Who is right?

Reading through the Old testament you will notice that there were good and bad rulers, just like there are today.  Relating why things were going well in Israel it was said of two kings he “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.” Indicating that when a country’s laws are according to GOD’s standards things are going to go well.

I literally hate the reading through the last chapters of the book of Judges because of the progressive evil done by individuals and groups and seemingly acceptance of the evil by the masses.  The last verse in the book explains the why of the way things were.  It says it all.

“In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 21:25).

Today, for the most part everyone does what was right in his own eyes consequentially we see the breakdown of values and standards with its resulting growth of evil and evil’s acceptance as normal or good.  For when we don’t choose to submit ourselves to GOD’s Word and live by HIS standards we choose to do what is right in our own eyes and become enslaved to thought patterns of this world system which is influenced by the evil one (Ephesians 2:1-3, 1 John 5:19).

“Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?” (Romans 6:16).

“As GOD (and HIS Word) is exalted to the right place in our lives, a thousand problems are solved all at once.” AW Tozer

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

Hugs

Sharon

Why did HE come?

You tell me, why did JESUS come to earth in a human body?

Hebrews 2:16 “For surely it is not angels HE helps, but Abraham’s descendants.’  

Romans 4:16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.

Why did JESUS put aside HIS glory and position of equal status with GOD our FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT in heaven and humble HIMSELF and take on a human body and then die for our sins?

In my last post I mentioned 3 reasons JESUS came. 1) to do the will of GOD the FATHER (Hebrews 10:7) 2) to save us (humans) from our sins (Matthew 1:21), and 3) to destroy the work of the devil.

1 John 3:8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of GOD was manifested, that HE might destroy the works of the devil.

In this post I would like to show another reason JESUS came to earth as a human person.  JESUS spoke of this reason at HIS trial before the Romans.

 John 18:37-38 “…JESUS answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the TRUTH. Everyone on the side of TRUTH listens to me. Pilate said unto HIM, What is TRUTH?”

Another reason JESUS came to earth was to testify to the TRUTH.

Several of us gather together to answer Pilate’s question – What is TRUTH?

In our discussions, some asking questions and others answering them and the basis for most of us is the Bible.  We choose to use the Bible as our source because it is impossible for GOD to lie (Titus 1:2, Hebrews 6:18) for HE is a GOD of TRUTH (Deuteronomy 32:4). Therefore, HIS word (dictated to men by the GOD the HOLY SPIRIT also named the SPIRIT of TRUTH (2 Peter 1:21, John 16:13) is TRUTH and changes those who are willing to receive it and apply it to their lives.

John 17:17  Sanctify them through YOUR truth: YOUR word is TRUTH.

Hebrews 4:12  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.

Sometimes it is hard to understand why GOD does and says the things HE does and says.  That is because HIS perception and ways are infinitely higher than the heavens above our human reasonings and our human ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).  That is because HE knows all things-Past, present and future.

Being we are limited in our understanding, we are told the just shall live by faith.

Habakkuk 2:4 “Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith.”

Romans 1:17 “For in it the righteousness of GOD is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”

Hebrews 11:1 “Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.”

Romans 10:17  “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of GOD”.

John 1:14  And the Word was made 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 8:31-32 Then said JESUS to those … which believed on HIM, If you continue in MY Word, then are you MY disciples indeed; And you shall know the TRUTH, and the TRUTH shall make you free.

John 14:6  JESUS said, I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by ME.

JESUS  “who being the brightness of HIS (GOD the FATHER’s) glory and the express image of HIS person, (Hebrews 1:3) we see they share the same nature.  We have seen that evidenced in seeing that GOD the FATHER, GOD the SON and GOD the SPIRIT are all TRUTH.  That TRUTH is revealed to us through GOD’s Word.  That’s why we read and study our Bible.

When we learn of GOD the FATHER, our LORD JESUS CHRIST and even the HOLY SPIRIT we learn the TRUTH.

