Is surrender on your to do list

Today I read,  “Has 2020 shaken your confidence in the things of this world? Good! Let’s celebrate the death of our worldly desires. (see 1 John 2:16)”/Cole.

Then I came across an old song (below) they seem to go together.

We bring the sacrifice of praise, into the house of the LORD      

We bring the sacrifice of praise, into the house of the LORD

We offer up to YOU the sacrifices of thanksgiving

We offer up to YOU the sacrifices of joy.

Why would it be a sacrifice (something that cost you something) to bring PRAISE to the LORD?

If you perceive something as bad happens, is it hard to push those thoughts aside and praise the LORD?

What about a sacrifice of THANKSGIVING?  WHEN is giving THANKS a sacrifice?  And if it is a real sacrifice HOW is it done?

We are told in 1 Thessalonians 5:18-In everything (the good, the bad and the ugly) give thanks: for this is the will of GOD in CHRIST JESUS concerning you. (Please note it does not say feel thanks but give thanks.)

Let’s say someone talks trash to you, HOW do you give thanks and not give back the same?

1 Thessalonians 5:24 says, HE (GOD) who calls you (tells you to do something) is faithful, who also will do it.

But WHY does GOD allow or put problems in our lives?  WHY doesn’t HE protect us?

2 Corinthians 4:15-18 15 For all things are for your benefit…Therefore, we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light (by comparison) affliction, which is but for a moment, is working (achieving) for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen (our situation), but at the things which are not seen (what GOD is achieving for us through our situation). For the things which are seen (our situations) are temporary, but the things which are not seen (all GOD is achieving for us through the problems of today) are eternal.

Isaiah 55:8-9 “For MY thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways MY ways,” says the LORD.  “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are MY ways higher than your ways, and MY thoughts than your thoughts.

Under the Old Testament when giving a sacrifice they killed the animal and then burnt it on an altar.  But in the New Testament Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service (spiritual worship).

In other words GOD asks us not to lean on our own understanding or be wise in our own eyes but to trust HIM fully and obey believing that HE loves us and that HIS plan is best (Proverbs 3:5-7).  Will you surrender all to follow HIM and offer that sacrifice of thanksgiving?

hugs

Sharon

Did you miss a feeding?

We celebrated GOD’s goodness to us yesterday (Thanksgiving) with all that good food and wasn’t it delicious!  Therefore, couldn’t help but stop when I read John 6:57 and asked HOLY SPIRIT- “What did in the world did JESUS mean when HE said we were to FEED on HIM John 5:57?”

Before we can FEED on JESUS 1^st we must hear the WORD of CHRIST and believe it (Romans 10:17, John 3:16).  Then we eat when we go to the WORD of GOD to learn about GOD and JESUS CHRIST and HE speaks to our inner man (John 5:39, 2 Peter 1:1-4) and when we go to HIM to get answers (Hebrews 4:14-16).

But JESUS answered him, saying, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every WORD of GOD’ ” (Luke 4:4).

So, we see GOD’s WORD is as necessary and as nourishing for our inner man as physical food is for our bodies.

In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with GOD, and the WORD was GOD(John 1:1)

And the WORD became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld HIS glory, the glory as of the only Begotten of the FATHER, full of grace and truth (John 1:14)

            The WORD is eternal. The WORD is JESUS CHRIST.

For the bread of GOD is HE (JESUS) who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world (John 6:33)

            That is why JESUS (the WORD) could say,

As the living FATHER sent ME, and I live because of the FATHER, so he who FEEDS on ME will live (abundantly John 10:10) because HE FEEDS on ME (John 6:57).

We took our 1^st bite when we believed and called on the name of the LORD and were saved (Romans 10:13,17).  We continue to FEED on JESUS through our talking with HIM and HE speaks to our hearts and by reading the WORD of GOD and it becomes alive and fits our situation so that we can live the abundant life HE promises.

as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby (1 Peter 2:2) one way to do that is to take one of the Bible verses in this devotion and look it up and ask GOD to explain it to you and then you might even memorize it for GOD’s WORD keeps us from sin (Psalm 119:11).

For the WORD of GOD is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).

In simple terms we FEED on JESUS when we look to HIM, talk to HIM and especially when we read the Bible. 

