Something new

It’s so beautiful up at camp  and I saw something more about my JESUS in the messages. I’ll tell you all about it in just a bit.

From the mid-80’s to mid-90’s I had the joy of working at the Christian Camp Elim, about 7 miles north of Woodland Park.  Every fall they have a Senior’s (Harvest) Retreat and this year I was able to attend. They have great Bible teaching sessions, and one just fun special activity. 

This year’s special activity was a bus trip to Cripple Creek to ride their 2-gauge railroad and view the season’s changing colors. Am I ever so glad that the camp director had the foresight to arrange to save the train cars with roofs for our large group because it began to rain as we rode along. The colors have begun to change and there are lots of beautiful yellow and gold aspens mixed in with the evergreens  but although there is a touch of orange here and there, no red was evident. 

The bus ride with beautiful views of autumn colors as well as the train ride were nice the chapels were even better.  Our speaker used the harmony of the gospel accounts (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) to tell of JESUS’s prayer in the garden, arrest, HIS trials by the Jews and HIS 3 trials by the Romans and HIS beatings and the cross.    

It was in HIS trials by the Jews that I first saw a glimpse of JESUS that I hadn’t seen before.  I had always and only pictured JESUS going “as a lamb to be slaughtered” as scripture said HE would (Isaiah 53:7).  JESUS fulfilled that prophesy (Acts 8:42) for JESUS NEVER DEFENDED HIMSELF in any of the trials although nothing but lies were spoken about HIM (Matthew 27:12-14, Mark 15:3. Luke 23:7-12).

But, Rob brought out that JESUS did speak not as one on trial in defense of HIMSELF but as the ONE to whom all judgment has be delegated HE calmly pointed out where HIS captors/ accusers were breaking the law.

“For the FATHER judges no man, but has committed all judgment unto the SON” (John 5:22).

Jewish law states that you cannot arrest anyone at night. JESUS was arrested at night (Matthew 26:55-56).

Jewish law says no trials were to be held at night yet the 3 Jewish trials were held at night.

Jewish law says that if a priest ever tore his robe he would cease to be a priest (Leviticus 10:6-7, 21;10). When the High Priest commanded JESUS to speak in the name of GOD JESUS stated who HE was and the High Priest tore his clothes.

Jewish law says a person’s testimony about himself cannot be accepted in court (John 5:31)  but 2 witnesses must speak against him (Deuteronomy 19:15).  JESUS asked why they were asking HIM about HIS disciples and doctrine. 

Because JESUS reminded them of the law they struck him.  JESUS said “if I said if I have spoken well (the truth of the matter) why do you strike ME” (John 18:23).

Paul while speaking to the High Priest later clarifies JESUS statement in Acts 23:2-3) Then Paul said to him, “GOD will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!”

During HIS 6 trials JESUS never spoke in HIS own defense for HE was on trial as a man and HE represented us (mankind). 

But each time JESUS did speak during those trials it was as GOD the SON showing man something. HE spoke the TRUTH for HE is truth (John 14:6) and as the eternal JUDGE (John 5:22) HE pointed out their actions were sin.

I had never seen my LORD JESUS in HIS dual role as fully GOD and fully man during HIS trials until Rob pointed it out.  Each time JESUS spoke it was in calm authority for HE is LORD of all and the eternal JUDGE.

It really has made me stop and think, “How much else have I missed about JESUS as I read through the Word of GOD?”  I praise the LORD for the promise that GOD the HOLY SPIRIT will show me more of JESUS when I am ready to understand (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain!

Hugs

Sharon

What are you looking for?

Sometimes doesn’t it seem like GOD is being slow in keeping HIS promises?

“The LORD does not delay and is not tardy or slow about what HE promises, according to some people’s conception of slowness, but HE is long-suffering (extraordinarily patient) toward you, not desiring that any should perish, but that all (of you) should turn to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9 AMPC).

Being I do not know what GOD knows, HIS timing often does not make sense to me.  But I am beginning to see, even in little things, that GOD’s timing always has a purpose. 

Back in the day, the days when you were young did you ever SNEAK around and do something you sure would not do if Mom or Dad were there?  Why did you sneak around?  If you were like me, and I think you are, you didn’t want to get caught doing something they didn’t like!

JESUS said that HE was going away (to heaven) to make a place for us- HIS bride/ the church (in HIS FATHER’s house) and that HE would come back for us so we could be where HE is (John 14:2-3). 

