It had escaped my notice

Something had escaped my notice and it took seeing a little blue car for the HOLY SPIRIT to teach me.  You may laugh at me, for it is quite simple yet very significant to me, so I am going to tell you about it.

As I passed the elementary school on my morning walk this morning, I saw a new little car painted the most beautiful blue.  It was a shade I don’t remember seeing before and in the split second I was admiring it, I was reminded of a piece of a bible verse and in a flash of insight, I suddenly understood more than I’d ever seen in that verse before. I will highlight the section that exploded like a firecracker as I lay the foundation and put this truth into Bible context.

John 1:¹ In the beginning was the WORD and the WORD was with GOD and the WORD was GOD…¹⁴ and the WORD was made flesh and dwelt among us, (and we beheld HIS glory, the glory of the only begotten of the FATHER (GOD), full of grace and truth.

So, we see clearly that the WORD, spoken of here who is with GOD and is GOD is the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

John 1:³ All things were made by HIM and without HIM not anything (not a single thing) was made that was made.

Hebrews 1 verifies that JESUS is GOD and the Creator of all things.  Hebrews 1:³ (GOD) has in these last days spoken to us by HIS SON whom HE has appointed heir of all things, by whom (JESUS) also HE (GOD the FATHER) made the worlds. ⁸ to the SON (GOD the FATHER) said, O GOD YOUR throne is forever…¹⁰ O LORD in the beginning YOU laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the works of YOUR hands.

So how does John 1:3 without HIM not anything (not a single thing) was made that was made have to do with that beautiful blue color I was admiring? 

JESUS made all things that were made, The Greek construction of the words ‘were made’ are in the perfect tense meaning they were made and continue to be.  JESUS made all the elements that exist and those elements continue to be.  Those elements JESUS made were used in the making of that beautiful blue.  Therefore, that beautiful blue could not have been made without JESUS.

Without JESUS nothing could or can be made and that highlights another aspect of JESUS who died for the sins of the world that any who believe in HIM might not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

In the same way that nothing can be made without JESUS, so also no one can come to GOD without JESUS.

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

Do you have access to GOD the FATHER?

Hugs

Sharon

Must listen to learn

This old snapshot (around 1952) is of the June Lake, California’s one room schoolhouse. The schoolhouse was located on a high hill and was a mile from June Lake (note previous post) in one direction and a mile from the powerhouse in the opposite direction.  The students ranged from grade 1 through 8, and our teacher was my dad, Charles F McIntire. On the stairs in the middle (the short one) with all the curly hair is me and my older sister Rosie is directly below me sitting on a step. 

It was Dad’s 1st teaching job (1951), after the Navy in World War II and then switching careers.  It was my 1st school and Dad taught me my first 3 grades. It is where I learned to reason, to read and write and to add and subtract.

My Dad, Charles Franklin McIntire was known as Mr. McIntire by his students, Grandpa McIntire by his grandkids and Dad by his children.  Teaching just flowed from him naturally as he pointed out the colors in a sunrise or the designs on the wings of butterflies that he caught.  He developed within me an awareness of details and love of GOD’s creation with its colors, designs and sounds as well as igniting within me an eagerness to learn.

But only the ones who listen to the teacher learn what is being taught.  As one verse loosely translated goes, “If you want to learn, listen and you will understand” (Mark 4:9 NLT).  

There were field trips where we gained an appreciation for beauty and the wonder of GOD’s creation.  On one such trip down the hill and across the highway into the lush field by a tiny creek Dad caught a snake and told us that is was harmless.  I believed him so asked and was given the snake to carry back to the school.  All the way up the hill I had such fun running with the snake held out in front of me after different ones and scaring those little girls (who either had not listened to or didn’t believe Dad’s words about the snake being harmless).

It is the same today.  If we want to learn more about GOD and to know what HE wants us to do, we must get in HIS word and let the HOLY SPIRIT teach us.  If we are willing to do what GOD wants, we will know truth from error (John 7:17).

Hugs Sharon

PS again we see the TRINITY in how we who believe in JESUS learn truth and things concerning GOD and HIS ways. “The Comforter (the HOLY SPIRIT) whom GOD the FATHER will send in MY name (JESUS) HE will teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance…” (John 14:26).

Awakened by a thought

Have you ever been awakened in the middle of the night with a questionable thought? 

