What do you seek?

What do you go expecting when you pick up the Bible and read?  Are you looking for information, facts to answer your questions, for a good story, or do you go to meet with GOD HIMSELF and get to know HIM better?

We are told that grace and peace will be multiplied to us, along with all things for life and godliness plus great and precious promises enabling us to participate in the divine nature all come to us through our KNOWLEDGE of GOD the FATHER and our LORD JESUS CHRIST (see 2 Peter 1:2-4).

So, we see that getting to KNOW THEM is immensely important.  How do we get to KNOW THEM?

JESUS said, “Have I been so long time with you, and yet have you not known ME, Philip? he that has seen ME has seen the FATHER; and how can you say then, ‘Show us the FATHER’?” (John 14:9).  Since that is true, what we see is true of the nature of GOD the FATHER we can KNOW is also true of JESUS CHRIST our LORD and visa versa.

In the Bible we see how both GOD the FATHER and our LORD JESUS CHRIST act in different situations and under different conditions.  We see THEM in THEIR relationships with people, angels, animals, and the atmosphere.  Since GOD is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8) we can KNOW how HE will act toward us in similar circumstances.

This week we were in 1 Samuel 25.  In verse 39 David blessed the LORD whom he served for 3 things.

1-The LORD pleaded his cause (GOD was a lawyer for HIM).

2-The LORD kept David from doing wrong (by sending one to show him he was wrong).

3-The LORD made things right (took vengeance on wrong),

How does that apply to us?

1-The LORD will defend us who serve HIM against those who come against us.

2-If we are headed in the wrong way, the LORD will show us we are wrong to keep us from doing wrong. (Then it will be up to us to listen.)

3-The LORD will make things right in the end.

As a young teen going into Jr High School (today’s middle school) there was a popular song, its chorus describes a truth I have found in my relationship with my Heavenly FATHER and my LORD JESUS CHRIST. 

To know, know, know YOU is to love, love, love YOU.  Just to (sense) YOUR smile makes my life worthwhile.  To know, know, know YOU is to love, love, love YOU and I do, I do, I do.

Do you KNOW my JESUS?  Are you growing in your knowledge of HIM?

Hugs

Sharon

Stop and get directions

Have you ever been like the little one in the picture and tried to take on more than you could handle?

Although with GOD all things are possible (Philippians 4:13), we must listen to know what GOD has assigned to each of us and prepared each to do.  For GOD knows the plans HE has for each of us (Jeremiah 29:11) and so does the HOLY SPIRIT (Romans 8:27) who prepares and equips us to be ready for the next assignment.

Ephesians 2:10 “For we are HIS (GOD’s) workmanship (poem), created in CHRIST JESUS to do good works which GOD has prepared in advance that we should walk in them.”

“but will confine our boasting to the sphere of service GOD HIMSELF has assigned to us,” (2 Corinthians 10:13).

It’s too easy to step over into someone else’s territory, because it looks good, or we are asked to do something, or we see a need. Unless it is our assignment, we could be blocking the path of another to do what GOD has assigned to her.

GOD just gives me grace, insight, and strength for what HE has assigned me personally to do. As JESUS said, I can do nothing of eternal value unless CHRIST is behind it and enables me (John 15:5).

Being a people pleaser, it’s been hard for me to say no. If I saw a need I’d rush ahead to take on responsibilities without 1st taking the time to ask the LORD if it was what HE wanted me to do.  Often, I would get overloaded and burdened.    

Through the years, GOD has taught me to stop and wait to hear the LORD’s clear direction (Isaiah 50:10-11).  It is amazing how HE will open doors and lead the way when I am discussing everything over with HIM (Proverbs 3:5-7). 

Life becomes an adventure as the LORD leads me through the nudges of the HOLY SPIRIT.  Truly, “They who wait on the LORD renew their strength, they can run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

My days now begin by asking GOD to lead the way to the things HE has for me and to stop me from taking on something HE wants someone else to do.  I also ask for HIM to keep me from deception, for we are in the days of deception.

