Part 1 GOD knows

Donna, Virginia and I have been friends, gone on treasure hunts and studied the Word of GOD together for many years.  We dearly love one another but don’t always see things eye to eye.

But that is not true of GOD the FATHER, JESUS and the HOLY SPIRIT for JESUS is the exact representation of GOD the FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT is called both the SPIRIT of GOD and the SPIRIT of CHRIST.  Those 3 agree on everything.

When GOD said, “Let US make man in our own image” Genesis 1: 26 it was a decree of the counsel of the GODhead.  For there are 3 that bear witness in heaven, the FATHER, the WORD (JESUS-John 1:1, 14), and the HOLY GHOST (SPIRIT) and these 3 are one (1 John 5:7KJ).

JESUS said to Nicodemus, a Pharisee, a ruler of the Jews, “I say to you, you must be born again” Then JESUS said, “Verily (it is true), verily (it is true), I say to you, WE speak that WE do know, and testify to what WE have seen; and you receive not OUR witness. (John 3:11).

Notice JESUS goes from 1 person singular (I) to 1 person plural (WE, OUR)? Why? JESUS clearly says both HE and the HOLY SPIRIT only say to men what GOD the FATHER has told them to say. (John 12:49-50, 16:13).  What JESUS says and what the HOLY SPIRIT convicts men of agrees with what GOD the FATHER proclaims.

What did they proclaim? “It is the truth, We speak only what WE know and testify to what WE have seen.” There is no guessing, and no speculation they speak only fact.

What does GOD know?  For one thing HE knows the hearts of each of us and how we will act in any given situation. “But JESUS did not commit (entrust) HIMSELF unto them, because HE knew all men,  And needed not that any should testify of man: for HE knew what was in man.” John 2:24-25.

GOD knows what we are going to say before we speak, in fact all the days of our lives (everything we would do) were recorded in HIS book before even one began (Psalm 139:4, 16).

GOD does not live in time as you and I,  but HE sees our past, present and future as one.  That is how HE sees what will happen.  Personally, I have no clue how that could be but trust the word of GOD that it is so.

GOD works (accomplishes) all things after the counsel (purpose) of HIS own will (Ephesians 1:11) by working all things together for an end result of good to those who love HIM (Romans 8:28-29) and call on the name of the LORD JESUS CHRIST (1 Corinthians 1:2). A well-used illustration of this is stirring together the good and the bad like a cook beating up a raw egg, flour, sugar, shortening, vanilla, milk and baking powder then sticking it in a hot oven for a prescribed period of time.  All according to a recipe with an expected end of good!

GOD only allows or does that which will eventually produce good according to HIS eternal purposes.

A couple verses indicate to me how our GOD decided what HE determined (decreed) to happen.

Elect (chosen) according to the foreknowledge of GOD the FATHER… 1 Peter 1:2

So, what is foreknowledge.  It is two Greek words put together to make one: to know+before.  GOD knows beforehand what each man’s choices will be and knowing what choices man will make in any given circumstance GOD can determine the outcome by presetting the times and the places things happen.

An example from my life: GOD says I am HIS workmanship created in CHRIST JESUS unto good works that HE prepared in advance that I should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10).  Well, there was a day of great turmoil in my life and I was going to leave my husband and would have gone I to a different location.  GOD said to me, “If you leave, you will lose your ability to do what I have planned for you.”  Nothing was worth that, so I stayed.

Later I realized that the LORD wasn’t saying that HE was going to punish me and take my work away but rather that my work was in a certain place for a certain time all preset by HIM.  Of course, HE knew what my choice would be so there never has to be a plan B.

“HIM (JESUS), being delivered by the determinate counsel (nothing can happen without GOD’s permission-Job 1, 2) and foreknowledge of GOD, you have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain” Acts 2:23  GOD determined to achieve our salvation through the blood sacrifice of JESUS and therefore let wicked men do what they determined in their evil hearts to do.

The LORD GOD is almighty- HE is good, HE has all power, all wisdom, and because HE knows all things down to how each of us will act in any given situation HE can set the stage (preset times and places Acts 17:26-27 with a specific goal in mind) and know precisely what will occur without infringing on HIS decree to make us (humans) in HIS own image (which included giving man the ability to choose). 

Therefore, the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY can proclaim the future with 100% accuracy.  Over 300 prophesies were fulfilled when JESUS the eternal WORD (John 1:1, 15) took on a human body (Philippians 2:7) and was made in all ways as we humans except for sin (Hebrews 2:14) came as a baby, so that through HIS death on the cross HIS blood would ransom (pay for) all the sins of mankind.  Being both GOD and man HE is the only mediator between GOD and man (1 Timothy 2:5) and JESUS is now seated on the right hand of the FATHER in heaven.  There are still many, many more prophesies concerning JESUS CHRIST our LORD left to be fulfilled before the new heavens and new earth spoken of in Revelation.  Everyone will be fulfilled.

