The very air waves that Satan uses to deceive are under the complete divine sovereignty of the Lord. The schemes of the enemy are nothing but mere pawns in the hands of the Almighty. Satan needs permission to act because he is not the master of his own fate, but rather a mere puppet in the grand scheme of things.
The flesh may revile at the thought of God’s complete authority, but it is a truth that cannot be denied. God is the Lord of life and death, and everything in between. He owns the very air we breathe and is sovereign over everything in the heavens and the earth.
Isaiah 45:7 tells us that God is the one who creates light and darkness, well-being and calamity. He doesn’t just allow these things to happen, but rather creates them himself. He is wise and brings forth disaster, and never retracts his words.
Psalm 33:10,11 proves that people may believe in their own free will, but their plans are immediately nullified by the only one with true free will – the sovereign God. He has ordained beforehand the actions of men and planned every outcome, paving every step and calculating every second, whether physical or spiritual.
God gave authority to Pilate to judge the Son and raised up adversaries against his chosen ones. He ordained the actions of evil men, but he is not the author of sin. Rather, he has ordained evil through secondary causes so that his divine purposes may prevail and glorify his name.
In short, Satan may think he’s in control, but he’s just a pawn in the hands of the Almighty. And if that doesn’t make you chuckle, then perhaps you need to lighten up and trust in the sovereignty of God.
Month: March 2023
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I contend that they are both inherently valid, in a manner of speaking.
The Arminian belief is founded on the human perspective, shaped by their own lived experiences, while Calvinism adheres to a bird’s-eye viewpoint, a celestial outlook based on what lies beyond this mortal existence.
Arminianism holds scripture close to their heart, as do Calvinists, both with their vision on the Scriptural Revelations of God’s Word but from different angles.
One’s perception varies according to the vantage point.
The diversity of perspectives regarding the concept of Heavenly matters will always give rise to conflicting interpretations, but they aren’t always conflicting when analyzed deeper. (Sometimes they are.)
Matter can never fully grasp the Spiritual from it’s material form, as we are made of matter.This war between Calvinism and Arminianism can be likened to observing a building from multiple vantage points, such as inside and outside or from an aerial view versus a ground-level perspective.
While each observer may view the same physical structure, their respective viewpoints may lead to distinctly different understandings of the building description of the building.
Then we fight over perspective because we lack enough perspective on both sides; to understand that we don’t see from the same position.It’s sad many won’t recognize that despite these differences, many of our interpretations are grounded in the same underlying Structure, God’s Word.
The problem lies in the tendency to condemn those with differing perspectives as heretical: it’s a sign that one lacks Grace.
With a Spirit of Grace and understanding, we will give Grace to others who may be in error, and correct them only to build, not tear down.
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To read what it means to be rational, read my blog, What Is Rationality?
Rationality brings the clarity of Scripture to the reader:
The Bible is the inspired and inerrant Word of God. Despite what many claim, I maintain Its teachings are clear and comprehensible. Rationality is a necessary tool to interpret Scripture correctly. Rationality aids in understanding the meaning and intent of the biblical authors.
God’s nature and character:
Because God is a rational being, humans, being created in God’s image, are also rational. This shared rationality allows for us humans to understand the nature and character of God, as well as the content of His revelation. Ration is a must in order to grasp theological concepts as well as spiritual. Without it, we couldn’t discern truth from falsehood, and we would never grow in our knowledge of God.
The orderly structure of the universe:
God created an orderly and structured universe, which can be studied and clearly understood through the standard of logic and reason.
To understands what Logic and Reason really means, read my blog: What is Logic And Reason?
Rationality is necessary to make sense of the complex relationships and patterns found in creation, providing a solid foundation for theological understanding and application.
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There is comfort in David’s Words:
God!!
In anger they bear a grudge against me.
— Psalm 55:2-3Give heed to me and answer me;
I am restless in my complaint and am surely distracted,
Because of the voice of the enemy,
Because of the pressure of the wicked;
For they bring down trouble upon me.For it is not an enemy who reproaches me,
Then I could bear it;
Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me,
Then I could hide myself from him.
But it is you, a man my equal,
My companion and my familiar friend;
We who had sweet fellowship together
Walked in the house of God in the throng.
Let death come deceitfully upon them;
Let them go down alive to Sheol, for evil is in their dwelling, in their midst.
As for me, I shall call upon God,
And the Lord will save me.
Evening and morning and at noon, I will complain and murmur,
And He will hear my voice.
— Psalm 55:12-17He will redeem my soul in peace from the battle which is against me,
For they are many who strive with me.
God will hear and answer them—
Even the one who sits enthroned from of old— Selah.
With whom there is no change,
And who do not fear God.
He has put forth his hands against those who were at peace with him;
He has violated his covenant.
His speech was smoother than butter,
But his heart was war;
His words were softer than oil,
Yet they were drawn swords.
— Psalm 55:18-21I said, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.
“Behold, I would wander far away, I would lodge in the wilderness. Selah.
