Someone once said to me 'How can God allow horrible people, that have committed atrocities against others, to walk around the streets, and yet good people die before they are very old?'
Earlier she had said that she still loved a man who had previously left her and their son for another woman, and still lived in hope that he would return to her one day. This reminded me of the parable of the prodigal son in the Bible, and how the Lord used this story to show how much God loves all of mankind and wants that they should return to Him. The spiritual enemy is rife in the world, and it is even prophesied in 1 Timothy ch. 4 v.1 that many shall fall away from the faith in the end times.
Often people will blame God for many things that man is responsible for doing because they do not see the whole picture and realise how much God wants that we should all come to know Him and learn His ways, which can only be brought about through being born again of His Holy Spirit. This is why it is so important that we should, as Christians, share the gospel of Christ with humility and not with any kind of judgement, which would have the ability to turn those Who God is calling to Him away from Him. Some time ago I wrote a poem about this. It is called 'Why Lord?'
Why Lord?
Why Lord?
Why do people hate You Lord
and blaspheme Your precious name
why for all man's evil deeds
do You always get the blame
Can't they see Your goodness
are they all so blind
don't they see that all Your works
are merciful and kind
or is it that Your children
we who see Your good
are not presenting You Lord
as we really should
Have we made our own rules
for people in distress
Instead of showing Jesus
do we just oppress
Are we thinking we are clean
through something we have done
do we stand in judgement
condemning everyone
What do they see stood in front of them
do they see You Lord or me
do they look on a humble child of God
or a self righteous Pharisee
Father forgive us our stubbornness
our refusal to bend to Your will
Oh teach us to go when You say 'Move on'
but to wait when You say 'Be still'
Forgive us for our stiff necks Lord
for our vain and foolish pride
bring us to preach to the world Lord
only Jesus Christ crucified
As oracles of God we are
like Jesus to behave
Who came not to condemn the world
but for the world to save
So Lord forgive me if I've failed to set the captives free
if I have become to You a fruitless fig tree
Don't let me see the cruelty of the possessor
let me see the plight of the possessed
don't let Your love inside me turn to hate
because I see the oppressor instead of the oppressed
Unstop the ears of this messenger Lord
open the eyes of this servant of Yours
then will I hear the cry of the prisoners
and You'll show me the way to open locked doors
Then they'll see You when they look at me
they'll just see mercy and grace
seeing the Lord of eternity upon this earthly face
What I really love about the Bible is that it becomes a book of instruction on how to live a peaceful life on earth. Jesus says in John ch. 16 v.33 that in Him we have peace. The more we read, the more correction, advice and Spiritual growth we have access to, and the more God's thoughts and ways become our thoughts and ways.
and blaspheme Your precious name
why for all man's evil deeds
do You always get the blame
Can't they see Your goodness
are they all so blind
don't they see that all Your works
are merciful and kind
or is it that Your children
we who see Your good
are not presenting You Lord
as we really should
Have we made our own rules
for people in distress
Instead of showing Jesus
do we just oppress
Are we thinking we are clean
through something we have done
do we stand in judgement
condemning everyone
What do they see stood in front of them
do they see You Lord or me
do they look on a humble child of God
or a self righteous Pharisee
Father forgive us our stubbornness
our refusal to bend to Your will
Oh teach us to go when You say 'Move on'
but to wait when You say 'Be still'
Forgive us for our stiff necks Lord
for our vain and foolish pride
bring us to preach to the world Lord
only Jesus Christ crucified
As oracles of God we are
like Jesus to behave
Who came not to condemn the world
but for the world to save
So Lord forgive me if I've failed to set the captives free
if I have become to You a fruitless fig tree
Don't let me see the cruelty of the possessor
let me see the plight of the possessed
don't let Your love inside me turn to hate
because I see the oppressor instead of the oppressed
Unstop the ears of this messenger Lord
open the eyes of this servant of Yours
then will I hear the cry of the prisoners
and You'll show me the way to open locked doors
Then they'll see You when they look at me
they'll just see mercy and grace
seeing the Lord of eternity upon this earthly face
What I really love about the Bible is that it becomes a book of instruction on how to live a peaceful life on earth. Jesus says in John ch. 16 v.33 that in Him we have peace. The more we read, the more correction, advice and Spiritual growth we have access to, and the more God's thoughts and ways become our thoughts and ways.