Hugs

Sharon

Why do we make mistakes?

JESUS said, you err because you don’t know the scriptures nor the power of GOD Mark 12:24

All our mistakes come because we don’t take time to know GOD and HIS ways by getting into His word and praying.

When struggles come and they will come, run to GOD in prayer and HE will give you peace and direction (Hebrews 4:16). Then open HIS word and let the LORD speak to you.

Hugs

Sharon

HE will do it

Talking to the LORD about one who is broken but filled with pride, I asked concerning him and how I might stand in the gap and pray on his behalf (Isaiah 45:11). In HIS tender love and mercy, the LORD spoke a verse to me as a rhema word for the situation.

“… he kept on in his willful ways. I have seen his ways, but I will heal him. I will lead him also and I will restore comfort to him and those who mourn for him” (Isaiah 57:17-18 ESV).

GOD said HE was going to manage it.

How can GOD promise that being righteous and having set the standard and the way, yet having given man choices? The LORD can only promise what will be done, because HE knows all things past, present, and future. Included in HIS amazing knowledge is how my rebel will respond in each situation he faces.

In Job 36:8 one is described as bound and held in the cords of his own sins. GOD promises in Job 36:9 that HE will show such a one his sins and how he has gone beyond the boundaries GOD HIMSELF has set. Then GOD declares that HE will open the rebel’s ears through problems and through discipline and tell that one what he needs to do. Then comes that person’s choice (Job 36-10-12). If one chooses to believe GOD, he will do what GOD directs. But If he chooses not to believe that which GOD has shown him, he will lose that which he was told, and he will die without knowledge.

So, for GOD to speak of healing one as HE did in Isaiah 57, we can be sure HE sees a whole lot more than we can. HE sees the choices that one will make before he makes them.

The truth related in Psalm 139 about how well GOD knows each person that has or will live blows my mind. And to think included in all that knowledge is what it will take to get my loved ones to see clearly and receive truth. It makes seeing the discipline and affliction they must endure so much more bearable for me to watch.

I find myself paraphrasing 2 Corinthians 4:15, 17 “All things are for their benefit…their light and momentary troubles are achieving for them great and eternal things that far surpass the pain of today.”

In Isaiah 57 GOD was saying that HE- the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY would heal my rebel and lead him and will restore comfort to him. I was reminded (Proverbs 21:1, John 14:26), of Jonah who was tossed into the depths of the freezing cold ocean. Yet GOD had provided a fish to swallow him, to protect and keep him safe until the time when GOD commanded the fish to spit Jonah out on dry land.

My loved ones present troubles are no more an issue to GOD, than that deep ocean.

I praised the LORD, HE knows what HE is doing. The LORD’s word that jumped off the page into my heart (the rhema word) concerning what the LORD HIMSELF was doing, assures me and gives me peace and joy, filling my heart with thanksgiving and telling me how to pray (Proverbs 3:5-7).

When GOD speaks, and you receive HIS word into your heart, choosing to believe it (Romans 10:10), it creates faith whether in JESUS, or what HE is doing in an individual or situation. For faith come from hearing (paying attention to what is being said) and hearing (in your heart) from the (rhema) word of CHRIST. (Romans 10:17).

Faith the is assurance of things hoped for, the evidence (conviction of the reality) of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).

Has GOD, who cannot lie, given you a (rhema) promise? Hold on to it. If it seems long in coming, wait for it. For it is for an appointed time (Acts 17:26). It will surely come, and that not second late (Habakkuk 2:3).

Hugs

Sharon

How to escape

Some think that the GOD of the Old Testament changed and is different than the GOD of the New Testament. BUT GOD does not change. James 1:¹⁷ tells us, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the FATHER of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” Over and over we see that the GOD of the Old Testament is the same as the GOD of the New Testament.  A prime example of this is found in 2 Chronicles 33:^12-13 check it out.

Job 33:²⁴ “GOD is gracious…to deliver man from going down to the pit (HE says) I have found a RANSOM.”

