What should I do?

As I met with the LORD this morning in the bright sunshine on my porch swing, GOD calmed the turbulent waves in my heart as I read HIS word and HE spoke through a verse here and there telling me to wait and simply trust HIM.  eHE reminded me that I am to live by faith and not by sight.

You see we are being bombarded from many directions: one daughter with congestive heart failure and a faulty heart valve, a grandchild with a fast growing tumor on the pituitary gland that without surgery is a death sentence and with surgery but a 50/50 chance of coming out of the operating room and this young granddaughter is opting escape by masking it with illegal drugs and running from the doctors with her 2 kids suffering, another loved one thrown in jail for illegal use of median (that translates panhandling for drug money), a marriage about to dissolve and more and more crisis with other immediate family members but those few give you an idea. 

I answered GOD’s question: “Sharon, do you trust me?” with a resounding YES! Then a calm filled me and a song rose up within and as I sang it out I knew I had to share it with you.

Like a River Glorious by Frances Havergal

Like a river glorious is GOD’s perfect peace, over all victorious in its bright increase; perfect yet it floweth fuller evey day; perfect yet it growth deeper all the way.

Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blessed, finding as HE promised perfect peace and rest.

Hidden in the hallow of HIS blessed hand never foe can follow, never traitor stand; not a surge of worry, not a shade of care, not a blast of jury touch the spirit there.

Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blessed, finding as HE promised perfect peace and rest

Every joy or trial falleth from above, traced upon our dial by the Sun of LOVE; we may trust HIM fully all for us to do, they that trust HIM wholly, find HIM wholly true.

Stayed upon Jehovah, hearts are fully blessed, finding as HE promised perfect peace and rest. 

Our GOD reigns and though HIS ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-11), HE loves us and knows the plans HE has for us.  Plans to bless us not hurt us to give us a future and a hope.  So if you are in trouble of any kind call unto HIM with your WHOLE heart and HE will answer you (Jeremiah 29:11-13).

Looking unto JESUS the author and perfecter of our faith.

Hugs

Sharon

As gravity pulls you down

Don’t judge on appearances for at best we only have part of the picture.

If you get too close to the edge and slip off the mountain top you will fall. It is a given for the law of gravity is at work. Just as we see gravity at work so as we live day by day here on the earth we see another of GOD’s ordained laws in effect.

Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:  Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, SHALL MEN GIVE into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:37-38 KJ).

Notice that phrase I have made bold with all caps SHALL MEN GIVE? If you forgive people, GOD will give you favor (Exodus 11:3) in the eyes of others so they will forgive you. These verses are not speaking of eternal forgiveness or rewards but rather speak of inter-relational actions between people on earth and right now in every day life.  And as you see GOD has HIS way in it.

“Therefore, thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judge: for wherein thou judge another, thou condemn thyself; for thou that judge do the same things” (Romans 2:1KJ).

Quite accidently (Proverbs 3:5-7) I came across some quotes by an Ethiopian Christian called Moses Murian.  He was not grieved with the sinfulness of others for he said that “When one has a corpse in their own house, they do not grieve over the corpse in the home of another.

The story is told of a fellow believer committing a fault and a council was called, to which Moses Murian was invited, but he refused to go.  When he was sent for by a leader Moses got up and went.  He carried a leaking jug filled with water as he went.  The others saw this and asked, “What are you doing?”  Old Moses said, “My sins run out behind me, and I do not see them and today I am coming to judge the errors of another.”  At this word, they forgave the brother and the council was dismissed.

The Christian must die to scrutinizing his neighbor and never judge him at all, in any way whatever.  If we are on the watch to catch our own faults so we might turn from them we will not pay attention to anyone else’s actions to judge whether they are good or bad.  Thus, we are spared thinking bad in our heart towards anyone.  For when we are occupied with our own faults, we do not see those of our neighbor.

What does it mean not to judge?  Do not look down on another, don’t have hostile feelings towards anyone nor let dislike dominate your heart.  Do not scorn the one we see do evil nor rail against anyone, but rather pray for them.  Do not agree with him who slanders (talks against another), nor rejoice at the slander but turn from it.

“So, then every one of us shall give account of himself to GOD.  Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way” (Romans 14:12-13).

