To be like HIM

Today is Pentecost, a day 50 days after our LORD JESUS CHRIST was resurrected from the dead.  It is the Day the HOLY SPIRIT was sent to baptize believers into the body of CHRIST (1 Corinthians 12:13, 27). At that time, the HOLY SPIRIT came to live in each believer and was sealed to him/ her until the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30) when JESUS would rapture those who believed in HIM (catch them away into the air to be with HIMSELF forever-1 Thessalonians 4:14-17).

Pentecost is the day the Church was born.  Since that day people are added (baptized in) to the Church (the body of CHRIST) the moment they believe in JESUS and are sealed with the HOLY SPIRIT of promise.

Thinking about that this morning I got to thinking of JESUS.  Of all the names/ titles people called JESUS like: Son of GOD, Emmanuel (GOD with us), JESUS (GOD saves), CHRIST (the Messiah), Good Shepherd, Prince of Peace, the Light of the world and a slew of others JESUS is recorded to refer to HIMSELF predominately as “the son of man” (82 times in the gospels).

Why do you think of all the other descriptive titles and names JESUS chose to call HIMSELF “the son of man”?

We see in Philippians 2:5-8 “Let this mind be in you, which was also in CHRIST JESUS: Who, being in the form of GOD… equal with GOD: But made HIMSELF of no reputation, and took upon HIMSELF 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 even to death, even the death of the cross.”

Yes, JESUS who threw the stars into space (John 1:1-2, Hebrews 1:1-2) laid aside HIS glory, position, power, authority, wealth humbled HIMSELF to have a human body formed around HIM in the womb of a young woman, submitted HIMSELF to his human mother and step-father (Luke 2:51) and HIS heavenly FATHER by never acting on HIS own but saying and doing only what GOD the FATHER told HIM (John 12:49-50) and obeyed GOD to even die on the cross and carry the sins of the world.  As Hebrews 2 says HE did it so that HE might lead many to become children of GOD, HE delights to identify with HIS brothers and sisters.

JESUS wanted you and me (mankind) and as many who would believe in HIM (John 1 :12) to become children of the living GOD.  HE gave up so much to become a man, to show us HE truly understands mankind and our struggles (Hebrews 4:14-16), to show us how very much HE loves us and that HIS purpose is for man.  I believe JESUS delighted in calling HIMSELF the “son of man” because HE delighted in mankind.  HE became a man to help man.

Pondering on this truth of JESUS, suddenly my mind flew to a situation I was refusing because of the cost to myself.  Having just meditated on JESUS selflessness, I realized my shallow selfishness and I confessed it asking for help to love as JESUS loves me.  GOD heard my cry, and my heart was opened to receive the situation to fill the needs of others. Joy burst in my heart as tears filled my eyes.

That is what happens when we see something about JESUS in Technicolor (vivid reality).  When we see HIM in an area like that it changes us to become like what we see in JESUS (2 Corinthians 3:18, 1 John 3:2).  I saw JESUS giving up HIS rights for me and it enabled me to give up my rights for another.

 Isn’t that wild?

Hugs

Sharon

Light of the world

GOD wants us to have light (the ability to see clearly) and after years of things getting harder and harder to see as growing cataracts blocked out more and more light, I genuinely appreciate light and the clarity it brings since my cataract surgery.

GOD said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. GOD made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night…Genesis 1:14-16.

The lesser light is the moon.  But the moon does not have light of its own.  It only reflects the light of the sun.  GOD calls the moon HIS faithful witness (Psalm 89:37).

Years ago out in Ellicott I had run from physical danger, climbed through a barbed wire fence and ran some more.  Exhausted, I dropped to the cactus infested field as the last rays of the sun diminished.  After a bit of just being still, I looked up into the black sky to the moon and stars and as, “The heavens declare the glory of GOD; and the firmament shows HIS handiwork… and night unto night shows knowledge” (Psalm 19:1-2) GOD whispered to me.  “It is OK Sharon, I am still in control, it is time to go home”.

GOD used the moon, HIS faithful witness, to calm my spirit as it reminded me of GOD’s faithfulness, power and control.

