Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People?

Can I throw you some possible new thoughts your way?

First, when we say that 'bad things happen to good people' that is not a true saying in fact its a lie.

JESUS made it clear that no one is good except GOD. Luke 18:19
In fact our 'good deeds' are filthy rags. Isa.64:6

You see 'good' is not a character trait its a person - its GOD HIMSELF.

And I certainly are not GOD. (But through JESUS we can participate in the Divine nature) and we are in HIS image. More on that another time.

JESUS further teaches this lesson when HE talks about the tower of Siloam crashing killing people in the process. see Luke 13:4

HIS point, don't think you are better, then the ones that died in the tower collapse. There is none good except GOD alone. Mark 10:18

So, if we say good people are getting hurt, its not true in fact without JESUS GRACE - nobody is good!

JESUS said "how can you being evil say anything good?" Matthew 12:34

You see the law was given to Moses but GRACE and TRUTH came through JESUS. (see John 1:17)
The Law came to show us GOD'S standard and our extreme depravity and wickedness!
(its not even close). It makes it crystal clear GOD'S holiness (HIS LOVE) and our selfishness.

Their is no problem with GOD'S commands / laws, the only problem is when we pretend to keep them (hypocrites) lowering the real meaning of the laws (613 OT laws) and live a lie in our own effort.

That is the wicked sin of un-belief. That produces the curse, that was the orginial sin (doing it my way). Religion, even the Christian one, is us doing things our way. Now, we don't really admit to that, we say we are doing it GOD'S way, but we are only fooled.

We are in fact 'trying' to be good Christians.
The Gospel is recognizing the truth that I am nothing (actually less than nothing) a wicked sinner deserving hell. But seeing GOD'S kindness and love, that HE worked salvation with HIS own arm (Isaiah 63:5) by living perfectly then taking all that I deserve and taking the sin nature on the cross (becoming Sin) not only forgiving my sins but crushing the sin nature in the process. Setting me free from the law of sin and death.

Galatians 2:21 "I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly."

There are different laws, but the law most talked about in the Bible is the Laws Moses gave. There is a contrast between Law and GRACE throughout scripture.

On one side you have 'law' meaning the laws of Moses that you MUST keep.
On the other side you have 'GRACE' meaning JESUS keeping every law and you benefit like you kept them (when JESUS does for you).

So Law basically means 'self effort'.
GRACE basically means 'JESUS effort' for me.

You have all the worlds religions (including the christian ones) and all the clubs,
denominations, churches, temples all one one side...

The other side - JESUS alone.

Secondly, many christians are under the curse (see galatians 1).
They are under the curse (not because GOD put them there) but they put themselves there.

We know in Deuteronomy 28 there are tons of blessings and curses. The blessings when you read that part of scripture sound amazing while the curses sound like reading the newspaper or seeing many of the problems in your own life.

Paul talks in Galatians of JESUS becoming the curse for us.

"Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:" Galatians 3:13

Remember in the garden, man sinned (also Eve and the Devil) and a curse was a direct result.

We are under a curse, if we try to live our christian life, by our own self effort that cuts us off of CHRIST (leaving GRACE) putting us under satan and the curse.
The tree of knowledge of good and evil was man trying to live the 'God Life/christian life in their own way - not GOD'S tree of LIFE (which is JESUS)

JESUS is the life - John 14:6 also John 1:4

If we listen to the sin nature (which is satan himself) that operates in our members see Romans 7 and Ephesians 2:2 where it says: "the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient." We will continually try to make our Christianity work, in the endless cycle of trying to overcome the 'sin nature' (which we think is us, but its not) and trying to do right and really it boils down to 'me, me, me'.

That is independent self effort - is under the curse.
Read Galatians 1

6I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel;
7which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.
8But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!

This different gospel (which is really no good news at all) was around in Paul's time , JESUS time (on earth) and our time but it goes all the way back to the garden.
Its simply the one ingredient of all religions (including the Christian religion) and it opposes the TRUE GOSPEL (which is good news and news is past tense, we are telling you what already has been done) and that TRUE GOSPEL is JESUS' GRACE and that alone!

