Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People

Life is Not FAIR but GOD IS!

Habakkuk is a wonderful short, sweet, powerful Book in the Old Testament that is packed with wisdom. The prophet Habakkuk asks God, “Why are things not fair? And why does God not do something? He prophecies during the final reign of the Assyrian Empire and right when the Babylonians began to increasingly grow in power to control and dominate the world. The Chaldeans were being sent to judge Judah. The key scripture is: “Lord I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.”

This miniature book illustrates just how powerful God is, consisting of only three chapters! God can use any situation to demonstrate His mighty power! God eventually answers Habakkuk; this is why this book is so valuable. God tells him to “Look among the nations and watch~ Be utterly astounded!” For a season God allowed the cruel treatment to take place. It is here He uses the unbelieving decadent Babylonian pagan nation to reprimand His rebellious nation of people! The Babylonians in time would also suffer punishment for their wickedness…

The Book of Habakkuk boldly demonstrates that our complete Faith and Trust must be in God! We can have complete confidence in Him! When there is much pain, sickness, trouble and distress one must turn first to God and not man! Allow Him to direct you! Remember “Trust in the Lord with ALL thine heart and lean not to your own understanding. In ALL your ways acknowledge Him and He WILL direct your path.” Proverbs 3 Although we can study and learn intellectually what actually opens the door to our spiritual wisdom and understanding is our relationship with the Lord. It is so important to know God’s Word! It is here through the Divine power of His Holy Spirit; The Comforter and Teacher where learning the essential keys of life resides! Despite everything that goes on in the world it is important to keep in mind “God is STILL in CONTROL!” God alone deserves to be worshipped, honored and PRAISED!

Habakkuk cries out to the Lord for help! There is very little known about Habakkuk, there is less personal information recorded on him than any other prophet. There was much going on about him. Just like it is in the 21st century today! Like Habakkuk we too can turn to the Lord in times of distress. He tells us “Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem the righteous, so that justice is perverted. Look at the nations and watch and be utterly amazed.” Look how applicable this is today! Remember, although “bad things are happening to good people” God has not forgotten us! When you know that things are not right, when you know that there have been injustices against you it is important to know God in His time will vindicate you! Sometimes you just have to be patient and humbly wait! Knowing that what is important is that “God Knows,” in the meantime draw close to the Lord! You must learn to put things in their proper perspective!

How often have you heard someone say; “That’s not fair!” What does it mean to be fair? According to Webster’s’; pleasing to the eye or mind a flawless quality; clear legible, unbiased or impartial. What makes anyone think that life is fair? Life is not fair, but God is! God is ALWAYS right! As Habakkuk says; “The righteous will live by Faith!” The Apostle Paul also says this in Romans and again in Galatians! It is also once again confirmed in Hebrews! The question is often asked; “Why does bad things happen to good people?” Really, in essence the TRUTH is only God is good!

Judah, God’s people had a series of wicked kings that did not subscribe to God’s way, they rejected Him and His principles they adopted the ways of the world. Judah had a young King Josiah, he believed and trusted in God but his successors did not. King Josiah tried to turn their hearts back to the Lord but it only lasted for a season. He had instituted significant spiritual reforms in Judah! Eventually they were finally invaded and taken into Babylonian captivity under King Nebuchadnezzar. During captivity they were oppressed, persecuted and their possessions were taken away. The Babylonians were a strong military force they were a nation that plundered the goods of many. Does any of this sound familiar? Habakkuk was aware that the Babylonians were being used to punish Judah. He realized that there were some things that they would experience that did not seem fair…

Habakkuk realized that the people were actually being disciplined. He prays to God on their behalf and asks for mercy. He did not quite understand why this was happening but He trusted God anyway! “Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord. Renew them in your day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.” Regardless how things look or appear and no matter what happens God always does what is right! There are many things in our little finite minds that we will never quite understand. But we can surely always lean and Trust on an all knowing Infinite God who knows exactly what is going on! Habakkuk knew that God would triumph. We too can be reassured He will in His time vindicate us when we are sincere and faithful to Him! We must learn how to patiently wait for Him. We must focus on God and not the circumstance. Our strength and Joy comes from the Lord! Even though it may appear that the wicked prosper at your expense sometimes, in the long run they really don’t !

