The end of the matter

What an awesome time in the mountains at my favorite place- Camp Elim.  I worked there for many years.  This complimentary retreat in the beautiful pine trees and aspens for my 77^th birthday was totally refreshing. The amazing teaching, awesome singing, delicious food and fun fellowship with old and new friends was quite a energizing break for me.

Now, I want to encourage you on the end of the matter for I found the teaching quite good. 

What do you do when things are hard? 

In the 1^st session Jon Glock took us to Jeremiah 1 to underscore GOD’s call and promises to the young man Jeremiah (late teens or barely 20-year-old).  In sessions 2 and 3 we see why Jeremiah is nicknamed the weeping prophet. For he not only proclaimed GOD’s message to the people, but he also shared freely of his personal struggles through persecution and mockery. Then for the last session we went to Lamentations 3, which is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible.

From Lamentation 3:17-18 Jon emphasized a concept, and 4 words.

Soul defined as being the whole self.  In these 2 verses we see 4 ways Jeremiah’s soul is affected by his reflection on his circumstances.

Peace– Jeremiah had no peace at this point.

Happiness or joy– Jeremiah had forgotten what it was like to be happy.

Strength– His strength was gone.

Hope– Jeremiah’s hope had perished. 

In Lamentations 3:19-20 Jeremiah remembered (FOCUSED on) his affliction, misery, the bitterness he felt, and he was humbled.  He felt helpless, discouraged, depressed to the point of despair, and wanting to quit.

but then, after Jeremiah cried out to the LORD, I think its scripturally accurate to say the HOLY SPIRIT brought to his mind/ turned Jeremiah’s mind to what he needed to FOCUS on (Proverbs 21:1).

Lamentations 3:21- Jeremiah recalled and chose to FOCUS on things he knew true about GOD and what GOD had promised.  Doing so brought him hope.

WHAT came to Jeremiah’s mind?

It is because of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed

GOD’s compassions don’t fail!  HIS compassions are new every morning.

Great is GOD’s faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23).

Then Jeremiah declared, “the LORD is my portion (that which gives me –my soul strength) therefore, I will, hope in HIM.  the LORD is good to them that wait for HIM, to the soul that seeks HIM.” (Lamentations 3:24-25).

Haven’t you found that true? I sure have!

The one line take-away Jon gave was: You must THINK (FOCUS) right to be able to do (live) right.

I, Sharon, know from repeated experiences, that these truths about where you find help in trouble and how your FOCUS affects your entire being is right on. When things get dark/ heavy with hard impossible stuff, as it has over, and over, and over again these past few years, causes me to cry out to GOD. often either a characteristic of GOD or a promise from GOD’s word comes into my mind or I’m nudged to open the Word of GOD and a word there strikes me. 

I know it is the HOLY SPIRIT nudging me or reminding me because JESUS said that is what the HOLY SPIRIT would do (John 14:26, 1 Corinthians 2:10).

Whatever truth concerning GOD’s nature/ or scriptural promise that comes to mind lifts me up, giving me peace, joy and hope.  Thereby, I am strengthened incredibly in my faith, my understanding and even physically and emotionally I feel it. I am filled with thanksgiving and am enabled to go on with a real smile anticipating what GOD is at work achieving through it all (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).  

Most often the circumstances don’t automatically change, but my FOCUS and attitude sure do. GOD tells us we are to live by faith not sight (Habakkuk 2:2, Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, Hebrews 10:38- remember repetition in GOD’s Word brings with it emphasis).

Often, I am compelled to share the very comfort I have just received from GOD (2 Corinthians 1:4) in hopes that another needs that word and will be comforted with GOD’s message to me.  That’s why you hear from me so much.

Stop for a moment, be still and consider, which truth about GOD/ or which of HIS great and precious promises do you go to (FOCUS on) the most in times of struggle?

hugs

Sharon

Nourishment

O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusts in HIM” (Psalm 34:9).

Now a car cannot run without gas or electricity and people cannot live and be active without the nourishment of food or supplements for their body.  But JESUS said something more is needed. JESUS said, “It is written (Deuteronomy 8:3), ‘Man must not live only on bread. He must also live by every word that comes from the mouth of GOD’ (Matthew 4:4 NIRV). 

