Exodus 33:13 If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.
Deuteronomy 21:22-23 And if a man has committed a crime punishable by death and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, his body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall bury him the same day, for a hanged man is cursed by God.
Jeremiah 29:13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 33:3 ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’
Job 28:28 And he said to the human race, :The fear of the LORD — that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.”
Job 32:8-9 But it is the spirit in a person, the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding. It is not only the old who are wise, not only the aged who understand what is right.
Psalm 63:1 O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
John 15:4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
Romans 4:20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.
Romans 8:5-8 Those who live according to the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.
Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
Hebrews 8:10 This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the LORD. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.
James 4:8 Come near to God and he will come near to you.
FIRST, APOLOGIES THAT BLOG DID NOT GO OUT THIS PAST THURSDAY. ALTHOUGH MOST WAS WRITTEN, IT WAS NOT EDITED AND REVIEWED AND SCHEDULED.
Once one has been chosen by God, and begins to learn about him and his ways, his love, his mercy and grace, one wants to know more, deepen the relationship, the knowledge and the joy. God knows us through and through. He designed us, created us, each individual and unique from any other. He knows our selfish, arrogant thoughts, our judgmental attitudes, our impatience, and all the rest. There is NO hiding from God as he is omniscient, omnipresent, and since he knows and is aware of ALL our failures, it is better for our minds, our souls to confess them and ask for help in NOT repeating them again. But those who are chosen also want to learn about him. And it’s humbling and takes time.
One needs to chat with him, being truthful and real. After all he already KNOWS you. But he yearns for us to know him better. There are many ways to delve deeper into learning about who he is, and how he guides us, forgives us, answers prayers, and is grace and love abounding. The ways we come to know him better is to read the bible. And I must confess, when I accepted his invitation, I did not have any support–there were no bible studies I don’t think at that small town church, I lived about 20-25 miles from that town so had no access to others on a regular basis to have a mentor.
I had a bible, but in all truth did not like much in the Old Testament–oh, I like reading about David and his development and growth, two of my favorite histories of him were his meeting of Lady Abigail, married to a dreadful man named Nabal. He was selfish, and although David and his men had taken good care of him, his servants, when David asked for food, Nabal refused. This caused David and his men to be furious, wanting to strike and attack Nabal and his property. But when Abigail had heard what her husband had done, she quickly ordered servants to gather food and pack on a couple of mules, and she rode out to meet David and his men.
When she saw him and his men approaching, she quickly got off the mule and greeted him and offered the men the food she’d brought for them. The next day, when she told her husband what she had done, he had some health event that killed him a few days later. When David heard, he returned and offered her marriage, which she accepted.
My next favorite story was when David was moving the Ark back into Jerusalem from the barn it had been kept in, thrilled, happy, dancing almost naked with full thankfulness and joy. David had married King Saul’s daughter, Michal, several years before. While David was running from Saul, she was given to another man, by her father, whom she came to love, to further spite David. However, David went back and retrieved his wife, who now was in love with the second man, and she was angry at David, despising him in her heart. She let loose her fury seeing him dancing, carrying on, and singing and being exuberant, and made it clear to him. She then was tucked away in another home, and not visited by David again. But I loved his exuberance and openness to show how pleased and happy he was to be bringing the Ark back.
Knowing that many believed in God, creator, but did not obey, did not fear him or have faith–all without knowing the Messiah and all He did for us. Willingly, He came to earth, knowing He would be would be sacrificed for OUR sins. I’m sure it would have not been much comfort, but if He was being sacrificed as the goats, rams, and cattle with a quick sharp knife across His throat, but His suffering would last for several hours–just being beaten and shunned by people who had known and followed Him. But then, after the severe beating and whipping, He was nailed to a cross. Deuteronomy 21:22-23 states “being hung on a tree is cursed, and declares that an executed criminal declares that a executed criminal hung on a tree is under God’s curse. How much more awful for Jesus! Even as a human, Jesus had prayer and communication with HIs father, but during the hours He hung, He was separated. But He finished the task, defeating the devil by His death for all who believe in Jesus, His death, and His resurrection to save us.
We have every reason to be thankful, joyful and happy as David was, once we choose to follow Jesus with our entire heart, to develop a closer relationship with Him, to be led and guided by the Holy Spirit. I am so thankful that I know what Jesus, but for those who followed God by faith, how blessed. I am sure, I would not be obedient. My tendency is to be a brat.
But I am thankful for the OT, and certainly for the NT where I get to “hear” His words and teachings and learn better who I need to strive to be.
