Why?

But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration (HOLY SPIRIT) of the ALMIGHTY gives them understanding (Job 32:8).

(JESUS) The true light, which gives light to everyone (John 1:9 ESV)

Deuteronomy 30:¹¹ For this commandment which I command you this day, it is not hidden from you, neither is it far off.  ¹⁴ But the word is very near you, in your mouth, and in your heart, that you may do it.

Romans 1:¹⁹ Because that which may be known of GOD is manifest in them; for GOD has shewed it to them. ²⁰ For the invisible things of HIM from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and GODHEAD; so that they are without excuse:

Now if all know, why are not all saved?

Romans 10:⁹ ESV IF you confess with your mouth that JESUS is LORD (Master/ Ruler) and believe in your heart that GOD raised HIM from the dead, you will be saved.

There seems to be 2 qualifying conditions.

1-Confessing that JESUS is LORD (Master or Ruler) over you and the worlds.

2-believing in your heart (not just head knowledge or assent)

In the bible the word believe often means more than just mental assent to a fact.  There are exceptions to that rule for the devils believe there is a GOD and tremble (James 2:17).

Belief that saves says aloud (confesses) JESUS YOU are my LORD (Master) alluding to a desire to follow JESUS’ directions. 

Believing that saves also comes out of the heart indicating love.  We love HIM because HE 1^st loved us (1 John 4:19).

Belief that equals faith is defined in Hebrews 11:⁶ But without faith it is impossible to please HIM (GOD): for he that comes to GOD must (1) believe that HE is, and (2) (believe) that HE (GOD) is a rewarder of them that diligently seek HIM.

Saving faith trusts GOD.  It trusts that GOD is good, in control, has an eternal plan and loves us.

Now, although every person who comes into this world has been given light (understanding), some refuse it. 

Romans 1:¹⁸ they choose not to accept GOD’s true message (EASY)/ suppressing (Pushing away/ holding down) the truth (ESV).   ²¹ Because that, when they knew GOD, they glorified HIM not as GOD, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

2 Thessalonians 2:¹⁰ them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

John 3:¹⁶ For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON (JESUS), that whosoever believes in HIM (trusts JESUS’ saving work on the cross when HE died for their sins) should not perish, but have everlasting life. ³⁶ He that believes on (trusts in the work of) the SON has everlasting life: and he that believes not (refuses to believe and turns away from) the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abides/ remains on him.

The choice is ours.  I choose JESUS. How about you?

Hugs Sharon

Is there a why behind the what?

D

Is there a why behind the what is going on, or is life meaningless?

I want to begin with a disclaimer.  Not all problems are a direct result of our misconduct, but these thoughts are for the times they are.  For the times we have done it our way instead of GOD’s.

Things stood out as I read Psalm 107 this morning. I was incredibly impressed and deeply comforted as I saw anew the steadfast love and longsuffering of GOD toward HIS people.  The captivating concepts the Psalm so clearly revealed repeatedly were:

1)How it took much opposition or trouble for the people to look to GOD

2)How quickly they turn back away from GOD to do their own thing

3)Yet, immediately GOD’s response was to run to their aid, once they cried out to HIM.

“Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and HE delivered them” Psalm 107: 6, 13, 19, 28

It was as though GOD was waiting to have them reach out to HIM.

Isaiah 30:18 And therefore will the LORD wait, that HE may be gracious to you and therefore will HE be exalted, that HE may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a GOD of judgment blessed are all they that wait for HIM.

Psalm 107 shows troubles that invariably came as a consequence of something the people did. Their turning to GOD in their struggles suggests the truth seen in the verses below.

Acts 17:²⁶ “(GOD) has determined the times before appointed (preset them) and (preset) their boundaries of habitation (movement) ²⁷ that they should seek the LORD…”

Job 14:5 “Seeing his (man’s) days are determined, the number of months is with YOU (GOD), for YOU (GOD) have appointed his boundaries that he cannot pass.”

Have you ever been in a performance where between scenes the props were changed to fit what was coming up next?  In one way you could say that GOD does that.  HE sets the up the stage by pre-determining the times things will happen and places/ boundaries wherein the action will take place, and all this is done according to HIS infallible foreknowledge.