Sometimes we have to go through 'sadness', 'badness' and 'madness' before we can see what we have brought ourselves into and then we have to learn from these situations what not to do in our lives. The only way we can change is to bring the Word and teaching of God into our lives, and allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us in our journey through life on earth. The battle is not about flesh and blood but is spiritual.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Ephesians ch. 6 v.12
66 comments:
Thanks for posting this, Brenda. I had a question on my blog recently about bad things happening. It was really more about storms and such, but also about governments doing things to citizens. I have seen God act on behalf of people ...me...so many times, but it is hard to answer the why of something bad happening.
Hi Sandi,
yes there are many bad things happening in the world, and sometimes they are carried out by people who call themselves 'believers'. There are many abusive things happening within the 'church', and some are even being acceptable to those in authority. The spiritual enemy can get into the minds of any of us if we are not careful. One of the best scriptures to counteract this is to 'take every thought captive and bring it into obedience to the Word of God.' What a beautiful world we would have if every person in it abided by this rule eh?
Dear Brenda,
Someone in the past likened the church to that of Noah's Ark: If it wasn't for the storms outside, we would not tolerate the stench inside.
I have come across Pharisaic hypocrisy myself personally, and I have been affected by it.
I'm referring to one English couple in our fellowship who actually keep the Jewish Passover at Easter, along with Hannukah at Christmas. At that, they tend to think themselves as spiritually superior to the rest of us who practice "pagan" customs, and therefore prone to be judgemental.
Fortunately, our Elders refuse to let him preach, he is forbidden to teach the children, and even our band had him ejected from music practice.
Although I have not seen him for several weeks, I heard through the grapevine that he could be attending an SDA church, which meets on Saturdays, but so far this has not been confirmed.
An excellent post and poem. God bless.
Hi Frank,
I hope you and Alex are well. I think the fact that the Jewish man is attending churches and not a synagogue suggests he is seeking the teachings of Jesus, which is a good thing, as the Word of God spoken from the Bible can not go out and return void to Him, and growing in the Lord is a process for all of us. I know that the SDA have some good teachings and I pray that this man and his family will grow in the Lord through the love and teaching of the Holy Spirit.
God bless you and Alex.
Good post with a clear message. Thanx.
God bless.
You are welcome Victor, God bless you too.
Hey Brenda, I like the post. I'm sure that you've seen the anagram
BIBLE = Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. I agree that the Bible is a book of instructions on how to live. I also agree with the analogy Frank gave earlier in the comments about the Church being likened unto Noah's Ark. However, Sandi's comment reflects the majority of most people within and outside the church. Why does God allow bad things happen to good people.
We all know that first, there is no one that is good in God's eyes. Even the Messiah recognized and attested to that. We are simply sinners loved by our creator. Further, God tells us that all things, which includes the bad things, work to the good of those who are the called, according to his purpose. One could honestly say that both good and bad things help edify and build us up and increased our faith. However, that doesn't really answer the question, Why???
The true answers are simple ones. Free Will and True Faith. If God intervened every time, wouldn't that take away our and others freedom to choose to live our lives according to our free will. God is very stringent on the requirement that we chose him through our free will by true faith.
Again, if God intervened every time some thing bad was about to happen, our faith in him would go right out the window. God requires us to believe in him based on verifiable evidence that points to God, not proof that there is God.
Our time, here on earth, is a time for faith alone, even if bad things happen. The future Kingdom will be the time when God will coddle and take care of us and protect us from anything which would harm us. Unfortunately, now, this is a time for Faith Maintenance, Reliance Through Faith, while we experience Trials and Tribulations. Shalom!!!
Hi Keith,
Yes our time is a time for faith, and that is what I am saying when I have said that the only way we can change is to bring the Word of God into our lives, and not only our own lives but the lives of those who do not know God. It is written in Romans ch. 10 v.17 that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Once people begin to know God through the spreading of the Gospel of Christ then they will understand that God has given mankind freewill, but that He wants all to be saved and return to Him - as reflected in the parable of the prodigal son. Shalom Keith, in Jesus we have peace with God.