How do you think that I, as the teacher in these gatherings react when I hear someone say, “I know the Bible says that but I don’t think it is so.  Note: the bible says the teacher will be judged with greater strictness by GOD (James 3:1).  Does it not stand in reason that I must speak out?

Lamentations 3:40 “Let us search (GOD’s Word) and try our ways and turn again to the LORD”.

Hugs

Sharon

How can I know for sure?

Some have asked,  “How can I know that I will live forever with JESUS?”

When JESUS was crucified on the cross HE accomplished so much.  I want to speak about one thing HE did and what it made HIM.

The night before JESUS was crucified HE and the disciples met in an upper room and JESUS established at that time a remembrance feast.  Unlike the Old Testament feast under the law it was not for a specific date … I will just let JESUS explain. “In the same way HE (JESUS) also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the NEW COVENANT in MY blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me” (1 Corinthians 11:25).

On the cross JESUS’ blood established the NEW COVENANT and with the NEW COVENANT there were changes. “But in fact the ministry JESUS has received is as superior to theirs (the high priests under the law) as the covenant of which HE is mediator is superior to the old one (Law), since the new covenant is established on better promises” (Hebrews 8:6).

“Since the children have flesh and blood, HE (JESUS) too shared in their humanity so that by HIS death HE might break the power of HIM who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. For this reason HE had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that HE might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to GOD, and that HE might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because HE HIMSELF suffered when HE was tempted, HE is able to help those who are being tempted” (Hebrews 2:14-18).

“Therefore, since we have a GREAT High Priest who has ascended into heaven, JESUS the Son of GOD, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet HE did not sin.  Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:14-16).

Isn’t it amazing that when we are struggling we have someone who understands… (JESUS) to go to for the help and direction we need?

Our high priest, JESUS, is not like the old covenant high priests who had to go into the Holy of Holies once a year with the blood for “The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship … It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” (Hebrews 10:1, 4).

“Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest (JESUS) had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, HE sat down at the right hand of GOD, and since that time HE waits for HIS enemies to be made HIS footstool. For by one sacrifice HE has made perfect forever those  (us who believe in JESUS) who are being made holy Hebrews 10:11-14).

JESUS saves those who come to GOD through HIM to the uttermost. “Therefore HE (JESUS) is able to save completely those who come to GOD through HIM, because HE always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25).

Looking unto JESUS the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before HIM endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of GOD” (Hebrews 12:2).

That is why we can joyfully say with Paul in Philippians 1:6, “For I am confident of this very thing,, that  who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of CHRIST JESUS.”

Hugs

Sharon

What’s the next step?

Almost a whole month of this new year is gone and my heart is still full of questions as to the next steps I should take.  As I came before the LORD, I thought it was just between the two of us as I journaled my thoughts hoping for clarity.  But now I feel strongly nudged to share these thoughts with you.

Paul stated, “I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision” (Acts 26:19). Our LORD told Paul, in effect, “Your whole life is to be overpowered and subdued by ME; you are to have no end, no aim, and no purpose but MINE.” … “You did not choose ME, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go…” (John 15:16).

I remember my heavenly vision LORD, I clearly remember that day YOU spoke directly to me “You did not choose ME, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go…

Late summer 1970 under that pine tree on a mountain near Loyalton, California YOU spoke to me through YOUR word.

Isaiah 50:4-5 The LORD GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: HE me wakens morning by morning, HE wakens mine ear to hear (listen) as one who is taught.  The Sovereign LORD has opened my ears; I have not been rebellious; I have not turned away.

YOU also gave this warning:

Isaiah 50:10-11 Who among you fears the LORD (that is you, Sharon) and obeys the word of HIS servant (the Bible)?  Let the one who walks in the dark (does not know what is ahead), who has no light (does not know what to do), TRUST in the name (character) of the LORD and RELY on their GOD (to take care of what needs to be done). 

But now, all you who light fires (brainstorm ideas) and provide yourselves with flaming torches (formulate your own plans), go, walk in the light of your own fires (ideas) and of the torches (plans) you have set ablaze (concocted). This is what you shall receive from MY hand: You will lie down in torment (you will suffer).

