Waves

I love the ocean and to be on the beach as wave after wave comes in and splashes over me. Sometimes the waves get bigger than I expect, and I get wetter than planned and I run back on the beach to catch my breath.

I knew the wave was coming but it still takes my breath away. The same breath-taking wonder can occur when I catch special glimpses of things I know are true of my GOD. For GOD is like the ocean compared to me. HE is so BIG and there is so much about HIM I do not know. But I love to get splashed with glimpses of HIM. Like this morning, the tenderness of GOD’s heart and the greatness of HIS forgiveness overwhelmed me as if a large wave caught me unaware as I read in Judges.

The Jews were at it again and went and served other gods (just as we sometimes do). Other nations came up against them and the Jews cried out to the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, who was and is and is to come. HIS response was: “You have forsaken ME, so go to the gods you have chosen and let them save you”.

But the Jews knew none could save them but the LORD GOD HIMSELF and cried out to HIM, “We have sinned, do what you want to us, but save us.”

Then comes the line that reveals GOD’s heart and filled me with awe. “HE could bear Israel’s misery no longer.” (see Judges 10:11-16)

Our GOD doesn’t just know about our pain and misery, HE feels it, HE carries it.

And so it is with JESUS -who is the radiance of GOD’s glory and the exact representation of HIS being (Hebrews 1:3). HE understands our weaknesses and feels our pain for HE was in all ways tested as we are (but HE never sinned). (Hebrews 4:14-15) HE feels our pain and really cares.

So run to the throne of grace for mercy and grace to help in times of need (Hebrew 4:16).

Looking unto JESUS the Author and Perfecter of my faith,
Hugs
Sharon

Assignment

Do you take on too much?

Although with GOD all things are possible, I must listen to know what GOD has actually assigned me to do.

It’s too easy to get into someone else’s territory but GOD only gives me grace for what HE has assigned me to do.

My nature is such I often rush ahead and overdo and then suffer for it. Since surgery I am getting stronger but far from where I want to be so I am asking for grace and wisdom. I am so glad that I can do all things through Christ but recognize that anything too hard for me shows it’s just not been assigned to me yet.

Lord give me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change (and do) the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. (St Francis of Assisi)

Hugs
Sharon

Promises, Promises, Promises

Does something have you worried or are you stressed? There is an answer.

Promises, promises, promises…promises mean absolutely nothing at all unless they are kept.

GOD’s promises are always good for GOD is faithful and if says it HE will do it (Numbers 23:19).  But GOD’s promises must be claimed before they can be kept.

2 Peter 1:4 NLT And because of HIS glory and excellence, HE (GOD) has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.

In one promise GOD tells us to acknowledge HIM in all things and that HE will direct us in the way we need to go.  HE warns us not to lean on our own understanding or be wise in our own eyes (Proverbs 3:5-7).

It is true that nothing evil can touch us without GOD’s permission (Job1 and 2). Yet GOD promises that HE works all things together for our good (Romans 8:28)…allowing many things to touch HIS children to test and refine them (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

To develop godlike in us GOD has given us weapons to use and promises to claim.

The ALMIGHTY FATHER and our LORD JESUS CHRIST has given us great and precious promises and through them we are enabled to tackle anything (Philippians 4:13). But all the great and precious promises in the Bible, that have been given to us who believe, are only good if they are used (2 Peter 1:4). Since they are stored in heaven (Ephesians 1:3), we need to get them from heaven to earth in order for to use them.  Therefore, we must pray (go to the throne (Hebrews 4:16). It is like putting money in the bank. It is safe there, but to get money out to use it you have to go to the bank or an ATM. 

GOD has promised to provide for our every need but also tells us to ask for what we need with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6-7).  HE will do so much for us, but HE wants us to ask and warns us that we have not because we ask not (James 4:2).

Do you worry and stress? or to you go to the throne of grace and talk it over with GOD, thanking HIM for HIS taking it all on HIS shoulders?  If you go pray, expecting HE will answer, HIS way and HE knows exactly what is best (Hebrews 4:12) HE will answer.

For instance, GOD’s promise that no weapon used against us will prosper, HE gave with the instruction for us to condemn with our own mouths anything spoken against us (Isaiah 54:17). So if you feel things coming against you, first submit yourself to GOD (James 4:6-7 GOD here is where we are at fight for us) and claim that promise in Isaiah saying something like: “You said LORD no weapon formed against me will prosper- so I claim that promise and verbally condemn any such word according to YOUR instructions.” 

HIS promises are powerful, and we need to thank GOD for HIS promises and instructions. But as the Bible clearly states not all troubles stem from enemies. Remember GOD promises to achieve for us through our troubles (2 Corinthians 4:15-18). So, don’t faint when problems arise- they are evidence that you belong to GOD (Hebrews 12:5-11). Stop and ask HIM what to do and HE will guide you (Proverbs 3:5-7). LORD GOD encourage and lead us I ask in the name of JESUS

Looking unto JESUS, the Author and Finisher of my faith,
Blessings and hugs,
Sharon