What is God like? He feels grief.

From the book of Amos: “For, lo, he that formeth the mountains, and
Createth the wind, and DECLARETH UNTO MAN WHAT IS HIS THOUGHT, that maketh the morning darkness, and treadeth upon the high places of the earth, The LORD, The God of hosts, is his name.” (Amos 4:13) What are God’s thoughts? How does he feel about certain things? God does have feelings. One thing he feels is grief.
We read in Genesis that prior to the flood of Noah God felt grief and regret. God does grieve when man is wicked and evil. It states he actually regretted that he had made man in the flesh.
Genesis 6:5 “And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. 11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.”
God search’s to see if there are any who seek him.
Psalms 53:2 “God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God.”
The book of Jeremiah tells us that mankind sometimes discourages God to such an extent that he’d just like to go off alone somewhere and cry. God does cry.
Jeremiah 9:1 “Oh, that my head were waters and mine eyes a fountain of tears that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people! 2 Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men; that I might leave my people, and go from them! For they be all adulters, an assembly of treacherous men.”
God grieves and is sometimes so discouraged that he cries.

Clouds, Whirlwinds, Pillars – God’s Vehicles

When reading about modes of transportation in the Old Testament, we need to remember that the only vehicles the writers were familiar with were a horse or donkey and a cart. We have to try to visualize what they described. Whirlwinds and chariots were often mentioned. The book of Psalms proclaims, “The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place.” (Psalms 68:17)
An interesting scripture to first look at is in the book of Exodus. During the time of the exodus out of Egypt, God placed himself as a protection between the Hebrews and the Egyptians. It says that God looked through the pillar of fire and of the cloud. We have to ask ourselves, what was this column of fire that was combined with a cloud? It states that the Egyptians were troubled. I would think they would have run as fast as they could in the other direction the minute they saw it, which they did not, and ended up perishing. “And It came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians.” (Exodus 14:24)
It is written several places in the scriptures that as Moses and the people exited out of Egypt they were led by “The Cloud of the Lord” by day and the “Pillar of Fire” by night. If the cloud was not raised off of the tabernacle, then they would not continue their pilgrimage that day. This cloud-pillar must have been tall, or high, because it says it was in the sight of all the house of Israel. “Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys: But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up. For the cloud of the LORD was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.” (Exodus 40:34-38) This same situation, of continuing their journey only when the cloud was lifted, is described for us in the book of Numbers. “So it was always: the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night. And when the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle, then after that the children of Israel journeyed: and in the place where the cloud abode, there the children of Israel pitched their tents. At the commandment of the LORD the children of Israel journeyed, and at the commandment of the LORD they pitched: as long as the cloud abode upon the tabernacle they rested in their tents. And when the cloud tarried long upon the tabernacle many days, then the children of Israel kept the charge of the LORD, and journeyed not. And so it was, when the cloud was a few days upon the tabernacle; according to the commandment of the LORD they abode in their tents, and according to the commandment of the LORD they journeyed. And so it was, when the cloud abode from even unto the morning, and that the cloud was taken up in the morning, then they journeyed: whether it was by day or by night that the cloud was taken up, they journeyed. Or whether it were two days, or a month, or a year, that the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, remaining thereon, the children of Israel abode in their tents, and journeyed not: but when it was taken up, they journeyed. At the commandment of the LORD they rested in the tents, and at the commandment of the LORD they journeyed: they kept the charge of the LORD, at the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses.” (Numbers 9:16-23)
Moses made mention of this while scolding the people for their lack of belief. “Who went in the way before you, to search you out a place to pitch your tents in, in fire by night, to shew you by what way ye should go, and in a cloud by day.” (Deuteronomy 1:33)
During their second month, after departing from Egypt, the people began to grumble against Moses and Aaron. Moses told the people, because he had heard their grumbling, they were about to see the glory of the LORD. I’m curious as to what they saw in the cloud? “And Moses spake unto Aaron, Say unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, Come near before the LORD: for he hath heard your murmurings. And it came to pass, as Aaron spake unto the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and, behold, the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud.” (Exodus 16:9-10)
The experience of the people at Mount Sinai is one like no other group of people in history have had or seen. Moses took the people to meet God. God informed the people, through Moses, that he would come to them in a “thick cloud.” Was the thick cloud hiding something? Prior to his appearing, God cautioned the people several times that they would be killed if they crossed a certain point. Could there have been some kind of electrical type force protecting the area, or permeating off of a vehicle in the dark cloud on the mountain? It says there was thunder and lightning, and the mountain quaked. It would take an enormous vehicle to cause the mountain to shake. The Lord then descended upon it in the fire. Can you imagine experiencing something like that today? It’s hard to understand, after seeing such an incredible sight, how the people so quickly doubted and rebelled. God said the people would believe forever. What a disappointment we must be to God.
“And the LORD said unto Moses, Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and believe thee for ever. And Moses told the words of the people unto the LORD.”
“And the LORD said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes, And be ready against the third day: for the third day the LORD will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai. And thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, that ye go not up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death: There shall not an hand touch it, but he shall surely be stoned, or shot through; whether it be beast or man, it shall not live: when the trumpet soundeth long, they shall come up to the mount.
“And Moses went down from the mount unto the people, and sanctified the people; and they washed their clothes. And he said unto the people, Be ready against the third day: come not at your wives.
“And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled. And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount. And Mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly. And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and God answered him by a voice. And the LORD came down upon Mount Sinai, on the top of the mount: and the LORD called Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up. And the LORD said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the LORD to gaze and many of them perish. (Exodus 19:9-21)
We discover that the “Cloud,” referred to in verse sixteen, is mentioned other times in the scriptures. Most involved Moses during his time at Mt. Sinai. “And Moses went up into the mount, and a cloud covered the mount. And the glory of the LORD abode upon Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days: and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud.” (Exodus 24:15-16)
In one circumstance, Moses spent forty days and forty nights up on the mountain in the cloud. “And Moses went into the midst of the cloud, and gat him up into the mount: and Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights.” (Exodus 24:18)
In another instance, a cloudy pillar is described as standing at the door of the tabernacle and speaking with Moses. Again, I have to ask, was the cloud hiding something or in this case someone? This particular cloud was in the form of a man, which the people worshipped. “And it came to pass, as Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the Lord talked with Moses. And all the people saw the cloudy pillar stand at the tabernacle door: and all the people rose up and worshipped, every man in his tent door.” (Exodus 33:9-10)