Due to details given in the book of Job many believe the man Job was a contemporary of Abraham. Therefore, the book of Job precedes Genesis by over 500 years.  How could GOD have found a RANSOM at that time to keep men from the pit (hell)?  Is not JESUS the only way?

JESUS declared, “I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the FATHER but by ME” (John 14:6).

What ransom did GOD find?

Hebrews 9:22 “and almost all things by the law are purged (cleansed) by blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no remission (forgiveness of sin).

Hebrews 10:4 “For it is not possible that the blood of bull and of goats should take away sins.”

John 1:29 “the next day John (the Baptist) saw JESUS coming to him and said, ‘Behold the LAMB of GOD who takes away the sin of the world.”

Revelation 13:8 “…the book of life of the LAMB slain from the foundation of the world.”

GOD who knows all things past, present, and future, knew before Creation that people would sin, and a Savior would be needed for the LORD GOD to have an eternal people of HIS own.  JESUS’ sacrifice was pre-determined, agreed on, and accepted by the GODHEAD before the Creation of the world. JESUS taking on the form of man, living, dying for our sins and being raised again for our justification was not a provision added to GOD’s original plan and purpose, but the very plan A itself. GOD’s plan was not Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden, but JESUS in the garden (John 18:1-3).

Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, that GOD who cannot lie, promised before the world began but in due time manifested HIS Word through preaching (the plan was in place and promised but not explained until JESUS).

JESUS was the RANSOM GOD found in Job 33:24.

I love the clarity of the explanation of how a person obtained that RANSOM in the Old Testament given in Job.

Job 33:¹⁴ “Why do you strive against GOD for HE gives not an account of any of HIS matters.  ¹⁶ GOD opens the ears of men (HE speaks to them), and seals (describes) their instructions… ¹⁷ So HE may withdraw man from his purpose (own way) and to hide pride from man.  Job 36:⁹ GOD shows man his transgressions, where they have exceeded (gone beyond the boundaries GOD has set for them). ¹⁰ GOD opens their ear through discipline and commands that they turn from iniquity ¹¹ if they obey (choice) and serve HIM (good will happen) ¹² but if they do not obey, they will perish, and they shall die without knowledge.”

Warning, GOD shows men the truth and their transgressions (sins) but if they refuse to accept the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:¹⁰) or suppress the truth (saying it is not true or doesn’t apply to me Romans 1:^18ff) they lose the knowledge of what GOD has shown them (Luke 8:18).

Job 33:²⁷ “GOD looks upon men and if any say, ‘I have sinned (agree with GOD that they are wrong) and perverted that which was right and it profited me not’ ²⁸ GOD will deliver his soul from going to the pit (lowest hell) and his life shall see the light. ²⁹ all these things GOD often times works with man. ³⁰ to bring him back from the pit (lowest hell) and to be enlightened with the light of the living.”

Therefore, in the Old Testament faith in and obedience to GOD’s word spoken in their hearts was the way they found forgiveness.  “Even as Abraham believed GOD and it was accounted unto him as righteousness” (Galatians 3:6).

As Job 34:⁴ says, “let us choose judgement (GOD’s words).” Accept the RANSOM.

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

Hugs

Sharon

Be encouraged

“Anyone who wants to hear, let him listen and understand” (Mark 4:23 NLT).

I am teaching in Hebrews 3-4.  We are at the section of the absolute importance of RESTING in GOD by believing GOD’s word and trusting HIM to do as HE says HE will do.  It is often said that when one teaches on a subject, GOD will test the teacher in that area.  Talking with the LORD this morning HE impressed me, that is exactly what HE is doing with me now.

Remember David and Goliath?  Well, Goliath the giant would step out and ridicule and confront the Israelites and mock GOD and all the Jews, even King Saul, trembled in fear.  But not David, for the teenager David who had kept the sheep of his father had experienced GOD’s deliverance when a lion and a bear attacked.  David learned to trust GOD (REST in GOD) through the things he had suffered.

