Looking for JESUS

My pastor makes an attempt to greet as many of us as possible and is careful to speak our names.  Many have told me that amazes them and makes them feel so welcome.

Like you and me, GOD wants people to know HIM, to understand and love HIM.  That likeness is not accidental for GOD made  humans in HIS own image (Genesis 1:27).  GOD who knows all things (past, present, and future), knew how people with choice would act before HE even made them, but that didn’t stop HIM from making us.  The desire in GOD to have people choose to love HIM drew salvation’s plan before the creation of the world (1 Peter 1:20, Revelation 13:8).

I’ve been reading in Ezekiel and over and over I read the phrase “and they shall know that I AM the LORD.” I marked each place and went back and counted around 70 times that exact phrase is used. 90 times in all knowing is mentioned in Ezekiel’s 48 chapters. In each case these are prophetic passages. That is: They say that when something specific happens in the future then someone shall know GOD is behind it all. Many of these prophesies have been literally fulfilled.

Now biblical prophecy centers around the Jews and their interactions with people, for GOD selected Abraham and his descendants through Isaac and then through Jacob (Israel) to tell the world about HIMSELF and to show the world what HE is like and thus bless them. HE gave the Jews the Word of GOD to share with all mankind. Just like JESUS chose the small group who believed in HIM to be witnesses for HIM (Acts 1:8) and then teach those who would believe everything HE taught them (Matthew 28:19-20).

Ezekiel tells how GOD would cast the Jews out of their land for a time to punish them for their sins and then HE would bring them back and bless them.  This happened repeatedly.  Ezekiel 33 and 34 prophesies that GOD would scatter for the last time HIS people.  That time they would be scattered around the whole world.  The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY then would make their land desolate, uninhabitable even by animals.  Yet, HE further promised that HE would call the Jews back to their own land and it would blossom as never before, and the Jews would flourish and never leave their land again. 

The fulfillment of that prophesy and the great bringing back of HIS chosen people to their own land (which is still in process) began after the holocaust and was marked when Israel became a legitimate nation in 1948.  For 2000 years they had been away from their land and their forgotten language, yet they came back and relearned Hebrew.

In Ezekiel 36:36 we see how GOD has revealed HIMSELF more clearly to those countries round about Israel because of this regathering of HIS people and blessing them. “Then the nations that are left round about you shall know that I the Lord build the ruined places, and plant that that was desolate: I the Lord have spoken it, and I will do it.”

In Ezekiel, it is when judgment falls that people open their eyes and come to know the LORD.  Isn’t that the truth that it sometimes takes something really hard to wake us up to the truth.

“They shall know that I am the LORD when I have exercised judgment..” (Ezekiel 28:22).

When one speaks the Word of GOD the hearer will know the message is from GOD’s word to them (whether they accept it or refuse it. Ezekiel 2:5

Now these things also apply to us who are not Jews.

“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4).

GOD has said, “For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believes 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 3:36).

The last book of the Bible, Revelation, prophesies of what is coming.  It tells of 7 years when the wrath of GOD falls on all who have rejected JESUS CHRIST.  The Jews 1^st and also the Gentiles.  We call it the great Tribulation, the Bible also calls it Jacob’s trouble or the 70^th week of Daniel.

“And they shall know that I am the Lord, and that I have not said in vain that I would do this evil unto them” (Ezekiel 6:10).

But we who have believed in JESUS and trust in HIS finished work on the cross have a blessed hope, for “we turned to GOD from idols to serve the living and true GOD.  And to wait for HIS SON from heaven, whom HE raised from the dead, even JESUS, who delivered us from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:10).

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great GOD and our Savior JESUS CHRIST” (Titus 2:13).

Even so come LORD JESUS.

Hugs

Sharon

It won’t just happen

My husband does not like to ride in a car when another is driving, especially me.  He prefers having control of the wheel.  Most of us, like him, want control over the things that happen to us.

