Category Archives: Grief

HE Remains Faithful In ALL??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 14

05 Monday Sep 2022

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Advice for the journey, Comfort, Grace, Grief, Sorrow

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 14   HE Remains Faithful In ALL???

“God is faithful,

by whom ye were called

unto the fellowship of his Son

Jesus Christ our Lord.”  1 Corinthians 1:9

 I have a brief word to share with you this morning as I think of Jeremiah; for Jeremiah is often called ‘The Weeping Prophet’, and I think someone besides me may need some help and encouragement that you are not the only one who is “still” grieving….   I’ve helped enough friends and loved ones through the years to deal with the idiosyncrasies of grief; it is an unpredictable emotion, and it reveals itself in strange and unique ways to each of us.  So often people feel guilty or ashamed of the ways or timing of their grief, sometimes to the point of not even trying to share it—yet we all need a safe place to share our grief.  Some people even shame or judge others for the ways or timings of their grief, but scripture is replete with the expressions of the emotion of grief in God’s own people, and grief is never criticized or condemned!  (See John 11:35)

This is one of the reasons that I mentioned Jeremiah, for he was a man of God who was called to the hard task of prophesying and calling God’s own to repent or be judged by captivity of the Babylonians.  Well, for the most part Jeremiah was ignored, ridiculed, and even tortured for his faithful service to God, and his preaching of God’s truth to a people who didn’t care to listen.  He did this hard task for some 40 years, and when Israel fell to the Babylonians, he was totally broken hearted and grieved to his soul.  You can read the short book of Lamentations, which was just that, a record of his lamenting—grieving—for his people; and it is a comfort to see how God helped him to see the hope that is found in the faithful Lord God Almighty.

“And I said,

My strength and my hope

is perished from the LORD:

19 Remembering mine affliction

and my misery,

the wormwood

and the gall.

20 My soul hath them still in remembrance,

and is humbled in me.

21 This I recall to my mind,

therefore have I hope.

22 It is of the LORD’S mercies

that we are not consumed,

because his compassions fail not.

23 They are new every morning:

great is thy faithfulness.

24 The LORD is my portion,

saith my soul;

therefore will I hope in him.

25 The LORD is good

unto them that wait for him,

to the soul that seeketh him.

26 It is good

that a man should both hope

and quietly wait

for the salvation

of the LORD.”  Lamentations 3:18-26

We serve the living Lord, and as Paul said, we can grieve but praise God, not without hope!  For our hope is not in the grave, but in the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ, and the eternal “LIFE” that He gives to those who come to Him in repentance and faith in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for our sin!  As Paul says, grieving not as those “which have no hope”, for our life, hope and future is grounded in the blood of Jesus Christ our Lord! (And sleep mentioned here in Thessalonians is a reference to death.)

“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren,

concerning them which are asleep,

that ye sorrow not,

even as others

which have no hope.

14 For if we believe

that Jesus died and rose again,

even so them also which sleep in Jesus

will God bring with him.

15 For this we say unto you

by the word of the Lord,

that we which are alive and remain

unto the coming of the Lord

shall not prevent them

which are asleep.

16 For the Lord himself shall descend

from heaven

with a shout,

with the voice of the archangel,

and with the trump of God:

and the dead in Christ

shall rise first:

17 Then we which are alive and remain

shall be caught up together

with them

in the clouds,

to meet the Lord in the air:

and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

18 Wherefore comfort one another

with these words.”  1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

And a reminder from Jesus, as He reminded His own disciples, that our hope is in HIM, our soon coming king, and our eternal home!

“Let not your heart be troubled:

ye believe in God,

believe also in me.

2 In my Father’s house

are many mansions:

if it were not so,

I would have told you.

I go to prepare a place for you.

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you,

I will come again,

and receive you unto myself;

that where I am,

there ye may be also.