The LORD himself is described, in another verse, as descending down in the cloud. “And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD.” (Exodus 34:5)
At another time, the appearance of the cloud over the tabernacle was a reminder to the people not to rebel against Moses. “And it came to pass, when the congregation was gathered against Moses and against Aaron, that they looked toward the tabernacle of the congregation: and, behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the LORD appeared.” (Numbers 16:42)
Here again, in the book of Numbers, it speaks of the LORD ascending down in the cloud. “And the LORD came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease.” (Numbers 11:25)
When disciplinary action was about to be taken against Moses’ sister, Miriam, the pillar of the cloud appears. “And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth.” (Numbers 12:5) When the cloud departed, Miriam had become leprous, and stayed that way for seven days.
God warned Moses’ brother, Aaron, that he would die if he went into the holy place of the tabernacle, because he, the LORD, was going to be in a cloud upon the mercy seat. “And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat.” (Leviticus 16:2)
In II Samuel, David, in a prayer, describes God as being in the dark clouds. “And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: and he was seen upon the wings of the wind. And he made darkness pavilions round about him, dark waters, and thick clouds of the skies.” (II Samuel 22:11-12) The clouds are spoken of in the Psalms. “Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.” (Psalms 97:2) “Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind:” (Psalms 104:3) There are other places in the scriptures, which speak of Jesus coming on the clouds, which we will cover in the last chapter, but in the book of Revelation, we read: “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:7-8)
In an earlier chapter, we read about Elijah the prophet, who was depressed at that time in his life. Something extraordinary happened to Elijah In the end. He never died a physical death, but instead was taken by God. We read of him later appearing with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration in the New Testament. How was he taken? What was it that took him? Elisha the prophet, his successor, witnessed Elijah’s departure. He described him as being taken up in a whirlwind. “And it came to pass, when the LORD would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elisha went with Elijah from Gilgal.’ (II Kings 2:1)“And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.” (II Kings 2:11)
The word “whirlwind” is used 22 times in the Old Testament. We find that Job, at two different instances, spoke with God through something that appeared to be a whirlwind. What was it? “Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, ” (Job 38:1)“Then answered the LORD unto Job out of the whirlwind,” (Job 40:6)
Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Zechariah the prophets, all three speak of the Lord coming in spectacular vehicles. Would we be prepared, if and when this was to happen? “For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire.” (Isaiah 66:15) “Behold, he shall come up as clouds, and his chariots shall be as a whirlwind: his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe unto us! For we are spoiled.” (Jeremiah 4:13) “And the LORD shall be seen over them, and his arrow shall go forth as the lightning: and the LORD God shall blow the trumpet, and shall go with whirlwinds of the south.” (Zechariah 9:14) At the beginning of this chapter, we read of God coming with twenty thousand chariots or vehicles. Repeating: “The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place.” (Psalms 68:17)
Ezekiel gives the most intriguing description of a type of vehicle found in the scriptures. It’s a little difficult to understand, but remember a donkey and a cart are the extent of his knowledge at that time. Again he begins with a whirlwind. He speaks of wheels that are on their sides, and then a wheel inside the wheel. The color amber, mentioned in verses four and twenty-seven, is described in the Strong‘s Hebrew dictionary as a shining substance, amber or electrum or bronze (uncertain). In verse eighteen, Ezekiel describes the wheels as being “very terrible”, meaning awesome, as well as very tall or high. Could the “rings full of eyes” be something like windows? The expression, “turned not as they went,” to Ezekiel could have meant they didn’t turn their heads like he would think of a horse turning their head as they turn. These just went one way or the other, without turning their heads. When reading this description, we need to consider that part of time he was speaking of the vehicles and part of the time of the beings on the vehicles. The part where he speaks of the “straight legs” or their “wings coming down,” could mean some sort of landing gear coming down. One other thing to consider is the mentioning of four heads. These were also symbols used by the twelve tribes of Israel. These creatures could have been vehicles with the four symbols on each side. We can’t know what it all means. Maybe you can decipher more information from it when you read it.
“And I looked, and, behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud, and a fire infolding itself, and a brightness was about it, and out of the midst thereof as the colour of amber, out of the midst of the fire. Also out of the midst thereof came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance; they had the likeness of a man. And every one had four faces, and everyone had four wings. And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf’s foot: and they sparkled like the colour of burnished brass. And they had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their faces and their wings. Their wings were joined one to another; they turned not when they went; they went every one straightforward. As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle. Thus were their faces: and their wings were stretched upward; two wings of every one were joined one to another, and two covered their bodies. And they went every one straightforward: whither the spirit was to go, they went; and they turned not when they went. As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, and like the appearance of lamps: it went up and down among the living creatures: and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning. And the living creatures ran and returned as the appearance of flash of lightning.
“Now as I beheld the living creatures, behold one wheel upon the earth by the living creatures, with his four faces. The appearance of the wheels and their work was like unto the colour of a beryl: and they four had one likeness: and their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel. When they went, they went upon their four sides: and they turned not when they went. As for their rings, they were so high that they were dreadful; and their rings were full of eyes round about them four. And when the living creatures went, the wheels went by them: and when the living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up. Whithersoever the spirit was to go, they went, thither was their spirit to go; and the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels. When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood; and when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels. And the likeness of the firmament upon the heads of the living creature was as the colour of the terrible crystal, stretched forth over their heads above. And under the firmament were their wings straight, the one toward the other: every one had two, which covered on this side, and every one had two, which covered on that side, their bodies. And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of great waters, as the voice of the Almighty, the voice of speech, as the noise of an host: when they stood, they let down their wings. And there was a voice from the firmament that was over their heads, when they stood, and had let down their wings.
“And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone; and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness of the appearance of a man above upon it. And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about. As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.” (Ezekiel 1:4-28)
A brief statement, concerning the throne and the wheels, is what Daniel described in the 2nd part of Daniel 7:9 “His throne was like the fiery flame and his wheels as burning fire.”

