The Purging of God and the Justice of God

Posted on February 17, 2011 by Timbo

WOW… What a topic. Today, I asked God to speak to me from His word. Coming up this Sunday in our Sunday School class, we are talking about the Justice of God. Some tough questions like:

1. If God is a Just God – then Why is there so much pain – suffering – and unfairness in this World?
2. If God is Just – then why do I suffer so much. I thought God Loved me?

Questions like this are always the result of our fallen nature and inability to understand that God is completely SEPARATE and VERY DIFFERENT than us. (Is. 55:8)

The CORRECT place to start to understand God is to begin with Ps. 53: 2-3

Here it is:

God Looks down from heaven  upon the children of men, to see if there are any who understand – who seek God. Everyone of them has turned aside. They have together become corrupt. There is NONE who does GOOD. No, not one. (Emphasis mine)

Well, if this is true then this is me and you! Apart from the outpouring of God in this fallen heart – I will not EVER seek God. I cannot because I will remain bound to my sin. I will seek it – Love it – Participate in it fully with others who are the same. TOGETHER – we will go astray.

SO – Read this verse.

Ps. 66:10-12

For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined. You brought us into the net; You Laid affliction on our backs. You have CAUSED men to ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water; But You brought us out to rich Fulfillment.

Notice what must come first – PAIN – SUFFERING – HARDSHIPS – HUMILITY BEFORE OUR SIN – HURT – UNFAIR SITUATIONS

Before rich fulfillment comes. Now – I believe that God does sometimes bring rich fulfillment in this life – but I am convinced that God is primarily using THIS LIFE – to refine us for the next. Yes – God desires good for us – but He wants us to NOT PROFAIN HIS NAME ( Is. 48:10-11) and misrepresent Him in this fallen world. It is our natural tendency to sin – even as a Christian. He MUST cause the refiners fire to come to the life of His children in order to Refine me and you.

Does God Bring fullfillment in this Life? YES – but not apart from His work of refining us first.

Read these verses

Is. 1:18-20 , 25, Is. 48:10-11, Proverbs 17:3,  Jer. 6:29, Ezek. 22:17-22; Dan. 12:10, Mal. 3:3

God does desire to bless us – both now in this life (somewhat) and definitely in the life to come – in glory.

So… When we feel the flame around us, thank God for His refining work.

Tim Gowens

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Thoughts produce emotions

Posted on February 8, 2011 by Timbo

Thought vs. Emotions

Introduction – my thoughts produce my emotions, not my emotions my thoughts

A. How God commands me to respond in ALL situations

B. How God equips me to know how to respond obediently

C. The sure result I can expect as I trust Him and obey Him.

Introduction – My Thoughts produce my emotions, not my emotions my thoughts. God has called us as His children to be Holy, to be perfect, to be conformed to the image of His Son, to walk by the Spirit, to walk in a manner worthy of His calling (Col. 2:6) and to be filled with the Holy Spirit. This is not something that just happens the longer you are a Christian. You begin as babes in Christ and grow as you learn and practice the principles that God has given in His word. There is not any merit to your age, your church membership, and your life experiences that will produce the will of God in your life. It is only as you submit your will to His will and learn to die to yourself (II Cor. 4:8-11) and bring your thoughts “captive to Christ,” (II Cor. 10:3-5 Rom. 12:1-2; II Tim. 2:15) that you begin to experience the fullness that is so often spoken of but seldom lived out.

Let’s read together Genesis 4:5-7 and answer the following questions.

1. When God told Cain that “sin was at his door and its desire was for him” what was God addressing? Was it his emotions or his thoughts?

2. The end of verse 7 states that Cain “should rule over it.” What was the “it”? Wasn’t it his thoughts that would result in the total devastation for Cain and his family?

Read Heb. 2:14; James 1:12-17 for further insight

Please read Ps. 19:7-8, Romans 12:1-2 and II Tim. 2:15 answer the following

1. In Ps. 19:7-8 what is the result in a persons “emotions” when he disciplines his thoughts to obey the statutes of the Lord?

What is it that must have first taken place in one’s life before he can become set free in his thoughts? (John 3:16)

2. In Romans 12:1-2 whose responsibility is it to be transformed? What is primarily addressed – the sin that a person struggles with in this mortal body, or some external force? What is the result of a person who is being “transformed”? (More and more, he is thinking like Jesus – Is. 55:8; Ps. 119:9; Pro.4:23-27; II Cor. 10:3-5)

3. According to II Tim. 2:15, how do we present ourselves “approved by God”? What does it mean to “rightly divide the word of truth”?

