It baffled me

A statement JESUS made when HE was explaining prayer baffled me for the longest time since it did not seem to fit with other truths HE spoke. 

The baffling statement came as JESUS encouraged believers to pray and related that FATHER GOD would not give something bad when HIS child asked for something good.

“If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your Heavenly FATHER give the HOLY SPIRIT to them that ask him?” (Luke 11:13)

Everyone who believes in JESUS and calls on the name of the LORD receives the HOLY SPIRIT (John 7:38-39, Romans 10:13) therefore what is meant that GOD the FATHER gives the HOLY SPIRIT to those praying to HIM for something?

Not long ago as I was studying John 16 and was awakened to what JESUS said about who to pray to, my question concerning GOD giving the HOLY SPIRIT was also answered.

JESUS said the HOLY SPIRIT is the ONE who takes the truth given to JESUS by GOD the FATHER and gives it to us who HE indwells (John 16:13-15).  As JESUS never acted or spoke unless told to by the FATHER, likewise the HOLY SPIRIT never acts or speaks on HIS own (John 12:49-50, 16:13).

“Howbeit when HE, the SPIRIT of truth (the HOLY SPIRIT), is come, HE will guide you into all truth: for HE shall not speak of HIMSELF; but whatsoever HE shall hear, that shall HE speak: and HE will shew you things to come” (John 16:13).

So, as I pray to GOD my Heavenly FATHER in the name of JESUS my Savior (John 16:26-27) concerning a struggle that is occurring, GOD the FATHER tells the HOLY SPIRIT what to tell me. And in that way gives the HOLY SPIRIT to me. For the HOLY SPIRIT never speaks on HIS own even though HE knows the will of GOD the FATHER for every situation (Romans 8:27). Besides, it is the HOLY SPIRIT who interprets GOD’s words to us.

“But GOD has revealed them unto us by HIS SPIRIT: for the SPIRIT searches all things, yes, the deep things of GOD” (1 Corinthians 2:10).

It wasn’t so baffling after all. However, it does shows how important it is to listen to the prompting of the HOLY SPIRIT and connect the dots that reveal GOD’s truth given us in HIS word.

Hugs Sharon

What happens when we become a child of GOD?

I live across the street from a park.  In the afternoons kids gather with their coaches and practice football.  Their coaches direct them, training them to be ready when they play against teams. The practice is repetitive and often grueling but it is necessary for the strengthening their bodies and minds to automatically respond to whatever the situation demands.  

It is much the same for believers in JESUS CHRIST.  When we believe in JESUS we are born again in GOD’s family by the HOLY SPIRIT (John 3:3-7).  And the HOLY SPIRIT actually comes to live in us (John 7:38-39). Then each of the GODHEAD (GOD the FATHER, JESUS and the HOLY SPIRIT) work in our lives to purify, strengthen and develop skills in us, training us for the assignments HE has for us (Ephesians 2:10).

The book of 1^st John was written to believers.  It contains much truth to show us (believers in JESUS) how to act and speak as a child of GOD.  

GOD the FATHER promises that after we have struggled awhile, that HE, HIMSELF will make us strong, firm and steadfast (1 Peter 5:10) but if we are stubborn, HE will have to discipline us. HE disciplines all HIS children.  If HE does not discipline you it means you do not belong to HIM. does it will produce righteousness in us and keeps us from being condemned with the world (Hebrews 12:4-11,  1 Corinthians 11:31-32).  There is a promise connected to being disciplined by GOD.  It is written that said discipline will produce righteousness us (Hebrews 12:11).

“But when we are judged (because we won’t submit when corrected), we are disciplined by the LORD so that we will not be condemned along with the world” (1 Corinthians 11:31-32).

JESUS CHRIST died for our sins and now lives in heaven interceding for believers to save us to the uttermost and bring us to maturity (Hebrews 7:25).  I believe one factor of it is so we who believe in JESUS’ finished work will not have to face the LORD ashamed (1 John 2:28) like a little boy caught stealing an apple from the neighbor’s tree.