Easter vs. Passover

Easter vs. Passover
The word Easter is used one time in the King James Bible. It is in Acts 12:4. It reads:
“And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.”
The word used here, in the original Hebrew text, was pavsca which is translated Pascha or Passover. The definition reads from the Strong’s Concordance:
1) the paschal sacrifice (which was accustomed to be offered for the people’s deliverance of old from Egypt) (2) the paschal lamb, i.e. the lamb the Israelites were accustomed to slay and eat on the fourteenth day of the month of Nisan (the first month of their year) in memory of the day on which their fathers, preparing to depart from Egypt, were bidden by God to slay and eat a lamb, and to sprinkle their door posts with its blood, that the destroying angel, seeing the blood, might pass over their dwellings; Christ crucified is likened to the slain paschal lamb(3) the paschal supper (4) the paschal feast, the feast of the Passover, extending from the 14th to the 20th day of the month Nisan.
This exact same word is used 28 other times in the New Testament and is translated Passover.
The Bible does not mention Easter at all except in that one verse. If we think about it neither Jesus nor the apostles ever indicated or directed that it should be observed. The word has been corrected in some modern translations of the New Testament.
I believe that we Christians are not celebrating Easter but, that we are celebrating Passover. How that one scripture was used to change our celebration to Easter, who knows, but this is an insult to Christ. He died for us and became our Passover lamb and somehow throughout history that has been disregarded. It is obvious that it was Our Fathers intent that the lamb’s blood on the doorpost so the death angel would pass over was to be used as an example of Jesus’ blood causing us to be passed over by the death angel. Besides being an insult to Jesus, it has also stolen a blessing from us Christians.
If this is new to you and you are in doubt, read over these scriptures concerning Jesus and the Passover and perhaps see them with new eyes. It was clear that Jesus was killed on Passover. How could that possibly be a coincidence?
“And he (Jesus) said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples.” (Matthew 26:18) “Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.” (John 13:1) “Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.” (John 18:28) “But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews?” (John 18:39) “And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!” (John 19:14)
Note also these words of John the Baptist: “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29) It is clear that Jesus was and is our Passover lamb.
Or, read this story of Phillip and the eunuch in Acts chapter eight: “Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.”
Listen carefully to what Paul says. He makes it clear. “Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:” (1st Corinthians 5:7) Again, Jesus became our Passover.
We also have these precious words of Peter. “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: (1st Peter 1:18-19)
Why would Jesus be called the lamb in the previous verses as well as in these verses in the book of Revelation? (There are several. I only listed three.) “Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.” (Revelation 5:12) “After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;” (Revelation 7:9) “For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:17)
We are stuck in this tradition that will probably not in this life be changed, but at least in our hearts when we attend the Easter services we can now know the truth. I have to think about what Paul writes: “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” (Colossians 2:8) Or what Jesus said in Mark 7:13 concerning tradition: “Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.”
Adding to the insult, the word Easter did not originate with the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Encyclopedias and dictionaries trace the term Easter to Ishtar, the ancient spring goddess of Near Eastern countries, also known as Astarte or, in the Bible, the worship of Ashtoreth, which is a pagan holiday to worship spring, new beginnings, rejuvenation, reproduction and fertility; the life-enriching qualities of the sun. We can read in the Bible of idolatry and sun worship connected with Ishtar and Tammuz which became so widespread and influential that they were practiced even by people who had once known the true God. See: (Ezekiel 8:12-18; Jeremiah 7:18; 44:17-23). Consider the egg and the bunny. Most have heard of the swift reproduction expression, “fast like a bunny.” The egg and bunny have to do with fertility, and the goddess of fertility, not Christ’s resurrection. These practices have all been intertwined with Passover and here we are.
We could also go into a discussion here concerning the three days, but at this time we will just discuss Passover. We could also go into another discussion as to why the dates for Easter and Passover differ in the religions of the world, but the only fact we will concentrate on at this time is that we who believe Jesus Christ was and is our Passover can know the exact day to thank him and remember the Passover. It is given to us form the word of God. We are told in the book of Leviticus: “In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD’s passover.” (Leviticus 23:5) And also in the book of Numbers: “And they kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the first month at even in the wilderness of Sinai: according to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so did the children of Israel.” (Numbers 9:5) Each year this would be 14 days after the spring equinox at sundown. I mention the spring equinox because that was when the Hebrews year began and at sundown because that is when they began the next day. This year that date would be April 3rd at sundown making Passover on April 4th.
It is my opinion that we should not use this information to insult those who do not know, by going to a family or even a church function where they are gathering Easter eggs and make a big to do. It is not going to change the tradition. It will only hurt others. What we can gently do is teach our children and grandchildren the truth. It is also my opinion that most Christians attending Easter services are celebrating Christ’s death and resurrection, but to know the truth concerning the Passover is an additional blessing.
To all who wish to celebrate Passover in their hearts and minds, have a blessed Passover.

