Wonderful Jesus!

Tag: word of God

• So Much More!

  Posted at 10:00 am by wonderfuljesus8, on October 23, 2020

  Romans 14:17 – “for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. NKJV

  

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  There is so much more to the Holy Spirit, that I can’t even begin to exhaust the subject of Him. As I have mentioned before, there are some really great books out there. One of my personal favorites was written by John Bevere. I encourage you to study the word, to find out His role in your life, but it wouldn’t hurt to read a book, either! Thanks for hanging in there with me, as I’ve tried to share a few truths I’ve learned about the Holy Spirit.

  I believe passionately in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. I’m sure I’ll come back to Him again and again! I also feel strongly about the baptism of the Holy Spirit. But today, I want to talk about Him from this perspective: there is so much more!

  Our text for today states that the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking. This is a perfect chapter to demonstrate an important aspect of the Holy Spirit, for in it, Paul is admonishing the body of Christ. He tells us that we are not to get carried away in what we eat or don’t eat because this is not what the kingdom of God is about. Understanding that at that time, they were coming together as a body of believers, made of Jews and Gentiles, and had concerns over the issue of what to eat and not to eat.

  They were also concerned over holy days and holidays. Again, Paul stressed the relative unimportance of these days, in relationship to the overall goal of being one in Christ. Much as many of us are still arguing over things like: to be immersed, or to sprinkle; to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, or just in the Name of Jesus. Should we be allowed to wear pants, or in today’s fashion world-leggings- or jogging suits to church? So many little issues that clog up the overall goal of advancing the kingdom of God. Should sin be allowed to infect the Body? Certainly not! But those things that are irrelevant in the whole scheme of salvation, should not be allowed to separate us!

  The kingdom of God is God’s rule and way of doing things. Jesus came preaching the kingdom, and commissioned us to go and do likewise. There’s much in the kingdom, and it will be my topic, soon, but for today’s post, I’m more focused on the end of the verse. The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost!

  The kingdom of God is righteousness. Righteousness is being in right standing with God. This is accomplished by coming into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ! In the Strong’s the rendition is “the state of him who is such as he ought to be; the condition of being acceptable to God.” That’s what Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross made available to all who believe, that we would be acceptable to God. In a state of sin, we are unacceptable, but as believers, we are made the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus! (2 Corinthians 5:21)

  If we keep this verse in context, it also deals with our right relationship with others. It’s important to remember that God requires of us all to do the right thing in regards to others. Judging people on what they eat or don’t eat, the color of their skin, their economic state in life, isn’t right, and it isn’t godly. The Holy Spirit helps us to get this right in our relationships with others. Especially the household of faith!

  The kingdom of God is peace. Peace is a place of security, safety, prosperity; the state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ. In Ephesians, the Holy Spirit is mentioned as the guarantee of our redemption! Have you ever purchased a home and had to give a deposit to guarantee the seller that your interest was sincere? The Holy Spirit guarantees your salvation, He is your assurance policy. He also is there providing security, safety, and prosperity to those in the kingdom.

  In relationship to the context in which it is written, being at peace with one another is important. Arguing and being in constant dispute over things that bring division and discord, like food and drink, and what days to worship, and how to worship, is pure foolishness and doesn’t lead to peace. In the kingdom of God, peace that flows from the Holy Spirit should be flowing through us to others. Not a facade of peace, but the real deal that demonstrates our connection with the Spirit of God. We are to be people who want safety, security, and prosperity in our lives, and in the lives of those around us.

  The kingdom of God is joy! Cheerful, calm delight, and gladness is the kingdom. Joy isn’t based on what is happening around us, it is based on what is happening in us. Joy goes deeper than happiness, for it is rooted in our inner being. Happiness is external and subject to change. When there is joy in our lives, we are better equipped to spread joy to others. The Holy Spirit causes that joy to stay fresh, enabling us to radiate it, even when we are not thinking about it, or we don’t appear to have a reason for it. Everyone loves being around a joy filled individual. They look at life and see hope, and all that is good around them.

  In light of this verse, we are to bring joy, not pain and chaos into the lives of others. Hurting others, because of our need to feel superior, is not radiating from the Holy Spirit. Joy is meant to be spread to others, just as love is. When we purpose to allow joy to shine from us, in the midst of troubling times, it’s magnetic. People are drawn to it! People are drawn to the kingdom.

  Paul is writing to believers, and He is letting us know that in the Holy Ghost, we have access to righteousness, peace, and joy. That’s the kingdom! And as kingdom citizens, we should display righteousness, peace, and joy to others! I leave you with this thought:

  Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 – NKJV

  He’s so much more than we ever thought, or could imagine! Taking time to get to know Him better, and allowing Him to have a place of importance in our lives will benefit us more than it will benefit Him. He’s just waiting for you, for us, to give Him a chance to show us so much more! Wonderful Jesus!

  Posted in Holy Spirit, joy, Kingdom of God, Peace, righteousness | 2 Comments | Tagged Holy Spirit, joy, Kingdom of God, Peace, relationships, righteousness, the Blood of Jesus, word of God

• A Variety of Tongues!

  Posted at 10:00 am by wonderfuljesus8, on October 19, 2020

  1 Corinthians 12:28 – “And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. NKJV

  

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  I understand that the topic of “speaking in tongues” is as controversial as the topic of the candidates for the presidency. Unfortunately, a vote won’t decide the outcome of tongues. It may not even decide the controversy over the presidency!

  In my previous blog, I shared about tongues as the initial evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. However, that is not the only “tongue” that the Bible references, and I would like to shed some light on that in this blog.

  In our text, Paul makes mention of a variety of tongues. First, let me just say that “speaking in tongues” is supernatural. The Holy Spirit speaks through us. There is a documentary, filmed by ABC, that shares some amazing truths about the aspect of speaking in tongues. I have included that link for you. Suffice it to say, they have scientifically proven that when we use our natural language, our frontal lobe is active; however, when we pray in tongues, it is silent. This proves that the genuine “glossolalia” Hebrew for “speaking in tongues” is not babbling, as some say. I encourage you to check it out! If this link doesn’t work, just type in documentary about speaking in tongues in YouTube.

  A variety of tongues, includes speaking in a heavenly language that communicates with God, receiving the gift of “tongues”, as well as the initial tongues that’s evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. I’ll try and separate them for you. My last post spoke of the initial tongues, so I will address the other two today.