Today when many are turning away from God’s principles, When right is yoking up with what is wrong, When the world is saying this is right and the scriptures is saying that is wrong… When nothing seems to make sense; “wait on the Lord!” We never get to the point that we are not susceptible to spiritual attacks and oppression no matter how much we plan or grow spiritually. This is why we have to continuously pray and daily seek God’s face. This is why we need a Savior! Praise God! Hallelujah anyhow!!!

One can be encouraged as Habakkuk reminds us how “the sun and moon stood still in their habitation!” This happened when Israel gained victory over the Amorites at Gibeon the Lord made the sun stand still, during a battle for Joshua! (See Joshua 10) Although we cannot see what God is doing we have to learn to trust Him! We should always consult God and let Him know how we are feeling even though He already knows! God will take us through the test and trials designed by man and over the landmines put in our path. Look around today and see there are many economic difficulties, families in crisis, marriages resulting in divorces, sickness, diseases and natural disasters! Know God is Able! God is here to help us endure any hardships that may arise in life! It is to Him we must look to, He is Sovereign and greater than any situation! Habakkuk concludes with an illustration of a deer! Notice how a deer can manage to scale and climb up the rugged terrain of seemingly impossible mountain and doesn’t slip! As Habakkuk says: “Yet I will REJOICE in the Lord, I will be JOYFUL in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my STRENGTH; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights.” Keep looking to the Lord! It is here in Habakkuk we find “The Lord is in His Holy Temple. Let all the earth keep silent before Him” Praise God!

Put It All In His Hands

Have you ever had a situation when you did not know what to do? Have you ever had a problem that you thought was so big you did not know how it could ever be resolved? Have you ever felt that no matter how hard you tried to explain something no one would understand? Have you ever felt so discouraged that you felt as though the weights of the world were upon your shoulders? Have you been physically ill or near death and felt that you were at the point of no return? Has death knocked on the door of a friend or love one unexpectedly? On the other hand has God freed you from narrow minded and shallow view thinking religious folks? Have you ever been persecuted, forsaken, maligned, misunderstood or unappreciated? Or have you just been so spiritually blessed you can just not express it in words? ( I am sure there are a few scenarios I forgot?) If you have ever experienced one or more of the above I have some great news for you! Nothing happens in your life that God is not aware of!

I want you to know that there is absolutely nothing that is too big, hard, and deep or complicated for GOD! More important all of the above are reasons to really get to find out what He is really all about “God is Love.” As a matter of fact in I Corinthians 13 the Scriptures tell us “Love never fails”. Never as a truism meaning never; it just won’t happen! Now don’t get me wrong. I said have you ever felt like? Did you know that your feelings can transport you into a realm of thought that you really do not have to enter? If you do enter you do not have to stay there? How do I do that? You must pluck some good ole spiritual fruit? Take just a slither of “self control”. Gradually digest it’s nutrients. This will help you take the helm. You must begin to get in gear. Shift by not allowing your feelings to get the best of you? How do I do that? Begin by acknowledging how you feel. Good, Bad or indifferent? Do not lean to your own understanding. Remember God is a Spirit of Truth! The Truth truly sets you free! Did you know that God will do exceedingly above and more than you could ever wish when you are obedient? He can, wants to and will direct your path. This is why it is important that you do not get bogged down in your thoughts nor into what someone else thinks. As simple as this might seem all you must do is shift your FOCUS!

For a moment let’s just imagine life as an obstacle course. Always keep in view, that at the end of your course your reward(s) awaits. To help you keep focused just know; your rewards are guaranteed and determined by God. Nobody can change or alter that fact. How many, much or few those rewards are is actually between you and God. God created you for a purpose. Each individual has a purpose. Once you embark into existence there is no way out unless you finish. Each individual has a time in which to complete their course. That time can be premature; prior to birth or instantly, after birth. That time can span a few minutes, days, weeks, years, decades or a century plus. There are no two paths designed that are exactly alike. Therefore you cannot navigate in the same manner as someone else. The Holy Spirit as the ultimate guide wants to and awaits too direct your path!