Most likely you have eaten something today and your bodies are digesting it.  But have you made time to FEED on JESUS so that your inner man (that part that never dies) might be nourished and grow in the likeness of JESUS (Romans 8:29, 2 Corinthians 3:18, 1 John 3:1-2, 2 Peter 1:4)?

Hope so.

Sharon

Are you stubborn?

Do you ever get stuck not knowing what to do next?  Why do you think that happens?

I believe GOD is talking to believers in Psalm 32:8-9.  For GOD has vowed to mature HIS children into the likeness of HIS Son JESUS CHRIST (Romans 8:29) which is the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4).

Although it took years, GOD used Psalm 32:9 to expose to me my stubbornness.  But this time around I saw something more in Psalm 32:8-9..

Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

Then GOD warns

Psalm 32:9 Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.

GOD wants to gently guide HIS children and counsel us in love, watching over us each step of the way.  HE advises us to trust in HIM with all our hearts and to acknowledge HIM in everything so that HE can direct us in the right way (Proverbs 3:5-7). 

But when we are stubborn like a mule (not understanding that GOD knows the way ahead), thinking we know better so neglect to  acknowledge GOD and seek HIS instructions and counsel.  At those times, GOD must put a bit and bridle (a restraining set of circumstances) on HIS child to cause us to go to HIM for the wisdom and strength we need. 

That truth must be what GOD means in 2 Corinthians 4:15 where HE says, “all things are for our benefit”.

Reflecting on these verses I can see where GOD has had to harness me with a bridle from time to time.  I know one gal whose partner worked like a bit and bridle to overcome her impetuous nature and cause her to draw near the LORD of lords, and another independent gal who by getting a physical impairment caused her to draw near the throne of grace and she is so glad HE did! 

Can you think of a time when the LORD has had to harness you?

Hugs

Sharon

When doubts hit ask

We live in troubling times, where wickedness is rampant and pestilence stalks the streets. Multitudes are scared not knowing what a day will bring forth.  Men and women seek peace but cannot find it. Tonight, as I read the Word- Our Mighty GOD the HOLY SPIRIT-our teacher who reminds us (John 14:26), led me to pray.

Some say that since GOD knows all things, HE doesn’t feel emotions over what is going on.  I humbly beg to differ with them for that just doesn’t hold water when you come to verses like Luke 19:41-42. JESUS weeps over the Jerusalem (the people within it) and then says, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.”

JESUS promises a peace that will carry us through every struggle we face. “Peace I leave with you (those who know JESUS and have called on the name of the LORD JESUS and are saved); MY peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).  But JESUS’ peace comes only to those who believe for it is trusting in the Almighty GOD’s Sovereign control, tremendous power and eternal purposes that will bring peace.

Reading JESUS’s words my heart also grew heavy and I began to pray, “Oh LORD, show them, what will bring them peace.  Show them by giving YOUR children who believe in YOU and all their wayward children eyes to see, ears to hear and hearts to believe/ perceive  (Deuteronomy 29:4) for when they turn their eyes to YOU their blinders are taken away (2 Corinthians 3: 14, 16) so they may call to YOU during all this and receive YOUR peace.  LORD, please do that also for everyone who will accept JESUS during these troublous times.”

But then a demonic fiery dart of a doubt hit which sneered-‘You don’t have that right”.  Turning to my LORD I asked, “Do I have the right to pray for the ones who will believe in YOU the same way I pray for believers?”

Immediately John 17:20 flooded my thoughts. JESUS prayed-“I pray not for these only but also for all those who will believe in ME through their word.”

Thank YOU, LORD for showing me how YOU wanted me to pray and who I could specifically pray for.  YOUR Word is true that if I just acknowledge YOU that YOU will direct me (Proverbs 3:5-7). YOU are amazing GOD and I worship YOU and honor YOU and rejoice in JESUS my Savior.  I cannot help but sing that old song you have poured into my thoughts (Proverbs 21:1).

I worship YOU Almighty GOD, there is none like YOU.  I honor YOU O Prince of Peace, this is what I long to do.  I give YOU praise for YOU are my righteousness, I worship YOU Almighty GOD, there is none like YOU.

Hugs Sharon

Do we let HIM rule?

This morning after speaking with some people of a different mindset, a parable came to mind.  More exactly the words ‘we will not have this man to rule over us.’