“I would hasten to my place of refuge
From the stormy wind and tempest.”
— Psalm 55:6-8All day long they distort my words;
All their thoughts are against me for evil.
They attack, they lurk,
They watch my steps,
As they have waited to take my life & because of wickedness, cast them forth, In anger put down the peoples, O God!
You have taken account of my wanderings;
Put my tears in Your bottle.
Are they not in Your book?
Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call;
This I know, that God is for me.
In God, whose word I praise,
In the Lord, whose word I praise,
In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid.
What can man do to me?Your vows are binding upon me, O God;
I will render thank offerings to You.
For You have delivered my soul from death,
Indeed my feet from stumbling,
So that I may walk before God
In the light of the living.Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me,
For my soul takes refuge in You; & in the shadow of Your wings…
In the shadow of Your Wings I will take refuge,
Until destruction passes by.
I will cry to God Most High,
To God who accomplishes all things for me.
He will send from heaven and save me;
He reproaches him who tramples upon me. Selah.
God will send forth His lovingkindness and His truth.
My soul is among lions;
I must lie among those who breathe forth fire,
Even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows
And their tongue a sharp sword.Be exalted above the heavens, O God;
Let Your glory be above all the earth.
They have prepared a net for my steps;
My soul is bowed down;
They dug a pit before me;
They themselves have fallen into the midst of it. Selah.
— Psalm 56:5 – 57:6
My heart is steadfast, O God,
my heart is steadfast;
I will sing, yes, I will sing praises!
Awake, my glory!
Awake, harp and lyre!
I will awaken the dawn.
I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing praises to You among the nations.
For Your lovingkindness is great to the heavensAnd Your lovingkindness is Your truth to the clouds.
Be exalted above the heavens, O God;
Let Your glory be above all the earth.
— Psalm 57:7-11In Christ we are in Gods Glory. No matter what happens in this physical realm, if you are in Christ, your soul is protected from the deeds of flesh.
Don’t Give Up!
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My tears have been my food day and night,While they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”These things I remember and I pour out my soul within me.For I used to go along with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God,With the voice of joy and thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival.— Psalm 42:3-4For You are the God of my strength; why have You rejected me?Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?O send out Your light and Your truth, let them lead me;Let them bring me to Your holy hillAnd to Your dwelling places.— Psalm 43:2-3A Psalm of Asaph.The Mighty One, God, the Lord, has spoken,And summoned the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty,God has shone forth.May our God come and not keep silence;Fire devours before Him,And it is very tempestuous around Him.He summons the heavens above,And the earth, to judge His people:“Gather My godly ones to Me,Those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice.”And the heavens declare His righteousness,For God Himself is judge. Selah.“Hear, O My people, and I will speak;O Israel, I will testify against you;I am God, your God.“I do not reprove you for your sacrifices,And your burnt offerings are continually before Me.“I shall take no young bull out of your houseNor male goats out of your folds.“For every beast of the forest is Mine,The cattle on a thousand hills.“I know every bird of the mountains,And everything that moves in the field is Mine.“If I were hungry I would not tell you,For the world is Mine, and all it contains.— Psalm 50:1-12“Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgivingAnd pay your vows to the Most High;Call upon Me in the day of trouble;I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me.”— Psalm 50:14-15“Now consider this, you who forget God,Or I will tear you in pieces, and there will be none to deliver.— Psalm 50:22My soul, wait in silence for God only,For my hope is from Him.He only is my rock and my salvation,My stronghold; I shall not be shaken.On God my salvation and my glory rest;The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.Trust in Him at all times, O people;Pour out your heart before Him;God is a refuge for us. Selah.Men of low degree are only vanity and men of rank are a lie;In the balances they go up;They are together lighter than breath.Do not trust in oppressionAnd do not vainly hope in robbery;If riches increase, do not set your heart upon them.Once God has spoken;Twice I have heard this:That power belongs to God;And lovingkindness is Yours, O Lord,For You recompense a man according to his work.A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly;My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You,In a dry and weary land where there is no water.— Psalm 62:5 – 63:1When I remember You on my bed,I meditate on You in the night watches,— Psalm 63:6
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My tears have been my food day and night,While they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”These things I remember and I pour out my soul within me.For I used to go along with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God,With the voice of joy and thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival.— Psalm 42:3-4For You are the God of my strength; why have You rejected me?Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?O send out Your light and Your truth, let them lead me;Let them bring me to Your holy hillAnd to Your dwelling places.— Psalm 43:2-3The Mighty One, God, the Lord, has spoken,And summoned the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty,God has shone forth.May our God come and not keep silence;Fire devours before Him,And it is very tempestuous around Him.He summons the heavens above,And the earth, to judge His people:“Gather My godly ones to Me,Those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice.”And the heavens declare His righteousness,For God Himself is judge. Selah.