The HOLY SPIRIT lives within every true believer in JESUS, sealing (the down payment for us ensuring to GOD until the day of Redemption (Ephesians 1:13-14, 4:30 til JESUS calls us home in the Rapture or before).  From the moment we believe in JESUS and call on HIS name the HOLY SPIRIT is busy; baptizing us into the body of JESUS (1 Corinthians 12:13, 27) to teaching and interpreting the Word of GOD to us, leading us in the way to go and putting a check/ doubt in us to alert us against wrong plus empowering and energizing us for whatever GOD has prepared for us to do.

Like little children we learn one thing at a time  with each step getting us ready to take the next step.  In this way we become equipped to learn and do more.

The awesome truth that believers in JESUS become children of the Living GOD is just one of many things we obtained when we called on the name of our LORD JESUS to save us (Romans 10:13).

“Yet to all who did receive HIM (JESUS), to those who believed in HIS name (divine nature and character) HE (JESUS) gave the right to become children of GOD” (John 1:12).

We become GOD’s children when we believe in JESUS and call on the name of the LORD (Romans 10:9, 10, 13).  But as a little child must learn what numbers represent before they can learn to add numbers together, so a new believer in JESUS must as a child learn things true one step at a time.

“Whom shall GOD (FATHER, SON, and HOLY SPIRIT) teach knowledge? and whom shall HE make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk (of elementary truths),” (Isaiah 28:9).

Hebrews 5:11-14 “Concerning JESUS we have much to say, and it is difficult to explain, since you have become poor listeners.  For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the actual words of GOD, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unacquainted with the word of righteousness, for he is an infant.  But solid food is for the mature, who because of practicing what they have learned have their senses trained to distinguish between good and evil.”

In other words you grow in CHRIST’s likeness when you practice the things you have learned. Like any skill it takes time and perhaps some falls along the way before it becoming a way of life.

The HOLY SPIRIT nudges and leads you and even warns you.  HE is like a school teacher showing us truth by explaining what GOD means (1 Corinthians 2:10). The HOLY SPIRIT reminds us (and we all need to be reminded at one time or another) of that which we have come to understand through HIS teaching. Little by little as we are ready to grasp it HE reveals more truth and sometimes what lies ahead. (John 14:26, 16:13).”

“Behold, what manner of love the FATHER hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of GOD: therefore, the world knows us not, because it knew HIM (GOD) not.

Beloved, now are we are the sons of GOD, and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when HE (JESUS) shall appear, we shall be like HIM; for we shall see HIM as he is (1 John 3:1-2).

GOD promises us in Romans 8:29 that each believer will be conformed into the image of JESUS so that JESUS would be the 1^st of many brothers and sisters of GOD.

In 2 Peter1:4 GOD promises that if we will use the great and precious promises GOD has given that we will participate in the very nature of GOD.

NO! we do not become GOD, but Our LORD JESUS’ godly attributes (which are the same as GOD the FATHER’s and the HOLY SPIRIT’s) will flow through us by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT.  Attributes such as Love, Joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

I am a child of GOD. Are you?

Hugs

Sharon

For such a time as this

Today as I slowly began to wake up after surgery, I was astounded at the flood of overwhelming joy rising within me. Songs of praise tumbled into my mind so I couldn’t help singing out.  THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY was revealing HIMSELF to me and those in Recovery without being seen.

I felt amazed by GOD and HIS delight in opposites as was bringing joy out of pain. HE confounds the worldly wise (1 Corinthians 1:20-21).  For the Bible was written by men moved by the HOLY SPIRIT to document what GOD wanted told as HE revealed HIMSELF and truth to those who would look and listen (2 Peter 1:20-21).

This evening I couldn’t sleep so I opened up GOD’s Word to my bookmark.  It was time to begin reading Esther.  It is a book where GOD is not mentioned even one time, we see HIM everywhere as the events take place in this little book but GOD is not named.

