Are you ready for a change?

We have been waiting for all this virus business to be over. Waiting is not fun especially when it goes on and on and on!

Waiting is not fun! GOD gave me a promise a long, long time ago.  It still hasn’t come to be.  From time to time the accuser will whisper in my ear, “It’s not going to happen you just conjured the whole thing up by wishful thinking.  GOD really didn’t say.”  At those times I run to the throne and GOD calms my spirit with assurances.

One time when I went to the throne with Satan’s accusations, GOD spoke instantly and clearly, “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which has great recompence of reward.  For you have need of patience (you need to wait), after you have done the will of GOD, you will receive the promise” (Hebrews 10:35-36).

Some have vocalized to me doubts concerning the promise that JESUS may come at any moment to gather us who believe in JESUS away to be with HIM that we may be wherever HE is (John 14:2-3, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 2 Thessalonians 2:1).  They say along with the scoffers of 2 Peter 3:3-4 that people have been talking of the end times for 2,000 years, where are the signs of HIS coming?  For eyes who are willing to see, they are everywhere.

Way back in the Garden of Eden GOD promised the woman to send a Redeemer (Genesis 3:15).  That hope was passed down from generation to generation.  Some assented to that truth but in reality didn’t expect to see it happen.  Although 1,000s of years had passed some clung to the hope of that Promise GOD made.  Old Simeon was one (who the LORD promised that he would see the Messiah before he died- Luke 2:25-35) and Anna, a prophetess, was another who looked for(Luke 2:36-38) and clung to the promise of GOD to send a Redeemer.

Then, one quiet night in Bethlehem JESUS, the Redeemer, was born.

In the same way we are promised that JESUS will appear in the heavens and gather HIS believers to HIMSELF (2 Thessalonians 2:1).  It can happen at any moment.  For only two things must occur before that happens: 1-the last gentile to believe must accept JESUS as LORD and 2-the last one assigned to be a martyr must die (Revelations 6:10-11). Only GOD knows when, for only HE knows who they will be.

GOD is not willing that any of US, we who will accept JESUS as LORD, to perish (2 Peter 3:8-9).  Since the Antichrist cannot come to power until the restrainer (the HOLY SPIRIT) leaves (2 Thessalonians 2:6-8)being the HOLY SPIRIT indwells every believer in JESUS that means HE cannot leave without taking us with HIM.  So we can be confident that JESUS will gather us/ catch us up /rapture believers up to meet HIM in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) before the 7 year Tribulation told of by both Daniel and John (in the book of Revelation) begins.

GOD has foretold that HE will bring judgment, pour out HIS wrath, to avenge HIS servants and make atonement for the land where innocent blood was spilled throughout the world (Deuteronomy 32:43). That is what is called the 7 year Tribulation.  Simultaneously, will be the last week (7 years) of judgment on the Jews for their idolatry before they are forgiven and given a place of honor during a 1,000-year reign of CHRIST (Daniel 9:24-27, Revelation 20:2-5).

After that will be an explosion (2 Peter 3:10-12, Revelation 20:9-10), then the reserved a day for judgment for THOSE who are willingly ignorant and have refused the love of the truth (2 Peter 3:7, 2 Thessalonians 2:10, Revelation 20:11-15).

Believe me, compared to what lies ahead for unbelievers, Covid-19 and the new strains are nothing.  So be sure you know JESUS. 

All who call on the name of the LORD will be saved ( Romans 10:13).

JESUS is LORD and HE will reign forever for after that last judgment comes the new heavens and earth and sin will not raise up again.

What do ye imagine against the LORD? HE will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time (Nahum 1:9)

Hugs

Sharon

How can we know?

I was raised with the concept of individuality.  Any thought of checking out with another what I should say before I said it was totally foreign.  Therefore, the truth that JESUS spoke only what GOD the FATHER told HIM to say shocked me.  It went totally cross-grain to my way of thinking.