I urge you in CHRIST’s stead to prayerfully consider these things I’ve felt compelled to share with you and may the good LORD give you wisdom and understanding and keep you from deception (James 1:5, 1 Corinthians 2:10) as HE guides you with HIS peace (Colossians 3:15), strengthens you with HIS joy (Nehemiah 8:10), and enables you with HIS grace (Hebrews 4:16). Now may the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT” (Romans 15:13). Keep looking unto JESUS (Hebrews 12:2) and talk over your thoughts with HIM (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Hugs

Sharon

How come I’m different than you?

Where do we get our instinctive knowing and flashes of insight?

Why do salmon leave the cool fast-flowing fresh-water streams where they are born and make their way out to the salty sea when they are about two years old? After spending years in the ocean, growing considerably in size, what drives them on to battle against the powerful current, to swim up freshwater streams. Who taught them to climb water falls much higher than they can jump, by swimming and leaping upward, propelling themselves by using their powerful tails against the current? They do not feed on their journey upstream. This journey may be only a few hundred yards or over two thousand miles depending on the species and the stream. (The longest know journey is 2,400 miles).

Who designed them so that they could get energy from stored fat? When they arrive to where they were born, who instructed them to dig nests (known as ‘redds’), then spawn (lay eggs). Thus, continuing the salmon cycle.’ Who placed within them the drive to go back to where they were born? With no GPS, what guides them to their birthplace? It is their Creator, the only wise GOD.

We are all familiar with flocks of birds flying south, but what prompts birds to fly south for the winter, and then return come spring to where they hatched? Men have speculated this and that, but I know it is their Creator who has motivated and taught them what to do.

In the same way it is GOD who places within us desires to do one thing or another? (Philippians 2:13).

We are told that it is GOD who gives intelligence, instinct (understanding), and inspiration -HE is behind every good discovery and helpful invention (Job 32:8, 38:36 NLT).

It is stated specifically that GOD chose the man Bezalel for a special job, then filled him with the HOLY SPIRIT and gave him ability, understanding and intelligence to do what needed to be done, plus HE gave him the understanding needed to teach others how to do their jobs (Exodus 31:1,35:30-35).

Before people could read, and the subsequent ‘know how’ books were written, how did the farmer know just what to do? The Bible says that “GOD has given him understanding” (Isaiah 28:26).

“The LORD ALMIGHTY is a wonderful teacher, and HE gives the farmer great wisdom (understanding)” (Isaiah 28:29).

Though GOD gave the Ostrich great speed and so she can outrun a horse, and has quite a punch, able to kill a lion with a single kick, why does she not know to bury her eggs? Scripture says that GOD did not give her understanding in that area (Job 39:13-18). That is right, GOD did not teach her that.

One of my daughters was told, by a special ed educator, that her oldest son who, was in kindergarten at the time, could never learn. My daughter took him out of public school, and home schooled him. Bit by bit, he learned as she went over and over the basics. Still, he struggled in some areas, such as with reading, and reading comprehension. Meanwhile, he fell in love with computers. At age seven, he could connect and disconnect computer systems to do amazing things. But he wanted to know more and that desire placed within him to know more (Philippians 2:13) drove him to teach himself how to read so he could find out more. He went back for awhile to public high school and he helped some of his teachers with computer problems.

It is GOD who made my grandson, like the ostrich, with strengths and with weaknesses. HE gave the boy great understanding in some areas, while withholding from him the understanding of other things. I don’t know why, but it is all according to GOD purposes, for GOD works all things according to HIS purposes (Ephesians 1:11).

The same is true of you and me.  GOD made each of us with both strengths, and weaknesses according to the specific plan HE has for each of us (Ephesians 2:10).

“Who makes you differ from another? What do you have that you have not received? So if you have received it, why do you boast as though you were not given it?” (1 Corinthians 4:7).

Be like my grandson who went with (worked out Philippians 2:12) the desire to know more placed within him by the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY (Philippians 2:13). Go with the nudges GOD places within you, and use what you have been given, then you will be given more (Mark 4:23-24).

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

How serious is it?

3 of 3

How serious is it to resist the nudging of the HOLY SPIRIT?

