God Speaks about Death

As some of you may know, my family has recently suffered a death.  As the previous clip from "Pollyanna" relates, it was rather unexpected. My brother passed on Dec. 3, 2021, with no real warning. He was not in the best of health, but he had nothing that seemed immediately life-threatening. I knew it was about "time" for me to post another blog post and I have really not been on top of it. I actually have two others that I started that just didn't seem to flow, so they are on hold for another time. In preparing for his funeral, I spent time in the Scriptures trying to find the "right" one for his funeral card. I believe God wants to speak to you through some of the Scriptures I found during that search.

The first thing we need to realize is that for believers in God and in the work that Jesus did, we will not experience true death.  For those that believe, they have an earthly death where their bodies no longer work, but the spirit of those who believe goes to heaven after the earthly body is done. For those that are not believers, the Bible tells us that they WILL have a true death.  Not only an earthly death, but they will have a spiritual death as well and will suffer from pain and agony for eternity.

Work hard for sin your whole life and your pension is death. But God’s gift is real life, eternal life, delivered by Jesus, our Master. Romans 6:23                                                                                                                                                                Those who believe in the Son will bask in eternal life, but those who disobey the Son will never experience life. They will know only God’s lingering wrath. John 3:36

And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Daniel 12:2

He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might. 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9

My family knows that my brother was a believer in God and in the work of Jesus; therefore, we know (although it is still very sad) that he is in heaven.  Those who knew my brother might know of some of his "less-than-honorable" shenanigans and wonder how God might accept him through the pearly gates. The truth is that God KNOWS we ALL commit "less-than-honorable" shenanigans, so His requirement for heaven is not difficult. He doesn't ask us to never do our bad things again because He made us and knows that we cannot keep from doing bad things occasionally. His requirement is that we BELIEVE in Him and that Jesus died for our bad things.  My brother believed this so we have perfect assurance that he is in Heaven right now.

Brothers and sisters, we want you to be fully informed about those who have fallen asleep in death so that you will not be overwhelmed with grief like those who live outside of the true hope.  Here’s what we believe: since Jesus died and rose again, in the same way, God will bring with Jesus all who have died through Him. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14  

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. John 5:24

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this? John 11:25-26

Our bodies are like tents that we live in here on earth. But when these tents are destroyed, we know that God will give each of us a place to live. These homes will not be buildings that someone has made, but they are in heaven and will last forever.  2 Corinthians 5:1

For my life is about the Anointed and Him alone. And my death, when that comes, will mean great gain for me. Philippians 1:21

The Scripture we ultimately chose was: Therefore, we were buried with Him through this baptism into death so that just as God the Father, in all His glory, resurrected the Anointed One, we, too, might walk confidently out of the grave into a new life. Romans 6:4

God is not a distant ruler sitting up in Heaven with no regard to earth. God is aware of sorrows and through Jesus and because of Jesus knows what we are going through.  He tells us that He will be with us through our sorrows and through our pain. He will be near to the broken-hearted.

When someone is hurting or brokenhearted, the Eternal moves in close and revives him in his pain. Psalm 34:18

Blessed are those who mourn—they will be comforted.  Matthew 5:4

God truly has care and concern for all people; afterall, He created each and everyone. It is His desire that all would come to know Him, and He makes it easy! Make 2022 a great new year by getting to know God better!  Allow Him to ease your pain and sorrows and come to know Him on a personal level!

The Lord isn’t slow about keeping his promises, as some people think he is. In fact, God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost. 2 Peter 3:9

God Speaks About Prayer

Photo by Alex Shute on Unsplash

Have you ever wondered if God really pays attention to our prayers?  Do you wonder what is the point in praying?  The second question in particular is one that I often think about.  Why should Christians pray?  God already knows how things are going to turn out, so what good does it do for us to pray? This is a personal struggle of mine. I feel like my meager petitions do little to sway God and His plan. But consider this, even Jesus prayed when He was about to be captured by the Romans and He knew that He would not sway God's plan of salvation that had been in place since the beginning of time. So why would He pray if He knew there would be no change? The Bible tells us a lot about prayer. It tells us how to pray, what to pray for and why to pray.  Prayer is the simple act of speaking with God. Sharing your heart with God; your concerns, your joys, your needs, and even your desires.  Here is what God has to say about prayer. 

