Its working for you

I lived in the small mountain town of Quincy, California when I got my driver’s license.  Back in the day before roadwork, there was this windy, bumpy stretch amidst tall pines that went from the outskirts of town to the little Quincy hospital.  Two girl friends and I would speed through that stretch as fast as we could laughing hysterically as it felt similar to a wild roller coaster ride.  I love roller coasters.  We hated it when they straightened out the road.

Sometimes life feels like a wild roller coaster ride but now we aren’t laughing are we?

Yet smiles and even peace will come when we look at it through GOD’s eyes as recorded in HIS holy Word.

“But I want you to understand, brethren, that the things which have happened unto me have turned out unto the furtherance of the Gospel” (Philippians 1:12).

That means others have a chance to find eternal life through believing in JESUS (John 3:16).

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love GOD, to them who are the called according to HIS purpose” (Romans 8:28).

The hardest things in my life, even the death of my 1^st son, brought about good for me and  others.  Could I ever tell you some stories!

“For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of GOD. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.  For our light affliction, which is but for a MOMENT (compared to eternity), works for us a far more exceeding ETERNAL weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen (our situation), but at the things which are not seen (what GOD is achieving through our situation): for the things which are seen (the circumstances) are temporary; but the things which are not seen (things GOD is using the temporary situation to do)  are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

Hard and confusing things will hit for JESUS said: John 16:33- “These things I have spoken unto you, that in ME you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

When problems come remember that GOD promises that HE will use whatever it is for your benefit and HIS glory.

Hugs

Sharon

Transforming

Our mind is like a computer.  How we program it determines what it does.  The Bible tells us that this world is programmed by the evil one (1 John 5:19, Ephesians 2:1-3). And we sure do see that in the media and even advertisements besides games and emails. 

While staying with a family that did a lot of cussing, I was shocked at myself when a cuss word came to mind in an irritating situation. .An old adage goes “Garbage in, garbage out.”

As believers in JESUS we are told “be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your MIND, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of GOD (Romans 12:2).

That Greek word phronéō (to THINK, exercise the MIND) is then used 4 times in Romans 12:3 in three different forms. “For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to THINK of himself more highly than he ought to THINK, but to THINK with sober JUDGMENT, each according to the measure of faith that GOD has assigned.” (ESV)

This same word appears twice in Romans 12:16. “Be of the same MIND toward one another; do not be haughty in MIND (NASV).

The transformation of our lives begins and ends with a change in the way we THINK. For our mind is the battle ground.  That is why GOD has given us HIS Word so that we could learn what HE, our Heavenly FATHER, THINKS which shows us what HE is like and what HE values.  As the HOLY SPIRIT teaches believers in JESUS (1 Corinthians 2:10-12, 2 Corinthians 3:18) out of GOD’s Word we are changed little by little.

“For the Word of GOD is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a DISCERNER of the THOUGHTS and INTENTS of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).

How are you programing your MIND?   Hmmmm

Hugs

Sharon

What should I do?

What should I do?

Some people just seem to know what to do, while others struggle to find out what’s the next step to take.

Often, they struggle because they don’t want anyone telling them what to do.

In Isaiah 30:1 GOD seems sad when HE says, “You seek counsel but not of ME”

In Isaiah 28 the Word of GOD speaks of GOD as teaching the farmer. Isaiah 28:26, 28-29 The farmer knows what to do, for GOD has made him see and understand… and speaks of how different things need to be handled in different ways…  sums it up with “The LORD of Hosts is a wonderful teacher and gives wisdom.”

S0, if you lack wisdom (and want it and are willing to follow instructions), ask of GOD, who gives to all generously, without scolding or bringing up the past, and it shall be given to you. But be sure you ask expecting GOD to answer and are willing to do whatever HE says or you’ll be greatly disappointed for HE won’t tell you anything (James 1:5-6).

Hugs

Sharon

Which name do you use?

When you meet someone new what is the 1^st thing you learn about that one? 

Since introductions often start with “This is…….,” I’d say the 1st thing we learn usually is the name of the person.

So, it is with GOD and in the Bible, names often tell us something about the person.  GOD is called by many names and even addresses HIMSELF by different names.  You will find that if you examine the context wherein a certain name is used for the ALMIGHTY it speaks of how GOD is relating to people at that time.  This is spectacularly obvious in the 1^st 3 chapters of Revelation where JESUS refers to HIMSELF using a enormous rage of names showing how HE is relating to a person because of how that person is acting.

