Issues in the last days

After asking the LORD to speak to me, I was reading in Mark 8 and 3 accounts in that chapter struck me as potentially applying to you and me and spoke blaringly of things known about the end times. 

Just a few of the things GOD tells us about the last days.

Matthew 24: 4 JESUS answered and said to them, ‘take heed (watch out, pay attention) that no one deceives you.”  The last days are days full of deception.

2 Timothy 3:13 imposters will grow worse and worse deceiving and being deceived

1 Timothy 4:1 “Now the SPIRIT speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines (teachings) of devils” Those false doctrines/ teachings will be taught by men who themselves are deceived.

In Mark 8:17-21 After the disciples had seen JESUS feed the 4,000 with 7 loaves and a few fish they thought JESUS was upset with them for not bringing bread along.  JESUS said they had ears but didn’t hear (listen up/pay attention) and eyes but couldn’t see/ perceive for they were not connecting the dots, they didn’t remember nor think things through.

In Mark 8:24 a man saw men like trees walking. In other words, he didn’t see things clearly. But when he told JESUS, the problem was taken care of, and he could see clearly.

Both led me to stop and ask GOD if and how these issues applied to me.  Was I taking things just at face value and not connecting the dots?  Do I acknowledge GOD in all things (Proverbs 3:5-7)? and ask the LORD for clarity (Hebrews 4:16)?

Then began to pray for specific others to have their eyes and ears opened, asking for them to be reminded of truth so could see things/issues clearly (1 John 5:16).  For obvious basic truths are being denied and countless people are so confused about so many things.

Then the 1^st truth of 2 Timothy 3:1 “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves” came alive as I read in Mark 8 of Peter rebuking our LORD JESUS when the LORD told HIS disciples of HIS coming rejection, death and resurrection. JESUS’ response to Peter made me stop and think.

In Mark 8:33 JESUS rebuked Peter

KJ “Get behind ME, Satan: for you savor (look to, enjoy, relish, delight in) not the things that be of GOD, but the things that be of men.”

NASB “you are not setting your mind on GOD’s interests, but man’s.”

NIV “you do not have in mind the concerns of GOD but merely human concerns.”

Ouch! That convicted me! I know that GOD’s thoughts and ways are not mine (Isaiah 55:8-9) and that HE often works through hard things (2 Corinthians 4:17) yet how often do I want GOD to move in a certain way now, and struggle and worry when HE does not.  It also speaks of 2 Timothy 3:1 when man puts his wants and HIS ideas before GOD and HIS wisdom. When man delights more in the things of this world than in what GOD is doing those things become idols to him and we are warned, “Little children keep yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21). 

O LORD, show me any idol I may have set up in my heart and tear it down for I want to worship YOU alone.  I ask this in JESUS name.

Hugs

Sharon

Come on

Do you ever wonder why the answer to one of your prayers is so slow in coming though GOD said HE would do it?

One day when teaching HIS disciples JESUS said to them, “the SPIRIT of truth, the world cannot accept HIM, because it neither sees HIM nor knows HIM. But you know HIM, for HE lives with you, and will be in you” (John 14:17).  Then in John 7:38-39 we are told that the HOLY SPIRIT would indwell (come in) believers but that would happen after JESUS was glorified.

On the day JESUS rose from the dead HE appeared to the disciples in a locked room when they saw HIM they believed in the resurrection of JESUS which proved that HE was GOD.

“And (JESUS was) declared to be the SON of GOD with power, according to the SPIRIT of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead” (Romans 1:4).  

Now that JESUS was glorified through the resurrection, and the disciples believed “And with that HE (JESUS) breathed on them and said, “Receive the HOLY SPIRIT” (John 20:22).  At that time the HOLY SPIRIT entered in them, sealing them until the day of redemption (of their bodies=rapture Ephesians 4:30).

Around 40 days later JESUS told the disciples (Luke 24:49 NIV) “I am going to send you what MY FATHER promised but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

Acts 1:8 NIV (JESUS said) “But you will receive power when the HOLY SPIRIT comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

The HOLY SPIRIT had been with them for HE filled and led JESUS (Luke 4:1) and it is through the HOLY SPIRIT that JESUS taught (Acts1:2) and did miracles. After they believed and JESUS was glorified (John 7:38-39) JESUS imparted the HOLY SPIRIT to the disciples on the day HE rose from the grave, the HOLY SPIRIT took up residence in them to teach and lead and so much more. So, what is this coming on them all about and why did they have to wait for it?

The 1st question is what is this all about?  With the HOLY SPIRIT in them why did HE have to come on them?  Acts 1:8 says that it was to empower them (or give them power) when they witnessed.