We saw yesterday, actions while we live on earth have in time- on earth consequences.

Yet, there is one area in which our action or rather choice has eternal consequences. JESUS has given every single person who enters the earth as a human light (John 1:9).  What we choose to do with that light determines where we will be when this life is over.

JESUS is life (John 1:4) there is no other way to get eternal life but through HIM.  JESUS explained it this way: “And this is life eternal, that they might know THEE the only true GOD, and JESUS CHRIST, whom THOU hast sent” John 17:3.

John 3:16: “For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

John 3:36 “He that believeth on the SON hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abideth on him.”

“All have sinned and come short of the glory (character qualities) of GOD” (Romans 3:23) and “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).  No one can meet the standard, so GOD sent JESUS the eternal SON of GOD to meet the standard for us and then carry the penalty for all sin on the cross.  JESUS did it willingly though HE despised the shame of the cross by looking at what HE was achieving for us (Hebrews 12:2).

Now when one believes in JESUS, GOD the FATHER places HIS very own righteousness on the believer (Romans 3:21-22).

JESUS paid for the sins of the world (Hebrews 9:15) but only those who choose to believe in JESUS are freed from the requirements of the law (Romans 7:4) and enter into the new covenant where there is forgiveness (Hebrews 10:17) through the washing of the blood of JESUS (1 Corinthians 11:25).

Romans 7:4 illustrates what happens by describing that when we believe in JESUS, we are married to HIM to bear fruit to GOD just as a husband and wife are joined together and produce children.  JESUS tells us we are not able to produce fruit to GOD without HIM (John 15:5).

There is only one sin, if persisted in that will not be forgiven (1 John 5:16, Acts 7:51, Luke 12:10, Matthew 12:31-32, Mark 3:28-29).  That is to resist the conviction of the HOLY SPIRIT that we are sinners and need JESUS to save us (John 16:8-9).  We must confess, not our sins but that JESUS (who died for the sins of the world) is LORD (Master) and believe in our hearts that GOD raised HIM from the dead (Romans 10:9-10). 

The sin of blaspheme against the HOLY SPIRIT, says the HOLY SPIRIT is of the devil or is lying.  It is to refuse the conviction of the HOLY SPIRIT that we are sinners and need JESUS to save us.  The reason this is unforgiveable is that without JESUS there is no forgiveness.

Like we saw yesterday, actions while we live on earth have in time- on earth consequences even for believers in JESUS CHRIST.  Sometimes I think Believers in JESUS have more consequences than none believers, for the valid reason that GOD is conforming us to the image of JESUS (Romans 8:28-29).  Sin on the other hand is to act like the devil as we listen to his suggestions (Ephesians 2:2, John 8:44).

1 Corinthians 11:31-32 “For if we would judge ourselves (agree with GOD that we have done wrong and confess to HIM our sin I John 1:9), we should not be judged.But when we are judged, we are chastened (disciplined on earth- in time) of the LORD, that we should not be condemned with the world.”

This scripture is written strictly to believers in the LORD JESUS CHRIST, not to unbelievers.  It deals with on earth in time actions and consequences.

If we confess our sin when the HOLY SPIRIT convicts us (I John 1:9), we are forgiven and have no need to be disciplined.  But when we refuse to acknowledge our sin and persist in it, we are chastened by the LORD (which all believers are). The discipline shows that we are GOD’s children (Hebrews 12:5-8).  This discipline has a purpose.  GOD has decreed that everyone that believes in JESUS will be conformed to the image of JESUS.  Discipline yields the fruit of righteousness to those who are exercised by it (Hebrews 12:11).  Note that I Corinthians 11:32 states that GOD disciplines HIS children so that HE WON’T HAVE TO CONDEMN us with the world.

This discipline can get very severe: in 1 Corinthians 11 and Acts 5 we see believers dying and in 1 Corinthians 5:5 a believer refusing to turn from sin is to be turned over to Satan for the destruction of his body that his soul might be saved in the day of JESUS CHRIST.  You know why?  1 Peter 4:1 tells us: “…he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin”

As you can see sin cannot be taken lightly.