God who is all wise and all knowing has given us guide lines and instructions. This is why His Word is so very important. Now, just know that you can select some, all or part of His instructions. But are you ready for the consequences? You can practice them legalistically or even disregard, modify, add your own, or totally ignore the instructions. But are you ready for the consequences? Keep in mind there are actually some instructions that you do not have to do any more. Why is that? When Jesus came He left us with a better way. He is our only perfect example. He actually fulfilled the law. We are now free from the law. You must become familiar with His Word. It is full of history and wisdom. It is important to know what they were and what they are now! When you read His instructions you will be fed spiritually. This way you can really appreciate all that He has done for us! This will also help you when someone else gives you direction. You will know the difference when you have faithfully studied the instructions. Always remember you can opt to ignore all of them. But, again there will be consequences. Free choice was designed so we are not mechanical robots. Your intellect was actually designed for you to think intelligently. How do you think Adam named all those animals? It is crucial that you intellectually as well as spiritually yield to the Lord’s way. Yielding helps you to subscribe to His will being done in your life. Here is where you will find true freedom. You will also know “Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty” But He tells us not to use our liberty to cloak maliciousness! Remember absolutely nothing is hidden from God! God is sovereign! This also helps you to keep focused!

God has given us the opportunity to have an internal guide. But you must first acknowledge Him as Lord of your life. To shift to this level of functioning you must invite His Son as your Savior to come and abide in your heart! Now you are ready! When all or any of those feelings I talked about earlier come what do you do? You shift your Focus to God. God our Father, our Creator and Maker of all things. Colossians tell us that there is not anything that was made that was not made through Jesus Christ. This world as we know it was spoke into existence. The Word, became flesh and dwelt among us! His Word is Jesus! He really does know all about your Troubles, Temptations or Trials. He really does have a way. That is why He says “I am the Way the Truth and the Life.” Jesus is the only door to Him!

When your life becomes burdened down with the troubles of this world remember it is only a test? Life wants to distract you from your purpose. You were created to worship and praise God. I also have a little secret that just might help you? It does not matter how much or little someone thinks of you? It does not matter how much or little you have? It does not really even matter how many, or few titles that are in front of or behind your name. It does not even really matter what others say; especially when it is just not true . God knows the intent as well as content of our hearts. Hallelujah! Many will draw conclusions and make assumptions based on little or no factual data. Problems and situations are seasonal. God is eternal! He always was and always will be! This is why it is so important not to get drawn into how you feel. Feeling is a good thing, anyone that does not feel is ready for the grave. Just don’t let your feelings control you. It’s never too late to change. Begin to learn to take in several bites of self control. It really goes a long way. You can learn to be objective when you deeply examine situations. Many are often deceived. Remember, you must learn to focus. This will give you the proper motivation to do the right thing at the proper time. It will also give you a taste of another fruit which is inner peace. This will also let you know what is important. What really is important is; that you know and obey God. God will never lead you to do anything morally, physically or spiritually that goes against His principles.

Start today by incorporating in your daily diet His fruit. Galatians 5 will teach you all about the fruit of God’s Spirit. It also lets you know by contrast the works of the flesh. You have as much tine as you need to accomplish what He wants you to do. Oops! By the way it might seem to others when you take a bite of patience you have, or are………whatever? Patience often does work tribulation. Oh but HOPE will take you through tribulation. Hope helps you not to be ashamed. It will definitely help you keep focused! But your hope must lie in God! Did you know your mind can bring you down and confuse you when it is not properly focused? It can allow you to distort the facts. Remember God’s Love never fails! Now if you have not confessed and believed in your heart you may or should I say will have a problem with all of this. Why? It so simple that it is difficult. Be careful who and what you yoke yourself up with. There are those who major in worry. Have you ever heard the expression “If you are going to worry why pray?” God’s yoke is easy and His burdens are light. His burdens are not to weigh you down. They come so you can what? Put it all in His hands.

Always remember who and what awaits you. Better yet who is with you? His precious Comforter, the Holy Spirit! The way this world is going, it’s just no telling, you might just be one of those who ends up being caught up in the air with Jesus? Either way at the end of this course God has reward(s). Keep your faith and trust in Him. He really does have it all under His control. This is why it is very important to always keep in view; God has a purpose for you! This is why He says be anxious for nothing! But in “all things through prayer and supplications let your request be made known… “If your mind is stayed (focused) on Him He will keep you in perfect peace.” All you must do is “PUT IT ALL IN HIS HANDS”

To God be the Glory!

