I will enter HIS gates

Singing to and of the LORD is something that always lifts up my heart with joy and refocuses me off of struggles and onto what GOD promises ” for what is seen (our situation) is temporary, but what is not seen (that which GOD is achieving for us through our situation) is eternal(2 Corinthians 4:17-18),. 

Here is part of a chorus I learned at Camp Elim based on Psalm 100:4 that I still love to sing.

I will enter HIS gates with thanksgiving in my heart, I will enter HIS courts with praise, I will say this is the day that the LORD has made I will rejoice for HE has made me glad.

hugs

Sharon

It’s not fair!

Life just isn’t fair. JESUS warned us it would be this way when HE said, “in this life you will have tribulation but cheer up I have overcome the world ” (John 16:33). 

GOD tells us in HIS word that our temporary troubles are achieving eternal things for us that far surpass the unfairness and pain of today (2 Corinthians 4:17).  In fact, the LORD promises that HE is using all the good and bad, working them together for an end result of good for us who love HIM.  HE is developing Christlikeness in us through what we encounter (Romans 8:28-29).

JESUS said, If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am (John 14:3).

JESUS went up in a cloud 40 days after HE rose from the grave (Acts 1:3, 9-11).  HE went to prepare a place for us, and HE is coming again to get us and take us to where HE has been.

Since the beginning of the world men have not heard…neither eye seen…what GOD has prepared for those who wait for Him (Isaiah 64:4, 1 Corinthians 2:9).

Are you expectantly waiting for JESUS to return and take us to be with HIM?

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

Hugs

Sharon

What do you call HIM?

Some people can talk about anything but many of us are best when conversing on topics we can relate to.  Here is a whimsical list according to that concept on how people initially might identify with JESUS according to what they are familiar with.