It is written that JESUS, the Light of the world, gives light (understanding) to everyone who enters the world (John 1:8-9).  The witness to that light (JESUS) was John the Baptist.  But before JESUS ascended into heaven after HE was raised from the dead, HE said that believers (you and me) were to be HIS witnesses.  So, I want to witness of GOD and HIS goodness.

One morning as I met with GOD I asked the LORD, “Why do all these hard things have to happen to us, one right after another?” Then I picked up my Bible, turned to where I had left off reading the day before in Lamentations. As I read, the LORD answered that question by connecting what I was reading with verses from both the Old and New Testaments.

In Lamentations I read of all kinds of hard even horrible things happening to Israel (GOD’s people).  Then in verse 17, “The LORD has done what HE purposed; HE has fulfilled HIS word which HE commanded in days of old. HE has thrown down and has not pitied…”

My 1^st reaction was, “What? Is that my loving GOD who sent HIS only begotten Son to die that I might be forgiven? (John 3:16).

The HOLY SPIRIT immediately reminded me (John 14:26) how GOD offered blessing and curses for HIS people depending on if HIS people listened to HIS word and followed HIS instructions given for their protection and good or refused HIS words. Then Daniel 9:24 came to mind and with it came understanding. 

The angel Gabriel was sent to answer Daniel’s prayer concerning Israel who had so often and blatantly turned from GOD over and over again.  Daniel was told that seventy weeks (of years) with a gap of unknown duration between the 69th and the 70^th week of years were determined for the Jews to put an end to sin, to set things in order and prepare the people to finally accept their Messiah, JESUS. (that gap is also called the times of the Gentiles and has already been in effect for over 2,000 years).  But any day, that could end and the last 7 years will begin.

The hard things they were facing during the 70 weeks of years had to come to teach them, put an end to sin and prepare them for what was coming and ultimately to recognize their Savior and call on the name of the LORD (Zechariah 12:10). 

“Whom shall HE (GOD) teach knowledge? and whom shall HE make to understand doctrine? … For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little” (Isaiah 28:9-10).  “Now no chastening (discipline) for the present seems to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby” (Hebrews 12:11).

Everyone has to learn and some of us are slow learners.  Hebrews 5:12-14 says if one chooses to pay attention to what he hears and applies what GOD shows, that one will grow faster.

“Though HE were a SON (who never sinned), yet HE (JESUS) learned (experienced the cost of) obedience by the things which HE suffered (Hebrews 5:8).

So how in the world did that comfort me? 

2 Corinthians 4:15-17 says all things are for my benefit and that GOD through the troubles and pain is achieving awesome things that far outweigh the pain of today. 

Meanwhile, GOD instructs us in 2 Corinthians 4:18 not to focus on the problems for they are temporary, and HE promises to walk us through them and they will pass.  Instead, HE urges us to believe in HIM and HIS goodness and to focus on the reality that GOD is achieving for us eternal awesome things through our struggles. That truth shouts out about GOD’s unfathomable wisdom and purpose.

Again, I am reminded to give thanks for all things (even these hard situations my offspring and I are enduring) for this is the will of GOD in CHRIST JESUS for us (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

What it comes down to is do I, and do you, really believe what we say we believe– that GOD loves us and that HIS plans for us is good?

Faith is the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1) and the just shall live by faith (Galatians 3:11).

Hugs

Sharon

Problems?

I awoke this morning to another serious crisis… I see no way..  No light, not even the end of the tunnel.  But the LORD GOD makes a way were there seems no way.

Are there problems in your world, like there is in mine?

Malachi 3:6  For I am the LORD, I change not, therefore you… are not consumed.

GOD knows all things past, present and future (HE even knows what we are going to say before we do- Psalm 139:2) GOD has eternal power (Romans 1:20), GOD is creative and made all things (John 1:3) GOD is infinite (has no limits although HE sets limits on all things), HE is love and proved it by sending JESUS to die for us (John 3:16), GOD is just and the justifier of all who believe in JESUS (Romans 3:26), GOD is true (Romans 3:4), GOD is faithful (Lamentations 3:23) GOD is merciful and compassionate (Lamentations 3:22) and has given believers in JESUS great and precious promises (2 Peter 1:4).