In part 2 want to share a bit about the times and seasons and how GOD changes them without HIM changing in purpose or nature.

Hugs

Sharon

Nobody knows

There is a line of an old hymn…”Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen”  Isn’t that the truth? Every day we hear of more wrong and troubles and death.  Personally, I and many I know have faced one struggle after another the past couple of years.  Some are asking, “Why?”

GOD called Job the perfect man and yet the LORD allowed Job to go through some horrible times.  HE could have stopped it.  The question of “Why?” continually rose and ate at Job but his faith in GOD never failed.

Job declared, “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that HE shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:  And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see GOD” (Job 19:25-26).

Then GOD spoke to Job and mentioned details about several things HE had created. The LORD exposed Job’s limited understanding by asking Job if he had been there at creation or if he knew certain things about different creatures.  Job caught a glimpse of the infinite greatness, power, and wisdom of GOD in what HE had created, and Job replied to the Lord:

“I know that YOU can do all things; no purpose of YOURS can be thwarted (stopped). YOU asked, ‘Who is this that obscures (misunderstands/ for it is hidden) MY plans without knowledge (in ignorance)’  Surely I (Job) spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know…My ears had heard of YOU (LORD GOD ALMIGHTY) but now my eyes have seen YOU “ (Job 42:1-3, 5).

GOD says that HE will use all things… the evil of man included, for an end result of good for those who choose to love HIM (Romans 8:28).  If you read the last chapter of Job you will see GOD greatly did that very thing for Job and blessed him beyond measure.

In deciding to make man in HIS image, GOD gave man the ability to choose.  Although the LORD knew the evil men would do, HE still chose to give mankind the ability to choose. Perhaps part of that is so we could choose to love HIM.

Why GOD allows evil men to do what they do is totally beyond my comprehension but this I do know, GOD is good, and GOD is love, HE knows all things from the beginning to the end and everything in between.  GOD declares that the day is coming when all wrong will be done away with and affliction will not rise up a second time (Nahum 1:9).

Meanwhile, in Acts 17:26-27 GOD tells us that HE has preset the times and places for a specific purpose…that men would reach out to HIM.

During these dark and difficult days of war and inflation and of wickedness and pestilence, the rewriting of history and killing of babies we see something amazing as we look at the reports on a global website. Every single day thousands upon thousands are turning to CHRIST from all over the world-from every nation and tongue.  We see Covid 19 pandemic has been an opportunity not just for the globalists to gain ground for their agenda but for GOD to harvest many souls for eternity.

We don’t know the time or place, but unless the Rapture comes 1^st, a certain time and place has been appointed that each of us will die and after this the judgment (Hebrews 9:27).  Death is not an option since that 1^st sin in the garden.  It is a given.  But what happens after is definitely an option that is determined by a choice each of us, here and now while we live in this life on planet earth, make. 

GOD promises eternal life to whosoever will believe on HIS Son.  Believe that JESUS, the eternal SON of GOD took on a body and came as a baby, lived a sinless life and died for the sins of the world and then was raised by GOD back to life three days later and is coming back as LORD for those who believe in HIM (John 3 :16).  Call on the name of the LORD and you will be saved from the consequences of your sins (Romans 3:23, 6:23, 10:13).

But those who refuse to believe on JESUS and suppress the truth in unrighteousness, the wrath of GOD abides on them and they will eventually be thrown in the eternal lake of fire (John 3:36, Romans 1:18-21, Revelation 20:15). 

GOD is freely offering eternal life, but you must be willing to receive it. If you are willing to admit you have done wrong and believe JESUS paid the price for your forgiveness and call upon the LORD JESUS you are saved (Romans 10:9-10, 13) and GOD forgives you and covers you with HIS righteousness (Romans 3:20-23).

In CHRIST’s stead I entreat you, look to JESUS and be saved.

Hugs

Sharon

Are you ready?

When I carried my babies, I got incredibly large. Way, way before the time for the births of my babies, I was more than ready to have them. Many, many times throughout the last days of my pregnancies I would think. “This is the day!” But, it wasn’t.

In each case, somehow there was a lull, I gave up, or other things caught my attention. Crazy as it sounds, after all that false labor, each time I went into real labor (with my five children), it came on so suddenly it surprised everyone.

Doctors tried to induce my 2nd daughter-Kari, over and over but nothing happened. But, when the appointed time came, she was ready. It even surprised me. She came so quickly, the doctor barely got into position after pulling on his gloves when Kari landed in his hands.

I think that is what the Scripture means when it says, the day will come as a thief in the night (Revelation 16:15).