1.  Administrators call HIM: “The Governor” (Mathew 2: 6)

2.  Animal Scientist call HIM: “The Good Shepherd” (1 Peter 5: 4)

3.  Archeologist call HIM: ” The Beginning” (John 1: 1)

4.  Architects call HIM: “The Chief Cornerstone” (Ephesians 2: 20)

5.  Astrologists call HIM “MORNING STAR” (Revelation 22:16)

6.  Biologist call HIM: “The Life” (John 14: 6)

7.  Botanist call HIM: ” The Tree of life” (Revelation 2:7)

8.  Carpenters Call HIM: “The Door” (John 10: 7)

9.  Cooks call HIM “BREAD OF LIFE” (John 6:35)

10. Doctors call HIM “the ONE who heals” (Psalm 103:3)

11. Electricians call HIM: ” The Light of the World” (John 8: 12)

12. Engineers call HIM “STRONG TOWER” (proverbs 18:10)

13. Evangelists call HIM: “The Soul Winner” (John 4: 7- 21)

14. Football fans call HIM: “The Captain” (Hebrew 2: 10)

15. Gardeners call HIM; “The Rose of Sharon” (Song of Solomon 2: 1)

16. Geologists call HIM “Rock of Ages” (Psalm 18:2)

17. Government officials call HIM “The Supreme Authority” (Matthew 28:18)

18. Horticulturists call HIM: “The First Fruit” (1 Corinthians 15: 12)

19. Industrialists call HIM: “The Great Supplier” (Philippians 4: 19)

20. Journalist call HIM: “The Truth” (John 14: 6)

21. Judges call Him: “HIM Righteous Judge” (Isaiah 11: 4)

22. Lawyers call Him: “HIM Mediator/ Advocate” (1 Timothy 2: 5)

23. Mathematicians call HIM “ALPHA and OMEGA” (Revelation 1:8)

24. Medical Doctors call HIM: “The great physician” (Luke 8:4)

25. Morticians call HIM: “The Risen One” (Luke 24:6)

26. Oceanographers call HIM: “The River of Living waters” (John 4: 10)

27. Photographers call HIM: “The Image of God” (John 14: 9)

28. Politicians call HIM “KING of Kings and LORD of Lords” (Revelation 17:14)

29. Professors call HIM: “The Wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24)

30. Publishers call HIM: “The Author” (Hebrew 12: 2)

31. Sailors call HIM “HE that CALMS the storm” (Matthew 8:27)

32. Sociologists call HIM: “The Love of GOD” (John 3: 16)

33. Sportsmen call HIM: “The Strength and Energizer” (Nehemiah 8: 10)

34. Theologians call HIM: “The WORD made flesh” (John 1: 1-4, 14)

35. Transporters call HIM: “The Way” (John 14: 6)

36. Zoologist Call HIM: “The Lion of the tribe of Judah” (Revelation 5: 5)

But as for me, I call HIM “My LORD and my Savior!” (Romans 10:13)

hugs

Sharon

Just like

Has someone wronged you?  Even if you have forgiven that one, do thoughts of those wrongs come unexpectedly into your mind and bring you grief/ torment?

JESUS, the eternal Word of GOD (John 1:1-4), took on a body and came to earth (John 1:14, Philippians 2:5-8) to reveal to us what GOD is really like (John 14:7, 9), to bring mankind forgiveness through paying for their sins and give them eternal life with GOD/ HIMSELF (John 3:16), to destroy the works of the devil the author of sin (1 John 3:8) and more.  JESUS’ eternal sonship was how JESUS lived out HIS life not even speaking a word unless the FATHER told HIM to.

We were adopted, reborn into the family of GOD when we believed/ received/ accepted/ trusted JESUS (John 1:12-13) to save us. Now our sonship to GOD should control our lives just as JESUS’s sonship controlled JESUS. JESUS was the express image of the invisible GOD (Hebrews 1:3) and we are told to be holy as HE (GOD) who has called us is holy (1 Peter 1:15).

JESUS was all about forgiveness. Forgiveness was not a side issue to HIM. Forgiveness was HIS purpose and even on the cross JESUS prayed to GOD the FATHER for those who either crucified or mocked HIM hanging on the cross, “Forgive them for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

In answering HIS disciples about how often one must forgive, JESUS spoke, setting the parameters as concerning the Kingdom of Heaven and those that belong to it (those children of GOD through faith in JESUS) in Matthew 18:21-35. JESUS said, “It is like this (and JESUS proceeded to tell a parable and its conclusion baffled me for years until I read it again Saturday morning).

A summary of that parable:

Since JESUS said “it is like the Kingdom of heaven” we know that this pertains only to believers in JESUS who have been transferred into the eternal Kingdom of JESUS by GOD the FATHER when they believed/ trusted in JESUS to save them from their sins (Colossians 1:13) and were born into the Family of GOD through the power of the HOLY SPIRIT (John 1:12-13, 3:5-7).

A man owed HIS master a huge amount of money.  The Master said “pay up!” the servant could not and begged HIS master to give him time (Called on the name of the LORD and was saved Romans 10:9-10, 13).  The compassionate Master completely forgave him and wiped out the man’s entire debt. 

That man who had just been forgiven went to a fellow who owed him a small amount money and said, “pay up!” when that fellow could not pay and begged the man to give him time, the 1^st man would not listen and had him thrown in jail.  Others saw what had happened and went and told the Master.  The Master became furious.

The Master called the man HE had forgiven and said, “I forgave you and so you should have had compassion and forgiven the one who owed you, just as I had pity on you. Then the Master delivered him to the TORMENTORS until he paid for all that was due.

That blew my mind. The context clearly declares this speaks of those who are in the Kingdom of heaven.  They have accepted the love gift of GOD the FATHER who sent HIS SON that all who believed in the SON would have eternal life (John 3:16).  They believed in JESUS and GOD the FATHER “has delivered us from the power of darkness, and translated us into the Kingdom of HIS dear SON” (Colossians 1:13).  These are eternally saved people and GOD the FATHER is turning one over to the tormentors.  What can this mean? 

SPOILERs alert: I am NOT saying one can lose their salvation.  All who BELIEVE/ TRUST in JESUS have eternal life with GOD the FATHER and JESUS (John 3:16, 36, 17:3), just as all who REFUSE GOD’s gift of HIS SON have eternal death in the everlasting lake of fire which is called the 2^nd death (Revelation 20:10, 14-15).