It is written that GOD formed the DNA of each person down to the color of his eyes and how tall he would be (Psalm 139:13) GOD places us where HE wants us to be and has, before Creation HE synchronized events to bring about what HE wants done. For instance, the LORD designed Esther to be beautiful inside and out so that she would stick out when the edict came to gather beautiful girls so the King of Babylon could select a new Queen.  For GOD had a plan for her life.  We see her interaction with authority figures as content and obedient.  She knew from WHOM her help would come from as we will see from her actions.

Meanwhile, when a plot was forming to kill all the Jews, GOD placed in her cousin’s heart to express the horror of what was going to take place in such a way and in such a place the Esther would learn of it.  Then GOD placed in Esther’s heart a plan that would strengthen her to do what could easily lead to her instant death.  She just knew what she should do (because she knew WHO was where help came from.

Later her cousin, who raised her would say, “Who knows if you have been placed in this position (she had become queen) for such a time as this.” We see also she was wise as she had her cousin gather the Jews for fasting and prayer, while she gathered those who served her to do the same.

That night GOD wouldn’t allow the King to sleep so the king called for someone to read the events of his kingdom.  When he heard of Esther’s cousin overhearing a death plot against himself and of it being told to the king.  But nothing had been rewarded for such devotion.  This troubled the king and just. Just then (remember GOD pre-set the times and places Acts 17:26)  a proud, highly respected official *but the enemy of the Jews* came before the King. 

Now the king asked what should be done for one the King would honor.  That enemy thought the king meant him so told the king what he would like. This enemy was the one who planned the extinction of the Jews and had just come to get permission to hang Esther’s cousin.  But as it turns out the wicked official was hung on the very gallows he had make to hang Ester’s cousin on (you really need to read Esther for all the details).

Can you see, as I do, GOD’s work in times and places, in creating beauty and judging the wicked?  Yet no mention is made in Esther of the Creator of heaven and earth who works all things after the counsel of HIS own will (Ephesians 1:11).

Are we, you and me taking in the wonders of a sunrise or sunset, and the feeling of joy that is makes us sing only to ignore our Maker.  Or do we acknowledging those gifts as from coming down from the GOD the FATHER (James 1:17) giving thanks and praising HIM from whom all blessings flow?

Hugs

Sharon

Be willing to hear

Day in and day out we are bombarded by so many voices clamoring to be heard: family, friends, the preacher, politicians, doctors, advertisers, the media and even google as well as our own thoughts.  How can we possibly determine who to listen to?

There is but ONE who knows all the details and what will result from each and every action (1 John 3:10).  Does it not make sense to listen to HIS voice.  A voice described in 1 Kings 19:11-13 as “a still small voice.”

Although it appears that there were few takers, GOD has always provided a way for man to meet with HIM if one seeks HIM with all their heart (Jeremiah 29:13).  The LORD promises that if we will only acknowledge HIM (talk everything over with HIM) HE will direct us (Proverbs 3:5-7).

Here is how I learned to hear GOD’s voice.

Just before my 15^th birthday an anonymous gift enabled me to a teen Christian camp in the mountains of Southern California.  There GOD spoke to my heart.  At that time, I clearly remember replying to the LORD, “Do whatever is necessary to make me be all YOU want me to be.” Within months it was discovered I was lipreading and had a disease that was stealing away my hearing.

Eight years later, I was married and my 1^st son had died and many other things were wrong. A stranger in a gospel trailer at the county fair saw the distress in my face and nudged by the LORD invited me to a small family Christian camp with an evangelist on a mountain in northeastern California.  Everything was to be supplied, all I had to do was get there. 

In a break from the preaching, we were told to go get alone with GOD.  So, I settled down under a tall Ponderosa pine and opened my Bible.  The LORD spoke to and commissioned me from the verses as I read.