We have begun 2023 with many unknown events to face that we have absolutely no power to control.  But we need not freak out for our GOD, the Maker of heaven and earth and all that is in them is in absolute control and also knows what lies ahead.  That doesn’t mean HE instigates everything that happens, but it does mean HE allows and can stop anything and as Romans 8:28 tells us HE uses everything (the good and the bad…stirring them together for an end result of good).

Since HIS ways and thoughts are much, much higher than our we often can’t figure out what in the world HE is doing.  But we do know that HE loves us for HE gave us HIS beloved SON to save us and set us free.

Whatever comes, GOD has promised to be with us who are HIS children through believing and receiving JESUS (Hebrews 13:5).  Help is available but it just doesn’t happen.  Help is just a prayer away (Hebrews 4:16) but we must ask.  It is written, “Ask and it shall be given unto you, seek and you shall find, knock and the door shall be opened unto you” (Matthew 7:7). Now GOD promises to do what is best and HE cannot lie (Numbers 23:19).  But what is best may not be what we think should happen.

However, even with all the unknowns, GOD has given us control over two things, our FOCUS (what we look at) and our ATTITUDE.  The first, what we choose to look at and think about, will determine the second, our attitude.  Our choice will define whether we have peace and joy, or struggle with discontent and anger.  Our focus will regulate whether we cope in troubles or fall apart.

If we daily renew our minds in the Word of GOD, HIS thoughts and perspectives give us direction. As we agree with GOD’s thoughts, they become a part of us, affecting the words we speak and the way we behave. Our lives begin to resemble the truth we fill our hearts and minds with.

But if neglect GOD’s word and choose rather to listen to the world around us, it will be a totally different story. We will begin to resemble the lies the world has embraced.  Just look around at our nation and you will see where that has led (Ephesians 2:2).

We actually gain control over our lives by choosing to look to GOD for direction and strength.

Hugs

Sharon

Ants and squirrels

GOD is stunningly remarkable in the details HE teaches HIS creation.  HE equips them and shows them what they need to know to thrive but HE is selective and does not give them all skills nor all wisdom (Job 39:17). HE built within HIS creatures knowledge of what they need to do.  Like salmon born in fresh water going out into the salty ocean for a couple of years and then coming back into the fresh water, then going upstream to where they were born to lay eggs. That kind of guidance can only come from GOD HIMSELF.  HE guides those who look to HIM through HIS HOLY SPIRIT (John 16:13) which GOD gives to all who believe and receive JESUS CHRIST as Savior and LORD (John 7:38-39, Ephesians 1:13).

GOD tells us we can learn from HIS creation and in Proverbs 6:6-8 says, “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:  Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provides her meat in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.”

Well, squirrels, like the ants, gather food for the winter. Let’s look at a few other things we can learn from this small playful creature with the fluffy tail.

When a female squirrel finds another’s baby squirrel, she gives him food then investigates to make sure that he is a true orphan with neither mother nor father. After 3 days of investigation, being certain he has no family, she takes him gently and feeds him and brings him to live with her and her young as if he were one of her own children.

The female squirrel is unique in receiving her husband when he returns with food.  She greets him with kisses and wooing him in order to ease the fatigue of bringing food to her and her young.

The male squirrel always expresses his love for his female by giving her the most beautiful roses and the largest walnuts and almonds…

Mother Squirrel and Father Squirrel are a wonderfully industrious family, and the future of mankind actually depends on their activity.  You see, half of the seeds they store become new bushes creating food for mankind.

We can gain a little wisdom by paying attention to what GOD shows us through this little animal as well as what HE has taught HIS other creatures.

Hugs

Sharon

Our GOD is greater!

Do you remember singing the songs, “Our GOD is greater” or “How great is our GOD”? How can people know about our marvelous and all HE has done unless we tell them? Do we let others know about our great GOD? Do we even tell HIM what we think of HIM?

LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, YOU are infinitely greater… beyond all we can imagine.

How great is YOUR faithfulness we see that it YOUR design both in the physical as seen in the seasons and in our lives, how YOU keep YOUR promises.  “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, HIS mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning, new every morning, great is THY faithfulness O LORD, great is THY faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23).

How great is YOUR love, compassion and mercy for while we were sinners YOU sent YOUR only Begotten Son, JESUS (John 3:16) to come pay for our sins so we could be adopted into YOUR family and live forever with YOU. 

How great is YOUR wisdom and understanding seen in YOUR plans for each of YOUR creation from the boundaries of the waves of the sea, to the heavenly bodies and even to mosquitos… big and small YOUR designs are according to YOUR great wisdom and understanding.  Plus, YOU tell us that YOU have specific plans for each of those who believe in JESUS (Ephesians 2:10).  It is so amazing.

How great is YOUR humor and creativity.  I look at the vast variety of colors and designs from graceful bird to the cartoon stick character of a Praying Mantis.  I am amazed and yet at times must laugh with YOU.

How great is YOUR joy and peace that YOU pour out on those who look to YOU.  And do we ever need it.  Thank YOU.

Yet these are only a tiny part of YOUR ways, Besides the amazing wonder of JESUS coming to save us, the things I’ve mentioned are but some of the minor things YOU do, “merely a whisper of YOUR glory and the outer fringe of YOUR workings; how faint the whisper we hear of YOU! Who then can understand?’ (Job 26:14).

YOUR greatness is unsearchable (Psalm 145:3) and I bow in wonder. Please show me more of YOU and my LORD JESUS CHRIST.

It thrills me that YOU take great delight in me, take time to quiet me with YOUR love and even sing over me (Zephaniah 3:37).  And it blows my mind that when we who love YOU think about YOUR name (character) and talk about it that YOU are so delighted that YOU have our words recorded and make an awesome vow concerning us (Malachi 3:16-17).

Thank YOU for loving me and giving me JESUS and the HOLY SPIRIT and YOUR promise never to leave me nor forsake me (Hebrews 13:5).  YOU are so good!

I love YOU, LORD.

Sharon

Shout it out!

The reason you hear from me so often is because I read my bible and believe JESUS word, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD” (Matthew 4:4).

A favorite verse that changed my life is Hebrews 4:12 paraphrased it says, “The Word of GOD is alive (meeting me here and now where I am at) and active… (it separates and clarifies for me right from wrong and puts things in perspective) it detects/discerns my thoughts and exposes the intents of my heart.”  But more than anything else it is GOD talking to me, preparing me for my day.

Waking up with the song THY WORD in my heart, I began to sing it. I wondered how long before my LORD would come to snatch me away along with all other believers in JESUS. When I opened the Word and turned to the promise verse for the day, I had to laugh. Matthew 24:35-36 “Heaven and earth will pass away but MY Words remain forever.”  No one knows the date and the hour when JESUS will come and call believers up and away from what is coming. Not even the angels. No, nor even GOD’s Son, Only GOD the FATHER knows (Mark 13:32).

As you can see the Word of GOD spoke to my thoughts.

Perhaps that is why GOD tells us to share what HE says to us in HIS Word. The LORD has a word for you today.  Matthew 10:27 “What I tell you now in the gloom, shout abroad when the daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ears, proclaim from the rooftops.”

Did you get in the Word today? Did something, a word, a phrase touch your heart? That was GOD talking. What did GOD tell you today? I want to hear it!

Hugs,

Sharon

What do you fear?

“The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogance, and the evil way, and the froward mouth (lying and corrupt speech), do I hate” (Proverbs 8:13).

Looking around anyone can see we as a nation do not hate sin anymore, therefore there is no fear of the LORD in our land.

And since “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10) we are in a very scary place indeed!

