HIS word what she had been taught she said no.  I feel I should explain more but before I do I want to lay a foundation, a springboard for understanding the Word of GOD.

When you first meet a person who comes from a different place with different background and different ways of saying things you may not fully get what he means when he talks because you will be judging according to your background.  But as you get to know him you understand more of what he means. That is the way with GOD for HIS ways and thoughts are not naturally ours they are much higher and more complex.  It has been said and I believe it is true that what we think about GOD is the most important things about us.

Sometimes we misunderstand and assume wrong things as we read the Bible because we do not have the full picture, have not studied the full counsel of GOD’s word yielding to the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT so do not understand GOD’s ways and thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).  One of the reasons GOD the SON clothed HIMSELF with a human body and came to earth was to die for man’s sin but that wasn’t the only reason.  Another reason JESUS came was to show us what GOD is like.  JESUS was the exact representation of GOD the FATHER (Hebrews 1:1-3) and anyone who sees JESUS sees the FATHER (John 14:9).

We are told that by growing in our knowledge of GOD the FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST we gain many things and will get everything we need to cope day by day (2 Peter 1:1-4).  JESUS said that man can not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD (Matthew 4:4). Getting in the Word of GOD and drinking in HIS word as baby drinks his bottle (1 Peter 2:2) seeking to hear HIM speak through HIS Word as the HOLY SPIRIT our teacher explains things to us enables us to know what GOD is really like and what HE likes.  That is why JESUS said to take things from the old and from the new -in other words the full counsel of GOD (Matthew 13:52).

GOD does not treat everyone alike because GOD knows the intents of the hearts and does not see as man look at the appearance of a thing but on the heart of the matter.

In Luke 11:14-16 we see JESUS had just cast out a demon and there are 3 groups of people. 1) the multitudes marveled at the miracle 2) some said HE cast out demons by Beelzebub the ruler of demons (Satan). And 3) others testing JESUS (although they had seen JESUS do miracles) who asked for a sign from heaven.

After answering  #2’s accusation, JESUS spoke to #3 those asking for a sign from heaven.  Luke 11:29 “This is an EVIL generation. It seeks a sign and no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah the prophet.” JESUS knew their hearts a what they were trying to do. Here JESUS spoke to the intent of the men who were evil and trying to discredit HIM.

Some carry this over to Gideon, which is an entirely different story altogether.  This was a young man living in fear and hiding from raiders as he thrashed grain so the enemy wouldn’t steal it and so his family could eat.

Though raised as an idol worshipper GOD asked him to tear down the altar and idol of his dad. When GOD told Gideon that HE would be with Gideon, he believed GOD and did what GOD asked and then on the stone built an altar to GOD and used the wooden idol for a burnt offering to GOD and call the altar GOD is peace.  Gideon did that because when GOD spoke to him and he believed, GOD covered him with peace.

But then GOD asked him to fight the enemy and deliver the people.  Gideon said if it is really YOU and YOU really want me to do this then over night put water in the fleece  but make the ground dry and GOD did.  Then Gideon said, don’t be mad but show me again but this time make the fleece dry and the ground wet and it was so.

Notice God did not get angry at Gideon or say anything negative to him concerning his need to be assured it was GOD speaking to him.  You know why?  GOD knew the constant fear Gideon had lived under with the marauding enemies and yet was most pleased that Gideon would do what GOD asked if he was sure it was GOD speaking.

How can I be so sure? Well after a few more things GOD initiated still another miracle that Gideon didn’t ask for. GOD said, if you are still afraid (and GOD who knows all things, GOD knew Gideon was afraid) go down into the camp of the Midianites and hear what they say.”  When Gideon heard what was said, he worshiped GOD and said to the men “GOD has delivered them to us” (See Judges chapters 6 and 7 for the full story.)

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GOD wants us to believe HIM and walk in faith. Faith comes by hearing and hearing the word of GOD (Romans 10:17).  HE understands our fears (Psalm 103:14) and is willing to encourage us however is necessary if in our hearts we are willing to do whatever HE wants.  That’s the kicker. 

JESUS refused a sign to those who were evil and trying to discredit HIM, but GOD gave several signs to one who was willing to believe and do what GOD wanted done (John 7:17).  Seek the LORD and HE will strengthen your heart.

Hugs

Sharon