Clouds and horsemen

As a child I would love to lay out on the grass and watch the clouds.  Often as they took shape I could see an elephant, a duck, a man.  But one day a gal sent me an email with this picture of these clouds coming down over the mountains.  My husband saw only one thing ‘a storm’ was on its way, while I, who had been studying the last book of the Bible saw something quite different.  I saw Revelation chapter 6 and the 4 horsemen riding down out of heaven and it fascinated me.

What one sees is often greatly influenced by their mindset and what they are looking for.

Now GOD on the other hand sees all things past present and future as they really are.  HIS thoughts are not our thoughts and HIS ways are not our ways, but they accomplish what HE sends them to do (Isaiah 55:8-11).  Therefore, I find it a good idea to acknowledge (ask) HIM in all my ways (concerning all things) that way HE can direct my path (in the way that I should go) (Proverbs 3:5-7).

Looking unto JESUS the Author and Perfecter of my faith.

Hugs

Sharon

Do you always remember?

Fact or fiction?  Elephants never forget. Scientists report that although elephant’s eyesight may not be as strong as some other animals, elephants have remarkable recall power.  They have to depend on their memories for the lives that they live.

Just before our LORD ascended into heaven, JESUS told the believers that they were to be HIS witnesses (Acts 1:8).  Earlier JESUS had said, “All of us must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the ONE who sent ME, because there is little time left…” John 9:4 NLT.

That tells us we need to tell others about JESUS. But sometimes we might wonder how to start or fear we will not remember verses to explain the Gospel of JESUS correctly.  I rejoice in the fact they we don’t have to depend on our own memories. GOD’s promises that if we will acknowledge HIM HE will direct our path (and words) (Proverbs 3:5-7).  Does that mean we don’t have to study the Bible?  NO.  We are told to study to show ourselves approved unto GOD a workman that needs not be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).  But what it means is GOD the HOLY SPIRIT will work with us and even help us by bringing verses to our minds, so we can share just what the person needs to hear (John 14:26).

How does GOD do that?  Proverbs 21:1 tells us that HE can redirect our thoughts just as we can change the direction of the spray of the garden hose to water flowers we choose.  The key in witnessing is pray 1^st and acknowledge HIM.  We are warned against leaning on our own understanding but to look to GOD and then go with what comes to mind (Proverbs 3:5-7).

Looking unto JESUS, the Author and Perfecter of my faith.

Hugs

Sharon

Salt

Although when we see a salt shaker on the table we think of enhancing the flavor of the food we are going to eat, the main use for salt originally was as a PRESERVATIVE.

JESUS said that believers were the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13). HE was saying that by our lives and words we could preserve right values and hold back/ restrain wrong.

As Larry Dixon stated, “Salt was such an important symbol in the early church that when someone was baptized a pinch of salt was placed on the new believer’s tongue. Purified in Christ we are called to be a purifying agent in the world,” as we lead the lost to JESUS.

2 Thessalonians 2:6-7 speaks of this restraining power stating that we hold back the free flow of evil until we are taken out of the world. Then when the HOLY SPIRIT (who seals each believer) leaves with us as we are caught away to meet the LORD in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17, Revelation 7) our presence will no long hold back or restrain the evil and that’s when evil will be unleashed. The wickedness of mankind is seen clearly when after 42 months of prophesying God’s two Jewish witnesses are killed. The people celebrate their death and give presents to each other. Then the Antichrist is given power to reign for 42 months mocking GOD and all that is good (Revelation 13:5-6).

To be what JESUS intends for you to be, to hold back evil as the last of the Gentiles who will believe in JESUS come to him (2 Peter 3:9), “Let your speech be always with grace seasoned with salt, that you may know how to answer every man” (Colossians 4:6).

Looking unto JESUS the Author and Perfecter of my faith (Hebrews 12:2).

Hugs

Sharon

Discipline

The Almighty glorious GOD, the Maker of heaven and earth and everything within them is Mighty to save (Zephaniah 3:17). HE is the Alpha and Omega, beginning and the end (Revelation 1:11) and HE never changes (Malachi 3:6). These basic general truths I mention as a foundation before I zero in on one glorious facet of our Creator.

 

GOD is love (I John 4:7-8) and HE loves HIS creation, but HE hates sin because it destroys. GOD is truth (John 14:6) and all HE does is right and true (Psalm 33:4), while every single solitary sin (beginning in the garden of Eden and continuing on to this very day) is based on a lie that says GOD is wrong (John 8:44).

 

Because GOD loves us, HE made the provision for forgiveness of sin in sending HIS only Begotten SON to carry the sins of the world on the cross. JESUS died once for all time, for all sin, and for all people (Hebrews 10:10, 12). But, there is a catch. Only those who recognize their need to be forgiven and be changed, and believe that GOD has made a way that we might be forgiven and changed, and therefore look to JESUS, are saved from their sins (John 3:14-16, 36).