Why do you believe what you say you believe?

a. Opinion

b. always being taught so

c. parents

d. grandparent’s

e. SBC (Southern Baptist Convention, or any organization)

f. or scripture

How God commands me to respond in all situations

Please read Phil. 4:8-9.

Statement – Most Christians have read this verse, and possibly may have even memorized it. But few Christians have been set free from anxious thoughts that many struggle with today. Their lives are no different than the average lost person in today’s society. Daily, they struggle with uncertainty, confusion, fear,(II Cor 4:7-11) and divorce. The world’s solution to this ever-present problem is to numb the person with prescription drugs, and to depend on ones self. Jesus came to set us free with salvation, yet how many people do you personally know that really have a grasp on freedom? (John 10:9-10, 28-29; II Cor. 3:17) Is it because it is not attainable, or too lofty in principle? Did God make a mistake when He said in Col. 2:10 “we are complete in Christ”? Complete for what? (Is.55: 8) We are complete in Christ to be still and peaceable no matter what the circumstance. Do you have this peace in times of struggle and temptation?

The following is a break down of Phil.4: 8-9

Truth – (God’s word is the only source of truth)

What are some lies that many professing Christian people today live under and operate on the premise of? Here are some topics to consider and talk about in the light of God’s word:

a. that because they believe in God that they are saved (Satan believes in God)

b. that because they have been baptized they are saved

c. that because they are church members and even serve in the church, they are saved

d. business and money – work ethic

e. family and children – discipline of your children –

f. religion and “ways to God”

g. relationships – husbands loving their wives – wives submitting to their husbands (Eph.5:22-25)

Noble – (distinguished by deeds of character)

What is Character? Why it is hard to be a person of character when no one is looking or will ever know? Is your life distinguished by deeds of character?

Just – (founded on fact)

How does a person get into trouble with other people by not being a just person? How does one’s thoughts lead him or her to being unjust. How does selfishness play into this area of just vs. unjust?

Pure – (without blemishes – perfect and complete – holy and without blame – Eph.1: 4)

Being pure is possible. Both relationally and positional (permanent) with God,( Col. 2:9-10; 1:22) we can maintain purity on a daily basis. How does a person “fall into sin”(no person falls into sin) Areas for discussion:

a. Husband wife relationship. Eph.5

b. The eyes Pro.4:23-27, 14-19

c. The ears ” ”

d. Money, and the love of it.

Ps. 119: 9, 97-105 (104) Do you?

Lovely – (God’s act on our behalf, that was selfless and without concern for His own wellbeing)

Statement – God’s definition of “loveliness” is not being friendly towards someone. What is God’s definition of true “love”?

Consider an act of love that was done to you, and describe how this effected your life. How did Jesus express His loveliness to those who He encountered?

Good report – (That which edifies someone else – well spoken of – Eph. 4:29)

What difference do you think it would make if we as a small group never listened to anything about someone that wasn’t of a Good report? Is this a realistic expectation? How does gossip play into the destruction of unity and peace in a church and a small group?

Statement – The end of verse 8 of Phil. 4 says for us to meditate on these things. In our fast paced society filled with many distractions (TV, playing, sports etc…) it is against our nature to “meditate” on these things, only because we are “self consumed” and do not accept responsibility for the discipline of one’s mind to obey. This person does not hunger and thirst for righteousness. However, just because we are a busy society, does not mean that God will overlook our lack of priority. Society is not the cause your disobedience. In Roman12: 1-2 the transforming of your mind to become Christ-like is not primarily the responsibility of God. He has made the provision, but it is up to you to discipline yourself to meditate on truth. The truth does the transforming along with the Holy Spirit – not the act of discipline. You can memorize the entire bible, and not be transformed. Meditation is the key to change, not some religious act. How can God “transform” someone who never opens the truth? He doesn’t! He chooses to make us like His son, when we open our hearts to the truth, die to our way of thinking, and meditate on what God says, with the intent to obey because we love Him. Do you meditate on the truth? Do you love God?

Please read Isaiah 55:6-13 and 65:2 and answer the following.