We know the signs of CHRIST’s coming, as recorded in the Bible are seen everywhere. They have been around for awhile. But boy are they intensifying as we see war in the Ukraine but now Israel is getting shelled.

Just like when I went into the hospital with signs of labor, time and time again, many have “thought this is the day!”.. But it wasn’t.

As the LORD JESUS said, “It is not for us to know the time” (Acts 1:7). “Watch for you don’t know the hour when your LORD will come” (Matthew 24:42).

The thing is, one day JESUS is coming back to take those who believe in HIM to be with HIM forever (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17).

Unless you believe in JESUS (John 3:16-18), you will be left behind. JESUS said, when HE comes, we will be busy with our everyday life (Matthew 24:33-39). So, we need to make sure NOW, that we are ready.

All have sinned and the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through JESUS Christ.  Believe John 3:16 and 36. Romans 10:9-10 and call on the Lord Jesus Christ Romans 10:13 and you will be saved.

One day when we don’t expect Him Jesus will come

Are you, am I, ready? What about our kids, the neighbors, the people we work with, are they ready? Have you told them about JESUS? If you don’t tell them, who will?

Looking unto JESUS, the Author and Perfecter of my faith.

Hugs

Sharon

Does GOD always get what HE wants?

THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY can do anything and nothing is impossible to HIM (Luke 1:37) but does GOD get everything HE wants?

GOD tells us to pray for ALL men for HIS desire is that ALL men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1, 4). So we see that GOD wants ALL men to be saved.

GOD the FATHER sent HIS SON JESUS to the world because HE loved mankind and wanted to save them from their sins so they could live with HIM forever (John 3:16).  JESUS is GOD (John 1:1, 14) and is equal with GOD the FATHER yet HE took on a human body so HE could die on the cross and pay for the sins of ALL mankind (past, present and future) (Philippians 2:5-8) and by HIS blood JESUS was a ransom for ALL (1 Timothy 2:6).  But only those who believe in the LORD JESUS CHRIST’s work on man’s behalf and come to GOD through HIM (John 14:6, Hebrews 7:25, 1 Timothy 2:5) get the benefit and are saved. 

On the other hand the ones who suppress the truth (Romans 1:18-19) and thereby refuse to love the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10) and refuse to come to JESUS (John 3:19-20) they still carry their sins and so the wrath continues to be on them (John 3:36) and they perish/ die in their sins (2 Thessalonians 2:10, John 8:24). 

After JESUS rose from the grave and ascended into heaven, HE sent the HOLY SPIRIT to earth in HIS place. The HOLY SPIRIT convicts ALL people of sin (John 16:8).  If one listens to the HOLY SPIRIT he will turn and be saved.

Conviction is like the pointed sharp end of a goad which was used to turn oxen in the way they were to go and JESUS alluded to that when HE spoke to Saul who was on his way to imprison and kill more Christians. The voice of JESUS spoke to him out of heaven saying, “Isn’t it hard for you to kick against the pricks?” (Acts 26:14). JESUS spoke of the conviction of the HOLY SPIRIT that had hounded Saul when he did wrong.  Saul understood and believed in JESUS. Now Saul is the one called Paul who wrote many New Testament books that teach us what we need to know for finally Saul listened to the conviction and believed.

GOD the HOLY SPIRIT gives ONLY the believers in JESUS a 2nd birth/ new life into GOD’s family (John 3:3-6, John 1:12-13, Ephesians 2:1), The HOLY SPIRIT indwells believers becoming a well of water within them that will flow from them HIS fruit of love, joy and so much more.  The SPIRIT becomes their teacher (John 7:38-39, 14:26, 16:13) HE interprets GOD’s Words to them so they can understand what GOD means. An unbeliever may know the words but cannot learn and understand the truths of GOD for they have not the HOLY SPIRIT to explain it to them. (1 Corinthians 2:10-12), HE baptizes every believer in JESUS into the body of JESUS, gives them spiritual gifts, seals them to GOD unto the Day of Redemption (Ephesians 1:13-14, 4:30, 1 Corinthians 12:7, 13, 20) and much, much more.

Yet a believer in JESUS can quench the HOLY SPIRIT’s work in them when the believer refuses to listen and follow the HOLY SPIRIT’s nudges/ teaching (1 Thessalonians 5:19-20).  A Christian grieves the HOLY SPIRIT when he sins (Ephesians 4:30, 21-31).  If you quench the HOLY SPIRIT’s working through you or grieve HIM through sin the HOLY SPIRIT draws back and is not leading you.  For you are either letting the HOLY SPIRIT lead and empower you (that is called being in the SPIRIT/ being led by the SPIRIT/ walking with the SPIRIT) or you think you know better and do what is right in your own eyes, not consulting with or listening to and following the HOLY SPIRIT.  That is call being in the flesh.  Its when we let our old sin nature rule us.  

