Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Divine Wisdom Verses Common Sense

What do you do when what you are going through doesn’t make sense? As Christians we sometimes go through situations and circumstances that doesn’t make sense to us and in most cases question God and our faith. We often reason these circumstances through our finite minds and we fail to connect the dots. Yet life doesn't always make sense, and God doesn't always give us the answers. It is during these times of total uncertainty that we can be most tempted to mistrust God. We often ask this question: "Why would God allow this to happen?"

We forget the source of all evil and always God gets the bad rap. Although God sometimes lets us in on some of His reasons for allowing things or doing things, most of the time He doesn't. "'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the Lord. 'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts'" (Is 55:8-9).  Romans 8:28 says; “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

We must realize that we are the created beings and God is the Creator. How could we understand his reasoning? "Clearly Scripture tells us we lack the capacity to grasp God's infinite mind or the way He intervenes in our lives. How arrogant of us to think otherwise. Trying to analyze His omnipotence is like an ant attempting to comprehend the behavior of man."

When disasters strike, we feel like children at God's feet, tugging at his coat with the question, "Why?" It is human nature for us to want to understand each significant event in our lives. When my precious daughter was born with medical challenges which were facts but contrary to the TRUTH, I wanted to know why? The only answer I got was from John 9:1-3, when Jesus healed a man born blind. As Jesus went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned? Jesus said, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.

That gave me a window of hope and enabled me to realign my thoughts and expectation on how to approach my situation. We feel that if we could just grab hold of a reason for each painful event then we could make it through to the other side. My anchor became my relationship with God which is more experiential than text book knowledge; and not on any comforting words from friends and family. My attitude became one of a set up for God’s Glory and not a setback for the devils glory. If we always have a reason for things, we will be tempted to rely on ourselves during our pain rather than turning to God. We are not meant to understand; we are meant to trust. God's reasons are beyond our created minds. He does not promise us any explanations on earth, but one day in heaven we will understand our pain. "Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known" (1 Cor 13:12). We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).  Proverbs 3:5-6 says; “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight”. In other words; Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. What you are going through, though it might not make sense to you; trust in LORD – Anchor your faith in HIM and in your relationship with HIM and know that HE will make it all good.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Timely Word By Bobby Conner!

Bobby Conner
Prayer was never meant to be dry, dull or drudgery; on the contrary, it is to be a delightful audience with the KING! We have been granted a wonderful privilege: to approach God! It's almost unbelievable to think that God has invited us to approach Him to behold Him upon His throne. This is an invitation that none can afford to turn down.
The writer of the book of Hebrews states strongly, "Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God's unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it]" (Hebrews 4:16 AMP).
The Spirit of Truth is, at this time, releasing insights with understanding concerning the power of prayer. We are experiencing the power of the decree; God is turning prayer from a "plea" to a "powerful proclamation"! From, "Oh, God would You?" to "God, You promised!" Remember, you have not because you ask not (see James 4:2). Jesus states: "Ask and you shall receive, seek and you will find"!
Today, take a stand and boldly make your request known to God, having total confidence that He is hearing you and will grant your request.
"And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us. And if (since) we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted us as our present possessions] the requests made of Him" (1 John 5:14-15).
Christ Jesus states: "Truly I tell you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea!' and does not doubt at all in his heart but believes that what he says will take place, it will be done for him. For this reason I am telling you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe (trust and be confident) that it is granted to you, and you will [get it]" (Mark 11:23-24).
I encourage you to cast all your cares upon Christ Jesus, He truly cares for you, and in Him you will find a friend that sticks closer than a brother. In Him, you will find a constant help in the time of need. Just as Queen Esther in the Book of Esther, prepare your heart to come before your King (Christ Jesus), you too will discover a warm welcome. You will find He is willing and waiting to release to you your heart's request (see Esther 5:1-3).
God has promised that this is a season of His favor. For He says, "In the time of favor (of an assured welcome) I have listened to and heeded your call, and I have helped you on the day of deliverance (the day of salvation). Behold, now is truly the time for a gracious welcome and acceptance [of you from God]; behold, now is the day of salvation!" (2 Corinthians 6:2 AMP).
God bless you as you prepare to approach your King!