1. Where does wickedness begin?

2. Can a person who is depraved become transformed to the point of freedom as he meditates on God’s truth? (read verse 11-13) What does the words “go out of ” and “led out” refer to in verse 12?

3. What steps must he take to begin this journey? (verse 6&7)

How God equips me to know how to respond obediently

Statement – The verse in Phil. 4:13 states that “we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.” The “us” is not intended for those who are not in Christ. Being “in Christ” is God’s choice. God chooses you, and draws you to Himself. He did this before the foundation of the world was created. (Eph. 1:4) Can a person who doesn’t understand how they have been equipped for the Christian walk, be victorious in their day to day encounters with worldliness and stress? The answer is NO! How can you be a victorious Christian, if you do not understand what you have been given, and how to use it to obey God?

1. Read James 1:2-8. What is primarily mentioned here that the Christian has from the father? What is the prerequisite to obtaining this tremendous gift from God? What is it that causes us to seek after this gift from God?

2. Read II Corinthians 10:3-6. This passage presents the Christian walk as being a war. Where does the battlefield exist? How has God equip us to Think? What power do we possess, as Christians who walk with God? What does it mean to cast down every thought?

3. In I Thessalonians 5:21, God in His word tells us to “test all things and to hold to what is good.” How have you been equipped to “test all things”(Acts17: 11) and how do you do this. (Also see Col. 3:16a) What areas should you be testing? Possible discussion areas: a. pastors – teacher’s b. Christian radio – T.V. c. Potential partnerships

4. Read Proverbs 4:23; Eph. 4:29-30. Keeping our hearts refers to what? What areas of our hearts, become stained by the world? Areas for discussion. a. Lust b. money c. positions and power d. other unbiblical teachings or religions that appeal to the senses or tradition. (See Col. 2:8; Is. 29:13-14) Give an example of when you were stained by one or more of these areas – what biblical truth did God use to deliver you?

Statement – The following questions are questions that are intended to pierce you hearts with the truth of God. If you will meditate on its truth and put it into practice, freedom will be the result (II Cor. 3:17-18) You can be free from the fearful and anxious thoughts that are examples of faithless, unbelieving, sinful decision-making. (Pro. 3:4-6; 4:14-19, 23-27; Ps. 119:9; Is. 66:2: II Cor10: 3-5) You will be free to love, as God wants you to love. It all is dependent on one thing. Do you believe it? Do you really believe what God says, or what our sinful – fearful – wretched heart tells us? Your mouth may proclaim truth, but your life will show the results. The bible says that” the heart of man is desperately wicked – who can know it?” (Jer. 17:9) Being a Christian doesn’t mean that your heart is no longer desperately wicked. If you heart was not desperately wicked, then you would have no need for Christ. What does God say about your hearts’ condition and the truth of God? Make the choice and live in the freedom God has for you today.

5. Read II Tim. 1:7. Where does fear always start? When God in His word says that we have power, what is He referring to? (II Cor.10:5-6) Does loving someone who doesn’t deserve it come from our own goodness or from God? (James 1:17) What does being sound minded mean biblically? Does this mean that people who struggle with sinful thoughts are “not” sound minded? (Rom. 7:15-25) How does faith, which comes from God, play into this verse being life changing in your life? Share with the Group an area you are struggling with. What truth has God shown you about your struggle?

6. Read I Tim. 6:20 and II Tim. 1:14 What “other truths” are there in our society today that can cause those who do not know the deeper things of God, to go astray?

Term to consider – “Admixture” – Is when adding a new element to the current element, by which forever changing the character of both. For instance – Flower and water. How does this apply to many of the “new truths” of today? Does truth ever need changing, or need to be up-graded? How does this apply to the way many think about truth?

The sure result I can expect as I trust Him and obey Him

Statement – Some Christians in the church are so richly blessed with the sweet knowledge of God’s will in every place. (Eph 5:2; IICor. 2:16) Their lives are like the aroma of God, and God uses this to deeply touch the lives of those around them. You may struggle with questions like – Why am I here? – What purpose do I have here on the earth? Feelings of worthlessness may plague you. But you can cultivate faithfulness doing whatever God has given you to do without feeling that you are “not a good Christian” if you are not in “full time Christian ministry.” (If you are in Christ, then you are an ambassador for Him) You can come to realize that God finds just as much pleasure in a child of His doing faithfully what He has given them to do that day, as He does with a missionary in the deepest darkest places of this world. Faithful obedience, is what brings pleasure to the heart of God – not what we do as a career or job. His truth is for all! He gives you to do whatever His will dictates, and His will is that you will discover joy in the midst of the seemingly meaningless tasks that we so often find ourselves involved with. God commands us to believe what He thinks about us, rather than us groping for significance in what we do, or do not do. Freedom in your thinking is God’s goal – not necessarily your service!!!!!