A Purpose Driven Church

 

A Purpose Driven Church

A purpose driven church seeks to fulfill the “Great Commission.” It is motivated from an overwhelming sincere desire to see others come into fellowship with God through His Son Jesus Christ. It encourages its members to spiritually grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ through His WORD. It fosters a healthy environment for developing an ongoing forever-growing intimate relationship with Him through the power of His Holy Spirit. Biblical principles are applied when dealing with life situations.

 

When you actually begin to implement God’s principles in your daily lifestyle you will see a definite change. A surface relationship is no longer acceptable. An ongoing personal relationship with the Lord will sustain, lead, guide and direct you through your life’s journey. It is virtually impossible to have a true encounter with God that doesn’t have some type of impact. Your desire to live a life pleasing to God increases as you grow spiritually. Your life will have purpose. It is a journey like no other. This is not a journey like the hamster on a treadmill. Just merely spinning your wheels and not ever getting anywhere! Dark old habits, lying, envy, strife, coveting, addictions and heartaches are allowed to come to the surface to actually dissipate in His penetrating yet convicting Light.

 

A purpose driven Church will teach you that our lives and heart are open and exposed to God. There is absolutely nothing that is hidden from God. Acknowledging, confessing and actually experiencing repentance from sin should become welcomed companions. It does not merely encourage one to enlist in a barrage of activities. God truly is recognized as the central focus. Families are encouraged to foster healthy nurturing home environments. A healthy ministry is composed of healthy families. Being a Christian becomes a lifestyle rather than a weekend activity. This helps the old nature to become continuously harnessed and brought under self-control. God’s illuminating Light begins to brighten your path. His abiding Holy Spirit is there to comfort in sickness, distress or grief.

 

REPENT!!!

 

A purpose driven ministry is a place where everyone actually is someone. Not because they have been appointed to a position but because they know without doubt who they are becoming in CHRIST JESUS! 

 

The old, in between and young are equally welcomed. They are encouraged to participate utilizing whatever gifts they have to offer for the furtherance of God’s Kingdom. Mutual respect replaces discriminating favoritism. Manipulation massed as compassion is unacceptable. A cult cliquish mentality is consciously not welcomed. A sincere effort to establish a balanced spiritual Body is indisputable. True freedom in Christ through the knowledge of His WORD is realized. The Elders/Ministers and or Missionaries of God’s flock consciously encourages God centered relationships rather than dictating control and domination. Only God receives the preeminence!

 

The Church body of a purpose driven Ministry openly recognizes that Jesus Christ is the only “Great Head of His Church.” In many congregations the pastor is often thought of as “the head.” This misconception is abandoned. They know that the  Church is actually the Bride of Christ Jesus!  John clearly and carefully affirms that he himself was not the Light! That he came to bear witness that Jesus Christ was the Light of the world. John 10 tells us that there will be one Shepherd and one flock. The pastor is actually one of many overseers of God’s flock. They are charged to feed God’s flock with wisdom and understanding through His WORD according to Jeremiah 3.

 

Although there are many members in the body not one is more important than the other.  Each individual is different and their function in the body is different. God puts the members in the body as it pleases HIM! A mature pastor does not feel threatened. He  knows His position in Christ. In order to have a healthy spiritual environment we must give God His proper respect. God is a God of order.  There CAN ONLY BE; “ONE HEAD!” A secure pastor equips the saints through the WORD.  He does not manipulate them to think as he thinks. He always points them to the Lord. This empowers the members to recognize “truth from error.” He abandons the need to mentally abuse or manipulate the congregation. They know GOD IS OMNIPRESENT!   He instead encourages the members to be  daily lead by the Holy Spirit.

 

A purpose driven ministry recognizes the need for the saints first to be equipped themselves. This is what strengthens the overall Universal Church.  Then they are willing and able to go forth confidently fulfilling His “Great Commission.” A fulfilling effective ministry seeks to acknowledge God in all of their ways. All of God’s children are equally welcomed by sincerely acknowledging all nations. They realize “flesh and blood shall not inherit the kingdom of heaven.” The members should be  represented  and openly reflected by every walk of life not solely by your name being  on a list… God is Sovereign and Father of all.

 

GOD has but one UNIVERSAL CHURCH!

 

Ask yourself is your current place of  ministry purpose driven? What is its purpose? Is it to merely solicit funding to maintain the building?  Is to grow in numbers? Is it so you can be the biggest and best in your neighborhood or zip code?  Is it to equip the saints? Is it to restore families? Is it spiritually sound?  Is it to enlighten others no matter what their color or culture is; and introduce them to Christ? Do some things need to change?  Is it actually filling the “Great Commission?”