The truth is JESUS can come for us at any time.  It really makes sense that GOD our FATHER in HIS amazing wisdom has chosen not to disclose the time HE will send JESUS back for HIS bride the church. For the concept of being caught unaware is why the Biblical doctrine (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 2 Thessalonians 2:6-8) of the imminent (can happen at any moment) pre-tribulation rapture (catching away of the church) is a truth that motivates holiness.

We sure don’t want to meet our LORD ashamed (1 John 2:28).

And everyone that has this hope in HIM (JESUS is coming and can appear in the air and call us up at any time) purifies himself even as HE (JESUS) is pure.

Even so, come LORD JESUS!

Hugs

Sharon

Faith is just believing what GOD says HE will do.

As I took my walk this morning I was reflecting and taking to the LORD concerning several whose lives look a mess and HIS promises.  A line from a song came to mind, “Faith is just believing what GOD said HE would do.” GOD had given me promises concerning these and regardless of how things look HE will keep HIS promises.  GOD tells us “that the just shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:17, Habakkuk 2:4).

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things NOT SEEN” (Hebrews 11:1).  But without faith it is impossible to please HIM (GOD): for he that comes to GOD must believe 1) that HE IS (exists), and 2) that HE is a REWARDER of them that diligently seek HIM” (Hebrews 11:6).

Pondering that as I walked, I realized that I don’t know what GOD is doing in each of those loved ones and must simply trust GOD.

I felt a nudge to look behind me and I saw the moon.  It made me smile for I understood immediately that the nudge to turn around was from the HOLY SPIRIT to give me an illustration that GOD is faithful and will do as HE said if (condition) I would just look to HIM.   Why did I think that?

Is not the moon called HIS faithful witness in Psalm 89:37?

You and I are like the Moon, we have no light of our own.  But although we do not generate light, we can reflect the light of our GOD and Savior who is the Light of the world by letting HIM shine through us by our living by faith in obedience to HIS nudges.  As we stand in HIS light, we can have a great gravitational influence on things surrounding us.  So lets look to the SON and reflect HIS glory being like the moon-a faithful witness.

Hugs,

Sharon

How did JESUS reconcile you to GOD?

How did JESUS reconcile you to the FATHER GOD?

During the Pandemic when our movements were strictly limited and gatherings forbidden, beside suffering the sickness, we suffered the isolation/being alone.  Many even became suicidal during that time.

Before we called on the name of the LORD (JESUS) and were saved (Romans 10:13) we were dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1).  That means we were alienated from GOD.  Hebrew 7:25 states that those who come to GOD through HIM (JESUS) HE (JESUS) is able to save to the uttermost.

When we think of JESUS dying for us, many think of the awful beatings, the mockery and the horrible pain HE bore on the cross when HE carried our sins.  But that wasn’t all JESUS suffered.

In a recent lesson in Colossians, I asked my students. “How did JESUS reconcile you to GOD the FATHER? (Colossians 1:21-22, Matthew 27:46).

 ^“And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath HE (JESUS) reconciled.  In the body of HIS flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in HIS (GOD’s) sight” (Colossians 1:21-22).

 ^“And about the ninth hour JESUS cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My GOD (GOD the FATHER), my GOD (GOD the HOLY SPIRIT), why have YOU forsaken ME?” (Matthew 27:46).

Besides HIS pain and physical death, HE experienced alienation from GOD (spiritual death),  How can I say that?  I know that from Matthew 27:46.

JESUS suffered physical abuse yes, HE suffered physical death yes, and HE suffered alienation and separation from the GODhead.  That is also called death.

“we were dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1). 

“But your iniquities have separated between you and your GOD, and your sins have hid HIS face from you, that HE will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2).

When the sins of the world were upon HIM, JESUS was alienated from GOD.

That is why JESUS cried in anguish, “And about the ninth hour JESUS cried with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?’ that is to say, My GOD (GOD the FATHER), my GOD (GOD the HOLY SPIRIT), why have YOU forsaken ME?” (Matthew 27:46).

As soon as JESUS paid the price for all sin in order that all who accept JESUS could be forgiven HE said, “It is finished!” (John 19:30) and JESUS HIMSELF was no longer alienated from GOD the FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT.

We may not understand all this conveys, but you can know that whenever you feel all alone you can know that JESUS understands completely how you feel and if you turn to HIM JESUS will help you through it (Hebrews 4:14-16).  HIS suffering shows us HE understands and you can know that HE did it all for you.

Exalt the name of JESUS for HE is worthy to be praised!

Hugs

Sharon

PS my answer for “How did JESUS reconcile you to the FATHER?” has 2 parts.  JESUS reconciled me to GOD the FATHER by becoming alienated from GOD HIMSELF and dying for my sins on the cross.