So back to my question.  What does it mean that GOD the FATHER turns one who became HIS child through faith in JESUS (John 1:12-13) over to the tormentors until he paid his debt?

Probably, I recognized the answer this time around when I read this illustration because the day before we studied our life group GOD the FATHER’s role of discipline/ child raising of all who have been born children of GOD.  GOD the FATHER disciplines all HE accepts and loves in Hebrews 12:4-11 and 1 Corinthians 11:31-32.

GOD has declared that all who love HIM will be transformed (changed like a caterpillar into a butterfly) into the very nature of JESUS CHRIST who has the divine nature (Romans 8:28-29).  HE (JESUS) whose great desire drove HIM to humble HIMSELF and be made a man and bore our sins on the cross because HE loves mercy and forgiveness.

Now GOD uses what HE sends/allows to come into our lives to achieve that transformation in us (Romans 8:28, 2 Corinthians 4:15-17). As we are told in Genesis 50:20 what the enemy means for evil, GOD uses for good to help many. Besides changing us, our struggles/ discipline somehow will bring GOD glory.

If we have forgiven one who has sinned against us yet unbidden thoughts of wrongs against us come into our minds it is a test/ temptation.  We just need to REFOCUS by taking those thoughts to JESUS, submitting ourselves to GOD and resisting the devil’s taunts (James 4:7, 2 Corinthians 10:5) like JESUS did by quoting scripture to him (Matthew 4:3-11).

Now when we have not forgiven, the HOLY SPIRIT convicts us (John 16:8) and we confess, GOD will forgive us and will not need to discipline us (1 John 1:9, 1 Corinthians 11:31).  But when we are convicted but don’t pay attention then GOD must discipline us in order to turn us to do right.  This discipline can get very grievous (1 Corinthians 11:32, Hebrews 12:11).  If we keep refusing to listen, then the discipline gets harder and harder just as when we discipline our children. 

But note: the purpose of the discipline is so that we won’t be condemned with the world (1 Corinthians 11:32) but that it will produce the divine character of righteousness in us (Hebrews 12:11)..

Remember Peter? GOD allowed Satan to sift him as wheat. (Luke 22:31) I would compare that to turning him over to the tormentors. And when there is unforgiveness in our lives we have torment when we think of the wrongs against us. When Peter learned his lesson GOD used Peter mightily, just as HE will use any once they learn through discipline. 

So, I saw that it was out of LOVE for one of HIS blood bought children that a stubborn child is turned over to the tormentors. 

There are some I pray for those who have been turned over to the tormentors.  I pray 1 John 5:16 for them, knowing that if they believe/ trust in JESUS they have not committed the sin that leads to death.  John 3:36, 2 Thessalonians 2:10 and Revelation 20:15 show us that only those refuse JESUS offer of forgiveness have committed that sin that leads to death.  That sin is called blaspheme against the HOLY SPIRIT because when one refuses the conviction of the HOLY SPIRIT that leads to faith in JESUS there is no other way to be saved (Matthew 12:31, Luke 12:10).

Hugs

Sharon

in 2023

How many of you remember this song?  All praise to LORD JESUS, begotten of GOD.  The GREAT I AM is HE.  Creator, Sustainer but wonder of all the Lamb of Calvary.

As we celebrate the eternal Word of GOD (JESUS) made flesh (John 1:1-4, 14), GOD taking on a human body and coming into our world to show us the magnificence of the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY (John 14:9), to die and pay for all of the sins (Isaiah 53:6) of mankind (for all have sinned Romans 3:23, Hebrews 9:28) that whoever would choose to believe in the gospel and received JESUS might obtain eternal life with GOD  (John 3:16, 36).

Well within the written Word of GOD the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY had HIS prophets relate (2 Peter 1:21) many, many prophecies of things that would take place in the future.  The 1^st being in Genesis 3:16. These prophecies are promises GOD has made to man. 