I was so awakened a little while ago. But I didn’t want to go there so I asked the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY to turn my thoughts where HE wanted them.  My thoughts began to swirl.  Because of the drastic change of the direction of my thoughts, I am now up writing.  I was just going to jot down the simple concept and handle it in the morning, but as I began to jot down the thoughts I knew, or I should say realized that was not what the LORD wanted of me.

Only through the HOLY SPIRIT can people understand what GOD means (1 Corinthians 2:10-12).

The HOLY SPIRIT only relays to us humans that which HE has heard the FATHER tell HIM to say (John 16:13).

It is Our Heavenly FATHER from whom all blessings flow who told the HOLY SPIRIT what to place in the hearts and minds of holy men moving them to write the scriptures according to their own personalities (2 Peter 1:20-21).  And all of the holy scripture that they wrote points to JESUS and tells about HIM (Revelation 19:10, John 5:39, 46).

The Gospel of JESUS states that JESUS is GOD the Son who was given a human body and came to earth as a baby born of a virgin, grew up, lived, taught, healed sicknesses, was crucified on a cross where all the sins of mankind was placed on HIM.  JESUS died and on the 3^rd day HIS body was resurrected guaranteeing that all who believe in HIM will be resurrected to new, eternal life.

Being JESUS had never sinned, although tempted in all ways as we humans are (Hebrews 4:14-15), JESUS was the perfect substitutional sacrifice without spot (a sin nature passed on by a human father) or blemish (sin) and all who believe on JESUS are cleansed from all sin and are born again into the family of GOD through the power of the HOLY SPIRIT (John 3:3-6, 1:12-13).

When one believes in JESUS, GOD the FATHER sends the HOLY SPIRIT to come live within that one (John 7:38-39).  JESUS said it was better that HE/ JESUS go away so that the HOLY SPIRIT might come to each individual believer to comfort, lead, teach, remind of all that JESUS said as well as help the believer witness of JESUS and strengthen the believer in all ways (John 14:26, Philippians 2:13, Acts 1:8). 

When the HOLY SPIRIT comes, HE places us in JESUS CHRIST (1 Corinthians 12:13, 27) for it is in JESUS CHRIST alone where GOD’s love is found (Romans 8:39). The HOLY SPIRIT seals each believer to GOD.  Like pickles are sealed from spoilage until opened.  The HOLY SPRIT gives the believer new life and becomes the down payment assuring the believer that JESUS will come for him/her and take the believer with HIM to heaven on the day of redemption (otherwise spoken of as the Rapture Ephesians 1:13-14, 2:1, 4:30, 1 Thessalonians 1:17).

Again, let me say that the HOLY SPIRIT only teaches us what GOD our Heavenly FATHER and JESUS tells HIM to say.  HE takes what belongs to JESUS (and all that belongs to GOD the FATHER belongs to JESUS) and shows it little by little to the believer (John 16:13-15, 2 Corinthians 3:18) and reminds the believer of verses to help the believer stand against temptation or direct the believer in what to say or do (John 14:26).

Now can’t you see just a glimpse of the trinity in our salvation?  GOD the FATHER is from whom all blessings flow.  HE along with JESUS and the HOLY SPIRIT devised a plan (Genesis 1:26).  HE as our Heavenly FATHER provides for us and disciplines us that we might grow in the divine nature (Hebrews 12:11). GOD the FATHER sent JESUS (who came willingly) to save us from our sin so we could come to the FATHER.

JESUS came, lived, suffered, died, rose again and now is interceding for us (Hebrews 7:25, Romans 8:34) and our growth in CHRIST-likeness (Romans 8:29) at the right hand of GOD the FATHER.  JESUS is awaiting the appointed time to come get HIS church (true believers in HIM).

Meanwhile the HOLY SPIRIT is on earth. The person of the HOLY SPIRIT convicts us showing us our sin and need of JESUS (John 16:8).  JESUS is the only way to GOD the FATHER (1 Timothy 2:5, John 14:6).  When we believe, the HOLY SPIRIT gives us new birth, indwells us, teaches us, reminds us, leads us, and strengthens us. Through believers in JESUS the HOLY SPIRIT is restraining complete wickedness that will be unleashed when believers are taken out of this world to be with JESUS at the Rapture (catching away).