Figure out who is talking

My son John really didn’t like to play football but for me he did play one season when in Jr. High. 

In the park across the street kids of various ages from preschoolers to high school meet to practice football.  These different teams have many exercises and practices that are the same and they go over and over them until it becomes 2^nd nature.  In the same way we are to read the Bible and put in to practice the things GOD shows us.

Professional football teams also study videos of the team they are going to play against to learn about the other team. They begin to recognize certain plays so that they can anticipate and outmaneuver their opponent.

 “Lest Satan get an advantage over us, we are not ignorant of his the devil’s schemes.” 2 Corinthians 2:11.

Just like a football team we Christians need to know things about our opponent.   For if we don’t recognize him/ if we are ignorant of his schemes, he can and will take advantage of us.  That word advantage in this verse means to step beyond the boundary.   So you see that it is even more important for us to know our enemy’s tactics than for a football team to know their opponents  plays.  They are just playing a game, but we are in a war.

I remember a time, when I was 1st learning about spiritual warfare, when I was tempted to do something wrong.  Now I thought the temptation came from myself and so I wasn’t fighting against it much because I figured I couldn’t fight myself.  But, GOD took pity on me and I heard in my spirit the words, “It’s the battle, Sharon!”  Only then did I recognize that the temptation came from the devil not me.  When I saw that I fought against it and won. 

I was losing the battle until I knew I was dealing besides myself.  Laugh if you will but that is what happened.  After that I came to realize how very important it is to recognize the enemy.

Here are some our enemy’s ways: 

1-Satan pretends to be us so his suggestions sound like our thoughts.

2-The devil tempts us as he did JESUS and twists GOD’s word. Luke 4:1-13

3-He calls GOD a liar and says GOD is unfair, not caring or trying to keep good things back from us. Genesis 3:4,5

4-He tempt our old sin nature to love this world for the whole world lies in his arms. I John 5:19 

 a-He entices with the desires of our flesh.. food, sex, pleasures, drugs and so on suggesting that we need to live for the moment.

 b-He dangles the desire for things we see like a new car, a fancy this or that… anything that looks good to us.

 c-He stirs up our pride… or me 1st, my way, power, position and the like   

I John 2:15-16

5-He lies, actually, he is the father of lies. John 8:44

6-He whispers doubts and accusations about others and even ourselves, (and remember his words sound just like us) for he is the accuser. Revelation 12:10

7-He tries to cause division and stir up anger.

8-If we refuse to obey GOD and forgive others he takes advantage and gets a foothold in our lives.  2 Corinthians 2:10,11 Ephesians 4:26,27.

9-But the scheme of the devil I want most want to bring to light today is found in  2 Corinthians 11:3. 

“But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, so your minds (thoughts) may be corrupted (seduced/led astray) from the simplicity and purity that is in Christ” 2 Corinthians 11:3. 

We know that JESUS is pure and holy and our focus should be on HIM.  Hebrews 12:1-3  The enemy attempts to distract us and get us to focus on other things rather than JESUS.  He tries to corrupt our thinking from the simplicity that is in Christ we find happiness and strength for whatever comes our way.

For instance he gets people to feel that believing in JESUS isn’t able/strong enough to keep them saved.  He points out that there is a whole bunch of other things they must do.

But GOD’s word clearly states, “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”

What our triune GOD does is change us into the like of JESUS.  HE changes our thoughts and desires.  But it is a process often like a baby learning to walk.  And we know at first they fall more than they walk.  But they learn not only to walk but to run.

So look to JESUS for the direction and strength to do what you should.

In a practical way the simplicity of going to JESUS helps me.  Since our battle begins in the mind, we must battle wrong thoughts given us by the devil.  And then the devil mocks us for having the thoughts he placed there to begin with.  They can seem overpowering  but I have found that to win that battle and shut up the devil I don’t do the fighting.  I simply go to JESUS and say here are my thoughts.  As I take every thought to JESUS and talk to HIM about it as I am instructed (Proverbs 3:5-7; 2 Corinthians 10:5 ; Hebrews 4:16)   JESUS takes them captive and my whole perspective changes.   That battle is won.   Now the devil may give another sneak attack but all I have to do is go to JESUS.     

Don’t let the devil catch you in his snare.  Take every thought to JESUS.     

Hugs

Sharon

Having direction

Now GOD gives us good things to enjoy (Matthew 7:11)

But do find yourself day after day trudging along what with the restrictions and shortages and not knowing what lies ahead wondering how to live with peace, joy and direction?