Let it suffice to say there are several giants attacking my people, mocking my GOD, and tauntingly sneering at me as they attack my loved ones.  Often, they mock and attempt to provoke me with words like, “Did GOD really say?”/ or “You should take control and do this or that.” But the LORD has clearly said this is HIS battle and I am to stand back and see the deliverance of the LORD.

Another of continuing attacks came this morning and our gracious LORD just brought to mind a verse.  HE had originally impressed me years and years ago with this verse as an explanation and encouragement for some upcoming situations in my life.  One word stuck out.  After asking the LORD what HE meant by that word, I was compelled to go to the original Hebrew.  The word that fascinated me was “SIGN.” 

There are several Hebrew words translated SIGN.  The one used in my verse is owth.  It means an inducement to believe what is affirmed, professed, or promised.  It is something that brings to mind (reminds us of) shows or confirms a truth.  It is used of the rainbow (Genesis 9:13), of the scarlet rope Rahab left dangling through her window on the Jericho wall (Joshua 2:12-18), and although translated into the word mark, owth is the word used when speaking of what GOD did to Cain so that no one would kill him (Genesis 4:15).

It is like the word SIGN used in Mark 16:20 when the HOLY SPIRIT would confirm the message of the disciples going out witnessing of JESUS.

Now the context states that the SIGN is for others not me.  Which definitely goes along with 1 Corinthians 12:7 that tells us that we are given gifts to profit others not ourselves and 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 when GOD tells us we suffer and are comforted by the GOD of all comfort in order that we might be able to comfort others with the very same comfort GOD has given unto us.

In case you are interested, the verse GOD gave me decades ago was, Isaiah 8:18 Behold, I and the children whom the LORD has given me are signs (to bring conviction and confirmation of the trustworthiness of GOD’s Word.  To enable others to keep hanging in there in terrible times for they can see GOD does fulfill HIS promises).  And that is why I write these things to you.

“…I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass, I have purposed it, I will also do it” Isaiah 46:11

“GOD is not man, that HE should lie; neither the son of man, that HE should repent; has HE said, and will HE not do it? (of course not!) Or has HE spoken, and will HE not also bring it to pass? Numbers 23:19

Be encouraged, I am.

Hugs

Sharon

Are you paying attention?

JESUS can say some pretty startling things. We believers in JESUS do not always understand the rhema (instructions and promises) that are impressed on our hearts. But we need to grab on to them anyway. Because GOD will explain them to us at the right time.

We are instructed, “Let these words sink down in your ears” (Luke 9:44). 

Are you paying attention to that still small voice? Remember that the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY changes not (Malachi 3:6).

One of my rebels was out of state, we had not heard from him.  When one morning, before light, as I sat over a heater vent reading my Bible, a bit of a verse jumped out at me with clarity and emphasis.  “Do not fight this, for it is from ME.”  Although out of context and I had no clue as to what the LORD was referring to, I knew without a doubt, GOD was speaking to me concerning my rebel.  A few hours later, I found out what it was all about. I need only say, that rhema (a specific word for a specific situation) warning GOD gave me, prepared me for what lie ahead.

Some things GOD says can knock you upside down, or even smart like a slap on the face, until you remember the motive behind HIS words is to prepare and achieve for us (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

Once, I had become very discouraged concerning a promise GOD had given. I went to HIM bemoaning “how long?”  Like a slap in the face, the words came, “You have need of patience, that after having done the will of GOD you will receive the promise” (Hebrews 10:36).  That slap refocused me.  It took my eyes off the problem and encouraged me as I turned to GOD’s Word. Remembering the scripture, “what GOD had promised HE was able also to perform” (Romans 4:20-21) brought me peace and filled me with joy.

Has GOD given you (rhema) instructions and/ or a promise? Peace and joy, (GOD’s rest) come as a direct result of believing/ trusting what GOD says and that in turn results in obedience (Hebrews 4:2,6).