JESUS spoke a parable because HIS followers thought the Kingdom of GOD should immediately appear.  “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.  And he called his ten servants and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, ‘Make use of it till I come.’  But his citizens hated him and sent a message after him, saying, ‘We will not have this man to reign over us’ (Luke 19:11-14).

JESUS spoke of HIMSELF= a nobleman going to a far country(heaven) to receive a kingdom (where JESUS will sit on a literal throne in the Kingdom of GOD on earth= it begins with 1,000 yr reign-Matthew 25:31).  Before HE left HE gave HIS servants money (spiritual gifts) to use til HE returned. If you read down to Luke 19:26 you will see some used what they were given more wisely than others and when HE comes back they will be rewarded for their efforts. But note one who claimed to be HIS servant didn’t know HIM (Luke 19:21-22, Matthew 25:24) so could not have been saved but just associated with believers.  This is substantiated with that person’s end (Matthew 25:30).

But that part that came alive as never before this morning was: But his citizens hated him and sent a message after him, saying, ‘We will not have this man to reign over us’

Why? Because HIS standards will demand something of them.

Every country has laws, they are necessary.  But what we are seeing not just overseas but in the USA the general world view hates JESUS and HIS absolutes of right and wrong.  They call good bad and bad good and they say in their hearts…  ‘We will not have this man (JESUS the SON of the living GOD) to reign over us.’ They hate JESUS because HIS standards oppose their doing whatever they want.

We know this is true, but it especially hurts when the ones saying it you know.  Because their end (unless they repent) is determined. “But those mine enemies, who would not that I should reign over them, bring them hither and slay them before me.’” (Luke 19:27).

It is so important that while there is still time (and I think the time is getting shorter) that we follow our instructions found in GOD’s word.

“Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the LORD’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that GOD will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will” (2 Timothy 2:23-26).

People judge GOD by our actions. You and I open the door by our loving and gentle attitude and speaking the truth in love.  We open the door to the hearts of unbelievers to listen and hear GOD’s calling them (John 10:3).

Hugs

Sharon

Why forgive

My hearing dulled during my recent sickness, the audio of last night’s service was garbled and try as I may I could not understand. But Praise the LORD, with your prayers I am so much improved  that when I tuned in to the service online this evening (with ear phones in place and the volumn on high) I was greatly blessed. The sermon of putting away anger in its different form shows it as part of our selfish old sin nature that feels we deserve better.  It was a wonderfully true challenging scriptural sermon, but one that can only be done by applying 2 Timothy 1:14 ‘…keep (or done through) by the HOLY SPIRIT who dwells in you.” The emphasis that anger in its different forms were all about selfishness and the only way to get rid of it is humbleness working through forgiveness.

Yet, one verse Quin used troubled me. Not that it was not true, not that it didn’t fit, but because I have never fully understood that verse in connection with the gospel of JESUS CHRIST

So, I hastliy jotted a note to the HOLY SPIRIT, feeling a need of a reminder while hoping I’d not miss much of the sermon.

“Help me understand!”

“But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:15).  Isn’t our forgiveness based soley on JESUS shedding HIS blood on the cross? (Hebrews 9:22).

I went back to my note after the sermon and the HOLY SPIRIT said merely “1 Corinthians 11:31-32”.

Duh! I had my answer. It is speaking ‘in time on earth’. Let me explain. This passage speaks to Christians.

1 Corinthians 11:31 “For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.”

That is when the SPIRIT convicts us we are wrong and we agree with HIM and confess our sin, we are forgiven (1 John 1:9) and GOD need take no more action.

            but

1 Corinthians 11:32 “But when we are judged, we are chastened by the LORD, that we should not be condemned with the world.

But if we ignore the conviction of the HOLY SPIRIT (and refuse to judge ourselves and confess), GOD must take action.  This chastening is explained in more detain in Hebrews 12:4-11.  It is discipline and its purpose is beautifully explained in

Hebrews 12:11“Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous (its not fun), but grievous; nevertheless afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto those who are exercised thereby  

You see, when we will not yield to the conviction of the HOLY SPIRIT, GOD our Father must step in and discipline HIS child.  HIS discipline proves you are HIS child (Hebrews 12:5-8) and that HE is fulfilling HIS responsibility of HIS decree (Romans 8:29) to transform you into the likeness of JESUS (like from a catapillar to a butterfly).  The reason is transformation and outcome is so we will not be condemned with the world.