“The Sovereign LORD has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. HE wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught. The Sovereign LORD has opened my ears, and I have not been rebellious; I have not drawn back” (Isaiah 50:4-5).

HE also gave a warning, that I must wait until I knew what I should do and not to rush ahead trying to figure out what to do and thus doing my own thing (Isaiah 50:10-11).

It sure shows that GOD’s ways are not ours (Isaiah 55:8-9) for who in their right mind would choose a profoundly hearing impaired person to listen?  But true to HIS word and gifting, I have found HE gives me words to sustain the weary and hurting.

When GOD speaks, many of us are like people in a fog, and we give no answer although we hear and know initially without a doubt we should do as that voice says.  Instead we listen to the enemy’s accusations that bring doubts to our mind and we don’t know then what we should do.

You’ve heard me say it before, but I’ll say again, many a time when I feel put upon that still small voice says “do it and smile.”  As I obey whatever becomes a joy and reasons to thank GOD flood my thoughts and lift my spirit.

GOD called to him….And he said, “Here I am.”  EXODUS 3:4

Be ready for the sudden surprise words of GOD to lead and direct you.

Hugs

Sharon

To Whom should you pray?

Long, long ago and even today in many lands people choose which god to worship. Some some lands recognize hundreds of so-called gods. But we know that idols are actually demonic (1 Corinthians 10:19-20).    

With electricity I know if I turn on the light switch the light comes on, but don’t understand how it works.  In a like fashion, we know there is but one GOD and HE exists in 3 persons.  That is a truth as high as the heavens are (Light-years away) beyond our understanding (Isaiah 55:8-9).  But we believe it because the Bible says it is so.

Have you ever wondered which person of the Godhead to pray to?

We know prayer is important because we are told: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways (decisions and even words) acknowledge HIM (consult with GOD about what to do and say) and HE (promises that HE) will direct your paths (we will know the next step).  Be not wise in your own eyes, fear the LORD and avoid evil” (Proverbs 3:5-7).

While on earth, JESUS didn’t do or say anything without consulting GOD the FATHER (John 5:30, 12:49).  The same is true of the HOLY SPIRIT.  The HOLY SPIRIT only speaks and nudges as HE gets instructions from GOD the FATHER (John 16:13).

Come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

The Word of GOD says that “to cease from praying for others” is a sin against GOD (1 Samuel 12:23). So, we definitely know we are to pray for others. James 4:16 tells us to confess our sins to one another, not so the other can be the answer but so the other would pray for us.

So, we see prayer is not an option it is essential!

But who do we pray to?

A gal in my study asked that question and it was interesting to note that some in the group said one thing and some said another. One stated that since the Trinity (GOD the FATHER, GOD the SON and GOD the HOLY SPIRIT) were one it really didn’t matter.

Does it?

I must admit that I do thank JESUS over and over for all HE has done and is doing for me. I also thank the HOLY SPIRIT for putting up with me and apologize to HIM when I have grieved HIM with a wrong thought, attitude or action, or quenched HIM by refusing to do what HE has nudged me to do.  But I feel Scripture shows us that we are to pray to FATHER GOD and ask of HIM from whom all blessings flow (James 1:17).

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In Hebrews 2:10 We are told GOD the FATHER is bring many children into glory and the ONE leading us is JESUS.  As in the game “follow the leader” if the leader turns a corner, you are supposed to turn that corner too. To follow JESUS we are to live as HE lived.

1-We are told how JESUS spent much time in prayer and after one such session the disciples as HIM to teach them to pray.  HE began with. “Our FATHER who is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:9)

2-JESUS right now is at the right hand of the FATHER making intercession for us believers (Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25).  Who is JESUS praying to (talking things over with)?

3-In John 14:16 JESUS tells us, “I will pray to the FATHER for you and HE will send the HOLY SPIRIT.”

Why are we to pray to the FATHER? 

1-It is from GOD the FATHER all things come (James 1:17, Matthew 7:11).

2-JESUS said, “pray to the FATHER in MY name” (John 15:16. 16:23, Matthew 6:6).