  The disciples in the book of Acts, not only received tongues, but they also spoke in languages they had not previously learned, but others understood. When I read about the Azusa Street revival that happened in the early 1900s, there were many testimonies of people experiencing this same ability. Only with some of them, the language remained with them and they would go to that country as a missionary. For example, if they received a Chinese dialect, they would go to China as a missionary. So I have heard of people experiencing tongues to this degree.

  There is a pastor in Africa who went on an interview to enroll in Bible College after getting saved and baptized in the Holy Spirit. The knowledge of English was required, and when he sat down for the interview, he opened his mouth and out came English. He had never learned it, but he knew it, and understood it. As a matter of fact, I think he said that he thought he was speaking in his native tongue the whole time.

  Another wonderful testimony was of a young lady in Mexico. She was in a service when they asked if anyone could speak English well enough to translate for the speaker. I believe she knew a little, but not enough for translating. She had recently been baptized in the Holy Spirit and felt His prodding for her to go up. She was instantly downloaded with English and has been fluent ever since. I would love to be able to speak every language known to man, so I’m hoping for that ability one day!

  Another person, was led by the Spirit to stand up and speak in tongues in church. He obeyed, then sat down. After service, there was a man in the audience who spoke that language and received a word that encouraged him. Thinking the man spoke his language, he approached him after the service. The man had no idea how to speak that language, but it convinced the other person that God had spoken to him; and not only did he give his life to the Lord, but he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit!

  Our prayer language, truly can be an unknown tongue, or “glossolalia”. This is the tongue that Paul refers to as a language spoken to God:

  1 Corinthians 14:2 – “For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.” NKJV

  For the most part, this is a private language to be enjoyed in fellowship with the Lord. If in a prayer meeting, where you are encouraged to pray in the Spirit, this language will come forth at will, and the Spirit will give you utterance.

  But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, Jude 1:20 NKJV

  This is my favorite, the prayer language. It is a time of communion with the Father that is personal and intimate. Mysteries are truly opened up to you during or after this time and can be a strength. You can pray for 5 minutes to 5 hours in the Spirit, and enjoy the peace and blessings of praying in the Spirit!

  Nadia went missing from her front yard in Florida, in 2010. When the family couldn’t find her, they sent in a prayer request to the church. Four days had transpired, and she hadn’t been found. King, a member of the Church, was praying in the Spirit. As he prayed, He felt the leading of the Holy Spirit and went looking for her. God began to give him directions through a part of the swamp that was alligator infested. He found the girl. It was supernatural! It was in the newspapers and Christian magazines. Google it!

  When you don’t know what to pray, when you can’t find the words, pray in the Spirit! He knows!

  Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26 – NKJV

  Then there’s the language of tongues that is associated with the gift of tongues:

  1 Corinthians 12:10 – “to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.” NKJV

  It’s been my understanding that this gift is different from just speaking in tongues in the sense that this gift comes with a variety of tongues, and can be interpreted with the gift of interpretation, to give a prophetic word to the Body. The individual with this gift may speak in tongues in an Asian language one time, then French, then Native American, or many others. This may be the gift operating in some of my above examples. Whatever the case, the gift of tongues is the one that Paul brings caution to the church about, when he shares a lot of warnings. If you speak in tongues in a church setting, and you don’t have the gift of interpretation, nor does anyone else, then his encouragement is that you keep silent. Trust the leading of Spirit, and you’ll be fine!

  I’ve tried to be thorough, while remaining brief and to the point. However, if you have questions or an interest to learn more, there are many great books out there to assist you as you pour over the Scriptures. If I can recommend one to you, I’d be happy to do so!

  What we don’t understand, we reject or criticize. What we need to do is ask God to lead us to truth. That will help you get the right answer. Don’t accept my word, or anyone else’ word. God’s word can stand alone. Check it out! Wonderful Jesus!

  Posted in Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues | 0 Comments | Tagged documentary on speaking in tongues, glossolalia, Holy Spirit, miracles, miraculous, Prayer, speaking in tongues, supernatural, testimony, victory, word of God

• Planted By Rivers of Waters

  Posted at 10:00 am by wonderfuljesus8, on October 9, 2020

  Psalm 1:3 – “He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.” NKJV

  

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  When I saw this picture, it certainly reminded me of our text for today! Waters flowing, greenery on both sides of the river, and a call to the soul of anyone who loves the great outdoors! Unfortunately, that isn’t me! I can enjoy a beautiful scenery like this, or in a movie; but when it comes to this type of nature, let’s just say, I’ll pass! Having said that, I can see the imagery that the psalmist was painting when he said that a blessed man shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water.

  I pick up with verse 3 today, but I must revisit verse 2. We’ve already discussed that a blessed man loves God’s law. In our case, that would be the Bible. A godly man, who loves the Word, is a man who is planted, rooted and grounded in the Word. He draws his spiritual strength and nourishment from God’s word, much as a tree draws water and nutrients from a river, which is necessary for sustaining life and growth!

  The prophet Jeremiah, used similar words to describe the man who is blessed:

  Jeremiah 17:7-8 – “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord . For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.” NKJV

  Jeremiah confirms that a man who is blessed, is a man with roots! Roots are important to the tree, but they are also important to the soil. Roots give stability to the tree and provide it with nutrients, but it also keeps the soil from eroding. Stable people have a way of keeping those around them, from falling apart. Their strength is easily transferable to those who may be in need, being a blessing because they are blessed.

  The psalmist tells us three important things about this tree that is planted, which we understand symbolizes a blessed man:

  First, it brings forth its fruit in its season. This sounds a lot like dependability. As a kid I ate a lot of fruit from the trees in the neighborhood: pears, plums, and figs, to name a few. We knew in the summer that we would be able to play outside all day without the need to go in for lunch, because we were surrounded by fruit bearing trees. Some neighbors would ask us to help them harvest the trees and would allow us to have access to them when we wanted them. And honestly, sometimes we would just go and take what we wanted! We depended on those trees in the summer time. When Jesus went to the fig tree and found no fruit, I can well imagine His disappointment in that tree! A godly man is expected to have good fruit in his season, just as we expect fruit to be on fruit bearing trees in their season!

