It achieves what HE wants done.

I have gone along for decades eating my food oblivious to how specific foods affect my body.  But as some near and dear have battled sickness and disease, I’ve learned more about the foods I eat and its effect on my body.  As grandchildren became vegans (no animal products) I learned even more. 

But my ignorance of what my food was doing (like my spinach giving me a daily dose of vitamin c and keeping me from bleeding too much or garlic easing my pain while thinning my blood) did not stop the food from doing exactly what GOD made it to do.  It is the same with the Word of GOD.

GOD’s Word will accomplish all that the LORD Maker of heaven and earth sends it out to do (Isaiah 55:11) we do not have to understand what it’s doing for it to work.

So, when a verse comes to mind, share it.  Perhaps it is just what the one in front of you needs to hear. 

Hugs

Sharon

Have you ever flirted?

Flirting is part of falling in love.  Do you think GOD flirts?  We know HE loves us (John 3:16) but does HE flirt with us?

“The LORD your GOD is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. HE will take great delight in you; in HIS love HE will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing” Zephaniah 3:17.

Notice in Zephaniah 3:17 that it is AFTER HE saves that HE takes great delight in us with the forgiveness and singing. 

That goes with Romans 9:39- “…nothing can separate us from the love of GOD that is IN CHRIST JESUS our LORD”.  In other words that is only true IF we are IN CHRIST JESUS -placed (baptized) in the body of CHRIST by the HOLY SPIRIT (1 Corinthians 12:13,27, Ephesians 1:13-14, 4:30) when we believe-John 3:36).  At the same time the FATHER delivered us from the power of darkness and translated us into the kingdom of GOD’s dear SON (Colossians 1:13).

Wow, once I came to JESUS and was saved by calling on the name of the LORD (Romans 10:13) the LORD takes delight in me.  No longer is there reason to rebuke me for I am forgiven (Hebrews 10:17) and HE sings over me.  HE serenades me.   Amazing.

When I was in Junior High (before the days of Middle School) on TV I saw someone serenading a woman as he stood outside of her window and I thought how wonderful it would be to have someone care enough for me to serenade me.  So naturally it overwhelms and fills me with joy to think GOD serenades me.  

But GOD flirts with me even more as HE opens my eyes to see more of HIMSELF, HIS ways and HIS perspective as I pray and read HIS word.

Do you believe GOD flirts?

Hugs

Sharon

Your territory

Forever ago, during a very lean time my husband had been out of work much too long and even extended unemployment had run out.  I had to find work. But for a hearing-impaired gal with no experience there were no jobs. However there was an ad in the newspaper for AVON representatives and even though I was very shy and scared about door to door sales  I thought, “Why not?  Nothing ventured , nothing gained” so I applied.  I was given a territory to work in.  Believe it or not as I worked that territory going door to door saying “AVON calling” GOD blessed my efforts.

The important thing was it got food on the table plus there were bonuses.  I met some great gals during that time and started a bible study with some and joined in an exercise class with others. Friendships were formed that last to this day 40 years later.  Both groups opened up opportunities to share the wonders of my GOD and one gal came to know JESUS my LORD and Savior.

GOD our Heavenly FATHER has assigned each believer in JESUS a territory to work in (2 Corinthians 10:13). HE promises that HE will show us anything we need to see and give us all that we need to do that which HE has called us to do (Deuteronomy 29:29).

JESUS has called us to be HIS witnesses by telling others about HIM (Acts 1:8). 

The HOLY SPIRIT leads us (John 14:26, Proverbs 3:5-7)) and verifies what we say by speaking to the hearts of the ones we speak to (John 16:7-8, I Corinthians 2:10-12).

Besides all that… HE that calls us promises to be with us and help us. I Thessalonians 5:24

Why does GOD give us a territory and special abilities to work in that place?  It is to equip HIS people to co-labor with HIM to bring others to saving faith and to help other believers grow in grace.