Each member of the Trinity honors the other members.  Sometimes it may look like the HOLY SPIRIT is in service to the others of the Trinity.  But all of the Trinity, even the FATHER are humble.  The only unforgivable sin is to blaspheme the HOLY SPIRIT.  We grieve and quench the HOLY SPIRIT with sin and refusal to obey HIS nudges.  If we pray to the FATHER in JESUS name (John 16:23), we are forgiven (1 John 1:9) and GOD the FATHER tells the HOLY SPIRIT to speak again to us.  But to blaspheme the HOLY SPIRIT is to refuse HIS message: JESUS saves.  NOTE: the only reason a human is thrown into the everlasting lake of fire is because he has refused to believe in JESUS and thus get his name written in the Lamb’s book of life (Revelation 20:15).

Now it’s time to post this and get back into bed for I’ve appointments in the morning.

Hugs

Sharon

Training sessions

Revealed truth from GOD comes like an explosion in our reality, for the Word of GOD is “dynamite” in the hands of the HOLY SPIRIT (1 Corinthians 2:10-12). When the HOLY SPIRIT brings to our mind a verse that fits our circumstance (John 14:26), the verse seems to explode in vivid colors and startling clarity like firecrackers on the 4th of July.  It gives insight and direction.

Once we see a truth, we get to choose.  We must decide whether or not we will accept that truth and the direction/ perhaps upheaval that it will produce in our lives or suppress it (Romans 1:18).

The SPIRIT of GOD works by nudging us, who believe in JESUS CHRIST.   HE does this by placing in our minds and writing in our hearts the way we should go (Philippians 2:13, Hebrews 10:16).

While the literal interpretation of a scripture may seem humdrum at first, when the SPIRIT of GOD gets involved and shines HIS light of revelation on our LORD’s words, revealing an application to our own affairs it is mind-blowing and challenges us.

GOD’s thoughts and ways are vastly different than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).  At times they even seem out of proportion when compared to our natural way of looking at things.  GOD issues astonishing directives which at times don’t make a whole lot of sense to us.

That is probably why the HOLY SPIRIT reveals how truth applies to us in our circumstances a step at a time (2 Corinthians 3:18) line upon line, here a little, there a little (Isaiah 28:9-10) as we are able to grasp it.  By doing this, HE gradually conforms our thinking and thus our actions and conversation to the very nature and characteristics of our LORD and Savior JESUS CHRIST just as GOD our Heavenly FATHER has decreed to happen (Romans 8:29) and JESUS our high priest intercedes for us (Hebrews 7:25).

(See the Trinity at work?)

Heads up: The whole process of growing in the likeness of JESUS goes much smoother and quicker when we allow the HOLY SPIRIT to have HIS unhindered way with us by getting in GOD’s word for ourselves and following the HOLY SPIRIT’s insights, nudges and directions.  We can confidently know that an insight comes from the HOLY SPIRIT when it agrees with the written Word of GOD that HE moved on holy men to write (2 Peter 1:21).

It is written that as we grab hold on these truths and live by them, we actually take on an aspect of the divine nature although never become GOD (2 Peter 1:4).

However, our speedy growth is not a given.  We can hinder the HOLY SPIRIT’s work through disobedience. Disobedience will always bring discipline from GOD our Heavenly FATHER.  And no discipline at the present is joyous but grievous. But, Praise the LORD! GOD’s discipline of us will produce righteousness in us and right action by us as we are trained by it (Hebrews 12:11).

Some painful training sessions have taught me to listen more carefully, obey those nudges more closely and quickly when the HOLY SPIRIT explodes a truth in my thoughts that demands action.

Hugs

Sharon

Cling

With the evil escalating these days we don’t know what might happen or when.  But it sure seems like we are in the last of the last days before that ominous 7-year Tribulation begins.  Yet some are like the little guy in the picture.

This little guy is holding on for dear life, are you, am I clinging to anything on this earth like that?

“Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs” Jonah 2:8

KJV reads “They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy”

Another translation, “They who keep their focus on empty delights turn their backs on all the mercies waiting for them from the LORD”

What are you, what am I clinging to today? If our desires and delight is in the things of this world that is what we will think about. But if our desire and delight is in GOD, we will think of things GOD wants us to think about and we yield to those nudges and insight flowing from the HOLY SPIRIT.  Yes, we will be quick to obey the promptings HE gives. (Romans 8:5 and Philippians 3:13)

I’m not talking about being holier than thou but being practically led in even the little things like making a phone call, praying when someone comes to mind, or bringing JESUS into the conversation.

As that day approaches, I sure am glad I belong to JESUS, and wish everyone did.   JESUS promises to gather HIS own to HIMSELF and take us to where HE is in heaven (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17) before that great and terrible time begins.  JESUS has promised to deliver us from the wrath to come for GOD has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our LORD JESUS CHRIST (1 Thessalonians 5:9). 