Until we deliberately choose to turn to listen GOD, over the clatter of the world and taunts of the evil one, we will not be able to fully grasp what GOD is saying to us (2 Corinthians 3:16). This is a daily, sometimes moment by moment choice for me. Sometimes it comes automatically from spending time with the LORD in HIS word and prayer, but often it must be a deliberate choice to ask GOD what HE means and trust HIS word and instructions even when I do not understand (Proverbs 3:5-7).

Hug

Sharon

Without HIM

Someone text me concerning a difficult situation.  I cried out to GOD asking how to pray for that situation.  Going to the Word, I read, “I do not pray that YOU should take them out of the world, but that YOU would keep them from the evil one” (John 17:15) Wow, that was fast, now I had it, GOD had shown me how to pray for the situation. I was not to pray for the situation to change but that he would be kept from evil.  Peace settled over me.

One after another prayer requests come in.  Without knowing what GOD is doing in a situation, it is impossible for me to know how to pray unless I ask GOD what to pray for. 

Isaiah 45:11 states there is a sequence for effective prayer.  “(1st) Ask ME of things to come concerning my sons (a situation), (Then you can) command ME concerning the works of MY hands.” 

Ephesians 1:11 tells us that GOD has a purpose for all things and that HE works all things according to the counsel of HIS own will.  Therefore, when the LORD directs me in how to pray, it is because HE has a good plan and intends to answer that prayer to fulfill HIS purposes in the situation I am praying about.

“So MY Word which goes from MY mouth will not return to ME empty. It will do what I want it to do, and will carry out MY plan well” (Isaiah 55:11 NLV).  And isn’t that what we want?

When we acknowledge HIM, by talking a situation over with GOD, HE really will direct us in what to do or pray IF we are willing accept HIS what HE says (James 1:5-8).  And HE who knows all things, knows how we will respond to HIS words even before we do.

Proverbs 3:5-7 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding (of what is needed), in all your ways acknowledge HIM and HE will direct your path. Don’t be wise in your own eyes, fear the LORD and depart from evil.

Proverbs 16:1 the preparations of the heart belong to us. but the answer of the tongue comes from the LORD.

Proverbs 21:1 personalized:  As water is turned into irrigation ditches, so the LORD can turn your thoughts withersoever HE wants them to go.

One problem has lingered for long time.  A friend finally went to the doctor and was prescribed meds.  As I began to pray for her, I knew she was not supposed to put her trust in the meds for I knew I needed to pray that GOD activate the meds to bring her the healing, only HE can bring. 

As I followed HIS lead in prayer, the light came on when John 15:5 popped into mind. “You can do nothing without ME.” 

And then a second witness/ confirmation to HIS leading came, “Unless the LORD builds the house they labor in vain that build it. Unless the LORD guards the city that watchman stays awake in vain” (Psalm 127:1).  So, I knew that unless the LORD activated the meds and worked in that situation the healing would not come.

As I asked the LORD, GOD directed my thoughts in how to pray HE made it clear that HE had to be the ONE keeping the situation under control. By HIS reminding me that without HIM nothing works, I was filled with overflowing joy, peace and the assurance that GOD was already at work doing what was necessary!

I know these are simple truths, but I love them. I needed to be reminded of them and thought maybe, one of you might need the reminder too.

Love you, Hugs

Sharon

Think about it

Considering JESUS on the cross always blows me away. Seeing HIM on that cross in the church presentation last week cut through my heart and brought tears to my eyes.  Yet, I was astonished anew this morning reading a verse concerning another aspect of what my LORD JESUS CHRIST endured and gave up to offer us abundant eternal life.

JESUS, when on earth, acted through, was led and empowered by the HOLY SPIRIT.

Just as we are told to walk in and be led by the SPIRIT (Galatians 5:16, 18).

The HOLY SPIRIT was given to us for several reasons but what I am focusing on is HIS coming to teach us (John 16:13) and lead and empower us in the way we are to go (Romans 8:13-14, Philippians 2:13, Hebrews 10:15-16).

Think over what I say, for the LORD will give you understanding in everything (2 Timothy 2:7 ESV).

