Do you mean to tell me

From whom do you get advice? Do you ask a plumber to fix your electricity?

My grandson Sebastian and my granddaughter Kaylee even when they were teens knew so much more than I do about my iPhone or computer.  They helped me set it up, and little by little are teaching me more.  If I refused to honor them by listening to them and doing what they suggest, I would be lost, not knowing what to do in many situations. Sometimes something happens they have not advised me on or that I have forgotten their instructions, and I must call on them for help.

That is even more true seeking direction for life from our eternal ALMIGHTY, All-Knowing GOD. To refuse to honor HIM, by snubbing and rejecting HIS word is to guarantee problems.

GOD told the Old Testament priests some things we need to know. Remember JESUS made every believer a priest to GOD (Revelation 1:6).  Therefore, what is said to priests applies to us.

Just as the Old Testament priests, we are called to reverence GOD and stand in awe/ wonder to HIS name. Truth and instruction should be on our lips- for the lips of a priest ought to preserve knowledge (keep it from corruption or hurt), because he is the messenger of the LORD ALMIGHTY and people seek instruction from our mouth (Malachi 2:5-7). How can one give out a message from another, if he doesn’t first stop and listen to it? 

Just as I seek instruction on how to work things on my iPhone from those in the know- my grandchildren.  GOD told the priests that if they did not listen, and if they did not resolve to honor HIS name there would be consequences; not just for them, but for their children (see Malachi 2:2-3). 

You mean my sins will affect my kids?  Sounds like it doesn’t it.  Well, we do teach by example.

The OT priests had turned away from GOD’s ways and even shown partiality and thereby caused many to stumble and follow the priests into sin (Malachi 2:8-9).

The fear if the LORD is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10).  Do you, do I believe what the LORD warns against as well as what HE promises?  Do we even stop to hear what HE says?

GOD’s desire is to bless us. But HE can only do that if we listen to HIM, trust HIS wisdom and obey HIS directions.

Do you honor GOD by listening carefully to HIM and then do things HIS way, or do you prefer doing things your own way?

Do you, do I honor GOD by trusting the LORD with all our hearts, acknowledging HIM in everything and refusing to lean on our own understanding or be wise in our own eyes but simply trust and obey?

hugs

Sharon

Do you agree?

My big sister Rosie and I were just two years apart and in this picture we are walking together back in the day. The cars in the picture give you a clue just how many years have passed by since that walk.

Jesus said, “If you abide in ME, and MY WORDS abide (live) in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done unto you” (John 15:7).

Wow, that is some promise!

To abide with someone, we must simply walk hand in hand in agreement with them about where we are going.  That is how it is with GOD the FATHER, the LORD JESUS CHRIST and the HOLY SPIRIT.  Although they are 3 persons they are one in nature, they hold the same values and each honors the others.  That is how JESUS could say if you have seen ME you have seen GOD the FATHER (John 14:9).

How can two walk together unless they agree? Amos 3:3

When we walk in agreement with JESUS means we walk according to HIS word.  For it is in word of GOD we get to know JESUS better and better.  We learn how HE thinks and what HE wants (Philippians 2:13, Hebrews 10:16).

For HIS word to abide in us, we must know it and to follow its instructions. So, we need to take some time every day to grow in our knowledge of the LORD JESUS by spending time in GOD’s word and prayer (2 Peter 1:1-4).  Then as we walk hand in hand with JESUS desiring HIS will, the HOLY SPIRIT will bring HIS words to our minds (John 14:26) and as we comply to those nudges to act accordingly, HIS word abides in us and we can ask what we will, and GOD the FATHER will do it for us.

Isn’t the simplicity of CHRIST amazing and beautiful?

Hugs

Sharon

A clothesline

I love hanging out clothes and the way sheets feel and smell after drying outside. Until we moved to Pueblo, we always had a clothesline, or I’d rig one up myself.  If you look closely behind my two oldest girls and our blind dog sitting in the grass in front of the little picket fence of a ramshackle house we lived in 55 summers ago, you will see clothes I hung up on a makeshift clothesline.

Then in 2008 we moved to Pueblo and one day, I glanced out my dining room window into the back yard of my neighbor, and saw something I wanted, a clothesline.  As I looked at it, my thoughts took it even further and I said to myself, “they don’t even use it.”   Then the Holy SPIRIT nudged me, “you are lusting, Sharon.”

“Oh, LORD,” I cried out, “I’m sorry, Thank you for my dryer.” 