“Behold, these (all the above) are just the fringes (mere edges) of HIS ways; And how faint a word we hear of HIM…?” (Job 26:14).  There is much about GOD that is hinted at that we cannot comprehend and even more that we cannot see at all as long as we are mortals with a fallen sin nature in our human bodies.

Everything true about GOD is true about everything else HE is. GOD is unchangeable.  HIS faithfulness is unchangeable (we see it in the rising of the sun and going down of the same day after day, after day). HIS love is infinite (unlimited), HIS knowledge unfathomable, HIS mercy is just and fair in every way, and it is with compassionate love that HE disciplines and judges.

Although different in kind and scope, we all face decisions, struggles and problems.  Many of us can see little or no hope in the circumstances… the things we see.

But GOD’s ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9) and GOD declares, 1 Corinthians 4:15-18 “For all things are for your benefit, that the abundant grace (GOD supplies to you) might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of GOD. Because of that we don’t faint; but though our outward man perish (is wasting away), yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our (comparative) light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory (that far surpasses the pain of today; … look not at the things which are seen (your circumstances), but at the things which are not seen (that which GOD is achieving for you through your circumstances): for the things which are seen (your circumstances) are temporal (they will pass); but the things which are not seen (that which GOD is achieving through the problems) are eternal (and will benefit you forever). (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

How will focusing on GOD’s unchanging nature instead of your circumstances give you greater hope?

I have found that my focus determines my perspective.

Almighty GOD, I worship YOU for only YOU are worthy. Maker of heaven and earth I look to YOU.  Please renew my vision of YOU so I can focus on YOU and trust YOUR constant presence and control although things in my world are so out of control.  Thank YOU LORD, for YOUR promise that YOU are with me and will enable me to get through this valley.  I trust YOU and just knowing YOU have a plan, are at work and in control brings me such peace and joy and just writing this out builds my confidence for I am persuaded that YOU are able to do all that YOU promise.  I praise YOU my heavenly FATHER and pray in the name of YOUR SON, my Savior JESUS.  AMEN.

Hugs

Sharon

Psalm 116:12-13 What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord.

You must add…

My kids sometimes laugh at my cooking concoctions and often are surprised with how good something is. I like to add garlic and onions and spinach and a touch of sour cream to scrambled eggs.  What do you like to add to yours?

“For by grace (GOD’s Riches at CHRIST’s expense- JESUS death on the cross) are you saved through faith (believing in JESUS death and resurrection and return); and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of GOD: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

It all begins with faith (Romans 10:17).  Then we are told…”add to your faith virtue” (2 Peter 1:5).

Add is a command showing that we have to do something.

We must not forget that we cannot do what GOD does, and that GOD will not do what HE enables us to do. We cannot save nor sanctify (purify) ourselves. GOD alone does that.

On the other hand, good habits come from choosing to use what GOD has given us (2 Peter 1:2-4).  “According as HIS divine power has given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of HIM” (2 Peter 1:3). 

Just as we put away groceries in the pantry or refrigerator, GOD and FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings has stored those blessings in heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3).  Therefore, just as we must go to the frig to get the eggs out for breakfast, so we must go to the throne to get the grace (GOD’s Riches At CHRIST’s Expense) that already belongs to us to help us in times of need (Hebrews 4:16).

In other words when we know we should do something- but our attitude is bad, we need to go to GOD and ask for whatever is necessary (perhaps patience or gentleness) for a better attitude. If we desire to please HIM, GOD will enable us but GOD will not force us to walk correctly before HIM. We have to choose to do that ourselves.

2 Timothy 2:20-22 tells how we choose to be either vessels of honor or dishonor.  Either way we are GOD’s but the vessels of honor will meet JESUS with confidence, while the vessels of dishonor will be ashamed (1 John 2:28).  The vessels of honor will receive a reward, while the vessels of dishonor will be saved as if coming out of a fire smelling like smoke (1 Corinthians 3:13-15).

Philippians 1:12-13 declares it is our job to “work out” our “own salvation” (not our eternal salvation JESUS paid for that, but to doing what is pleasing to GOD) which GOD has worked in us so we know what HE wants us to do and has given us the power to do it.

JESUS says, “And why call ME, LORD, LORD (Master), and do not the things which I say? (Luke 6:46).