Lord, You have blessed me, even when my progress has been slow, You have corrected the same mistakes to bring me better into obedience and knowledge of You. You have sacrificed and loved me and ‘mybellaviews.’
Deuteronomy 3:22 Don’t be afraid of them, for the LORD, your God, fights for you
Deuteronomy 31:6,8 Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For the LORD your God is the one who will go with you; he will not leave you or abandon you. . . . .The LORD is the one who will go before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or abandon you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.
Joshua 1:9 Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
Psalm 18:3 I called to the LORD who is worthy of praise, and I was saved from my enemies.
Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in times of trouble. Therefore we will not be afraid, though the earth trembles and the mountains topple into the depths of the seas, though its water roars and foams and the mountains quake with its turmoil.
Psalm 56:3-4 When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
Psalm 118:6 I called to the LORD in distress; the LORD answered me and put me in a spacious place. The LORD is for me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortal do to me?
Isaiah 41:10, 13 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right ahnds. . . . .For I am the LORD your God, who holds your right hands, who says to you, “Do not fear, I will help you.”
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you” — this is the LORD’s declaration — “plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Lamentations 3:57 You came near whenever I called you; you said, “Do not be afraid.”
Romans 8:28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love and sound judgement.
“Faith and fear both demand you believe in something you cannot see. You choose; after all He gave you free choice.” This quote was made in the 1970’s by Bob Proctor, a self help “guru.” It reminds me of Jeremiah….”Choose you this day who you will serve….”
Before I knew Jesus I fretted and worried about many things. I turned 21 and had a 6 month old to raise, fled the state I was living in, and moved back to my parents. My mind was so stressed and fearful–mostly of the man I was fleeing, but I did not want to bring any violence into my parents home. My father was ill and had had to retire in his 40’s and stress made his breathing issues much worse, and now I was bringing in another two mouths to feed. Although grateful that they were there and more than welcoming, there were four generations living in that home.
The one vehicle my husband and I had, I had left behind, even though it was registered and insured to just me since his driving record was so bad. But how could I go back there? How could I safely get the vehicle since I would need it getting resettled, setting my son up with medical care and hopefully day care, and would have to get a job. My ex did not have a stellar working record; he worked less than eight months of the 26 months we were married. He did not work often, but nor was he around the house, and he drove the car the he was his days. I worked about always going somewhere; and I only worked a half mile away, so it was not a problem to walk to and from work. But now, I was separated from my son’s doctors, my own doctors, and needed to get us set up for a future.
I was frightened. It had always been a volatile relationship, I was nothing but fearful and unsure. What was I going to do? I was so ashamed I had married this man, and now to be fleeing this marriage. I had witnessed temper and fists flying, but when my son was stuck at three months of age, I was panicky. I had to get us out. How to leave when ex drove the car? He had threatened and I was anxious enough to believe him when he said he would not let us leave. After all, I was the only one working. What could I do about the direction for my son and myself? Thank God for my parents and family, but none of it allayed the nightmares, the anxiety for how I could support us, how could I return and get the car since we had the greatest need for it.
At the time, I knew God, but only slightly–I knew He was a Savior–but am sure I felt I had to still earn the right to be saved. I was raised Catholic–and Confession was done on a regular basis–but between you and another in a dark confessional. While attending that church, there never felt that God wanted anything personal. I loved the mural on the ceiling of a sky, with Jesus looking down, even with a kind, smiling expression, but still I felt judgement there. I knew I was a sinner–yucky, grumpiness, mean to my brother and sister often, selfish, spoiled, arrogant and self righteous. But I was raised to not talk to God–except in nightly prayers at my brother’s bedside, but that was not heartfelt, it was rote. And there needed to be a mediator to give us the prayers of forgiveness–a mediator which made us feel further separated from God. And at this point, I can see how the priests were given the task of listening to confession and doling out “punishment. It certainly was not the punishment that the Israelites paid while in the wilderness and offering animals and life blood for sinning.
But because of confession, I never felt that I could be close to God. One had to go through the priest. And that always went against my innermost heart–it just never felt right. Amazingly, it was through my ex’s family and attending their church I learned more and accepted Jesus. But, then the relationship was not really built on; I had no access to get the 21 miles to attend that church, as the ex had the car from morning to night. I did have a bible, but it felt like a lot of confusion when I read it. I did not discern the thread of a Messiah first predicted from Genesis 3 and throughout the OT all the way to the New Testament and finally when the babe was born to two poor people. But God sent a special star and maybe Aurora Borealis something spectacular to cause shepherds to run seeking the babe. One, maybe two shepherds left with the rest of the herd, while these shepherds eagerly ran into the Bethlehem Did they know the Torah, the words of the prophets? Lowly shepherds were the ones chosen to come and glorify and give thanks for the Babe’s birth. How awesome that seems to me that these poor, humble men were the ones chosen to greet the King.