Lots of them were fulfilled when JESUS came as a baby born of a virgin, more were fulfilled when JESUS bore our sins on the cross (Isaiah 53:6) and disarmed the demons (Colossians 2:13-15).  And more in these last days are being fulfilled.  More and more all the time.  Not since the time of JESUS has so many prophesies begun to line up.

Many prophesies found in the Bible have been fulfilled or has elements of fulfillment, throughout the year 2023. We’re in a countdown to the close of the Church Age. Of the many things happening, here are Jan Markell’s top ten selections for this year. Many selections have ties to “black Sabbath”–October 7, 2023.

1)  The world decided that Israel became the international burdensome stone (Zech. 12:3). Whoever expected this new malady, Israel Derangement Syndrome, in their lifetime? We know that “the Time of Jacob’s Trouble” will be a time of Jew-hatred, but in the Church Age? And this is a hatred of a people based only on identity. A people group that has been a blessing to the world!

2)  Israel now longs for peace like never before. She will fall for Mr. Fix-Its peace plan of Daniel 9:27. She just wants to get along with her neighbors, the Arab world, the Muslim world, and all her enemies. She has had 75 years of conflict, preceded by the Holocaust. But with centuries of demonic hatred thrown at her, the Antichrist will be stunning in his deceit of a nation longing for peace and security. He will overwhelm them in his efforts.

3)  For a segment of society, love has grown cold. This is a Tribulation reference in Matthew 24, but we’re in a run-up to that. We’re watching large segments of society favor barbarians. Millions have sided with the butchers of Hamas! There are Facebook groups praising Hamas. College campuses know no shame. Jewish students are hiding in secluded areas. And much of the world, and parts of the church, shrug in indifference and seem to enjoy cursing Israel.

4)  Gog & Magog further align as they unite against Israel. One periodical reports that “Turkey’s President Recep Erdogan wants to lead the Muslim world against Israel so his country can become a great power.” Russia has pledged to come to Iran’s rescue if Israel attacks. The three power players of Ezekiel 38-39 are Russia, Turkey, and Iran. Enemies for years, they are aligning more every day and particularly in 2023.

5)  The church is slipping further into apostasy. Many churches revealed theology that has encouraged them to remain silent during Israel’s greatest crisis since the Holocaust. Many openly sided with the so-called Palestinians. The silence of the shepherds has been staggering and devastating to many church members (Jeremiah 23). Too many won’t deal with prophecy, current events, or Israel and won’t take a stand. It’s time to call out evil and to love what and who God loves. Too many churches refuse, and this year exposed them.

6)  The Jews are coming home in greater numbers and are more open to the gospel. Since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, there has been a 149% increase in interest to return to Israel from Jewish French citizens and an 81% increase from North American Jews. The trauma of October 7 will leave deep scars on the nation and people forever. The crisis is driving the Jews to seek God like never before in history. Many are leaving secularism, mysticism, and more to call out to the God of the Bible.

7)  Strong delusion (II Thessalonians 2) intensifies and abounds! The Biden Administration continues to give Iran billions. The White House expresses deep concern about Islamophobia, not anti-Semitism! Biden gives hundreds of thousands of dollars to mosques. We have seen young people praise Osama bin Laden in spite of the reality of radical Islam. The solution in the Middle East is a Palestinian state! Everywhere, evil is called good (Is. 5:20) and facts are irrelevant due to the delusions of our day. Only the righteous can see straight for all others have been blinded by turning away from GOD’s Word!

8)  Worldwide there is an intensified longing for a world leader as American leadership is weak and non-existent in the Executive Branch. Soon, world leaders will line up in Pied Piper-like fashion, behind a man-with-a-plan, who will guarantee peace and stability. He will exude global leadership. The world is ready due to America’s absence.

9)  The intensification of perilous times (II Timothy 3), violence, and spirit of the Antichrist. We are warned of October 7 “copycat attacks” around the world! America’s southern border invites chaos. Rogue nations are threatening with nukes. World war seems inevitable. And the Tribulation has not even begun!