1. Please read II Cor. 10:6. From the statement above, name a few things that Christians struggle with, that are disobedient in the eyes of God.

2. Please read II Peter 1:2-10. According to verse 2, what is it that we must have in order to have the peace and Grace of God? Whose responsibility is it to obtain this?

3. Verse 3 is a truth that can set you free from so many different struggles. How can the knowledge that God has given you “all things” right now for life and godliness change the way you think about your

A. job

B. sinful thoughts of worthlessness

C. particular struggle with Sin

Statement – What you believe, will always determine your actions.

Read Pro.23: 7; Luke 6:43-46

4. Verse 4 mentions the “partaking of the divine nature” as having escaped the corruption that is in this world through lust. How is the belief in “self-esteem,” different than that which God gives (The divine nature)? Share with the group the “corruption’s ” have you been set free from as you have discovered the truths of God?

5. As the title to this lesson indicates, verses 5-8 should become your goal as a Christian. The longer we walk with God, the less our lives “should” be characterized by sin. We should be growing in the areas listed here in the text. How can a person know that he is growing in these areas? (see verse 8 & 10)

6. Please read I Peter 1:6-7. How does a person who is growing in the statutes of God, respond when they are grieved by various trials? How has their thinking changed about the trial itself? (see I Peter 2:9 and 4:12-13 for more insight)

7. Please read I Peter 5:10 and Lamentations 3:31-33. What is it in your life that causes you to suffer? The Bible says that if you will seek for Me then you will find Me!(Matt. 7:7) What biblical principle can you share with the group that will encourage and uplift someone else that may be suffering with the same thing? How has God settled you with his truth?

8. Read I Peter 5:7 What a tremendous peace we have in knowing that God cares for us. How can this one little verse change your anxious thoughts?

Ending statement – Hopefully this study has been a stretch for your “spiritual thinking.” Today in our modern church, we here all kinds of things about God, but few ever hear that suffering and hardship is the path we must take to become Christ-like. It isn’t easy to become transformed in your thinking, but it should be ever Christian’s goal. It requires trust in what God says rather than what we think. A body builder never becomes what he becomes, without pain and struggle. God will see to it that we have many challenges, and opportunities to trust Him with what we do know. So stop running to other things to try to fix your struggles, and let God have His will and way in your life. He has so many great truths that lead to freedom, but few ever find them for they spend their lives running to everything but God. Be set free from sinful thinking and start meditating on His word. You will be amazed what He will do!

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Jesus could have said ” Enough is Enough”

Posted on November 16, 2010 by Timbo

Jesus could have said, “This is not worth it – I am going to call down from Heaven 10 legion of angels and stop this!” As creator and by whom all things were made – He could have said ” NOPE – Not going to suffer like this. I will just completely start over. And He would have been completely Justified in doing so. Each step He took in agony was a choice with Me and you in mind – even though we were in the future – the mind of God…

My Dear friend told me this last night on our “catchup”  phone call that we do every several months. This really hit me that Jesus – walking down the streets of Jerusalem – in agony – with a cross on His back –  over all the sin that He was bearing – could have just quit and UNCREATED all that was. He had the p0wer to stop it – but because of His great love for ME and YOU – The ELECT – before the foundation of the the world was ever started – Suffered outside the gate – as a cast away – a nobody – rejected and thrown out as worthless!

Hebrews 13:12-14

Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, Suffered outside the gate. Therefor let us go forth to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach. For here we have not continuing city, but we seek the one to come.