Add means that its our responsibility to get into the habit of choosing to do whatever GOD nudges us to do.  In the initial stages that can be difficult. After taking the initiative over and over even when we don’t feel like it, we teach ourselves to walk in the SPIRIT.  “This I say then, Walk in the SPIRIT, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).

Beware of the tendency to ask GOD what you should do when you know perfectly well what you should do. Just take the initiative, stop hesitating and take that first step. Be determined to act immediately in faith (believing that although GOD’s ways don’t always make sense to us HE really does know what is best) when GOD speaks (lays something on your heart).

When I hesitate or put off what GOD has impressed on me to do, HE becomes silent.  It is not until I do whatever it is HE told me that HIS peace returns.

I can’t just tell HIM, “I will write that blog,” or “I will send that text”; but I must stop whatever I’m doing and do it!

Develop the habit of carefully listening to GOD when HE nudges you, and also talking over everything with HIM.  GOD told us how to walk in the SPIRIT when HE said, “trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In ALL your ways acknowledge HIM (talk things over with GOD) and HE will direct your path.  Be not wise in your own eyes…(Proverbs 3:5-7a). For the HOLY SPIRIT is the ONE who explains to us what GOD is saying (1 Corinthians 2:10).

If we automatically turn to GOD when a struggle or crisis hits, we know that HE is our LORD and believe HE has the answers.

Hugs

Sharon

Am I paying attention?

Where there is no revelation [direction from GOD], the people cast off restraint… (Proverbs 29:18).

Without a purpose, when one does not have a GOD given direction to take there is a restlessness, an emptiness, a hopelessness that leads to irresponsible action.  Without GOD leading we can easily lose sight of GOD and begin to be reckless. We cast off certain restraints from activities we know are wrong. We set prayer aside as well and cease having GOD’s vision (direction) in the little things of life. We simply begin to act on our own initiative.

On the other hand direction from GOD gives moral incentive to be part of GOD’s plan.  That is why we need to start our days asking the LORD what HE wants us to do.  A word from HIM to our heart can produce an excitement, freshness and purpose.

“For it is GOD who works (places) in you both to will (to see a need and know you can make a difference) and to do (are enabled /equipped to do it) with GOD’s good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13).

Most often for me the revelation (vision/ direction) comes in what I term “a nudge from GOD”. There are many ways the nudge can come: when I read the Bible, or hear a report, or see a need. The vision is often just an awareness that I need to do a specific thing.  Let me say it is a given that a nudge from GOD never contradicts the nature of GOD for GOD will never tell me to do something wrong.  HIS directives cover even seemingly small activities like doing dishes or making a phone call.  We have no clue what effect our actions will have on others.

Once I am nudged, it is in my court.  I know what GOD wants me to do and know my responsibility is to do it.  But like Jonah (Jonah 4:2) I can refuse to comply and make excuses. For me that only happens when I am tunnel-vision focused on what I want or think and thereby lose sight of the greatness of GOD, HIS wisdom, and HIS perfect love. 

The sad thing is once I turn from a command (GOD given direction/ nudge- big or small), I have turned my back on GOD and there is a disconnect. If I don’t judge my actions and thoughts and confess (1 John 1:9) when the HOLY SPIRIT convicts me, I end up justifying myself. When that happens GOD will step in with discipline (ouch) like any good FATHER (1 Corinthians 11:31-32).

GOD only disciplines those HE loves and has accepted, those who are HIS children (Hebrews 12:6-8). There is an awesome promise that goes with GOD’s discipline. No matter how hard the discipline may seem GOD guarantees that it will accomplish HIS purpose and produce righteousness and right action in us (Hebrews 12:11, 2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

Remember, GOD is changing us so we participate in JESUS’ divine nature (Romans 8:29, 2 Peter 1:4).

I have learned through the years that by quickly obeying GOD’s nudges doesn’t just keep me from discipline, it brings me quiet joy and satisfaction as I enter into the things GOD has designed me to do (Ephesians 2:10).

Hugs

Sharon

How and Why?

Have you ever doubted the goodness of GOD? or at least that HE really cared for you?

One gal who went to church for years and even taught children began reading the Bible and turned away from her beliefs as she read the Old Testament and saw GOD command the Jews to destroy cities and literally kill everyone in them.  She left her church and now declares she cannot believe in the GOD of the Bible.