 

Although the LORD made the provision for the forgiveness of sins, it does not mean that HE gives approval of sin.” Nor will HE allow sin to continue forever.

 

In the new heaven and the new earth GOD cannot allow sin, for it defiles. Therefore, any who refuse to be forgiven and cleansed from their sin must be removed as a matter of protection for HIS children who have reached out to HIM for forgiveness and cleansing. GOD does not delight in the death of the wicked, that is why HE has made the means that we might be restored to HIM, and urges all repeatedly to turn to HIM and be saved (Ezekiel 18:32). Unless one chooses to believe and come to JESUS, thus willingly placing himself under GOD’s cleansing discipline, he will die in his sins (John 8:24, 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12).

 

When one believes HE is given the HOLY SPIRIT (Ephesians 1:13-14) and all things that pertain to life and godliness (that enable you to live life and be godly) Among those things are many great and precious promises that we can claim (2 Peter 1:1-4).

 

GOD has declared that HE HIMSELF will conform each and every one that comes to HIM through the blood of JESUS, into the image of JESUS (Romans 8:29). But this is a process, that is like a baby learning to walk- one step at a time (2 Corinthians 3:18). It happens as we see truths about JESUS, we are changed into what we see. It goes on day by day, moment by moment as we live here on earth and little by little GOD through the HOLY SPIRIT writes HIS laws in our minds -so we will think as HE does and places them in our heart -so we will feel as HE does (Hebrews 10:15). Then when we see JESUS face to face we will be like HIM for we shall see HIM as HE really is (1 John 3:2).

 

But, when a believer in JESUS pushes away the conviction that something is wrong, thereby fights against the changes GOD wants to make in his life; if he stubbornly grasps tightly his old ways, instead of confessing them as wrong and asking GOD for help in overcoming them, GOD will act.

 

1 Corinthians 11:31-32 If we would judge ourselves (accept conviction and confess), we will not be judged (disciplined). But when we are judged (disciplined because we refuse to listen to HIM), we are chastened (disciplined) of the LORD, that we should not be condemned with the world.

 

Hebrews 12:4-11 You have not resisted unto blood, striving against sin. And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to children, MY son, despise not the chastening (discipline) of the LORD, nor faint (give up) when you are rebuked (corrected) by HIM. For those the LORD loves HE chastens (disciplines) and scourges (corrects with punishment) every son HE receives. If you endure chastisement (undergo trials), GOD deals with you as HIS son. For what son is not disciplined by his father? But if you be without chastisement (discipline), whereof all (believers) are partakers, you are bastards (illegitimate), and not (HIS) sons. Furthermore, we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence; shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the FATHER of spirits and live? For they (human fathers) for a few days disciplined us after their own pleasure, but HE (GOD) for our profit, that we might be partakers of HIS holiness. Now no chastisement at the time seems joyous but grievous (it hurts), nevertheless afterwards it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those which are exercised (strengthened) thereby.

 

Some believers are more rebellious than others, does that mean GOD gives up on them? How far does GOD go in HIS process of changing us through discipline (the afflictions and troubles that come our way)?

 

The apostle Peter was handed over to Satan to be sifted as wheat (Luke 22:31), after that he was a humble but bold witness for JESUS.

 

Job was placed in Satan’s hand and learned humility and saw awesome things, including more about GOD, plus was financially blessed two times as much as before (Job 42:1-4, 10).

 

Through discipline, King David learned not to go astray (Psalm 119:67) he even said that it was good to have been afflicted and that GOD’s faithfulness to him is why he was afflicted (Psalm 119:71,75).

 

Others died early, and had to meet JESUS ashamed and smelling like smoke, but saved (1 Corinthians 11:30, 1 John 2:28, 1 Corinthians 3:15).

 

Just one more illustration. A brazen believer was going to church, but openly sleeping with his father’s wife. He was turned over to Satan for the destruction of his flesh that his spirit might be saved in the day of the LORD JESUS (1 Corinthians 5:5).

 

Remember the awesome promise GOD gives concerning the troubles that come to correct and teach us.

 

2 Corinthians 4:15-18 All of these things are for your sake…therefore we do not lose heart, though our outer man is decaying our inner man is being renewed day by day. For our momentary, light (by comparison) affliction is achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So, look not at what you can see (your situation) but at what you cannot see (what GOD is achieving for you through your situation. For what you see (your situation) is temporary, but what you cannot see (what GOD is achieving for you through your situation) is eternal.

 

Psalm 17:15 As for me, I will behold YOUR face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with YOUR likeness. (Praise YOUR holy name!)

 

Looking unto and for JESUS, the author and perfecter of my faith.