WHY? JESUS was saying that our minds and spirits needed fed for us to know how to think and do. Romans12:2 explains the only way we can keep from being conformed to this world is to daily have our minds renewed so we know GOD’s ways and what HE wants us to do.

JESUS said the tool for preparing and nourishing us to live each day, that which will renew of our minds, is the Word of GOD. “ For the Word of GOD is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). 

It amazes me what the LORD says about HIS Word in Isaiah 55:11 where GOD clarifies what the Word of GOD will do.  “so shall MY Word be that goes out from MY mouth; it shall not return to ME empty, but it shall accomplish that which I send it to do, and shall succeed (prosper) in the thing for which I sent it.”

Isaiah 55:10 illustrates what happens when we read the Word of GOD. “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and returns not thither, but waters the earth, and makes it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater.” 

Notice since the Word of GOD is alive it can meets individual needs.  The Word gives each person what they need at the moment.  It gives the farmer seed, so each one is supplied with what we need to do what we should do.  But to the those who are hungry, those who have problems, fears or need direction, the Word gives nourishment and energizes them, giving them strength, comfort, motivation and direction.  The Word gives whatever it is that that one needs.  GOD and HIS Word is astounding.

Do you read it?  I do!

Hugs

Sharon

What is coming?

A movie trailer advertises, or promotes, a coming movie by showing a series of selected shots of the movie. Its purpose is to generate interest in the movie. Since the edited film does not exist, at this point, the trailer editors work from rushes, or dailies. Thus, the trailer may contain footage that is not in the final movie.

GOD gives us glimpses, or previews of what is coming with the purpose of preparing us by seeing what lies ahead to be aware of the pre-birth events that are occurring today and motivate believers in JESUS to witness of JESUS to those who do not believe that they may be saved out the wrath that will be poured out on the earth on those who have refused the love of the knowledge of the truth.

Biblical prophecy shows us what is ahead. Since The eternal Creator/ Sustainer of heaven and earth acts on absolute knowledge, HE never ever presents something that will not occur. When it is recorded that it will happen it will happen for GOD is not a man that HE should lie nor the son of man that HE should change HIS mine. Has HE said it, then HE will do it (Numbers 23:19).

Before birth there are always pains that show that the time is drawing near. For a baby to be born. So it is with the coming of the 7 year Tribulation. We can’t help but see in the USA and around the world an upsurge of hatred, violence, crime, injustice, wars, food and gas shortages, inflation, upsurge of unprecedented climatic conditions like floods, earthquakes, heatwaves and sexual confusion. But these are just a preview, like pre-birth pains of what is coming. By them we hear the hoofbeats of the 4 horsemen of Revelation 6.

Over and over in the New Testament the phrase “the first shall be last and the last shall be 1st” is used in various settings. That phrase came alive to me when I caught myself using scripture clearly meant for the Jews, when I was praying for the church. I stopped to ask GOD if I was wrong to do that, and I believe HE answered me when the phrase, “the first shall be last, and the last shall be 1st” come immediately to mind.

You see, the Jews were 1st of GOD’s people. Then came the church. The term the last days is used in reference to the time from when JESUS was on earth and to the present time. Interestingly, in Hebrews 1 it says, “in these last days GOD is speaking to us through HIS SON, JESUS.”

Therefore, hearing that phrase the last shall be first and the first last, I began to understand how many of the promises- things foretold concerning the Jews, would 1st happen to Christians. That is we get a glimpse of what will happen to the Jews.

The Jews then will get their turn in the “day of the LORD” which is a term for the period of time from after the Rapture of the church for 7 last years of discipline (Daniel 9:24-27) clear through the 1,000 years of plenty that follow as promised them by GOD.

Revelations 13 tells of the world powers with blasphemous names, each defying and insulting GOD, I couldn’t help but think of what is happening here in the United States, where GOD is being pushed out and the Christians’ right to worship openly is being slowly taken away.

No prayer to the One wise GOD, who created heaven and earth, is allowed in our schools. The name of our LORD and savior JESUS CHRIST, is not to be used in public meetings. GOD’s standards are being mocked, while evil is being promoted not just on the media but in our schools.