As we are studying Joshua the same thought rises, “How could and why would a loving GOD command that all the people in a city be killed?”

There are other factors, but I would like to focus on one: sin.

The 1^st mention of sin in the Bible is when GOD is talking to Cain who is mad because GOD didn’t accept what Cain thought was good.

“If you do well, you will be accepted, but if you don’t do well, sin lies at the door. His desire is to rule you but you should rule over him” (Genesis 4:7 paraphrased).

In other words when you do wrong, sin is ruling you, but if you do right sin is pushed away.

Basically, sin begins by believing a lie.  That lie is I am in control and “my way” is better than GOD’s way. When we choose to sin or choose our own way we have fallen into a trap. That trap is ensnared our 1^st mother, Eve and it is called the snare of the devil.  Once we are in the snare the devil, he uses us to do his seditious will.  That does NOT mean we are possessed but rather that he influences us and often directs our steps.  The only way out of that trap is to admit that doing “my thing” is wrong and turning back to GOD and looking to HIM for direction (2 Timothy 2:25-26).

Many will say, “Come on is sin really that serious?”  To GOD it really is.

“For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).  GOD’s love demands the complete eradication of sin for sin destroys and grows increasingly worse and worse as time goes on.

“The LORD saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time” (Genesis 6:5). The punishment was the universal flood and everyone but Noah and his wife and his 3 sons and their wives were saved.  They were saved because they believed what GOD said about a flood (even though they had never seen one and followed the LORD’s instructions to build and furnish the arc.

Years later GOD promised Abraham land that today is called Israel. But HE told Abraham that it would be some 400 years before his descendants could take control of it.  The reason GOD gives explains something about sin.

“But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full” (Genesis 15:16)/ or as the ICB translation states it, “After your great-great-grandchildren are born, your people will come to this land again. It will take that long, because the Amorites are not yet evil enough to punish.” By this we see that sin increases in evilness.

In Abraham’s day some were already ripe for punishment.  “Then the LORD said, “The outcry against

Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous that I will go down and see if what they

have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know.” Genesis 18:20-21.  And we all know how GOD destroyed it.  Some were offered a way of escape but scoffed at the warning and only Lot and his 2 daughters escaped. They only escaped by believing the warning they were given and following the instructions.

GOD completely destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah and all that was in it.  Does that make GOD cruel?

“Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? says the LORD GOD: and not that he should

return from his ways, and live?”/ “For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dies, says the LORD GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye”/ “Say unto them, As I live, says the LORD GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die…?” (Ezekiel 18:23, 32, 33:11).

“The LORD is not slack concerning HIS promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not desiring that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

“Or do you despise the riches of HIS goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of GOD leadeth thee to repentance?” (Romans 2:4).

You see GOD is not cruel but merciful and longsuffering.  HIS mercy and long suffering is long but not indefinitely for sin corrupts and destroys so it must be stopped.  To be stopped it must be destroyed.

“And the LORD said, My SPIRIT shall not always strive with man,” (Genesis 6:3).

“The wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23).  Every sin must be punished and even though JESUS paid the full price for all sin on the cross (Hebrews 10:12) only those who come to GOD through JESUS are forgiven and freed from their sin.

“But this man, after HE had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of GOD” (Hebrews 10:12).  JESUS had finished HIS work of paying for sin when HE hung on the cross.

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

And for us who believe in JESUS and have come to GOD through HIM, JESUS now along with the HOLY SPIRIT and GOD the FATHER are working together to teach us and bring us to maturity where we will be transformed into the image Romans 8:29 (have the divine nature 2 Peter 1:4) like JESUS. For GOD’s plans for those who have become HIS children through faith in JESUS (John 1:12) no eye has seen, nor ear has heard the wonders GOD has prepared for us.  Sin cannot be a part of that.

That is why GOD had recorded in HIS Word, “What do you imagine against the LORD? HE will make an utter end (of sin): affliction shall not rise up the second time” (Nahum 1:9).

Astounding truth.  If GOD hadn’t said so, it would be absolutely unbelievable.  But HE did say so and so it will come to be.

Hugs

Sharon