In my life, I have prayed prayers, and they have not been answered in the way I wanted them to be, and I am sure that this has happened to everyone that has experienced life on this earth. This our reality.
Sometimes this unanswered prayer resulted in a painful loss, and the grief that was experienced appeared overwhelming. Amid this situation also came questions of “why.” As I previously stated, this is a common experience of humans that live on earth. This is an experience that happens daily; so, what can we do about it. My answer was to find comfort in the Word. Scriptures flooded my mind, and I took solace in them. So. Let me share some of them with you on today in hopes that they will also comfort you and provide direction during your times of unanswered prayers.
First and foremost is to know that God is thinking of you as stated in Psalm 139:7, “How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!”
Secondly, God’s ways of doing things are different than ours as found in Isaiah 55:8, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.”
Additionally, despite our disappointments, God does a plan for our life as stated in Psalms 37:23, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.”
Finally, in this life we receive, and we lose, but we are admonished to remain consistent in our blessing, thanking and praising of God as declared in these scriptures.
“The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job1:21b
“I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1
“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1Thessalonians 5:18
I pray this has helped you on today; be encouraged and strengthened in the Lord.
I have had a concern about the abuse of children and how it affects them in their lives, and I have prayed about it. Also, while praying, I often wonder about the child that is being abused at that moment. I wonder how many children are battered, locked up, caged, and wanting to die because of the pain and anguish they are experiencing. I wondered how many adults are still suffering from inner emotional turmoil because of the abuse they experienced when they were growing up. Consequently, I know there are children, teens, and adults who reject and have difficulty believing in God because they cannot understand how He would permit them to suffer at the hands of an abuser.
I’ve prayed and asked God for His thoughts on these matters, and He led me to the scripture where Jesus addressed the treatment of children in the gospel of Matthew 18:6-7. Below I have those verses using the King James Version, The Living Bible and The Message Bible
“But whoso shall offend (cause) one of these little ones which believe in me (on me to stumble), it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!” (KJV)
“But if any of you causes one of these little ones who trusts in me to lose his faith, [a] it would be better for you to have a rock tied to your neck and be thrown into the sea. Woe upon the world for all its evils. [b] Temptation to do wrong is inevitable, but woe to the man who does the tempting.” (TLB)
“But if you give them a hard time, bullying or taking advantage of their simple trust, you’ll soon wish you hadn’t. You’d be better off dropped in the middle of the lake with a millstone around your neck. Doom to the world for giving these God-believing children a hard time! Hard times are inevitable, but you don’t have to make it worse—and it’s doomsday to you if you do.” Message Bible
After reading and researching the verses I understand that the abuser of children whether it is physical, mental, emotional, or sexual abuse will one day have to give an account to God for their actions for He does not take their deviant act lightly; especially if they have not confessed this sin and asked for forgiveness.
Also, I pray that these abused children who may now be adults are able to forgive their abusers. I pray that God will heal them and make them completely whole. I pray for a support system and a safe haven for these battered souls, but most of all, I thank God that He is going to administer justice to these offenders.
Proverbs 8:35 For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord
Psalms103:15-17 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children.
Job14:1-2 Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.
1 Peter1:24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:
I started this blog with the above scriptures to remind you that our life is fleeting. When I was young we had a saying “Here today, gone tomorrow” but with age, I have come to realize we are here this second and can be gone in the next one. I have learned we need to be about our Father’s business so that our life on this earth can count for something.
Many of us are thinking about the New Year and those things that we would like to see accomplished. However, in the midst of this, I would like us to remember to prioritize not only our thinking and planning but also our actions.
Many of us have plans for our lives that are not in concert with God’s chosen plan for us. We charge ahead with these plans but God is not in them; therefore, many of us experience failure or a brief moment of success, which causes us to become frustrated and angry. The good news is: this does not have to be our experience in 2018.
So, my prayer for everyone is stated in the first scripture above which is us finding God or experience His presence in everything we do in 2018 for then we will have His favor which will provide us with that which money cannot buy nor our personal success obtain.
May God richly bless you, give you peace, prosper your way and order your footsteps in 2018.
Between the Garden of Eden where God spoke to Adam, Eve, and the serpent concerning the One that would bruise the serpent’s head and the birth of the One (Jesus) was approximately 4,0000 years. It was such a long time that many felt that it would not happen. However, the day came that was spoken of down through the ages when in the town of Bethlehem, the bruiser of the serpent was born to a virgin name Mary which was conceived of the Holy Ghost, and His name was Jesus.
An angel announced to the shepherds in the field the birth of Jesus by saying, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:10-12). Having received this exciting news, the shepherds left the field and went to Bethlehem, where they found Mary, Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. After seeing the babe, the shepherds made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
I am happy to say on this day that just as the people of old experienced the long wait for the birth of Jesus, it finally occurred, and prior to the time of the tribulation this same Jesus is coming again to first rapture those that believed in Him and then He will come back to the earth as its’ King during the millennium reign and throughout eternity.