Outside the gate – was where the stoning of those who had broken some law requiring death occured. In the old Leviticus system, they would lead you outside of the walls and there stone you to death – leaving you dead – there before all to view. Jesus – did this for you and me on a cross – so that we can come to Him in Faith and become a citizen of Heaven (Eph2:1-10) You need to read this passage for yourself – slowly – and really think about what Jesus did for the Elect – Chosen before you and I were ever born. (Eph. 1:6)

You know… How else could God have ever put on Display the Following without allowing Sin:

1. His Love and Grace

2. His Sovereignty in all THINGS (Eph.1:11)

3. His Wrath on sin (which is part of who He really is – and it is beautiful – because it comes from Him)

4. The Kindness of His merciful WILL toward Sinners (Slaves to Sin and Death)

5. A bride – To be intimate with for all Eternity. WE – The Elect – are a love gift from GOD the father to GOD the Son.

6. To show off His creative Power and Beauty – WOW – what will we one day SEE? Can’t wait to be with Him.

I could list so much more… But you get the idea. Satan and  SIN was allowed for GOD to demonstrate Himself! The Devil is God’s Devil. He is not outside the Soverignty of God! Without sin and the author of it (Satan)  we would never know Him.

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Life – pursuing Righteousness

Posted on November 11, 2010 by Timbo

The diligent pursuit of righteousness, as a true child of God’s, is…………

….. to continually entrust (I Thessalonians 5:18) the variety (I Peter 1:3-7) of issues and circumstances that come as a part of God’s good gift (I Timothy 4:4-5; 6:17) of life, be they blessing or trial and difficulty, to His infinite, immutable, good and sovereign plan and purpose for your life as His child (Ephesians 1:3-14).  Do so in the confident assurance of His glorious truth (Isaiah 44:6; 55:8) to you — Psalm 119:71,75; 118:24; 1:1-3; 37:3-6, 23-28 (be mindful of the fact that in v 27 when the Psalmist says to “Depart from evil and do good,…..”, that the refusal to believe and trustingly rest in the Lord, is to fail to depart from evil — to disbelieve God is not a righteous response to His holy, infinitely trustworthy word); Isaiah 55:8; 46:8-10.  All that He did, in eternity past, foreordain for your journey on this earth as His redeemed child, He deposited in time “future” and is now, day by day, revealing it to you, in His good and perfect, sovereign providential order, in the fullness of time “present”, so love Him, trust Him, praise Him, adore Him, and worship Him, as you faithfully commit your way to Him moment by moment, knowing He is transcendently superintending the events of your life for His glory and your good as His child.  Discipline your mind (Romans 12:1-3; Colossians 2:1-10; II Timothy 2:15) to dwell on and meditate on Him and His glorious truth, not on the temporal circumstances of this fleeting life.  Therein will you know peace and joy and sweet contentment, satisfied with whatever He has ordained because you know it indeed is always for His glory and your spiritual good — Romans 5:1-5; Philippians 4:4-13.

Matthew 6:25-34 (vv 33-34) – Written by Jerry White – My Mentor. Awesome!

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Passions – They are Blind and Dangerous Leaders

Posted on November 5, 2010 by Timbo

Passions – They are Blind and Dangerous Leaders.

Is there anything wrong with Emotions – Passion – and Feelings? No… not within themselves. They are created by God and all have them. However, because we all are sinners and are encased in fallen flesh – Passion and emotions  that are founded on circumstances or another person (Husband or wife – children – whomever…) can and will lead you into dangerous damaging sinful circumstances that hurt you and others,  and bring dishonor to our Lord.

Yes… That is right! Passion and envy is as rottenness to the bones, but a sound heart is life to the Body. Proverbs 14:30.

Read Romans 1:26 where it talks about God giving them over to the passions of their fallen heart – a heart that does not look to or count on the character of God – and Gal. 5:24

HOWEVER – Passion that is following the convictions of God – rooted in the Word of God – are proper. In other words – you can be passionately love your spouse without limits – when you are loving her as Christ loved the Church. I am trying to convey that a balance is in order and that God’s truth must be the reason for your emoti0ns and feelings…

not selfish envious –  non trusting – raw –  emotions that are coming from corruption and fallenness, and a heart that does not look to or trust in the Character of God. This kind of Passion is a dangerous leader!

Keep and Watch over your heart, for out of it springs the issues of life. Prov. 4:23

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Prayer

Posted on November 5, 2010 by Timbo

Prayer is:

Surrendering my will REGULARLY and CONTINUALLY to God’s Good and Perfect FORORDAINED Plan which comes from the will of God for my Life.

