Month: June 2023

NO PROBLEM ~

On By francesrogersIn CONTENTMENT, GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD6 Comments

We often hear the reply “No Problem” to a “Thank You” ~meaning that the good deed was no big deal, something perhaps done just in the line of duty, not requiring much from the giver.

Can we imagine this response from God? Whatever He does is as He has planned and for which He has prepared to give, and for us to receive.

Let’s take this thought a little further and apply it to all things, not just the good that He gives but also to all of life.

The word problem is not in the Bible ~ not in the original KJV. This gives us a clue as to who gave us this word and why it has become a major word in the English language. God’s and our adversary would have us go from day to day as if all of life is a problem.

This is life focused on men and self ~ striving through and barely surviving because our view of God seems to be what we would naturally say is problematic.

I want to suggest that we change our vocabulary to one that is compatible with God’s. Let us consider the Psalmist view ~ 103:190001OU

In our heavenly Father’s view there is no problem. Let us think with the mind of Christ who came to reveal the Father to us. Instead of problems what can we know and see in this physical world of God’s creation?

We are faced with :

Abnormalities and uncertainties

Absurdities and obscurities

Adversities and necessities

Atrocities and monstrosities

We encounter:

Authorities and majorities

Calamities and subtleties

Complexities and perplexities

Difficulties and anxieties

We are confronted with:

Iniquities and inequities

Insincerities and insecurities

Sensitivities and inabilities

But none of these are a problem to God. More so, they are all part of His overall plan. These are all the underside of God’s tapestry, as He is weaving all things together with His presence and power in us.  These are all His means of bringing His will to be made known; and to work His own life and joy in us.  All things are for our good, so as to conform us to the image of His dear Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (Romans 8:28-29) He endured all these that we too might endure to the end and enjoy His victory and glory.

It is not meant that we are to understand His plan ~ it is too much for us to comprehend; but in faith to believe what He says and reveals to us as He works in us, in others, and all circumstances. When we, as His children, know Him and see His great and mighty power in His creation and redemption we will no longer view things as problems, but accept all things as opportunities and possibilities in how we are to live and fulfill our purpose to glorify our heavenly Father. Read the whole Psalm with this mind-set and you will begin to think differently so as to glorify Him and enjoy Him forever.

It matters not whether I sleep or wake ~ God is God.

All that matters is for His sake ~ God is God.

Glorious Father, you planned according to your sovereign will all that you wanted to do in your creation and redemption.  And now in this generation, as always, you are working through your providence for all that you planned.  THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.  And I hear Him answer, “No Problem; it is all my pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Image: Google

GRACE ~ A Realm, Within a Realm, Within a Realm

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD1 Comment

God’s grace is a realm, within a realm, within a realm.

GOD AND GRACE

WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS DIAGRAM?

It expresses the idea of a first thought, but it does not convey the truth that our heavenly Father gives of Himself and His grace.  Continued thought and meditation on His Word brought me to see that this diagram gives a limited view of Him and His grace.  It encloses all things to my narrow way of thinking.

There are many images of GOD.  We can think of him with many different names and uses. In our own imaginations we make GOD what we want Him to be.  Apart from His Word and His Holy Spirit we can make GOD just like us.  This diagram binds GOD within this circle.  It also binds His grace within my little idea of what He does. The only thing right about this picture is of the world—which is bound.

“HE HAS SET HIS THRONE IN THE HEAVENS;
AND HIS KINGDOM RULETH OVER ALL.”
Psalm 103:19

GOD OVER ALL

WHAT IS DIFFERENT IN THIS PICTURE?

The true and living GOD of the Holy Bible has a name that those of HIS KINGDOM know and acknowledge—THE LORD GOD—who made heaven and earth. No other  (whatever) claims this name or this power.  Of His kingdom there is no limit.  This world and everything beyond is under His rule.

The world is bound within the kingdom of THE LORD GOD. He has set its boundaries. Under His sovereignty and in His providence the world will make its final turn in HIs timing, when He will have put all thinks under the feet of His Son, Jesus Christ.

“THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS WITHIN YOU.”
Luke 17:22

The realm of  GOD’S GRACE is bound up in Jesus Christ, but not bound by our thinking.  By the power of His grace His kingdom is born within us.  It is a supernatural kingdom, unlike the world.  We cannot see it.  We can only believe it and live it as He continues to sanctify us in Christ. How is this possible?

“And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD:
and they shall be my people, and I will be their God:
for they shall return unto me with their whole heart”
Jeremiah 24:7

 The revelation of Christ brings regeneration—new life in Him.  This new heart and spirit is the kingdom of His grace ruling within us. He is not bound in His own use of His grace, but spreads it wherever He chooses, according to the counsel of His own will; (Ephesians 1:11) that we should be to the praise of His glory; living in the world as light and salt.

The heart is the center of our being.  What rules our heart rules our life.  Are we ruled by the world—or by THE LORD GOD AND HIS GRACE?

The first thought of this diagram came to me on the eve of the most trying decade of my life.  It was a vision that The Lord gave that assured me that though the world surrounds us with its evil, its hypocrisy, its rule of injustice, our heavenly Father’s kingdom is in control of it all.  His grace within my heart and life keeps me by His power, ruling and reigning, now and through eternity. We can stand against the wiles of the devil, the god of this world who blinds the world to the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ; who is deceived and seeks to deceive by his own devises.

We can face the enemy who would use everything in our lives to turn us against THE LORD GOD and His kingdom. The trials, the temptations, and the losses that occur here in this world are but opportunities for our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ to show us His kingdom, His limitless power and grace in and through us—for His glory, and our joy.

2011

Emma’s Heart

On By francesrogersIn GOD'S GLORY, GOD'S GRACE, GOD'S WORD, Uncategorized5 Comments

(Post from 2018)
From the age of three, Emma, our youngest grandchild, has actively shown the love of Christ in her heart; not anything she knew she was doing, but wherever she was, with Jerry and me, and especially with Mother. Emma was three years old; Mother was ninety-one, with dementia, living with us for over four years. At the same time, we also cared for Emma and Olivia, our next oldest grandchild two days a week.

This week, at the age of fifteen, Emma is in Haiti, with a mission group from her church.

Mother was there with her church thirty years ago.

Dear Father in heaven, Thank you for grace beyond measure to us as your children, putting within our hearts the love of Christ, which is the ministry you give us to share with others. We ask you to bless those who live in this love and desire to minister to others in His name. Thank you for loving us and filling us so that it spills over wherever we are. Use your Word through these to draw others to Christ. Bless the young who minister in His name this summer, for your glory and their joy. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Fran
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