All your own effort curses yourself.
The only thing that matters is HIS LIFE flowing through you.
Christian means 'CHRIST in' - meaning HIS LIFE flowing through me, based on me believing (receiving) everything from HIM.

Galatians 3:2-3
This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?
3Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?

Finally vs 5

5So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?

Works of the Law - what you do?
or Hearing with Faith - beleiving what JESUS has done?

One produces the curse the other blessing.

Real curses, Real blessings.

Real death, Real life.

Real burden, Real Comfort.


Believe the Gospel -

Believe JESUS.


-eric

Why I left the building when I realized we are the Church!

A few years ago, the LORD gave me this dream:

The setting was my home and we were in the middle of having a huge party with lots of guests.

I knew everyone in the dream (although when I awoke, didn't really know them all) but in my dream I knew everyone, after all they were all in my house.

We were all talking and having a good time, when a friend asked me if I had met a girl named _________________ (I don't recall her name).

I said "No, but I would like to welcome her into our home and to the party."

In my dream, the weird part was, I knew everyone in the house but not her!

So, I go with my friend and to my surprise, he brings me to a young girl, maybe 13 years of age, sitting in the back room. I then extend my hand to shake hands with her to welcome her to our home and party.

She was dressed in an over sized wedding dress that hung on her. And she wouldn't shake my hand (pulling hers away). She didn't say much, kind of like some young teenagers when they meet strangers, they answer in one word soft, hushed answers only, they don't really communicate.

She looked awkward, clumsy and 'out of place' at this party.

After that I woke up.

It took time, but the LORD showed me that this girl was the church - the bride.
HE is coming back for a woman and HE is seeing only a girl want-to-be bride.

A girl playing house.

She lacked grace trying to play the part without being grown up and being the part.

She didn't fit in with all the people around me (there were saved and un-saved at my party). She was alone - un reaching and unreachable.

Like the teenager that wants to have the 'freedom' (or so called freedom) of an adult without paying the dues, and maturing over time into what you were called to be.

As a married guy, I think men are looking for a bride that loves them, that keeps in step with them, that knows what (husband) is thinking and they act as a team working together. Someone that HE can't wait to be with because LOVE is complete with the sum of both parts.

That is the Bride - JESUS wants.

That was a few years ago, and now we do 'home fellowship' with lots of food and sharing - loads of fun and growth.

I am more convinced then ever, that HE wants HIS bride!
What man doesn't?

Lying - is it always sin?

All lying just like all anger isn't sin.

But how do we know, when is it a sin and when is it not?

Now Rahab the prostitute in Joshua 2 lied to her government (and could have been killed) if you read the first few verses of Joshua 2.

She blantanly lies to government police (or what we would consider 'official' people).

Yet she is lifted up and praised in Hebrews 11:31 and a great great grandmother of JESUS
see Matthew 1:5 (also see James 2:25).

Rahab was hiding spies.

We have all known about Corrie Ten Boon and her family hiding Jews during those terrible, evil, dark days of Hitler.

Sin only becomes what it is (like in lying) if its not for the 'well being' of the other person.
Love always protects (1 Corinthians 13).

A mother with her baby in arms wouldn't let a kidnapper take her child from her, she would probably fight to death to protect her little one. Is that sin? or Love?

Because it can only be 1 or the other.

JESUS got angry some times (moneychangers, Pharisees)

And scripture many times calls anger a sin!
See 2 Corinthians 12:20
also Ephesians 4:31 and Colossians 3:8

How do we know?

We tell our 2 boys that 99% of the time anger and lying is sin, because all it does is try to defend self or better put, defend the sin nature (the "I") in me.

If you are defending GOD or saving people (out of love) then its not sin to lie.
The lie must be spoken in love (what is best - not for me, but for the other person).

Interesting side note, one scripture says :
Ephesians 4:26
"In your anger do not sin" : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry"

So its possible to have 'righteous anger' or 'right anger' and I think we see that from time to time especially over in-justices in the world - gets us angry.

Or someone controlling, manipulating someone - could cause us anger.

Why?

Its not the best for that individual - its not love.