 As I was doing other things I got a notification from youtube for this Charles Stanley message.  I stopped to listen and it so clearly and biblically explains how to live joyously to please the LORD so I just have to share it with you.

hugs

Sharon

Blindman sat by the road

Camp Elim has been on my mind, probably because I get to go there in a couple of weeksl

Years past I worked up there and at grade school camps at Camp Elim we would sing a lot of fun songs that told of bible stories.  One began, “Blindman sat by the road and he cried.”

Today as I read another blindman’s story in Mark 10:46-52.  Stopping, I sang that old song I learned at camp.  But continuing to read, I also pondered the clear doctrine that it teaches. 

In Mark 10:46, the name of the Blindman is given, Bartimaeus.  Which shows that ALMIGHTY GOD knows us by name and relates to us individually.

Bartimaeus must have heard about JESUS to call HIM the Son of David and know that JESUS had power to heal.  The blindman had to believe the word he’d been told that JESUS was walking his way with many people following HIM.  For when the blindman  heard the noise of the crowd getting closer the blindman cried out, “JESUS, Son of David, have mercy on me” (Mark 10:47). 

To the Jews that title-Son of David belonged only of ONE, the promised coming Messiah.   

Although JESUS knew, JESUS asked Bartimaeus, “What do you want ME to do for you?”  That gave the blindman an opportunity to ask. 

The blindman said, “That I may see.” JESUS said to him, “Your faith has made you well.” (Mark 10:52 NKJV). 

How did the blindman get faith and how did it work for him? 

1st the blindman heard the word of CHRIST (Romans 10:17). Faith can only come if you hear.

2nd if you believe what you hear and receive the truth you obtain faith (2 Peter 1:1).

3rd to have faith you must 1) believe GOD is and 2) believe that HE rewards those who diligently seek HIM (Hebrews 11:6).  The blindman had kept crying out to JESUS until JESUS came to him.

4th true faith produces action (Galatians 5:6).  The blindman didn’t just sit there feeling sorry for himself, he cried out to the one who could help.

5th GOD says “ask and you will receive” (the blindman had to ask in order to be healed) (Matthew 7:8).

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

The blindman called on the name of the LORD.  Have you? 

Just asking,

Hugs

Sharonbelieve

Come on, let’s go!

Hurry up! Come on let’s go! Ever said or heard those words?

With so many hard things going on around the whole wide world, things that trouble us and push us to do that which we do not want to do,  it is so easy to be as the puppy in the picture and in a rush to get going. We might wonder what GOD is waiting on. But the Bible tells us that GOD has preset the times and places according to HIS own purposes with great wisdom and understanding. The Word of GOD says the eternal GOD has a reason for every seeming delay (Acts 17:26-27, Ephesians 1:11).

Problems and waiting can seem so hard, but James tells us that those very problems we want over are actually developing patience in us that brings us into maturity (James 1:2-4).

“Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the LORD’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.  You too, be patient and stand firm, because the LORD’s coming is near. (James 5:7-8).

Those verses speak of  3 groups:

1-Farmers patiently wait for the valuable crop of the earth;

2-GOD the SON, our LORD is patiently waiting for the last of the precious fruit of souls who will believe in JESUS before HE comes to receive us (HIS BRIDE) to HIMSELF. “Nevertheless, the foundation of GOD stands sure, having this seal. The LORD knows them that are HIS…” (2 Timothy 2:19a).  Through HIS eternal foreknowledge GOD knows everyone who will believe and who won’t so HE waits until the last one calls upon the name of the LORD before HE calls us to meet HIM in the air. (1 Peter 1:2, 2 Peter 3:9).

3-We who believe in JESUS are patiently waiting for our LORD to come and receive us to HIMSELF so that we may always be where HE is (John 14:1-3,1 Thessalonians 4:13-17).

Earlier in the chapter 3 of 2 Peter we are told of they who are willingly ignorant, they who refuse to receive the truth (2 Peter 3:3-5) then the pronouns change from 3rd person they to the 2nd person us. The 2nd person ‘us’ speaks of a different group of people. “The LORD is not slack concerning HIS promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any (of us , we who do or will believe) shall perish, but that all of (us who will receive the love of the truth) should come to repentance.”

2 Peter 3 verses 3 to 7 talk about scoffers who are willingly ignorant and calls them they in verse 5 and it tells of their end.  But beginning in verse 8 there is a drastic change and no longer does it speak of the scoffers who are willingly ignorant. The change is shown by a change the pronouns.  They are changed from them to us (speaking of believers in JESUS who are looking in faith for GOD promises to be fulfilled and JESUS to return for us.