As I aimed at getting food on the table, when we speak out about JESUS we aim to show others JESUS.  As we do that we ourselves grow more like JESUS- (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Do you believe in JESUS?  If so, you have a territory and JESUS has called you to witness of HIM in that area where you live and move and have your being. 

Are you, am I working our territory?  Are we faithful to share the wonders of our GOD when opportunities arise and the HOLY SPIRIT nudges us?

Remember, the HOLY SPIRIT will lead you and just uttering a “GOD bless you” or exclaiming “Isn’t GOD good?” might get someone thinking about GOD.

Hugs

Sharon

What do you fear?

Some people seem to FEAR many things and in these trying times FEAR attacks each of us. 

So, what should we do?

“YOU will keep in perfect peace the mind that stayed (focused) on YOU because he trusts in YOU. Trust in the LORD forever, for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength” (Isaiah 26:3-4). 

“For the Lord spoke thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying, “Say not, A conspiracy!, to all them to whom this people shall say, A conspiracy!; neither FEAR what they FEAR, nor be AFRAID.  Sanctify the LORD of hosts HIMSELF; and let HIM be your FEAR and let HIM be your dread (not wanting HIS displeasure).  And HE shall be for you a sanctuary;” (Isaiah 8:11-14a).

The FEAR of the LORD is the beginning both of wisdom and understanding (Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 9:10).  As you focus on the LORD you learn to TRUST HIM (HIS love, control and wisdom) and you have peace. The spirit of FEAR (FEAR of anything other than GOD) cannot cohabit with peace for “There is no FEAR in love; but perfect love casts out FEAR because FEAR hath torment. He that FEARS is not made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18).

As Oswald Chambers said, “The remarkable thing about FEARING GOD is that when you FEAR GOD you FEAR nothing else, whereas if you do not FEAR (trust) GOD you FEAR everything else.”

“Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that FEARS the LORD, that delights greatly in HIS commandments. Psalm 112:1

Who or what do you FEAR, or should I say trust in?

Hugs

Sharon

In its time

There is an APPOINTED time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven— A time to give birth and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted. A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to tear down and a time to build up. … 11 He has made everything appropriate (literally beautiful) in its time. HE has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which GOD has done from the beginning even to the end. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-3, 11 NASB).

I want to share some texting communication I just had with a precious friend who is struggling with people doing things.  I share it because it contains a truth that took me forever (a long, long time) to figure out.  It began with me praying.

Let’s just pray.  “LORD we know that YOU have and do thwart the plans of men (Isaiah 8:10, 2 Samuel 17:14) and we ask that YOU do that to any plan not based on Your purposes. Prepare each of our hearts to accept YOUR plan for we know YOU do nothing without a cause (Ezekiel 14:23) and nothing can be done without YOUR permission (Lamentations 3:37, Job 1:9-12, 2:6).

As I was thinking about what I had just prayed. Something came to mind.

Many years ago, GOD told me (impressed on my heart) that my prayer would be answered but a certain thing had to happen 1st. Well, I thought HE was preparing me for that thing.  But it did not come. Years went by and yet it still did not happen.

Throughout the waiting I questioned the LORD over and over asking if I heard HIM right or if a friend I confided in said that it was just wishful thinking.  Each and every time I asked GOD reinforced what HE had said by bringing other scripture to mind. But HE also made it clear that it was for an appointed time and that I must wait for it (Hebrews 10:36).

Finally, I came to understand that the reason GOD had told me way back when was to enable me to persevere and live in hope that what HE promised was really coming during the especially hard times.

I also began to see differences in others, so I realized that during what seemed to me as delay after delay,  GOD was busily at work preparing hearts and changing people so all could be blessed in the end.

Well the thing promised nor what must come 1^st  is still not here.  Though at times I struggle (until I run to the throne-Hebrews 4:16) I have no doubt that at the APPOINTED time I will receive what is promised.

I think you know what I’m saying. It’s not just about us and what we think is needed, for others will be affected and GOD is at work on the behalf of each one.  Being aware of that helps me wait more patiently.  I hope it helps you too.