  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV

  This blessed man, is an attractive man. I already shared my husband’s way with our girls, but let me tell you, I’m his number one girl. When we met, I saw the fruit of the spirit in his life, and was drawn to him. Are you looking for a husband? Make sure he is bearing fruit of godliness and not just talking it. Talk is real cheap, when you are thinking of committing yourself in a marital relationship! Look for the real deal!

  Second, its leaf shall not wither. Jeremiah helps us to understand this a little better. He writes that the leaf will be green and will not be anxious in a drought. He’s planted by waters. Photosynthesis is always happening within a tree that is well watered and filled with nutrients from that water. Therefore, the leaves are healthy, vibrant, and green. Even in a drought, because it doesn’t affect the tree by the waters. Blessed people are not concerned in times of famine or drought because they are planted near the flow of life; a river whose stream makes glad! The Word is a great source of nourishment in a drought. This pandemic has created a drought for many, but those planted in the Word, are still flourishing! Their leaves are still green and healthy! Does that mean that they don’t experience hardship? Not at all! But when things settle down, the blessed will be found standing!

  Lastly, whatever he does shall prosper. That’s what God told Joshua!

  Joshua 1:8 – “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” NKJV

  The word of God causes us to prosper and to have good success! God said it several times and in several ways. The blessed man will be successful and prosperous! It doesn’t get any plainer than that! If you are a carpenter, then God will cause your carpentry to prosper and to be successful. If you are a teacher, like I am, then God can cause you to be successful and to prosper. What ever the arena, wherever you go, your way will prosper and you will have good success!

  Let me stop here and say what Jesus said many times, “Be it done to you according to your faith!” If you believe this is only about your spiritual well-being, then that’s where you will prosper and have good success. If you believer this applies to your finances and life, again, that’s what you will have. But if you believe it applies to everything that God has for you, including, “every spiritual blessing”, and every natural benefit, yep, that’s what you will receive.

  I just sensed that sometimes, we don’t feel like we are blessed because of a lack material things, or the trials we go through, or the fact that we are still single, or childless, or jobless. These things can mark the blessed person’s life. But what I wanted to help you to understand, is what God has helped me to understand: the most blessed person in the world, is the person who is living their life with God by His standards! And when you get these other things, they won’t pull you off because you know they are the benefits of you being blessed and not the things that make you blessed! Hope that makes sense! Wonderful Jesus!

  Posted in blessings, God’s Blessings, Psalms, the Word of God | 0 Comments | Tagged blessings, encouragement, fruit of the spirit, God, hard times, pandemic, planted, psalm, relationships, waters, word of God

• Blessed People Love the Word!

  Posted at 10:00 am by wonderfuljesus8, on October 7, 2020

  Psalm 1:2 – “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. NKJV

  

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  If you read my previous blog, you will remember that I have already looked at the first verse of this psalm that refers to the things that a blessed man shouldn’t be associated with. In this blog, I want to continue looking at the qualities of a blessed man.

  Verse two is a continuation of the thought from verse one. The psalmist told us that a blessed man doesn’t seek counsel from the ungodly, doesn’t hinder the sinner, and doesn’t look at people with contempt. In this verse, the psalmist basically compares the godly to the ungodly! Now, we want to look at what the psalmist has to say that the blessed man will do!

  First, his delight is in the law of the Lord. To delight in the law is to be happy about it, to get excited about it; whether you are reading, studying, or hearing someone expound on it! This scripture let’s us know that when you delight in the law, God calls you blessed! Blessed people, fulfilled people, delight in the word of God!

  I’ve been reading the Word of God for decades. I wish I could say to you that as a daily reader of the Word, I have memorized the Bible; but I cannot, because I have not! However, I love God’s word! There are times when I approach it with more excitement than other times, but I hold it in high esteem. The New Testament is my favorite part of the Bible, but I have learned to truly love the Old Testament! I’m still working on the books with all of the tribes, laws, and rituals; yet the more I read them, the more I am able to see some special things about God.

  For example, during the earlier part of the pandemic, I read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, in about three months. During that reading, I was just amazed at the God who thinks in such detail. When I read about the tabernacle and how the tribes were to surround the tabernacle at rest, I saw some things I hadn’t seen before. God thinks of everything! He is such a detail oriented God, that it should bring us great peace to realize He knows the details of our life! Sometimes it takes us a while to appreciate certain portions of the word, but stick with it, because it will begin to open up to you!

  In Psalm 119, the Word is mentioned frequently by many terms: statues, commandments, law, testimonies, precepts, and judgments. The psalmist obviously loved the word, as this psalm is the longest chapter in the Bible, and it is about the word!

  I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches. Psalm 119:14 – NKJV

  Can you imagine being more excited about God’s word than about riches? Somebody is probably saying, “I haven’t got there yet!” When I have to teach or preach, I have to tell the Holy Spirit that I need to go to sleep. The Word can have me so excited that I have difficulty settling down. Scriptures are floating through my mind, as the Spirit brings points, thoughts, and illustrations that will help me to make the word plain!

  I can spend hours studying the word, and I can honestly say that I delight in the Word! There are other times, when I read something in the word, and I have to talk about it to everyone who will listen! That’s why blogging is so perfect for me. I get to talk about the word, and share what the Holy Spirit says to me, without apology!

  I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word. Psalm 119:16 – NKJV

  I heard that Jewish boys are taught the Law, verbatim. I’m impressed! My secret prayer to the Lord has been that I would be given a photographic memory that I might know the word. Years ago, someone said to me that they could quote more of the Word than I could. My response was, but can you live it? I’m not going to tell you about how much of the Word you should put to your memory, just that memorizing scripture is important. As a matter of fact, I think the psalmist is saying that he delights in the Word, and as he goes about his day, he won’t forget what the word said! Which may have nothing to do with memorizing scripture! I think it more accurately means that when you delight in the word, there’s no forgetting it. It becomes so important to you that you find yourself thinking about it at “odd” times, because you enjoy it so much!

  This leads us to the next point! Not only does the blessed man delights in the Word of God, but he meditates in it day and night! I wish the psalmist hadn’t said day and night! I wish he had said day or night, because the night time is my favorite time to get in the Word.

  God told Joshua:

  This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:8 – NKJV

  I believe Joshua followed God’s command to him! And here’s the thing that I want to point out to you: meditating on the word of God, is really meditating on God! As we think about Him day and night, and night and day, we can’t help but be blessed!

