- FREE ONLINE EVENT with Cate Murphy, Doug Addison and others. God reigns – and he has not finished with his people! A.W. When storms hit and trials come into our lives, raw emotions bubble up under the surface and begin to overflow. 28:18). John deliberately does not put everything down on paper (vv.13–14, MSG). Lord, thank you for your sovereign love for every human being. Again and again in these visions we see glimpses of Jesus: The book opens with a call to repentance, as God calls the people to return to him. Hi Doug, “God’s providence is His constant care for and His absolute rule over all His creation for His own glory and the good of His people. Unless otherwise stated, Scripture quotations taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version Anglicised, Copyright © 1979, 1984, 2011 Biblica, formerly International Bible Society. When someone is in charge, you can go to him/her for help. Some things are best reserved for face-to-face meetings. His love disposes Him to desire our everlasting welfare, and His sovereignty enables Him to secure it.’ The Lord reigns! But as my career, ministry, relationships, and spiritual life hit a series of dead ends, I wasn’t so sure. God is in control, so you don’t have to be afraid of what’s happening around you. I have hope in him for my future. The book does not shy away from addressing very traumatic situations, but points us to the God who is genuinely trustworthy. The word control is different to me. The Lord rebuked Satan and said of Joshua, ‘Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?’ (Zechariah 3:2). Peril meaning serious and immediate danger; expose to danger; threaten. Jesus cleanses and re-clothes you through the cross. Best-selling author Jerry Bridges, one of the most trusted Christian writers of our time, helps you wrestle with these questions in the clear light of the scriptures. This can be a big benefit to you! I think the term, “God is in control”, sends entirely the wrong message. We respect your privacy so your contact info stays only with us.      before I’d even lived one day’ (v.16, MSG). In his sovereign love, by his Spirit, from a day of small beginnings, the temple was rebuilt. He is best known for his Daily Prophetic Words and Spirit Connection webcast, podcast and blog. Everything big has to start small. _____ Acts 8:2-8 2 Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. I’m trying to respond here to someone who says, “Well, God doesn’t control everything, but he permits lots of things.” I’m saying that’s right. Is God Really in Control? As A.W. There is nothing small if God is in it. Author Jerry Bridges helps readers answer the question 'Is God in control? However, John's prayer extends beyond the ‘spiritual’ to the physical needs of Gaius. Ask for the help of the Holy Spirit. Your […] Doug Addison is the founder and president of InLight Connection. He cares about them (v.14, MSG). It is time to know God and all that HE wants us to have in our relationship with Him. God has a good plan and purpose for your life. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress. But He is--silently working all things out for good. Lastly, God’s permission for Satan or man to act is nevertheless part of God’s ultimate design and final control. The name ‘Satan’ means accuser (see Revelation 12:10). This may seem like semantics, but the notion that God is in control has ruined a lot of lives. Hebrews 12:27 NIV. If God is controlling what is happening, then you can’t do anything about it and may as well lie down and take whatever is coming. ‘“Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty’ (Zechariah 4:6). It implies, and a lot of people believe, that God controls everything that happens to you and everyone else. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison. We experience the consequences of … This had a literal, historical fulfilment in the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem but it also applies to the church. I believe God is sovereign but does not control everything. God wants to bring restoration to every area of your life today. The Lord Almighty says, ‘I am going to bring my servant, the Branch’ (v.8; see Jeremiah 23:5f). Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. Jesus, as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, will create a new society based on God's ways. Even before you were born, he planned all the days of your life (v.16). We are so sorry you were abused. Thanks for sharing Wendy! I am not anxious about the political things going on because I see him at work. Satan knew from the Old Testament that God’s plan was for Jesus to come to the earth, be betrayed, crucified and resurrected, and provide salvation for millions, and if there was any way to keep that from happening, Satan would have done it. This seems a very good prayer to pray for family and friends this Christmas. Any use or disposition He chooses to make of any part of His creation is His sovereign right. And we wonder – is God really in control of everything? I’m on an airplane right now headed to Charlotte, North Carolina but an hour ago I was running – and I do mean running – through the Houston airport hoping against hope that I would make my connecting flight. As you look around and see all the scary stuff happening around you, it’s important to remember that God is not shaken by any of this.” Bless you!      all the stages of my life were spread out before you, Hebrews 4:16 NIV. Is God always in control? The church is the new Jerusalem – a city without walls (v.4). We are living in “peril” times. I am not trying to argue about this. God does not control every little detail of this world. Doug is a prophetic speaker, author and coach. All of this doesn’t mean that God can’t participate in helping man out or doing something if he is asked to do it, but it does mean that God must ask permission to do something on earth, since He has given it to man to control. The Lord reigns. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. There's no more crucial topic in today's world than understanding what God is up to in the midst of personal and global tragedy. Nothing that goes on in heaven and on earth is out of his control. ', offering comfort and hope by exploring the greater purposes of God in light of Scripture. He promises: ‘I’m moving into your neighbourhood!’ (v.10, MSG). This can be a big benefit to you! Sometimes it is hard to believe that God really is in control. Do you ever find yourself wondering, “Does God really have things in hand here, or is my life spinning out of control?” I have. He is known for his Daily Prophetic Words, Spirit Connection webcast, podcast and blog. Used by permission of Hodder & Stoughton Publishers, an Hachette UK company. Thanks for sharing Katherine. Yes God really is in control, working out His purposes, eventhough we may not understand them. Tozer wrote, ‘God is love and God is sovereign. As a result, you can learn to understand and trust God's wisdom, love, and sovereignty in the midst of the little disappointments and the big tragedies. God is accountable only to Himself. So, you can shake off your worries and cares with praise! Would you like to be part of what God is doing? John was thrilled to hear that Gaius was making spiritual progress: ‘I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth… They have told the church about your love’ (vv.4,6). Don’t look at seemingly minor accomplishments as unimportant. You may even feel like the world doesn’t have a place for you and constantly rejects you. God’s sovereign love extends to those in the womb. This is a symbol of peace, security and prosperity. The Body of Christ needs to learn how to administer “Good Grief” in loss, in crisis and in trauma situations of life. Sign up for our enewsletter & you’ll be the first to get Doug’s monthly prophetic words, upcoming events and special offers and sales. If you feel confused right now about anything in your life, embrace the shaking. I know this isn’t what you believe, but saying God is in control implies that we have no recourse. 8:31-39). The kingdom of God starts with a mustard seed, which grows into a big tree. He is in charge of events and history. This books answers most affirmatively that you can trust God all the time, in all circumstances. Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. ‘NIV’ is a registered trademark of Biblica. John warns Gaius about Diotrephes who ‘not only refuses hospitality to travelling Christians but tries to stop others from welcoming them’ (v.10, MSG). Tozer, Knowledge of the Holy (HarperOne, 2009), p.99. Maybe I had just been fooling myself. Hebrews 1:3 says of Jesus, “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature, and He upholds the universe by the word of His power” (ESV). God is in control, so you don’t have to be afraid of what’s happening around you. Hugs to you all. He assures them, ‘Anyone who hits you, hits me’ (v.8, MSG). If God is in complete control, but man's choices are free and outside His control, how can He really be in control? Is God Really In Control? Thank you. As A.W. How you answer those questions determines what you really believe when you say that God is in control. Standing before Jesus, Zechariah saw Joshua the high priest and Satan, standing at his right to accuse him (3:1). The shaking can reveal what is worthy of a place in your life—because what cannot be shaken remains! God’s word came to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit’ (4:6). He and his wife Linda live in Los Angeles, California where they are impacting the arts and entertainment and media industries. Lord, thank you that you have removed my sin and given me peace, security and spiritual prosperity. But Jesus can. Unless otherwise stated. Thank you for being brave and sharing your heart. If this is the case, then it is Jesus who intercedes for the church (v.12). You may be starting to wonder if they’ll ever go away. It is stated explicitly by Jesus prior to his ascension, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth” (Matt. When that person is “in control” or controlling everything, you have no options and no help. You cannot remove the stain of sin in your life. God is in control, so you don’t have to be afraid of what’s happening around you. He is sovereign, all-wise, and loving as the book shows. His love disposes Him to desire our everlasting welfare, and His sovereignty enables Him … Doug’s message of love, hope and acceptance reaches people around the world! Does God care? Matthew 10:14 NIV. Are you facing a seemingly impossible situation? Hebrews 12:27 NIV. I think Doug’s heart in this blog can be summed up in this quote from the blog, “God is still reigning on His throne. There are two passages of Scripture that speak quite directly about this matter. Do you sometimes wonder whether God is really in control? Help us to extend that same love and protection to all. God is in control of all things: Satan, demons, and every human being and every circumstance. Because God is in control we can give thanks for and rejoice in all things And he won’t let a single thing happen to us that he won’t give us grace to handle. His heart broke for me and the Perpetrator. I have a habit of putting pens in my back trouser pocket and then sitting on them, leaving a stain that seems impossible to remove however often the trousers are washed.  The days of my life all prepared His powerful, lighthearted style of teaching and coaching helps open people to discover their spiritual identity and personal destiny as they experience God’s supernatural love and power. God is still reigning on His throne. 3 But Saul began to destroy the church. This is an image that applies to all who have been rescued by Jesus. Human life begins at the moment of conception. It will help you establish your beliefs in HIS KINGDOM. It seems that the myrtle trees are a picture of the people of God then and the church now, and so it symbolises Jesus (the man riding the red horse) who stands among his church. ... anxieties, distresses and cares is the knowledge that their all-glorious and all-good Triune LORD is in total control of all things. Nothing you do for God goes unnoticed or unrewarded. When the shaking is done, you can trust that what’s left over is strong. It’s a phrase we use often, mostly as an easy slogan when something goes wrong. Faith is made visible by love. Make sure your soul is lining up with God’s word. He is a good good father. How To Get Your Financial Breakthrough - Online Workshop with Doug Addison, Reinvent Your Life! Do I really mean it when I say “God is in control?” This is the question I had to ask myself today. *Hymn of Response # 391 “We are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder” ”LET THE LOWER LIGHTS BE BURNING” Words and Music by Philip P. Bliss, 1838–1876. 4 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. You are ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ (v.14). : Trusting God in a World of Hurt (p. 33). Does the Lord really ‘reign’ in all the chaos? Nothing small if God is in control, so you don ’ t have to be part his. 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