Yet over and over JESUS said HE spoke only what GOD the FATHER told HIM to say (here are a few examples- John 3:34, 7:17, 8:26, 28, 38, 12:49-50, 14:10, 24, 17:8, 14). 

For I have not spoken of MYSELF; but the FATHER which sent ME, HE gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that HIS commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the FATHER said unto ME, so I speak. (John 12:49-50).

Because of reading the Bible over and over I knew and accept this truth but this morning the emphasis that JESUS only spoke what GOD the FATHER told HIM exploded anew as I read in Isaiah 50:4-5. That was the text the LORD used to commission me to share the things HE would show me from HIS word.

John 16:13 shows that the HOLY SPIRIT WHO seals, baptizes and teaches each and every believer in JESUS CHRIST follows the same pattern of only speaking what HE is told to say.

We are to follow JESUS’ example.  Remember the bracelets and bumper stickers that read WWJD (what would JESUS do?)

That takes me back to what I shared a few days ago about asking GOD what HE was doing and how to pray for others.  For unless one gets GOD’s word on what HE is doing we cannot co-labor with HIM properly.  It’s like Ezekiel 36:36 last clause and 37 1st clause (remember no punctuation in original text).

In 36b GOD says I will do it for them… 37a yet they must ask (literally for this I will be sought unto by them).   (HE will do things but HE wants us to ask!)

Prayer is important and we are told by GOD to pray at all times (Ephesians 6:18).  And are also told – “You have not because you ask not” (James 4:2). and “if you ask anything according to GOD’s will it will be done for you” (Jn 5:14).

The principle is clear, we are to pray.  Throughout scripture we are shown that we have no right to demand from GOD what we want done.  We are to pray HiIS will.

Since GOD’s ways are not our ways and HIS thoughts are not our thoughts but they always work (Isaiah 55:8-11), how in the world can we pray HIS will? So, glad you asked.  Scripture tells us if we need wisdom to ask and GOD will answer (James 1:5).

But when we go and ask GOD what HE wants us to pray we must go with the attitude of being willing to hear whatever HE wants.  We must accept HIS direction for HE is able to direct our thoughts where HE wants them to go (Proverbs 21:1). 

Even when we do not like the direction HE gives, we do not have the right to question GOD’s wisdom, goodness, and ways (James 1:6-7).

The neat thing is GOD knows what HE is doing, knows all the contingencies hidden from us and wants what’s best. I have found such peace since I learned to trust and obey even when I do not understand, or at times I do not like the direction HE gives me.

“And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Luke 11:9).

Hugs

Sharon

What are you seeking?

Wise men saw a star in the heavens and somehow knew it meant that the King of the Jews was born.  They gathered gifts and supplies for the trip and headed out determined to find and honor HIM.

GOD ALMIGHTY said, “I have made the earth and created man on it.  I- MY hands- stretched out the heavens.  All of their host I have commanded (Isaiah 45:12).

Yet this mighty infinite powerful wise Creator says: “This says the LORD, the Holy ONE…the Maker; (1^st) ASK of ME of things to come concerning MY sons (believers John 1:12) (then you can) command ME concerning the works of MY hands” (Isaiah 45:11).

Reading those verses this morning the wonder and power of  the Sovereign ALMIGHTY GOD came through and HIS amazing command to me seemed urgent.  I was to ask HIM what HE was doing and then co-labor with HIM in intercession for HIS sons (and would-.be sons John 17:20).

Names came and as I asked GOD how to pray.  The same specific things came up over and over for them.  Things like that they be given direction, have a clarity about their responsibilities and consequences of their choices.  But then rose up a song that showed how it would all come together.

Seek ye 1^st the kingdom of GOD and HIS righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you  Hallelu Hallelujah  

After singing over them I went back to the Word and found the promise: “..I raise them in righteousness and I will direct all their ways” (Isaiah 45:13 personalized).