  I think of all the years I wasted worrying over the fear of backsliding. Once I asked the Lord if so-and-so backslid, how could I make it? He said the devil seeks whom he can to devour, just don’t be the one! As I began to meditate on God, the fear of backsliding left me. Am I perfect? Certainly not! However, my meditation is on the Word, on God, and not on failing! I think that is an important key!

  When we think of being blessed, we think in terms of material things. And that’s okay! However, it is an absolute blessing to know God, and delighting in His word, means you are delighting in Him. Meditating on His Word, means you are meditating on Him! This is an amazing opportunity for every believer to be blessed. It is something that we can all do! You don’t need an invitation, a degree, or even the right connections! All you need is a copy of the Word of God and a desire!

  I encourage you today, to see the word differently. I challenge you to ask God to open His word to you, and to help you to delight in it! You won’t be sorry! He’s worth the time, and so is His Word! Wonderful Jesus!

  Posted in blessings, Psalms, the Word of God | 3 Comments | Tagged blessed man, blessings, God, laws, meditating on the word, memorizing scripture, precepts, Psalm 119, statues, testimonies, word of God

• Change Your World!

  Posted at 10:58 pm by wonderfuljesus8, on September 20, 2020

  Hebrews 11:3 -Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. KJV

  

  * When I posted this yesterday, somehow it posted for earlier this month and I had to search for it. My apologies for the late posting!

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  Have you ever had a situation in life that you didn’t understand? Well, if you haven’t, I have had enough of them to share some with you! It is doing those times of difficulties and confusion that we find it hard to believe God; however, if you remain true to Him during those times, you will find that He is truly God, and that He can change your world!

  Years ago, I was reading something Rick Renner wrote in regards to this verse, that has stuck with me. Rick said that when we look at this verse, we think about creation being formed by the word of God, where He caused something to appear out of nothing. He went on to explain, and you may need to read it from him to really get it, that it means something totally different. Basically, he stated that the Hall of Faith is written about people who changed their world, by faith in the word of God. I think that is not only an interesting point of view, but a biblical sound point of view.

  There was Abraham, the father of faith, and the patriarch of Israel. At God’s word, he left Ur and went into a land that he didn’t know. As he obeyed the word that God gave him, a whole nation of people were born, changing the world as he knew it. Out of a barren woman, came forth a nation that is still in existence today! Abraham chose to believe God, and the world was changed because of it.

  Take Joseph. God gave Joseph two dreams. In the dreams, his family bowed to him. Even being in slavery didn’t stop Joseph from trusting God’s plan for his life. Not only did his dream come to pass, but Joseph ended up saving his family, and thus the nation of Israel. But here’s something that jumped out at me, his brothers sold him into slavery, and his brother’s families were in slavery for over 400 years! God’s word to a young man literally changed his world, causing him to be the head and not the tail, in the land of his enslavement. And it changed the world in which he lived!

  My all time favorite world changer is Jesus. He’s still changing the world today! However, I will use my next favorite person to seal the deal. Paul! Paul didn’t start out with a love for Jesus, or His message. As a matter of fact, he persecuted the believers. But one day he was literally knocked to his knees by an encounter with the Savior. As a result, his world was changed, the church world was changed, and the gospel was preached to the Gentiles. God gave him a word, and that word changed everything about his life and in his life!

  World changers are people who are not encumbered with their past, or their present, but only in what they believe. Here are a few people from our immediate history I am sure you remember:

  George Washington Carver, born a slave, wasn’t moved by the fact that Black people were considered less than human, illiterate, and incapable of thinking for themselves. He was moved by his love for agriculture and his faith that he could help his people make a living. In the process, he changed the agricultural world. The records show that he was a man of faith who trusted God with even his scientific discoveries. Did he experience challenges and setbacks? You bet he did! But he changed his world, with a word from God!

  Harriet Tubman learned to hear the voice of God. One day God told her to run! As she obeyed His voice, she found her way up North, and freedom from slavery. His same voice, led her back South, enabling her to free over 300 others, never getting caught. She changed her world, their world, and eventually the world in which she lived. How? By a word from God!

  These individuals didn’t have an easy life. They didn’t have anything to start with. They didn’t even start out as world changers. They went through great challenges and setbacks, but they had a word from God. Inside each of us, is definitely the ability to change our world, and the possibility of changing the world for others. We just need a word from God.

  Faith, is about trust. It isn’t blind faith, but it is faith in the character and the word of the person you have placed your trust in. You will never experience a relationship with anyone who is more faithful to his word, then God! His favor doesn’t require a payback, or a scratch on the back! He just requires that you trust Him no matter what!

  I am truly training my heart and my words to understand that what I don’t understand in this life, I choose to understand by faith in a wonderful God! Faith in a loving God! Faith in a good God! I don’t know what you are going through today, or what you went through yesterday, but Jesus is the same! His promise to us remains the same, He is with us!

  You may not feel like, and it may not seem like it, but you are a world changer. If not the whole world, definitely yours. All you need is a word from the word of God to hold on to, to trust in! As you face the challenges of your life, put the word on it and begin to watch your world change. It’s time for us to realize that anybody can have faith when the going is good; but having faith when the going gets tough? That’s true faith! That’s overcoming faith! That’s Hebrews 11 faith! Wonderful Jesus!

  Posted in Faith, God, hard times | 0 Comments | Tagged Attitude, encouragement, Faith, George Washington Carver, God, hard times, Harriet Tubman, trust in God, word of God

• Put it to the Test!

  Posted at 10:00 am by wonderfuljesus8, on September 17, 2020

  1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 – “Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. NKJV

  

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  In this letter of 1 Thessalonians, Paul is full of advice. In actuality, his advice is more accurately called exhortations, or words of encouragement meant to push the believer into becoming more mature. The part that I want to look at today is, “test all things”.

  My husband shares the story of one of our first dates. He and I went to a pizza place to eat. When we placed our drink order, he asked for a beer. I didn’t say anything while the server was present, but afterwards I remarked on the fact that I was surprised he ordered a beer. To be perfectly honest, I told him that if a Christian friend of mine was to walk past us, I would be embarrassed. He said that he didn’t have to have the beer and that he wasn’t a drinker. Years later, when I mentioned this event, he said it was a test to see how I would respond in an uncomfortable situation. I can also honestly say that I never saw him drink beer again, so I can accept his explanation. He put me to the test, and I passed the test! One of many according to him! But I want you to know that I had some tests of my own!

