Why God Allows Suffering? (2)

Cont'd.

Make no mistake, Jesus understood that suffering is an inextricable part of this physical life. He reminded His followers, "In this world you will have trouble" (John:16:33, New International Version).

Suffering won't go away—yet

Suffering strikes rich and poor, religious and irreligious, small and great. In this life virtually everyone will experience it. Disease and health problems seem to strike most people at some time or other.

In centuries past common diseases caused immense suffering. But in spite of advances in medical science that have greatly lengthened the average life span, we know we will still die. Rather than having our lives cut short by the killer diseases of earlier years, now many of us will expire at a greater age from such debilitating afflictions as cancer or heart disease. Many will lose their mental faculties long before their bodies wear out.

In poorer nations, suffering and death from diseases that are largely preventable still cut an enormous swath of misery and despair.

Barbarity is responsible for much mental and physical suffering. Nothing reduces man to brutal cruelty more quickly than war, and man is always fighting his fellow man. A few decades ago historians Will and Ariel Durant wrote that in 3,421 years of recorded history "only 268 have seen no war" ( The Lessons of History, 1968, p. 81).

Barbarity is responsible for much mental and physical suffering. Nothing reduces man to brutal cruelty more quickly than war, and man is always fighting his fellow man. A few decades ago historians Will and Ariel Durant wrote that in 3,421 years of recorded history "only 268 have seen no war" ( The Lessons of History, 1968, p. 81).

War causes not only deaths and crippling injuries on the battlefield but heartbreak, the destruction of families and poverty. It sows the seeds of enmities that last for centuries. Jesus prophesied that the period immediately before His return would see the greatest suffering of all time, much of it directly attributable to warfare (Matthew:24:6, 21-22).

After the terror of the wars of the first half of the 20th century and the worldwide disruption they engendered, mankind has enjoyed a moderate reprieve in the sense that wars since then have been regional rather than global. Yet nothing has changed in human nature that offers much enduring hope for the future.

To be cont'd.

God Bless you all my friends.

WHY GOD ALLOWS SUFFERING?

Suffering: Why so much suffering the people asked? It's not a pleasant subject to discuss, but a very necessary one. 

A dictionary defines suffering as the state of anguish or pain of one who suffers the bearing of pain, injury or loss ( The New International Webster's Comprehensive Dictionary ).

Suffering plagues our world. In its many forms it affects us physically, psychologically and emotionally. Whatever its manifestation, extended suffering can crush the body and spirit.

Suffering falls on the just and the unjust. It afflicts innocent victims. This uncomfortable fact makes it difficult for us to reconcile such obvious unfairness with the existence or fairness of an intelligent divine being.

Some are so disturbed by this state of affairs that they try to remedy the situation. They devote much of their energy to performing charitable works aimed at relieving undeserved suffering. They long to make the world a more just and equitable place to live.

But, commendable as these efforts are, good works don't solve the world's problems. It appears that our efforts to stop suffering at best only delay the inevitable. And nobody, it seems, has a believable explanation of why so much human misery persists.

What is the answer? Why is suffering so indiscriminate? Why isn't it meted out to only those who deserve it? Why do the innocent suffer from actions and events they have no control over and often cannot foresee?

Thinkers and philosophers have weighed in on the issue for years, but they have failed to provide a satisfying rational answer. Those in pain, including many reading this blog, need answers to your questions.

The Bible view: Realistic and encouraging

Let's examine the causes of suffering from a biblical perspective. God's Word is the key source that can help us discover the reasons people suffer.

The biblical view of life is realistic and encouraging. The Bible explains why pain has always been with us and why it will remain, at least for a time.

At the same time the biblical view is also encouraging, especially when we expand our thinking to see life in terms of God's plan and His purpose for mankind.

Jesus Christ tells us that His mission includes the offer to us of an abundant life (John:10:10). Psalm:16:11 tells us that "at God's right hand are pleasures for-ever-more." The Bible also reveals how God will lighten our burdens and how relief will one day come to the whole world. It also tells us of a time even further beyond when suffering will completely disappear.

But that is not the condition of humanity in our age unfortunately.

To be cont'd.

God bless you all.

A Ramah Word Can Change Your Life!