What an encouragement straight from the mouth of GOD!  Perhaps HE would have you ask HIM how to pray for those in your life.

Hugs

Sharon

Beforehand

In the past couple of days there have been several severe crisis situations that have arisen.  Another one I learned of this morning and just as I went to bed tonight a text told me of a family member being rushed to the ER.  I stopped to pray and as I did the LORD reminded me of yesterday and the 2 crisis situations that had me in tears and sent me rushing to the throne with for mercy and grace.

Yesterday after laying them at the LORD’s feet, I picked up my Bible and read. Words in Acts 10 jumped out at me…the setting was FATHER GOD had ‘chosen beforehand’ who would see JESUS when HE was raised from the dead.

After reading those words ‘chosen beforehand’ peace enveloped me.  The thought “there is no happenstance” came to mind.  It was just a reminder of something that I knew well namely that GOD has determined/preset the exact times and places where things happen before they occur (Acts 17:26).

Tonight, GOD reminded me what HE had said yesterday and peace settled over me but I also felt a nudge to get up and share with you the awesome truth that for us who are HIS children through believing in the LORD JESUS CHRIST and have called on the name of the LORD (Romans 10:13) that GOD has definite plans for us.  It speaks of GOD our FATHER’s infinite control and power to keep us and provide for us just as HE promises (though not always in ways that we understand).

If that truth doesn’t bring you peace nothing will.

What a mighty GOD we serve!

Hugs

Sharon

Do you pay attention?

We don’t hear much about Joseph- the one GOD picked to be JESUS’s stepfather. This morning I read a short email mentioning him and it triggered my thoughts.

The Bible tells us that Joseph, who was engaged to Mary, was a just man. When he learned she was pregnant he had the power to have her stoned to death.  But he wanted to protect her but not marry her since it was not his child.  As he thought on these things an angel appeared to him and gave him a message from GOD.  Joseph listened carefully, believed and obeyed that word (Matthew 1:19-20, 24).

Joseph shows the truth that initially when we hear a word from GOD, even though a messenger, we recognize it as truth. If we receive it and believe it leads us.  But if we turn from it, we will lose the knowledge it offers.

If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.  And HE said to them, Take heed to (be careful)  what you hear: with what measure you mete (listen), it shall be measured to you: and to you that hear shall more be given.  For he that has (believed), to him shall be given: and he that has not (believed), from him shall be taken even that which he has (heard) (Mark 4:23-25).

If any man will do HIS will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of GOD, or whether I speak of myself (John 7:17).

Because Joseph carefully listened and obeyed the 1^st message, we are told of two other times GOD sent him messages that Joseph followed carefully (Matthew 2:13-14 and 19-23).

Initially, that is to begin with, you will know if what is said is of GOD.  If you pay attention and obey it you will gain direction and be told more that is the promise of GOD. 

On the other hand, there is the WARNING- If you turn from truth, because you don’t like it or don’t want to think about it then you will not only lose that direction, but you have chosen to walk in the dark.

Hugs

Sharon

Upside down

Does your world seem topsy turvy or maybe even upside down? Since March of 2020 many are troubled as our world seems to spin out of control.

Notice in the picture that John is not too happy to be upside down.  Part of the reason for that is he doesn’t know the one holding him by his legs so he not sure he can trust him.

But the Sovereign LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, the Creator of heaven and earth is in control. But the Sovereign LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, the Creator of heaven and earth is in control and can be trusted.  HIS ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-11) but HE knows what HE is doing and works for an end result of good for those who love HIM and have called on the name of the LORD (Romans 8:28, 10:13).

Unless you have grown to know HIM through the Word of GOD and seen evidence of HIS goodness reflected in HIS infinite creation you may not trust HIM.  Just like John didn’t trust Steve.  And unless you trust GOD there will be fear.

See why what a man thinks about GOD is the most important thing about him, for how we view GOD will determine how we will feel and act.

