Tag: God has become my strength

16.o. “That he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart”

Romans 8:28–30   “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified”.

Jeremiah 24:6  I will set my eyes on them for good,

Psalms 46:1-2   God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,

Genesis 50:20    As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good,

Deuteronomy 8:2-3    And you shall remember the whole way that the LORD your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not.  And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.

 

The sovereignty of God is defined as God’s complete control of everything in the universe. Although humans can make genuine choices that have real consequences, ultimately those choices are either caused or allowed, by God to accomplish His divine, perfect will. Even though the sovereignty of God is often the subject of theological debates and contentious ones at that, the doctrine of God’s sovereignty is a practical one that has a significant impact on our daily lives.

The sovereignty of God has a tremendous impact on everyday life in that it removes all cause for worry. When all around us seems to be in chaos and turmoil, it is immensely comforting to know that our powerful and loving God has it all in hand and that nothing happens that is out of His control. Even seemingly terrible things happen to fulfill God’s perfect plan and purpose, and everything happens for the good of those who love and trust Him.

The Great Shepherd

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!”

Zechariah 11:4  Thus said the LORD my God: “Become shepherd of the flock doomed to slaughter.

Isaiah 49:4    But I said, “I have labored in vain; I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my right is with the LORD, and my recompense with my God.”  And now the LORD says, he who formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him; and that Israel might be gathered to him— for I am honored in the eyes of the LORD, and my God has become my strength—

Isaiah 40:9     Go on up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good news; lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, “Behold your God!”  Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.  He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.

Micah 5:4   And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth.

Matthew 15:24     He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

Jesus wants to be the shepherd of our lives.  He wants to lead us to safe pastures, guide us through life, and protect us from harm. We do well to listen to the whispers of the great shepherd and choose to follow Him in life.  There is so much distraction in our lives that, if we are not careful, it will put us on a path away from God.  Train yourself to stay close and listen to and follow this Great Shepherd.