GOD wrath, the means of pure justice, must fall since the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY is the upholder of righteousness.  Unless recompense comes and sin is dealt will completely, sin will reign and continue to destroy.  It must be stopped.  GOD in HIS longsuffering has waited in order to give men more time to turn to HIM.  HE will not always strive with men.

GOD has made a way of escape. JESUS came from heaven to die to save us from our sins.  Not just to forgive and cleanse us, but also to change our hearts so we want what is right and good. 

Therefore, in these last days I am more than ever focused on telling others of JESUS so they too may escape the wrath of GOD on evil.  If it does come on them, it will because they chose it by refusing GOD and the deliverance HE offers.

Hugs

Sharon

Chill

Do you ever get irritated by what another does or says?

Do you act out your irritation or do you run to the throne of grace to see how to respond?

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding but in all your ways acknowledge HIM (talk it over with HIM) and HE will direct your paths.  Be not wise in your own eyes…” (Proverbs 3:5-7).

GOD gave us HIS word to show us HIMSELF and to give us instructions. When we refuse to follow GOD’s instructions, we are turning our back on GOD and forsaking the mercy and grace HE offers to us. Instead of running to HIS throne for mercy and grace to help we turn away from GOD saying by our actions, “GOD YOU don’t know what YOU are talking about.“

This is true for whatever instruction HE gives us in HIS WORD, whether it is to believe on the LORD JESUS and be saved (John 3:16, Romans 10:13), to be kind to others, to witness, put up with those who annoy us or to forgive.

In our irritation with people GOD says, “Put up with one another, be ready to forgive and don’t hold grudges. If anyone has a quarrel against another, even as CHRIST forgave you, so you also must forgive others (Colossians 3:13).

Forgiveness describes GOD’s nature. Look to what extent HE went to in order to be able to forgive us. “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD” (Romans 6:23).

If we refuse to believe in JESUS, our sin remains on us, and we are condemned along with the devil and his demons. But “GOD so loved the world (mankind) that HE gave HIS only begotten SON (JESUS to die on the cross, carrying our sins) that whosoever believes in HIM should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

Even today GOD is waiting for sinners, waiting to give more opportunities that they might come to JESUS and be saved, (2 Peter 3:9).

GOD longs to forgive, HE takes no delight in the death of the wicked but wants him to turn from his own ways and live (Ezekiel 18:23,32).

GOD is waiting and we who believe in JESUS have been told witness/ to get the word out (Acts 1:8, 2 Peter 3:15).  Part of that witness is how we act, for people think our GOD is like us.

GOD loves to forgive… it is part of HIS divine nature.  Is there any unforgiveness in you that is blocking your witness of JESUS?

There may be things in your life that you’re angry about. GOD tells us in HIS word to run to the throne of GOD (pray) for mercy and to get the grace to help forgive so we can offer GOD’s forgiveness to others.

Note: Forgiving someone doesn’t mean that you are saying another was not to blame or that what was done was OK. Forgiveness is letting go of the right to get even. Forgiving others is an important step in your own healing, and without it you cannot heal. The bottom line is that when you forgive someone who has wronged you, you are then set free of anger and hatred that poisons you and overflows to others. But if you choose forgiveness, hope and healing begins.

“Don’t grieve the Holy Spirit of GOD whereby you are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger and shouting and harsh words be put away from you with all ill intent. Instead, be kind to each other, forgiving one another just as GOD for CHRIST’s sake forgave you” (Ephesians 4:30-32)

Hugs

Sharon

Massive flooding

We are hearing and seeing videos of massive flooding in countries all around the world. It reminds me of Noah.

Noah lived in troubled times where there was much wickedness.  He knew GOD and obeyed GOD by preaching as well as building the arc according to the directions GOD gave him.   GOD wanted the people warned that HE was going to punish the evil world but if they would believe and get in the arc they could be saved from the coming flood.  Noah preached for over 120 years but only his family chose to believe.  They believed and got in the arc along with the animals so were ready when the rains came. 

We too live in troubled times and wickedness and violence is increasing.  Times that makes us think our LORD will surely come soon.  But as we look around, we realize that many do not know our JESUS.  They are like those in the days of Noah who didn’t believe and therefore didn’t get in the arc.  The ones who do not believe in JESUS are not ready for HIM to come and will have to face the 7-year Tribulation.