I urge you in CHRIST’s stead to prayerfully consider these things I’ve felt compelled to share with you and may the good LORD give you wisdom and understanding and keep you from deception (James 1:5, 1 Corinthians 2:10) as HE guides you with HIS peace (Colossians 3:15), strengthens you with HIS joy (Nehemiah 8:10), and enables you with HIS grace (Hebrews 4:16). Now may the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT” (Romans 15:13). Keep looking unto JESUS (Hebrews 12:2) and talk over your thoughts with HIM (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Hugs

Sharon

Check the criteria

Part 2 of 3 

There is a way that GOD uses on the earth, during time when dealing with all people. It could be stated: what you do will come back to you, or what goes around comes around. Here are a few of many examples explaining this principle. As you read them note how they would have to happen on earth during time.

The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined (Psalm 10:2).

Whoso digs a pit (for someone else) shall fall therein: and he that rolls a stone, it will return upon him (Proverbs 26:27).

He that turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination (won’t be heard) (Proverbs 28:9).

So, they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king’s wrath pacified (Esther 7:10).

And he said unto them, “Take heed what ye hear with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given” (Mark 4:24).

Judge not lest ye be judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged (if you are harsh, people will judge you harshly): and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again (If you use false scales, you will be cheated too) Matthew 7:1-2.

On earth and during time GOD judges people accordingly to how they treat one another. One very important illustration of this I am saving to discuss in my next post.

GOD deals with everyone with this principle- those who believe in JESUS as well as those who do not. It is called justice.

That is also the criteria used to determine who can enter the 1,000-year reign (Revelation 20:4 Matthew 25:40) which occurs AFTER Armageddon and Satan being bound for 1,000 years. The last part of the 1st resurrection occurs at this time (Revelation 20:5) Each part (there are several) of the 1 resurrection is also referred to as the resurrection of the just (Luke 14:14) a time when rewards will be given according to work done.

The 1,000-year reign comes BEFORE Satan is released after the 1,000 years and gathers an army from around the world to come against the reigning CHIRST (Revelation 20:7-9). When they reach Jerusalem, fires falls from heaven and devours Satan’s human army (Revelation 20:9), the earth explodes, the elements melt, the sky flees (2 Peter 3:10,12, Revelation 20:11) and all that is seen is a great white throne (Revelation 20:11). Then comes the 2nd resurrection -the resurrection of the wicked- and they will be judged by a different criterion.

And whosoever was not written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire (which is the 2nd death) Revelation 20:14-15). This makes sense since JESUS tells us that eternal life is to know GOD the FATHER and the ONE HE sent (JESUS) (John 17:3) and these refused to believe in JESUS and receive the love of the truth that they might be saved (Romans 1:18, 2 Thessalonians 2:10) and enter into the new covenant where there is forgiveness of sin (Hebrews 9:15, 10:16-17).

For it is in JESUS that there is life (John 1:4) and through believing in HIS dying for our sins and resurrection from the dead that we gain forgiveness and life (John 3:16, 36).

You might note that these wicked dead are also judged by their works, although the sentencing is done only on whether they belong to JESUS. You might ask why? I can only give an opinion for it is not clearly stated. I think it is to show them their good works do not measure up to the required standard, which is the glory of GOD (Romans 3:23).

Over 1,000 years BEFORE the White Throne judgment was JESUS judgment seat of believers (those written in the Lamb’s book of life), The works of ones in JESUS – which will include their motives and the intents of their hearts (1 Corinthians 4:5) but not their sins (since JESUS paid for them on the cross) are also judged. They go through a roaring fire as they leave the earth to meet with JESUS in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:14-17). If a believer’s works were done through JESUS (John 15:5) they will receive a reward but if not, they will still be saved but as if coming out of a roaring fire, smelling like smoke. GOD will wipe their tears of remorse from their eyes (1 Corinthians 3:9-15, Revelation 21:4).

There are judgments on earth and judgments after this life for both those who believe in JESUS and those who refuse to the love of the Truth and suppress the truth in unrighteousness. Although the criterion used to make these judgments are different, we often lump them all together which just leads to confusion.