Besides being the Word that became flesh, redeeming us back to God at cavalry and delivering man from the curse and repercussions of sin, Jesus fulfilled the requirement given to man to take authority over the earth and its occupants. He is the only one that could fulfill the role of King of Kings in the earth.
I believe it was always in the mind of God to provide us with an earthly king and it was He who was born of a humble beginning and He who was God in the flesh who chose to tabernacle with us. He has risen to a place of majesty and honor in our lives, and He is the One whom we celebrate, esteem and proclaim is the reason for the season. So, amid all our holiday festivities, let’s remember Jesus is our Lord, King, and Savior.
We are living in questionable times. Many are concerned about their financial future; especially with the GOP’s massive tax overhaul which will reshape our three-decade tax code. However, as the Holy Spirit reminded me this week, I say to you, “God is our source.”
We can be like the children of Israel in the land of Goshen; while the Egyptians were bombarded with plagues, they did not share those experiences. Instead of worrying, we can start praising and thanking God for his continual provisions.
For me, as I rehearse the scriptures, I am encouraged, and I believe that is why we are to read and give attention to the Word. So, let me share a few scriptures that inspire me:
So, shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it (Isaiah 55:11). Things may fail around me, but I have assurance God’s word will not.
God said to Moses, “I am that, I am,” which means to me He is able to be whatever I need Him to be in my life (Exodus 3:14).
The scripture says, “God has not given me the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7) Therefore, I am not going to spend wakeless nights concerned about how I am going to make it.
Jesus told the disciples to ask God to give them their daily bread and take no thought of tomorrow (Matthew 6:11, 34). This is telling me to take one day at a time.
And finally, a scripture in Philippians 4:19 that most of us love to quote, “But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Thus, I know there is no one richer than Him in the universe, and He is concerned about my needs.
I close this blog with this declaration, “I don’t have to worry, neither be afraid; all I have to do is sit back and watch God do His thing for He is our source.”
President Trump on Wednesday, December 6, 2017, officially recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and announced plans to move the American embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Since that time, the newscasters are saying, “the peace process is dead between the Palestinians and Israel.” They are also reporting that since the announcement that area has become combustible with clashes going on between Palestinian protesters and Israeli troops.
In the past studying and teaching, Revelation and eschatology has been a great joy to me and realizing the time in which we live made me feel the rapture of the church was soon. I also felt that most of the things that needed to be in place and happening before the rapture as stated in the scriptures were happening; however, in my mind, I forgot to place emphasis on the events occurring in Israel.
After the rapture, the period of tribulation ensues and one of the major occurrences during that time is a treaty between the Antichrist and the Jews. For the Jews to be willing to come into agreement with the antichrist, there must be a cause, and there must be conflict and heightened unrest.
In the past, our news channels have not focused on the daily violence that takes place in Israel, so we are not aware of the continued strife going on between these two groups. However, I do believe that with our President’s announcement and plans for the embassy we will be hearing and seeing more and more fighting in Israel and the polarizing effect that nations and their leaders will be voicing against Israel and the United States.
For those of you that need a greater understanding concerning Revelation or eschatology, I invite you to read my extensive Revelation blogs which can be found in the archive. Additionally, we may not understand all that is happening, but we are instructed to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalms 122:6-7; Isaiah 62).
I conclude with this statement that I have been repeating throughout this year, “President Trump’s behavior on many levels is horrendous; however, God has allowed him to become our president, and I believe he is being used to usher us into the end time.”
In the earlier chapters of the book of Job, Job listened to his friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar) and young associate (Elihu) accusations and recommendations for him to repent which he refused to do because he vehemently professes his innocence. However, after hearing from God and recognizing his previous knowledge of God was from hearsay, he humbly acknowledged his errors and repented.
God addresses Eliphaz the Termanite and informs him of His displeasure toward him, Bildad and Zophar because of the misrepresentation and erroneous statements they made concerning Him. He instructed them to have Job offer up a burnt offering which they provided and have Job pray for them for He would only accept Job’s prayer.
This last chapter ends describing Job’s captivity being turn around after he prayed for his friends. God gave Job a double blessing; he had twice as much as he had before. His relationships with his family and countrymen were mended, his livestock was doubled, and he had seven sons and three beautiful daughters. The last verse fittingly states Job’s end, “So Job died being old and full of days.”
I believe in the Bible, we not only find the will of God but directions to handle various situations in our lives. I believe this book teaches believers that we must remain faithful to God, continuously worship and praise Him amid our suffering, and to forgive and pray for those friends that make false accusations about us during our time of suffering.
Additionally, I concluded this blog and series with these reflections:
1. Man often speaks out of ignorance and without knowledge.
2. Admit when you have spoken unadvisedly.
3. Personal experiences are more impactful than the testimony of others.
4. Personal encounters with God are transforming.
5. Suffering brings a revelation about ourselves.
6. Understanding God’s greatness as compared to man results in repentance and submission.
7. When God finishes speaking to us, we realize our questions don’t matter.
8. It is futile to argue with God.
9. God may never answer your “whys.”
10. Suffering should not hinder servanthood.
11. After repentance and forgiveness come blessings.
12. Don’t become discouraged during the in-between.
13. God will vindicate you.
14. We are to forgive and pray for those that abuse us and say all manner of evil against us.
15. God is a restorer.
16. God will give you double for your trouble.
17. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.