The Book of Life

THE BOOK OF LIFE
The Bible speaks of books and records that are being kept. With the advancements in technology the last several years, it is much easier to understand the concept of keeping such a large amount of information. If we can do it, God can do it much better. Jesus said, “Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid that shall not be known.” Matthew 10:26 Also Paul writes in I Corinthians 4:5 “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.”
While pleading to God on behalf of the people Moses speaks of a book that God has written. God says those who have sinned against him will be blotted out of his book.
Exodus 32:32 Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. 33 And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.
Our times of tears and sorrows are written in a book.
Psalms 56:8 Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle; are they not in thy book?
All our members are written in a book. Jesus said in Matthew 10:30, “The very hairs of your head are all numbered.” The word unperfect in the following verse means embryo or fetus. He sees us when we are still an embryo.
Psalms 139:16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
Troubled times, worse then any man has ever faced, are to take place in the end times. Daniel says all those whose names are written in the book will be delivered.
Daniel 12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time; and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
Malachi says that God hears our discussions about him and keeps record of it. He even keeps record of those who “think” about him. He knows what we are thinking!
Malachi 3:16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another; and the LORD hearkened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.
Extreme importance is placed on a name being written in the book of life. It is indicated that a name can be blotted out of the book.
Psalms 69:28 Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.
Revelation 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the Book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Paul in the Book of Philippians mentions the book of life.
Philippians 4:3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life
When the anti-Christ appears here on the earth all those whose names are not written in the book of life will worship him.
Revelation 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
Revelation 17:8 The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.
The books of Daniel and Revelation speak of a day of judgment when the books will be opened.
Daniel 7:10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
We are given eternal life through Jesus Christ, but in the end when the books are opened we are going to be judged by our works. We will answer for what we have not repented for and be given credit for the good that we have done in this life. Judgment is not all about the bad. It will be fair and just.
Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
Revelation 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life will be allowed to enter into the city God has prepared.
Revelation 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
This final warning:
Revelation 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. Journey to the Long Home by S.L. Honeycutt

What about the Animials?

 

 

 

We pet owners’ desire answers concerning the fate of our dear pets, which we love. As we search the scriptures we find there is no concrete, beyond the shadow of a doubt evidence as to what happens to them. But, as we search deeper, we find the clues are there.

We read from I Corinthians 15:39 that all flesh is not the same. We were told there are four different types of flesh: man, animal, fish and birds. Throughout the scriptures it is made clear that God is pleased with, and places great value on, the animals he has created. He says: “For every beast of the forest is mine and the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.” (Psalms 50:10-11) There are countless animals and birds on this earth, and we discover that records are also being kept of them.  Jesus spoke of the insignificant sparrow as having value. “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.” (Matthew 10:29)  “Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?” (Luke 12:6)

God loves and is proud of his creations. We are able to read and more fully understand that admiration in Job 39, where he speaks to Job out of a whirlwind and elaborates on several different animals including goats, donkeys, peacocks, ostriches, horses and hawks.