To understand what GOD is saying there are 2 sides our part is to think about what is said (make an effort and seek to know, ask the LORD and get in HIS word)

Then the LORD HIMSELF will give you understanding in everything (for understanding only  comes as GOD the HOLY SPIRIT reveals truth to the seeker (1 Corinthians 2:10-12). That word that GOD will give us understanding is a promise IF we meet the condition to think about HIS truth. GOD will GIVE divine illumination to believers is the result of our effort to understand.

In order to become our High Priest and lead us into glory, so believers in JESUS who love GOD will be transformed into JESUS image/ Divine nature (Romans 8:29, 2 Peter 1:4) it was necessary for JESUS, while a human on earth, to be made like us “to bring many sons to glory” (Hebrews 2:10).

“Therefore, it was necessary for HIM (JESUS) to be made in every respect like us, HIS brothers and sisters, so that HE could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before GOD” (Hebrews 2:17). 

We all know JESUS eternally was in the form of GOD, then took on the form of man and came to earth (Philippians 2:6-7). But let’s look at a couple of the ways JESUS became like us and gave up HIS rights as GOD our Creator when HE came to earth to save us from our sins and reconcile us to GOD.

“Then JESUS was led by the SPIRIT into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil” (Mark 4:1)

In every aspect of HIS life, JESUS who created all things did nothing in HIS own way.  HE was led even into trouble by GOD the HOLY SPIRIT.

On earth, JESUS only spoke and did what GOD through the HOLY SPIRIT told HIM to speak and do (John 3:34,14:10, 17:8).

“…CHRIST, who through the eternal SPIRIT offered HIMSELF without spot to GOD…” (Hebrews 9:14) The HOLY SPIRIT enabled JESUS to offer HIMSELF as a sacrifice for our sins.

“So, CHRIST was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for HIM shall HE appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:28)

Just one more example of how JESUS submitted and depended on the HOLY SPIRIT while on earth is seen after HIS resurrection. “Until the day in which HE (JESUS) was taken up, after that HE through the HOLY SPIRIT had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen (Acts 1:2).  Every teacher and preacher seeks to be led by the SPIRIT in what they say, and it is the SPIRIT HIMSELF that takes their words and makes them alive for the hearers.

JESUS our Creator, our Savior and our LORD was made like us/ submitted to and was empowered by the HOLY SPIRIT while on earth to lead us to glory (Hebrews 2:17).  The HOLY SPIRIT led JESUS in where to go and what to say and what to do. JESUS did it to show us how we are to live victoriously and to lead us in the way we should go. How much more should we obey the directive to let the HOLY SPIRIT lead us (Galations 5:16)?

“Looking unto JESUS the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before HIM (our salvation) endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of GOD.  For CONSIDER (think about) HIM that endured such a contradiction of sinners against HIMSELF, lest you grow weary and faint in your minds” (Hebrews 12:2-3).

Hugs

Sharon

The wonder

Jeremiah 9:24 EXB  But if people want to ·brag [boast], let them brag [boast] that they understand and KNOW ME. Let them brag [boast] that I am the Lord, and that I am ·kind [loyal] and fair [just], and that I do things that are right [righteous] on earth. ·This kind of bragging pleases ME [In this I am pleased],” says the Lord [1 Corinthians 1:31; 2 Corinthians 10:17; James 1:9–10].

How could the SON of GOD dying on the cross be good?

HE (JESUS) said, It is finished, and HE bowed HIS head and give up HIS SPIRIT John 19:30

JESUS, eternally in the form of GOD, took on the form of man and became “GOD with us” (Matthew 1:23) and then on the cross became “GOD for us” by giving up HIS life to rescue us so that we could be forgiven and KNOW HIM personally and even become HIS children if we only believe (John 1:12-13, John 3:16).

And then JESUS rose from the dead, proving HE was the SON of GOD with power (Romans 1:4) and guaranteeing that we who believe in HIM will rise again and live forever with HIM.  

hugs

Sharon