  In life, we will find ourselves in many situations where we will have to put something to the test. During a courtship is a perfect time for testing. Having warm fuzzy feelings for an individual is great, but I can assure you that the feelings don’t last with the wrong person. It’s easy to take people at face value, when you think you are in love, but people can be pretentious. I can’t even begin to tell you how many people got married, only to later say, “I don’t know this person”! That advice was free!

  When looking into the word, there are a few things that we are to test, starting with ourselves! This test, according to the Vine’s is for the sake of “approving”. Paul is basically telling us that we get to give our approval of all things in this life. Many want us to believe that we should just take everything that happens, especially in the church, without having an opinion about them, but I don’t agree! And neither does Paul, for he said to test all things! When it comes to people, however, I think we should definitely understand what things we are testing!

  Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. 2 Corinthians 13:5 – NKJV

  Isn’t it interesting that Paul encouraged us to examen ourselves so that we would know if Jesus was really in us! We all feel like we can tell if someone is saved or not. I’m certainly guilty of this opinion. Here, Paul is saying, “examine yourself”. You know if you are the real deal or not, for the proof really is in the pudding. In the faith isn’t talking about how you believe God for things, but if you are a member of His family. Put it to the test! I can tell you one thing, this pandemic is helping us to “examine” ourselves, rather we wanted to or not, to determine if we are in the faith!

  Another thing we can test is our spiritual leadership! Yes we can!

  But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. 1 Timothy 3:10 – NKJV

  In the church, almost anybody can be a deacon, it seems, today. Years ago, I was attending a church, when a deacon said from the pulpit that Mary was not a virgin. On that note, I found another place to worship. We can’t just attend church because of our soul ties and connections. If the word isn’t being preached, and the leadership isn’t living a godly life, they have failed the most important test! Put them to the test! Jesus commended one of the churches in Revelation for this very thing:

  “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; Revelation 2:2 – NKJV

  This isn’t being judgmental, it’s testing them. Not with paper and pencil! Not by being judgmental! But watch their life and listen to what they say! If that person can’t hold up to the test of the word, then you should pray about your next steps. I have been blessed through the years to have some really good pastors, but I put them to the test, without them knowing it! So don’t be ridiculous in the testing! Had the congregants tested Jim Jones and people like him, they would have been spared a horrible end!

  Then there are spirits! There are so many spirits that we have to test them and see if they are from God or not!

  Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1 – NKJV

  Yes! I believe in the gift of prophecy, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t test the spirits of the “prophets” or the spirits behind situations. Try the spirits! If it’s of God, it will stand the test, and if it’s not of God, then it won’t!

  God gives us permission to put Him to the test in the area of tithing:

  Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. Malachi 3:10 – NKJV

  He is so confident in the blessing of the tithe that He said you could put Him to test with it! Go ahead and start tithing and see if He won’t bless you!

  And then there is the trying of the word! Everything that we are told that the word says, doesn’t necessarily mean that the word says it. This is where studying the word comes into play, to prove if what we are being taught is so:

  Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. Acts 17:10-11 – NKJV

  Paul knew he was telling the truth, and yet he was impressed with the Bereans studying the scriptures to see if what he taught was true. I’m skeptical of people who get upset when they know people are checking out what they say in the word. One thing I love about the ministers I know, they get happy when they see or hear others studying the word. I can remember as a kid, that I saw Jim Jones throw the Bible on the floor. Ah! It’s time to leave! Why does this keep coming to my mind tonight? Is someone involved in a ministry that is questionable? If that’s you, put it to the test, and then do what God tells you to do!

  I have to close, but I leave you with the words of Solomon:

  All this I have proved by wisdom… Ecclesiastes 7:23 – NKJV

  Proving all things involves the wisdom of God. Whether you are testing a person’s character because you want to marry them, or testing yourself, wisdom from God will be your top priority. Don’t walk around thinking that you are being used by the devil when you privately “test’ something by the Spirit of God. Notice, I said privately! And as you seek wisdom from Him, He will help you to prove all things! Wonderful Jesus!

  Posted in encouragement, God’s Requirements, Prophecy, Prophetic, will of God | 0 Comments | Tagged bad leaders, Believer, Berea, blessings, church leaders, Dating, Marriage, Paul, prophecies, relationships, testing, Tithing, will of God, wisdom, word of God

• God’s Requirements – Part 3

  Posted at 2:03 am by wonderfuljesus8, on September 5, 2020

  Micah 6:8 – He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? NKJV

  

  gods-requirements-part-3.mp3

  I have truly enjoyed studying this verse. Micah is not typically a book of the Bible that I spend time “deep diving” into, but I may have to change that! Micah wrote that God has shown us what is good, letting us know that He is our example. He went on to share what God requires of us. We’ve already looked at the first two: to act justly and to love mercy. In this blog, I will address the last phrase of this verse, “and to walk humbly with your God”.

  In the Message Bible, this portion of the verse is rendered, “and don’t take yourself too seriously-take God seriously!” As I was meditating on this verse, preparing to write this last blog, God brought King Nebuchadnezzar to my mind. King Nebuchadnezzar was a king that took himself too seriously.

  In the book of Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar had two dreams. In the first dream God revealed to the king that his kingdom would be a strong and prosperous kingdom. God used the imagery of a statue, and the king was represented by a golden head. Somewhere in the course of his days, he thought it a great idea to build a gold statue of himself for everyone to bow down to. When the Hebrew boys refused to bow, the king had the furnace heated up and then had them thrown into it. However, God stepped in and saved the young men, causing Nebuchadnezzar to acknowledge that He is the Most High God!

  The next dream we read about, the king himself wrote, in a letter. He had a dream about a tree that reached to the heavens and covered the world. Then one day, holy beings cut the tree down, leaving a stump, while the tree turns into an animal for 7 seasons. When Daniel was called to interpret the dream, Daniel didn’t want to tell the king that this tree represented him, and that God would cut him down, he would lose his mind, and he would live like an animal for a season of times. But Daniel told him and tried to encourage him to turn from his prideful ways. However, the king did not. And so, the dream came to pass. At the end of the letter, it is obvious that the king has been restored to his right mind, and has come to understand that there is no God like the Most High God. You should read the book to understand the depth of his pride, but suffice it to say, with all that God had done for him, he thought that he had done it; and his pride got him in trouble with God.