We also read in the book of Numbers where the Lord made Balaam’s donkey to speak with him. It is amazing. A person has to wonder, if all animals could speak what they would have to say. Would many speak of unfair treatment? It is amusing that poor Balaam could not see the angel, but the donkey could.

An interesting observation from the Bible is the fact that the animals were created before man was created. In the book of Genesis it reads: “And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so. And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.”  (Genesis 1:24-25)  We agree it was good. The vast number of animals that were created is mind boggling to consider. The descriptions are unending.  A person has to believe that God had a lot of fun creating the animals.  The book of Genesis goes on to explain that, just as with man, the animals were given food to sustain them. “And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.” (Genesis 1:30)

We also find that, just as he did with us humans, God formed the animals from the ground. “And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof. And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field.”(Genesis 2:19-20)

We read from the scriptures that the animals were also destroyed along with man during the flood of Noah. “And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.” (Genesis 6:7) “And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man:” (Genesis 7:21)

What is fascinating to consider is that the promise, which God made after the flood, was not only to man, but to the animals as well. “And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you and with every living creature that is with you, of the fowl, of the cattle, and of every beast of the earth with you; from all that go out of the ark, to every beast of the earth. And I will establish my covenant with you, neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.” (Genesis 9:9-11)

We find, as a gift, the animals were delivered into the hands of man. Man was given dominion over all God’s creation. We read: “And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered.” (Genesis 9:2) This is also declared in the Psalms. “Thou madest him (man) to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou has put all things under his feet: All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.” (Psalms 8:6-8) With this gift, we were also given the responsibility to respect the authority given to us over the animals and never to be cruel. “A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.” (Proverbs 12:10)

It is surprising to discover that animals, as well as man, are to give an account for the shedding of man’s blood. The scripture reads: “And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man’s brother will I require the life of man. Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.” (Genesis 9:5-6)

Adding to the uniqueness of animals, we read in the book of Jeremiah how the animals appear more able to follow their instincts than man is able to use common sense. “Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD.” (Jeremiah 8:7)

In the Psalms we are informed that God takes care of the animals as well as man. “Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.” (Psalms 36:6)  It is hard to imagine, as we read at the beginning of this blog that not one bird falls without it being recorded. The birds and animals are also in the books.

So what can we conclude happens to the animals? God promises, in the world to come, that the animals will exist and that they will be at peace with man and with each other. It is not easy for us to envision the cows, bears, wolves, leopards and lambs hanging out together, but the scriptures say it is so. In the book of Isaiah it reads: “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.” (Isaiah 11:6-7) There will be no more carnivores. And, again it is written in Isaiah: “The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.” (Isaiah 65:25)

The book of Hosea may help shed some light on the fate of the animals. Hosea stipulates that God is going to make a covenant of peace with the animals. For all of us with pets, here is where I believe our confirmation, as far as what happens to our pets, can be found. Hosea writes: “And in that day will I make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field and with the fowls of heaven, and with the creeping things on the ground: and I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the earth, and will make them to lie down safely.” (Hosea 2:18) If we consider this, it is logical to conclude that this pertains to the animals alive on the earth, then and now. Why make the promise to them if it doesn’t pertain to them?

Paul concludes that all creation has the desire for that day when they will be redeemed. The animals are also waiting and anticipating that day. He writes: “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.” (Romans 8:22-23)

 For all of us who have loved and lost animals we read: “Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?” (Luke 12:6) He remembers them. Why remember them if they were just to be tossed and forgotten? Why keep records if there were no future for them?

Animials at Peace

Isaiah 11:6
The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.

Isaiah 11:7
And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.

Romans 8:21-23
Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.