When the believer rules himself and refuses the conviction of the HOLY SPIRIT, GOD must discipline that one (1 Corinthians 11:31-32, Hebrews 12:5-7, 11). GOD only disciplines HIS own blood bought children. The purpose of discipline is for that one to learn certain things, to grow in righteousness. Discipline is not fun but GOD degrees HIS discipline will work (Hebrews 12:11) that what GOD says will accomplish what HE desires (Isaiah 55:11) and what HE purposes will come to be (Isaiah 14:24). That purpose is to transform every believer in JESUS to have the same nature that JESUS has (Romans 8:29) and participate in the divine nature of GOD our FATHER (2 Peter 1:4, Hebrews 1:1-3).

Discipline can be severe/ harsh! 

Peter was turned over to Satan to be sifted as wheat and it changed Peter into a humble servant GOD used to lead many to JESUS (Luke 22:31-32).

A Christian man sleeping with his father’s wife was turned over to Satan for the destruction of his flesh that his soul might be saved (1 Corinthians 5:5) and every indication is he turned back and did right.

Two Christian men were turned over to Satan to learn not to blaspheme (1 Timothy 1:20).  We know these are Christians for unbelievers 1) refuse the truth and 2) they have not the HOLY SPIRIT within them to explain the truths of GOD so they cannot learn the things of GOD.

But, Praise the LORD! there is a quick fix.  “If you confess your sins GOD is faithful to forgive you your sins and cleanse you from all unrighteous (wrong that you are not aware of)” (1 John 1:9). 

So to answer my initial question,  Although, Our triune GOD, the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY is absolutely Sovereign and through HIS unfathomable foreknowledge (knowing before time began everything that will happen and every choice man will make before the outplay on earth Psalm 139, Acts 15:18 KJ) the LORD of all the earth brings about everything HE decrees to happen, still the answer is NO GOD does NOT get everything HE would prefer. 

One thing GOD says HE would like but cannot have is for ALL men to be saved. For in the counsel of the GODHEAD it was decided and recorded in Genesis 1:26 that GOD would make man in HIS own image.  That means in accordance to HIS own nature.  In order to give man HIS nature, HE made man with the ability to choose. In big things and little things you and I make choices everyday.  GOD may set the stage (Acts 17:26) but man chooses how to act within those perimeters.

The LORD GOD does not delight in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 18:23, 32, 33:11, 2 Peter 3:9, 1 Timothy 2:4) and does everything in HIS power (without infringing on man’s ability to choose) to woo ALL men to HIMSELF, by GOD’s goodness, forbearance and longsuffering (Romans 2:4) and sending the HOLY SPIRIT to convict men over and over. 

Yet the LORD said, “My Spirit shall not always strive with man” Genesis 6:3.  GOD is longsuffering, but that quality is exactly what it says.  GOD suffers the wrongs of man just so long (up to a set point) as is seen in Genesis 15:16.  HE is so patient.  But the time comes when that’s it.  And everyone not written in the Lambs book of life will be thrown into the everlasting lake of fire (Revelation 20:15).

I am so glad that I have called on the name of JESUS and I am saved eternally by the blood of JESUS, by believing in the LORD JESUS and that GOD the FATHER raised HIM from the dead. (John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10, 13). Knowing that I belong to JESUS and have the HOLY SPIRIT in me to teach and explain things to me, when trouble hits or I am having trouble understanding, I check first to see if I have grieved or quenched the HOLY SPIRIT. 

Do you?

Hugs

Sharon

Have you read the instructions?

Why don’t things come with instructions anymore? 

I can follow instructions but am at a loss in areas that I have not learned.  Being in my mid-70s I am not technologically savvy like my grand or even great grandchildren. When I needed a new phone with enough space for my cochlear app it took my grandchildren to set it up for me.  And when I run into a problem on my computer or phone who do I run to? my grandchildren, of course.

But praise the LORD! Unlike man, GOD has given us an instruction book-HIS word, the Bible. 2 Timothy 3:16 says “All scripture is given by inspiration of GOD (is GOD breathed), and is profitable for doctrine (to teach us), for reproof (show us right from wrong), for correction, for instruction in righteousness (in how to do what is right.)”  But instructions are only good if you follow them.  JESUS said, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD” Matthew 4:4.

A group of us gals heard of a deep need and in obedience to GOD’s instructions we were going to pray concerning it (Luke 18:1).  One gal had a thought flash through her mind and shared it with us.  It sounded reasonable, even attractive but… there was a bit of hesitancy.  As we learned in Genesis, not every thought that comes into our minds is from GOD.  That the old serpent (the Devil) loves to transform himself into an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14) and whisper in our ears.  That is why the Bible tells us to take every thought captive to JESUS (2 Corinthians 10:5). Talk it over with HIM.