LORD, way back then, over 50 years ago now, I was so confused and down and it was so exciting to hear those words directed to me as I read YOUR word.  It was like water to my thirsty soul that I had meaning, that I had a purpose. The call for my whole life to be overpowered and subdued by YOU; with no end, no aim, and no purpose but YOUR’s I totally embraced although I had no idea what I was getting into or where YOU would lead.  But those words lifted me from despair and gave me hope..

YOU have taught me through YOUR word and YOUR servants during years alone while the kids were at school, then came the adventures, studies, camp, work at the space center, the 10/40 and teaching and then writing.  Never have I felt the call about YOU opening my ears to hear/listen more clearly than I have since YOU brought me to Pueblo.

YOU know I’ve questioned where I’m at and what I’m doing (teaching) yet writing has become such a joy.  Please direct and confirm the specifics of what YOU want for like JESUS I come to do YOUR will O LORD. 

“Show me YOUR ways, LORD, teach me YOUR paths. Guide me in YOUR truth and teach me, for you are GOD my SAVIOR, and my hope is in you all day long” (Psalm 25:4-5).

I know YOU are my Master; I am confident in and trust YOUR infinite wisdom, YOUR complete knowledge of what is needed and how to bring it about, YOUR unsearchable understanding of how we feel and will react, I am amazed at what YOU create and do, I trust YOUR dynamite unlimited power. I am awaiting YOUR counsel, those directions/ instructions I need to take the next step whether forward or back, for I fear only YOU my LORD and my Redeemer.  I rely on YOU to work out all the details that need to be done as YOUR use whom YOU choose to do what YOU want done. Keep me from deception I pray in JESUS precious name. AMEN

Not yet

Jacob cried out, “Everything has been against me!” Genesis 42:36

Have you ever felt that way? I know I have. Stay with me as I elaborate on the intricately complex details concerning GOD’s truth found in Isaiah 55:8-11 and Ephesians 1:11 by relating just a bit of 2 Bible stories. These tidbits show us an amazing truth.

1-The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY GOD had set a plan in motion to save Jacob’s entire family of 70 people during an extended famine and then fulfill HIS promise to make a great nation out of them. But at the moment all Jacob saw was a piece of the big picture. What he saw was his favorite son’s robe shredded and covered with blood. He assumed Joseph was dead, mauled by wild animals. While the truth was Joseph had just begun a wild journey that would lead to his becoming 2nd in command over Egypt (Genesis 42-50).

2-The angel of the LORD appeared to a barren women and gave her specific instructions and telling her she would have a child that would be a Nazarite (devoted) to the LORD from her womb. Many years later that mother of Samson and her husband were very upset when Samson asked his dad to arrange his marriage to a certain young Philistine woman. They said something like, ‘Why can’t you marry an Israelite girl instead of one of our enemies?’ But let’s hear what GOD thought about it: “But his father and his mother knew not that it was of the LORD, that HE (the LORD GOD) sought an occasion against the Philistines: for at that time the Philistines had dominion over Israel” (Judges 14:4).

These true stories illustrate for us how much of what we perceive can be totally wrong because we cannot see what GOD intends and is doing behind the scenes. Like Jacob, we are prone to draw erroneous conclusions on what we can see and then speculation with our vivid imaginations. But GOD says–“… judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness…”(1 Corinthians 4:5).

“All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of GOD. (things we don’t understand GOD is using for an end result of good for you who love HIM [Romans 8:28] and they will reach other people and cause them to reach out to GOD and it will all overflow to HIS glory [Acts 17:26-27]) Therefore we do not lose heart (don’t become discouraged). Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our (comparative) light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that FAR OUTWEIGHS them all. 18 So we fix our eyes )focus our attention) not on what is seen (our circumstances), but on what is unseen(what GOD is achieving through our circumstances), since what is seen(our situation) is temporary, but what is unseen (what GOD is accomplishing through it all) is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

“And without faith it is impossible to please GOD, because anyone who comes to HIM must believe that (1) HE exists and that (2) HE rewards those who earnestly seek HIM (Hebrews 11:6).