A Vapor

A VAPOR

Good or bad, rich or poor, famous or unknown, all die. But, while alive in these bodies, most of us have the idea that we will go on forever. Most of us don’t even want to think about death; perhaps hopeful that it won’t happen if we ignore it. But, for each of us there comes that day when, having inadequate words to say, we will be sitting by the bedside of a dying friend or family member. No comforting words of truth come to our mind. Sometimes we grasp onto an old cliche such as, “God works in mysterious ways.” We may also find ourselves in the position where, after a death occurs, a friend or family member reaches out to us for answers and all we may do is to assure them that we’ll understand someday. Most of us don’t really know what the Bible has to say about death. Would’t it be wise to prepare in advance, thus replacing fear and despair, with hope and truth? The Bible has a great deal to say concerning death.
We build houses, businesses, and relationships but the reality is, in seventy-five years, more or less, another person is going to be living in that house into which we have poured our heart and soul. Someone else will be operating that successful business we have worked for years to build, reaping the fruits of our labor. Many years ago The Psalmist accurately wrote these words: “For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others. Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue forever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names. Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish.” (Psalms 49:10-12)
Is there an appointed time for each person to die? We read these words in the book of Ecclesiastes: “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2) This indicates that there is an appointed time. But, many that we read about in the scriptures were struck down before their appointed time. Some did live until, what appeared to be, their appointed time, while others like Hezekiah and Lazarus had their time extended.
We also see from the scriptures that there are those who appear to die accidental deaths. Jesus seems to confirm this thought in the book of Luke where he warns us to be prepared, because an accident could happen to us. First, he perceives what the people are thinking; that some who recently died, died because of their sins. “There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?” (Luke 13:1-4)
From the above scriptures, and others that we will cover later in this book, it appears evident that there is an appointed time for each of us to die, but that time can be decreased or extended by circumstances and by God. And, even if there is an appointed time to die, the book of Ecclesiastes tells us that, as a rule, we are not given the ability to know that time. “For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.” (Ecclesiastes 9:12) We will discover in a later chapter that there are exceptions to this fact. Two of them being Moses and his brother, Aaron, who were both informed in advance of their deaths. Whatever we conclude concerning an appointed time, one valuable fact a believer can hold dear to their heart are the words of this verse: “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” (Psalms 116:15)
We have all questioned why. We are troubled sometimes when we see a good person die young while there appear to be evil people that go on living. That fact is confirmed in the book of Ecclesiastes. “All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.” (Ecclesiastes 7:15) We discover an answer to the question, “Why sometimes does the good die young?” in the Old Testament book of Isaiah where it states: “The Righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come. He shall enter into peace; they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.” The New International Version Bible may make these verses clearer to understand, “The righteous perish, and no one ponders it in his heart; devout men are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.” (Isaiah 57:1-2) These words give us a solid answer as to why a young man, woman, child, or perhaps a baby, including a miscarried baby, may have died. They also give us an answer to the question why good people, ones who are making a difference, sometimes die.
There are those of us who attempt to be the judge after a death occurs, concluding that a person wasn’t “saved” or they weren’t “baptized” or perhaps they were “living a sinful life,” losing sight of the fact that God is the judge. There is no way we can know what is in a person’s heart. In these sobering words of Jesus while dealing with the centurion, we find verification that, when all is said and done, there may be some surprises in the end.
“And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 8:5-12)
What does he mean? We can determine from Jesus’ words that circumstances may not always be as they appear. God knows the heart of each person. This is affirmed by the words he spoke to Solomon so many years ago. “For the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts.” (I Chronicles 28:9) We don’t know how much time a person may be given before they die. Or, had they lived, where the future would have led them? We can know that God is more concerned and fairer than any man, and in the eons of time we will say, “Thank you, God, that you allowed things to happen exactly as they did.”
There are other scriptures that make us consider that things may not be as they appear and the outcome may be different than we have assumed. One of them is in the book of Mark, concerning the sinful cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, who have throughout history been considered the worst of the worst. But, when Jesus sent out his disciples to several cities throughout the land he gave them this instruction. “And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.” (Mark 6:10-11) That tells us that those who reject truth will have more to answer for in the Day of Judgment than Sodom and Gomorrha, reinforcing to us the importance of leaving judgment in God’s hands when a death occurs.
The New Testament book of James describes the span of our years here on this earth as but a vapor. “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, which appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” (James 4:14) According to what is written in the Psalms we are given seventy to eighty years here as humans. “The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” (Psalm 90:10) Because of our short span of time, we are cautioned again in the Psalms that it would be wise to make good use of the time we are given. “LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah. Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them.” (Psalms 39:4-6) The word, “vain” and “vanity” used here is number 1892 in the Strong’s Hebrew Concordance and could be described as empty or emptiness. Is it possible that we are empty? Could we wasting precious time on meaningless possessions or useless efforts?
We have established from the scriptures that we need to use our time wisely, because no matter who we are or what our position in life we will only live here as a human being an average of seventy to eighty years. A beautiful concept, which we unveiled, is that our death is precious in God’s eyes. This truth helps us to understand death in a new light. Could anything that is precious to God be considered negative or bad?
From Journey to the Long Home by S.L. Honeycutt

Mary’s Prayer

MARY’S PRAYER
An angel named Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary in Nazareth. He said to her, “Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women”. (Luke 1:28) This proclamation was a humbling honor. Gabriel went on to explain to Mary that she was going to have a son and he was to be named Jesus. He also informed Mary that her cousin, Elizabeth, was six months pregnant, also with a son.
Shortly following that announcement, Mary rushed to Elizabeth’s home where another extraordinary thing happened. When Mary first encountered Elizabeth and opened her mouth to speak, John, Elizabeth’s son, jumped with excitement inside her womb. It states that Elizabeth at that moment spoke loudly these words, “Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things, which were told her from the Lord.” (Luke 1:42 – 45) Elizabeth’s statement concerning Mary, “blessed is she that believed,” authenticates to us that Mary believed the words that were spoken to her and that this miracle could and would happen.
Overjoyed by all that was happening, Mary was filled with the Holy Spirit and prayed a prayer proclaiming her love to the Lord. In her prayer, she confirms the Old Testament words spoken many years earlier to Abraham and his descendents. She also proclaims the blessing for the generations to come.
Mary’s Spirit Filled Prayer
“And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.” (Luke 1:46 – 55)

Why do we sometimes suffer?