Just to add, Keith,
I agree that no one is 'good', as only God is good. Even Jesus said this when someone called Him 'good'. God is Spirit, and that is why we have to be born of the Spirit in order to have any good in us. It is like if you compare the word 'God' to the word 'good' then when we are in the Spirit we are the added 'o' (nothing of ourselves) that has been brought into being one with 'God'.
I like the anagram concerning the Bible Keith, I have never seen that before, it is very true.
God bless you and yours.
Hi Brenda. Amen to your post and lovely poem.
I loved it all and these lines certainly resonated with me,
"...let me see the plight of the possessed
don't let Your love inside me turn to hate
because I see the oppressor instead of the oppressed
Unstop the ears of this messenger Lord
open the eyes of this servant of Yours
As I look back on my life I see that often the 'sadness', 'badness' and 'madness' in it was definitely self inflicted. I think about the Keith Green song, "How Can They Live Without Jesus?" and know that His Word and Spirit within me have taught and preserved me through-out.
Thank you for sharing. BTW—I'm still praying for you and that God will breathe new life into the dry bones of the church and beautiful Israel.
Hi Jephyr, thank you for your lovely comment. The poem was one that I wrote many years ago as a prayer to the Lord to help me to become a true follower of Him as it is very easy to become judgemental when horrific things are being done by people, whether they be ordinary working class or high up in government. It is the spiritual enemy that is causing the strife and chaos in the world, and the more people that are brought to the Lord the more peace there will be. Thank you for your prayers Jephyr, my joints are definately improving. God bless.
Wonderful! It's great to hear you are improving, Brenda! God is good!
Yes—God's heart is truly for the lost—those spiritually blinded by "the god of this world" and his system.
I'm so Blessed He called me out of it—and has been patiently leading, protecting, and guiding me through-out my entire life.
Me too, and knowing Him and knowing where we go to after leaving this world makes me want to share the gospel with as many people as I can. It is the only thing that can bring peace to this world.
Amen, Brenda! His ways and thoughts are higher than ours. When we do not understand them, we must have faith that He is working all things together for our good, to accomplish His purpose for us to bring others to Him.
God bless you,
Laurie
Hi Laurie,
that is right. It is so important that we realise that growing in the Lord from a babe in Christ to full maturity is a gradual process, and because the enemy can be so cunning I have always felt that it is so important to pray to the Lord to open my eyes to His truths of the Word.
God bless you Laurie.
"...one English couple in our fellowship who actually keep the Jewish Passover at Easter, along with Hannukah at Christmas. At that, they tend to think themselves as spiritually superior to the rest of us who practice "pagan" customs, and therefore prone to be judgemental."
Brenda, this comment caught my eye. I understand his concern was someone thinking they are superior. It doesn't look like his concern was the holidays themselves, was it?
I celebrate Passover and Hannukah. Christmas (which is I love) does have pagan elements to it and don't even get me started on the Easter bunny. We celebrate those holidays as well...though I tone down certain elements and we focus on the Resurrection, not the bunny. But I find great spiritual significance in the Passover and also in the story of Hannukah. I don't think they should be left out of the church. I am interested to know what you think.
The couple mentioned in the comment may be Jewish believers in Jesus. That's what it sounds like to me.
Hi Sandi,
I did think that maybe they were messianic Jews, who I believe do believe in Jesus, and I have to say that I do not celebrate Christmas or Easter either as all it seems with those days is people want presents,and I can not see where it refers to these days in the scriptures. I send out cards to people but only cards which speak about Jesus, definitely not santa. As I have said in one of my blog posts:- If we jiggle the name of SANTA around it becomes SATAN. do I think this is coincidence - no I don't.
I do believe the Jewish couple were looking for a group who follows Jesus as otherwise they would be in a synagogue. I was rather surprised that the man was not allowed to play a musical instrument, and what is coming into my mind is the scripture 'When I am with a Jew I become as a Jew in order to win him for Christ'. The main thing I believe we should show to others is kindness, especially if they have come into a church gathering. My grandfather on my mother's side was a Jew and he bought a row of terraced houses and let homeless people live in them. He did not charge them any rent until they found work.