RESULTS OF PRAYER…

that I may go FORTH in each new day…

Continually  Communing with…

The God who formed me in my mothers womb…

In Harmony and Union with Him in the circumstances of my day…

Loving – Worshipping – Praising – Adoring – Exalting HIM in all that I say or Do

always remembering…

that My prayer NEVER EVER CHANGESthe foreordained will of God in any circumstance… But Rather

Changes ME… as I fellowship with Him.

God does not change nor does  He REACTING to anything. It is all completely under the control of His will. Eph1:11

Question:

Is there any circumstance – person – place – opportunity – Sin – Death – Birth – Actions within the cosmos – Satan and Hell itself – Outside of the Sovereign control of our GREAT GOD? If not, then why don’t we trust Him and learn to be still – Being Filled with the Peace of God that is already ours in Christ?

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Practical Atheist

Posted on November 5, 2010 by Timbo

Statement – Worry is an assault on the character of God. It says that you DON’T BELIEVE Him and that HE is NOT capable of seeing you through – Robbing you of Joy. Don’t live your life as a Practical atheist and expect the Peace of God to rule your heart. Meaning that the Practical Atheist is someone who Says that they Believe in God – They believe that the word of God is From God and can be trusted – The Christ  Died for Sinner – but they live life by emotions that scream that there is no God. They Disregard the Sovereignty of God and the authority of the Word of God – floating from worry to worry. STOP IT – and Believe – and find the Peace of God!

Read Ps. 37

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Misery – Most of the time it is self inflicted

Posted on November 2, 2010 by Timbo

I was recently upset about some stuff… Like all of us at times. It was told to me in a very direct and BOLD manner that

” Don’t relate self inflicted Misery due to my unbelief and stubbornness to the Purifying work of sanctification from God.”

In other words, I – trying to be “spiritually minded” told this gentleman what I was struggling with  – and how it was making me miserable in my emotions. He then told me with such clarity to not relate the working of God in my heart to self inflicted misery due to my own unbelief. WOW… This really hit me hard.

Eph. 1:11

… who works all things according to the counsel of His will.

Is there anything or anybody that is outside of the sovereignty of God? NO there isn’t. I must come to the place where I let what Scripture says and teaches about the character of God – RULE my heart – not FEAR! Fear is what creates misery in my heart. Truth is what frees me – and truth is ONLY found in God’s Word.

Questions to Ponder:

1. Is there anything – any circumstance – any action on the part of a loved one – Outside of the counsel of God’s will?

2. If God is truly Sovereign – How comprehensive is it? Is it deep and penetrating enough for me to Build on it and count on the FACT that He is sovereign – resulting in Fears being relieved?

3. When I feel miserable about something – am I trusting in God’s character of Sovereign Control?

4. Does God really love me – I mean REALLY – enough so that He will protect my Path? (Prov. 2:6-8)

5. Who is on the throne of my heart? Is it my fears of what may or possibly could happen – or is it the confident assurance in the Character of God? Who is really ruling my heart when my emotions – guided by Fear and unbelief – Bring me to a miserable place, even to the point that I cannot sleep? (Matt. 11:28-29)

What is your struggle. How can I encourage you? Share with me your thoughts and I will use scripture to lift you up as best as I can? Email me at tim@metrowheels.net

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Trials are from our God for the benefit of His chosen ones

Posted on October 30, 2010 by Timbo

Hey,  have you ever been in a place where your feeling scream at you – GET ME OUT OF THIS –  or I HAVE GOTTA FIX THIS THING NOW. I know I sure have. I am in the midst of one right this minute. I have had surgery on both of my feet. I am couped up and alone.  I “feel” lonely. I “feel” afraid of where a certain person in my life is headed and what impact it could have on me – my future – my my my my …. Kinda selfish sounding isn’t it? Last night I barely slept because I am so focused on this possibility and I allowed myself to loose sleep over it. Then when I try to resolve it – NOPE – not gonna happen. Ever been there?

So I started praying… I called out for God’s mercy and Grace to come down. I opened my Bible and this verse is the first page that opened.

James 1:2-4

Consider it all joy my brothers when you encounter carious trials knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

I hear God say through His word that He is the author of situations and People – Events – Problems – struggles – issues – Feelings that come and go – ALL THING – Eph. 1:11. He is working all things to the counsel of His will. Our life is predestined according to His purposes. SO this would certainly include my feelings and thoughts – fears. God calls me to trust Him and not be afraid. To cast off my Fears and Serve God faithfully where and when I can – entrusting Him with the cares of this life. Casting all my cares on Him for He cares for me.