We Christians are told not to openly witness of our GOD, but pagan rituals, and even witchcraft classes are given in some public schools. Bad is spoken of as good, and good is called evil (Isaiah 5:20). Christians are said, by some, to be worse that the terrorists who hit the Twin Towers 21 years ago. We who hold to GOD’s word are said to hate, if we warn others of dangers. We are expected to let others face death, like letting a toddler run out into traffic, without trying to stop them from killing themselves.

Yet even in this environment, GOD still says “You are MY witnesses”. Are we witnessing by telling other about JESUS?

But you and I who have acknowledged that were are sinners and have called on the LORD to save us (Romans 10:9-10, 13) do not need to be afraid. JESUS has promised to come get us out of here before the wrath of GOD falls upon the earth (Revelation 3:10), just as HE got Lot out of Sodom before fire came down and destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah creating the Dead Sea as well (Genesis 19:22).

The wrath of GOD is to be poured out on the evil of all those who refuse to love the truth of JESUS and have embrace the corruption that is in the world through lusts. (2 Thessalonians 2:10).

Once the believers in JESUS are gone, evil will escalate in the absence of the goodness of GOD. We believers now are standing for JESUS still shine as lights in this acceleratingly evil world. And that which is restraining the complete unleashing of evil will be gone (2 Thessalonians 2:6-7).

Looking up for JESUS. Are you?

Hugs

Sharon

The elephant and the dog

After reading an African folktale to day I wanted to share it for it illustrates something most of us face often.

An elephant and a dog became pregnant at the same time. Three months down the line the dog gave birth to six puppies. Six months later the dog was pregnant again, and nine months on once more.  Each time she gave birth to six puppies.  On the eighteenth month the dog approached the elephant questioning, “Are you sure that you are pregnant? We became pregnant on the same date, I have given birth three times for a total of 18 puppies and they are now grown and are becoming big dogs, yet you are still pregnant. What’s going on?“

The elephant replied, “There is something I want you to understand. What I am carrying is not a puppy but an elephant. I only give birth to one in two years. When my baby hits the ground, the earth feels it. When my baby crosses the road, human beings stop and watch in admiration, what I carry draws attention. So, what I’m carrying is mighty and great.”

1^st the elephant knew she was pregnant.  We need to know if we have the right to claim a specific verse from GOD’s word to answer a specific request of ours.  Because quite honestly sometimes the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY in HIS love and wisdom says no. HE says no if what we want isn’t the best thing for all concerned and will NOT bring about HIS purposes.   

How can we know if we can claim a certain promise?

Of course, asking GOD if a specific thing is ours to claim is the 1^st step.  If we are seeking GOD’s perfect will, HE says HE will place in us both the desire and the ability to act (Philippians 2:13, Proverbs 3:5-7) toward that end. For HE has the ability to turn our thoughts where HE wants them to go (Proverbs 21:1).

Bear in mind, however, HE has given people the ability to resist what HE places in our hearts.  That is called choice.  Many times, personal ideas or desires for things even for healing turn us away from that still soft voice saying ‘NO.’

Two primary requirements are to learn to distinguish GOD’s voice and to trust HIS loving wisdom. We learn what HE is like and how HE deals with people through the Word of GOD.  HE will give phrases from the Bible to direct us. Those phrases may not even be on the subject but if HE gives it initially you will know it is from HIM. The problem arises if we disagree with HIM and argue. When we resist what HE whispers we turn our back on HIS word, then we can’t hear HIM.

Charles Stanley gave 7 points that might help us know if a promise is ours to claim.   

1-if the promise meets a personal need (Matthew 6:8).

2-if the promise is consistent to GOD’s immediate will for us (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

3-if it will glorify GOD

4-if we are being obedient to what we know HE wants us to do (Isaiah 59:2).

5-If we are willing to do what GOD wants HIS way.

6-if GOD gives us peace (Colossians 3:15).

7-if HE has given us a verse to claim (Isaiah 55:11).