4 And whither I go ye know,

and the way ye know.”  John 14:1-4\

Because of our KING, we have hope that sustains us in those moments (albeit sometimes looonnnnnggg moments) which are a great hope for the soul; we must simply keep our eyes on the prize—Jesus.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about

with so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us lay aside every weight,

and the sin

which doth so easily beset us,

and let us run

with patience

the race

that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus

the author and finisher

of our faith;

who for the joy that was set before him

endured the cross,

despising the shame,

and is set down

at the right hand

of the throne of God.”   Hebrews 12:1-2

So, let us remember Paul’s words of encouragement and challenge, knowing we can make it by HIS mercies which “are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness”!  His faithfulness is ever with us, even in our grief!!!  Remember, God watched HIS own SON die for you and me!

“Brethren,

I count not myself to have apprehended:

but this one thing I do,

 forgetting those things

which are behind,

and reaching forth unto those things

which are before,

14 I press toward the mark

for the prize

of the high calling of God

in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:13-14

Jesus understands your grief—His arms are open wide for you—day or night!!!  Run to Jesus!

“For we have not an high priest

which cannot be touched

with the feeling of our infirmities;

but was in all points tempted

like as we are,

yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly

unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy,

and find grace to help

in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:15-16

 And in closing, a verse you may have missed:

“Thou tellest my wanderings:

put thou my tears

into thy bottle:

are they not in thy book?”  Psalm 56:8

Amen and Amen!!!

Incomprehensible Love??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 11

15 Monday Aug 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, God of all comfort!, Grief, Incomprehensible LOVE, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Knows, Jesus Knows YOUR Storm, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves, Jesus' Sacrifice

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 11   Incomprehensible Love???

I want to share more of my personal observations than usual, which I just feel led to do today, as I had some amazing thoughts about my Jesus this week, and I’d like to share them with you.

“These things have I spoken unto you,

that my joy might remain in you,

and that your joy might be full.

12 This is my commandment,

That ye love one another,

as I have loved you.

13 Greater love hath no man than this,

that a man lay down his life

for his friends.”  John 15:11-13

God cares for the “world”, and while His love is unconditional, his forgiveness is based on a personal acceptance of Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning, sacrifice in repentance and faith!  God cares for mankind, so much so that HE “gave his only begotten son” to die that we might have eternal life!  And when we come to Jesus, we are called to emulate HIS loving, sacrificial heart!

“But love ye your enemies,

and do good,

and lend,

hoping for nothing again;

and your reward shall be great,

and ye shall be the children of the Highest:

for he is kind unto the unthankful

and to the evil.

36 Be ye therefore merciful,

as your Father also is merciful.”  Luke 6:35-36

We are called to a ‘higher’ calling than the world demands, for as Jesus said again in Matthew’s Gospel:

“But I say unto you,

Love your enemies,

bless them that curse you,

do good to them

that hate you,

and pray for them

which despitefully use you,

and persecute you;

45 That ye may be the children

of your Father which is in heaven:

for he maketh his sun

to rise on the evil

and on the good,

and sendeth rain

on the just

and on the unjust.”  Matthew 5:44-45

As we consider all these thoughts from God’s Word, I want to share some insights that I had this week.  As I was thinking about what Jesus did for me and you, I was influenced by my own grief, and the grief of close friends who have dealt with great loss in recent days.  Most of us have dealt with more grief in the last two-plus years with Covid than we could have imagined; and as I have been face-to-face with the emotions of grief myself, I couldn’t help but think of Jesus.  Jesus went to Calvary for you and me, and I want us to consider what HE felt as He walked up that hill—not just what He went through in the physical abuse that He suffered at the hands of the Jewish religious leaders, or the Roman guards, or even the soldiers at the cross as He was crucified for your sin and mine—but the thoughts that must have filled His heart and mind as He was driven up that hill to Calvary.