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

First, we must establish a routine. Jesus prayed in the morning, as described in Mark 1:35, "And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He departed and went out to a desolate place, and there He prayed." We each should decide when and where to pray where we won't be distracted and we will be able to focus on the message God wants to give us through our prayers. Furthermore, we are told to "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Moreover, Ephesians 6:18 tells us to "Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints." We know from this that we have a continuous open-line of communication with God and can present to Him our joys and concerns as we go through the day. 

Image by Pexels from Pixabay 

Second, we are told in several places to pray with thanksgiving and to be thankful.  This holds true, not just in our prayers with pleasing outcomes, but also those with less pleasing outcomes. Philippians 4:6 tells us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." In Colossians 4:2 we are further told, "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving." Additionally 1 Thessalonians 5:16 says, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances;" Notice this last verse says, "in all circumstances". No matter whether a good or bad situation, we should give our thanks to God for what He will do to bring us through it.

Third, the Bible shares about our intentions for prayer. What is our personal reason for a particular prayer?  Matthew 6:6-7 explains how our prayer is to be heartfelt and personal, not for the ears of others, but for the ears of God.  "But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words."  This in no way reflects the idea that we can't pray for others or in front of others, but it reflects the attitude of our heart.  Are we praying sincerely to God or are we praying so that others will hear US and not God?  

Photo by Phillip Goldsberry on Unsplash

Fourth, who should we pray for? Surely we pray for our family and friends, but is that all? James 5:16 tells us to "pray for one another".  1 Timothy 2:1-2 says, "I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions..."  All who are in high positions...this is often a troublesome phrase as we don't often care for or disagree with those who are in the high positions, but God's word is clear.  We are still to pray for them.  It doesn't say, pray for them if you agree with them, but just pray for them. James 5:13-14 adds, "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him." Finally comes the toughest of all of the "who" we should pray for. Luke 6:27-28 declares, “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you." This is a hard thing to do. We don't often want to pray for those who do us wrong, but God tells us to pray for them.  After all, it is God's desire that none should perish. He desires that everyone will come to know Him; He made each one!

Last, we come to the personal reasons that we should pray. These reasons are not necessarily to gain an answer to our personal requests, but they do benefit us in ways we may not realize.  Praying can provide peace for us as described in Philippians 4:6, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Remember our lesson on the word "but",  we have a choice to make in a different direction.  We are anxious, BUT pray, we will gain peace!  James 5:16 states, "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed." Prayer can bring healing, not specifically physical healing, but spiritual healing. If we place our life and circumstances in God's hand, we can obtain spiritual healing. Earlier in his book, James reminds us that God can give us wisdom if we ask, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." Even further, Romans 8:26 gives us encouragement for those times where we just can't find the words to pray. Sometimes we may be too worried or distraught to even mentally come up with the right prayer.  It is at these times, we can rely on the Holy Spirit.  "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words."  I don't know how many times I have just said, "God, I just don't even know what to pray for right now in this situation, so please take care of it." I can take comfort knowing that at those times the Holy Spirit delivers that message to God for me. 

God desires prayer from us. He desires communication with us. God knows what we go through; He already knows our joys, concerns, worries, and problems, and how the issues will turn out, but He wants us to call out to Him in prayer and communication.  God is waiting to give us spiritual healing, give us peace and assurance and grow our faith through prayers to Him. If you feel you aren't able to pray, remember that the Spirit will intercede for you when you can't come up with the words! Also remember that God created each one of us and desires a relationship with each one of us!

God Speaks Now and Then

In the last post, I alluded to more words that God uses, including a four-letter word. This time, we will focus on the words "now" and "then" (the 4-letter word 😉).  The last post talked about two small words "but" and "yet" and how they were used often to re-write or change and contrast the entire meaning of a sentence or thought.  The words THEN and NOW cause similar changes in sentences.  Then and now can be thought of as words of action and words that propel the situation along. Let's take a look at some Scripture to see just how they are used by God. THEN often signifies a change in behavior or follows an action.

Ezekiel 18:30b says "Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall."
Once we choose (there's that word again) to turn away, then sin will not be the downfall.

Proverbs 1:23--"Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you,
I will make known to you my teachings."  

Once we choose to repent, then God acts.....

Photo by Ross Findon on Unsplash

Amos 5:14 is another example--"Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is."

We choose to seek good, then the Lord.....