Hebrews 1:1 tells us we are in the last days, that they began with JESUS coming to earth.  1 Timothy 4:1 says that in the latter times some are tricked and depart from truth paying attention to deceiving spirits and suggestions/ teachings of devils. So especially now we must be careful to do things according to GOD’s instructions. How do you get them those instructions? Read the bible and pray.

JESUS said: that the one who had HIS commands/instructions (which are available to all of us) and follows them that one loves JESUS  (John 14:21) and HE said, “If you love ME do what I say” (John 14:15) and furthermore “Why call me LORD, LORD and do not do the things I say?” (Luke 6:46)

We are told not to quench the SPIRIT’s instructions or despise prophesy (that flash of insight could have very well been a word straight from GOD for the situation) but then we are instructed to test all things (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22).  So how do you test them?  Isaiah 8:20 tells us to check what the Bible says on the issue and if the words don’t agree with HIS word then there is no truth in it.

Following GOD’s written instructions, one asked the LORD to show her what to pray. An actual Bible episode came to mind exposing that flash of light suggestion was not of GOD.  Then promises of GOD from the word of GOD flooded her mind directing  her in how to pray (that was the HOLY SPIRIT leading the way as HE always does (Philippians 2:13, Hebrews 10:16).  Isn’t GOD good to us?

I am so grateful that not only has GOD given us instructions but has also given to every believer in JESUS HIS HOLY SPIRIT (John 7:38-39) to teach us how to apply and live out what the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY wants done!

Have you read the instruction book? Are you following what it says?

Hugs

Sharon

Barabbas

There is such excitement when one discovers that a baby is being formed inside of you.  Before the baby is born you consider all kinds of names wanting the best name for your child.  Finally, after much deliberation we decided to call our 3^rd daughter Shirley.  We were not aware at the time that Shirley means from a white meadow.  Never studying names, I never knew that Sharon meant meadow or plain (lowland/valley).  When Shirley studied the meaning of names, we all laughed at how fitting her name was.  I her mom am Sharon- a meadow and she Shirley- came from a white meadow.

Names are important and GOD uses them throughout HIS word to show us how HE is relating to us.  HE is the GOD of all comfort when we need comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-4), HE calls HIMSELF the GOD of truth when we wonder what is right (Deuteronomy 32:4) wonderful counsellor, when we need answers and the Prince of Peace when all around us is chaos (Isaiah 9:6).  The names JESUS refers to HIMSELF explain so much about HIM.  In Revelation 1-3 are filled with names describing truths about JESUS that shows how HE is relating to specific people.

GOD even changes the name of a person when HE gives him a special assignment. As with Abram (exalted father) GOD renamed Abraham (the father of many nations).

Now JESUS is the sinless Son of the FATHER.  But when HE was taken and tried by the Romans the Jews demanded that Pilate crucify JESUS the sinless Son of the FATHER and turn free a wicked man, a thief and murder named Barabbas.

In Greek Barabbas means son of the father.

So, the sinless Son of the FATHER (JESUS) was crucified and paid for the sins of the world (1 John 2:22) and the wicked son of the father was set free.  Think about that.

JESUS the sinless Son of GOD carried the sins of the world, your sins and my sins so that we who believe in HIM might be set free from our sins and become sons and daughters of GOD the FATHER (John 1:12).  

“And she shall bring forth a son and you shall call HIS name JESUS for HE shall save HIS people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). 

Notice: JESUS doesn’t save everyone does HE? 

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

If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed (John 8:36).

Have you become a child of GOD the FATHER by believing in JESUS CHRIST (John 1:12) and calling on the name of the LORD to be saved? (Romans 10:9-10, 13).

“… behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).

Hugs

Sharon we are sanctified through the offering of the body of JESUS CHRIST once for all. Hebrews 10:10 For by one offering HE has perfected forever them that are sanctified. Hebrews 10:14

Why does 1 goes up and another fall down?

When our family celebrated the life of my 15-year-old grandson Ronnie being called up to be with GOD after a long struggle with cancer, we concluded our formal goodbyes by letting go of colorful balloons filled with helium as a symbol that our love followed him.  Then we stood and watched the balloons go higher and higher until we could no longer see them.

If you let go of a balloon that is filled with helium, it goes up.  But if you stepped off the roof of a building into the air, what would happen?

Why does one go up and the other down?

Gravity (from Latin gravitas ‘weight’), or gravitation demands that all things with mass or energy, including planets, stars, galaxies and even light, are attracted to (or gravitate toward) one another. On Earth, gravity gives weight to physical objects, and the Moon’s gravity causes the tides of the oceans.