So, if you are in a hurry for our LORD JESUS CHRIST to come, do your part, HASTEN that day.

But how can we do that? 2 Peter 3:11-12 state that the way we live and act toward others open up people to hear about JESUS so when we witness of JESUS they are willing to listen.  For that day of CHRIST coming for the church will not happen until the last one who will believe comes to JESUS for GOD is not willing that any of us (who will believe)will perish.

Looking unto JESUS the Author and Perfecter of my faith.

hugs

Sharon

Who do you walk with?

This morning actions of another brought to mind a thought that was not worthy and I want to tell you about that battle

“Most assuredly, I say to you. He who hears MY (JESUS) word and believers in HIM (GOD the FATHER) who sent ME has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life” John 5:24 NKJV.

It is amazing, we have been changed but… while we have the HOLY SPIRIT now living inside us (Ephesians 1:13, 4:30) we still have our old body (until the Rapture or we die) with its lusts of the flesh.  Therefore, although wondrously saved we are in a battle.

To allow the HOLY SPIRIT to call the shots is to be spiritual.  That means we need to be led/ go with the nudges of the HOLY SPIRIT and refuse the influences of the world.

“Walk in the SPIRIT and you will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh” Galatians 5:16  “the flesh lusts against the SPIRIT” Galatians 5:17.   It’s a battle believe you me.

The potential of our old sin nature/ the flesh being energized by suggestions from the evil one to us Christians should never be underestimated.  If we listen to suggestions we know are wrong, the flesh within us rises up and directs our choices having us do what we know we should not do.

It all begins with a subtle thought.  I became irritated by an action of another and from that thought another arose and I grumbled to the LORD. But praise the LORD a still soft voice whispered, “Will that matter in 50 years? Her salvation is what really counts and you know it!”  My irritation fled for I was directed back to what was truly important… can she see CHRIST in me and open herself up to HIM.

That is why we believers are told that when in spiritual warfare (fighting wrong thoughts… for the battle always begins with a thought) to take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).  I must confess that I can not always change/ or redirect my thoughts, but I can take them captive long enough to take them to JESUS.  When I discuss my thoughts with HIM something marvelous happens. I see things from a different angle.  No longer do I see them from my selfish fleshly view but from GOD’s selfless loving purposes. 

Looking unto JESUS

Hugs

Sharon

Do you believe in JESUS?

As I look out my window all is calm but then I hear the news and I realize that chaos has exploded throughout the entire world from many sources and Biblical prophesies lining up one after another, I feel an urgency that I must offer a free gift to my readers before it is too late. 

As it is written: “Now then we are ambassadors for CHRIST, as though GOD did beseech you by us: we pray you in CHRIST’s stead, be reconciled to GOD” 2 Corinthians 5:20.

“For all have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD” Romans 3:23 and the wages of sin is death…Romans 6:23.

“As I live says the LORD GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked but that he turn from his (own) way and live.  Turn, turn from your (own) evil ways and live! For why should you die?” Ezekiel 33:11.

We are told to turn from our own ways, but what are we to turn to? 

“by the name of JESUS CHRIST of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom GOD raised from the dead, even by HIM does this man stand here before you whole…Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other NAME under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” Acts 4:10, 12.

“For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believes in HIM (JESUS) will not perish but have eternal life” John 3:16.

“How much more shall the blood of CHRIST, who through the eternal SPIRIT offered HIMSELF without spot to GOD, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living GOD” Hebrews 9:14.

“He who believes on the SON (JESUS) has eternal life; and he who does not believe the SON shall not see life, but the wrath of GOD abides on him.” John 3:36.

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

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

“All who call on the name of the LORD (JESUS) shall be saved” Romans 10:13.

Do you believe?  Have you called on JESUS to save you?

“Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen” Hebrews 11:1.  “By faith we understand…” Hebrews 11:3.  But without faith it is impossible to please GOD, For he who comes to GOD must believe (#1) that HE is and (#2) that HE is a REWARDER of those who diligently seek HIM” Hebrews 11:6.

Seeing is never believing.  We interpret what we see in the light of what we believe. Faith is confidence in GOD and HIS word before you see GOD at work.

Do you believe? Have you called on the name of the LORD? Romans 10:13

I believe in GOD the FATHER, I believe in GOD the SON (JESUS), I believe in the HOLY SPIRIT and that the 3 are 1.

Hugs

Sharon