So, we need to “trust in the LORD with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding, in all our ways acknowledge (talk to) HIM and HE will direct our paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

JESUS said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled (by what you see is happening), you believe in GOD believe also in ME” (John 14:1) I will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).

Hugs

Sharon

Have you ever been a witness?

“…the living GOD, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: Who in times past suffered (allowed) all nations to walk in their own ways.  Nevertheless, HE left not HIMSELF without WITNESS, in that HE did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness” (Acts 14:15-17).

“The heavens declare the glory of GOD; and the firmament shows HIS handywork.  Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night shows knowledge.  There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard” (Psalm 19:1-3).

BUT that was not enough. “… men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;Because that which may be known of GOD is manifest in them; for GOD has shown it to them.  For the invisible things of GOD from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even HIS eternal power and GODHEAD; so that they (people) are without excuse:  Because that, when they knew GOD, they glorified HIM not as GOD, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened” (Romans 1:18-21).

“…the world by wisdom knew not GOD, it pleased GOD by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe” (I Corinthians 1:21).  Preaching is just telling the gospel (truth) to another. Here is how it works.

The Jews that left Egypt with Moses came to the Jordan to pass over and conquer the Promise Land.  But 10 of the 12 Jewish men who spied out land came back with a bad report saying there were giants in the land.  However, two of the spies said, “GOD has told us to go over, HE will fight the battles for us.”  But the people chose to do what the 10 men had said and refused to obey GOD. OK GOD said, have it your way and made them walk around the wilderness for 40 years.

Now when all who had refused to go in had died, but the two spies who gave the good report, GOD led them back to the Jordan.  They now had a new leader, Moses was dead and Joshua (one of the original spies who gave a good report) was the new leader.  Before they crossed over the Jordan just 2 new spies are sent out. The spies made their way to Jericho.

In Jericho the spies met a harlot, her name was Rahab.  Just like everyone in Jericho, she had heard reports about The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, the GOD of the Jews and all the amazing things HE had done for HIS people; how HE had opened the Red sea and delivered them from the Egyptians, how HE had defeated the great kings on the other side of the Jordan. 

How did she hear about it? Someone must have told others.

She did more than just believe what she heard. She trusted GOD to be good and loving as well as powerful.  So, when the spies came. she declared her faith in their GOD, told them how everyone was afraid of them, she hid them and helped them escape.

When the spies made it back to the Jews and told them what Rahab had said, the people were encouraged to obey GOD and they crossed over the Jordan, just like GOD commanded.

What we see are simple people just sharing things they know. Whoever heard or saw the things GOD had done in Egypt and in the wilderness simply told others. It resulted in Rehab believing in GOD. Rehab’s words and actions in turn were instrumental in fulfilling the plan of GOD for HIS people.

Just before JESUS ascended into heaven HE told HIS disciples they were to be HIS witnesses (Acts 1:8).

It doesn’t matter where you are, or what you are doing, if there is another person there you can always talk about what you know.  The other will choose whether to listen and believe what you say or not, but “how can they believe in whom they have not heard? (Romans 10:14), for “Faith comes by hearing…” (Romans 10: 17a).

JESUS told HIS disciples they were to be witnesses for HIM (Acts 1:8).

You never know what simply telling another what you know about JESUS, might do for them.  If they don’t know GOD they may find JESUS and be saved.  If they are saved, they may be encouraged to do the right thing.

So declare the wonders of GOD, whenever you can and know that each time you do, GOD will accomplish something eternal through it.

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

Hugs

Sharon

(if you don’t know Rahab’s story and want to know more about her, read Joshua 2, Joshua 6:22,25 and Matthew 1:5)

Can you connect the dots?

Can you connect the dots?

The concept “Connect the dots” is a motivational tool used to teach young children. For when the dots are correctly connected, the child gets to see what the picture is. Often numbers are used by each dot in a -connect the dot picture- to teach the child his numbers.  