Anything with mass has gravity and pull, and attracts other objects. The mass of the earth pulls us to its center. If we can break out of that gravitational field, we are free for outside of gravity, there’s no pull or burden. Without gravity we would have no more weight; we could float. Hmmm, I wonder if that is what happens at the Rapture when we get our new bodies? (1 Thessalonians 4:14-17).

Sin also has spiritual gravity/ pull. First comes the pull to sin, then the heaviness and the burden of sin committed.

How do you deal with the gravity, or pull to sin? Do you cling to your favorite sin?  If you do the pull gets stronger.

Like the law of gravity, you must get as far away as possible from the temptation to sin, and from those who tempt you if you want to do what is right.

When I am tempted, I find I must redirect my focus immediately. Turning from thoughts of sin isn’t enough, I must turn to GOD or niggling thoughts to lure me to sin return. If anger has risen, I must turn to GOD and away from anger for my anger does not work the righteousness of GOD (James 1:20).

Hebrews 4:16 tells us to run to the throne of grace for help. Proverbs 3:5-7 tells us to talk to GOD about those thoughts. 2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us to take those thoughts to JESUS.

By running to GOD HIMSELF with the issue, whatever it might be, surrounding yourself with GOD’s word, HIS people and HIS worship; causes that pull on you to sin to ease up and with time leaves altogether.

Submit yourself to GOD and resist the devil and he will flee from you.  James 4:7

***NOTE the order of events: 1^st submit yourself to GOD then and only then do you have the power to resist the devil and cause him to flee.

Do you feel the pull to sin like gravity in your life?  What are you doing about it?

Hugs

Sharon

Getting my orders

After singing (off key) to the LORD, I asked GOD how I should pray for those on my list- especially those new seemingly hopeless problems. If I don’t know how to pray for myself as I ought I know I need help in praying for others (Romans 8:26-27)..

I was reminded of my old driver’s training days back at Quincy High School with the coach seated by my right side.  In the driver’s training the car there was a 2nd steering wheel and 2nd brake so that the instructor could gain control over the car should the student lose control.

It made me think of the HOLY SPIRIT who leads me in the way I should go if I pay attention to HIS nudges.  But when I act independently of HIS counsel there are times, HE must take control of the situation and it is not always to my liking.

Again, I asked, LORD, how should I pray?  Acts 17:26-27 flooded my mind…GOD has preset the exact times and places for the purpose that men should reach out to HIM.  Regardless of their situation, no matter how hard it looked GOD had placed them there (or allowed the situation) at this time so some would reach out to HIM.  Even if it was from the enemy GOD intends it for good (Genesis 50:20, Romans 8:28-29)

For we are in the last days…

Over 40 years ago through a horrid time of an onslaught of troubles from several directions the LORD spoke to me when I didn’t know what to do. As I sat in a dentist office waiting for my daughter to come out, I was reading in 2 Corinthians 4 when verses 15-18 jumped off the page. 

It said everything was for my benefit. (yea, sure!)  That although outwardly I seemed to be wasting away inwardly, I was being renewed and my momentary troubles where achieving for me eternal things that far surpassed the pain of today.  Then it urged me to look not at what I can see (the situations) but to look to what I could not see (what GOD was achieving through the situations.

Now I had my marching orders.  I was to pray for each that they would reach out to GOD themselves and find peace and direction for the Wonderful Counselor.  That is called walking by faith, trusting that GOD means what HE says.   

Our situations provide opportunities to reach out to JESUS and get direction others need to reach out and be saved.

For we are clearly in the end days and only those who reach out and call on the name of the LORD (Romans 10:9-10, 13) will enter into heaven and spend eternity with JESUS and GOD the FATHER. The other option is the everlasting lake of fire (Revelation 20:15).

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

Have you reached out to JESUS?  It is in HIM we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:27)?

Hugs Sharon

Who can I teach?

Why we do what we do is not easily understood by another.

Once my children started to school I spent a lot of time studying the Bible.  The extended times with GOD I considered a gift from GOD.  My hearing loss was discovered when I was 15, just months after I asked GOD to do what was necessary to make me what HE wanted me to be. Then partially due to being excluded or laughed at due to my inappropriate verbal responses when I misunderstood because of my profound hearing loss, I isolated myself from people up into my late 30’s.  The exception was small group Bible studies and church.  A gal talked me into being a counselor at Camp Elim to Junior High girls.  That changed my life.  Those girls and the staff totally accepted me mistakes and all.  I kept going back, camp after camp, year after year. During those years at camp I felt as if I had received my childhood back.  Then after years of working at camp, cabin after cabin and interrelating with the staff GOD gave me the courage to venture out to work in the secular world on a military base and later to travel on prayer teams to 4 nations.

Plain and simple it was a growing process, a step at a time.

GOD asks “Who can I teach knowledge, and who can I make understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk and drawn from the breasts 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).