You and I have all experienced sorrow and grief, and we all have family, friends, and loved ones who have left this world and left a hole in our heart; but think a minute with me, if you would, Jesus not only had friends and family whom He loved, but HE created the world—including you and me!!!  Jesus didn’t just have a few folks on HIS heart and mind as HE walked up that hill, He had you and me on His heart and mind, even “before the foundation of the world” (See Ephesians 1:4 and 1 Peter 1:20)!  I can’t imagine the grief and sorrow that HE must have felt over the loss that sin brought into HIS world!  The enemy who deceived Adam and Eve, has continued to work his deceit in God’s world to this day!  BUT, praise God his end is in sight, and our Lord will return to claim HIS own; but until then, we need to consider the grief that our Savior endured not only for us, but for all!  I can’t help but think of the sadness that Jesus must have felt for the creation that HE loves—for the “the just and on the unjust”! He was going to die even for those who would reject HIM!  Oh, the love—the love that God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—has for us!  I can’t even comprehend the grief and sorrow that HIS Spirit bore that day!

We grieve over the loss of maybe a hundred loved-ones and acquaintances, yet Jesus was creator of every human on earth!  HE loves them enough to have come to this earth, took on flesh and blood, lived a sinless life, and was headed to Calvary to ‘buy back’ the creation who had sold themselves into bondage to sin, for it would take HIS life to redeem our souls—ON PURPOSE!

“Ye men of Israel, hear these words;

Jesus of Nazareth,

a man approved of God among you

by miracles

and wonders

and signs,

which God did by him in the midst of you,

as ye yourselves also know:

23 Him, being delivered

by the determinate counsel

and foreknowledge of God,

ye have taken,

and by wicked hands

have crucified and slain:

24 Whom God hath raised up,

having loosed the pains of death:

because it was not possible

that he should be holden of it.”  Acts 2:22-24

I’d simply like to close with two passages, one from the author of Hebrews to help us understand God’s work in sending Jesus to be the payment for our sin, and our deliverer!  All because HE loves us—and all who will come to HIM will find eternal life, and peace, hope and joy!  The other look, at the ultimate passage on thinking as Jesus thought (one of my all-time favorite passages in all of scripture!); I hope they will both be a blessing to you!

“But we see Jesus,

who was made a little lower than the angels

for the suffering of death,

crowned with glory and honour;

that he by the grace of God

should taste death for every man.

10 For it became him,

for whom

are all things,

and by whom

are all things,

in bringing many sons unto glory,

to make the captain of their salvation

perfect through sufferings.

11 For both he that sanctifieth

and they who are sanctified

are all of one:

for which cause

he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

12 Saying,

I will declare thy name

unto my brethren,

in the midst of the church

will I sing praise unto thee.

13 And again,

 I will put my trust in him.

And again,

Behold I and the children

which God hath given me.

14 Forasmuch then as the children

are partakers of flesh and blood,

he also himself likewise

took part of the same;

that through death

he might destroy him

that had the power of death,

that is, the devil;

15 And deliver them who through fear of death

were all their lifetime

subject to bondage.

16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels;

but he took on him the seed of Abraham.

17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him

to be made like unto his brethren,

that he might be a merciful

and faithful

high priest in things pertaining to God,

to make reconciliation

for the sins of the people.

18 For in that he himself

hath suffered being tempted,

he is able to succour them

that are tempted.”  Hebrews 2:9-18

 Paul’s great passage on the “mind of Christ”!

“Let this mind be in you,

which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God,

thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation,

and took upon him the form of a servant,

and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man,

he humbled himself,

and became obedient unto death,

even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him,

 and given him a name which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus

every knee should bow,

of things in heaven,

and things in earth,

and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

12 Wherefore, my beloved,

as ye have always obeyed,

not as in my presence only,

but now much more in my absence,

work out your own salvation

with fear and trembling.

13 For it is God which worketh in you

both to will

and to do

of his good pleasure.”  Philippians 2:5-13

So, my friends, wherever you may be, whatever sorrow or grief you may be living with—take heart!  Jesus knows your pain and sorrow, the burden you bear!  Won’t you come and rest in HIS ‘Incomprehensible LOVE’ that is there for you today!  Don’t miss that unseen hand of mercy, grace, love and strength that is outstretched to you today!

Amen and Amen!!!