  Nebuchadnezzar had this to say about the true and living God:

  Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to put down. Daniel 4:37 NKJV

  When God said that He requires of us to walk humbly before Him, that’s what He meant! Unfortunately for the king, he had to lose his mind before he could truly understand that because of his pride, God had to take him down a few notches. Is that what you or I need to realize that we are to walk humbly before our God? I certainly hope not!

  In the book of psalms, it is written:

  The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts. Psalm 10:4

  How plain is that? When pride enters our heart, we feel we have no need for God, His word, or His counsel. He is not a part of our thinking, even to the point that we feel above the need to have to seek Him. What a sad state of affairs for an individual to find himself in!

  A well known proverb about pride states:

  Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18

  Isn’t that what happened to King Nebuchadnezzar? Before his destruction, we saw his pride! First, with the golden statue and the decree to throw people in the fiery furnace if they didn’t bow at the sound of the music. And then, we saw it with the warning of the tree. Although warned to deal with the pride in his life, or face being humiliated before his people, Nebuchadnezzar hung on to his pride!

  When pride comes, then come shame… Proverbs 11:2a

  Nebuchadnezzar had to learn this lesson the hard way! But not just King Nebuchadnezzar, many men and women have to learn this lesson the hard way. My mama used to say, “The bigger they are, the harder they fall!” Isn’t that so true? The greater the power a person has, the harder their fall, the greater their humiliation! We see it on a regular basis these days. Politicians, corporate leaders, pastors, church leaders, CEOs, celebrities, principals, billionaires, millionaires, and the common person too! Success, money, and power, in every arena of life, causes that demonic spirit to rise on the attack! And if it isn’t dealt with in private, it will humiliate and bring shame in the public!

  Here’s what God has to say about the humble:

  The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way. Psalm 25:9

  It’s quite obvious that the prideful person can’t hear from God, because he doesn’t seek God. Yet, God guides the humble person in justice. He’s there to assist the humble person in “acting justly”. And He teaches the humble person how to walk and live in His way! What a comfort and a blessing to know! The word also tells us this:

  The Lord lifts up the humble; He casts the wicked down to the ground. Psalm 147:6

  We don’t have to get ahead in life by mistreating people and forgetting God. He clearly lifts up the humble person, and he clearly casts down the wicked. Someone might say, “It doesn’t look like it”! Well, as believers, we don’t walk by what we see, but by what we believe. And if we learn to trust God and His word, we will see the humble lifted, and the wicked cast down to the ground! Didn’t Jesus say that He saw Lucifer cast down from heaven? Lucifer’s pride got in his way! Didn’t the same word of God say that Jesus, who humbled Himself, was given a name above all names, and was highly exalted? We must begin to accept God’s word as the truth that it is!

  I leave you with this word, from the word:

  A man’s pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor. Proverbs 29:23

  It’s been a real blessing to look closely at this verse. I want to live a life that honors God, and this verse has helped to identify some ways in which I can do that! Act justly-do the right thing where people are concerned; love mercy-stop hating, forgiving one another, and demonstrate kindness to others; and walk humbly before our God-understanding that He exalts the humble and brings down the proud! Wonderful Jesus!!

  Posted in God, God’s Requirements, Humility, Pride | 0 Comments | Tagged Believer, encouragement, exalted, Forgiveness, God, Humility, Jesus, Justice, king Nebuchadnezzar, love, Mercy, miraculous, obedience, Pride, the devil, Victorious Living, word of God

• Yielding the Sword!

  Posted at 2:44 am by wonderfuljesus8, on August 8, 2020

  Ephesians 6:17 – “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;” NKJV

  yielding-the-sword_.mp3

  I trust you are getting encouraged in your walk with the Lord! The Word of God says that we are more than conquerors; therefore, the weapons against our adversary are fail proof when used in faith! Have you ever watched someone play a video game, or maybe you have played, and the battle called for warriors to use different weapons at different phases of the game? Or maybe you have no knowledge of video games, but understand real warfare. You understand that there are foot soldiers with guns, snipers with rifles, tanks with artillery, planes with bombs, all headed for the enemy to engage him in different ways. All important, all strategic, all deadly, but in different ways! That’s how our spiritual weapons are used; in different phases of the battle, for different attacks, but all are lethal against the adversary! I wrote a blog, this year, “Talk Back to the Enemy” that is a companion blog to today’s entry.

  Paul is writing about the full armor of God in this passage. I won’t address the armor in this blog, but I do want to address the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Typically speaking, a sword is a weapon of defense and the Word is definitely great for defending ourselves against the enemy; but it can also be an offensive weapon used to attack an opponent. Which ever position you find yourself in, even at this moment, the word will work!

  In Matthew, chapter 4, we find Jesus is being led into the wilderness. After forty days and nights of fasting, the devil comes for a visit. He didn’t send a demon this time. This was an assignment he took up.

  The first temptation was at Jesus’ physical need of food. He said to Jesus, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” This was a real temptation because Jesus was hungry. It was also an attack on Jesus’ identity as the Son of God. Jesus didn’t get into a long discourse with the devil. He simply replied, “It is written, ‘Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'” Jesus’ weapon against the devil’s attempt to pull Him into the flesh after a forty day fast was countered with the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God!

  Then we see that the devil took him up into the holy city, and said, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you.'” We can see that Satan came with a counterattack at Jesus, using the Word against Him. That was pretty dumb to use the Word against the Living Word, but he did it. Jesus of course responded with a greater truth, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.'” In other words, it is very true that angels would come to His rescue, but He knew it would be silly to test God’s faithfulness on a challenge from Satan.

  Lastly, Satan takes Jesus on an exceedingly high mountain and shows Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. Now he is trying to impress Jesus with his goods. He say to Jesus “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Jesus rebukes Satan by saying, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.'”

  After these words of rebuke, the devil leaves, and angels came and ministered to Him. He whipped the devil with the Word and was victorious, not because He was the Son, but because of the effectiveness of the sword of the Spirit! It worked for Jesus, and it will work for us!