2 Chronicles 7:14--"If my own people will humbly pray and turn back to me and stop sinning, then I will answer them from heaven. I will forgive them and make their land fertile once again."

Choose to follow the commands at the start of this verse, then God answers....

After God speaks or moves, or acts, we then have a response. The word NOW often denotes that action has taken place and this is the result of our action. 

Romans 8:1--"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." God's action/reaction to our choice to follow Him is that NOW there is no eternal condemnation.

2 Timothy 4:7-8--"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day." Again, God's action/reaction to our finishing the race He has prepared for us is the reward of Heaven if we believe and follow Him.

I must give credit where credit is due for these last two blog posts. My husband brought up the verse I am going to list below.  It was a verse he had used and expounded upon in a sermon before and he was sharing it again with someone the other day. 

Photo by Ross Findon on Unsplash

  

Daniel 1:8-9--"But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and  wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this  way. Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel".  This verse uses a couple of our new little words. In this verse we see a couple  things. We see action on the part of both Daniel and God. 

But Daniel chooses to not eat the King's food. He chooses to obey the commands of God. Now God acts upon that decision to obey.  But Daniel...Now God....

 Hopefully as you search the Scriptures on your own, you will notice these small   words and what an impact they have on the context of the verses. Above all, it seems we must make decisions and it is on those decisions that God acts or doesn't act. Yes, God created us and loves us and desires nothing but good for us, BUT (contrast coming) He may not choose to bless us until we choose to obey Him.

Photo by Nothing Ahead from Pexels

God Speaks 3-Letter Words

Ivan Shilov on Unsplash

  Are you a linguist? Do you enjoy language? Language has never been my top   subject.  I've always enjoyed reading and was decent at grammar, but never really   understood the whole system of language and identifying parts of speech and how   it  worked together.  Recently, I have discovered a couple small 3-letter words that really pack a punch. These simple words are: YET and BUT.  I did a post a while   back on these little words here, but this post will hopefully provide a deeper   understanding. 

 The words YET and BUT are both conjunctions. Conjunctions are used in language to link two parts together. These parts may be similar or different.  Both of these words generally introduce a contrast in ideas, giving a more powerful contradiction.   I was surprised at the number of verses in the Bible using these small, but intense, words. A few of them will be highlighted.  One of my all-time favorite verses is Habakkuk 3:17-18. I included it in the previous post linked above, but will again include it here.  Verse 17 sets up the story and verse 18 packs the punch.

Habakkuk 3:17-18--"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stall, YET I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior."

Mark 8:36--"What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, YET forfeit their soul?"

1 John 1:6--"If we claim to have fellowship with him and YET walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth."

John 1:12--"YET some people accepted him and put their faith in him. So he gave them the right to be the children of God."

Jon Tyson on Unsplash

The use of yet in all of these verses, besides showing some contrast in thoughts or actions, implies a choice that was made.  Habakkuk: things are going bad, "yet" I choose to rejoice. Mark: gain the whole word, "yet" I choose to lose my soul. I John: Claim to love God, "yet" I choose to walk in darkness.  John: "Yet" some people choose to accept Him.  Most of these verses also include a consequence. Let's look at a few more verses with the word "but". These same verses, besides showing contrast, imply choices.

Galatians 2:20a--"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, BUT Christ lives in me." 

Matthew 24:13--"BUT the one who stands firm to the end will be saved."

Romans 6:23--"For the wages of sin is death, BUT the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

2 Thessalonians 3:3--"BUT the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one."

Galatians: "But" Christ chooses to live in us. Matthew: "But" we choose to stand firm. Romans: "But" God chooses to give us eternal life. 2 Thessalonians: "But" God chooses to be faithful. These small words mean so much.  

NeONBRAND on Unsplash

We have choices to make in our relationship with God. God then has responses that He chooses to give.  God does not simply put us into existence with a pre-determined will to obey Him.  Once Adam and Eve made their choice and brought sin into the world, God could have stopped it right there. God could have said, "That's it! Humans make bad choices. I'm done!" In Noah's generation, God could have chosen again to destroy everything and everyone!  He chose to save Noah and his family because they chose Him. Had God, at any point, chosen to wipe out the entire earth, you and I would not be here today, but God knew we were coming to the world and He chose to keep the world going so that He could choose to fellowship with us!  Just remember:  God chose you, He is just waiting for you to choose Him!

