A curious person wrote us with some questions that can be reviewed:
I have some questions I’m hoping you could help me with. Illnesses such as cancer, heart disease etc – are these God smacks or otherwise? Do you have any tips on memorizing the Bible?
Dear Curious –
Illnesses are common to mankind. Circumstances help a person with a conscience toward God to think on the falling out of providence. Scripture teaches the wrath of God coming upon the children of disobedience. Also it teaches that the Lord chastens His people with some of those afflictions, and in mercy guides, comforts and tenderly delivers them. In all of it, He makes manifest His works. Here are some example passages to help you:
“For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.” Ephesians 5:5-6
“For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.” Hebrews 12:6
“Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” Hebrews 12:11
“And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.” John 9:1-3
What might be a great blessing for a child of God may be a destructive curse for a rebel against God. Further, a good wife is a great gift from God, but a wicked woman is a great curse and a continual sorrow.
As for memorization, do what works for you and read, read, read the Word. Here are some some passages to help you:
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 14:26
“But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.” Jeremiah 9:24
“John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.” John 3:27
You should ask the Lord to help you, not so you can glory in any flesh but so that you can be a faithful steward of the manifold works and wisdom of God. Only the Lord can do that work in you. “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13