Then it hit, the realization, and I had to smile at the humor of GOD in answering my arrow prayer for a lead-in to the devotion on my heart to write.

After the waves of the Red Sea came crashing down over their enemies the Egyptian troops chasing them, (the Jews) believed HIS (GOD’s) words, they sang HIS praise. (but) They soon forgot HIS works, they waited not for HIS counsel, but lusted exceedingly in the wilderness and tempted GOD in the desert.

What happened?  The Jews got to thinking about the different kinds of food they had back in Egypt. The more they thought about it, the more they focused on those delicious foods and forgot all about what GOD had done for them (Psalm 106:12-14).

Scientists have discovered a way to see thoughts and have learned that each thought is like a small branch growing on a tree.  If I understand correctly, the more you think of something the stronger the branch becomes.

Here in Pueblo, we have some pretty old trees with huge branches.  Well, if you think about wanting something over and over, it becomes a stronghold, like a huge branch (2 Corinthians 10:4) that keeps you captive and revisiting those thoughts.

That is why GOD speaks so much about changing our thoughts.

John 14:1 Let not your heart (thoughts) be troubled, Believe in GOD, believe also in ME.

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding…

Romans 12:2 do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…

Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to GOD.

2 Corinthians 4:15 For all things are for your sakes ^16. Therefore, we do not lose heart…¹⁷ for our momentary and light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison ¹⁸ while we look not at the things we seen (our situation with its struggles), but at what is not seen (that which GOD is achieving and producing for us through our situation with its struggles).  For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

We lust when we focus on what we think we want- it makes us dissatisfied, and we lose our GOD focused perspective. That lust and our dissatisfaction will grow in intensity as we think on it.  

But, we have the power of GOD to run to JESUS for mercy and grace to help in our times of need (Hebrews 4:16). When my thoughts go where they should not, in anger or lust, I run to JESUS and HE enables me to control my thoughts, as HE redirects them by showing me how HE looks at things by bringing Bible verses to my mind (2 Corinthians 10:5, Proverbs 21:1).  I don’t know how HE does it, but it works.  It always works.

Looking unto JESUS,

Hugs

Sharon

Do you?

A friend was struggling in a situation. But, although he and others were praying he didn’t get any comfort or help from GOD.  Then he remembered something. Once he finally chose to obey the HOLY SPIRIT’s conviction to forgive someone in a totally different situation, that was when he received comfort, encouragement and help in his present situation.   

That emphasizes to me the truth that we must take one step at a time.

When we turn our back on GOD in any issue, refusing to do what HE asks, it shuts the door in other areas of our life as well.  For when we have pulled our shoulders away and while our backs are to HIM, we are unable hear HIS voice clearly, or receive the good things (even the answers to prayers) GOD so longs to give us.

That makes I John 1:9 (the Christians bar of soap) so encouraging. 

“If we confess our sins (sins we are aware of) then HE will forgive us our sins (plus) cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (sins we are not aware of).

GOD asks and expects us to confess when we know we have done wrong. HE is the one who will convict us by showing us we are wrong (John 16:8). 

The LORD also requires us to do what we know we should do. GOD through the HOLY SPIRIT, places within us the awareness of what GOD wants us to do (Philippians 2:13). It is then up to us to do what we know we should do by utilizing GOD’s help (Philippians 2:12, Hebrews 4:16).

Are you, am I doing what we KNOW we should do?

hugs,

Sharon

Changes, changes, changes

The great and mighty GOD, who made all things is sovereign over all (2 Samuel 7:22). HE knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10) and everything in between and has shared enough with HIS children (John 1:12-13)/ us who believe in JESUS and HIS word that we can do all HE asks of us (Deuteronomy 29:29).  That is how JESUS could say, “Peace I leave with you…Do not let your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).

In our troubling times we need to remember those verses so, I have those verses memorized.

Since I was teen in the late 50’s, the meanings of words have changed some, the values of the world and what is shown on TV and in movies have shifted in an unbelievable way, what is taught in public schools have changed as history and science is being rewritten to fit an agenda.  Things that are right and good are being called evil and wrong, while things bad and wrong are being called right and good just as JESUS said would happen. 

But the worst part to me are these lies, this false propaganda pushed and fed to youngsters are being believed by them and have blinded them to the truth.  Many Christian churches have followed suit and are buying into the lies as well as they turn away from the truths in GOD’s Word.