Unless you trust GOD’s infinite wisdom as seen in the heavenly bodies, the seasons, or water cycle, If you don’t connect the tremendous power evident in a lightning storm with GOD, or understand GOD’s love in sending HIS SON JESUS that we could be forgiven and reconciled to HIM you might not trust GOD.  For if GOD could make even one little miscalculation, just one, in that HE would have to change something then there is reason not to trust HIM.

 “I know LORD that THY judgments are right…” (Psalm 119:75). I know that because I believe GOD exists and that HE rewards those who diligently seek HIM (Hebrews 11:6).

There is only one way to learn to trust GOD.   “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of GOD (Romans 10:17).

You might say the Bible doesn’t make any sense.  But GOD says that when one who turns to LORD he will begin to understand (2 Corinthians 3:16).  So, turn to the LORD- go to the Bible, GOD’s letter to mankind.  Say, “GOD if YOU are real show me.” Then begin reading. 

I suggest perhaps the book of John in the New Testament to start with.  If you really want to know the truth, HE will show you.

Hugs

Sharon

The proof of love

For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believes in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life John 3:16   He that believes on the SON has everlasting life: and he that believes not the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of God abides on him John 3:36  

If you shalt confess with your mouth JESUS is LORD, and believe in your heart that GOD raised HIM from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation Romans 10:9-10

hugs Sharon

Are you ready?

As I glance out my window I see a new day dawning. A year ago our world was quite different but since March of 2020 it is like we have been put on hold as we have been put on restrictions.  Here we are waiting. There is a new day dawning.

Have you ever had to wait and wait and just when you’ve given up all hope it SUDDENLY happens?  The Bible tells us that patience is developed as we wait and that patience develops us (James 1:2-4). But quite honestly, its hard to wait. Waiting is one of GOD’s ways.  As we wait GOD works in a strange way behind the scenes where we can’t see what HE is up to and then all of a sudden things happen to help solve our problems. Look at these bible stories that prove it.

The storm was raging and the waves of the sea came over the sides and into the boat. The disciples were in the boat without JESUS and were terrified! Then, they saw Him walking on the sea! The wondered if HE was a ghost. They were even more afraid. JESUS spoke- “Do not be afraid, it is ME.” When they willingly received HIM into the ship immediately they were on the other side! This was a SUDDENLY! (John 6:20-21).

We read of many instances in the Word where suddenlies occurred in seemingly impossible situations . . . Water turned to wine, (John 2:3-11); and fish and bread were supernaturally multiplied, (Matthew 14:14-21; Matthew 15:30-38).

The list continues . . . Money appeared in a fishes mouth (Matthew 17:25-27),  blind eyes received sight (John 9:1-41); deaf ears were opened (Mark 7:30-37),  the dead received life, (John 11:1-45); and as many as touched even the hem of Jesus garment were made perfectly whole! (Matthew 14:36; Mark 6:56; Luke 6:19).  We have no clue when but GOD works suddenly.

These are just a few examples of suddenlies recorded in the Word of GOD. God has not changed (Malachi 3:6).  HE still works behind the scenes

If a storm of any kind is raging in your life, remember that with GOD nothing is impossible! (Luke 1:37)  By faith be willing to accept the LORD’s plan for your situation!  Do not try to fix it your way or figure it out! Talk to the LORD and wait (James 1:5-7).

Suddenlies still happen today! Believe and Trust GOD and HE will lead you! (Proverbs 3:5-7).

There is one SUDDENLY that every believer in JESUS should be longing and waiting for.  That SUDDENLY will come for JESUS promised it.  It is when HE comes get us and take us with HIM.  Are you looking or even longing for that SUDDENLY?

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am (John 14:3).  JESUS is only coming back for those who are HIS, those who have believed HE came down from heaven from GOD and died to save us from our sins.  Only if you have called upon the name of the LORD will you get to go. Its as simple as ABC. 