THE GOD Of All Comfort??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #785

25 Friday Mar 2022

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding In Jesus, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Comfort, Greater is HE that is IN US!, Grief, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus IS The Gift!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Never Fails, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice, Peace, Peace Of The Rock, Peace that passeth ALL understanding, Sorrow

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #785    THE GOD Of All Comfort???

 

“Blessed be God,

even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of mercies,

and the God of all comfort;

4 Who comforteth us

in all our tribulation,

that we may be able to comfort

them which are in any trouble,

by the comfort wherewith

we ourselves are comforted

of God.

5 For as the sufferings of Christ

abound in us,

so our consolation

also aboundeth by Christ.”  2 Corinthians 1:3-5

I am so grateful for the “God of all comfort” who walks with us—we who belong to Him by the blood of Jesus that “cleanseth us from all sin”; and not only cleanseth us but walks with us, as HE promised HE would!

“Let your conversation

be without covetousness;

and be content

with such things as ye have:

for he hath said,

I will never leave thee,

nor forsake thee.

6 So that we may boldly say,

The Lord is my helper,

and I will not fear

what man shall do unto me.”  Hebrews 13:5-6

We don’t have to be afraid of our grief, our sorrow, our trials, tribulations, or even persecution!  How?  Why?  Because our God is faithful to HIS Word!  And I willingly, lovingly and truthfully bear witness to the faithfulness of God!  Through all the sorrow of my heart these last few years (27 months to be more specific—and yes, I believe it’s ok to count the days of our longings and grief!) God has ever been my comfort, joy, and peace that truly “passeth all understanding”!  Yes, there are seasons of tears, regrets, sorrow, and intense longing for the one who is gone!  But the thing that sustains and comforts me most is that God knows that pain! In fact, HE didn’t lose HIS SON to an accident or unexpected disease, but HE sent HIM willingly, lovingly, and intentionally for you and me!

“For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.”  John 3:16

“Ye men of Israel,

hear these words;

Jesus of Nazareth,

a man approved of God among you

by miracles

and wonders

and signs,

which God did by him

in the midst of you,

as ye yourselves also know:

23 Him,

being delivered

by the determinate counsel

and foreknowledge of God,

ye have taken,

and by wicked hands

have crucified and slain:

24 Whom God hath raised up,

having loosed the pains of death:

because it was not possible

that he should be holden of it.”  Acts 2:22-24

It’s your choice to believe in Jesus or not, but I’m here to tell you that there is no other way to God—to peace, joy, and blessing beyond measure!  God is so faithful; I don’t have the words to share how the Spirit of Jesus/God fills my heart and soul with that “peace that passeth all understanding”, but Jesus is still calling to Himself those who will believe.

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.

21 To him that overcometh

will I grant to sit with me

in my throne,

even as I also overcame,

and am set down

with my Father in his throne.”  Revelation 3:20-21

You can open the door and let Jesus in, or you can go your own way and wallow in your grief and sorrow!  It’s your choice but there is a test coming!  Yet, I praise God that HIS comfort is available to all who will come.

“That their hearts might be comforted,

being knit together

in love,

and unto all riches

of the full assurance of understanding,

to the acknowledgement

of the mystery of God,

and of the Father,

and of Christ;

3 In whom are hid

all the treasures

of wisdom

and knowledge.”  Colossians 2:2-3

May you hear and respond to the greatest comforter of all—JESUS!

Amen and Amen!!!

 

 

The God Who Knows My Pain??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 14

27 Sunday Feb 2022

Posted by in Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Comfort, God of all comfort!, God Who Sees, God's Faithfulness, God's love, God's provision, God's ways are not our ways, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Grief

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 18 No. 14   The God Who Knows My Pain???

 

It’s been an unusual season for me lately, for having lost my only daughter just over two years ago, it seems like an inordinate number of my friends have lost children of late; and while they have been grown children, that really doesn’t lessen the pain.  So, I’d like to take today’s time and share some of the things that I have learned about the faithfulness of God and the need in the human heart for the touch of that faithful God for healing, comfort, and restoration.