One name to refer to GOD the FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST is LORD.  LORD is not just another name for GOD it means Master= the One who has the right to tell you what to do. 

We are promised: “ if you confess with your mouth that JESUS is LORD and believe in your heart that GOD raised HIM from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9 ESV).

For “whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).

When we confess that JESUS is LORD we are saying, ‘JESUS YOU are my Master,‘ and with that we convey the concept “I will look to YOU for direction”.

Do you, do I look to JESUS for direction in what to do, where to go, and what to say?   Hmmm

Hugs

Sharon

Why did HE do that?

Have you ever wondered why GOD did something?

I was reading in the Bible and a question rose in my mind.  “Why did GOD anoint Saul king fully knowing he would disobey HIM?”

1 Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written beforetime (the Bible) were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

2 Peter 1:20-21 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of GOD spoke (and wrote) as they were moved by the HOLY GHOST.

2 Peter 1:1-4 GOD gave us HIS word so that we could learn about HIM and HIS ways for it is through our knowledge of GOD the FATHER and our LORD JESUS CHRIST that we obtain all things necessary for living this life and godliness.  In fact, we are told that if we will use (apply) the great and precious promises within the Word of GOD we will be changed bit by bit (here a little/ there a little) into the likeness of JESUS (2 Corinthians 3:18) and take on the divine nature.

So, there is a reason that GOD appointed Saul even though GOD who knows all things knew how Saul would act.  Therefore, I asked GOD, “What were YOU teaching us about YOURSELF in placing Saul as king?” Then I went back and reread.

Saul was taller than any of the people from his shoulders upward (1 Samuel 10:23).  That would make him look strong, definitely a good choice to lead the people.  But Saul on different occasions chose to do things he thought best instead of obeying clear directions from GOD. That did not set well with GOD (1 Samuel 15:11) and Saul was told  “But now your kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought HIM a man after HIS own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over HIS people, because you have not kept that which the LORD commanded you (1 Samuel 13:14).

GOD sent Samuel on a mission. GOD told Samuel to go to Jesse and make a sacrifice and anoint one of Jesse’s sons as king (1 Samuel 16:1-3).  Samuel went and told Jesse to gather his sons for the feast and one by one 7 of Jesse’s son’s were brought before Samuel beginning with the oldest Eliab.  Samuel look at him and thought “he is the one!”

But the LORD said to Samuel, “Look not on his appearance or on the height of his stature because I have refused him. For the LORD doesn’t see what man sees.  Man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

Jesse had 7 of his sons pass before Samuel but none of these were the one.  So, Samuel asked Jesse, are these all your sons?  There was one more, the youngest but he wasn’t there for he was in the fields watching over the sheep.  Samuel told Jesse to get him and the moment Samuel saw David GOD spoke, “Arise and anoint him for this is he.”

Why was David chosen?   

“And when HE(GOD) had removed him (Saul), HE raised up David to be their king; to whom also HE (GOD) gave this testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after MINE own heart, which shall fulfill all my will (Acts 13:22).

But why LORD, did you make Saul king since YOU knew how he would not do what YOU commanded?

The LORD replied, “To teach you MY ways and not to judge.  Because the only basis of your judgments are on appearances (unless, I personally show you something more).  Appearances can be deceiving and besides you only have part of the facts, so wait.”

I Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the LORD come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of GOD.

Hugs

Sharon

Does GOD really care?

Does GOD seem distant and unconcerned about you and what you are facing?

Then I’d like to ask you, “What do you think about? Is GOD in all your thoughts?

.. “through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after GOD: GOD is not in all his thoughts” (Psalm 10:4).

YOU (O GOD) will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed (fixed) on YOU, because he trusts in YOU (Isaiah 26:3).

Is your mind stayed (focused) on GOD or is it starved?

JESUS said man shall live on bread (food) alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD (Matthew 4:4).

Starvation of the mind, caused by distractions and neglect of thinking of GOD and reading GOD’s Word, is one of the chief sources of exhaustion and weakness in a believer’s life.

You have the power to turn your mind to GOD at any given time and in any place. There is no reason to wait for GOD to come to you because HE is always with you (Hebrews 13:5). But when you are looking at problems, fears, or distractions (idols) your back is to the LORD consequently you can’t hear GOD talking. 