Faith is just believing what GOD says HE will do. GOD’s eternal word says that it all “according to the plan of HIM who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of HIS will” (Ephesians 1:11)When problems hit, instead of saying, “everything is against me!” say “I trust YOU LORD!”

Hugs

Sharon

What is a woe?

Since a believer’s sin is paid for (Acts 26:18), why not sin?  It is because of woes…What is a woe? … something very bad.

Isaiah 5:18 Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity (pride), and sin as it were with a cart rope:

If a believer still wants to play with sin let me remind/ warn you that GOD is faithful to discipline everyone HE accepts through JESUS and no discipline at the moment is fun but grievous/ it’s painful, yes it hurts.  But it will produce righteousness in those exercised thereby (Hebrews 12:5-6, 11).

You see SIN separates us from good, for it separates us from GOD (Isaiah 59:2) and only GOD is good (Mark 10:18) and the source of all good (James 1:17).

Job 28:28.. , the fear of the LORD, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding

From beginning to end GOD inspired men to write the Scriptures so we could know HIM, the only true GOD.  The Bible tells us about the wonder of JESUS, GOD the SON who chose to lay aside HIS glory and rights and come down to earth and took on a human body to do things for humans which they could not do (Philippians 2:5-8).  In a word, JESUS came to undo the works of the devil and free us from the devil’s control and snare (Ephesians 2:1-3, 2 Timothy 2:25-26).

1 John 3:8 He that commits sin is of the devil; for the devil sins from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of GOD was manifested, that HE might destroy the works of the devil.

The Bible tells us in Ezekiel 28:14-17 how sin began. Pride rose up in the covering angel-Lucifer because of his beauty and this created being thought he could take GOD’s place (Isaiah 14:12-14) and even convinced 1/3 of the angels to join forces with him.

That is how sin began with us humans as well.  Eve listened to that old serpent- the devil (Revelation 20:2) and believed his lies that GOD was keeping good from her and that she could be like GOD (Genesis 3:4-6). 

The whispers of the evil ones-those fiery darts of devil we are told about in Ephesians 6:10-18 ignite and stir up our old proud sin nature and cause us to sin if we are not careful.

We need to remember 1 Corinthians 4:7 that we are and have nothing (not one thing) except that which GOD has given us and since we were given it we have no reason for pride.

Sin, like its originator, comes not except to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10).  Don’t even listen to the enemy’s whispers *that seem like your own thoughts* but take those thoughts to JESUS and HE will give you the proper perspective (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). Although telling that little lie, looking at what you should not, or that flirtation that excites may seem innocent enough, it will lead to hurt.

Romans 6:16 Don’t you know that to whom you yield yourselves servants to obey (whose voice you listen to), his servants you become to obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

BUT GOD!  For GOD so loved that world that HE gave HIS only begotten Son (the only one who just got a body for JESUS is as eternal as GOD the FATHER John 1:1-3,14) that whosoever believes in HIM (JESUS) will have eternal life (John 3:16).

JESUS paid for our sin and IF we come to GOD through HIM (Hebrews 7:25) we have the right to become the sons of GOD (John 1:12).  2 Peter 1:1-4 shows us the way we develop as children of GOD and becoming more like HIM is to learn about GOD the FATHER and our LORD JESUS CHRIST in HIS word and spending time talking with HIM. 

JESUS said in Matthew 4:4, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that precedes out of the mouth of GOD.”

Have you had breakfast today?

Hugs

Sharon

How many times?

Have you ever known someone who kept stumbling into the same sin again and again?  Its easy to think “shame on them.” But let’s not be too quick to judge that one. It took me years to learn not to jump to conclusions and judge the heart of another, which is itself a sin.

