"THE LORD IS NEAR!"

Psalms 145:16-18                    (ESV)
"16 YOU open YOUR hand; YOU satisfy the desire of every living thing.
17 The LORD is righteous in all HIS ways and kind in all HIS works.
18 "THE LORD IS NEAR" to all who call on HIM, to all who call on HIM in TRUTH."




I would love to have everyone I am associated with come to realization of GOD and HIS SON JESUS that I personally know HIM.  On the other hand, I wish that I truly knew HIM as deeply as I really could!  In Exodus 33:19 GOD tells Moses "And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy."  Therefore, GOD chooses who HE will show grace and mercy to, and it's not because of any good we have done (Titus 3:5; 1 Timothy 1:9; Ephesians 2:9), rather because of HIS favor!

Sometimes it grieves me that others can't SEE that GOD is being so good to them.  For them to take credit for all the blessings they enjoy seems almost like a slap in the face of GOD ALMIGHTY.  Then I am made aware that the scales have not been removed from their eyes and they can only SEE what it is they see!  Unless it is REVEALED to them (1 Corinthians 2:9-16) they will not SEE the TRUTH!

"THE LORD IS NEAR" alright, but the scripture above also goes onto say "to all who call on HIM in TRUTH".  Unless we come to JESUS as broken, humbled vessels, HE will not use us in HIS Plan.  Isaiah 42:8 says "MY glory will I give to no other"!  "THE LORD IS NEAR", but HE is also jealous!  May I always remember that in my feeble mind!