WHAT IS GOING ON? WHY DO WE SOMETIMES SUFFER?

TRY THIS,
(PLACE YOUR NAME IN FOR JOB’S)

And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant __________, that there is none like him (her) in the earth, a perfect and an upright man (woman), one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?
Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth __________ fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him (her), and about his (her) house, and about all that he (she) hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his (her) hands, and his (her) substance is increased in the land.
But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he (she) hath, and he (she) will curse thee to thy face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD. (Job 1:8-12)

(WHAT DID JOB DO) (WHAT SHOULD WE DO)

In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly. (Job 1:22)

(JOB’S WIFE SAID, CURSE GOD AND DIE, BUT JOB SAID)

But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips. (Job 2:10)

(JOB’S SO CALLED FRIENDS SPENT 37 CHAPTERS ATTEMPTING TO CONVIENCE JOB HE WAS AT FAULT FOR WHAT WAS HAPPENING)

(GOD SPOKE)

Moreover the LORD answered Job, and said, Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it.(Job 40:1-2)

Then answered the LORD unto Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous? (Job 40:6-10)

(GOD SAID, STAND UP TALL AND BE WHAT I INTENDED)

Hast thou an arm like God? or canst thou thunder with a voice like him? Deck thyself now with majesty and excellency; and array thyself with glory and beauty. (Job 40:6-10)

(JOB SPEAKS)

Then Job answered the LORD, and said, I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee. Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. (Job 42:1-6)

(THE RESULT OF IT ALL)

And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before. (Job 42:10)
So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses. (Job 42:12)

(AGAIN, PLACE YOUR NAME IN FOR JOBS)

After this lived __________ an hundred and forty years, and saw his (her) sons, and his (her) sons’ sons, even four generations. So __________ died, being old and full of days. (Job 42:16-17)