It is so much easier and less painful, to with HIS help (Hebrews 4:16), turn from our sins and obey than to resist the SPIRIT’s conviction and need to be taken to the woodshed (so to speak).

So let no root of bitterness grow in you (Hebrews 12:15)… forgive and be forgiven.

Hugs,

Sharon

What name is 1st on the list?

Today sick and lying in bed trying to read my Bible I just couldn’t really tune in to what was being conveyed.  When I realized that I had read a chapter and didn’t know what was said, I closed my Bible.  Then I was reminded the one thing I can do, besides pray when I am like this, is sing and singing to the LORD always picks me up. So, I began to sing.

Singing, “JESUS Messiah” I came to the phrase- “name above all names” and I heard a still small whisper “WHY?, why is the name of JESUS above all names?”

Throughout the Bible a name signifies the character/ something true about the person.  What the names JESUS and Messiah mean must indicate that characteristic of HIS that places HIS name above all names.

I stopped and thought of where it is stated in GOD’s Word that ‘HIS name is above all names?’  (The context is GOD the FATHER exerting HIS unlimited power in a believer and declaring that it is the same power HE used) “which HE wrought in CHRIST when HE (GOD) raised HIM (JESUS CHRIST) from the dead and set HIM (JESUS) at HIS (GOD the FATHER) own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come (Ephesians 1:20-21).

GOD had promised and the Jews were looking for a deliverer, an anointed one called the Messiah.  The word Christ means anointed just as the word Messiah means anointed.

The woman said unto Him, “I know that Messiah cometh, who is called CHRIST. When HE has come, HE will tell us all things” (John 4:25).

“We have found the Messiah” (which is, being interpreted, “the CHRIST”) (John 1:41).

The angel appeared to Joseph and said, “And she (Mary) shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call HIS name JESUS, for HE shall save HIS people (those who believe in HIM) from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).

The name JESUS means YHWH (Yahweh or Jehovah) is salvation or the savior.

“…be it known unto you all and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of JESUS CHRIST of Nazareth, whom ye crucified and whom GOD raised from the dead, even by HIM (JESUS) doth this man stand here before you whole.” (Acts 4:10)  Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

JESUS Messiah (or CHRIST) is the name above all names for HE alone can save and HE alone is LORD (Master). 

The chorus of that song “JESUS Messiah” says it perfectly.

            JESUS Messiah, Name above all names, blessed Redeemer, Emmanuel (GOD is with us), the Rescue for sinners, the Ransom from heaven, JESUS Messiah LORD (Master) of all.

All our hope is in HIM all glory to HIM, the Light of the world

Hugs, Sharon

What is your life saying?

When you look through your glasses or out of a window and they are smudged or dirty, you can see what is beyond.  But isn’t everything clearer and more in focus when you have cleaned your glasses or washed the windows?  That is how I would describe what happened for me this morning.

The LORD made me get up and send this to you.  I’d just been asking the LORD to show me things about HIMSELF. Been under the weather and so probably that prompted the topic of JESUS suffering. You know JESUS came to earth for far more than to bear our sins on the cross (1 Corinthians 15:3) so we could be forgiven (Hebrews 9:22) and be reconciled to GOD (2 Corinthians 5:18), HE came also to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:5) and ultimately the devil himself (Hebrews 2:14) and more, like coming to show people what GOD was really like (John 14:9, Hebrews 1:1-3) and how HE does things.

As GOD was designating how HE develops HIS (JESUS) character in us (2 Peter 1:4, Romans 8:29, James 1:2-4) HE brought my friend Donna to my mind as a vivid illustration.  For HE know a picture is worth a 1,000 words to me.

1st she had Lupus then GOD healed her. Next came COPD and for the past 13 or so years she’s been on oxygen 24×7, and that is not even mentioning her arthritis.  She claims that if it were not for that oxygen tank she carries around she’s wouldn’t be in Bible study for she would be at the stables with the horses that were her life.

2 Peter 1:1-4 speaks of how awesome things happen as we grow in our knowledge of GOD and our LORD JESUS CHRIST. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says that as the HOLY SPIRIT shows us more of JESUS HE also changes us into that likeness (of JESUS) a step at a time. 