  I want to address something that was going on. During this time of temptation, Satan was trying to get Jesus to sin against God. The temptation wasn’t a sin, but had Jesus done either of these things, He would have sinned. When we are tempted, they are just temptations, but when we give in and do a thing, it becomes a sin. Learning to cut the devil off before he has a chance to get us to thinking about his proposal is key in maintaining our victory. The immediate weapon to use against a suggestion to sin, is the Word of God!

  • Consider an individual who is dating. The enemy tells that person some tired lies that he have used throughout the centuries with others. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t, but he’s had enough success that he still uses it. Recently my daughter told me this one that a young person shared with her, “Girl, you have to try it before you buy it!” How many times did my “girlfriends” tell me the same thing, decades ago. The only thing you get to try before you buy it is a car. Are we reducing our bodies to that of an automobile? You buy a house, you buy it first, then you move in; unless you rent to own. See the lie for what it is then use the word against sexual sin.
    • It is written, “Flee sexual immorality! And again it says “that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and I am not my own. Or have you not heard how Joseph, when approached by Potiphar’s wife refused her saying that he would not sin against God?” No devil, I will not do this thing for it is written, “You shall not commit adultery or fornication. So get out of here with your lies!”

  • Consider an individual who is struggling to make ends meet. The enemy tells that person, you should not be giving the church all of their money. You have been tithing (for all of two months) and things are worst. You have been giving to support the teens ministry, VBS, or pastoral support, but who is helping you?
    • It is written, “Bring the tithe in the storehouse…and I will open the window of heaven and pour you out a blessing you will not have room to receive. It is also written, “Give and it shall be given to you!” There is no way that I will stop being a financial blessing to my church for God has promised in His word, that the righteous are not forsaken and His seed is not begging for bread!” Now leave me alone!

  These are just examples that are common in the church. And they are lies that I have heard hundreds of times over the years that I have living for the Lord. Lies you have heard personally, or know others who have heard them. The Bible is filled with examples of people who have gone both ways: Eve, Samson and Judas believed the lies, Abraham, Noah, and Joseph did not! You don’t have to give in to the lies of the devil, just yield the sword of the Spirit at him and watch him hightail it out of your presence! Once you see it work, it may very well become your preferred weapon of attack!

  I believe I am finished with the weapons of our warfare blogs. I trust you have enjoyed reading them as much as I have enjoyed writing them. On wonderfuljesus.blog, it is my hope that you will always find encouraging, practical topics to keep you living a victorious life and falling in love with Jesus, over and over again! Wonderful Jesus!

  Posted in Jesus, Satan, Spiritual warfare, the devil, weapons of warfare | 0 Comments | Tagged blessings, God, Jesus, sexual sin, Sin, Spiritual warfare, the devil, Tithing, Vic tory, Victorious Living, weapons of warfare, word of God

• A Thief, A Robber, A Destroyer!

  Posted at 9:00 am by wonderfuljesus8, on July 18, 2020

  John 10:10- The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly! NKJV

  This blog is an updated version of a previous post. You can now read and/or listen to my blogs. I hope hearing the blog is a welcome addition!

  

  a-thief_-a-robber_-a-destroyer.mp3

  The devil, known as Satan, the evil one, the accuser of the brethren, that old dragon, and the prince of this world, to name a few, is our adversary! Plain and simple. As I wrote previously, many people try not to think about or even acknowledge his interference in life, or his utter dislike for them! I can assure you, ignoring him doesn’t make him go away, it emboldens him! He’s like a scorned lover who yells, “I will not be ignored!”

  An adversary is one’s opponent in a contest, conflict, or dispute. That certainly describes the devil. He is our opponent. Plain and simple. He is a constant threat to us and all that we hold dear, because of the fact that we are special to God. Not just those of us who are born again, but mankind in general. He hates us all! It’s interesting to note how eagerly some people will align themselves to the devil, only to later find out, he has no loyalty or love for them!

  Jesus called Satan a liar, a thief, a robber, a murderer, a destroyer, and an accuser of the brethren! Since that is how Jesus identifies him, then we should know that he is never interested in anything but our demise. He and his demonic team has no good thing within them, and are incapable of good!

  Our adversary the liar. He tells us we’re sick, we’re dying, we’re never going to amount to anything, no one loves us, everyone is against us, God isn’t faithful, and the list goes on and on. When you hear this stuff, know it is coming from him! Don’t listen to that! Cast down those lying thoughts! (Check out my previous post to learn more).

  Our adversary the devil is a thief. “A thief is someone who steals something from an individual in secret.” He comes to steal the word of God that encourages us when we read the Bible, hear a great sermon, or read an inspiring blog! He comes to steal our joy, our peace, our reputation, our witness, our children, and everything else that God has given us to bless us, by any means necessary. He tries to wrap it up in other things like people and circumstances, but it is him and his team! Don’t let him do it!

  Our adversary the devil is a robber. “A robber is like a thief, in that he steals from you; but different in that he can be seen by the victim. A robber also employs the technique of using injuries or threats to take what he wants. That’s how he uses accidents, drug addiction, job loss, divorce, prolonged illness, and a host of other things. He’s bold when he does it and doesn’t care if you recognize he is the one behind it. Then he threatens you with fear, taunting and tormenting you, until you cave under the pressure! But it’s just an attack from the devil and you don’t have to give in to it!

  Our adversary is a murderer! Yes he is! Don’t ever think that pain or sickness is just to make you uncomfortable, or is just a process of living. He is trying to kill you! And if he can’t kill you, he will certainly put as much on you as he can get away with! Don’t accept anything he throws at you as no big deal. It is a big deal! Resist seeing everything through glasses that are covered with ignorance and unawareness!

  He’s a destroyer of all that is good! He wants to destroy your witness, your home, your family, your finances, your business, your name, your peace, your relationships, and your health. I’m telling you, there is nothing in your life that is off limits to him! He leaves chaos and destruction everywhere. Hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and fires have all been attributed to an act of God! That’s him lying and deflecting blame. It’s his nature to destroy, not God’s!

  And lastly, he’s the accuser of the brethren! That’s right! He stands before God, day and night, making accusations against us. Make sure he’s wasting his breath! Don’t give him anything to accuse you of! But whether there is a legitimate reason or not, he will find something to say against you! It’s what he does! This is a perfect picture of him in his role as adversary. And if he can get us accusing one another, well, he is even happier!