Now in adult discourse the phrase “connect the dots” can be used as a metaphor to illustrate an ability (or inability) to associate one idea with another and to find the “big picture”, or significant feature, in a mass of data. It is that adult concept, I believe the Biblical term “rightly dividing the Word of truth” is talking about (2 Timothy 2:15 KJ).  We need to correctly connect the dots of truths in the Bible to understand what is being said.

As we study the Bible, if we don’t connect the dots, dangerous false doctrine can sneak in for the devil is constantly maligning GOD and twisting what HE said.  As you remember, it began way back in the garden of Eden when he said, “Did GOD really say?”.  

When studying the Bible, we need to connect the dots of ideas by comparing Bible verse with Bible verse just has the HOLY SPIRIT teaches by comparing spiritual things with spiritual (1 Corinthians 2:13).

One horrendous lie being spread is that JESUS is appeasing GOD the FATHER’s fierce anger toward believers by answering the devil’s felonious accusations.  That slandering concept simply is not found in Scripture. What the Bible does say, is that JESUS, who is the exact representation of GOD (Hebrews 1:3), is hates SIN (Hebrews 1:9) for sin destroys (John 10:10, 1 John 3:8). It is because of GOD’s love for mankind that the plan of salvation, namely JESUS would die for the sins of all mankind, came into being. 

Sin had to be paid for and eradicated.  JESUS paid for it on the cross and it will be completely eradicated once the devil and his followers are thrown into the eternal lake of fire.

When a person believes in JESUS finished work on the cross to bear his punishment for his sins he is forgiven, saved from the wrath of GOD on sin and becomes a child of GOD.  That plan was GOD the FATHER’s idea (John 3:16) prompted by HIS love. Part of that magnificent plan was everyone who believes in JESUS would be born into GOD’s family, becoming HIS children (John 1:12,1 John 3:1-2).

You might ask, then why are the HOLY SPIRIT (Romans 8:26) and JESUS (Hebrews 7:25) interceding for believers?  Romans 8:29 says its because GOD the FATHER has decreed that each of us who are saved by calling on the name of the LORD (Romans 10:9-10, 13) will be changed into the image (have the same divine nature, characteristics) as JESUS so that JESUS might be the 1^st of many brethren in GOD’s holy family (Romans 8:29).

The HOLY SPIRIT and JESUS pray (converse within the GODHEAD) concerning our development and what is needed to transform each believer in JESUS into the image of JESUS, which GOD the FATHER decreed would take place.  JESUS and the HOLY SPIRIT are not answering to an angry GOD but do defeat any accusations from the devil against us.  All three of the Eternal GODHEAD, the Trinity, are at work together for us who have come to GOD through JESUS (Hebrews 7:25).

Our heavenly FATHER loves us, planned good for us (Ephesians 2:10), and sent HIS own precious SON that we might not perish but be reunited with HIM and have everlasting life (John 3:16).   JESUS came and died to show us what GOD is really like, to save us from our sins, and to set us free from the enemy and our sin nature (Matthew 1:21) and to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8).

The precious HOLY SPIRIT has come to live within us once we believe in JESUS. HE patiently comforts, teaches, empowers us, and directs us in the way we should go. As HE shows us more and more about JESUS, we are changed into that likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Therefore we can conclude- as we connect the dots-that the interceding of the HOLY SPIRIT and of JESUS  is not to convince an angry GOD- Abba FATHER- not to hurt us, but rather the three of them conversing as they constantly work together to bring about the believer’s transformation into the image of JESUS CHRIST decreed by Abba FATHER- HIMSELF (Romans 8:29).

Let us never forget that JESUS-Who loves us and died for us-is the express image and exact representation of GOD our FATHER in all HIS goodness and love and hatred of sin (Hebrews 1:1-3, 9).