Hugs

Sharon

Bring the LORD joy

Bring joy to the Lord. Talk about Him with others.  Just meeting with a friend or two to study 📖 God’s word and pray brings God’s presence in a special way and brings Him joy Malachi 3:16-17 Then they who feared the Lord spoke often one to another and the Lord hearkened and heard it and a book 📚 of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord and thought on His name. And they shall be Mine says the Lord of hosts, in the day I make up My jewels and I will spare them as a man spares his own son that serves him.

Ask

You hear skeptics say the Bible is full of errors and contradicts itself.  Well, I came across one section this morning as I met with the LORD in HIS word that SEEMED to do that very thing.  JESUS is speaking to a crowd that came out to hear HIM and many had come to be healed.  HE promised them, “I assure you, that some of you standing here right now will not die before you see the Kingdom of GOD” Luke 9:27.

“LORD, what in the world does this mean? I know YOUR Word is true, but this just doesn’t seem accurate for everyone of them have died and YOU are not back yet.”

Then GOD the SPIRIT (who reminds us of what GOD has said John 14:26) reminded me that the New Covenant began when JESUS gave HIS blood to pay for all sin under the 1^st covenant (1 Corinthians 11:25, Hebrews 9:15).  And when one enters into that New Covenant through believing in JESUS (John 3:16) and is washed in HIS blood (Revelation 1:5), GOD the FATHER  sends GOD the HOLY SPIRIT through JESUS to seal and live within every believer in JESUS (Ephesians 1:13-14), thus GOD the FATHER translates us out of the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of HIS dear SON -the Kingdom of GOD the SON (Colossians 1:13).

The New Covenant-the Kingdom of GOD the SON couldn’t happen until JESUS was glorified and that happened when HE offered HIS blood to seal the Covenant (1 Corinthians 11:25). We see the outward manifestation of the Kingdom coming on the day of Pentecost when the HOLY SPIRIT was given to believers (Acts 2:1-4,14-18) for as it is written the HOLY SPIRIT could not be given until JESUS was glorified (John 7:38-39).

This was just another verification for me that GOD means what HE says, “If you lack wisdom, ask” (James 1:5).

GOD is so good, I just love the simplicity that is in CHRIST JESUS my LORD (2 Corinthians 11:3), don’t you?

Looking unto JESUS the Author and Perfecter of my faith (Hebrews 12:2)

Hugs

Sharon

PS Philippians 3:15-16

GOD’s faithfulness

There is a saying that if the devil can’t get you to sin, he will get you too busy.  At times I think he has done that to me.  But GOD showed me differently.

Several responsibilities have me going in several directions, add in interruptions, requests for help, and various hard problems and crisis situations within the family, I was beginning to drag a bit since I wasn’t getting the sleep I needed.  I never doubted that GOD was in control or knew what HE was doing, but I was becoming weary.

An awesome opportunity arose that let me leave everything behind and go up to my old stomping grounds- Camp Elim.  I had several hours of quiet, being still before the LORD, where I sat on a blanket of pine needles under a tall pine tree and at times talked to GOD as I looked at the beauty of the pines, the blue sky and fluffy white clouds, couldn’t help but praise HIM as HE calmed my spirit with HIS beauty. So, sang a new song to HIM (by changing the words of an old one).  While thanking HIM for the peaceful beauty HE reminded me that the glory of this world is of one type and different than the glory of the heavens and that the glory of this life is different than the glory of the next world (1 Corinthians 15).

Laying back absorbing the beauty I began to yearn to be there all the time.  I wanted a picture to take with me, so I jumped up went and got my phone.  But the screen went black as I hit the camera app for being in a low signal area had pulled power and my battery was almost dead.   I went and plugged it in and noticed a text from a friend.  Actually, she had just sent a Bible text.

“Even so I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good.  It is good for people to eat and drink and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life GOD has given them, and to accept their lot in life.” (Ecclesiastes 5:18 I’m not sure what translation).

GOD used my sweet friend to gently rebuke me.  To turn my eyes back to what is good.  For you see the words “accept their lot in life” screamed at me saying, “Sharon, I have put you where you are at, even all the problems, it is good, accept it.”

Peace flooded over me and I glanced over at the clock. I had to be somewhere soon so cried out to GOD “Just one word, LORD, just one word from YOU directly, please.  YOU said that YOU will open my ears to hear as one being taught.”  So, I opened my Bible to the Psalms and was going to turn to the Psalm of the day when my eyes fell on the words, “feed on MY faithfulness.”  As those words covered me, I was filled with joy and headed out for the session I was to attend.  You know how that last session ended?  They had us sing, “Great is THY Faithfulness.”

GOD confirmed HIS special word to me through an unsuspecting song leader.

Is someone reading this weary?  Remember GOD is with you and has preset the exact times and places (Acts 17:26-27) for a specific reason.  HE has work for you to do (Ephesians 2:10) and it is good, so enjoy your work and feed on HIS faithfulness.  HE will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).

Looking unto JESUS, the Author and Perfecter of my faith.

Hugs

Sharon