10) There is an explosion of global reprobate minds (Romans 1). Things have taken a dark turn unlike anything seen in modern times. The world has become unhinged on a greater level than WWII. People clearly have been “given over.” Up is down; black is white. Men can be women and vice versa. Israel is apartheid; Hamas are freedom fighters. Normal or Godly thinking does not come to these conclusions!

We need to be aware of what is happening, but JESUS is implicit that we are not to be troubled (John 14:1) but rather we must believe that GOD is in control (Hebrews 11:6) and that JESUS will coming for us who believe in HIM to catch us away before the unleashing of Jacob’s trouble and judgment on those who refuse JESUS.  So, comfort one another with these words (1 Thessalonians 4:18).

Hugs

Sharon

Woke up with a song

Isaiah 50:4…  HE wakens (me) morning by morning, HE wakens my ear to hear as the learned.

Psalm 40:3  And HE (GOD) has put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our GOD: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

I woke up this morning singing. “O come let us adore HIM, O come let us adore HIM, O come let us adore HIM CHRIST the LORD.

All the secular reasons/ counsel of the world (Psalm 1:1) that would dismiss the import of this, like I heard Christmas music before bed don’t match my reality.  I know it was not from me.  The chorus came up from within me, just as sometimes the right Bible verse will come up when I need it.

Now we Christians know that all who believe in JESUS have received the HOLY GHOST who will be like a well of water springing up within us and overflowing (John 7:38-39),  It is the SPIRIT who leads us and teaches us interpreting GOD’s thoughts (1 Corinthians 2:10-13), as well as bears HIS fruit within us and writes in our hearts and minds GOD’s desires (Hebrews 10:16, Philippians 2:13) so we will know what GOD wants in specific ways.

We do know GOD tells us to sing (Ephesians 5:19) and that GOD HIMSELF sings (Zephaniah 3:17).

I believe that chorus came up from within me as the HOLY SPIRIT sang it out.  In this time as Christians have more opportunities to tell how the babe in the manger was GOD HIMSELF come to save the world (mankind).  I am thinking that both the HOLY SPIRIT and GOD the FATHER are leading us in song praising and adoring our LORD JESUS.

Scripture shows us how each of the Trinity honors the others.  It seems THEY are celebrating the great sacrifice of JESUS (the eternal WORD of GOD- John 1:1-4, 14) for taking on a human body to reveal what the MOST HIGH Triune GOD is really like and to die for the sins of mankind so they could be forgiven and made ready to live eternally with GOD, as well as destroy the works of the devil.

It is now night and the chorus and even occasionally the stanzas of “O come all ye faithful” / Adeste Fideles still ring in my heart and I find myself singing. 

I shared this thought and a friend mentioned that a different song of praise to JESUS was doing the same to her.  Just as GOD relates to us individually, so I imagine the songs of praise HE gives us are unique to the one HE gives them to.  It is so neat how each of us are so special to HIM.

These are just my thoughts.

Hugs

Sharon

Check it out

We are in the Christmas season, and it should be a happy time as we reflect on GOD giving us the greatest gift of all. “For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believed in HIM (JESUS’ saving work on the cross for them) would not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

It is such a busy time of year with festivities, holiday food and as many, like our GOD, want to give the perfect gifts to those they love.  Some have been endowed with more material things to give than others, but most yearn to give something to a loved one and when they are not able become depressed.  We must pray for them that GOD encourage the depressed and give them ways to brighten their loved ones days or even bring a smile to a stranger for in giving those little things much joy is experienced.

Yet in what should be a joyful time, the entire world seems thrown into confusion and delusion where right is said to be wrong and wrong is said to be right, good is said to be bad and bad is said to be good.  The opposing views have contradicting yet convincing testimonies, although much not backed up by fact.  

Hitler said that if you tell a lie loud enough and often enough people will believe it.  Sadly, many well-meaning people accept anything they hear about injustice and jump on the bandwagon without checking out the facts.  Others wonder who should we believe?  One must carefully check out whether what is declared is true. Note your source.

But where do you check out the facts?  History is a good place to start but some are changing even that.