 

CHRIST JESUS died ON THE CROSS AND HE AROSE WITH ALL POWER  so we might be FREE to LIVE FOR GOD!  Not to be bound by the traditions of man… That we individually as well as collectively represent Him on earth.  We as believers are to apply and embrace the truth and principles of His Word within our own daily lives. We are to encourage others to do the same “Saved” or unsaved.  Making others feel comfortable in sin is NOT loving them… We can call upon Jesus as Savior and Lord 24/7 wherever we are. Christ Jesus  and He alone is the only one to walk in the flesh and actually completely conquer sin in the flesh. Therefore as long as God has any of  us on this side of Heaven it is to improve, grow in His grace “walking in the light” toward perfection in Him! He is our perfect example and Savior.  He imputes HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS to us as we walk in obedience. 

 

” Even now  the RIGHTEOUSNESS of GOD without the law is manifested being witnessed by the law and the prophets. Even  the RIGHTEOUSNESS of GOD which is by FAITH of JESUS CHRIST UNTO ALL AND UPON ALL THEM THAT BELIEVE; FOR THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE. ALL have sinned and come short of the Glory of God”   Romans 3 This is the great equalizer.

 

Each and every one of us needs Christ Jesus as our  Lord an Savior. His precious blood is able to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. He is worthy of all the glory and the honor. Just know your freedom has been purchased by His death on the cross.   He arose with all power to also make  this known to all the principalities and lesser powers… HE IS LORD!   He bestows upon us His precious Holy Spirit, His Comforter to help us.

 

God’s resources are inexhaustible and available to us.  However we must  seek Him above all else and walk in obedience to His Word. That is if we want to enter into His Kingdom.  John tells us ” that the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Which means it’s right here! There is nothing in the world that even compares to what God has to offer. This goes far beyond the material. Know without a doubt as His child “He will never leave you nor forsake you.” It is only through CHRIST JESUS that you can become PERFECT! For it is in Him you can become complete! 

 

A purpose driven ministry will encourage you to do your homework. Do you want to be Blessed? Well, Psalms tells us that we will be blessed if we; “meditate upon His Word day and night.” Life brings joys, sorrow and grief, with much spiritual warfare. We must realistically be prepared. How much of your time is really spent in prayer and meditation? Why not commence to bathe in the warmth of His Word? It has miraculous cleansing and healing  power. God has the ultimate design for your life. How will you know what it is if you don’t spend time with Him?

 

Acknowledging God, as Creator is optional from the world‘s perspective. This is why it is very important that God becomes the focal point of our worship services.  Rather than focus on your pain or sorrows  focus upon HIM! Instead allow the Lord the opportunity to deliver you and lighten your burdens.  We live in the world but we are not supposed to be like the world! “It is in Him we live and move and have our being.” His principles of balance and harmony are indispensably visible. His towering  height less enormous  firmament is a constant reminder of  His awesome omnipresence. His grace displayed adorns the sky in the form of tender clouds. Suspended high above like soft billowing cotton.  His magnificent  creation is vociferously speaking all  throughout the world! Although His omnipotent power is ever present He won’t force His way into your life.

 

A purpose driven ministry actually implements and embraces Biblical principles. The praise and worship harmoniously complement one another. It should ultimately be a place where the children of God can unload; refuel, recharge, and leave refreshed and ready to proclaim the Gospel. To not return Sunday after Sunday burdened and shackled.  There home life becomes or can become  continually improved as well as they daily invite the presence of the Lord.

 

In a Purpose Driven Church when and if desired unbelievers are readily encouraged to choose adoption into the “Family of God.” The main focus of a purpose driven ministry is committed to reconciling souls to Jesus Christ. We as His children can actually become His ambassadors! An ambassador is sent to fulfill a duty.  Ask yourself?  Are you growing in the grace, wisdom and understanding of the Lord?  Or are you stagnate?  Are you fulfilling your duty? Or are you simply going along with the program for acceptance?  Is Christ really the center of your ministry? Is it your purpose or is it GOD’S PURPOSE?

It is important to know where you are in the LORD! If CHRIST JESUS returned today are you ready? 

P4CM Presents Ready or Not by Featured RHETORIC Poets Ezekiel & Janette..ikz