Same with a lie. How does it better the situation if I speak it? How will it build you up, or encourage or bless you? That is the question!

Love covers a multitude of sins! 1 Peter 4:8


-Eric

LUST

First off, lets distiguish between temptation and sin...

Temptation is NOT a sin, because you are being tempted to sin. It becomes sin (if you agree with it/give in to it).

Lust simply means a wrong desire for someone or something. It is a sin because it does one of two things:


It either raises something up to a level its not or
it lowers someone down to a level they are not.
Let me explain:

You can lust for money, or power or fame for example. Its a sin because you are raising up 'things' (money, power, fame) above people and above GOD HIMSELF!

Someone may say the General 'lusted for power'. Lust in this case is a sin because it puts 'things' and raises 'things' (like money, power, or my new car, fame, things) above people. They become more important than people. That is why some people kill for money or try to sell their soul (if you really can) - for more!

You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. see James 4:2

But lust is often spoken of in terms of sexual sin. Remember 'lust' is putting something in its wrong place. So in 'lust for women', you are putting women (or a woman) down into a position of a 'thing' or an object to be used. She is there for my satisfaction.


I don't really care that she is a princess in GOD'S family, or that she is someone's daughter, or someone's wife or someone's mom - she is my lustful play thing (even in my mind - imagination).

She's a possesion - something to be owned and used.

JESUS said: "but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." see Matthew 5:28

Why do we love things and use people
when we should use things and love people?

Love on the other hand, says "you are here, so how can I bless you, help you, nurture you."

There is a way out of lust- you can start to live the conquering life over sin that is why JESUS came to destroy the works of the devil!
1 John 3:8

But remember, its not you trying to live this life - the secret (or mystery Paul talks about) is Christ in you - JESUS living through you and 'as you'.

So, in a nut-shell, love is what its all about, and love is always for someone else (not you). Love can only be for the well being of the other person.
Lust is (love perverted, turned inward) and is only for ME! (never others) only ME!

-Eric

When GOD says "No".

One Command is that we are told to put on the full armor of GOD. Ephesians 6:11

Note: although this isn't the purpose of this post, but each piece of armor is JESUS! You put it (HIM) on by believing, and you are never told to take it off or that it falls off. Simply recognize HIM for every piece of the armor. Even on a per need basis.

Back to my main point:

God tells us to put on armor...

Have you ever told a child to put on his coat or hat before going out? Its a command but really its only for the good of the child (Mom and Dad don't really benefit by someone else wearing a hat).

Its the same as GOD's commands, they are all motivated by LOVE (which is only for your own good).

HE can not think or act otherwise HE is true to HIMSELF & it benefits you and us - because it is LOVE.

Since LOVE is always about the best interests for someone else (its never about me first).

When GOD commands or gives orders they are not for HIMSELF. They are all about you, or the greater good (the Church) HIS body.

At times we may give (as parents) certain demands or expectations on our children but they are either for their good or the good of the whole or entire family, which obviously includes them too.

GOD is just like that!

Now sometimes when you pray, you don't receive because you are praying or asking too low (too small). Like one of our kids wanting (requesting /praying) to Dad/Mom that they would like to munch on some potato chips.

Parents answer "no".

Why? The child doesn't know that the family is going out to eat and they are going to eat well having a great feast, but the child is asking to small, so the answer is no.

Keep in mind that everyone that talked with JESUS as HE walked about was all prayer.

It was all asking, talking, requesting - prayer!

When you ask a request in prayer, and you believe it's for the sake of LOVE and a legitimate request and you still get a 'no' (because the result didn't go as you suspected) then we quote from Norman Grubb who said "GOD'S "No's" are greater "yeses"!"

If you are asking too small and not getting then ask for larger! Or ask the LORD "what should I ask"? Looking for larger!

see 2 Kings 13:15-19 for one example, when they would've received way more but didn't.

Other times we ask too big and the answer out of love (its always out of love) is 'No' .

A parent wont allow something that will either destroy their child or hurt their sibling.

Either will GOD.

The answer is no.


In our family one brother may ask Mother (they ask some outrageous things sometimes but then again so do we, with GOD).