I urge you in CHRIST’s stead to prayerfully consider these things I’ve felt compelled to share with you and may the good LORD give you wisdom and understanding and keep you from deception (James 1:5, 1 Corinthians 2:10) as HE guides you with HIS peace (Colossians 3:15), strengthens you with HIS joy (Nehemiah 8:10), and enables you with HIS grace (Hebrews 4:16). Now may the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT” (Romans 15:13). Keep looking unto JESUS (Hebrews 12:2) and talk over your thoughts with HIM (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Hugs

Sharon

When will it happen?

My peach tree has blossomed, the lilacs and irises are in full bloom… How I love this Spring season and pray no more frost because I love getting peaches off my tree. They are better than any I have had out of a store.

“There is a time and season for everything” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

There is no confusion about where we are meeting for the class I lead at the church.  But two of the Bible classes I lead are held at Wendy’s. Being there is more than one Wendy’s in town I must specify which one we will be at or part of the class might go to somewhere we are not.  In the same way some things can seem rather confusing about the Bible, if not downright contradictory unless we understand the specific time spoken of and/or place being referred to.

For instance, Revelation 1:6 and 5:10 says JESUS CHRIST has redeemed us (those who believe in HIM) and made us to be KINGS and PRIESTS unto GOD the FATHER and our LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Now we can be a PRIEST (one who goes to GOD on behalf of another) in this time period, but we aren’t KINGS ruling over others. To be a KING or PRIEST for eternity future (after time) after the new earth and heaven, does NOT make a whole lot of sense.  All clues given declare an equality before GOD during that time.  This is why we need to study the entire Bible.  There is verse that clears up the matter by telling us the time schedule.

“Blessed and holy is he that has part (there are several parts 1 Corinthians 15:23) in the 1^st resurrection (the resurrection of life for those who fear GOD) on such the 2^nd death (lake of fire Revelation 20:14-15) has no power, but they shall be PRIESTS of GOD and of CHRIST, and shall reign with HIM a 1,000 years” (Revelation 20:6).  And when the 1,000 years are expired, Satan will be loosed out of his prison and go around and deceive and a number as large as the sand of the sea will follow him and come against JESUS (for they don’t believe HE is GOD and all powerful- Revelation 20:7).  Then fire will fall from heaven, the earth will explode, and the skies will flee away, and nothing will be seen but a great white throne (Revelation 20:9-11).

That makes it clear that we will reign with CHRIST during the 1,000-year reign on earth (before the white throne judgment and the new heavens and earth) while there are still those among us who do not believe.  Since there are unbelievers, there is a need to rule and to pray and teach others (as a PRIEST should do -Malachi 2:7) and always with unbelievers there is need for authorities to keep control.

Tomorrow I’d like to speak of an even more important issue that had me wondering until I recognized the time and the place spoken of.

I urge you in CHRIST’s stead to prayerfully consider these things I’ve felt compelled to share with you and may the good LORD give you wisdom and understanding and keep you from deception (James 1:5, 1 Corinthians 2:10) as HE guides you with HIS peace (Colossians 3:15), strengthens you with HIS joy (Nehemiah 8:10), and enables you with HIS grace (Hebrews 4:16). Now may the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT” (Romans 15:13). Keep looking unto JESUS (Hebrews 12:2) and talk over your thoughts with HIM (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Hugs

Sharon

Cheer up!

(JESUS boldly declared) These things I have spoken unto you, that in ME ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation (it a given): but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33).

During all our problems, GOD is working on our behalf and it is written that everything is for our benefit and that our present struggles and troubles are achieving eternal things that far surpass our temporary problems. We are told not to look at our situation (for it is temporary) but to look to what GOD says HE is achieving for us through the struggle of today (for what HE is achieving for us will last forever! (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

We are even told to COUNT it all joy when we fall in divers temptations because GOD uses them to develop us into maturity.(James 1:2-4). But notice we are to COUNT it all joy.. it takes a choice and deliberate action for it won’t just happen.

Therefore, enjoy your family and friends and take time to clown and laugh (as we did on Mother’s Day) and you will feel a lot better.

Remember:  A merry heart doeth good like a medicine…(Proverbs 17:22a)

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4).

