A New Year

Today we end 2022 and head into 2023.  As we enter into a new year let’s remember that if we walk with GOD each day can be a new beginning for HE is faithful and HIS mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).

Thinking along those lines, my thoughts flew back to when we 1st moved to Pueblo.  There was a single tree in our back yard.  It looked like it had been struck with lightning.  It was sorry thing, a burned stub with some long branches all on one side.  Mac cut the branches brutally.  I love trees and I mourned it for there was hardly anything left.  Amazingly, come Spring, new little branches sprouted and grew and behold I had a peach tree.  The burnt tree, lopsided as it was, after a few years began producing luscious peaches.  It was the pruning back of the old that gave the tree a new beginning and enabled the tree to produce good fruit.

GOD does the same thing with us.

(JESUS said) John 15:1-2 “I am the true grapevine, and MY FATHER is the gardener.  HE cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and HE prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 

Well, lately it seems like many Christians, besides me, are being brutally pruned.

I encourage myself to believe GOD’s unchanging Word- that GOD has a reason, a purpose in allowing this pruning and that is to make us more fruitful.  It is NOT pleasant to be pruned.  In fact, it really hurts, but later it yields an increase of fruit which produces great joy and rewards for us. 

GOD declares that HE does nothing without a cause (Ezekiel 14:23) and what seems like evil GOD will use for an end result of good for those who love HIM (Romans 8:28).

So, if you, like me, are going through one struggle after another claim the unchanging word of GOD that HE is achieving for you through these problems. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.   

Our infinitely all-wise GOD allows or instigates our pruning with an end in view. As is written, “I know the plans I have for you says the LORD, plans of peace not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11).  Believe HIM and thank HIM for what HE is doing (Ephesians 5:20, 1 Thessalonians 5:18) that is called faith and we are told to walk by faith not sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

Hugs

Sharon

A star in the East

The picture is of my granddaughter Chloe from years ago.  She was married 11/11/22 so is in her own home this year making her own cookies instead of helping Grandma.

My grandkids have always loved to help make cookies, ginger bears and all kinds of goodies for the holidays. Our times of cooking together were fun and with much laughter, But, with the abundance of goodies around wherever I turned I sampled too much, put on extra pounds, and my clothes got snug.

Whenever I decided I needed to go on a diet, what do you think the 1st thoughts that came into my head were?  Yep, you are right.  I’d think of food.  Why do you think that was and is to this day? 

After years of living in bondage to my old sin nature serving the prince of the power of the air, the devil (Ephesians 2:2), like everyone else before coming to JESUS, I had bought in to the lie it is all about me and what I want and wanting it now.  Those little whispers in my ear, that sound more like me than me, those suggestions, “Oh a little won’t hurt” so often is too hard to push away. 

The trouble is it often I don’t stop with just a little, for a little cause cravings for more. Like, one addicted to drugs, what began as pleasure has become a task master that enslaves and controls him.  But it’s not hopeless for there is a GOD of hope who has sent a Deliverer.

“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).

Laying HIS glory aside, JESUS, truly GOD, through whom all things were made that were made (Hebrews 1:2) took on the very nature of a servant, was given a human body and born a babe in Bethlehem. This same ONE became obedient even to death on the cross after HE’d suffered and overcome every temptation there is (Hebrews 4:15) and HE did it all for you and for me. So, JESUS knows how to help us when we are tempted.

When JESUS carried sin on the cross, HE broke the power of sin over us.  That’s right we don’t have to sin.  That does NOT mean we will not be tempted to sin.

Once we believe in JESUS, we immediately are sealed with the HOLY SPIRIT (Ephesians 1:13) and then have power to say NO to sin.  For GOD is within us to help us.

Hebrews 4:16 says that if we come boldly to the throne of grace (pray) that we will receive mercy (favor instead of anger) and get the grace to help us in times of our need (when we are tempted, need strength, wisdom, or whatever).

I really have to call out for help during Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years for the seasons demand goodies to be available for guests.  So, although GOD tells us to make no provision for the flesh (Romans 13:14), there are times it’s just not feasible.

Praise the LORD that our GOD uses all things, stirring them together to get an end result of good for us who love HIM and have answered HIS call (Romans 8:28).  For the more I choose to go to GOD for help, and it is a definite choice, the easier it becomes as I grow in discernment.  For the more time I spend with JESUS in HIS word and prayer and living out what HE shows me in HIS word and through nudges to do (Hebrews 5:14), the more I think and act like HIM (2 Corinthians 3:18,) and the more peace and joy I have (Galatians 5:22-23).

Like GOD the FATHER decreed, I am being changed into the image of HIS SON’s divine nature (Romans 8:29) as I claim HIS great and precious promises found in the Word of GOD (2 Peter 1:4). They are HIS promises and HIS power, I just believe HIM.