  So what is a person to do, knowing that the adversary is constantly on the prowl looking for a way to attack us physically, emotionally, financially, and spiritually? Especially when he can attack in ways that makes us feel like the full force of hell is upon us! Keep reading or listening, because that will be in my next post! Wonderful Jesus!

  Posted in Jesus, Satan, Spiritual warfare, the devil | 2 Comments | Tagged Believer, blessings, Christian, God, hard times, Jesus, protection, relationships, Satan, Spiritual warfare, supernatural, testimony, the devil, trust in God, Victorious Living, victory, word of God

• God, the Sovereign Lord!

  Posted at 8:40 pm by wonderfuljesus8, on July 9, 2020

  Deuteronomy 3:24 – “Sovereign Lord, you have begun to show to your servant your greatness and your strong hand. For what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do the deeds and mighty works you do?” NIV

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  I was reading in a theology text about the sovereignty of God. In the conclusion, the author wrote that God is sovereign, meaning He is in control over all that has happened or will happen, and over all individuals. He further stated that God has the right and the power to do whatever He wants. Where I agree on some levels, I disagree on others. Let me explain!

  God is sovereign. The Hebrew word for sovereign is “pantokrator” and it simply means, the all-ruling God, as in absolute and universal God. The word Almighty and omnipotent is associated with this term. The prophet Isaiah declared, “Our God reigns!” And it is echoed throughout His word. He reigns Supreme over all the earth. I am in complete agreement with this truth! God is the all-ruling, Almighty God!

  Moses declared in our text that there is no other god in heaven or on earth who can do the deeds and mighty works that He does! Which brings me to the second point. He’s all powerful, and there is no one like Him! He can do anything. We see that also portrayed throughout scripture starting with creation. Everything God does is a demonstration of His power. He is all-powerful! He can mimicked, but not duplicated!

  God is also omnipresent! David wrote in a psalm that there was nowhere he could flee from the presence of God. Nowhere! And it’s the same for us! God is everywhere, at the same time, all of the time. Nothing and no one escapes Him. He’s not waiting on a taxi to get to you and your situation, He is already there!

  And God is omniscient! He knows everything, about everything, and anything! There is no revelation that He needs to have! He already knows it all! Not only does He know everything, He knows how to operate wisely with that information. He’s awesome and truly amazing! He’s God, the Sovereign One!

  The part that troubles me, as a Believer, is attributing everything that happens to God. I don’t agree with this for a number of reasons:

  • Just as we know there is God, we know there is the devil. He has been given authority, by Adam, in this natural realm, and constantly keeps things going. When the sea was raging, while Jesus and His disciples were in the boat, Jesus rebuked it. Why would He rebuke what God was doing? The devil creates all kinds of havoc in this world, and people are quick to blame God. God may not stop it, but that doesn’t mean He is responsible for it! Let’s learn to ask Him what’s going on, so that we are attributing His works to Him, and the devil’s work to the devil.
  • We are told to pray! If God does what He wants to do, irrespective to mankind, then why do we need to pray? If things are just happening around us and we’re just puppets on a string, doing His bidding, then what need is there to pray! I can tell you this, I have seen God’s hand move in numerous situations, and I know that prayer brings changes in this earth realm. We don’t change God, but we can definitely call out to Him to change situations and circumstances. And He not only promised to answer, He answers!
  • He knows what we are going to ask, say, or do, before we do it. Again, He’s omniscient! That doesn’t mean He’s writing the playbook of our lives to the tiniest details. For example, as a teacher, I know my students pretty well. If I offer them free time, I can easily tell you what they will do. (This is by no means to say that I operate to the same degree of the Father, just an example!) In knowing this, I do not make them do a particular activity, I just know that they will. Free choice is what God has given to us! For Him to overrule our free choice, with His choice, is a violation of what He promised. (Can He overrule? Yes! He is God!) I asked for His guidance in choosing a mate, and He led me to my husband. But there were other men in my acquaintance. I could’ve chosen another! My life may have been miserable, and definitely a lot different than it is, but it was my choice! So while He has the right to do what He wants, He doesn’t!
  • And yet He does! When He wanted a virgin to conceive, He overrode the natural course of things! When He wanted to raise Jesus from the dead and allow His Blood to cleanse us from our sins, He did what He wanted to satisfy the payment for sin. When He decided that we could only be saved by believing in Jesus and what He did at Calvary, that’s just the way we are reconciled to Him! When He said that if we die in our sins, we will go to hell, it will happen as He said. When He said a display of love towards Him is measured in our obedience, He set the standard! What He has determined through His word, is so! He is sovereign, and His will, and His way, will be yardstick by which we are handled by Him! Period!

  When our oldest child was born, she was diagnosed with abnormal seizure disorder. We agreed that wasn’t God! We asked everyone we knew to agree with us in prayer that she would be healed. She was declared whole by six months! Not a single seizure since we prayed. Did God give her seizures? No! I’d say it was an attack from the pit of hell, before I attributed that to God! But He sure did heal her!

  I was told by a well meaning pastor, when I asked about divine healing, that God is sovereign and I have to trust Him. He was absolutely correct, while he was absolutely wrong! He was saying that I needed to trust God with the prognosis over my daughter because it was His will and that’s why she was like she was. However, I came to understand that it is His will to heal, and because He has all power in His hand, He had the ability to change it! So the Sovereign Lord God healed all of our children from one thing after another, because we dared to believe Him.

  Here’s what I have found! Don’t get mad with me, get mad at those who desire to teach us error! Those who accept this que sera sera gospel have not been taught the gospel of Jesus Christ with accuracy! They haven’t prayed and seen mountains moved. They haven’t believe for a change and seen it come to pass. They haven’t expected divine interventions and rejoiced over them! Because if they had, they would never again buy into this “God’s in control, so we just have to accept it” doctrine ever again!

  Let me reiterate! I believe in the Sovereign God! His Son is Jesus! He is absolutely amazing and does wonderful things! His love and mercy is boundless towards us! No one can match Him and everyone and everything falls short, in comparison to Him. Way short! But He has given us access to Him, to His throne, and to power through the precious Blood of Jesus! We don’t have to settle, accept, or get over anything that is contrary to His Word! We just need to recognize this Amazing God we serve, is willing to be amazing for us! Wonderful Jesus!

  Posted in God, sovereign God | 2 Comments | Tagged God, Healing, obedience, sovereign God, sovereignty, supernatural, trust, word of God

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