Hugs

Sharon

Are you?

Have you ever wondered why JESUS told the disciples that they were to be HIS witnesses but that they had to wait until they got the HOLY SPIRIT before they could witness? (Acts 1:8).

We who believe in JESUS CHRIST as LORD and have called upon HIS name are saved (Romans 10:13) and commissioned to be witnesses (Acts 1:8).  As we witness in a kind and gentle way (2 Timothy 2:24-26) we open up people to listen to GOD the HOLY SPIRIT.

To HIM the porter (that’s us) opens; and the sheep hear HIS voice: and HE calleth HIS own sheep by name and leads them out (John 10:3).

It is like Oswald Chambers once said: “When the truth is preached, the SPIRIT of GOD brings each person face to face with GOD HIMSELF.”

We do not have to convince anyone of anything.  We just gently share what we know is true and the HOLY SPIRIT takes over.   After that each person himself must either accept the truth or refuse it.

Are you giving others an opportunity to hear GOD’s call to them?

Hugs

Sharon

Stop and listen

Isn’t it amazing that the LORD of heaven and earth stops and listen to whatever I say to HIM?

I love the LORD because HE listens to my prayers for help.  HE pays attention to me so I will call upon HIM as long as I live (Psalm 116:1-2).

But it doesn’t stop there.  I call on HIM and then I stop and listen.

Many years ago my sister Carol sent me a birthday card and said, “This picture looks just like you did when you were a young girl.  I like it especially since she is listening to the sea shell.  It reminds me of you listening to GOD.” 

That statement was so convicting to me that I keep the picture on my dresser to remind me to always stop and listen to what the LORD GOD Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth wants to tell me.

For it is so easy to just go lay our requests at GOD’s feet and then get busy doing other things.  GOD wants to direct my steps and words and more.  HE wants me to acknowledge HIM in everything and tell me HIS secrets.  HE  yearn for me to talk to HIM about everything big and small and then do what HE impresses on me to do (Proverbs 3:5-7).

Do you stop and listen and go with those nudges HE gives?

Hugs,

Sharon

What GOD can do

We received word yesterday that was like a punch in the stomach that took our breath away.  It is serious and affects many plus has hard repercussions.  But as I went before the LORD HIS amazing peace, peace that throws you beyond having to understand and keeps your heart and mind (Philippians 4:7) flooded over me.

This morning as I was comforting another concerning the issue the following verses came to mind and they are so beautiful I must share them.

Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on GOD, who raises the dead (2 Corinthians 1:9).

          In other words there is a purpose for this coming into our lives.  

HE has (in the past) delivered us from such a deadly peril, and HE is presently at work delivering and HE will deliver us again. On HIM we have set our hope that HE will continue to deliver us (2 Corinthians 1:10),  

          GOD has delivered us in the past, is now going to deliver us and will continue to .   . . .         deliver us.

as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many (2 Corinthians 1:11).

          Your prayers for us help and also when GOD answers you all will praise GOD for it!

Remember GOD is with us and ready to hear our prayers.  I appreciate any of the prayers you lift on our behalf, may they redound to the praise and glory of GOD.

Hugs

Sharon

Glare

As a young child I was taught not to look directly at the sun and warned that I would go blind if I did.

Does the glare of the sun ever get in your eyes when you are driving?  Blinding isn’t it?

Although I’d leave home very early in the morning while it was still dark to go out East to Ellicott to pick up my daughter and grandchildren, I sometimes still found myself driving straight into the blinding rising sun before I got there. I tried to time it so I would be going north before the sun started to rise on the horizon. Otherwise, I had to fight to see; even with sunglasses at times I had to stop and try to block the sun’s glare.

That blinding GLARE is what I thought of as I read, ‘come short of the glory of GOD (Romans 3:23). I thought back to when Moses asked GOD to show him HIS glory (Exodus 33:18-34:7). The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY told Moses that since he was a human Moses could not see the fullness of HIS glory (HIS face) which is so bright, so dazzling that no man can approach it and live (I Timothy 6:16) It is like the times I could not drive but somehow had to block the blinding rays of the sun.