Just to add Sandi,
we have a Christmas tree in the house at Christmas, but that is because my husband wants it. Even though it is there 'Santa' plays no part in it. I find that when people come around I have an opportunity to speak about Jesus.
God bless Sandi.
"My grandfather on my mother's side was a Jew and he bought a row of terraced houses and let homeless people live in them. He did not charge them any rent until they found work."
Oh, wow!
He was lovely Sandi,
we lived in Wales and when we used to go up to see him in Lancashire he used to take us to Blackpool fairground. We could go on anything we wanted except the little gambling machines that kids could put some small coins in to win more.:-). He did not like gambling of any sort. He owned many places but did not leave a will. He had a few solicitors looking after his things and one of them said to my mother when we went up to see him at one time that she should get him to make a will as his money was in high figures. My mother did not say anything to him and he died without making a will. My mother only received a small amount (which was a good amount at that time) and I believe the solicitors could have been involved in something or our rich relatives up in England. It doesn't matter though because my grandfather was happy doing what he did in his life, money did not seem to be the most important thing in his life.
Hi Brenda,
In holidays and other things, it may be best that we remember Paul's words through the inspiration of the Spirit -- whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as unto the Lord. If we love Christ, and choose to honor Him by celebrating Christmas and Easter focused on His birth and resurrection, I believe that can be done to His glory. The same with celebrating the Jewish holidays, as they speak to our heritage and foreshadow Christ. Or not celebrating at all, but remembering daily all Christ has done for us. All of these can glorify God, as the Spirit leads us.
God bless you,
Laurie
I agree there Laurie
however, even though the 25th of December is not considered to be Jesus's birthday, when I was a child the nativity was always shown. Now it is 'Santa' and it is mostly in church groups that Jesus is spoken of. It appears to be all about children getting expensive gifts (such as mobile phones), and even telling their parents what they want. I have seen this cause stress in many homes where the finances are not that good. It is the businesses that are benefiting from these celebrations unfortunately, and not the Lord.
'Easter' appears to be all about eggs and bunnies and another time when Jesus is rarely spoken of. If I was to ask many children what they considered these celebrations to be about I don't think many would say 'Jesus'. I find this quite sad, and wonder how these things came about. In many schools here there are no prayer times like I used to have in my school, and it was even tried to ban the wearing of the cross on the television with news presenters etc.
My focus on these days is Jesus, and it is always good if we can share the gospel at these times to the young ones. It is always good to discuss these things.
God bless you Laurie.
Beautiful poem sister Brenda! It is indeed hard to explain to those who are going through so much that just because they are don't mean that God is punishing them. Nor people who seem to attain many things in life are being rewarded because they are good, which no one truly knows as only God knows a person's heart. I just know that there is no bias in Him. May you remain strong in the Lord's mighty power!
Hi Rose, I have always believed that God allows trials in our life to strengthen us, and to bring us to trust in His Word. He allowed the devil to question Adam and that story is a wonderful example of how we must not question the Word spoken to us through the Holy Spirit.
Sorry Rosel, should have said that Adam's wife was questioned, not Adam.
Hey Brenda, Was doing my daily translation and though of our conversation here on your blog. Even though most Bible translated John 1:17 as:
"For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ."
The Word For Word translation of John 1:17 says:
"For the Law, the absolutes of God, was given by Moshe. Grace, God’s Loving Kindness and Truth was manifested through Y’shua The Messiah."
The Law, The Absolutes of God, was given so man can perceive the unobtainable. The Messiah was given so man can perceive God's Grace, through Faith and by Faith obtain it.
Beautiful!!!! Isn't it?
Hi Keith,
yes, Y'shua was the Word of God made flesh. God's loving kindness came to us through the One mediator between God and sinful man. I love the way that God understands that we are flesh and is teaching us His ways through His thoughts revealed to us in the written Word. There is so much we learn as we walk in the Lord - it is an ongoing journey, but God wants all to be saved. If we had to keep the law we would never be reconciled back to the Father but that does not mean we must wilfully sin. The more we act on that Word spoken to us the more we come to know God, and as we do come to know Him and the beautiful future He has for us when we remain in Him, who would want to sin. The devil is cunning, but he is a liar and a thief who will try to divert us away from all the wonderful gifts that God has for us in Y'shua.