Looking unto JESUS, the Author and Perfector of my faith
Hugs
Sharon

Apples and stars

Many things are hidden right under our noses, just waiting to be discovered.  As I cut an apple into wedges, for a snack, I thought, ‘well, I won’t see the star this time.’  Can you believe, I was an adult with children before I discovered there was a star in the center of every apple?  Why?  No one had ever told me it was there, and I was taught to cut an apple for wedges top to bottom for coring it, not across.  You will only see the star if you cut an apple across the middle.

It is the same in the Bible. Many things are hidden in the Bible and we must search for them like treasure.  GOD loves to reward our seeking. “It is the glory of GOD to conceal a thing: but the honor of kings is to search out a matter” (Proverbs 25:2).

I love it when I sit reading my Bible and a word or a phase seems to jump off the page speaking directly to something I’ve either prayed for or wondered about.  Previously I’d not seen those words and phrases in the same light for I was reading either with preconceived idea, because I was in too much of a hurry so rushed right past them or because the time was just not right (GOD works on a time schedule Acts 17:26-27).  Hebrews 4:12 tells us that the Word of GOD is alive and powerful and speaks to us where we are at today.

I’ve learned to pray, “Open the eyes of my heart, LORD, and keep me from deception.”  GOD promises that if I call unto HIM that HE will show me great and mighty things that I know not!  (Jeremiah 33:3)  And GOD is not a man that HE should lie (Numbers 23:19)

So as you open up the good Book and seek to hear for the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY says, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find..“ (Matthew 7:7).

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

hugs

Sharon

What do you practice?

Walking into a new friend’s home I spied an old piano just like the one my dad bought for Christmas in 1956 when I was in the 6th grade. We had just moved to Sacramento from a small town in the mountains. I began to take piano lessons at that time. It did not come naturally for I have short stubby fingers and am a bit awkward.  But I would sit down on the piano bench and plunk away at the scales to the beat of a metronome as best I could. My teacher insisted that I use a metronome, hoping that it would increase my sense of tempo. It did help, plus Praise the LORD, in GOD’s mercy it prepared me for the days when I would lose my ability to hear many sounds. For I still could pick up on the tempo and enjoy the rhythm even though many tones were gone.

Daily I would faithfully sit and practice the scales and simple songs.  I never got very far in learning to play for my instructions were cut short. It was a time of much upheaval in our family, and a few months after starting lessons I moved hundreds of miles away to live with my grandmother. Set in a strange new world getting to know my grandmother who I’d only seen once a year, going to a new school, and meeting new people pushed thoughts of playing the piano far away, and since money for lessons just wasn’t there, I never had another opportunity.

As I read in 1 John 3 my thoughts turned back to those daily practice sessions on the piano sixty-seven years ago.  I remember that practicing my scales often felt like drudgery. 

But living with my grandmother I found JESUS, or I should say HE claimed me.  I am so thankful for GOD the FATHER’s unspeakable love shown so clearly when HE gave the LORD JESUS, HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believed in HIM would not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). I marvel at how freely JESUS laid aside HIS position and rights, took on a human body and came in the flesh as a little human baby born and placed in an animal feeding trough. JESUS grew up in submission to ones HE had made.  JESUS always taught and modeled GOD the FATHER perfectly (Hebrews 1:2-3).  I stand in awe that JESUS did only what GOD the FATHER told HIM to do and then gave HIMSELF to die on the cross bearing all the sins of the world-past present and future.  Astonishing many HE rose again on the 3rd day and is now seated at the right hand of FATHER GOD awaiting the day when HE will come for HIS bride, the church. It is written HE will remain in the clouds when HE calls us up to meet with HIM (1 Thessalonians 4:14-17) and then 7 years later come to earth to put down rebellion and literally reign on the earth for 1,000 years.

What caught my attention in 1 John 3:1-10 was that until JESUS calls us up into the clouds to be with HIM and escape the 7 years of Jacob’s (Jewish) trouble also known as the wrath of GOD on the wicked and called the great Tribulation, we Christians are to be PRACTICING being like JESUS.  PRACTICING meaning learning more and more and getting better and better at it just as one would if diligently practiced playing the piano.