GOD made us and loved us and wanted a relationship with us.  But as you know a relationship is based on knowing one another. But HIS glorious being could not be stared at it would blind us. 

We can see much of HIS Nature in HIS creation.  We glimpse HIS immensity as we look at the heavens, see HIS detailed attention in the wonders of the misquotes, HIS  order as seen in the seasons and in the synchronization seen in the stars and planets, view HIS love of color as the sunsets and sunrises and fish and flowers and more show spectacularly colors and HIS humor when we look at the praying mantis.

The invisible things of GOD are clearly seen being understood, by the things that are made (us in particular) even HIS eternal power and Godhead for GOD has shown it to them (Romans 1:20).  The trouble is that we often turn away from such knowledge and GOD HIMSELF when we don’t want to listen to HIM.  The bible calls that suppressing the truth (Romans 1:18) or refusing the love of the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10) 

With our back to GOD our understanding becomes darkened.

The Old testament shows us more of HIM as we see HIS dealings with people but it wasn’t until JESUS came that we could really know GOD intimately.  

That is why GOD the FATHER gave JESUS a human body to come to earth and reveal to men and women what HE was really like. For JESUS is “the brightness of GOD’s glory (without the blinding glare), and the express (exact) image of HIS person” (Hebrews 1:3). 

When JESUS died for our sins, not only did HE show how ugly our sin was but HE revealed how loving and merciful yet just and righteous GOD is.

The veil, that which keeps us from seeing what GOD has been showing us through HIS word is done away with when we turn and take every thought to JESUS CHRIST (2 Corinthians 3:14, 16).

Believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST and be willing to listen to HIM and you will begin seeing more and more about our awesome GOD as you study HIS word and pray.

Hugs

Sharon

Snatched out of the fire

Do you have a rebel who once came to JESUS, or are you struggling in some area?

Remember GOD has snatched us from the fire (Zechariah 3:1-4).

When we 1st believe in JESUS and have come to GOD by HIM GOD always instructs us. When we believe we are sealed with the HOLY SPIRIT unto the day of Redemption and taken out of the power of darkness and placed in the kingdom of GOD’s dear SON (Ephesians 1:13,14, 4:30, Colossians 1:13)  Now the HOLY SPIRIT is writing in our minds and placing in our hearts that which GOD wants of us (Colossians 1:13, Hebrews 10:16-18,Philippians 2:13).

GOD always instructs us down to the last detail. Am I willing to listen so that my ear sensitive enough to hear even the softest whisper of the Spirit, so that I know what I should do?

If not something else happens. Something so awesome it blows my mind is so exciting to consider

1. how JESUS saves all who come to YHWH by HIM to the uttermost (or as some translations say completely forever) because HE continues to intercede for them (Hebrews 7:25) and what is being achieved from that
2. along with the HOLY SPIRIT petitions on our behalf according to the will of GOD for us (to be conformed to the image of JESUS -Romans 8:26-29) and
3. Our Heavenly FATHER’s discipline Hebrews 12:6

will result in the peaceable fruit of righteousness in all of us who have called on the name of the LORD and become the children of GOD (John 3:16, John 1:12, Hebrews 12:11).

Pondering those truths/ all that they promise brings such peace for me concerning my struggles and some rebels whom I love with all my heart.  So, I am praising the LORD for HIS amazing love and ways.  

But it is easier on us if we just listen and obey! For your own comfort do not grieve the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD…” (Ephesians 4:30). HE does not speak with a voice like thunder— HIS voice is so gentle that it is easy for us to ignore. Note: When you begin to debate with the HOLY SPIRIT, stop immediately. Don’t ask, “Why can’t I do this?” Ask instead, “Help me do what is right.”

I am so glad I belong to JESUS and blown away that the entire Trinity is continuously working on my behalf to conform me to the image of my LORD and Savior JESUS CHRIST (Romans 8:29).

Hugs

Sharon