GOD is saying before one can be truly taught the 1^st step is becoming a baby. One is born into GOD’s family when he/she believes in/ trusts JESUS’s finished work on the cross (John 1:12, 3:5-7, 16) One thing a new believer gets immediately is the HOLY SPIRIT for among other things we need HIM as our interpreter to understand GOD’s word. 

2^nd one must drink the milk of the word of GOD so she/he can grow (1 Peter 2:2) It is our nourishment.  JESUS said, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD” (Matthew 4:4).   

3^rd only as one puts into practice what they have learned they are ready to learn knowledge and doctrine (Hebrews 5:12-14). GOD won’t teach you more until you do what HE has shown you to do.

Because of our cultures, people attach different meanings to terms. That leads to confusion. Therefore lets 1^st look at 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 where we are told not to quench the SPIRIT by despising prophesying but to test all things.  Whatever you hear about the things of GOD don’t just dismiss it if it doesn’t agree with what you think or someone said.  Instead check it out by the word of GOD. If what is said does not agree with GOD’s word there is no truth in it (Isaiah 8:20 and Jeremiah 23) then dismiss it.  But if it agrees with GOD’s word it is a word for you.

I want to unpack a biblical definition of a term that speaks about the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD.  I have put Bible verses near the statements for you to search it out for yourself, because it is when you get into the Word of GOD by yourself that GOD can speak most clearly. Since there is so much I cannot cover I will just summarize basics, the HOLY SPIRIT teaches and reminds us (John 14:26), convicts us (John 16:7-8) interprets GOD thoughts to us (1 Corinthians 2:10-11), empowers us (Romans 15:13, Acts 1:8), HE moved the writers of the Bible to pen our Bible (2 Peter 1:21), HE prays for us according to the will of GOD and HIS purpose for us, since we don’t know how we should pray as we ought (Romans 8:26) HE encourages us, motivates us (Hebrews 10:16, Philippians 2:13) and more.

JESUS tells us we must be born of the SPIRIT to enter the kingdom of GOD (John 3:5). It is the HOLY SPIRIT who gives new life (John 3:5-7, 6:63) and HE enters the new Christian to live within him permanently the moment a person believes in the saving work of JESUS and calls on the name of the LORD (Ephesians 1:13-14 4:30, Romans 10:9-10, 13).

JESUS is the one who baptizes us with the HOLY SPIRIT (Mark 1:7-8 Luke 3:16).  That means the HOLY SPIRIT is poured out on a person when he believes in JESUS (John 7:38-39).  Then comes the baptism of the HOLY SPIRIT, where the HOLY SPIRIT places a person into the Church, the body of CHRIST. “By one SPIRIT we were all baptized into one body” (1 Corinthians 12:13, 27).  Ephesians 4:5 tells us there is just one baptism -for getting the HOLY SPIRIT when we believe, and we are born again and are placed into CHRIST is all simultaneous.

However, this indwelling of the SPIRIT is not the filling of the HOLY SPIRIT. Throughout the Old Testament we can see that even an unbeliever can be moved to act by the SPIRIT.  Today one cannot be filled with the HOLY SPIRIT unless that one believes in JESUS and is indwelt by him,

So what does it mean to be filled with the HOLY SPIRIT?

The prerequisite to/what must come before being filled with the HOLY SPIRIT is believing in the finished saving work of JESUS and confessing HE is LORD by calling on HIS name (Romans 10:9-10, 13).  At that time one is sealed and indwelt by the HOLY SPIRIT (John 7:38-39, Ephesians 1:13-14). Although to be filled with the HOLY SPIRIT is a command (Ephesians 5:18) only those Christians who want to be filled with the SPIRIT will be filled. One must be willing to let the SPIRIT control what he does and says.  When someone submits to the HOLY SPIRIT’s nudges he is asking the SPIRIT to take control -that is fill him so his thoughts and actions are in line with what GOD wants.

Luke 4:1-2 tells us that JESUS was filled with the HOLY SPIRIT when HE was tempted in the wilderness.  In response to each temptation JESUS spoke scripture.  This shows us that the HOLY SPIRIT will remind us of scripture (John 14:26), but it is our job to learn scripture by reading it.  If we want to be consistently SPIRIT-filled, we must be in the Bible.

It is essential to read the Bible, study it, reflect on it, and let it correct us. Scripture has been given to make us complete, well‑equipped for everything GOD wants us to do (2 Timothy 3:16). The Word of GOD reveals the nature of GOD our Heavenly FATHER and JESUS CHRIST our LORD and changes us (2 Peter 1:1-4). We cannot be SPIRIT-filled without it.

Another aspect in being filled with the SPIRIT is seeking HIS counsel by asking for HIS guidance in what to do or to explain what Scripture means.