I had some other things that I wanted to share this evening, but I feel compelled to simply repost an article that I wrote just over 2 years ago, in deep pain and sorrow.  And I’ll tell you that I told God I couldn’t do it.  In fact, as those of you who follow this blog know, I usually write on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and my daughter died on Thursday 6 days before Charismas in 2019, and I told my husband on our way home from the events of that awful day, that I just couldn’t write the next morning, and he told me to just do what I was up to.  Well, God had different plans, as I slept that night, God would wake me up, give me a scripture which I’d note on my phone.  Go back to sleep and He would wake me again with another scripture.  Well, this went on most of the night and when I got up on that Friday morning, I said, “God I can’t do this!  My heart is breaking!”  And God spoke so clearly to my heart, “Yes, you can!  YOU have hope—others do not!”  I got up and wrote the following “Word” from God.  I thank HIM for HIS faithfulness and for the privilege of sharing the HOPE of Jesus with those who might hear from this broken heart.  May it touch those of you who are aching with this same sorrow today.  God loves you, He loves me, and HE will strengthen those who will lean on HIM.  Praying for each of you.

“Bible Ballistics: BBs #612  Because HE Lives—I Can Walk On!!!

Christmas is many things to many people—some are filled with glee and joy, others think deeply on the meaning of the coming of This Newborn King, still others have difficult circumstances or memories that invade their celebration.  But I’m here to let you know that regardless of what is going on around you/me, whether for us or against us, GOD is still GOD, and we can trust HIM.  I’m writing an article that I never expected to write, but it is one that I am compelled to write.  I lost my only daughter under most tragic circumstances yesterday, and my heart is breaking but I must share, for all who also have broken hearts, not just at Christmas time but anytime, that GOD IS ABLE!

As Jesus told a grieving Martha and Mary, HE is still reminding us today that He has the final word—in fact HE IS THE WORD!

“Martha saith unto him, 

I know that he shall rise again 

in the resurrection at the last day. 

25 Jesus said unto her, 

I am 

the resurrection, 

and the life: 

he that believeth in me, 

though he were dead, 

yet shall he live: 

26 And whosoever liveth 

and believeth in me 

shall never die. 

Believest thou this? 

27 She saith unto him, 

Yea, Lord: I believe

that thou art the Christ, 

the Son of God, 

which should come into the world.”   John 11:24-27

It is totally because HE not only lived a perfect, sinless life, died a substitutionary, atoning sacrificial death, but my friends, HE AROSE!  And because HE lives—I can live another day; my daughter who had given her heart to him years ago is in HIS arms today!  While our hearts are breaking, my heart is, at the very same time, full of gratitude for a Redeemer who loves me, and HE loves you—no matter the heartache that you may be experiencing today—whether new or old.  Like David I can rejoice in the truth of God’s incredible sovereignty!

“Then said his servants unto him, 

What thing is this that thou hast done? 

thou didst fast and weep for the child, 

while it was alive; 

but when the child was dead, 

thou didst rise and eat bread. 

22 And he said, 

While the child was yet alive, 

I fasted 

and wept: 

for I said, Who can tell 

whether GOD will 

be gracious to me, 

that the child may live? 

23 But now he is dead, 

wherefore should I fast? 

can I bring him back again? 

I shall go to him, 

but he shall not return to me.”  2 Kings 12:21-23

As the old song says, “We shall behold HIM…” (Written by Dottie Rambo).  My eyes are filled with tears, but my confidence is fully in my Lord Jesus Christ and His promise that He is coming for me (and you who have come to Him in repentance and faith)!

At this precious Christmas time, I rejoice in the truth that God keeps HIS promises!

“For unto us a child is born, 

unto us a son is given: 

and the government 

shall be upon his shoulder: 

and his name shall be called 

Wonderful, Counsellor, 

The mighty God, 

The everlasting Father, 

The Prince of Peace.”  Isaiah 9:6

Jesus IS the source of the peace that I feel right now, and I pray that you will rest in that peace yourself.  I if you don’t know Him, you can!