Then we come on stage, and we choose how to act in the circumstances HE has put into place.

GOD knows what it will take to turn us to come to HIM.  In our crazy world there are many fearful scenarios.  Some will use their ability to choose to turn to GOD and find peace and direction in this crazy world, while others will not.

I for one find great peace in GOD’s Sovereign control during turmoil for I know HIS purposes will be fulfilled even as they were when evil men took the LORD JESUS with wicked hands and crucified HIM.  Through HIS death all who will believe have eternal life (John 3:16).

I call on HIM in times of trouble, do you?

Hugs

Sharon

Why do we make mistakes?

JESUS said, you err because you don’t know the scriptures nor the power of GOD Mark 12:24

All our mistakes come because we don’t take time to know GOD and HIS ways by getting into His word and praying.

When struggles come and they will come, run to GOD in prayer and HE will give you peace and direction (Hebrews 4:16). Then open HIS word and let the LORD speak to you.

Hugs

Sharon

Nobody knows

There is a line of an old hymn…”Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen”  Isn’t that the truth? Every day we hear of more wrong and troubles and death.  Personally, I and many I know have faced one struggle after another the past couple of years.  Some are asking, “Why?”

GOD called Job the perfect man and yet the LORD allowed Job to go through some horrible times.  HE could have stopped it.  The question of “Why?” continually rose and ate at Job but his faith in GOD never failed.

Job declared, “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that HE shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:  And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see GOD” (Job 19:25-26).

Then GOD spoke to Job and mentioned details about several things HE had created. The LORD exposed Job’s limited understanding by asking Job if he had been there at creation or if he knew certain things about different creatures.  Job caught a glimpse of the infinite greatness, power, and wisdom of GOD in what HE had created, and Job replied to the Lord:

“I know that YOU can do all things; no purpose of YOURS can be thwarted (stopped). YOU asked, ‘Who is this that obscures (misunderstands/ for it is hidden) MY plans without knowledge (in ignorance)’  Surely I (Job) spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know…My ears had heard of YOU (LORD GOD ALMIGHTY) but now my eyes have seen YOU “ (Job 42:1-3, 5).

GOD says that HE will use all things… the evil of man included, for an end result of good for those who choose to love HIM (Romans 8:28).  If you read the last chapter of Job you will see GOD greatly did that very thing for Job and blessed him beyond measure.

In deciding to make man in HIS image, GOD gave man the ability to choose.  Although the LORD knew the evil men would do, HE still chose to give mankind the ability to choose. Perhaps part of that is so we could choose to love HIM.

Why GOD allows evil men to do what they do is totally beyond my comprehension but this I do know, GOD is good, and GOD is love, HE knows all things from the beginning to the end and everything in between.  GOD declares that the day is coming when all wrong will be done away with and affliction will not rise up a second time (Nahum 1:9).

Meanwhile, in Acts 17:26-27 GOD tells us that HE has preset the times and places for a specific purpose…that men would reach out to HIM.

During these dark and difficult days of war and inflation and of wickedness and pestilence, the rewriting of history and killing of babies we see something amazing as we look at the reports on a global website. Every single day thousands upon thousands are turning to CHRIST from all over the world-from every nation and tongue.  We see Covid 19 pandemic has been an opportunity not just for the globalists to gain ground for their agenda but for GOD to harvest many souls for eternity.

We don’t know the time or place, but unless the Rapture comes 1^st, a certain time and place has been appointed that each of us will die and after this the judgment (Hebrews 9:27).  Death is not an option since that 1^st sin in the garden.  It is a given.  But what happens after is definitely an option that is determined by a choice each of us, here and now while we live in this life on planet earth, make. 

GOD promises eternal life to whosoever will believe on HIS Son.  Believe that JESUS, the eternal SON of GOD took on a body and came as a baby, lived a sinless life and died for the sins of the world and then was raised by GOD back to life three days later and is coming back as LORD for those who believe in HIM (John 3 :16).  Call on the name of the LORD and you will be saved from the consequences of your sins (Romans 3:23, 6:23, 10:13).