“Hear, O My people, and I will speak;O Israel, I will testify against you;I am God, your God.“I do not reprove you for your sacrifices,And your burnt offerings are continually before Me.“I shall take no young bull out of your houseNor male goats out of your folds.“For every beast of the forest is Mine,The cattle on a thousand hills.“I know every bird of the mountains,And everything that moves in the field is Mine.“If I were hungry I would not tell you,For the world is Mine, and all it contains.— Psalm 50:1-12“Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgivingAnd pay your vows to the Most High;Call upon Me in the day of trouble;I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me.”— Psalm 50:14-15“Now consider this, you who forget God,Or I will tear you in pieces, and there will be none to deliver.— Psalm 50:22My soul, wait in silence for God only,For my hope is from Him.He only is my rock and my salvation,My stronghold; I shall not be shaken.On God my salvation and my glory rest;The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.Trust in Him at all times, O people;Pour out your heart before Him;God is a refuge for us. Selah.Men of low degree are only vanity and men of rank are a lie;In the balances they go up;They are together lighter than breath.Do not trust in oppressionAnd do not vainly hope in robbery;If riches increase, do not set your heart upon them.Once God has spoken;Twice I have heard this:That power belongs to God;And lovingkindness is Yours, O Lord,For You recompense a man according to his work.A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly;My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You,In a dry and weary land where there is no water.— Psalm 62:5 – 63:1When I remember You on my bed,I meditate on You in the night watches,— Psalm 63:6
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Arise, cry aloud in the night
At the beginning of the night watches;
Pour out your heart like water
Before the presence of the Lord;
Lift up your hands to Him
For the life of your little ones
Who are faint because of hunger
At the head of every street.”
— Lamentations 2:19I am the man who has seen affliction
Because of the rod of His wrath.
He has driven me and made me walk
In darkness and not in light.
Surely against me He has turned His hand
Repeatedly all the day.
He has caused my flesh and my skin to waste away,
He has broken my bones.
He has besieged and encompassed me with bitterness and hardship.
In dark places He has made me dwell,
Like those who have long been dead.
He has walled me in so that I cannot go out;
He has made my chain heavy.
Even when I cry out and call for help,
He shuts out my prayer.
He has blocked my ways with hewn stone;
He has made my paths crooked.
He is to me like a bear lying in wait,
Like a lion in secret places.
He has turned aside my ways and torn me to pieces;
He has made me desolate.
He bent His bow
And set me as a target for the arrow.
He made the arrows of His quiver
To enter into my inward parts.
I have become a laughingstock to all my people,
Their mocking song all the day.
He has filled me with bitterness,
He has made me drunk with wormwood.
He has broken my teeth with gravel;
He has made me cower in the dust.
My soul has been rejected from peace;
I have forgotten happiness.
So I say, “My strength has perished,
And so has my hope from the Lord.”Remember my affliction and my wandering, the wormwood and bitterness.
Surely my soul remembers
And is bowed down within me.
This I recall to my mind,
Therefore I have hope.
The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
For His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I have hope in Him.”
The Lord is good to those who wait for Him,
To the person who seeks Him.
It is good that he waits silently
For the salvation of the Lord.
— Lamentations 3:1-26For the Lord will not reject forever,
For if He causes grief,
Then He will have compassion
According to His abundant lovingkindness.
— Lamentations 3:31-32How dark the gold has become,
How the pure gold has changed!
The sacred stones are poured out
At the corner of every street.
The precious sons of Zion,
Weighed against fine gold,
How they are regarded as earthen jars,
The work of a potter’s hands!
— Lamentations 4:1-2 -
The universe, with its manifold dimensions, has demonstrated a conspicuous and unambiguous essence, purpose, and indispensability.
Its being and activity have been patently evident, and its importance and influence in shaping the cosmos have been widely recognized.The intricate interplay of its constituent elements, ranging from the minutest subatomic particles to the grandest celestial bodies, has generated a complex and dynamic system that has sustained life and enabled the evolution of the universe.Therefore, the universe’s essential characteristics and operations have been a matter of intense philosophical inquiry and contemplation, yielding profound insights into the nature of reality and our position therein. -
For God’s ways are beyond our comprehension
And His plans are far beyond our reach
We must trust in His infinite wisdom
And let His love and grace be our teach.Let us not be blinded by our own pride
Or think we know what’s best for all
For God’s ways are perfect and divine
And His love will never let us fall.So let us surrender to His will
And trust in His infinite grace
For in His hands, we are safe and still
And His love will never be displaced.Camille Russo
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The actions of God to our own design
As if we know His intentions divine
And possess knowledge of the divine.Our morality is flawed and limited
And should never be used to assert
Authority over the One who created
The universe and all that we revere.God’s ways are not our ways, it’s true
We must approach with humility and awe
And not assume we can fully construe
His intentions or anticipate His draw.To do otherwise is to risk arrogance
And alienate ourselves from the spiritual realm
We must resist the temptation to advance
Our moral superiority and overwhelm.Instead, let us approach with wonder and awe
Recognizing the mystery and power of the divine
And let our hearts and souls be in awe
Of the spiritual forces that govern our universe’s design.