That very thought is surreal. Even though I must choose to say no to what is not good, (even an extra cookie or piece of pie, telling a little white lie, or speeding) the power to choose is mine.

Consider these things and may the good LORD give you wisdom and understanding (James 1:5, 1 Corinthians 2:10) as HE guides you with HIS peace (Colossians 3:15), strengthens you with HIS joy (Nehemiah 8:10), and enables you with HIS grace (Hebrews 4:16). Now may the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT” (Romans 15:13) Keep looking unto JESUS (Hebrews 12:2) and talk over your thoughts with HIM (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Hugs
Sharon

The FATHER’s part

Let’s consider the FATHER’s part which is often overlooked.

As I open to Matthew 22. In verse 2, I was struck with the words, “The kingdom of heaven is like a a king making a marriage for his son.”

The vividness of the multifaceted truth that GOD our heavenly FATHER picked out a bride for HIS SON (JESUS) and made all the arrangements for the wedding blew me away as verse after verse tumbled into my mind and I just have to share, I can’t keep quiet!

The Most HIGH chose the bride through HIS infinite foreknowledge of who would believe the gospel that HE, GOD the FATHER, sent HIS SON to save them by dying for their sins and being raise for our justification to be LORD over all (1 Peter 1:2, Romans 4:22-25).

“GOD the FATHER chose you because of what HE knew beforehand…” 1 Peter 1:2 CEB).

^“For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). “He that believes on the SON has everlasting life: and he that believes not the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abides (stays) on him” (John 36).

GOD the FATHER deeply loved mankind who were alienated from HIM because of sin.  So, GOD devised a way to be reconciled to mankind.  Now JESUS HIS SON was in full agreement (Philippians 2:5-11) but we will talk about the aspect of JESUS’ agreement later. 

“it was imputed (counted) to him for righteousness.Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;But for us also, to whom it (righteousness) shall be imputed (counted), if we believe on HIM that raised up JESUS our LORD from the dead. WHO (JESUS) was delivered for our offences and was raised again for our justification.” (Romans 4:22-25).

GOD (the FATHER) was in CHRIST, reconciling the world unto HIMSELF, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and has committed unto us (who believe the gospel) the word of reconciliation.  Now then we (who believe in JESUS) are ambassadors for CHRIST, as though GOD did beseech you by us: we pray you in CHRIST’s stead, be reconciled to GOD.  For HE (GOD the FATHER) has made HIM (JESUS) to be sin for us, WHO (JESUS) knew no sin (never sinned); that we (who believe in HIM) might be made the righteousness of GOD in HIM (JESUS)” (2 Corinthians 5:19-21).

Wow, when we think of Christmas and of our salvation, most often we just think of JESUS coming to save us and protect us from an angry GOD.  But as we have seen, GOD the FATHER, who cannot tolerate sin since it destroys, planned our salvation through JESUS substitutionary sacrifice on the cross before the beginning of the world (Revelation 13:8).

Let’s quickly review GOD the FATHER’s very active part in saving us.  GOD the FATHER wanted a bride for HIS SON.  HE chose JESUS’ bride through HIS (GOD the FATHER’s) amazing foreknowledge of who would believe.  HE loved us so much that while we were yet sinners. HE gave HIS only SON to save us when HE sent JESUS to die for our sins. HE put our sins on JESUS on the cross.  Then after 3 days GOD the FATHER raised JESUS from the dead and GOD the FATHER highly exalted JESUS to be LORD over all.

But lest you think GOD the FATHER was being dictatorially domineering over JESUS, lets briefly look at how JESUS was in full agreeance with the FATHER’s plan. HE too wanted a pure bride (Ephesians 5:25-27).

Let this mind be in you, which was also in CHRIST JESUS: WHO, being in the form of GOD, thought it not robbery to be equal with GOD (the FATHER):But made HIMSELF of no reputation, and took upon HIM the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, HE (JESUS) humbled HIMSELF, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.  Wherefore GOD (the FATHER) also hath highly exalted HIM (JESUS), and has given HIM (JESUS) a name which is above every name That at the name of JESUS every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that JESUS CHRIST is LORD, to the glory of GOD the FATHER” (Philippians 2:5-11).

Does this reality that GOD the FATHER and SON our Maker loves us this much excite you as it does me?

Hugs

Sharon

The Potter

A potter applies pressure in one area then another on the clay as he spins it on his wheel.  He does it to form what he has designed. In a like manner GOD’s hands are molding us through the struggles and problems we face day in and day out (Isaiah 64:8, 2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

As humans we become mature/ grown-up, by facing, and overcoming trials, adversities, temptations and difficulties. I do not know why it is this way, it just is. The truth of the matter is pride stands DIRECTLY in the way of both accepting truth and maturing.