Next time we will look at another 3-letter word and maybe one with 4-letters as well! Stay tuned to read more about choices and the rewards or consequences that go with them. 

Pete Linforth on Pixabay

God Speaks Routine

Have you developed a certain routine? Do you have any habits?

A routine is defined as: a sequence of actions regularly followed; a fixed program. A habit is defined as: an acquired mode of behavior that has become nearly or completely involuntary. So it seems that a habit is nothing more than a routine that has been put to memory. We all know there can be both good and bad habits and I believe they are obtained through good and bad routines. 

Good routines are very important in our lives. They can help us live better, healthier, and more fulfilled lives. Routines that turn into habits are even better because you don't even have to think about or plan for them; you just do them. Bad routines, which later become bad habits, are detrimental to our lives and can bring about pain, sorrow, sickness, and mental anguish. 

Recently I heard of someone who took a family member with dementia on a several-day trip. By the end of the trip, the family member was really having difficulty because they were extremely out of their typical routine and habit.  It was unsettling for them. Think for yourself how unsettled you might be if your daily routine gets changed.  I know for myself, I wake up, shower, teeth, get dressed, put lunch in my lunchbox, make my Choffy drink and take my medications.  If there is anything that causes me to miss a step or that complicates this routine, it really throws me off for a good portion of the day.

The last several pastors that have served the church where I worship have all attempted to build certain routines into the congregants so that they become habits. Among them are Bible reading, prayer, and Christian fellowship.  These are vital routines for the life of a Christian.  Consistent prayer and Bible reading help us to remember to seek God for all of our concerns and joys. Consistently reading Scripture helps to keep us in line with God's will and His desires for our life.  Consistent Christian fellowship helps us to see God working in and through others.  I must admit that I STRUGGLE with these things myself, especially being consistent in Bible reading and prayer.  I do receive a Scripture in my email that I read everyday, but often find little time to study the Bible. I pray every morning on my way to work, but often "forget" throughout the rest of the day and weekends (when I'm out of my routine).  Summers are especially bad!  I am usually way out of routine and habit by then and often don't do more than read my daily Bible verse. The lack of blog posts through the summer can attest to that as well. 

If we search the Scriptures, we can find God's thoughts about certain routines and habits.

Psalm 119:56--"You have blessed me because I have always followed your teachings." The writer here states he is blessed by ALWAYS following God's teachings.

Luke 5:16--"Jesus repeatedly left the crowds, though, stealing away into the wilderness to pray."  Even Jesus, Who is God, knew the need to consistently get away and pray.

Luke 4:16--"When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on Saturday, and stood up to read the Scriptures."  Jesus also knew the importance of meeting on the Sabbath.

Acts 2:46--"They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God."  The disciples followed the lead of Jesus and continued in their daily routine.

The Scriptures are clear about bad habits and routines as well.

Here is a very direct and to the point Scripture.  Hebrews 10:25--"Some people have gotten out of the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord’s coming is getting closer."

Jeremiah 22:21--"When times were good, I warned you. But you ignored me, just as you have done since Israel was young."

God desires to have communication and fellowship with us through prayer, Bible reading, and gathering with other Christians. Let us ALL strive to develop these good routines and habits!

God Speaks and Cares About the Future

The Future! I don't know about you, but whenever I think about that phrase, I can hear a garbled voice echoing those words over and over.  Maybe it is from a movie or TV show that I can't remember or just something dumb my mind has come up with. Whatever the case, thinking about the future often comes with much apprehension and even some scariness. 

Matthew 6:34--"So don’t be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time."

At the end of the past three school years (2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2020-2021), I have turned in my end of the year papers, badges, keys, etc. with expectations of going back to that same position in the Fall. God has always had different plans it seems. In August 2019, I was asked by that employer to work part-time instead of full-time. Since I need a full-time job to be able to help pay the bills, I had to search elsewhere. By God's grace, a position had just become open at a school system five minutes from my house. I worked there enthusiastically until March 2020, when CoVid hit. Even then, I continued to work outside my job description and contracted dates by helping with the Food Program there. It certainly was a time of great need for food as the students and their families were unable to get the food they typically did from the schools or from the grocery stores at first. Once I turned in my keys and badge, I had full expectations of returning IF schools were going to be open. Almost like deja vu, in August 2020, I was informed that I (along with 80 some others) were going to be laid off.  Again, by God's grace, I happened upon a new position opening. Although we went 6 weeks without a second income, God provided. Even though my current salary is 30% less than at my previous employment, God still provides. 