I know a gal who loves the LORD yet she when she gets in a certain situation she slips into sin.  My friend was so discouraged.  She wondered if GOD would forgive her again.  But as we prayed together I asked, “How many 2nd chances (new beginnings) are there for ______, LORD?”

JESUS answered me immediately by bringing a verse to my mind. “70 times 7” (an idiom meaning times without number).  As I told her what the LORD reminded me of, she beamed.

Peter had asked JESUS how many times he had to forgive and then put a number by it.  “Even 7 times?”   (Matthew 18:22).  Actually, he was really being generous for the Rabbinical rule (taken from Amos 1:6) stated that you were to forgive 3 times period.

But JESUS who was going to die for all sin, went past the man-made ideas.  If a believer, cleansed by the blood of JESUS wants another chance, all they have to do is go to the throne of grace and they will find mercy (forgiveness) and be given grace to help them overcome whatever they are struggling with.

And there is more.  When we believed in JESUS and called on the name of the LORD we were saved, given eternal life (John 3:16,36, Romans 10:13) and GOD the FATHER transferred us out of the power of darkness and placed us into the kingdom of HIS dear son (Colossians 1:13).

We also were sealed by the HOLY SPIRIT (Ephesians 1:13-14). HE baptized us into the body of CHRIST (1 Corinthians 12:13,27) and teaches us (John 14:26), leads us and when necessary convicts us, prays for us in our weaknesses (Romans 8:26) plus so much more.

I am so glad my Savior the LORD JESUS CHRIST whose blood on the cross paid for all my sin didn’t stop there but will save me to the uttermost because HE lives forever to intercede for me.

Hebrews 10:14 For by one offering HE (JESUS) hath perfected forever them that are sanctified (it is a process).

Hebrews 7:25 Therefore HE is also able to save forever (to the uttermost) those who come to GOD through HIM, since HE always lives to make intercession for them.

It is as Martin Luther said, “A Christian is at one and same time sinner and righteous person.  He is a sinner in fact (for he falls short of the glory of GOD), but a righteous person by the sure reckoning and promise of GOD (Romans 3:21-23) that HE will continue to deliver him from sin until HE has completely cured him (Hebrews 7:25, Hebrews 12:11). So, he is totally healthy in hope, but sinner in fact.  He has the beginning of righteousness so always continues more and more to seek it, while realizing he is always unrighteous.

Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that HE which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of JESUS CHRIST:

Behold, what manner of love the FATHER has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of GOD…Beloved, now are we the sons of GOD, and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when HE (our LORD JESUS CHRIST) shall appear, we shall be like HIM; for we shall see HIM as HE is (1 John 3:1-2).

Hugs

Sharon

Can you find the answer to the riddle?

If you read to the end you will find a riddle that can only be answered if you read the contents of this devotion to the end.

What can we know about the eternal GOD from whom everything else came to be and comes to us?

We are told that:

Our Creator’s thoughts and ways are higher than the farthest heaven than ours. The distance just between the earth and our sun boggles my mind so GOD’s thoughts and ways are infinitely higher and farther than we can grasp.  Then we are given an example in how HIS ways work to accomplish what GOD wants done (Isaiah 55:8-11).

Yet, crazy as it is we still think we know how HE should handle things and attempt to counsel HIM (Isaiah 40:12-14).

Words such as unsearchable (Romans 11:33, Psalm 145:3) are used to describe GOD and HIS works.

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of GOD! How unfathomable, inscrutable, unsearchable are HIS judgments HIS decisions And how untraceable, mysterious, undiscoverable are HIS ways (HIS methods, HIS paths)! (Romans 11:33 Amplified Bible classic edition).

That being said, still GOD urges us in HIS Word to grow in our knowledge of GOD our FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST our Savior to the intent that as we grow in our knowledge that we grow in our faith, grace and peace are multiplied to us for HIS divine power has given us all things necessary for life and godliness through our knowledge of HIM.  Through our knowledge of GOD the FATHER and our LORD JESUS CHRIST we are given exceedingly great and precious promises that through them (if we use them) we actually will become partakers in the divine nature (take on HIS attributes such as love, joy, peace, gentleness, patience, goodness, humility and self-control).  (2 Peter 1:1-4).