One of the scariest things to me, even with the scariest phone calls, was not him any longer, but was myself. If I had to return to him and that relationship, my greatest fear was that I would kill him–and I awakened fairly often with a true visual of killing him–anything to keep my son free from harm. I hated the idea of jail, but it felt totally worth it to save my son.
Thankfully, God opened doors for me, my best friend was further along in her walk with the Lord, and learning how to get closer to Him, and she urged me to get to know Him –truly know–Him. She encouraged me to read the bible, to get attached to a bible teaching church. She also accompanied me to another state, to get back my vehicle. Her idea was we stop at the town police station, show them the paperwork, and have them escort us to get the car back. It worked; after quite a bit of hesitation, an officer agreed to meet us at the house.
Threatening phone calls continued. And I found out much later that my father and brother took turns staying up all night with a handgun in hand, protecting the household. Yes, threats had sounded that real, and both felt they needed to be alert each night.
Anyway, I gained some confidence, and started going to a bible teaching church, even though it was only every other week, since most nurses work every other weekend. But I learned, and grew, and watched some ministers on tv–some I liked, some I did not, but my mind was opening, and my knowledge growing. I learned that the ‘wilderness’ was NOT just about the desert travels for 40 years — but about my journey; the times I was lost, or confused, or troubled. Oh! This is not just a history or storybook– this is a personal journey. Eye opening!
When our son was two years old, it was determined he had to go spend weekends every other week with his father and grandparents. It was only the third weekend he went, that when he returned, his back and thighs had 1” welts from a belt. My lawyer said he had to continue going.
God stepped in. My ex did not come each visit scheduled. Thankfully. And He had provided me with good friends and my family who would watch him and wait for the ex to show — and when did not, they would care for him during the hours I worked over the weekend.
And I continued to seek and grow, and gain confidence. I may have still felt unworthy, but I knew He was helping me, protecting me and my son. I can’t say I knew He loved me, but I knew He was working for us. In hind sight, I understand how He protected us, helped me grow and get through that time. But as His word says, “I will be with you; I will protect you.”
Thank You, God. You know how mistrustful and frightened I was during those few years. Your protection was always there for me and ‘mybellaviews.’
1 Samuel 1:12-17, 26-28 As she kept on praying to the LORD, Eli observed her mouth, Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk and said to her, “How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.” “Not so, my lord, : Hannah replied, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the LORD. Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.” . . . and she said to him, “Pardon me, my lord. As surely as you live, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the Lord. I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD.” And he worshiped the LORD there.
Joshua 24:14-15 “Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.
Mathew 7:7-8 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”
Matthew 21:22 “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
Mark 11:24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Luke 11:5-10 Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’ And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yes, because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need. “So I say to you; Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened yo you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Luke 18:1-8 Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said, “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the please, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’ He said, “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’ “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!'”
Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 pray always, give thanks continually
James 5:16 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well ,the LORD will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
1 John 5:11-15 And this is the testimony; God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us — whatever we ask — we know that we have what we asked of him.
When my sister in law retired from hotel management in Richmond, they moved to the area. They were very familiar with the area and the neighborhood, and were fortunate to be able to rent a home across the street for the winter. During the summers, they would go to Alaska and work. My brother had been a pilot for a fishing lodge near King Salmon for the past several years. The first season, my sister in law joined him, hired as a housekeeper and it also included some meal prep and plating and delivering the meals. They returned in early October and settled back in for the winter, renting the same house they had rented the previous year.
In February, they found a home they purchased very close to the neighborhood. It had a rental history and since they were continuing to work at the lodge during the summers, they set up the home as a rental. It was wonderful, they were nearby and had family here, many friends in the neighborhood, and seemed happy with their arrangements.
Suddenly, after my brother had a golf trip to Orlando in March, he returned and had stated firmly he would never live in FL. However, that Fall when they returned in October, they made a trip to Florida. Abruptly, my brother was excited about buying a lot and would be building a home. There seemed to be no excitement in my sister in law, and whenever asked about this change, she would shrug and say it was ok. They were building a home in an over 55 community, and he remained excited about it, while she remained nonchalant. It was kind of sad.