“May GOD be true and every man a liar” (Romans 3:4) in other words GOD has never lied but everyone of us has at one time or another.  Therefore, the only truly trustworthy source is GOD.  HE has given us HIS word… speaking to us through the prophets moved by the HOLY SPIRIT (2 Peter 1:21).

I urge you to get in the word of GOD, let GOD speak to you through it and the HOLY SPIRIT will lead you. If you are like me, you will still have questions, but we must remember “the secret things belong to GOD, but the things revealed belong to us and our children that we may be able to do (what we need to do) Deuteronomy 29:29.

“Therefore, judge nothing before the time, until the LORD come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: (I Corinthians 4:5).

If we just obeyed that last verse both in our personal lives and the happenings in the world obeying JESUS instructions not to be troubled (John 14:1) will become a lot easier.

Hugs Sharon

Greater (more) work

“What shall we do, that we might work the works of GOD?” JESUS answered and said unto them, “This is the work of GOD, that ye believe on HIM whom HE (GOD) hath sent” (John 6:28-29). 

“No man can come unto ME, except the FATHER draw him” (John 6:44).

GOD’s work is to draw people to JESUS.  Why? 

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

(JESUS said) For I have not spoken of MYSELF; but the FATHER which sent ME, HE gave ME a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak (John 12:49).

On earth JESUS was the agent for GOD the FATHER to do the work assigned to HIM.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, the one that believes on ME, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go to the FATHER” (John 14:12).

“Nevertheless, I tell you that truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you: but If I depart, I will send HIM unto you.  And when HE is come, HE will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on ME;” (John 16:7-9).

“But you shall receive power when the HOLY SPIRIT is come upon you: and you shall be witnesses of ME both in Jerusalem, and in all Judah and Samaria, and unto the uttermost pasts of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

We get the HOLY SPIRIT when we believe (Ephesians 1:13-14), and when we get HIM we get power.  What is that power for? 

Power to witnesses of JESUS.

Just as GOD worked through JESUS while JESUS was on earth to do the work and draw men to HIM, so now the SPIRIT of GOD works through us to do the work and draw men to JESUS as we witness of HIM.

JESUS had around 3 to 3 ½ years of ministry and although crowds followed HIM around to hear and be healed and fed, there were only 120 true believers in JESUS in the upper room awaiting the giving of the HOLY SPIRIT (Acts 1:14-15).

But, after the SPIRIT of GOD was given and Peter, through the power of the HOLY SPIRIT preached one sermon about 3,000 souls were added to their number of true believers that day (Acts 2:41).

Now I call that greater (in number) works.  As believers everywhere lead people to JESUS one at a time more millions have come to know JESUS and that is a great work.

Question to answer in the comment section: What does the SPIRIT use to draw men to JESUS? (Ephesians 6:17, Romans 10:17).

Think this over and may the LORD give you understanding in all things.

Hugs Sharon

Why?

But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration (HOLY SPIRIT) of the ALMIGHTY gives them understanding (Job 32:8).

(JESUS) The true light, which gives light to everyone (John 1:9 ESV)

Deuteronomy 30:¹¹ For this commandment which I command you this day, it is not hidden from you, neither is it far off.  ¹⁴ But the word is very near you, in your mouth, and in your heart, that you may do it.

Romans 1:¹⁹ Because that which may be known of GOD is manifest in them; for GOD has shewed it to them. ²⁰ For the invisible things of HIM 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 are without excuse:

Now if all know, why are not all saved?

Romans 10:⁹ ESV IF you confess with your mouth that JESUS is LORD (Master/ Ruler) and believe in your heart that GOD raised HIM from the dead, you will be saved.

There seems to be 2 qualifying conditions.

1-Confessing that JESUS is LORD (Master or Ruler) over you and the worlds.

2-believing in your heart (not just head knowledge or assent)

In the bible the word believe often means more than just mental assent to a fact.  There are exceptions to that rule for the devils believe there is a GOD and tremble (James 2:17).