Hi Brenda, I was doing my Daily Word For Word, when I notice your comment appear. I like the Word For Word of John 1:14. I believe it makes it so very clear.
"...but the Word created a living creature, a body of a man, subject to suffering and desires and dwelled among us and we beheld his glory. The glory of the only one born of the Father, thoroughly permeated with merciful kindness (that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness: grace of speech) and what is true in things appertaining to God and the duties of man, moral and religious truth."
I totally agree that the closer that we attune ourselves with God's Word, Y'shua, the closer we realize the promise and tap into the power to become B'nai Elohim, Sons of God. I honestly don't thing anyone really and truly understand the fullness of that state. One day we will. Praise God!
Hmmm... In Christ there is no male nor female, we are one in the Spirit with God the Father and His Son Y'shua. Our second birth is spiritual. Sorry Keith, I couldn't resist saying that.:-)
LOL Brenda. That's one of those questions we need to ask, in the Kingdom. Why do you refer to both male and female as Sons? It clearly says Bar, not Bat. Interesting Thought. :-)
Sorry, I meant that it clearly says, ben(Sons) not bath(Daughters).
I think it is because we, as believers, are One in the Lord - and He is God's Son.
As it says in the scriptures Keith, we are the body of Christ on earth and the body has many parts. I love the way that the things of God are foolishness to the carnal mind but we have the mind of Christ when we are in Him.
Good point Brenda! I can see it also pointing to the many as one In the same way God and Y’shua are one, or Y’shua and the body are one. Don’t you just love discussing things like this. It allows us to think in the same way as God, which should be our ultimate goal
That's right Keith, that is why, if the scriptures say that our thoughts are not God's thoughts, the things of God are foolishness to the carnal mind.
Testing...hey Brenda, my account shows up in your comment section, trying again to see if it will work this time...and love your post as well as interesting comments here in comments section ❤️😘
Hi Susan,
Yep, your account is showing up in my comments section. Thank you for your kind comment, all glory to our lovely Lord. Hallelujah indeed!
Thank you for visiting my Blog.
God bless.
That's OK Victor, that's what blogs are for - interaction :-)
You are welcome Victor, I enjoy interacting with others.
Hi Brenda, thank you for your comments on my blog, I so agree with your last comment there especially, and will respond with a follow up post in a few days...am completely unable to put anything in comments there now 😔love you and thanks again ❤️
Hi Susan,
hope your blog is put right soon. Yes, as I said in my comment on your blog, all glory goes to the Lord whatever I write on this blog or comment on all the blogs I visit. The only reason that I put a 'followers' list on the right hand column is so that I can get onto other people's blogs by just clicking on the picture. If I did not have those pics to click on there I would never remember the names of all those blogs:-)
God bless you Susan.
AS ALWAYS -- your most excellent words encourage and bring hope for anyone who has rebelled to COME HOME TO THE FATHER!
BLESS YOU!
I agree, Brenda, it is sad that the world's focus at Christmas and Easter grow further and further away from Jesus. Yet these are both times when nonbelievers seem to be more receptive to go to church if invited, and to hear the Gospel message, so these may be good opportunities to witness.
God bless,
Laurie
Hi there 'Stuff', thank you for your kind comment, all glory to out Lord for enabling us all to encourage one another and to reach the lost who do not know Him.
God bless.
Yes Laurie, there can be opportunities to spread the gospel to all, and as it is written 'when I am with a jew I become as a Jew in order to win him for Christ. However, there is no way that I can promote Santa or Easter eggs myself and exhibit him in my own home.
God bless
Hi Brenda, it’s a mystery why I can only post comments on your blog, but I shall receive that with thanksgiving ❤️😘 and the fact that I cannot even post comments on my own blog, even under anonymous, is very strange indeed, but welcome your comments and am thankful for you and Keith and Laurie and whoever else might pass my way from time to time, and will do my best to use what is still available to me on Blogger to the glory of the Lord. Praise the Lord and I pray He uses our offerings here on our blogs to bring in His sheep as the time grows shorter.