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

Some wonder what is the hang up that keeps the LORD from coming for HIS own.

The LORD is not slack or tardy concerning HIS promise (to rescue us from the evil), as some count slackness, but is LONGSUFFERING.  Not willing (wanting Ezekiel 18:23, 32) any to perish, but that all (who will believe) should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

You see GOD is waiting for everyone who will believe in JESUS to come to HIM.  HE knows precisely who they are.

JESUS has left us (who believe in HIM) here to witness of the LORD JESUS CHRIST our Savior so that others have a chance to believe and be saved from HIS wrath that must come against evil in order to stop evil.  If we want JESUS to hurry up and come get us out of this growing evil, we better get busy doing our job of telling others all about our amazing Savior JESUS.

For all who call on the name of the LORD will be saved (Romans 10:13).

Hugs

Sharon

Cast them down

C.S. Lewis in his tiny but timeless book “Screwtape letters” warns us by bringing to light the fact that our enemy lurks near and whispers tempting and accusing suggestions in our ears.  He sounds so much like us we think those thoughts are our own.

Our enemy lurks ever near urging/ pushing/ prodding us to do or ponder what we should not.   But there is an answer. 

2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us to cast down reasonings and every high thought that exalts itself against the knowledge of GOD (of HIS amazing character, wisdom, and goodness) and leading captive every thought into the obedience of the CHRIST. 

I personally, take those thoughts to CHRIST and HE shows me the truth.

So, when you hear those whispered suggestions from our lurking enemy, run boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and receive grace to help in your time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

Hugs

Sharon

The salt of the earth

Salt and sugar are the two most addictive food flavors.  I love the taste of salt and have found using Sea salt on grapefruit eliminates a bitter taste. 

Salt is one of the oldest, most ubiquitous (it’s everywhere) food seasoning thattruly enhances the flavor of other foods. It can be found in most kitchens and is added to most canned foods.  That is why cutting back on salt is so hard once you have acquired the taste for it.

Salt is essential for health.  The taste of salt (saltiness) is one of the basic human tastes. Salting is also an important method of food preservation and is used in a vast many things from improving flavor, controlling the growth of bacteria in yeast and cheese to making steel and soap.

Therefore, when JESUS speaks of believers being the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13), HE is saying we should bring a distinct enhancing flavor to every conversation and our presence will have a preserving effect (against the rotting spiral of sin) on society.

Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

When Jesus is the source of your life you become both salt and light.  And we are told to “be blameless and harmless, the sons of GOD, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom shine as lights in the world (Philippians 2:15).

Believers in JESUS, indwelt by the HOLY SPIRIT, are commissioned by JESUS to witness of the truth of the Gospel that GOD the FATHER sent JESUS was sent to earth, gave HIM a human body and JESUS died for the sins of the world and rose from the dead so that whoever believes in HIM might have everlasting life (John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10,13). 

We also hold back the full release of sin by our very presence (2 Thessalonians 2:6-8).  So much so that we must be taken out of the world (raptured) before the unleashing of sin that occurs when the antichrist sets up his reign at the beginning of the 7-year tribulation. That is a time GOD’s wrath will be poured out on the CHRIST rejecting world and it is also a time of refining for the CHRIST rejecting Jews. It is also known as Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7) or the last week (of years) of the 70 weeks of Daniel (9:24).

Let your salt bring a delightful seasoning to every conversation that keeps evil at bay -and let your light shine by following JESUS’ example and speaking openly about HIM so people have a chance to believe and escape that horrible 7 years.

Hugs

Sharon

Treasure hunt

One year when my son John was little, I planned a treasure hunt for his birthday.  I made pirate hats for the kids. I hid a series of clues that led them to a little wooden box buried in sand. Some of the kids went for the treasure with gusto but others held back. In life the same thing happens.

The Word of GOD compares your heart to a treasure chest and says you determine what is in your heart by what you choose to put there. You alone decide the types of things you think about. Those are the treasures that you store up in your heart. You can fill your treasure chest with things of this world, or the treasures of GOD found in HIS word.

The choice is yours, but consequences will follow your choice and result in actions.

What kind of treasures are you and I stowing away?

Only what we have deposited can be drawn out, whether good or evil for, “… whatever is in the heart overflows (Luke 6:45).

“For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7).

Hide the Word of GOD in your heart that you might not sin against GOD (Psalm 119:11) and be ready to give an answer to any who ask about the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15).

hugs

Sharon