Arrested development occurs when we refuse to go through our struggles, trying to find a way to avoid reality. There are many common options used to escape: alcohol, drugs, going to people who agree with us, blaming others, denying there is a problem, keeping busy or just turning our back and walking away.

I’ve heard it said that whatever age a person is when they started using the escape methods (could be substance abuse, could be blaming, or making excuses, whatever) that is the emotional age they stay at, until they begin to learn how to “deal” with challenges. Could be why some grown-ups behave as little children.

ALMIGHTY GOD YOU know all things and look on our hearts.  I can think of some whom seem to avoid reality.   But I must admit that at times I do too.  Although I say I believe in YOUR love and purposes and quote all those verses that YOUR plans and ways are for my good, sometimes when trouble hits, I can lose my focus. I try to find a way out or around the problem, so I don’t have to go through it. Forgive me for despising or rejecting the very means YOU have graciously granted for my development.

I thank YOU LORD that I can find peace and help to cope by coming to YOU at the throne of grace for mercy and grace to help and to get the wisdom, understanding and strength I need to deal with each situation.  Lead me LORD.

Thank YOU for meeting me when I run to YOU LORD and I thank YOU for YOUR great and precious promises to go with me each step of the way/ that YOU will never leave me nor forsake me (Hebrews 13:5). Thank YOU for YOUR constant faithfulness and unending love, my eyes are on YOU, LORD.  I am just waiting to see what YOU are doing.  In JESUS name I rejoice and pray.  AMEN

hugs

Sharon

HIS ways are higher

Do you pray like JESUS? “Not MY will but YOURS be done.”

Stop for a moment and consider, when you pray do you ever tell the LORD, who created heaven and earth, what to do and then get upset or frustrated if HE doesn’t do it your way?  I must admit that I have.

“My thoughts are completely different from yours, says the LORD. And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are MY ways higher than your ways and MY thoughts higher than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9 NLT).

I have no real concept of how high the heavens are above us. But to get an inkling of how unfathomable higher GOD’s thoughts are than ours, I did some research. Here are a few facts. Draw 2 circles, one large and one small with their centers just 9 inches apart. If each inch represented 10 million miles (10,000,000) that picture would show the distance between our earth and our sun. When I took a moment and drew it, I got a better idea.

Now if you want to draw another circle to show how far the nearest star would be the star would be 40 miles from the sun you drew on your paper.  So, you really can’t do that. The nearest star is Alpha Centauri and is 24 thousand million miles away (24,000,000,000,000). 

That distance is hard to imagine so suppose you started out the moment you were born and ran a mile every 4 minutes without stopping. You would be 700 years old when you reached our sun and 182 million years old before you reached the nearest star. And that is just the beginning… it is the closest star in our universe of millions of stars and beyond are galaxies  upon galaxies upon galaxies all filled with stars and quasars and whatever else is out there.

Those numbers blow me away. I have no concept of the distance. But consider what the GOD who flung them all into space says. “for just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are MY ways higher than your ways and MY thoughts higher than your thoughts.”

The Psalmist said, “Who is man that YOU are mindful of him?” Yet, we know from HIS word that GOD is very mindful of us. Before man was ever formed, the eternal Triune GODHEAD devised a plan and preset the small details of times and places for each one ever to be born (Acts 17:26).  In forming us HE determined our DNA (Psalm 139). And knowing our choices before we made them, HE knew that we would need a Savior and that was planned too. 

JESUS, who flung those stars into space and made everything that was made, would not grasp HIS equality in the GODHEAD but took on the form of a servant/ the body of a man and become obedient to the plan and carry the all sin of the world, past present and future on HIMSELF on the cross (Philippians 2:5-8) so we could be forgiven and reconciled if only we would believe. JESUS’s body was then risen from the dead guaranteeing our resurrection from the dead.

Yes, GOD’s thoughts are completely different than our thoughts, HIS ways are far beyond anything we could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are HIS ways higher than our ways and HIS thoughts higher than our thoughts. No wonder we need the Holy SPIRIT to interpret what GOD says to us (1 Corinthians 2:10-12). Yet, in arrogance we try to tell HIM what to do and get mad if HE doesn’t do it our way on our time schedule. I would say LOL but it isn’t a laughing matter.

Instead of holding on to the way I thought GOD should act and try to push and shove for HIM to do it my way I’m learning to ask the Eternal I AM to show me more of what HE is doing.  Instead of disputing according to my limited understanding, I ask the SPIRIT of truth (John 16:13) with whom I am sealed until the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30) to open my understanding to the next thing GOD wants me to see (1 Corinthians 2:10-12) and place in me what HE wants me to do (Philippians 2:13).

If both JESUS and the HOLY SPIRIT while dealing with men on earth only speak the words that THEY are given (John 14:10, 16:13-14, Romans 8:26-27) how much more should we acknowledge GOD in all things and let HIM direct our words and actions? (Proverbs 3:5-7).

Hugs

Sharon