Who is God? (all hail the power.... part 12)

But let's not be fooled. As merciful as God is, He still will and cannot look upon sin. In fact, since the beginning this has been so, which is why He banished Adam and Eve from paradise. He, as Deuteronomy 31:17, describes, hides from sinners, that is those whose lifestyle is such that they have chosen that sin is far preferable to trying to live an upright life. And this is the reason life on earth is full of pain (Isaiah 1:15) ALL life while the separation exists between earthly life and life in paradise. This includes people who have accepted Christ and put Him on in baptism. Nothing is further from the truth to assume that all will be rosy for a Christian once His. In fact that's when the warfare begins and the only weapons that God provides us with to combat Satan is putting on the armor of God in prayer and standing firm that God is faithful. (Ephesians 6:10-14) We are His, nothing changes that, but we must act like we are His. We are told to honor Him, (1 Samuel 2:30) to have faith in Him (Mark 11:22), and stand (Ephesians 6:14-17) and know that God will see us through, although as in Psalm 22:6 and again in Matthew 27:29, we will be despised by people. Where after all is our treasure, but in God? (Mark 6:21) And He and His Son give to us freely. (John 10:14-18)

Who is God? All hail the power (part 11)

God chooses us. God chooses our leaders. They may not be our choice but He chooses them because He loves us and because He wants us to learn righteousness and justice. (2 Chronicles 9:8) And that goes for bad leaders, dangerous leaders, leaders with no back bones as well as those who are strong and gracious and fair to all. He wants us to learn to be respectful of our leaders no matter what. (1 Timothy 2:2) In this way we learn that He is really the one in control, and that there is nothing our leaders, good or bad, can do that He doesn't know about or can't counteract. Simply put, He loves us. And in doing this others who aren't Christians can see the great love of God for His people when gracious and loving leaders are put in place. (2 Chronicles 2:11)

Who is God? All hail the Power... (part 10)

God also provides me with comfort from people, as he provided a wife for Isaac in Genesis 24:67. He provides those that will look after me always, emotionally, spiritually and even physically. I have so many friends that I have called upon for advice when I am emotionally confused and physically incapable of performing functions around the house. He has also provided those who give me spiritual strength. And He has provided me with those to whom I feel no one can compare, favorite friends that I will always run to when I need them and who know they can do the same with me.

Who is God? All hail the power....(part 9)

And I know people question God how He can allow suffering if He indeed loves His children. Well I look at verses like Jeremiah 2:25 and see He promises that He will give people, His children included, exactly what they wish. Especially when we seek other gods and worship idols in our daily lives but don't give thanks to who really counts. He promises that we will eventually be in discomfort and ruin.

But I also see there is nothing but sweetness on His lips for those He chooses, even though because of their harsh ways and mean-spirited demeanor they deserve far worse. There is nothing He would not do for us. (Song of Solomon 5:16) What else can He do, if I hear that sweet sound but don't follow Him? (Ezekiel 33:32). In fact, the LORD knows what I go through, and he loves me enough to provide for me a way that I might be able to actually grow in love with those with whom I have a relationship, whether, friendship, marriage, or parent-child. (Genesis 29:32). And if we truly love our Father, I will obey Him because I love His commandments. (Exodus 20:6) It is significant that God repeats how I should love Him, over and over. (Deuteronomy 5:10; John 14:23). In fact, God loves it when I am seeking Him and promises I will find Him if I do that. (Proverbs 8:17) He repeats this too in Matthew 7:7. He loves me! And He affirms me!

God is such a wonderful God, and I boast in what He has done and shown not just me but all of us. God is wonderful!! And when I boast to others that He got me through hardships, it's not because I don't love people, but that I do love them and am trying to guide them through their struggles as God shows me. He loved me so much and demonstrates this in not only sending His Son but rewarding the “Man of Sorrows”. (Isaiah 53:12)