JESUS described being filled by the HOLY SPIRIT as having a well of water within us that springs up and over flows to others (John 7:38-39). That goes with Paul’s describing the results/ or effects of being filled with the HOLY SPIRIT. He said, “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the LORD, giving thanks always for all things to GOD the FATHER in the name of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, submitting to one another in the fear of GOD” (Ephesians 5:19–21). He also listed nine fruits of the SPIRIT as evidence of being filled(Galatians 5:22–23).

If the HOLY SPIRIT is producing HIS fruit of love, joy, peace , longsuffering (patience), gentleness, kindness, faithfulness (faith), gentleness, and self control you are SPIRIT-filled.  It is a process and these characteristics of the divine nature should be seen on an increasing level as the HOLY SPIRIT teaches us.

When I recognize that I am not practicing those things at that moment then I know I am not in the SPIRIT (SPIRIT filled) and need to confess and ask the HOLY SPIRIT to fill me.

The HOLY SPIRIT is a person that is grieved by sin (Ephesians 4:40) and quenched when we refuse HIS teaching or leading (Ephesians 5:19).

What do you think? Is it really important to be filled with the SPIRIT?

Romans 8:1–11 declares that freedom from the power of sin comes to those who walk “according to the SPIRIT” (those who allow the HOLY SPIRIT to lead them). Galatians 5:16-25 says if we live by the SPIRIT (obeying HIS nudges or checks in our spirit) we will not indulge in the lusts of the flesh and urges us to walk in step with HOLY SPIRIT and not hold back or run ahead.

Hugs

Sharon

Know ME

GOD says, “I don’t want your sacrifices—I want your love; I don’t want your offerings—I want you to know ME!” (Hosea 6:6 TLB).

What comes into our minds when we think about GOD is the most important thing about us for it affects how we think and act.  There is scarcely an error in doctrine, or a failure in applying Christian ethics that cannot be traced back to imperfect and ignoble thoughts of GOD. 

Throughout nature we can look around us and learn many things about GOD (Romans 1:19-20, Psalm 19:1-3).

In 2^nd Peter 1:1-4 GOD tells us that through our knowledge of GOD the FATHER and our LORD JESUS CHRIST (who is the exact representation/ likeness of GOD the FATHER- Hebrews 1:1-3) we obtain faith, grace, peace, all things that pertain to living life and being godly, and great and precious promises that if we use transforms us so that we may participate in the very nature of our LORD JESUS (Romans 8:29) that is the divine nature. 

No, we don’t become gods, but we start thinking and acting like GOD our FATHER and JESUS our LORD and Savior.

We find that knowledge of GOD not just in nature but also in HIS word the Bible.  JESUS said that man can not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD.

 But we need an interpreter to understand GOD’s words (1 Corinthians 2:10-11) for man on his own cannot understand GOD for HIS ways and thoughts are way, way above ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).  So GOD, provided a way for us to know HIM.

For GOD so loved the world that HE sent HIS only begotten so that whosoever believed on HIM would not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16. When we believe in the LORD JESUS CHRIST we become the children of GOD ( John 1:12) and we are given the HOLY SPIRIT as our teacher and interpreter and so much more (John 7:38-39).  The HOLY SPIRIT leads and convicts us so we can grow in our knowledge of GOD and personal holiness.

In GOD’s word HE reveals things about HIMSELF through HIS names.  Let’s just look at a couple truths about GOD revealed in that manner.

GOD is the GOD of all comfort who comforts us in all of our affliction, so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction ( 2 Corinthians 1:3-4).  This name shows us HE will meet us in our affliction and give us answers.  Answers that work, and that enable us to help others that are afflicted.  So as HE comforts us, HE prepares us to help others and become more like HIM.

GOD is the GOD of all hope who will fill us with all joy and peace as we believe in HIM, so that we can overflow and abound with hope by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT (Romans 15:13). 

In dealing with rebellious children there has been time after time when I have felt helpless and hopeless. But, GOD the HOLY SPIRIT reminds me of Nebuchadnezzar.  He was the king of Babylon who, due to his pride, went crazy and had the mind of an animal, and for 7 years lived with the beasts of the field and ate grass.  Then one day GOD brought him back to his senses, gave him back the mind of a man, then when Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged GOD was in control, GOD nudged his counselors to come and place him back in authority as king of Babylon.  He became more powerful than before (see Daniel 4 for more of the story). 

Now if GOD can take an insane king and bring him to a place of wisdom to reign, then HE surely knows how to bring my loved ones to their senses so that they escape the snare of the evil one (2 Timothy 2:25-26).  Nothing is impossible with GOD.  HE is the GOD of all hope.

Tell GOD you want to hear HIM speak and open HIS word and you may be surprised.

Hugs

Sharon