Everyone has spoken: Job, Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar, and Elihu. Everyone has voiced their theories and opinions on God and Job’s calamities. During these conversations, God remained silent, and though Job beseeches Him to speak and tell him and his friends the reason he was attacked God said nothing. However, the moment has arrived, and God responded to Job, but he did not answer Job’s primary question.
Chapter 38 reveals that God answered Job out of a whirlwind and declared His omnipotence, His majesty, His wisdom, and His creative work. He questioned Job on his knowledge of astronomy, geography, meteorology, oceanography, the animal kingdom, and his impact on the earth. He showed Job in comparison to Him he was insignificant, inefficient, unqualified, powerless, and finite. Additionally, in the middle of His discourse, God asked Job for answers for the questions he posed to him and Job realizing his foolishness confessed his vileness and said nothing else. Finally, God closes this dialogue by describing two remarkable creations: the behemoth and the leviathan and challenges Job’s ability to control these creatures, which he could not do.
I concluded this blog with these reflections:
- God responds to humans in His time.
- God does not have to answer to anyone concerning what He does.
- God is not obligated to answer your questions or concerns.
- God is benevolent, and He is in control of this world.
- You may never know why you suffered.
- Through suffering, God leads man into a deeper understanding of His greatness.
- But for the mercies of God, we are not consumed.
- Humanity must humble themselves before divinity.
- There is only one supreme being, and He is not a man.
In chapters 4-31 Job and his three friends engaged in three cycles of debatable speeches and now chapters 32 introduces Elihu the Buzite, a young man whose been waiting on the sidelines to join in the conversation. The bible nor commentaries give much background information on this young man; however, most agree he is overconfident in his own wisdom, arrogant in his presentation, angry with Job’s critics for failing to answer him satisfactorily, and disturbed that Job questioned the justice of God’s actions.
Elihu declared himself to be a neutral bystander that wanted Job and his friends to listen to what he had to say. Elihu shared his belief that God uses dreams, visions, secret inspirations, messengers, and suffering for instructional purposes to bring sinners to Him; rather than punishment. Also, he continued with the theme that Job had sinned and needed to repent; thus, restoring his physical health and reuniting him spiritually to God. Furthermore, throughout his speech, he extols the sovereignty, omniscience, and brilliance of God while telling Job that he is nothing and God who is just will judge him in His time.
I conclude this blog with these reflections:
- You would be surprised who is listening to you.
- People will standby and listen to your conversation; waiting for an opportunity to interject their opinions/thoughts.
- Words are powerful, be careful of what comes out of your mouth.
- Young people want to share their knowledge.
- It is respectful for young individuals to give their seniors an opportunity to speak first.
- Be mindful of your tone when addressing people.
- Everyone has an opinion whether expressed or not.
- Suffering is not just retributive.
- Verbosity is a turn-off.
- There is a lesson to be learned from all experiences.
- Repentance, when needed, is always in order.
In this third and final cycle of debatable speeches, only two of Job’s friends speak and in return as previously seen Job gives a rebuttal speech to each of them.
Eliphaz begins this cycle, continuing his argument that Job sinned; however, this time he makes innumerable charges on how Job sinned by mistreating those that were poor and defenseless. He ends his argument by exhorting Job to get in right relationship with God, which would cause God’s favor to return to him.
Job shares his thoughts that God’s presence has been absent from his life, that he desires to find Him and present his case to Him, that he does not comprehend how God works for life is not fair, and he further asserts that the wicked who appear to flourish though their deeds are evil will ultimately receive their due.
Bildad answers Job in this cycle with a short speech which highlights the power, majesty, and wisdom of God, and he suggested in God’s sight, no man is perfect.
In Job’s final reply to his friends he maintains his innocence, reveals his desire for wisdom on how God operates and makes this profound statement in Job 28:28 “Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom and to depart from evil is understanding.” Also, he reflects on the time he was prospering, laments on his present state, and he concludes with a list of his favorable acts which display his positive ethical behavior.
I conclude this blog with these reflections:
- As I said in my previous blog, people will wrongly judge you and accuse you of things that you have not done.
- When people have their mind made up concerning something, it is hard to convince them otherwise.
- Don’t waste your time trying to convince people who you are, just be yourself.
- God may not respond to your turmoil; he may not answer your pleas to be heard when you want him; instead, God will speak in His time.
- The key to wisdom is fearing/reverencing God.
- Despite all that, you may be experiencing, don’t stop pursuing God.
- God is merciful and long-suffering in his dealing with man; He does not mete out judgment swiftly.
- In comparison to the majesty and awesomeness of God, man is nothing.
- When administered correctly, your words can bring help, healing, and hope.
- Suffering can make you bitter or better.
The Teacher's Pick 