Hope Sabbath School Lesson 4 God and Human Suffering 4th Quarter 2016

Hope Sabbath School is doing a series on the book of Job as it relates to human suffering.  The link for the lesson study for this Sabbath, October 22, 2016 "Hope Sabbath School Lesson 4 God and Human Suffering 4th Quarter 2016" can be found here.

Blessings!

Leila Rose-Gordon
10-18-16

Take A Step Back, Now Move Forward!

Sometimes we need to take a step back.  You know how it is.  When we are too close to the situation, it is sometimes difficult to understand what God is saying to us.

As we ponder the events in our lives, it really helps if we give them an eternal perspective. When we are caught up in the “moment” it is difficult to think clearly. That is why it is so important to remain closely connected with Jesus.

Jesus gives our lives meaning.  When we live purposefully we remain content and at peace.  There will be times when we lose focus but it is so important to be conscious of what is happening in and around us.

It is so much easier to bounce back when we hold firmly to His hand no matter what happens in our lives. It is so much harder to find our “way” when we leave Him to wander aimlessly.  Sometimes because of pride we do not want to admit to family or friends that we are “lost.”

Friend, try not to go wandering off in the woods by yourself!  Too much precious time is lost that way.  Really, there is nothing new under the sun.  Really, Jesus does know the way better than you do!  A spiritually mature man or woman is one who has learned to lean on Jesus, as only by leaning on Him can you gain true independence, true freedom and a true sense of direction and purpose in life.  This is one of the paradoxes of life.  By leaning on Jesus we become tall and strong.

Jesus already has our lives all figured out.  Remember he was with God from the beginning!  He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.  What better person to place our trust in!

It is so much easier to give him the controls. Show me a strong man and I will show you someone who has learned to trust in God with all his heart, and to lean not unto his own understanding.  Show me a strong woman and I will show you someone who has learned to acknowledge God in all her ways.  

When we allow God to direct our path we gain confidence.  We can move about and complete our daily tasks with the assurance that comes from knowing that we have placed our trust in someone who is all powerful yet who truly cares about us.

So take a step back, then move forward! Ask Jesus to take control of your life today!  Let Him lead you day by day.  Let Him give meaning to your life.  Give Him all your cares and trust Him to guide you each step of the way!

Leila Rose-Gordon

9-22-12

God does it again!

Last night God did it again. He came through in a way that I least expected. Another testimony to the benevolence of the awesome God we serve. But to be quite honest, I was a little taken aback, and a little unsure as to His timing, and the reason He acted then.

Then this morning I read what Charles Swindoll had to say on this very topic. And again I found myself nodding heartily in agreement. Yes, God does it again. He is God all by Himself. In the words of the songwriter, "He'll do it again!" [Leila Rose-Gordon]

December 1, 2011

Now I Know
by Charles R. Swindoll
Read Job 3:1--26
There are times when others' words only make our troubles worse. That may seem too elementary to mention, so why would I? Well, have you learned it? Are you still listening to everybody? If so, it's small wonder that you're confused.
There are times when God's ways only make us more confused. There, I've said it. I've been wanting to say that all through this chapter, and I finally worked up the courage. My point? Don't expect to understand everything that happens when it occurs.
I don't care if you have a Ph.D. you earned at Yale or in Scotland. Just stand in front of the mirror, all alone, nobody around, shrug, and say, "I don't know . . . I really don't know." You can add, "I can't tell you why that happened. I don't know." Repeat the words several times: "I don't know."
The great news is that God never shrugs. He never says that. With acute perception He says, "I know exactly why this happened. I know the way you take. I know why. I know how long you'll be there, and I know what will be the end result." Shrugging and deity are incompatible.
While you're shrugging in genuine humility, saying, "I don't know," He's saying, "Good for you. Rely on Me in the mystery. Trust Me." God never promised He would inform us all about His plan ahead of time; He's just promised He has one. Ultimately, it's for our good and His glory. He knows---we don't. That's why we shrug and admit, "I don't know." So, if you and I meet someday and you ask me a deep, difficult question, don't be surprised if I shrug and say, "I don't know."
But I do know this: The death of His Son was not in vain; Christ died for you; and if you believe in Him, He will forgive your sins, and you will go to live with Him forever. You'll have heaven and all the blessings of it, I do know that.
It's a tough journey, getting there. Full of confusion, struggle, shrugs, followed by a lot of "I don't knows." But when the heavens open and we're there, hey, there will be no more shrugs, and you'll be able to say, "Now I know!"

Excerpted from Charles R. Swindoll, Great Days with the Great Lives (Nashville: W Publishing Group, 2005). Copyright © 2005 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Wait On The Lord

The Bible, the word of God, has such precious promises and assurances to help us on our daily walk of faith. I am so grateful that we have not been left comfortless in these perilous times in which we live.

I was reminded just now of Isaiah 40:28-31, (Authorized King James Version)which says:

28: Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.
29: He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
30: Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall;
31: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Yes Lord, whatever our struggles today, teach us to wait on thee, to trust and to put our all in thee, knowing that you care for us, and knowing that there is nothing too hard for thee.

Amen.

Leila Rose-Gordon
5-10-11

http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/eagles-wings-hillsong/cb78e3c83e8e6b2c7bd9cb78e3c83e8e6b2c7bd9-605325230631?q=eagles+wings&FORM=VIRE2

When you are off balanced

Sometimes life seems to suddenly speed way out of control, and we find ourselves fighting just to maintain our balance. When this happens we often struggle to keep our composure. Outwardly we might even appear calm to the casual onlooker. Those that know us, however, instantly recognize that we are under a great deal of stress.

In fact our loved ones might not understand what we need at such times. Often we might appear impossible to please and may in fact alienate others by our terse response to inquiries about our welfare. Or they may decide to avoid us until we are out of the doldrums-and what may be an attempt at self-preservation on their part may come across as insensitivity, or lack of care and concern.

At these times it is important to realize that we tend to overreact, whatever the response evoked. Rather than make and others miserable during these times the key is to look to God for answers. What does the word of God say on this. Here are a few texts that can comfort our hearts at these times:

Ephesians 6: 10: Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Ephesians 6: 11: Put on the whole armor of God, that ye be may able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Ephesians 6: 13: Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Ephesians 6:16: Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

Ephesians 6: 17: And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

The scriptures offer so much comfort-let us hide these words in our heart and be truly blessed.