GOD the HOLY SPIRIT is awesome.  HE has humbled HIMSELF to live in us and be our teacher (John 14:16, 16:13-15) But HE only tells us what HE has heard from GOD the FATHER (John 16:13), interprets GOD’s Word to us (1 Corinthians 2:10), guides us and who helps us in our weakness of not knowing how we should pray as we ought by interceding for us by editing our prayers as they rise up to FATHER GOD (Romans 8:26-27).  Who does the HOLY SPIRIT pray to?

But I have found that though we can hear and understand the HOLY SPIRIT and HE gives us power to move when HE nudges and guides us, we pray to the FATHER in the name of JESUS for everything proceeds from the FATHER GOD (James 1:17).

We go back to the Words of LORD (Ruler/ Master) JESUS, “And in that day (after JESUS was crucified, rose from the grave and ascended into heaven) you shall ask ME nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever, you shall ask the FATHER in MY name (according to MY character), HE will give it to you.” (John 16:23).

Just one more little thing, GOD tells us to ask HIM how HE wants us to pray (Isaiah 45:11KJ) and then through the HOLY SPIRIT GOD the FATHER will lead us in how to pray.  Elijah is a prime example.  GOD states that Elijah’s prayers availed (accomplished much).  But I Kings chapters 17 and 18 make it very clear GOD told him exactly what to pray for and what to do according to what GOD’s plans were. 

1 Kings 18:36 “And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near and said, “LORD GOD of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that YOU are GOD in Israel, and that I am YOUR servant, and that I have done all these things at YOUR command.

Prayer can be said to be to FATHER GOD, through the name (authority according to the character) of JESUS who HIMSELF intercedes for us and by the power and prompting (if walking in the SPIRIT) / or editing (when praying our will) of the HOLY SPIRIT.

All three of the GODhead are seen in prayer as they are in so many things.  I probably will take that thought further at another time.

Hugs

Sharon

Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed

I’ve had this plant in my office over a year and this is only the 2nd bloom but isn’t it amazing?

God is quite the designer

And Jesus said that Solomon in all His glory was not arrayed as one of these (Matthew 6:28-30).

Jesus was emphasizing that if God took all the trouble to design and paint a flower so carefully when it was here for a short time and then gone, how much more will He provide for his children who came to Him through Jesus.

Our God is amazing!

Hugs

Sharon L Manning

Know that I AM GOD

People want power to rule over others, but the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY has absolute power but uses it to help and raise people up.

GOD wants the world to know that HE is the LORD not to put them down but to lift them up.  One of the ways HE shows the world HE is over all (LORD), historically, is through delivering HIS people from difficulty.  Just look at what happened when Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den (Daniel 6), or when Shadrach, Meschech,  and Abed-Nego were thrown into the fiery furnace heated 7 times hotter than before (Daniel 3) or when Joseph cast in a pit by his brothers and sold as a slave became 2nd in command over Egypt.  In each case GOD was recognized as the power behind it all.

Exodus 7:5  And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch out My hand on Egypt and bring out the children of Israel from among them.

For it is HIS infinite power that shows HE is LORD (Master over all).

It wasn’t just the Egyptians HE showed HIS power to, people far and wide heard what GOD did when HE brought the Jews out of Egypt and when HE parted the Red Sea and then 40  years later parted the Jordan River.  They heard and saw it was of GOD and knew of HIS power, and recognized HIS was LORD (Joshua 2:9-11).

Today GOD is still in the rescue business in big things and in little.  When HE delivers us, the world sees HIM and HIS power.  So let’s look at our problems as ways to co-labor with GOD, where GOD may be seen and glorified and open the hearts of unbeliever.

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of CHRIST’s sufferings, that when HIS glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy (1 Peter 4:12-13).

Peter makes the point that fiery trials are not some strange occurrences, but they are opportunities for GOD’s glory to be revealed.

Grab a hold of that truth and be blessed.