To hear some relate their views of life and values and see how closed they are to any thought other than their own shows that they are totally blind to truth and to the consequences of their beliefs. Their perspective comes from what they have been cleverly taught, programmed by teachers and the media, not so concerned with truth as with getting others to think as they do. It’s actually scary how indoctrinated the kids and even adults are with the world’s standards of self. The lust of the flesh (desires from food to sex. Whatever feels good), the lust of the eyes (wanting everything they see that they like) and the pride of life with everything about ‘me’ (How I think, how I feel, what I want, doing it my way). All are things of this world which lay under Satan’s influence (Ephesians 2:2-3,1 John 2:15-17, 5:19).

As I walked around the park talking to the LORD about these troubling things and how they are affecting some of my precious grand and great-grandchildren, a verse flooded my thoughts.

Malachi 3:6 “For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore, you sons of Jacob are not consumed.”

This verse speaks of the LORD’s faithfulness to HIS word.  HE made promises to the Jew’s ancestors that can be read beginning in Genesis. The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY will keep everyone of HIS promises, fulfilling each detail, for HE does what HE says. HE fulfills HIS word whether to bless or discipline (Numbers 23:19).  Even when they act against HIM, HE cannot deny HIMSELF (2 Timothy 2:13).

GOD’s nature is WHO GOD is. GOD cannot deny HIS nature.  The LORD is truthful (HE  cannot lie Titus 1:2), HE is love (John 3:16), HE is power (Luke 1:37), HE is wisdom (Psalm 51:6), HE is understanding (Hebrews 4:14-15), HE is knowledge (John 16:30) HE is mercy (Lamentations 3:22-23), HE is eternity (Psalm 90:2), HE is righteousness (HE does what is right Genesis 18:25, Romans 3:21-22), HE is goodness (Mark 10:18) and HE has wrath (John 3:36) to mention just a few of the things true about GOD.

Since GOD cannot change, neither can HIS nature nor HIS standards change.  What HE has said in the past is true today.  If HE has said something is wrong in the past, it remains wrong today.

So, I will obey the LORD’s instructions to not strive with those who are opposing themselves, but gently and with respect speak the truth in love and continue to pray that GOD grant them the ability to see the truth and turn to what is right, to recover themselves and escape from the snare/ trap that has held them captive (1 John 5:16, 2 Timothy 2:24-26).

Will you join me?

Hugs

Sharon

Are you weary?

Several years ago feeling weary in spirit, I thought of the old saying that if the devil can’t get you to sin, he will get you too busy to think.  So, I blamed my schedule and wanted a break.  It was then an opportunity arose that allowed me leave everything behind for a few days and go up by myself to my old stomping grounds- Camp Elim. It worked out for me to go up the day before for the retreat so had several precious hours of quiet and being still before the LORD. 

On a blanket of pine needles under a tall pine tree I talked to GOD as I gazed at the peaceful beauty of tall green pines, blue skies with fluffy white clouds and a few wildflowers here and there.  Unable to contain my joy at the beauty, I praised my Creator as HE calmed my weary spirit with HIS beauty.  Then putting new words to an old song, I sang a new song to the LORD.

It was there HE reminded me that the glory of this world is of one type and different than the glory of the heavens (1 Corinthians 15), but both were beautiful.  I knew HE wanted me to enjoy the beauty of this world while I was here.

Absorbing the beauty, I began to yearn to be there in the mountains among the trees all the time. I wanted a picture to take with me, so I jumped up went and got my phone. But the screen went black as I hit the camera app. Being in a low signal area had pulled extra power and my battery was almost dead. Disappointed, I went to my room to plug it in.

When I was plugging my phone into the charger a notification directed me to a text from a friend.  She had just sent a Bible text. “Even so I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat and drink and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life GOD has given them, and to accept their lot in life.” (Ecclesiastes 5:18).

GOD used my sweet friend sending that verse to gently convict me. To turn my eyes back to what is good. For you see the words “accept their lot in life” screamed at me. Then a still small voice whispered, “Sharon, I have put you where you are at, even all the problems, and each interruption is from ME and it is good, accept it.”

Peace flooded over me as I received GOD’s gentle rebuke.  My weariness was not from my schedule, it was because of my focus.  I’d lost sight of my goal, and my focus was on what is seen and not on GOD. Directed to see my lot as being a gift from GOD to serve HIM, changed it all, the weariness eased, and peace and joy sprung up.

Wow! I had grumbled at having to go plug in my phone and it was that interruption that gave me direction and was blessing me.  I had forgotten the one thing that so long had changed me.  I had forgotten to give thanks in and for all things for this is the will of GOD in CHRIST JESUS concerning you (Ephesians 5:20, 1 Thessalonians 5:18).