Most of my promises come to me as I am reading the Word of GOD and the HOLY SPIRIT lights a text up. It is also how HE leads me.  Very early one morning as I read, I came to a verse saying, “Do not fight against this it is from ME” I knew it applied to me even though the context did not apply to me.

I had no clue what GOD meant at the time but several hours later I discovered.  And through that horrible time I claimed GOD’s words, “This is from ME.”  Those words saw me through and later looking back I could see HIS amazing wisdom in what HE had done at that time.  Sometimes HE simply impresses on my heart, “I know what I am doing.”

With the inner awareness the HOLY SPIRIT gives each of us, that something is of GOD, and it is agreeing with HIS nature, I know I can claim that promise.  But timing is a different story all together.  Unlike the elephant in the story above, we don’t know the times for the FATHER has placed them in HIS own authority (Acts 1:7).

As Fred Markert with YWAM once said, “The longer you have to wait to get the answer to your prayer the better the answer will be.” 

GOD is developing each of us and it is a process/ a step at a time.  The LORD synchronizes (preset the exact times and places Acts 17:26) events.  HE must get everyone, and everything involved lined up in the proper place before HE acts.  

GOD has an astounding, absolute foreknowledge all things past, present, and future.  That even includes how each of us will choose to respond in any situation.  That foreknowledge is necessary for HIM to give a promise that HE can keep (Number 23:19) without taking away PART of what GOD gave man when HE made man in HIS own image.  The LORD gave us the ability to choose. HIS foreknowledge keeps HIM from ever being surprised about anything and in complete control.

Therefore, some prayers seem ‘on hold’ to us.  GOD says wait.  If GOD has given you a promise, you know HE is at work and will do it at the right time. 

So don’t, stumble and lose faith when you see others receiving answers to their prayers, while you wait, and wait, and wait. If you haven’t received answers, don’t despair. GOD knows the good plans HE has for you (Jeremiah 29:11). What GOD is doing behind the scenes is a process where HE is developing and preparing and packaging the answer for the greatest impact.

Say to yourself, “GOD knows what HE is doing and when HE answers it will hit the surface of the earth, GOD will be glorified, and all will be blessed.”

Hugs

Sharon

Encourage yourself

I don’t remember in which confess of faith it is stated that our purpose is to know and worship GOD.  To me worship often begins with singing.  Singing plays a big role in the Bible. Over and over we are told to sing to the LORD (60 times in Psalms alone).“O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth” (Psalm 96:1)

In troubling times the LORD told the Jews to sing and amazing thing happened.  “And when they (the Jews) began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten” (2 Chronicles 20:22).

In Isaiah 30:29-31 suggests that as we sing to the LORD the punishing arm of the LORD comes against our enemies to the beat of the music.

Since I find myself encouraged and refocused as I sing to the LORD in trouble, I believe that is what David did to encourage himself in the LORD. “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his GOD” (1 Samuel 30:6).

On one occasion I needed refocusing bad but had to get to class to teach.  So as I drove I listened to and sang with a chorus I’d just heard: “YOU are worthy of it all, YOU are worthy of it all.  For from YOU are all things and to YOU are all things YOU deserve the glory”.

After singing it increasingly with gusto and volume, my windows rolled up on the truck, by the time I reached class I was renewed in SPIRIT and ready to teach.

Sometimes I sing the old classics like “trust and obey” or “Almighty GOD” and other times choruses… Whatever the SPIRIT lays on my heart.  Here are a couple choruses that lift me up.

I worship YOU, ALMIGHTY GOD there is none like YOU, I honor YOU, O Prince of Peace, that is what I long to do. I give YOU praise for YOU are my righteousness, I worship YOU, ALMIGHTY GOD there is none like YOU.

Down at YOUR feet O LORD is the most-high place,in YOUR presence LORD I seek your face, I seek YOUR face. For there’s no greater honor, no higher calling then to bow and kneel before YOUR throne I am amazed by YOUR glory, embraced by YOUR mercy,O LORD, I live to worship YOU. O LORD, I live to worship YOU.

Hugs

Sharon

Changing

At the FWC volunteer servant and little girl fashion show and brunch Saturday we were seated at round tables. At the end of the program, we had table discussions on how to develop our inner beauty.  Several of my students were at one of the tables and another seated there remarked that the others must be a clique for they knew so much about one another. The gals were including, not excluding her, but at times she felt a bit at a loss not knowing the others.