Now there is a difference between PRACTICING doing right and legalism. Legalism is trying to gain GOD’s favor by how I act. JESUS already earned that for me. PRACTICING doing right is just trying to be more like my Savior JESUS. Like a little child gets steadier on his feet by trying to walk so I can walk closer with the HOLY SPIRIT by practicing to do right with HIS help.

It is said that “Practice makes perfect”. Well, I never got anywhere near being perfect in playing the piano, but I do choose to spend my days now practicing what the Word of GOD says.

“See how great a love the FATHER has given us, that we would be called children of GOD; and in fact we are. For this reason, the world does not know (understand) us: because it did not know (understand) HIM. Beloved, now we are children of GOD, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when HE (JESUS) appears, we will be like HIM, because we will see HIM just as HE is. And everyone who has this hope set on HIM (JESUS) purifies himself, just as HE (JESUS) is pure.

Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness. You know that HE (JESUS) appeared in order to take away sins; and in HIM there is no sin. No one who remains in HIM (JESUS) sins continually; no one who sins continually has seen HIM or knows HIM. Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as HE (JESUS) is righteous; the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The SON of GOD appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. No one who has been born of GOD practices (intentionally tries to do more and more) sin, because his seed remains in him; and he cannot sin continually, because he has been born of GOD. By this the children of GOD and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of GOD, nor the one who does not love his brother and sister.” (1 John 1-10 NASB).

Those verses tell us how to purify ourselves (live like one under a vow) as HE (JESUS) is pure (blameless, innocent, modest). We fix our eyes on JESUS and determine to follow HIS actions/ to do as JESUS would do (Hebrews 12:2).  Remember the bracelets WWJD (what would JESUS do)? Following HIM it is only possible as we look to HIM and HE strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).

Now here comes the part about PRACTICING that really caught my attention, and it must be extremely important for 6 times from 1 John 3:4 to 10 the Greek word poieo (Practice) is used. The NASB translates that word practicing all 6 times. When used as a participle that word means to be continually, actively devoted to, follow after, practicing something.

The verses speak of practicing doing right, or following after JESUS’ actions, and being right (1 John 3:7), or practicing sin and following after the devil (1 John 3:8).

There is a strong emphasis in these verses, that if you belong to GOD, you will practice to do right. That is, you will want to do what is right and good.  Just as I want to play the right notes at the right tempo. But just as I would slip and hit the wrong note as I practiced on the piano, or as today I hit the wrong letter when I was texting a friend, I sometimes slip and sin. I do not delight in sinning, and am definitely not practicing making mistakes, but sometimes it does happen.

On the other hand, the lifestyle of this world, doing things “my way”, is practicing sin. Cain is spoken of in 1 John 3:11-12. He is said to be of the devil. But even before he murdered his brother, it is written that his works were evil. What did he do wrong? He was a farmer, was that wrong? I don’t think so. But Cain offered the product of his own work to GOD as an offering, when GOD had said it must be a blood sacrifice. Doing things our own way, instead of GOD’s way is evil. It is following after the devil’s way of wanting to be in control/ the one who calls the shots/ how things are done.

Our FATHER in heaven has decreed that we who love HIM will be transformed into JESUS likeness so that JESUS will be the 1^st of many brethren (Romans 8:28-29). On our own that awesome transformation is totally impossible. The context indicates it is through both hard times and good that the process of our change is carried out. It is the work of the HOLY SPIRIT (2 Corinthians 3:18), through the prayers of JESUS (Hebrews 7:25).  We can be a part of it if we practice what we learn and thus train ourselves to discern good from evil (Hebrews 5:14). In this way, we purify ourselves even as HE (JESUS) is pure.

I urge you in CHRIST’s stead to 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 to practice being good(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 all your thoughts with HIM (2 Corinthians 10:5).

hugs

Sharon