Hugs

Sharon

Now HE lives for me

My pastor made a statement in his sermon this weekend that explains things so well.  Dave said, “The one who does the rescuing has the right to determine how it (the rescue) is done (carried out).”

His illustration was taken from a real-life story concerning a toddler/ a baby who had fallen into a deep but narrow well back in the late 80’s.  It took 58 hours to decide and implement the rescue of this little one.  They had to dig a parallel hole and when it reached the right depth, they had to dig across to get to little Jessica.  Praise the LORD it worked, Jessica was saved and is now a mother of 2.

The rescuers, not the parents, decided how to rescue little Jessica.  In the same way GOD decided how to rescue mankind from the penalty of their sinful condition…which is death.

It was necessary, for all have sinned (Romans 3:23) and the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).

GOD, the rescuer, chose how to rescue mankind.  GOD sent HIS only begotten SON (JESUS) that whosoever believed on HIM would have eternal life (John 3:16).

Our LORD JESUS CHRIST “gave HIMSELF for our sins that HE might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of GOD our FATHER” (Galatians 1:4).  To redeem us and free us from the curse, JESUS was cursed by being crucified on a wooden cross (Galatians 3:13).  HE suffered whipping, a crown of thorns, being nailed to the cross and a spear punctured HIS side.  7 is the number of completeness, and from 7 places JESUS blood flowed. This was necessary for without the shedding of blood there is no remission (forgiveness) (Hebrews 9:22).

As Pastor Dave explained this beautiful truth in detail, another aspect of the same concept flooded my mind and encouraged me greatly.  I was to step back, trusting GOD to know and do what I could not and trust HIS plan of rescue. I was not to moan and groan and beg GOD to work in a way I wanted to see things done.  I was not to interfere in ignorance concerning HIS work in others.

“The one who does the rescuing has the right to determine how it is done.”

Our LORD was named JESUS for HE would save HIS people from their sins (Matthew 1:21).  JESUS not only paid for our sins so we could be forgiven but HE also saves us from the power our sins have over us and sets us free from bondage to them.  The Bible describes it as HIM saving us to the uttermost (Hebrews 7:25).

“The one who does the rescuing has the right to determine how it is done.”  That says GOD determines the best way to deliver us from the hold sin has on us.  We cannot do it by ourselves.  Some of us are very stubborn and it will take stronger measures to deliver such a one who holds on to their sin. 

The discipline necessary to set us free is seldom fun and usually grievous but it is guaranteed to work and to produce righteousness in the one exercised by it (Hebrews 12:11). And Praise the LORD GOD guarantees it is for our profit (2 Corinthians 4:15-17) and due to GOD’s discipline and chastising we will be kept from being condemned with the world (1 Corinthians 11:31-32).

Those words, “The one who does the rescuing has the right to determine how it is done” were like cool water on a hot day for me because some I care for deeply need rescuing.  I cannot do it, nor should I fight the way GOD chooses to deliver them.  Often, I do not understand what GOD is doing and don’t like what I see but am learning to trust the wisdom and love of my GOD as I keep placing them into HIS hands. 

I am confident of this very thing that HE WHO began a good work in them will bring it to completion (Philippians 1:6). The humble and unselfish nature of JESUS that caused HIM to put aside HIS glory and position and more than I can understand (Philippians 2:4-8) to come save us from the death penalty by dying on the cross for our sins and to disarm the enemy is that same divine nature causing JESUS now to live (it is HIS aim and purpose) to intercede for all who have come to GOD through HIM until they are saved to the uttermost. (Hebrews 7:25).

What a mighty Savior we have! There is none like HIM.

Hugs

Sharon

Alive forever more

Today is Resurrection Sunday and it brings back memories from when I was young.  Yes there were frilly dresses and Easter hats but my memories are full of the songs of Resurrection.  They live in my mind although they are not sung today.  One that comes to mind is….