It is fun to gather together as women and get to know one another. That is part of the advantage of being in a small group.  For as we gather together to study GOD’s word we also learn and care about each other as well as what we are like in CHRIST so we know how we should act.  We learn more and more of GOD our FATHER, our LORD JESUS CHRIST and the promises they have given us to claim.  Then when we claim those promises, we actually grow in the likeness of our Savior (2 Peter 1:1-4, Romans 8:29).

As we gather and talk about GOD and what HE says in HIS Word it delights the heart of GOD.  How do I know?  Look what the Bible says.

”Then they that feared the Lord spoke often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before HIM for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon HIS name (character).  And they shall be MINE, says the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up MY jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spares his own son that serves him” (Malachi 3:16-17).

As we discuss Bible passages, they come alive to us so we see how the truth therein can be applied in our own lives and the HOLY SPIRIT changes us, enabling us to live out what we have learned (2 Corinthians 3:18). Which by itself is an excellent reason to be part of a Bible life group. 

If you are not in one you are missing out.

Hugs

Sharon

Plans

Yesterday was a rough day, so after cooking supper I went out and sat on my porch swing. The amazing artistry and soft hues of color mixed with the clouds at sunset delighted me.  Marveling at the design and synchronization of the heavenly bodies GOD flung into space, by a merely speaking a word never fails to calm me for in them I see the power, wisdom and control of my Creator and Savior.

But sometimes, I don’t love the things that seem to be flung into my life and into the lives of those I love. With the onslaught of one dire struggle after another crisis (several this week alone on top of all that is already in play) I felt drained and thought of the old saying, ‘the straw that broke the camel’s back’.  

I wanted to scream, “No more!  Already it is all wrong!  Who of all my family down to my great grandchildren isn’t affected in some struggle, several so very hard and others life threatening?”  Isaiah 45:9 reminded me not to argue with GOD. So, I opened HIS word to allow GOD to take control of my thoughts and renew my mind. I knew I couldn’t do it on my own.

I opened to, “Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in HIM (Psalm 37:5).  Then thought of the words of my friend Jacky, ““Trusting GOD is an exercise, you learn to do it by choosing to do it. And the more you do it (trust GOD), the more you can do it (trust GOD), for your eyes become able to see GOD at work” /Jacky Manchester.

Yes, to trust GOD is a choice, in other words, “Live by faith, not sight” (Habakkuk 2:4)

Into my mind flew the truth found in 2 Corinthians 4:15-18. All things are for your benefit and will bring glory to GOD. Though outside everything seems falling apart our inward man is being renewed day by day. For our temporary troubles are achieving for us eternal wonderful things that far exceed the pain of today. So, look not at what you can see, your situation, for it is temporary.  But look at what is unseen, what GOD is achieving for you through your difficulties (summation of 2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

For GOD works all things (good and bad) together for an end result of good for those who love HIM and are the called.  GOD HIMSELF has determined to conform us to the image (divine nature) of HE SON (JESUS) that HE may be the 1^st of many brethren (Romans 8:28-29).

Then my eyes looked back to the page of the Bible, Psalm 37:7 “Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for HIM, do not fret!… Psalm 37:8 …do not fret-it only causes harm.”

Now being renewed in mind (Romans 12:2), I am again at peace and resting assured GOD has every single situation under control and will direct my steps for anything I am to do.

GOD has encouraged and strengthened me.  Hope it will encourage and strengthen you as well.

Hugs

Sharon 

Are you hungry?

Most of us really enjoy our mealtimes and snacks, not necessarily in that order.  We enjoy the taste of food yet know food is not only to enjoy or survive but to give us the energy to move and do.  But do we go against this reasoning and starve our spirits? 

JESUS said, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD” (Matthew 4:4).

GOD is so kind and again I must bless HIM this morning for giving us HIS Word to speak to us and show us the way when things seem so dark.  Rather than scream out “WHY?” I find peace by going to the Word of GOD.