When they returned from Alaska in the Fall of the following year, their house was completed. Their residency changed. Now, more family members from her side of the family had moved to the area. That much more reason to stay in this area to my mind. Jim had given notice at the lodge they had worked at for several years. Although he was the head pilot, there was a lot of lifting of propane tanks, making sure the plane was balanced and it involved a lot of physical work that was beginning to catch up with him. So he had given notice, and thought he would not be going back to Alaska.
During the winter, a lodge he had worked at for several years about thirteen years previously, offered him a position. There would be no lifting, not bringing in food supplies, equipment and propane so he agreed to return for the summer. So he left the end of May and my sister in law stayed in FL with their dog and learned just how stifling HOT FL is in the summer. She made a couple of trips up and would stay at my home as the home they had here was rented during the summers. She would go see her sisters and family in VA for a couple days, then return here.
Certainly, all the neighbors here were delighted to see her again. I would ask if she had made any friends down there, gotten involved in any activities–and the answer was no. She tried a few things in the community, and has social as she is, just did not feel as though she fit in.
Meanwhile, I was praying for their return here. And, I was always more saddened to spend a week there is the winter, as they did not have the friendships and sense of community they had here. And it certainly showed with my sister in law. He was settling in during the winters and seemed fairly happy. Although, as often as he played golf, he never played with the same people–friendships were not be developed. He seemed far more content with the area than she, although she never uttered a complaint I heard. So, to my friends here, I told them how I prayed for them to return here–that area did not seem to fit them. And the others who had visited felt the same, The community did not seem to be suited to their personalities.
Anyway, the plan was they would come up the end of September, take all their belongings out of the house here, and put it up for sale. ‘OK, God, I guess my prayers were for my selfish reasons, and FL is the better for them.’ It still did not feel right to me, but God knows better than I do.
The plan for his flying this past summer was to go for a reduced season. He flew out in July and returned mid September. They arrived back on the island the end of September, with every intention of taking all their belongings and putting the rental here up for sale. And while sitting on their deck, enjoying the temperature and the view of the ocean, she said, “I never get tired of this view.”
And he said, “If you don’t want FL there is nothing saying we have to stay there. We tried, it wasn’t what we expected. We can move back here, and sell that.” (A headache I assure you as there they had brand new furniture which was too large to fit into this home, and other issues, but YES! moving back here).
When I learned it, I was shocked, stunned. I had finally given up praying for their return as it apparently was not God’s will but MINE, and I tried to be happily resigned, and things turned around. Persistent prayer.
You and I have chatted about how happy I am–all the neighbors are–about this change in their plans, Lord. But certainly, I have seen that things can change when all seems hopeless with persistent prayer. Thank You. Again, when I was feeling deflated, You stepped in and answered my prayers. Thank You for always taking care of me and ‘mybellaviews.’
He responded that if she did not want to see this house, they could sell in the FL home and live here.
Psalm 27:14 Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
Psalm 33:20-22 Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in you.
Psalm 37:7 Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices.
Psalm 83:1 O God, do not keep silence; do not hold your peace or be still, O God!
Psalm 130:5-6 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.
Isaiah 30:18 Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.
Isaiah 40:31 but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Lamentations 3:24-26 “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him.” The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly.
Micah 7:7 But as for me, I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.
Luke 24:13-32 The Emmaus Road That very day two of them were going to a village turned to Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together; Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing. And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are hold with each other as you walk?: And they stood still, looking sad, Then one of them, named Clopus, answered are, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there is these days?” And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were arrived at the tomb early in the morning, and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with s went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.” And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going further, but they urged him strongly, saying “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went into stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. They said to esch other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?”
James 1:6-7 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
It is difficult to seek God when He seems silent and quiet and “too busy” to answer the likes of you. Then one tends to withdraw, searching for sins we might not have confessed, or have buried, and have hidden far away. Maybe we have a long time resentment for something, snubbed someone, have an underlying anger, foul language, gossip (that can be ME much more often than I like to admit—HELP) , not spending alone time with Him as much as I need to . But it is NOT God who is distant. It is something we have done and maybe somewhat unaware of, but it is a sin we have committed. And sometimes, it helps to pray and seek Him with thankfulness–and then just silently wait.