It was not the devil getting me too busy that got me weary, but my own negligence. By not giving thanks for all things, I had forsaken the source of all energy received when acknowledging GOD in all things with thanksgiving.

Hugs,

Sharon

What happened?

a gal asked me to explain what JESUS did between the cross and when HE ascended to heaven 43 days later in HIS resurrected body from the mount of Olives as is told of in Acts 1:9-12. I will tell you what I see in scripture. But be Bereans (Acts 17:10-11), check it out for yourself I’m sure there is more to see.

1^st let me set the stage for it all to make any sense to you.

Until JESUS died on the cross, when a person died his body remained on earth in the grave or somewhere, but his everlasting soul went to the place of the dead. It was a holding center until the day of release or judgment. It was located in the lowest part or center of the earth (Ephesians 4:9). The place of the dead in the Old testament it was called S’Ol (transliterated Sheol in the NASB) (Psalm 16:10), in the New testament it was called hades (Acts 2:27) which means all receiving. At the time that JESUS walked on earth as a man there was still a holding place for the souls of all the dead. It had 2 distinct compartments; an upper part and lower section with a gulf between that could not be passed over. The souls in those two places were conscious and affected by their surroundings.

JESUS related this true story (HE never used names in parables). Luke 16:¹⁹ There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: ²⁰ And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, ²¹ And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: more over the dogs came and licked his sores. ²² And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died and was buried; ²³ And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. ²⁴ And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame ²⁵ But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime received thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. ²⁶ And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

(Notice the two sections with a great gulf between that could not be passed over. Note too that in each place the people were conscious of their surroundings).

The upper part, called here Abraham’s bosom (Luke 16:22) and (JESUS called it Paradise when speaking to the thief on the cross (Luke 23:43) was a place of comfort (Luke 16:25, 1 Samuel 28:15).

The lower section called hell and torments was a place of flames, thirst, memory, and torments (Luke 16:23-25)

In Mark 9:44, 46, Isaiah 66:2 it is called a place where the worm (all old desires) dies not, and the flame is not quenched.

1-When JESUS died on the cross HIS Spirit was released from HIS body (Matthew 27:50) but his body was placed in the tomb (Matthew 27:57-60).

2-JESUS’ Spirit descended down to the lowest part of the earth (Ephesians 4:9) to Sheol (Psalm 86:13 NASB) where HE took the keys of death and hell (Revelation 1:18). The thief who believed in JESUS met him there when he died on his cross that very day (Luke 23:43).

3-Peter tells us JESUS went (a Greek word for going from one place to another) to Sheol and made a proclamation to the imprisoned spirits/souls in Hades- (1 Peter 3:18-20) and even preached the gospel to the dead from the Old Testament giving them a chance to believe in JESUS (1 Peter 4:5-6).

4-JESUS then takes Paradise (Abraham’s Bosom) and all the Old Testament believers in GOD who accepted the gospel plus the thief who believed JESUS up to heaven in a triumphing parade- they had been captives but now they were being set free (Psalm 68:18, Ephesians 4:8). Paradise is no longer in the center of the earth but in the 3^rd heaven as told by Paul a few years later when writing to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 12:2-4).  Now for believers in JESUS, “absent from the body is to be present with the LORD” (2 Corinthians 5:8).But prior to the cleaning blood of JESUS in the true heavenly sanctuary that was impossible.

5-Then JESUS’ SPIRIT returned to the earth and entered the tomb where HIS dead human body lie. On the 3^rd day JESUS’ body was resurrected (John 20:1) and HE told Mary not to cling to HIM for HE must ascent to heaven (John 20:17).The same day HE appeared to 2 on the road to Emmaus, to HIS disciples on 2 occasions and even tells Thomas to put his finger in the nail holes of HIS hands (John 20:19, 27, Luke 24:37-39). Another day JESUS fed them fish (John 21:7-15) and JESUS also appeared to over 500 brethren (1 Corinthians 15:2-7).

6-After 40 days of appearing to HIS apostles which HE had chosen and giving commandments and speaking of things of the kingdom (Acts 1:2-3), JESUS ascended into a cloud from the Mount of Olives in their sight. 2 angels appeared to them and told the apostles that JESUS would return the same way HE left (Acts 1:4-11).

