Post by mommadee48 on Dec 31, 2021 16:54:46 GMT -5
WHEN GOD IS SILENT; (READ JOHN 11:1-44).
IN TIMES OF URGENT NEED, OUR PRAYERS become fervent and our desire for a quick answer intensifies. It seems that if the LORD doesn't intervene soon, the very thing we dread could happen. And without a detectable response from GOD JEHOVAH, we may feel as if HE doesn't care---even though Scripture assures us HE does (1Peter 5:7).
This may have been the way Mary and Martha felt after asking JESUS to come and heal Lazarus. They knew that the LORD loved them, but when HE didn't show up in time, their pain overtook their faith, and they both voiced disappointment: "If YOU had been here, my brother would not have died" (John 11;21,32).
We have all said or thought something similar when the LORD didn't answer our prayers as we hoped. But we know from Scripture that GOD's purpose in all HIS choices for us HIS glory (v.4). HIS goal is not to inflict pain unnecessarily but to let CHRIST's life shine through us in hardship, to stabilize our trust in HIS loving sovereignty. HIS glory is for our good, and in this we can rejoice.
INTIMACY WITH GOD; (PSALM 34:8-14).
IT'S FAR TOO EASY TO BECOME BUSY FOR GOD--- SERVING, SINGING, TEACHING, PREACHING, AND GOING TO THE MISSION FIELD. NONE OF THESE THINGS ARE WRONG; IN FACT, THEY'RE ALL GOOD. But they're often a misguided attempt to create intimacy with GOD.
Why would believers choose artificial closeness with the LORD when HE wants to give HIS children the real thing?
One reason is that being known by GOD requires intense vulnerability and the humility to receive HIS grace. After, all there is nothing we can do to atone for our sins. Another reason is that all successful relationships---including the one we have with GOD---require hard work.
At some point, we have to stop doing for the LORD so that we can enjoy being with HIM. That's where intimacy starts. When we read the Bible and fill our mind with godly things, we can know and abide by our FATHER's principles. A vibrant prayer life is also essential to intimacy with GOD. But these things don't just happen---they require intentional effort.
When we live in intimate communion with GOD, the temptation to strive for saintliness in our own strength falls away. And then our service, offerings, and worship will genuinely glorify GOD JEHOVAH.
IN TIMES OF URGENT NEED, OUR PRAYERS become fervent and our desire for a quick answer intensifies. It seems that if the LORD doesn't intervene soon, the very thing we dread could happen. And without a detectable response from GOD JEHOVAH, we may feel as if HE doesn't care---even though Scripture assures us HE does (1Peter 5:7).
This may have been the way Mary and Martha felt after asking JESUS to come and heal Lazarus. They knew that the LORD loved them, but when HE didn't show up in time, their pain overtook their faith, and they both voiced disappointment: "If YOU had been here, my brother would not have died" (John 11;21,32).
We have all said or thought something similar when the LORD didn't answer our prayers as we hoped. But we know from Scripture that GOD's purpose in all HIS choices for us HIS glory (v.4). HIS goal is not to inflict pain unnecessarily but to let CHRIST's life shine through us in hardship, to stabilize our trust in HIS loving sovereignty. HIS glory is for our good, and in this we can rejoice.
INTIMACY WITH GOD; (PSALM 34:8-14).
IT'S FAR TOO EASY TO BECOME BUSY FOR GOD--- SERVING, SINGING, TEACHING, PREACHING, AND GOING TO THE MISSION FIELD. NONE OF THESE THINGS ARE WRONG; IN FACT, THEY'RE ALL GOOD. But they're often a misguided attempt to create intimacy with GOD.
Why would believers choose artificial closeness with the LORD when HE wants to give HIS children the real thing?
One reason is that being known by GOD requires intense vulnerability and the humility to receive HIS grace. After, all there is nothing we can do to atone for our sins. Another reason is that all successful relationships---including the one we have with GOD---require hard work.
At some point, we have to stop doing for the LORD so that we can enjoy being with HIM. That's where intimacy starts. When we read the Bible and fill our mind with godly things, we can know and abide by our FATHER's principles. A vibrant prayer life is also essential to intimacy with GOD. But these things don't just happen---they require intentional effort.
When we live in intimate communion with GOD, the temptation to strive for saintliness in our own strength falls away. And then our service, offerings, and worship will genuinely glorify GOD JEHOVAH.