“Behold, 

I stand at the door, 

and knock: 

if any man hear my voice, 

and open the door, 

I will come in to him, 

and will sup with him, 

and he with me.”   Revelation 3:20

Jesus came to be our sacrifice and coming to Him gives us not only the “peace of God” but also “peace with God”.

“Therefore being justified by faith, 

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ: 

2 By whom also we have access 

by faith 

into this grace 

wherein we stand, 

and rejoice 

in hope of the glory 

of God.”  Romans 5:1-2

I don’t know why the events of yesterday took my loved one, but I do know that the God who does know, loves my daughter, He loves me, and HE has a plan that I am resting in, even in the pain of my heart, and through the tears in my eyes.  And I’ll simply leave you with some passages of confidence and assurance in this ONE who gave Himself for you and me.

“Therefore we are always confident, 

knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, 

we are absent from the Lord: 

7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 

8 We are confident, I say, 

and willing rather 

to be absent from the body, 

and to be present with the Lord.”   2 Corinthians 5:6-8

And as Peter reminds us:

“Humble yourselves therefore 

under the mighty hand of God, 

that he may exalt you 

in due time: 

7 Casting all your care 

upon him; 

for he careth for you.”  1 Peter 5:6-7

And Jesus word for each of us:

“Come unto me, 

all ye that labour and are heavy laden, 

and I will give you rest. 

29 Take my yoke upon you, 

and learn of me; 

for I am meek and lowly in heart: 

and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 

30 For my yoke is easy, 

and my burden is light.”   Matthew 11:28-30”

Amen & Amen!!!

 

Grieved For Closed Eyes??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 18

22 Sunday Aug 2021

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, All About Jesus!, Consider Your ways, Ears that hear not, Eyes that SEE HIM, Eyes that see not, Grief, Growing in Jesus!, Guard Your Heart, Turn to God's Word

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 17 No. 18  Grieved For Closed Eyes???

 

Perhaps I am alone, but I must say my heart is grieved for the state of our nation, our culture and maybe even more for the church in America!  We seem to have become a people who regard our own ways more than the ways of The One we claim to love and serve.  How is it that our standards seem to be so far afield of The Word of God?  The prophet Jeremiah dealt with a people who claimed to be God’s own but walked in their own way, refusing to receive a Word from God, or heed what His prophets had to say!

“Declare this in the house of Jacob,

and publish it in Judah, saying,

21 Hear now this,

O foolish people,

and without understanding;

which have eyes,

and see not;

which have ears,

and hear not:

22 Fear ye not me?

saith the LORD:

will ye not tremble

at my presence,

which have placed the sand

for the bound of the sea

by a perpetual decree,

that it cannot pass it:

and though the waves thereof

toss themselves,

yet can they not prevail;

though they roar,

yet can they not pass over it?

23 But this people hath a revolting

and a rebellious heart;

they are revolted and gone.”  Jeremiah 5:20-23

God also sent Isaiah to speak to a people who would not hear or heed, and He made it clear that HE knows the true hearts and motives of all men, women, boys, and girls, and He will keep account.

“Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened,

that it cannot save;

neither his ear heavy,

that it cannot hear:

2 But your iniquities have separated

between you and your God,

and your sins

have hid his face from you,

that he will not hear.

3 For your hands are defiled with blood,

and your fingers with iniquity;

your lips have spoken lies,

your tongue hath muttered perverseness.

4 None calleth for justice,

nor any pleadeth for truth:

they trust in vanity,

and speak lies;

they conceive mischief,

and bring forth iniquity.”  Isaiah 59:1-4

What are we choosing today?  As we look into the New Testament, the author of Hebrews makes it very clear that God’s Word IS the standard not ours; and HIS Word is the standard to which all will be held, and we need to discern wisely.  Yes, we have the freedom to choose, but choose wisely, there is a test!

“For the word of God

is quick,

and powerful,

and sharper than any twoedged sword,

piercing even to the dividing asunder

of soul and spirit,

and of the joints and marrow,

and is a discerner

of the thoughts

and intents

of the heart.