Therefore, you need to turn your eyes to JESUS and tell HIM about all those other thoughts.  HE has a special way of putting things that clarifies issues and shows you the way to go.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and don’t lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge HIM and HE will direct your path.  Be not wise in your own eyes…” (Proverbs 3:5-7).

“O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walks to direct his steps” Jeremiah 10:23).

When you turn your thoughts to GOD, HE will remind you of what HE has said and done.  You will see that the LORD is doing just what HE promised to do by placing HIS thoughts in your mind and heart (Philippians 2:13, Hebrews 10:16).

Living your days talking to GOD about ALL things, your mind will no longer be at the mercy of impulsive thinking that are often suggestions from the evil one who greatly influences this world we live in (Ephesians 2:2-3, 1 John 5:19).

As you think about GOD and discuss concerns over with HIM, not only do you get guidance you need but you grow in your knowledge of and affection for GOD.  No longer will HE seem distant or unconcerned about you and what you face.  Even in the very midst of great struggles you can be energized, flooded with a calm peace and deep joy and overflow with hope by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT (Romans 15:13). It’s a given, for GOD has promised.

Looking unto JESUS the Author and Finisher of my faith.

Hugs

Sharon

How can I ?

Do you really want to be more like JESUS?

HE said, “I have come to do YOUR will O GOD” Hebrews 10:9

“One primary reason why so many of us are still troubled, still making little forward progress is because we haven’t yet come to the end of ourselves. We’re still trying to give orders, and thus interfering with GOD’s work within us.” AW Tozer

Romans 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of GOD, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to GOD, which is your spiritual service of worship.

Romans 12:1 is telling us to SURRENDER our determined confidence in our own ideas- in our own way. We say, “I’ll do or won’t do this”- and suddenly the voice of GOD speaks in a way that overwhelms us with its authority.  GOD will nudge us (with an awareness we must do this or that) or a Bible verse will pop into our mind with clear instructions.  But do we listen?

…you will be told what you must do  Acts 9:6

“The LORD spoke thus to me with a strong hand…” (Isaiah 8:11). There is no escaping when our LORD speaks. HE always comes using HIS authority and taking hold of our understanding. Has the voice of GOD come to you directly? If it has, you cannot mistake the intimate insistence with which it has spoken to you. GOD speaks in the language you know best— not through your ears, but (in your heart and mind and) through your circumstances/ Oswald Chambers

Initially we know what GOD says, but if we choose not to accept that instruction all kinds of doubts and questions will arise.  We can be eagerly determined to serve GOD, but adamantly/stubbornly determined to do it in our own way. 

Cain second guessed GOD and brought an offering he thought was better than what GOD had required.  GOD did not accept it -Genesis 4:5. 

The High Priest Aaron’s 2 older sons when intoxicated, brought an unauthorized fire before the LORD, instead of doing just what GOD asked, and they were killed- Numbers 3:4.

King Saul, against clear instructions from GOD, kept the best animals after the battle with Amalek to offer in sacrifice to GOD.  It cost him his right to be king-2 Samuel 15.

1 Samuel 15:23 For rebellion is as the sin of WITCHCRAFT, and stubbornness is as INIQUITY and IDOLATRY. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, HE hath also rejected you from being king.

That is serious stuff!

Often, we get stuck and not obey because we do not understand what GOD is up to and say to ourselves I must have misunderstood.  But, Isaiah 55:8-9 declares, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither 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.”

Abraham is known as the father of faith and the father of all who believe (Romans 4:16) because his faith in the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY prepared him to do anything GOD asked even though several times it made no logical sense at all.  Abraham did not lean on his own understanding, he trusted GOD/

Are you, am I, willing to move when GOD nudges us ahead, even when it makes no sense or we think our way is better?

Hugs

Sharon

What GOD has never seen

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of GOD; and every one that loves is born of GOD, and knows GOD. He that loves not knows not GOD; for GOD is love (John 4:7-8).

Herein is love, not that we loved GOD, but that HE loved us, and sent his SON to be the propitiation (to pay) for our sins (1 John 4:10) so that we could be forgiven.

GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believes in HIM will not perish but have eternal life…..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 3:16, 36) 

JESUS is the lover of my soul.  All of GOD’s love is found IN CHRIST JESUS our LORD and once we have JESUS nothing can separate us from GOD’s eternal love. (Romans 8:39) 

Hugs

Sharon

How do I know?