Son asks "Can I have all of my brothers _________ (insert item name). Candy, Cake, Toys, Baseball Cards

One of our sons once asked for his allowance and the allowance of his brother (because he reasoned he did more work).

My answer to them, "No".

The disciples and people asked JESUS some crazy things at times; like if they (James & John) could sit on JESUS left and right. See Mark 10:36-40

Huge request at the expense of everyone else - Answer 'NO'.

And many times we simply don't receive because we don't even bother to ask. "You have not because you ask not" see James 4:2-3

Lastly we need to learn when to ask and when to take.

Our authority as GOD's kids, is to take what HE already promised us. When my boys were younger, they asked us for everything. Now, as they get older, they know what they can take and usually what still needs asking for.

They don't ask, if they can have a drink or an apple or sit down and read a book. They often go into the kitchen and just take. They will often speak at school when other kids are tempting them to do or say something wrong. If they speak with confidence about what they know NOT to do, they don't come home and ask us first, they already know and speak.

I believe therefore I've spoken. 2 Corinthians 4:13

Many things we already know what GOD wants. And many things you already have, you just don't have the eyes to see it yet!

There is a time to ask GOD in prayer. There is another to use the authority HE has given you over evil.

I learned this lesson in a vision GOD gave me about 5 years ago.

Vision on authority and prayer

In my vision, I was in my home (my old house) and heard a sound by my front door.

When I went to check it out I saw a thief standing in my front doorway. In my hands I held 2 things.


In my right hand I had a loaded pistol. (Note: I don't own any guns this was a vision)
I had my title deed to my house (Note: they don't really give those things out like they used to)
Ok, so with loaded gun and title deed I was armed.

I pointed the gun to the thief and demanded that he leave!

He tried to speak and convince me (very well I might add) to give up the gun and title deed and hand them over to him instead!

And in my vision I was tempted to and felt pressure to give in to his crazy request.

Then my vision was over.

The LORD spoke: "the pistol was MY power and the title deed MY authority. You have both MY power and authority over the enemy".

I knew the devil was the thief.

Here's what I learned:

its my house, not the enemy. (this is my Fathers world).
the gun is loaded (HIS power is very real for the situation).
the title deed proves its my rightful place of authority, not the thief's.
the power of the thief (his doubts and lies are very convincing) to almost get me to put down my gun and hand it over with the title deed to him.
if the vision would have continued, I might have given in - it was that tempting.
the devil has no authority or power over GOD's kids (you and me). He's been defeated already at the cross. Colossians 2:14-16
Using our own family as an example we constantly see GOD heal us and give peace. We don't beg GOD to do it, as HE already told us to 'lay hands on the sick' or anoint with oil. If it persists, we can ask GOD to show us what we are missing or what else to do.

But we have to at times keep demanding the devil, or sickness or pain to leave.

It always does!

Because of JESUS we've have not had to take medications, or go to hospitals. From our kids getting nightmares and demonic attack (no more praise GOD) to pains and sickness, bumps, lumps and headaches to sprained (painful) hands, feet, legs. JESUS has healed all.

HE has filled teeth, taken pain away so many times. HE is Amazing LOVE.


We've seen cancer go, heart problems to good hearts, and answers to prayer for financial aid and victory over sins. What a champion!

I can't even begin to remember all the things HE has taught us and the many lives 100% changed by HIS GRACE - Amazing Grace!

HE is an ever present help in the time of trouble. Psalm 46:1 and we need HIM all the time!

pray without ceasing...1 Thessalonians 5:17

Remember HE is a GOD of faith, you must believe before your receive! Mark 11:24 and Matthew 21:22

Don't bother, if you wont believe HE hears and will answer specifically what you are praying for, as long as its motivation is LOVE. Isaiah 65:24

I will end with this story:

One of our best friends is a Christian Jew, (a complete Jew) and he said this:
(BTW: GOD healed him of cancer and his is in his 80's!)

"The Jews had no problem believing that JESUS would heal them, but for HIM to forgive sins, that was blasphemy. We Christians, on the other hand, have no problem believing HE forgives sins but not for healing!"