Hugs

Sharon  

You are GOD’s poem

My youngest grandson Zachary is cleaver and quite imaginative. Like GOD he sees beyond the obvious.  A couple years back when branches were broken off and pulled from the trees during a savage storm they lay everywhere; in the streets blocking traffic, in yards, and in the park across the street from my house.  Others only saw a mess and grumbled at how they needed to be removed.  Not so Zachary, he, like GOD, saw deeper to something different.  He saw an opportunity for a boy’s dream.  

As GOD uses all things (the good, the bad and the ugly) to conform HIS children into the likeness of our LORD JESUS CHRIST (Romans 8:28-29), so my Zachary envisioned a way to use the severed branches. Therefore, he enlisted his Uncle John to help him pull the severed branches to one tree with an attached broken branch. They stacked and arranged them to build a mighty fort. A boy’s dream come true.

Since all things are new and exciting to children they often notice and can often point out things to us, that we have overlooked. But, do we take the time to listen to them?

JESUS said, “I praise YOU, FATHER, LORD of heaven and earth, because YOU have hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to little children. Yes, FATHER, for this was YOUR good pleasure (Matthew 11:25-26).

O LORD, our LORD, YOUR majestic name fills the earth! YOUR glory is higher than the heavens. YOU have taught children and infants to tell of YOUR strength, silencing YOUR enemies and all who oppose YOU (Psalm 8:1-2).

Even if you are a new (baby) Christian, just learning the basics of the faith, if you see something in the word of GOD or about GOD that excites you, be sure to show it to others. They may need to be reminded of it or have missed seeing it, just as most of us didn’t see a fort when we looked at those broken branches. Perhaps GOD showed you that thing not just to help you but so you could point it out to others.  If it has impressed you it might be just what someone else needs to hear.

Just as one will step into the shower, when we accept the LORD JESUS as our Savior, we step into GOD’s precious specific plans for us.  In Ephesians 2:10 we are called HIS Workmanship.  The Greek word for workmanship is poema (a poem).  Now when I sit down to write a poem it’s because there is something specific, I want to say and no two of my poems are exactly alike for I desire to say something different in each one.  In the same way we are GOD’s poems and HE has something unique to say through each of us.  So, it really is important that you share what HE shows you with others.

I urge you in CHRIST’s stead to prayerfully consider these things I’ve felt compelled to share with you and may the good LORD give you wisdom and understanding and keep you from deception (James 1:5, 1 Corinthians 2:10) as HE guides you with HIS peace (Colossians 3:15), strengthens you with HIS joy (Nehemiah 8:10), and enables you with HIS grace (Hebrews 4:16). Now may the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT” (Romans 15:13). Keep looking unto JESUS (Hebrews 12:2) and talk over your thoughts with HIM (2 Corinthians 10:5).

hugs

Sharon

Hugs

What do you think?

We live in an age were everyone has an opinion about everything and openly vocalizes them as though their opinion was the end word. Yet JESUS said that only one word, the Word of GOD really matters.

Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD (Matthew 4:4).

GOD was directing people to do things a certain way then in Numbers 15: 30-31- but the soul that presumptuously goes against what the LORD said (fully aware what GOD wanted and how it should be done) has despised (held in contempt) the Word of the LORD and will suffer consequences. Now this is true for both those under the Law and those in the New Covenant but there is a vast difference in how, where and when those consequences occur.

Those under the law must work to gain GOD’s favor. But they never can for they have to keep every part of the law or are guilty of breaking all of it with no means to be forgiven or cleansed from their sin.

For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all (James 2:10).

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23)

The purpose of the Law given through Moses was to show men GOD’s standard (HIS character) which would reveal their sin and their need of a Savior. It is called the law of sin and death.

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:1-2)

Does that mean a believer can just do as he wants with no consequences? Absolutely NOT!

Numbers 15: 30-31 applies to them as well : but the soul that presumptuously goes against what the LORD said (fully aware what GOD wanted and how it should be done) has despised (held in contempt) the Word of the LORD and will suffer consequences.

Let me explain through Scripture how that works.

For if we would judge ourselves (acknowledge our sin and confess it 1 John 1:9), we should not be judged. But when we are judged (when a believer in JESUS has sinned), we are chastened (or disciplined) of the LORD, THAT WE SHOULD NOT BE CONDEMNED with the world (1 Corinthians 11:31-32 ).