Have you ever wondered what GOD wants you to do?

While meeting with the LORD in HIS word this morning, in a story that I have read many times before, a certain truth caught my eye.  I’ve known that truth and shared it in my own words but here it was in precise words in the BIBLE where the prophet Samuel, moved by the HOLY SPIRIT (2 Peter 1:21), spoke it to Saul. Now I could show it to anyone who asked chapter and verse (where do you find it in the Bible). I copied it into my journal (because that helps me remember) and went on reading.

As GOD always prepares the way ahead (Ephesians 2:10) for what HE has for you to do, it wasn’t long before someone asked me, “How can I know what GOD wants me to do?  How can I hear HIS voice?”

I said when you know you should do something that is GOD showing you what HE wants you to do and then turned to 1 Samuel 10:7 and had him read, “do as the occasion demands.  GOD is with you.”

Learning how to hear from GOD started for me in little practical things. This truth of ‘doing what the occasion demands’ began by feeling another should be doing a chore. Then a knowing I should do it. While doing it I was filled with joy for I knew I had heard and answered my Master’s Instructions.

The more I listened to those little proddings the more words jumped off the page as I read the Bible and the more I obeyed the nudges and applied those words the more I understood what GOD was like and what HE wanted me to do.  As I listen and obey HIS voice becomes clearer and clearer.

Mark 4:23-25 If any man have ears to hear (willing to listen and apply), let him hear.  And HE (JESUS) said unto them, Take heed what you hear: with what measure you mete (how carefully you pay attention), it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.  For he that has (received truth), to him shall be given (more truth): and he that hath not (received the truth offered), from him shall be taken even that which he (thinks he) has.

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

Just like you can begin seeing things true about GOD by looking closely at HIS creation, so you learn how to discern GOD’s voice by obeying those little nudges where you just know you should do something. 

Hugs

Sharon

Working for me

Sometimes the struggles seem never ending.  One just comes right after another. 

I was reminded of one such struggle as I read a headline about an Indonesian airplane crash.  My thoughts flew back to 1997, when Sandie and I flew to Indonesia for a prayer journey.  The very day we flew to Indonesia, an Indonesian plane went down into the ocean and many were killed.  During the search for the downed plane the news telling about it went around the globe and stirred up fears in our families here in Colorado.  My daughter Kari was frustrated to no end, by being put off as she tried over and over, to find out something—anything  by calling to Indonesia. Her struggling was so hard and so real but I was not on that plane.

When our plane landed we saw the headlines of the downed airplane in the airport but it was in the days before cell phones and there was no way to contact our families back in the States.  Later I was able to get internet access and emailed home where many thought I was dead. 

However, during the apparent crisis many turned to GOD to pray for Sandie and me, and in this way, not only was GOD glorified but we got a lot of extra prayer coverage for our prayer journey.  Praise the LORD!

Through the troubles of life, I have found that the deepest of struggles have prepared me, or others for what GOD had prepared in advance for us to do.

Psalm 139:16LB YOU saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in YOUR book!

Ephesians 2:10 For we are HIS workmanship, created in CHRIST JESUS unto good works, which GOD hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

I am confident that just as the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY got us through 2020, so HE will walk with us and strengthen us for whatever lies ahead.  For I know in Whom I believe and am persuaded that GOD is at work on the behalf of everyone who believes in HIM or reaches out to HIM.

May the GOD of all hope surround and fill you with HIS peace to throw you beyond having to understand and may HIS calm joy rise within you until it overflows in hope as you believe in HIM right in the middle of whatever life is tossing at you (Romans 15:13).  For GOD declares HE is working all things together for an end result of good to us who love HIM and have called on the name of the LORD (Romans 8:28, 10:13, 1 Corinthians 1:2).

LORD, today I can’t feel burdened,
Today, I refuse to be down.
For I know that YOU are with me,
The evidence is all around.

Just glancing at YOUR creation;
Seeing the colors, hearing the sounds
There’s no question of YOUR wisdom
Being order and beauty abound.

In these troubles, I choose to trust YOU
Though YOU know I don’t understand.
YOU proved YOUR love on Calvary
So I know YOU care and have a plan.

Today, I want to thank YOU
For all YOU do for me.
I praise and rest in YOUR promises
As YOU work behind the scenes.
                             2 Corinthians 4:15-18

Looking unto JESUS, the Author and Perfecter of my faith

Hugs,
Sharon