But what about silence when you ask about prayer for prayers to save those you love who do NOT believe there is truly a mighty God. I know others have the gift of freedom of choice, I want to know, have the reassurance before I die that my family members who do not believe and are such good people WILL be saved. Silly, arrogance folks who smirk when I talk about Him….This is TOO important. I don’t want their free will and pride to burn them for eternity. . . .I know there are promised is there that our prayers will be answered if they are God’s will–He wants no one to perish; if prayer is from the soul and filled with gratefulness–I ma grateful to God that He placed me where He has all my life–and I have been blessed with the people in my life. God can buckle a person’s knees so one has to face the floor and their own pain, sin and arrogance. My uncertainty comes from the fact God blessed all of us with free will, free choice.
I know You want no one to perish, I know my family sees me as steadfast as a Jesus believer and follower, it is not His will that any should perish, that all have freewill in decisions, and that He will provide opportunities other than me to have folks speak of eternity, of Jesus and His sacrifice and Truth, Life, Light and the only WAY. Open their eyes so they can truly see You. He answers all prayers IF they are according to His will–and it is His will that NO ONE should perish, that He chose and because He wants no one to perish, He must have written all names in His book–and then it is their gift of free will to choose Him or not. He answers ALL [prayers] IF according to His will.
But what if you are unsure of what His will is? He is making no discernible communication about this prayer. You do not know if it is “yes, later” or a definitive “NO” But silence. . . That increases my anxiety. Do You hear me? Are You there? Have I messed up? Examine? Examine? Not finding a reason for Your silence. . . .Nay? Yay? Later? This is when it is difficult for me to go forward when I am getting nothing but silence. Yes, i continue to pray-that like the woman who continues to beg for her daughter. . . but the silence fills me. And is so quiet. I would much rather hear from You–even if Nay. I would keep pounding on your door begging for a loaf of bread…….begging that You save my family from eternal fires… “Faith and fear both demand you believe in something you cannot see. You choose; after all, He gave you the gift of free choice.” Bob Proctor , 1970’s during his self help seminars.
I do not like the quiet times when God is not answering. Not that He is totally silent–He shows my birds playing in the birdbath–drinking, bathing, just resting on its edge, He shows me the birds seeking the food and fluttering and sharing–or trying to share even when hunger pushes one out of another’s way. They bring such joy–and God knows that it is one of His many gifts to me–so thank You. I enjoy so many of Your blessing–sunrises, sunsets, blue skies, family, friends, You and my gift of salvation, the love and affection of my pets, and my neighbors, and all that You have blessed me with
But I would love the reassurance that all these loving folks will be saved. They will find you, fall face forward, confess and seek You more and more, and become warriors for You in the final battle.
Lord, thank You for Your promises and the many blessings. I pray that my wonderful family is humbled to seek and accept You. You have given me love, insight, desire to see You more, and the reassurance of Your love. Always You have given me undeserved blessings for me and ‘mybellaviews.’
Exodus 14:14 The LORD will fight for you and you have only to be silent.
Jeremiah 31:15 Thus says the LORD; “A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are no more.”
Hosea 11:1 When I was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.
Matthew 2:1-2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
Matthew 2:7-8 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.”
Matthew 2:9-12 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream nt to return to Herold, they departed to their own country be another way.
Matthew 2:13-23
Luke 2:8-20 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the LORD appeared to them, and the glory of the LORD shone around them, and the glory of the LORD appeared to them, and the glory of the LORD shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be fore all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly three was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made knows unto us.” And they went with hasted and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made know the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her hear. And the shepherds returned, and glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Luke 2:22-35 And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the LORD (as it is written in the Law of the Lord. “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord.”) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, ” a [air of turtledoves or two young pigeons. “Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27
Luke 2:41-52 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival at the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. After the festival was over, while his parents were returning hoe, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been urgently searching for you.”
At the birth of Jesus, only two or four people knew how the pregnancy came about. Mary and Joseph knew–each receiving a visit from the angel Gabriel, God’s chief messenger angel at the time. Mary was told she would become pregnant with the Messiah. And Joseph was reassured that Mary had not deceived him and lying with another man. He was reassured Mary was pure and had agreed to be in an untenable position when she could be mocked, scorned, or even stoned to death. But the angel was sent to inform them both that they had been chosen to do the will of God the Creator.
But Mary was went to see her cousin Elizabeth, whom she had learned was also pregnant, a few months further along than Mary. I always wondered if she had a special relationship with Elizabeth, or if her own mother was dead and not around to instruct the young Mary. There is no mention of siblings or other special women in the young girl’s life, so I have assumed that Elizabeth was a close female confidant to Mary. I do believe Mary would have confided to Elizabeth and Zechariah about the nature of her pregnancy and how it had come about–without her lying with a man. And why would they doubt her? Zechariah had been visited by an angel when he was serving in the Holy of Holies and told he and Elizabeth would soon be having a son. When he had doubted, he became mute. But there is no reason to me that Mary would not have confided in Elizabeth and Zechariah, even though the Word does not specifically say that.