But those who refuse to believe on JESUS and suppress the truth in unrighteousness, the wrath of GOD abides on them and they will eventually be thrown in the eternal lake of fire (John 3:36, Romans 1:18-21, Revelation 20:15). 

GOD is freely offering eternal life, but you must be willing to receive it. If you are willing to admit you have done wrong and believe JESUS paid the price for your forgiveness and call upon the LORD JESUS you are saved (Romans 10:9-10, 13) and GOD forgives you and covers you with HIS righteousness (Romans 3:20-23).

In CHRIST’s stead I entreat you, look to JESUS and be saved.

Hugs

Sharon

Ever want to scream WHY?

Ever wonder why?

On my walk this morning I found I had to hand troubling thoughts to GOD, thoughts that screamed “do something!” before I was able to sing praises to HIM.  If you are like me, many things going on in this world tear you up and grieve your spirit and would totally weigh you down were it not for GOD and HIS promises. 

I got home and opened my Bible and heard JESUS talking… 

But now I go MY way to HIM (GOD the FATHER) that sent ME; and none of you ask ME, “Where are you going?”But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. Nevertheless, I tell you the truth; It is expedient (beneficial, advantageous) for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the COMFORTER will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send HIM unto you” John 16:5-7.

JESUS said something hard had to come but it was necessary before something beautiful would happen.  That picture applies to today and us.

This is a beautiful picture of the Trinity working together but that is not what the HOLY SPIRIT spoke to me concerning.  HE said, “There is a purpose and these things MUST take place before the blessings come.”

“And when you shall hear of wars and rumors of wars, be not troubled: for such things MUST NEEDS be (have to take place); but the end shall not be yet. For nation (ethnic/ tribe) shall rise against nation (ethnic/tribe), and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in numerous places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows” (Mark 13:7-8).

GOD who knows all things past, present and future, knows what is in the heart and thoughts of man and what they will do before they do it (Psalm 139:16). GOD in HIS infinite foreknowledge has SEEN all that man under the influence of the evil one (Ephesians 2:2-3) in his free will shall do.

This horrible evil and darkness we are seeing is what happens when GOD, who is the light is pushed away.  But the marvelous truth is GOD has plan that will counter all the evil and accomplish all HIS good.  Satan and his ways and his followers will be totally exposed and removed eternally to the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10).

But we, those of us who have received the love of the TRUTH and believed in JESUS calling on HIS name (Romans 10:9-10,13, John 3:16), will live in an unimaginable wonderful place in the presence of GOD forever basking in HIS glory and worshipping HIM joyously. Though we don’t have a lot of details, the last 2 chapters of the Bible tell us about it.

Oswald Chambers once said, “The point of prayer is not to get answers from GOD, but to have perfect and complete oneness with HIM. If we pray only because we want answers, we will become irritated and angry with GOD. We receive an answer every time we pray, but it does not always come in the way we expect (or like), and our spiritual irritation shows our refusal to identify ourselves truly with our LORD in prayer. 

Do you, do I come to GOD in prayer to maneuver HIM to do what we in our limited understanding think best, or do we come to worship HIM and find out how HE, our Master, wants us to co-labor with HIM?

Hugs

Sharon

So that’s why

I asked and HE told me….

Finishing up the book of Judges was horrific… I hate those chapters from 19 on. I get angry when that man throws his wife out the door and bars it to save his own skin from the lust driven mob; I hate it when in the morning he comes out and pushes at her and tells her to get up while she lies dead; I am nauseated when he cuts her up, but this time I also was stirred up with indignation with what the people who came to take vengeance for that man did in slaughtering all the innocent lives. I cried out to GOD… “Why LORD, why?”.

Then I came to the last verse of the book of Judges and in the last phrase GOD answered my cry of “why?”. Judges 21:25b “…and everyone did that which was right in his own eyes.”

That says it all doesn’t it? Are you? am I? doing what is right in our own eyes or do we acknowledge GOD in all things so HE can direct our paths and words into what is right in HIS eyes?

Hugs

Sharon