There’s an old adage that says, “Someday is not a day of the week.” Now, it’s safe to say that someday you’re   going to want more money, more happiness and more opportunities... maybe this is something you want today! Well, if I’m right about this, then I might as well tell you that someday you’ll never have it unless you do something about it today because someday is not a day of the week. You should know that your personal and spiritual integrity robs procrastination of its power and pushes you forward in your destiny.

In fact,thereare seven common causes of procrastination your personal strength can prevent... 

1. Fear of the Outcome – your personal prophetic word can reveal the expected end regarding any situation or circumstance you’re in.
2. Helplessness in the face of Complexity – your personal prophetic word teaches you to trust God and God is your help in the face of complexity to bring you a simple answer.
3. Rebellion and Laziness – when you trust God completely, you never resent the task that’s in front of you. When you understand the path of your word is for your own achievement, you are eager to complete it.
4. Lack of Motivation – your personal prophetic word is your breakthrough, your manifestation, your chance in life to make a difference. Direction brings you a sense of pride, and you will be motivated by what God can do.
5. Lack of Focus – unfettered focus leads to confusion and disorientation. Your personal prophetic word will lend you focus in specific areas that you are to be concentrating on in this season.
6. Not knowing where or How to Start –your personal prophetic word will reveal your launching point and give you the how when you simply don’t know.
7. Perfectionism – your personal prophetic word doesn’t require perfectionism in anything other than obedience.

The Scripture declares:

  

He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap. 

(Ecclesiastes 11:4)

Remember, your future is always under construction, hence, God the almighty, is the master builder.

Heaven bless you all.

You'll Get Through This!

When the storm leaves you feeling disillusioned...just know, you’ll get through this. My friends, when you’re overwhelmed by the clouds of adversity and exhausted from the rains of hurt...keep in mind, you’ll get through this. When sorrow tries to strike you with the lightning of insecurity and loneliness... you'll get through this as well.

• You’ve been going through some worrisome storms lately, haven’t you?
• You’ve been patiently waiting on the Lord for some answers, have you?
• You’re ready and hopeful to receive present help in your time of trouble, don't you? 

During these trying times in life, the desire to be more confident in the word of our Lord is paramount. Rest in the Lord God of Host and wait patiently.

“Even though the world is crumbling all about;

And no safe place can be found.

Right is wrong, wrong is right;

The change is quite profound.

You still need my guiding light.

To lead you out of here;

If you focus on My Word and prayer,

It’ll take away your fear.

Temptations of this desperate world

We'll rule out and let go;

Give your burdens all to Me,

And I’ll never let you go.

That's how we'll get through this, my friends,

Fixed on glory from above,

Assured with your protection, help,

And everlasting love.”

Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? There is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. (Isaiah 40:28-29)

God bless you all.

A Peace Beyond Human Understanding

P-e-a-c-e. Whisper the word to yourself and you can almost feel your heart relax. When you're at peace, you feel an inner confidence that things are not running wild, regardless of the circumstances. Your mind is at rest. Your heart doesn't flutter with anxiety. Your focus is more clear.

But far too often, peace is like that elusive butterfly. Even Christians chase after it and find it just out of reach. Perhaps the rarest of all virtues, real peace comes only when you decide to take God at His word.

So, if God promises peace, let's discover how to find it on our most stressful days! Look carefully, resting on the edge of Isaiah's prophecies sits that elusive butterfly:

"The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace,

Because he trusts in You.
Trust in the LORD forever,
For in GOD the LORD, we have an everlasting Rock."
(Isaiah 26:3-4)

Let's break down that promise and discover the secret to peace. Steadfast means, "to lean on for support." Of mind means, "to frame or to form." Together, this phrase means God will give complete peace to you if your "frame of mind leans on and is supported."

On what should you be leaning? On God, as the verse says: "The steadfast of mind...trusts in You." When you trust Him, you "throw yourself down,"  just as you do when playing that trust game, falling backward into the waiting, ready arms of those behind you. When you trust God, you refuse all other crutches and lean your entire weight on the One who gives stable support.

Can God hold you up? Yes. As verse 4 says, He's "an everlasting Rock."

And how will He hold you up?  In two ways: He will "keep" you, meaning He'll "guard or watch over" you, and He does this with "perfect peace," which in Hebrew means shalom. Literally, God will guard you with shalom, an unending security, an uninterrupted rest, and a complete calmness.

