God intervenes in the hearts of people so that they make decisions and carry out actions that accomplish His purpose for our lives. This is done in such a way that these people make their decisions and carry out their plans by their own free and voluntary choices. We must understand that if God is not sovereign in the decisions and actions of other people as they affect us, then there is a whole major area of our lives where we cannot trust God. We see in the Old Testament how God moved in the life of Cyrus King of Persia to allow the children of Israel to return to the city of Jerusalem and Israel to rebuild the nation. If we do not believe that the God of heaven is the same yesterday, today, and forever, we can be reminded that in 1948 this same God worked in the hearts of the world leaders to allow the Jewish people to return to the land that God has promised to Abraham, back in Genesis 12. We need to understand that as we live and move through our lives, that God is working in the lives and hearts of men and … READ MORE

In September 1857, during a hurricane, the S.S. Central America sank along with 15 tons of gold. This devastation largely contributed to the “Panic of 1857,” which, in the U.S., led to the first worldwide economic crisis. It was discovered in 1987. While being excavated 39 insurance companies made claim to the gold and other artifacts that were being recovered, because back in the 19th century they were all found liable and ending up paying damages way back when. After unavoidable legal battles the discovery team ultimately was awarded 92 percent of the gold. Shortly thereafter one gold bar, proved to be a very important piece of currency and broke a worldwide record at the time, selling for $8 million. In 2 Corinthians 4:7 we are told “We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” We often dream of finding treasure. Something to make us rich beyond our wildest dreams. The problem with any earthly treasure is that it is only temporary. The gift that God offers to each of us is eternal and will give us a peace and hope that no earthly treasure will bring. … READ MORE

In Proverbs 21:1 we are reminded that the king’s word was law, His authority over his realm was unconditional and unrestrained, yet we are reminded that God controls the king’s heart, and he will not do anything that the Lord does not allow. Here we are reminded that God intervenes in the hearts of people so that they make decisions and carry out actions that accomplish God’s purpose for our lives. This is done in such a way that these people make their decisions and carry out their plans by their own free and voluntary choices (cf. book of Habakkuk). We must understand that if God is not sovereign in the decisions and actions of other people as they affect us, then there is a whole major area of our lives where we cannot trust God. What does this mean for us? It means that God uses the decisions and actions of people to accomplish His purposes and that in doing so He has a plan and purpose not only for our lives but the lives of those making decisions that affect us. We must remember that God is moving history toward the coming of Christ’s kingdom (Revelation 20:4-6), and … READ MORE