7-JESUS will descend to the clouds with all the believers in JESUS who died before this time.  They will receive their immortal bodies at this time and then believers on earth who have eternal life through faith in JESUS, are caught away (Latin= rapturo) prior to the wrath of GOD being pour out on the earth dwellers.  Sometimes after this begins the Tribulation also called Jacob’s trouble or Daniel’s 70^th week (1 Thessalonians 1:10, 4:13-18, 5:9, Revelation 3:10).

8-Seven years later JESUS will return back to the earth, slay the armies at Armageddon (Revelation 19:11- 21), cast the Antichrist and the false prophet in the everlasting lake of fire (Revelation 19:20) and chain Satan (and his demons inferred) and lock them in the bottomless pit for 1,000 years (Romans 20:1).

9-All of the Jews who are still alive after the Tribulation will recognize that JESUS is their Messiah and are saved (Zechariah 13:8-9, 12:10, Romans 11:25-26). Thrones are then set up to determine who enters into the 1,000-year reign. (Revelation 19:11-15, Matthew 25).  Then 1,000 years of peace and prosperity under the direct rule of JESUS CHRIST will begin.

But even then, there is more to come.

Hugs

Sharon

Please pass the butter

Sometimes two people can hear the same thing and get totally different meanings about what is being said because they attach different meanings to the words used.  When we eat corn on the cob you are sure to hear, “Please, pass the butter.”  Now that sentence, “Pass the butter” is clear in its meaning with the setting of having corn on the cob at dinner time.

But, in one of the first Women’s Bible studies I ever attended we were studying in Philippians in the King James Bible.  As I read “the peace of GOD which passeth all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). I thought it meant that GOD’s peace would give me understanding and thus keep me from error.

I thought, GOD’s peace passes all understanding meant it handed understanding to me, like when you say, “pass the butter.” Was I ever shocked when I learned the Greek word translated pass here did not mean hand to me but meant it would throw mindset beyond having to understand, for it surpasses all understanding.

The meaning of that word in that setting changes everything and explains so much.  Instead of GOD’s peace giving me understanding, GOD’s peace guarded my heart and mind to keep me from doubts and fears when I didn’t understand as it throws me beyond having to understand. It calms me and helps me cope when things just don’t make sense.

Many times, I don’t understand, even though I pray, and I search for answers. At those times I have learned to do as GOD instructs us. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge HIM (talk to HIM about them) and HE will direct your path (not necessarily your mind). Be not wise (having to know) in your own eyes, fear the LORD and depart from evil (Proverbs 3:5-7NKJ).

“The peace that CHRIST gives is to guide you in the decisions you make; for it is to this peace that GOD has called you together in the one body. And be thankful” (Colossians 3:15 GNT)

Hugs,

Sharon

No duh!

The expression “no duh!” often coincides with the speaker tapping his palm to his head one time. It is an idiom, a slang declaration describing the concept- that is obvious. No duh! is usually used of something said by someone not thinking things though to their logical conclusion.

I was reading in I Kings about a wicked king. His little boy got sick, and the king told his wife to disguise herself, and go to the prophet to find out if the boy would die or not. To my way of thinking, that is so stupid. If you could deceive a prophet about who you are, how, in the world, could you believe that he could know the future about if the boy would die or not? Duh! The king didn’t consider the obvious. 

Reminds me of the way this world is thinking today.

The king’s wife did as she was told, and the prophet told the king’s wife many things beginning with:

“Come in, wife of Jeroboam. Why this pretense? Or, come on I know who you are (I Kings 14;6)”. Then, he continued, “When you set foot in your city, the boy will die. All Israel will mourn for him and bury him. He is the only one, belonging to Jeroboam, who will be buried, because he is the only one, in the house of Jeroboam, in whom the LORD, the GOD of Israel, has found anything good (1 Kings 14; 12-13).  And it happened just as the prophet said.

Wow if that doesn’t shout the foreknowledge of GOD and GOD’s choices because of the heart/ attitude of a person, nothing does!

Hmmm the good LORD found something good in the boy. I asked the LORD about it, and pondered on what it could mean. Was it foreknowledge of what the boy would choose, if he had a chance? Was it an attitude the child young as he was had? What good did GOD find in the child?

“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? In Micah 6:8

-to act justly (do what you know is right)

-to love mercy (care about others)

-to walk humbly with your GOD. (Choosing to think about GOD and voluntarily submit to HIM)

Because you know that the LORD will reward everyone for whatever good he does (Ephesians 6:8).

Then they asked HIM, “What must we do to do the works GOD requires?” JESUS answered, “The work of GOD is this: to believe in the ONE HE has sent.” (John 6:28-29)

Have you believed in JESUS being born of a virgin, living a perfect life, dying on the cross for the sins of mankind, raised from the dead 3 days later, and preparing to come again?