Hi Susan,
Nothing surprises me any more, I have had many strange things happen in my life. However, as everyday in my life is written in His book before even one of them is formed, and His thoughts are for our welfare and not to harm us, then we definitely have peace in Jesus,and we carry on doing what we have been called to do whenever and wherever. God bless.
What a hopeful post, Brenda, as you seek to understand and explain why horrible things happen in the world. I admire your faith!
Hi Fundy Blue,
thank you for your kind comment, I will forever seek the Lord's truths while I am on this earth, as I am sure you do too.
God bless.
Amen, Brenda, we must speak the truth in love, not be ashamed of the Gospel, and avoid displaying symbols that could be considered as idols by some.
God bless,
Laurie
Hi Laurie,
I find that I am learning every day in my walk with the Lord, and I find that the more I am shown what the spiritual enemy is trying to do the more it is revealed by the Holy Spirit what not to do.
God bless you Laurie, and bless your dear husband with all the promises which are 'YES' in Jesus.
Reread your thoughts on this blog post again, it gets better with every reading. 😊and thank you for visiting and commenting at my blog as well. I’m going to have my husband help me with my blogger acct, maybe he can help restore it for me.
Hi Susan, I love interacting with other bloggers. There are many things that I am not good at regarding technology, and my husband knows nothing really. His expertise is mechanics, and I have to say, if I was in charge of the mechanics the car would not start.
:-)
Thank you, Brenda, for your encouragement and blessings. Praise the Lord for His promises of healing and faithfulness! God bless you and your lovely ministry.
Laurie, you are a blessing to all who read your lovely blog, and I know that you experience many dreams through which the Lord reveals things to you. It is very important to follow the instruction and guidance of the Holy Spirit to carry out what each one of us is called to do. As I have experienced both healings and a miracle in my walk with the Lord it is one of the things that I have to share, as the enemy does not want us to share our testimonies, but the Lord does. God bless you and your husband Laurie with all He has to give us in Jesus.
Thank you so much for your visit to my blog.
I am not a believer (but do try and live an ethical and kind life). I sometimes despair at the self-serving actions of our species. We seem to be a greedy, selfish and slow learning lot (with some welcome exceptions).
Hi there Elephant's Child,
your blog is lovely and I loved the pics of the beautiful plants and parrots, and your adorable 'pussies'. Although one of them has passed away recently, if it is in the beautiful place that I was taken to when I had my 'near death experience' then it will be there remembering the kindness that you showed it while here on earth.
Regarding being a believer, to cut a long story short - I went completely haywire in my teens but after coming up from the baptismal water in the Adelaide Revival Centre years ago my life started to completely change. However, I do not regret how I lived my life before because if a person has empathy then they have sympathy, and nothing can compare to the life I live in the Lord now as a believer.
Thank you. I do have empathy, and sympathy and use both in my volunteer work (from which I receive a great deal more than I can give. I am glad that your faith gives you comfort and happiness.
Thank you for your posts and for your encouragement. I needed to consider that verse again, that the wrestling match is not with people but with darkness. I am so grateful that Jesus is the LIGHT!
Hi Karen,
absolutely, Jesus is the light and although the battle is against spiritual wickedness He has already won the battle. We just have to follow Him through that precious Word and we shall all end up together in the beautiful place that I was taken to in my near death experience. God loves all and wants all to be saved and loving God and loving one another is a wonderful learning journey when we see what 'love' actually means in that written Word.
God bless you Karen.
Thank you for your visit today.
God bless.
You are welcome Victor, and God bless you too.
Thank you so much, Brenda, for your kind and encouraging words about my blog and about God's promises for His children. You are a great blessing and encourager, and I pray that He will continue to use you to uplift others and to share His truth.
God bless you,
Laurie
Hi Laurie, and thank you for your kind comment too, and may the Lord continue to bring all bloggers to encourage one another, as you do with your lovely blog. God bless you and yours Laurie.
Post a Comment