Why bad things happen – Unanswered Prayer

WHY DO BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE OR WHY DO WE SEEM TO HAVE UNANSWERED PRAYERS.
Why doesn’t God answer my prayer? Even though I am praying, why does he allow bad things to happen? We will take a look at some sobering scriptures that may shed light on these questions.
Perhaps it is because we are only asking for material things and not really concerned about the kingdom of God. James 4:3 states, “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.” In the book of Proverbs we read, “The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.” (Proverbs 11:23) Are our desires good?
Jesus gave an example of how we could abuse our prayer privileges while Satan was challenging to tempt him. After not eating for 40 days, Satan suggested to Jesus that he command a stone be turned into bread and Jesus refused. Satan also said to Jesus that he should jump off of a roof because God would protect him. Jesus again refused. Jesus’ example teaches us that we are not to jump off of a cliff, place our hand in fire, or step in front of a train, saying, “God will protect me.”
Has God hid himself from us because we have turned to other gods? Other gods could be many things: a house, a car, a career, a hobby or maybe even a person. This could also be said of a nation. What is the mind of the population as a whole? God says, “Then my anger shall be kindled against them in that day, and I will forsake them, and I will hide my face from them, and they shall be devoured, and many evils and troubles shall befall them: so that they will say in that day, Are not these evils come upon us, because our God is not among us? And I will surely hide my face in that day for all the evils, which they shall have wrought, in that they are turned unto other gods.” (Deuteronomy 31:17-18)
Yet again, in Micah, God speaks of hiding his face from the people. “Then shall they cry unto the LORD, but he will not hear them: he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings.” (Micah 3:4) In addition, He says he will hide his face from us because we forgot God and we show no faith as is described in Deuteronomy. “Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and has forgotten God that formed thee. And when the LORD saw it, he abhorred them, because of the provoking of his sons, and of his daughters. And he said, I will hide my face from them; I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith.” (Deuteronomy 32:18-20)
Perhaps our prayers are not answered because we do not consider our Father’s words as valuable. We refuse to listen to or read his word. God says, “hear, O earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it.” (Jeremiah 6:19)
Several actions are listed in the book of Deuteronomy that bring about a curse, which could hinder our prayers. Man’s actions bring on the curse, not God. These actions can all be repented for and forgiven through Jesus Christ. “Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, (to worship it)* Cursed be the man that setteth light by his father or his mother, (light means dishonor or disgrace)* Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour’s landmark. Cursed be he that maketh the blind to wander out of the way, (misleads those who cannot see- fig. Or physically)* Cursed be he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. (Perverts justice)* Cursed be he that lieth with his father’s wife: (sexual relations)* Cursed be he that lieth with any maner of beast. (Beast cattle, animal)* Cursed be he that lieth with his sister, Cursed be he that lieth with his mother in law, Cursed be he that smiteth his neighbor secretly. (Strike, beat, scourge, or even kill)* Cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person. Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them.” (Deuteronomy 27:15-26) (*Strong’s Concordance)
The phrase “the burden of the Lord” is especially offensive to God and could be a reason for unanswered prayer. As we read in these scriptures, he does not like it. How would we feel if, after giving our all for our children, they were to say to us, what burden do you have for me today? It would be disheartening. “And when this people, or the prophet, or a priest, shall ask thee, saying, What is the burden of the LORD? thou shalt then say unto them, What burden? I will even forsake you, saith the LORD. And as for the prophet, and the priest, and the people, that shall say, The burden of the LORD, I will even punish that man and his house. Thus shall ye say every one to his neighbour, and every one to his brother, What hath the LORD answered? and, What hath the LORD spoken? And the burden of the LORD shall ye mention no more: for every man’s word shall be his burden; for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the LORD of hosts our God. Thus shalt thou say to the prophet, What hath the LORD answered thee? and, What hath the LORD spoken? But since ye say, The burden of the LORD; therefore thus saith the LORD; Because ye say this word, The burden of the LORD, and I have sent unto you, saying, Ye shall not say, The burden of the LORD; Therefore, behold, I, even I, will utterly forget you, and I will forsake you, and the city that I gave you and your fathers, and cast you out of my presence: And I will bring an everlasting reproach upon you, and a perpetual shame, which shall not be forgotten.” (Jeremiah 23:33-40) God does not create burdens for his children; our Father brings life and peace. Jesus said, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”(John 10:9-10)
Trusting in man instead of God is an action that can bring about a curse, as is described in the book of Jeremiah. “Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited.” (Jeremiah 17:5-6) The Lord continues on to describe what action brings about a blessing in our lives. “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding “(Jeremiah 17:7-8) What he says next isn’t pleasant to hear. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9) He points out again the lowliness of our minds, but he says he searches the heart or mind and then gives us the option to exercise faith. Perhaps things happen to test us, to see if we will trust God or man. “I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” (Jeremiah 17:10)
An additional reason why bad things happen to us and our prayers seem to go unanswered might be found in the book of Job. Job was a close to perfect, upright man who honored God and hated evil. His world crumbled around him, but as verse 1:22 states “In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.”
Sometimes bad things happen as a test structured by Satan, as it did to Job. “Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for naught? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? Thou has blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to they face. And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.” (Job 1:9-12)
Jesus confirmed in the book of Luke the fact that Satan can bind some people for several years. “And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?” (Luke 13:16) Likewise, these words spoken by Jesus to Peter verify that Satan frequently is at the core of our troubles. Being “sifted as wheat” can be an agonizing experience. “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” (Luke 22:31-32) Jesus prayed for Peter that his faith would triumph, which it did, and Peter went on to strengthen countless others.
For the sake of our own soul, some of us may be turned over to Satan. As described in the second chapter of this book, King Manasseh lost everything and was turned over to destruction. Many beautiful people in this world receive an eye opener for their soul by falling to the bottom. Whether it is financial loss, drugs, alcohol, pornography, greed, illness, catastrophe, injury, or love loss, sometimes it takes tragedy to get our attention. Paul writes, “To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” (I Corinthians 5:5)
The apostle Paul was given a medical condition to keep him “down to earth” in the eyes of the people, so that, as a result of a divine revelation he had been shown, he would not appear too highly in the eyes of man. Paul prayed to God for it to be removed, but God said no. II Corinthians 12:7 explains, “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measurer.”
James says to regard it as a privilege when we come into trying situations. We should consider it an opportunity to practice our faith. “My Brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that we may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” (James 1:2-4)
We need to keep in mind that God does not tempt us. “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.” (James 1:13-14) There are no circumstances that are unique to one individual. God promises he will not let it go beyond what we can tolerate and to show us a way of escape. He promises us, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” (I Corinthians 10:13)
A lack of faith may be a reason for unanswered prayer. We read in the first chapter of this book circumstances involving Jesus and faith, such as the women who touched his garment, the touching the eyes of the two blind men, and when Jesus calmed the storm. We learned that a lack of faith offends God, as was confirmed in the words from the book of Hebrews, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)
Again, unforgiveness is another factor that may be hindering our prayer life. The Lord’s Prayer states, “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12) Jesus said we would be forgiven in the same manner as we forgive. “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15) When asked, Jesus said in Matthew 18:22 that we are to forgive seventy times seven times. We also read, because of the lack of knowledge or ignorance of the people that Jesus, Steven and Paul forgave without being asked.
Another aspect we may consider looking into if our prayers are not being answered is our relationship with our mate. Peter gave information concerning our marriage relationship. He wrote this concerning marriage and prayer: “Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
“Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” (I Peter 1-12)
“Why do our prayers sometimes seem to go unanswered? Why does God allow bad things to happen?” First, bad situations are usually a result of our own actions and decisions. That said, the scriptures we have just covered reveal possible reasons for not receiving a response form God, individually or as a nation. When we lack faith, when we have turned away from God, when we are being tested, when we are unforgiving, when we have been turned over to Satan, when we have created a sin-induced curse, or in order to keep us from being too highly exalted, God’s answer may be unresponsive or no to our request.
From My Pray Book by S.L. Honeycutt