GOD requires people to believe (have faith) in the ONE HE has sent- JESUS.  “For GOD so loved the world that HE sent HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believes in HIM shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).  He that has the SON has everlasting life but he that believes not the SON shall not see life, but the wrath of GOD abides on him still (John 3:36).

GOD is holy and sin corrupts.  All have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD (Romans 3:23) knowing this would happen, the GODHEAD (GOD the FATHER, GOD the SON and GOD the HOLY SPIRIT) planned for JESUS, GOD the SON to come to earth, take on a human body  and fulfill the law during HIS 30 some years on earth and as a perfect sacrifice with no sin of HIS own HE was crucified and all the sin of all men was placed on HIM. 

But there is a catch.  In order for your sins to be forgiven, you must be IN CHRIST JESUS by accepting GOD’s gift (Romans 6:23) through believing in JESUS and calling on the name of the LORD to be saved (Romans 10:9-10, 13).  GOD’s love is IN CHRIST JESUS (Romans 8:39).

Don’t be duped like the wicked king, and his wife. Think these things through and ask GOD to show you what is true.   Anyone who chooses to do the will of GOD will find out whether my teaching comes from GOD or whether I speak on my own. (John 7:17).

Hugs,

Sharon

Wild roller coaster ride

In Junior high, living in West Hollywood, I loved going with my church youth group to Pacific Ocean Park. It is an amusement park overlooking the Pacific Ocean. I loved the wild roller coaster there- its speed- its ups and downs and even its jerking unexpected turns.

My life has been like that roller coaster, with many bumps and jerking turns.  But now the wild ride just seems plain hard IF I focus on the struggles.

Right now, the whole world seems in an upheaval, and I cry out to GOD, “Why do You hold back YOUR hand? (Psalm 74:11).

HE reminds me of one of HIS (GOD’s) purposes. “The GOD who made the world and everything in it is the LORD of heaven and earth. From one man HE made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and HE predetermined their exact times and places. GOD did this that they would seek HIM and perhaps reach out and find HIM” (Acts 17:24,26-27).

It was as if the LORD said to me, Sharon, “Do you despise and underestimate the wealth of MY kindness and forbearance and long-suffering patience? Are you unmindful or actually ignorant (of the fact) that MY kindness is intended to lead people to repent (to change their minds and heart and reach out to accept MY (GOD’s will)? (Romans 2:4 AMP)

Today I was in tears struggling as i heard and saw wrong too close to home.  Wrong that I could not change and it was breaking my heart.  Through my tears I cried out to GOD to work.  But GOD gave me a verse fitting what was going on and assuring my heart that HE was at work and the outcome would be right. But HE also emphasized the appointed end had an appointed time.  HE reminded me that though it linger, I was to wait for it; and that it will certainly come and not delay (Habakkuk 2:3).

Being I believe in GOD’s foreknowledge of all things (John 16:30, 1 Peter 1:2), HIS complete power (Jeremiah 32:17), HIS presence everywhere (Psalm 139:7-11, 2 Chronicles 2:5-6), HIS absolute truthfulness (Titus 1:2) and HIS unchangeableness (Malachi 3:6),  I quit begging HIM to put a stop to what I so hated and I asked GOD to strengthen me to endure having to hear and see what tore me up while HE worked.  

Immediately, HE reminded me to take off my cochlear processor and hearing aid.  I did and it helped!

I like the way Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1807-1882 put it: “And in despair I bowed my head: ‘There is no peace on earth’, I said. For hate is strong, and mocks the song of ‘peace on earth, good will to men.’ Yet pealed the bells more loud and deep. ‘GOD is not dead, nor doth HE sleep. The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth, good will to men.”

Therefore, I can obey GOD instructions to give thanks in and for all things (I Thessalonians 5:18, Ephesians 5:20), for through our momentary troubles, GOD is at work-achieving amazing eternal things for that far outweigh the pain of today (2 Corinthians 4:15-18). But I can only do it if I follow GOD’s instructions and focus not on what is seen-the struggle of today- but focus on what is unseen-that which GOD is at work behind the scenes achieving through the pain of today. (2 Corinthians 4:15-18, Romans 8:28).

I call it walking by faith.  For me it is not always automatic but a choice to refocus as the HOLY SPIRIT speaks truth to me by bring scripture to my mind.

Looking up for our redemption draws near!

Hugs

Sharon