The first Roman emperor, Claudius Augustus, ordered the census that brought Joseph and Mary to the little town of Bethlehem, known as the town of David. How absolutely awesome I have always found it that prophets said something, and sometimes it was hundred of years later, but all came true. Jesus was born 700 years after Isaiah spoke and lived. I find it amazing and unquestionable that all these prophesies came true. The town of His birth–and how his family came to be traveling there at that time–all meshed together, to make it THE town where the Savior would be born. God told the prophets what he planned, and they repeated to the Jews–many of whom were being hard-headed and stubborn, and following their own desires–usually sinful desires.
It is amazing to me to read the Bible and see his predictions, and then see how they came through, came to pass. How can there be any doubt? Jesus could NOT have planned his birth in Bethlehem–that came about because of the census which forced his parents to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem. There was the prediction from Isaiah that the mother of the Savior would be a virgin. God had told the prophets that there would be a Savior who would care for the people, have the government on his shoulders, and would
And at the right time, God, the Father sent His Savior to a virgin, and to the admirable human man descendant of David who was honorable, caring and loved God; and the Creator Father had chosen Joseph. Obedient, patient, loving Joseph to marry and care for Mary, and to raise the Son.
Angels appeared to the shepherds who were guarding the sheep in the fields. Imagine the awe, the overwhelming fear, surprise and joy. ‘Is this true? The Messiah has been born? There, look, there, look at that star! I have never seen a star like that! Do you think…can it be true? Are these real angels? Is this really happening? Did you SEE these angels, all these angels? Were we dreaming?’
Several of them hurried to the town of Bethlehem. There were men who worked outside in all kinds of weather–hot, cold, rain, and whatever–it was a dirty, nasty vocation, but they lived in the fields with the sheep, guarding them, and sleeping with them each day. They converged on the place where the star shone, shining special and bright, the special star indicating where the baby Messiah was lying.
Forty days after His birth, both Mary and Joseph took the baby to the temple for the dedication. While in the temple, and elderly gentleman, Simeon, who had received a promise from God that he would see the Savior before his death. God showed him the babe, and told him that this was indeed that Savior, the promised Messiah. Simeon promised his parents that this was indeed the promised Messiah. How strange and comforting it must have been to be told by this elderly gentleman that this was indeed the Messiah.
They continued forward and met Anna, an elderly widow who lived in the temple and she too recognized the Messiah. Se had served in the temple most of her life, being widowed when she about 21 years of age. But she too, recognized the babe was the Messiah, the long predicted Messiah.
Joseph and Mary settled in Bethlehem. Then one night when the child, Jesus, was about a year or two several Magi came to worship the Messiah. They knew enough about the writings of the prophets to know that God had ordered a Messiah to save the Israelites as they were his chosen people. On the way to the Christ child, they had stopped and visited with King Herod and told him about the birth of the child-King. Herod acted interested and asked that they return and let him know where the child was living so he too, could go and honor him. But they realized or the Lord told them that Herod was being deceptive. They chose NOT to return to Herod; and when Herod realized they were not returning, he ordered the deaths of all male children two and younger. Blood shed over babies because of his fear, arrogance and selfishness–and of course being evil.
God warned Joseph that King Herod wanted to kill the child. God told Joseph in a dream to flee to Egypt. Arising the next morning, he packed Mary and Jesus and they fled to Egypt, and lived there a couple of years until after the death of King Herod. The family then returned to Nazareth, and Joseph set up his carpentry business. The family lived a quiet life, traveling to Jerusalem for the yearly festival. And their family expanded with four sons and two daughters.
How wonderful that God chose twelve men to walk, live and learn with Jesus, and several of these chose to write much of what happened while they learned from him. And we also benefit. There followers–men and women–loved Jesus, chose to follow Him and to continue to teach what He had taught. And thus, the Old Testament and the New Testament became out bible–our education to how to live with others, for others, and to grow His harvest since He wants no one to perish in hell. I am so grateful and blessed that He chose me, and although I am a continuous WORK in progress, I know He loves me, and the Holy Spirit guides me. Thank you, God, for all you have blessings you have bestowed on me and ‘mybellaviews.’
Hi, I'm Kathy. Welcome to my website!