13 Neither is there any creature

that is not manifest in his sight:

but all things are naked and opened

unto the eyes of him

with whom we have to do.”   Hebrews 4:12-13

My whole confidence is centered in The Lord and HIS Word, and I pray that we will all run to HIM to not only seek HIS face but to know Him more and more through the power of His Word and His Spirit’s work in teaching us the truths it contains.  (See 2 Timothy 2:15 and 3:16-17)

“These things have I spoken unto you,

being yet present with you.

26 But the Comforter,

which is the Holy Ghost,

whom the Father will send in my name,

he shall teach you all things,

and bring all things

to your remembrance,

whatsoever I have said unto you.”   John 14:25-26

Notice The Spirit’s work is to bring things to our “remembrance”—that means I have to ‘member’ it first, HE won’t plant it for us.  I pray that this short post today will stir our hearts to prayer, Bible study, and faithful, holy living, that others will be drawn to the cross.  Here are a few more passages to direct our steps toward our Lord and HIS ways!  Remember God can and will often close the eyes and ears of those who choose to reject HIM.  Every person has been given the freedom to choose.  Joshua understood this as he called Israel to choose whom to serve.

“Now therefore fear the LORD,

and serve him in sincerity and in truth:

and put away the gods

which your fathers served

on the other side of the flood,

and in Egypt;

and serve ye the LORD.

15 And if it seem evil unto you

to serve the LORD,

choose you this day

whom ye will serve;

whether the gods

which your fathers served

that were on the other side

of the flood,

or the gods of the Amorites,

in whose land ye dwell:

but as for me and my house,

we will serve the LORD.”  Joshua 24:14-15

While the people responded in obedience before Joshua, Israel nor we today who claim Jesus/God, have always been faithful to HIM!  May we heed the warnings that God has for us today, as well as those in the past!  Even as Jesus gave John the message in The Revelation:

“Blessed is he

that readeth,

and they that hear

the words of this prophecy,

and keep those things

which are written therein:

for the time is at hand.”  Revelation 1:3

“They have not known

nor understood:

for he hath shut their eyes,

that they cannot see;

and their hearts,

that they cannot understand.”  Isaiah 44:18

“The word of the LORD also came unto me, saying,

2 Son of man,

thou dwellest in the midst

of a rebellious house,

which have eyes to see,

and see not;

they have ears to hear,

and hear not:

for they are a rebellious house.”   Ezekiel 12:1-2

Jesus also reminds us:

“Therefore speak I to them in parables:

because they seeing

see not;

and hearing

they hear not,

neither do they understand.

14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias,

which saith,

By hearing

ye shall hear,

and shall not understand;

and seeing

ye shall see,

and shall not perceive:

15 For this people’s heart

is waxed gross,

and their ears

are dull of hearing,

and their eyes

they have closed;

lest at any time

they should see

with their eyes,

and hear

with their ears,

and should understand

with their heart,

and should be converted,

and I should heal them.

16 But blessed are your eyes,

for they see:

and your ears,

for they hear.”   Matthew 13:13-16

And a couple of last truths to consider.

“Saying, Go unto this people, and say,

Hearing ye shall hear,

and shall not understand;

and seeing ye shall see,

and not perceive:

27 For the heart of this people

is waxed gross,

and their ears

are dull of hearing,

and their eyes

have they closed;

lest they should see

with their eyes,

and hear

with their ears,

and understand with their heart,

and should be converted,

and I should heal them.”    Acts 28:26-27

May your joy be full, and delight in the assurance that the Apostle John had in his Lord!

“That which was from the beginning,

which we have heard,

which we have seen with our eyes,

which we have looked upon,

and our hands have handled,

of the Word of life;

2 (For the life was manifested,

and we have seen it,

and bear witness,

and shew unto you that eternal life,

which was with the Father,

and was manifested unto us😉

3 That which we have seen

and heard

declare we unto you,

that ye also may have fellowship

with us:

and truly our fellowship

is with the Father,

and with his Son

Jesus Christ.

4 And these things write we unto you,

that your joy may be full.”  1 John 1:1-4

Amen and Amen!!!