Did you notice where that complete calmness comes from? Not from you, but from God, whom you lean upon and trust. No wonder humankind's frantic search for peace leaves them empty-hearted, they're looking in the wrong places! Paul said, God's peace "surpasses all comprehension" (Philippians 4:7). It's not found in mind control or managed situations. The secret to shalom is trusting God.

Want a good summary of our Bible study above? God gives complete rest to those who lean on Him for support, to those who trust Him as an unmovable and strong Rock.

So, in what circumstance do you need peace today?  Are you facing a frightening situation? Lean on Him. Do you feel panicked, unsure of what to do? Trust Him with it.  Are you worried about your job, someone you love, or a situation outside your control? Give it to God. He promises you shalom if you lean your full weight against Him, not yourself:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart

And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Today, choose one thing that distracts and disturbs you. Intentionally give it to God. Release your grasp on it, and let it go.

Who knows? In its place, you might find a butterfly resting in your open hand.

Prayer: O' Thou power of God, visit me today and cause me to trust in you like never before, with my whole heart, mind and soul in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, amen.

God bless you all my beloved.

The Greatness of the Almighty

Mark 10:42–45

I'm sure it comes as no surprise to most of us that we act out precisely what we take in. In other words, we become what we think. Long before that familiar line found its way into Psychology 101 and hyped-up sales meetings, the Bible included it in one of its ancient scrolls. It just said it in a little different way: "For as he thinks within himself, so he is" (Prov. 23:7).

The secret of living a life of excellence is merely a matter of thinking thoughts of excellence. Really, it's a matter of programming our minds with the kind of information that will set us free. Free to be all God meant us to be. Free to soar! It will take awhile, and it may be painful—but what a metamorphosis!

Let me get to the heart of the issue. Since the mind holds the secrets of soaring, the enemy of our souls has made the human mind the bull's-eye of his target. His most insidious and strategic moves are made upon the mind. By affecting the way we think, he is able to keep our lives on a mediocre level.

Don't forget: Our minds were originally enemy-held territories. We were blinded by the power of the enemy. The mind was his "base of operations" until the light shone within. At that time, the veil was lifted and we were no longer blinded. It was a supernatural event in which new life was given, and the enemy was relieved of his command.

But I am increasingly more convinced that Satan doesn't want to give up his territory. He is a defeated foe who knows his future. Yet he fights to the last degree to maintain the hold he has had on us. God is interested in our breaking free from such locks.

And what is God's ultimate goal? To take "every thought captive." When He invades those lofty areas, His plan is to transform the old thoughts that defeat us into new thoughts that encourage us. He has to repattern our whole way of thinking. And He is engaged in doing that continually because old habits are so hard to break.

God's offer is nothing short of phenomenal! Remember it? It is "taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" (2Cor10:5).

Be Blessed.

How Blessed Are You?

Blessings may come unexpectedly and all too often go unrecognized for what they are. God often speaks in a “still small voice” (1 Kings:19:12). He also seems to use “still small blessings” to let us know He is there for us. When blessings are recognized, our response can only be one of thankfulness. It amazes me that people seem to skip over great blessings or simply do not recognize the big ones—let alone the small ones. 

Small blessings, which are all free, are constant reminders that God is there. What a great source of comfort they can be. I read of the ten lepers Jesus healed in Luke:17:12-18





. I cannot imagine what these men had gone through in their lives. Leprosy is terribly debilitating and these people were shunned by others in Israel. These men stood far off (as lepers had to) and called out for mercy. 

Jesus gave them the free gift and blessing of being healed, however, only one came back to thank Jesus. This blessing Jesus gave allowed them to “live” again. The miracle was physically impossible and would be classified as a wonder today. Perhaps the other nine men eventually realized what a blessing they had been given. Let us hope so. God loves to give blessings to mankind.

The best thing about a blessing is that it is free. God does not just indiscriminately pass out blessings. His favor is contingent upon obedience. But often God uses blessings to call people to Him and give them the opportunity to repent and follow His way.

 The ten lepers were miraculously healed because of Jesus’ merciful nature. Paul would often enter Gentile cities and God would heal some who had never heard of Jesus Christ. They first thought their pagan gods had descended (Acts:14:9-11

). In these cases, God was getting people’s attention and building the church. 

A blessing may be considered as a gift or some act that brings joy and happiness, or it may fill a need. Though simple it may seem, people can be a blessing to others if their words and actions are properly considered and rightly given.

stay tuned.

God bless!