As GOD the HOLY SPIRIT shows Donna how GOD cares for others, HE pours GOD’s love into her heart (Romans 5:5) more and more. She constantly is aware of the people around her (the people on the streets, the ones in the cars passing by, the ones on Facebook.  She feels sorrow for their struggles and their hurts and is concerned about the details of their lives and their needs.  Donna is GOD’s workmanship, HIS Poem, showing others how GOD cares for them and the details of their lives.

GOD says we who believe in JESUS and have become GOD’s children (John 1:12) and sealed with HIS HOLY SPIRIT (Ephesians 1:13-14) are HIS ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:18-21).  In the Greek when it says we are GOD’s Workmanship (Ephesians 2:10) it is saying we are GOD’s poem.  Through each of us the LORD is saying something specific to the world for we are our neighbor’s Bible, they read us when we meet.  They may not even know our names but yet, they’re reading you and me.

Now another girlfriend of mind, Barb, is GOD’s poem about HIS exceedingly abundant generosity in giving gifts (James 1:17) and how HE knows our likes (Psalm 84:10) and in wisdom provides for our needs (Matthew 6:25-33). She declares God nudges her to do what she does.  I believe her.

Each of us who have called on the name of the LORD and been saved (Romans 10:9,10, 13), we who stay in HIS Word and do what the Word and HIS nudges prompt us to do reveal something specific about GOD to those around us.

Totally amazing and yet humbling isn’t it?

Hugs, Sharon

Leads me

HE (JESUS) made HIS disciples get into the boat and go before HIM to the other side…(Mark 6:45)

When JESUS CHRIST (the HOLY SPIRIT) nudges us to do something, we feel that if we do it HE will lead us to success. What do you do when the opposite happens?

I have come to understand that the specific assignment is not the most important thing. Instead it is what I learn of HIM (2 Corinthians 3:18) along the way that is essential (2 Peter 1:1-4).  For the clearer I see HIM the more I”ll reflect HIM to others (2 Peter 1:8) and open their hearts to listen to the conviction of the HOLY SPIRIT (2 Timothy 2:24-26).

The disciples thought it was their responsibility to get to the other side of the lake.  But JESUS had another purpose in sending them.  HE was setting the stage to teach them amazing truth concerning HIMSELF they could learn no other way.  

The terrible storm had filled them with fear.  But then JESUS showed up calmly walking on the water.  When storms or problems attack me, JESUS wants me to look to HIM and when I do, HE calms me.

JESUS appeared to the disciples and taught them that HE was greater than anything they would face. HE walked on the water, enabled Peter to do the same and then HE calmed the storm (Mark 6:51).  By arriving when HE did, JESUS proved that HE kept watch over them and would meet them in every storm and never leave nor forsake them (Hebrews 13:5-6). You and I can count on the same things.

GOD’s training is for now, not later. HIS purpose is for this very minute, and HE leads us step by step (Isaiah 30:20-21) to reveal HIMSELF and to fulfill HIS purposes. What we label “problems”, GOD uses for our benefit to achieve awesome results for us and through us (2 Corinthians 4:15-16).

I have come to see that moment-by-moment I am to walk with GOD and keep in step with HIM (Galatians 5:16,25), by listen and following HIS reminders and nudges.  When I consciously do that, each moment becomes precious and I’m learning to see and depend on the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY wherever I and my loved ones are placed, regardless of what going on around us.  Believe me, that pushes all fear away!  

Hugs

Sharon

It is freeing!

Anyone out there have a prodigal or have someone with Covid-19?  I do.

Prayer request: notified last night that the entire pod where John is in local jail tested positive for Covid-19 and have been moved to isolation.  Several hundred in a nearby prison with over a dozen  staff are down with Covid-19.  I’m praying it be a wake-up call and that John and others who know our LORD will stand up and share JESUS with their cell mates.

It is so freeing to know our GOD has preset the exact times and places for everyone so that men might reach out to HIM (Acts 17:26-27) and that GOD works all things together for good to those who love HIM and have called on the name of the LORD and are saved (1 Corinthians 1:2, Romans 8:29).

Will you join me in coming boldly to the throne of grace to pray that these hard times, and fearful situations cause men and women to see their need and reach out to GOD and that GOD raise up laborers among them to tell them of JESUS?

Looking unto JESUS

Hugs

Sharon