Belief that saves says aloud (confesses) JESUS YOU are my LORD (Master) alluding to a desire to follow JESUS’ directions. 

Believing that saves also comes out of the heart indicating love.  We love HIM because HE 1^st loved us (1 John 4:19).

Belief that equals faith is defined in Hebrews 11:⁶ But without faith it is impossible to please HIM (GOD): for he that comes to GOD must (1) believe that HE is, and (2) (believe) that HE (GOD) is a rewarder of them that diligently seek HIM.

Saving faith trusts GOD.  It trusts that GOD is good, in control, has an eternal plan and loves us.

Now, although every person who comes into this world has been given light (understanding), some refuse it. 

Romans 1:¹⁸ they choose not to accept GOD’s true message (EASY)/ suppressing (Pushing away/ holding down) the truth (ESV).   ²¹ 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.

2 Thessalonians 2:¹⁰ them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

John 3:¹⁶ For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON (JESUS), that whosoever believes in HIM (trusts JESUS’ saving work on the cross when HE died for their sins) should not perish, but have everlasting life. ³⁶ He that believes on (trusts in the work of) the SON has everlasting life: and he that believes not (refuses to believe and turns away from) the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abides/ remains on him.

The choice is ours.  I choose JESUS. How about you?

Hugs Sharon

Think

If you quickly glance around as you are driving you may not see that armadillo along the side of the road or what make of car just zoomed past you.  It is the same with the Word of GOD.

GOD has spoken to us through HIS prophets (moved by GOD the HOLY SPIRIT to write and speak 2 Peter 1:21), ^“whatsoever things were written (in Scripture) were written for our learning…” (Romans 15^:4⁾.

Although JESUS said “Man cannot live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD (Matthew 4:4), many Christians don’t see the need to read the Bible for themselves.  Others read the Bible because they think they are supposed to but, don’t really expect to hear from GOD personally and speed read as if by osmosis they will absorb the riches contained within the eternal word of GOD.  But they wonder why the word of GOD doesn’t really speak to them.

GOD says that HE rewards them that diligently SEEK HIM (Hebrews 11:6, Jeremiah 29:13).  To seek HIM with all of our hearts we must THINK.  Note the context of what you are reading, the principle being spoken of, how it is spoken of in other places of the Bible and zero in on what the words show us.  I sometimes call this connecting the dots.

“Then Jesus said to them, “So every ·teacher of the law [scribe] who has ·been taught about [become a disciple of] the kingdom of heaven is like the ·owner [head] of a house. He brings out both new things and old things ·he has saved [from his treasure/storeroom; knowledge of the Old Testament provides insight into JESUS’ “new” message of the kingdom of GOD]” (Matthew 13:52 EXB).

Let’s look at an example of having to simply THINK (ponder on what is said) to know what the Bible is talking about. “JESUS despising the shame” (Hebrews 12:2).  Where was HE?  JESUS was enduring as HE was crucified on the cross.  Why did JESUS feel shame? 

Two of the reasons are:

1-Matthew 27:25 Soldiers stripped off JESUS’ clothing.  THINK what does that tell us?  JESUS hung naked where all who passed by could see HIM.  I don’t want people seeing me naked, that would bring me shame. How about you?

2-Hebrews 1:9 JESUS HATED sin, Isaiah 53:6 ALL SIN from Adam and Eve in the garden to the last sin after the uprising after the 1,000 year reign, was laid on JESUS as HE hung on the cross and paid for our sin.  “For the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).

When I realize I have sinned, I feel SHAME.  JESUS felt the SHAME of all mankind, “for all have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD” (Romans 3:23).  The SHAME JESUS felt hanging there is beyond anything we can imagine.  The positive side of it is that HE understands how we feel after we have sinned, and HE cares. JESUS chose to suffer SHAME because HE loved us and wanted to save us and give us eternal life.

“For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believes in HIM will 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).

Do you seek to know GOD and HIS ways better?   Are you taking the time to zero in on words and asking GOD for answers?  I hope so for it make us stand in AWE of our Marvelous triune GOD.

Hugs Sharon