Those under the Law must suffer ETERNAL consequences for their sin in the lake of fire for they have refused GOD’s way to gain forgiveness and eternal life. However, since JESUS paid the eternal punishment for all sin any who CHOOSE to believe in HIM go from death to eternal life (John 3:16) while any who CHOOSE not to believe in JESUS have the wrath of GOD on them even now (John 3:36).

But believers in JESUS who sin will be disciplined by GOD on earth, during time (1 Corinthians 11:31-32). Since the all wise GOD’s ways always work (Isaiah 55:11), that discipline of the rebellious Christian ultimately will change that person to do right (Hebrews 12:11). This was guaranteed when GOD decreed that all those who love HIM will be conformed to the image of JESUS (take on JESUS’ nature of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, goodness kindness and the like) (Romans 8:28-29). Examples given in scripture show how extreme the discipline can get (1 Corinthians 5:5).

So, let’s read GOD Word and do what HE tells us to do and we will be blessed not disciplined.

I urge you in CHRIST’s stead to prayerfully consider these things and may the good LORD give you wisdom and understanding and keep you from deception (James 1:5, 1 Corinthians 2:10) as HE guides you with HIS peace (Colossians 3:15), strengthens you with HIS joy (Nehemiah 8:10), and enables you with HIS grace (Hebrews 4:16). Now may the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT” (Romans 15:13). Keep looking unto JESUS (Hebrews 12:2) and talk over your thoughts with HIM (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Hugs
Sharon L Manning

Do you read your mail?

I toss junk mail in the trash, rarely do I give it a second glance.  But if I get a letter from a friend or family you can be sure I will carefully read it more than once. And then there is the one letter that I read every day. It’s the one GOD sent… the BIBLE.

Today I am simply rejoicing in what JESUS has done and is doing for me.

When we believed in JESUS dying for our sins and raised for our justification our sins are washed away in the blood of CHRIST JESUS’ cross and we have eternal life, and nothing can separate us from the love of GOD. Through the cleansing blood of the new covenant (1 Corinthians 11:25) we left the old covenant (the law) and we entered into the new covenant built on better promises (Hebrews 8:6) where JESUS saves us to the uttermost (Hebrews 7:24-25) and HE sends to us the HOLY SPIRIT.

It is then that we are sealed with the HOLY SPIRIT and HE comes to live within us (Ephesians 1:13-14) to teach, lead, encourage and correct us (John 14:26, 16:13).  Now this is the same HOLY SPIRIT that moved on men through the ages to write the Word of GOD (2 Peter 1:20-12).  So is it any wonder that HE uses the Word of GOD to convict and teach us.

The Word of GOD is living and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword… it is a discerner our thoughts and the intents of our heart (Hebrews 4:12). 

As we read GOD’s Word, we learn more and more about GOD our FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST and through the HOLY SPIRIT we are being changed into HIS image little by little (2 Corinthians 3:18).  The truth is the Old Testament law continues to reveal the holy nature of our LORD and HIS moral standards. 

Added to that now GOD’s HOLY SPIRIT places in our hearts and writes in our minds what GOD wants us to do (our assignments) (Philippians 2:13, Hebrews 10:16) and as HE flows through us GOD’s love, HE enables us to live a life of love that even more perfectly displays the character of our LORD.

If we neglect our relationship with GOD by not listening to HIM through HIS word or talking with HIM in prayer, or even grieve GOD the HOLY SPIRIT by sinning or quench HIM by refusing to follow HIS nudges, the HOLY SPIRIT gets real quiet.  So, if that has happened just tell HIM you are sorry, and HE will forgive.

I urge you in CHRIST’s stead to prayerfully consider these things I’ve felt compelled to share with you and may the good LORD give you wisdom and understanding and keep you from deception (James 1:5, 1 Corinthians 2:10) as HE guides you with HIS peace (Colossians 3:15), strengthens you with HIS joy (Nehemiah 8:10), and enables you with HIS grace (Hebrews 4:16). Now may the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT” (Romans 15:13). Keep looking unto JESUS (Hebrews 12:2) and talk over your thoughts with HIM (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Hugs

Sharon