Psalm 94:19--"And when I was burdened with worries, you comforted me and made me feel secure

As I turned in my badge this year, I was met with a little apprehension. With the last two years in mind, who knows what will happen before the end of August. Two things I know are that God holds the future and He will provide. 

Luke 12:22-25--"(then, to His disciples) This is why I keep telling you not to worry about anything in life—about what you’ll eat, about how you’ll clothe your body. Life is more than food, and the body is more than fancy clothes. Think about those crows flying over there: do they plant and harvest crops? Do they own silos or barns? Look at them fly. It looks like God is taking pretty good care of them, doesn’t it? Remember that you are more precious to God than birds! Which one of you can add a single hour to your life or 18 inches[a] to your height by worrying really hard?"

God does not want us to worry about the future. For those who believe, He has us in His hands and will guide and direct our paths. God wants for all to trust and believe in Him!  Sometimes we are apprehensive about even our distant future. Sometimes we are confronted, not just with year to year questions, but questions about when we get old, when our parents get old, when our kids get old, when the grandchildren get old, and sometimes even when we leave this earth.  God does not want us to worry about any of those things either. Because we live in a broken world, there is no guarantee about the future for any of us. I wish I could tell you that trusting in God will bring bright and cheery sunshine rays to you for the rest of your life, but that is not the case. What I can guarantee is that for those that believe in God, once we leave this earth, it will be bright and cheery sunshine rays forever after. 

Jeremiah 29:11--"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

I also know that God will provide for our futures here on earth. Even when faced with an uncertain future, God will provide for those that love Him. His provision may not always be the way WE think it should be and we may not always see a way out or a purpose to what is happening, but God knows, God has His hand in it, and God will provide!

Philippians 4:19--"And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus."

God Speaks Even When...

Have you ever been discouraged or feeling run down? That is the way I have been feeling lately. It has taken me longer than I wanted to write this post because I have just been uninspired. Between CoVid stuff and other issues, I have truthfully just not FELT like writing. Many days I have prayed, "God I need some inspiration for my blog.  Give me inspiration!  How else do You speak to us?"  And then, after several days, God brings two things to mind.  The first is Habakkuk 3:17-18, which is one of my all-time favorite verses.  I've used it in a previous blog so didn't want to use it again, BUT when God is nudging you, you do it! 

Habakkuk 3:17-18, "Even if the fig tree does not blossom and there are no grapes on the vines, If the olive trees fail to give fruit and the fields produce no food, If the flocks die far from the fold and there are no cattle in the stalls; Then I will still rejoice in the Eternal! I will rejoice in the God who saves me!" 

This is from "The Voice" translation. Another version says as its last line "YET will I REJOICE in the Lord" and another "YET will I TRIUMPH in the Lord".  What is exciting in this verse is the reminder that even when we feel discouraged, even when we feel down, we can and should still rejoice in the Lord. He is in control of everything and will continue to take care of us!

The other nudge that came to mind was "Seek God". Why should I just be sitting around waiting for inspiration when I should be seeking God for that inspiration?

Matthew 6:33, says, "Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and then all these things will be given to you too."

Seek God first! He promises that if we seek Him with all our heart, we will find Him!

Proverbs 8:17, "I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me."

Jeremiah 29:13, "You will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me with all your heart."

Deuteronomy 4:29, "But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul."

God not only promises that we will find Him is we seek Him. He also promises blessings to those that seek Him.

Psalms 34:10, "The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing."

Psalms 119:2, "Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart,"

Lamentations 3:25, "The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him."

It is good to remember; however, that even though God promises blessings to those that seek Him, this does not mean that things will always be good. Bad times can still come upon those that seek and love God. It just means that God's blessings are more prevalent for those who seek Him and we will also have blessings in the future.  Even now, God is waiting for those that will seek Him. He is always there, it is up to us to make the move towards Him. God is constant and always reachable, we just have to make the move. He is not far from us.

Psalms 14:2, "The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God."

Psalms 69:32, "When the humble see it they will be glad; you who seek God, let your hearts revive."

Acts 17:27, "that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us,"

1 Chronicles 22:19a, "Now set your mind and heart to seek the Lord your God."

18