So in obedience let’s begin our journey at the beginning and look at the characters we are shown.

In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with GOD, and the WORD was GOD. The same was in the beginning with GOD. All things were made by HIM; and without HIM was not anything made that was made… And the WORD was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld HIS glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the FATHER [the only ONE given just a body for HIS being was from the beginning]) full of grace and truth (John 1:1-3, 14).

GOD, who at sundry times and in divers manners spoke in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,  Has in these last days spoken unto us by HIS Son, whom HE hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also HE made the worlds;  Who being the brightness of HIS glory, and the express image of HIS person, and upholding all things by the word of HIS power, when HE (JESUS) had by HIMSELF purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high (Hebrews 1:1-3).

Let this mind be in you, which was also in CHRIST JESUS:  Who, being in the form of GOD, thought it not robbery to be equal with GOD: But made HIMSELF of no reputation, and took upon HIM the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, HE humbled HIMSELF, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross (Philippians 2:5-8).

JESUS was from the beginning and through HIM GOD the FATHER made all things and without JESUS nothing was made that was made.  JESUS was in the form of GOD the FATHER and was equal with GOD the FATHER but JESUS the eternal Word took on the form of a human and humbled HIMSELF to live in obedience and then died on the cross for the sins of the world.

In the beginning GOD (the FATHER) created the heaven and the earth (as we have seen through JESUS) And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the SPIRIT of GOD moved upon the face of the waters.(Genesis 1:1-2).

And GOD said, Let US make man in OUR image, after OUR likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth (Genesis 1:26).

From GOD’s word we see that this is a conversation between the GODHEAD… Who are the characters in that meeting?  Scripture says: 1)GOD the FATHER, 2)the WORD=GOD the SON and 3)GOD the HOLY SPIRIT.

Enough for you to chew on for awhile.

I urge you to continue on this amazing journey of discovering, digging out treasures of truth about the ONE who loves you more than any other (Romans 8:39).  I guarantee that if you do you will not only grow in knowledge and understanding of HIM but you will become increasingly amazed and more enthralled by HIM. May I suggest that you underline in your Bible and perhaps even journal the things you find that are true about our triune GOD: GOD the FATHER, our LORD JESUS CHRIST and the HOLY SPIRIT that you see as you read the Word of GOD.  If someone tells you something about GOD that you not sure about…don’t simply despise and reject it, go to the Word of GOD and prayerfully check it out.  If it is true embrace it, but if it is false throw it away (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22).  For we are to learn from one another (Ephesians 4:15-16).

Hugs

Sharon

Riddle:  Since nothing was made that was made without JESUS- who is also called the WORD, and it is written that Moses died according to the Word of the LORD and HE (GOD) buried Moses (Deuteronomy 34:5-6), who dug the grave?

Two questions you need to answer

I have 2 questions for you to ponder and answer.

JESUS asked, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” (Matthew 9:28).

Our LORD JESUS unwaveringly asks us that question, and it confronts us in every individual situation we encounter.  Is the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY who was and is and is to come able to do what needs to be done?

That brings up another question.

Do you believe our GOD can lie? (Titus 1:2, Hebrews 6:18). Don’t hedge but answer clear.

For that is what you’re saying when your heart is gripped with fear.

And when you worry, scheme or pout, or cry out LORD, why me?

You’re really saying NO to GOD fighting HIS divine decree (Lamentations 3:37).

For HE tells us HE is in control what HE allows, we need (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

Believe HIS word, acknowledge HIM , Trust and follow HIS lead (Proverbs 3:5-7).

How did you answer the two questions?

Hugs

Sharon

What is going on?

Remember the fire drills we had at school when we were kids? They were not to scare us but to prepare us to know how to act in case of a fire. The same is true for the warnings and prophesy given in the Bible.  When GOD had recorded what was going to be it was not to scare us but to alert us so we could discern what was going on.