Alive, alive, alive forever more, my JESUS is alive, alive forever more.  Alive, alive, alive forever more, my JESUS is alive, alive forever more.  Sing Hallelujah, sing Hallelujah, my JESUS is alive forever more. .  Sing Hallelujah, sing Hallelujah, my JESUS is alive.

JESUS being alive means many things… for one it guarantees believers in HIM too will be resurrected.  But lets look at another aspect.

“Wherefore HE (JESUS) is able also to save them to the uttermost (completely and forever) that come unto GOD by HIM, seeing HE (JESUS) ever liveth (lives forever) to make intercession for them (Hebrews 7:25).

“For by one offering HE hath perfected forever them that are (being) sanctified (changed into JESUS likeness)” (Hebrews 10:14).

Being JESUS is alive, raised from the dead, if we have come to GOD by HIM (confessed that JESUS is LORD and that GOD raised HIM from the dead and called on the name of the LORD-Romans 10:9-10,13) we can be sure we will live forever with HIM because HE is interceding on our behalf and we are thus being changed into HIS likeness (Romans 8:29). 

It is the most amazing thing!

Hugs

Sharon

On a hill

Last night I joined many others as we gathered at a cross on the hill that can be seen from Highway 25 between Pueblo and Colorado Springs, CO. The other years I walked the long way up but this time this old lady caught a ride on an ATV. 

We came to remember and celebrate our LORD JESUS CHRIST’s work for us on the cross.  (the picture was taken as we were beginning to gather there at the cross.

Outwardly I was a very obedient child (goody two-shoes you could say) but the day I heard the preacher say JESUS died for your guilt, I was convicted and knew without question that I too was a sinner and needed a Savior. I ran down the stairs and up to the altar to accept JESUS as my Savior.  (Though I know now I could have been saved right there in my seat by simply calling on the name of the LORD JESUS to save me Romans 10:13).

I was delighted when the 1^st song we sang was “The Old Rugged Cross” for it was my favorite as a new baby Christian.

Now not all are outwardly obedient children.  Many, especially in the wicked times we live in, are openly deviant rebels.  One of my siblings and some of my offspring could easily fall into that category.

“the sons of rebellion shall all be as thorns thrust away, Because, they cannot be taken into hands.  But the one that touches them must be armed…” (2 Samuel 23:6-7 NKJV).

But GOD has made a way, just as HE did through the Red Sea.   Praise the LORD there is hope for us and our rebellious children! 

It was for us JESUS was, “oppressed, and HE was afflicted… (Isaiah 53:7).  And because of HIS suffering all have an opportunity to be saved and cleansed from sin and bondage.

“They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine” (Isaiah 29:24).

Yet as King David learned we come to our senses often through troubles. “Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept YOUR (GOD’s) word” (Psalm 119:67).

(Take warning we who would spare others from seemingly hard things… pray for sure but remember GOD uses hard things to wake us up to reality).

A person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in JESUS CHRIST” (Galatians 2:16). “If righteousness could be gained through the law, CHRIST died for nothing!” (Galatians 2: 21).  

All mankind was dead in sin and trespasses (Ephesians 2:1-5) but when one believes in JESUS he is cleansed by the blood of JESUS CHRIST (Revelation1:5), the HOLY SPIRIT comes into that one (Ephesians 1:13), and the HOLY SPIRIT baptizes him into CHRIST JESUS (I Corinthians 12:13,27) and he is made alive (Ephesians 2:1-5) given the right to be a true son of GOD (John 1:12-13, 1 John 3:1-2).   

“as though GOD were pleading through me: I implore you on CHRIST’s behalf, be reconciled to GOD (2 Corinthians 5:20).”

“That if thou shalt confess with your mouth the LORD JESUS, and shalt believe in your heart that GOD has raised HIM from the dead, you shalt be saved.  For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation… For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved (Romans 10:9-10, 13).

Looking with wonder at the old rugged cross and what my LORD JESUS did there for me.

Hugs

Sharon