My family just had another upheaval added to the ongoing ones and are part the increasing number of friends who are experiencing one life shattering event on top of another in their personal families, not to mention the wars, unprecedented disasters, plus supply shortages throughout the world. 

Then peace flooded me as I read this morning:

“Though HE cause grief, HE will have compassion according to the abundance of HIS steadfast love; for HE does not afflict from HIS heart (doesn’t want to afflict) or grieve the children of men” (Lamentations 3:32-33 ESV).

“For whom the LORD loves HE chastens and scourges every son whom HE receives” (Hebrews 12:6).

“Now no chastening 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).

What peace it brings to know GOD is in control in this apparent chaos and that HE is at work. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love GOD, to them who are the called according to HIS purpose” (Romans 8:28).

The purpose GOD is achieving is to cause people to reach out to HIM (Acts 17:27) and to conform every believer into the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4) of HIS SON JESUS (Romans 8:29).  So although it hurts at times, I can trust HIS love since HE gave HIS only begotten SON to save us from our sins and reconcile us to HIMSELF.

It brings me such peace to know GOD is in control and will achieve HIS purpose/ a good result for us though all we go through.

Hugs

Sharon

The helpful bat

Often, we wonder why things are the way they are.  At times our world seems topsy-turvy and just plain crazy. Yet the bible tells us that GOD is in control and does/ allows nothing without a cause (Ezekiel 14:23).

GOD made the earth by HIS power, HE established the world by HIS wisdom, and stretched out the heaven by HIS understanding (Jeremiah 51:15).

As we chuckle with the LORD at the characters HE created and rejoice in our Awesome GOD’s incredible wisdom that HE shows us over and over in HIS amazing creation, remember HE is the Sovereign Creator of heaven and earth and when things seem crazy in your life and in our world, that GOD does absolutely nothing without a good reason.  That brings peace to my soul, and I hope to yours as well.

I read that I should put up a bat house to encourage the presence of these shy animals because bats consume 3,000 or more mosquitoes and other insects nightly. Now if that was all it is a pretty good reason cause mosquitoes love to chew on me!

If that weren’t enough the article went on to say that bats are responsible for 95% of seed dispersal essential to the regeneration of forests and are less likely to be rabid than dogs. 

Our planet is populated with plenty of bizarre and astonishing creatures and yet the facts above show that the LORD had a reason for making the crazy creature in the picture.  In the same way, much we see as wrong and crazy in our world today we need to remember that GOD does/ allows nothing without a good reason.  Right now, if you know your bibles you can see GOD lining up things/ setting the stage for what HE prophesied will occur when HE eliminates sin as HE has declared HE would do.

“What do you imagine against the LORD? HE will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time” (Nahum 1:9).

Hugs

Sharon

How to pray

Not knowing how to pray I asked GOD for GOD says, “Call unto ME and I will show you great and mighty things you know not” (Jeremiah 33:3). 

GOD reminded me of some Bible verses and thereby showed me something about praying for an unbeliever.  I had mentioned the stronghold activities of one and the word veil came to mind. The HOLY SPIRIT in this way indicating what the real problem was.  It wasn’t 1^st and foremost their actions it was the veil that kept them from knowing the truth.  In that way GOD instructed me how to pray for my friend.  2 Corinthians 3:14, 16 tells that there is a veil over an unbeliever’s mind that keeps him from recognizing truth. 

The only way he will truly see the answers he needs to see is to turn to JESUS.  “For only in JESUS is the veil taken away.”

We can say what we will, argue and prove our points by showing scripture but until one turns to JESUS the veil keeps him blinded. 

Now when we see a Christian in sin, it is a different story.  We are told pray concerning the sin in their life (1 John 5:16) Cause when there is sin in our lives we cannot understand GOD’s truth for we have turned away from HIM. 

But for the one who doesn’t believe in the LORD JESUS (GOD the Son taking a human body and come to earth, living perfectly and then dying on the cross for the sins of mankind and being raised to life the 3^rd day and is coming again) blindness must be dealt with 1st.  Only as that one looks to JESUS will the veil that keeps them from seeing truth be taken away so they can find the answers they need.

Looking unto JESUS

Hugs

Sharon