A Admit you are a sinner and need forgiveness. (Romans 3:23, 6:23)

          B Believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST (John 3:16, Romans 10:9,10)

          C Call upon the name of the LORD and you will be saved. (Romans 10:13)

hugs

Sharon

Directed by the Word of GOD

It never ceases to amaze me how I can read and even study a verse over and over and over again, then one day as I casually read it the word explodes with more meaning.

Because of 2 Peter 3 that talks of 2 groups THEY (who purposely are ignorant and refuse to believe) and US (verse 9 those that believe in JESUS CHRIST) I believed and taught that the only thing that has to happen before JESUS calls believers up to heaven in the Rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) and the beginning of the 7-year tribulation was that the last gentile (none Jew) who will believe in JESUS believes. 

But then one day I was reading in Revelation 6:11 and fireworks went off. (Let me quiet the objections before I explain what I mean by that).  Just as before a letter can be read the seals must be opened, I believe that chapter 6 of Revelation where JESUS is opening the seals are birth pains that precede the 7-year tribulation of Daniel’s 70^th week (Daniel 9:27).  After the 6^th seal mankind crys out to be saved from the wrath of GOD (Revelation 6:16-17) and the 7^th seal opens up the scroll and 7 angels are given 7 trumpets of the judgment of GOD and hence the 7-year tribulation period of GOD’s wrath begins.

Back to what I saw in Revelation 6:11 that showed me something new.  You see I had been praying for a national evangelist of India named Al, in a quandary I’d asked how to pray for all of the evangelists that go to restricted areas with the gospel. It was then I read Revelation 6:11.

Revelation 6:11 tells of the 5^th seal and the martyrs already in heaven ask, “How much longer until GOD avenges our blood?”  They are told to rest until two things (both) occur. (1) the last gentile who will comes to CHRIST and believes- (the number of your fellow servants is complete) and (2) the last one to be martyred is killed for their faith in JESUS (the number of the ones to be killed as you were is completed).

*note this is not the last of all martyrs for half-way through the 7 year tribulation there will be Jews martyred when they refuse to worship the statue of the Antichrist that had been placed in the temple of GOD (Revelation 13:14-15).

By showing me the wrath would not begin until the last martyred for CHRIST occurred, GOD had answered my prayer for direction.  Now I knew I was NOT to pray that none be martyred but that believers be strengthened for whatever they had to face.

Yes, I know that is hard doctrine but we are told that the rewards for martyrs is extra special!  Once again, I must bow to and acknowledge Isaiah 55:8-11 that GOD’s ways and thoughts are not our ways and thoughts, but HIS ways definitely work!

Hugs

Sharon

Who is leading?

    Although the Bible doesn’t say Mary rode on a donkey as they traveled to Bethlehem, most of us because of pictures or songs imagine Joseph leading the donkey with very pregnant Mary riding. The donkey would have to be led or it wouldn’t know where to go.

A friend said that because of Mark 7:21-23 that bad originates from within the person.

Yes, bad comes from within the old sin nature passed down to us from Adam. Ephesians 2:2-3, 1 John 5:19 states if we walk in the flesh we walk under the influence of the prince of the power of the air- the evil one who 1st appeared to mankind as a serpent in the garden of Eden (Revelation 20:2).

In Romans 8:1, 4 GOD explains that once we have believed in JESUS calling on HIS name to save us we can walk in the SPIRIT and if we do what the HOLY SPIRIT, who lives in every believer, prompts us we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.

The flesh / old nature remains within us until we are Raptured or die, but to yield to its demands is to act under demonic influence James 3:15.

JESUS said to Peter- “Get thee behind ME, Satan: thou art an offence unto ME for you savor (value) not the things that be of GOD, but those that be of men” Matthew 16:23.

Because of these truths I do not feel I originate, but that I am led.

However, I do get to choose whose suggestions and nudges I follow, The choice is mine who leads me, but I am being led.

hugs
Sharon