We are living in crazy times aren’t we? Times that have many cowering in fear for much is happening that we never imagined seeing here in the good old USA.  But these times are told about in GOD’s word.  Reading in Luke this morning a well-known section I was struck by some facts concerning, of all things- demons (evil spirits of various ranks). It is not a popular subject, it’s one many refuse to believe.  Yet the word of GOD clearly speaks concerning our warfare with evil spiritual beings (Ephesians 6:10-18).

The HOLY SPIRIT clearly says that in later times some (being deceived) will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons (1 Timothy 4:1).

Demons are real. There are things being taught in some “Christian” churches that do not match up with the Word of GOD.  It is very important to check what is taught with the Word of GOD.  We are told if something does not line up with the Word of GOD it is because there is no light (truth) in the teachers (Isaiah 8:20) they are in darkness. 

Setting the context or the stage of where we are today: The last days began when the HOLY SPIRIT was given on the Day of Pentecost (John 7:38-39, Acts 2:16-17), after JESUS had been crucified dead on the cross for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3) was buried and raised to life by GOD the FATHER (Romans 10:9), seen by over 500 (1 Corinthians 15:6) and after giving commands to HIS disciples HE ascended into heaven (Acts 1:7-9) to a position of great honor and glory seated at the right hand of the Power- the Majesty on high (Hebrews 1:3,13). 

The last days are marked by actions that are demonic in nature (James 3:15-16, Ephesians 2:2) and doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1).

There is a power of darkness that rules the world (Ephesians 2:2-3)- when we believe in JESUS, GOD the FATHER delivers us out of that power of darkness and places us into JESUS kingdom (Colossians 1:13).  JESUS called the power of darkness a kingdom where Satan/ the devil is ruler (Luke 11:18).  The devil is sometimes called the prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2) and the evil one persuades even believers with his lies if they are not abiding in JESUS and HIS word (John 15:7).  That old serpent (Revelation 20:2) is the father of lies (John 8:44).  Within Satan’s kingdom there are various ranks of evil spirits (Ephesians 6:12, Luke 8:29) comparable with ranks within the army-from foot soldiers to generals.

Having laid that groundwork, let’s proceed to what struck me this morning.

The demons were afraid of being tormented when Jesus told them to leave the possessed man (Luke 8:28).  That rose questions.  Does that mean that type of demon needs a body? or does it connect with their plea a few verses down not to be sent to the Abyss? 

“When the unclean spirit comes out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and not finding any, it then says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came. (Luke 11:24). That demon who couldn’t find a place to rest went back to the man he’d left. Finding the man clean but empty ( the man wasn’t filled with HOLY SPIRIT) went and got 7 more demons worse than himself and they all went to live in the man (Luke 11:26) making the man worse off than before.

Wow! Knowing that helps me understand why at least 2000 demons were in that poor fellow in Luke 7.  Maybe he had tried to get rid of the demon but without the coming and filling of the HOLY SPIRIT by faith in JESUS CHRIST and turning from his sins he was open game.

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the SPIRIT; (Ephesians 5:18).

Demons that possess people seem to need a body.  Ones that harass and tempt people (as JESUS was tempted in the wilderness Matthew 4:1) apparently do not.

The demons begged JESUS not to send them into Abyss but to allow them to enter a herd of pigs (Luke 7:31).

That means they had to do what JESUS commanded them to do. They had to have permission before they could go into pigs.

Hmmm that raises a question.  If demons have to have permission to enter a living thing, who was it that gave them permission to enter the man? Was it the man himself who gave demons permission to enter him perhaps by giving the demons a place (KJ)/ opportunity (NASB)/ foothold (NIV) (Ephesians 4:27) and was caught in the snare of the devil to do his will (2 Timothy 2:25-26)? 

If so, how?

Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves (yield to their suggestions), you are slaves of the one you obey— (Romans 6:16)…?

Something to think about isn’t it?

Hugs

Sharon