Satan continues to divide HIS word, and deprive the children.

But, HE loves to answer prayer! Rest in HIM, HE is holding on to you!

What the LORD just did for this little Greek waitress...

Ok, we know what the LORD showed me (about what 'Saved' means) through this grandmother Greek waitress but what HE did for her just last week blessed her immensely and me as well.

Read on...

A few weeks ago, I was visiting this same restaurant with our favourite Greek waitress, when she served us, I asked "How are you doing?"

She pointed to her neck and looking very sad, said that she had lost her cross necklace that she has had for over 30 years and never takes off!

She told us she never lost it before and it doesn't leave her neck - it was valuable, but more for sentimental reasons than its value as gold jewellery.

I told her that she should ask the LORD to show her where it is and that HE would reveal it to her.

Although she believes in JESUS she looked surprised by what I told her.

I reminded her that the Word says "You have not because you ask not." James 4:2
And told her a story about how I first learned that when my oldest son was about 5 or 6 years old and I had lost my drivers license.

I couldn't find my drivers license anywhere and never take it out of my wallet. I had my wallet but the only thing missing was the license? I looked everywhere, then asked the LORD to help me find it.

Note: 1 Isn't it funny we don't think to ask HIM first?
Note: 2 Also, when you ask you must believe - being desperate is helpful in prayer.
what I mean is don't make 'lip service' to GOD in prayer -either mean it or don't pray!

Anyway, I related this story to the waitress and told her that I couldn't find my license and prayed about it. The next day our oldest son, came to me and said he knew my license was under our stove.

Amazed I asked him how he knew it was there and he told me 'GOD told me'.
Because he was so convinced, I moved the stove (which is always a bit of a hassle) but low and behold it was there! Missing license!

Now, my son reminded me (because the LORD reminded him) that one day I was carrying my wallet and tripped in the kitchen, we have ceramic tile and the license popped out of my wallet and slid under the stove!

My son didn't see the license slid under the stove when it happened nor did I. GOD showed him. (if we saw it slid under the stove, we wouldn't need to pray about it).

Wow, through the 'mouths of babes' I thought.

Anyway I shared this story to our friendly waitress who had lost her cross/necklace.

She said "I have goose bumps, when you told me this story".

Of course she has met my family including my own 2 boys many times so she knew everyone in the story as I told it.

Well what happened?

Many days later I was back in the restaurant when she came up to me very excited.

"I have found my cross!" she practically shouted. And continued to tell me the place that she found it was not at home (where she thought it went missing) but near the garbage area at work on the floor in the restaurant.

JESUS got a little closer to her that day.

She told me when we were leaving that although she is now single - JESUS is her husband!

That is what GOD wants - enter HIS family, come to HIS table - enjoy HIS life!

Amen

How I learn what 'Saved' meant from a Greek restaurant waitress.

If you read my other blog post, I mention the Greek word 'Sozo' σώζω means; delivered, saved, provided for, healed.

But what this Greek restaurant waitress shared with me, really put it into perspective.

Here's how it happened (a few years ago)...

My Dad and I frequent this restaurant by our offices and over time have gotten to know some of the staff, including this little grandmother Greek waitress that has worked in this restaurant for many years.

Being there so many times, and joking around with her, one day I asked her what the word 'sozo' means?

She thought for a moment, un-sure how to answer.

I said, it was a Greek word in the new testament and she nodded like she now knew what I was getting at.

She put her arms (don't forget we are in a restaurant) but she put her arms pretending she was holding a baby and said...

"This is what that word means, it means a mother nurturing her baby".

Then I knew it!

When GOD saves you, HE loves you like a mother with her baby.
Feeding, nurturing, providing, protecting, holding, singing, comforting, healing.

Are you believing the whole Gospel or just parts of it?

Is JESUS only fire insurance to you? or is HE your 'all in all'?

Afraid to let HIM hold you?
Don't know that HE is in you?
Living through you?

So afraid of LOVE...

Only Believe -

LORD open their eyes to see.

'HE will quiet you with his love,
HE will rejoice over you with singing.' Zephaniah 3:17