Then I turn to Ps. 139

 O LORD, you have searched me  and you know me.  You know when I sit and when I rise;  you perceive my thoughts from afar.

 3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue
       you know it completely, O LORD.

 5 You hem me in—behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me.  Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
       too lofty for me to attain.

 7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
       if I make my bed in the depths,  you are there.

 9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,  if I settle on the far side of the sea,10 even there your hand will guide me,
       your right hand will hold me fast.

 11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me  and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you;
       the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

 13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

 15 My frame was not hidden from you  when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

 16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book  before one of them came to be.

 17 How precious to  me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you.  

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.

 24 See if there is any offensive way in me,  and lead me in the way everlasting.

Well the comfort that God brought to me this morning is that I am fully known. Fully understood by the one who fashioned me in my mothers womb. He knows when I am rising up and laying down. He knows my words even before I say them. And His thoughts towards me are that of Love. SO… am I really alone. Perhaps physically sometimes (which I do not like) but never by my self. God is always with me no matter what – where- who –  occurs. God is with me because of my Faith in Christ. Be encouraged during hard times. Look to the one who made you. Focus intentionally on Him and His word and you will strengthen yourself with the wonderful knowledge that you are not alone in this universe. When we repent of all sin – placing faith in Jesus and the work of the cross – His death burial and resurrection, and turn our lives over to living for God and serving him – choosing to acknowledge the presense of God and submitting to DO what He as Lord has said in His words tous –  you will find His presence that fills you. With this you can face any day, no matter what the sovereign God allows, or actually causes. Focus intentionally on the Bible but only in Christ. (Meaning real salvation)

Where are you? Can you call on the Grace of God to come down to your need at any moment? Have you ever experienced this Grace in Christ? Tell me about your experience and what Scriputure did God use to encourage you? Let us know your thoughts and how God “rescued” you from your fears! Respond to this post below and let me and others hear about God’s faithfulness in your place  and time of Need.

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Lying – what do you do when it is against you!

Posted on October 29, 2010 by Timbo

Today, I had to go into a hearing about an employee who was terminated from my company for poor performance and calling another employee a Racist. I terminated him for both areas and today I had to go the a government hearing defending my actions to the state for benefits he was trying to get.

He LIED in so many ways right to the one conducting the interview – and to my Face – that I became so angry. I was controlled in my response – but none the less direct. I said that within my company I have committed myself to ethics and truth. I am the current president of the Rotary club in my area which swears you into the oath of “telling the truth”! I also stated that the truth will set a person free (Jesus) and that the truth never needs defending – Then I said to the person who just told about 25 or so direct lies about me and the situation – that he was a Lier and that I was glad he no longer worked for my company. Of course then the interview rebuked me for “getting out of control.” (anytime anyone says something with directness and passion is of course headed down the road of being out of control – probably the case with most of those he deals with)

I got into my office and had to go to scripture for comfort and realease. Here is what God directed me to:

Ps.58:3

The wicked are estranged from the womb; They go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies.

Wow… It is our nature to lie from birth. Apart from God’s work in my life through Faith in Christ – I AM A LIER TOO. So don’t be so quick Tim to judge! Apart from my work – you would not know the truth either.

Ps52:3

You love evil more than good, Lying rather than speaking righteousness.

Naturally I and anyone who is not saved by the work of God through Christ is going to love lying. It is a sign of their death spiritually. So – rejoice that truth is in you, and that you know it.

Jer. 9:3

And like their bow they have bent their tongues for lies. They are not valiant for the truth on the earth. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not know ME says the Lord.

This person had obviously prepared their tongue to lie against me and he did so because he does not know God. He is not Valiant for the truth – like I am – because he does not know the truth (Jesus) 

Liars listen to liars. Look at

Proverbs 17:4

An evildoer gives heed to false lips; A liar listens eagerly to a spiteful tongue.

There is another person still working here that listened eagerly to the person who was fired. Interesting… he was just demoted a few weeks ago for many issues. Once again – a liar will listen eagerly to another liar.

Well… there are many other verses about lying. The bottom line is that I need to remember that I am to forgive the enemy for his lies and pray for him. He has 8 kids born out of wedlock and is in a terrible place. Thank God for His kind mercy on my head and remember that I am made of the same stuff – Dust!

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