We can proclaim the truth, but only the HOLY SPIRIT can interpret GOD’s message to an individual’s heart to convict or teach them (1 Corinthians 2:10-13, John 16:8).  HIS work empowers GOD’s message to do what needs to be done.  GOD has chosen the foolishness of preaching to bring salvation (1 Corinthians 1:21) so both our words and the HOLY SPIRIT’s interpretation are needed.

The 2^nd question is why did they have to wait? GOD has preset the times and places that men (and women) would reach out to HIM (Acts 17:26-27).

JESUS spoke the promise of being clothed with power 40 days after HIS resurrection and moments before HE ascended into heaven to sit on the right hand of GOD the FATHER.  It was now 10 days later.  The disciples were gathered together and praying. They didn’t know why there were having to wait. The disciples needed special power for the day of Pentecost (a Jewish feast day where Jews from all of the world would be in Jerusalem.) At the appointed time the HOLY SPIRIT came upon them enduing them with power and they spoke of the wonders of GOD and preached JESUS.  3,000 believed in JESUS and were added to the church that day.

Another day the disciples had been threatened and beaten and had prayed to GOD the FATHER for boldness to witness.  GOD was faithful to HIS word (Luke 11:13) “how much more shall your heavenly FATHER give the HOLY SPIRIT to them that ask him?”  The HOLY SPIRIT came upon the disciples filling them with boldness to witness (Acts 4:29-31). 

Some like to call it an anointing with power and that really does a good job describing it.  The clothing of power from on high is from the FATHER, through the HOLY SPIRIT to a person.  The anointing comes so a person may do what GOD has assigned for him/her to do. 

The wait part is walking in the SPIRIT, letting HIM lead us ahead (nudge us to speak or go here or there).  Only GOD knows what needs to be said and when, we really don’t. Throughout scripture you will read over and over at the appointed time, or the time had not yet come.  Timing is set and is important, but it is not for us to know (Acts 1:7).  We are called to walk in faith (2 Corinthians 5:7), to walk in the SPIRIT letting HIM lead us (Galatians 5:16, 18).

2 Corinthians 3:5 ESV “Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from GOD.”

Hugs

Sharon

Tell them

Before the ALMIGHTY made anything the GODHEAD had an eternal plan.  GOD chose to make mankind in HIS image.  Of all creation only mankind is said to be made in GOD’s image…male and female made HE them (Genesis 1:27).

One element GOD placed in man was reason with the ability to choose.  Throughout scripture we see GOD giving people choices and then rewarding or punishing them according to their choices.

In Genesis 1 GOD creates the heavens and the earth and all that is in them, and HE said it was good but by Genesis 6 we see that things have changed all due to the choices of mankind.

In Genesis 6:5-6 it is written that GOD saw the wickedness of man was so great on the earth and every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually and GOD heart was grieved.

But one man found favor in GOD’s eyes (Genesis 6:8) and GOD commissioned him with a double calling.  His name was Noah.

GOD told Noah to build a huge ship (ark) and gave him precise directions.  Now this was in a place that had no shipping water source, nor had it ever rained upon the earth at that time.  For it was a stretch for Noah to believe what GOD told him.

GOD also commissioned Noah to preach righteousness (doing right) to the wicked all around him as he built the ark (2 Peter 2:5). 

Now it took Noah a long time to build that ark from Genesis 6:3 many believe it took Noah 120 years. The whole while Noah preached to the wicked around him as they mocked him while he built the ark.  It is written that the long-suffering of GOD waited while Noah built the ark and preached righteousness before HE brought judgment down on mankind.  For 120 years GOD strove with the wicked (calling them to repentance) as HOLY SPIRIT convicted men through Noah’s preaching of righteousness.

GOD who knows all things, knew that none but Noah and his family would believe HIM, but HE waited and gave the people opportunity after opportunity after opportunity to believe through what Noah said.

1 Peter 1:² ELECT according to the FOREKNOWLEDGE of GOD the FATHER,

GOD never grows in knowledge for HE knows all things past, present and future. So, what particular thing did GOD KNOW that caused HIM to elect Noah and others like us. What caused HIM to choose some and not others?

John 3:¹⁶ For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that WHOSOEVER BELIEVES in HIM (JESUS) should not perish but have everlasting life.

Ephesians 1:¹¹ In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being PREDESTINATED according to the purpose of HIM who works all things after the counsel of HIS own will:

What was the counsel of GOD own will in electing some/ predestining some for eternal life and to obtain an inheritance but not others?  The counsel of GOD was that WHOSOEVER believes shall receive.  It all depends on a willingness to believe and receive what GOD says. 

Today we are like in the days of Noah.  Global wickedness is growing in unbelievably shocking ways.  The long-suffering LORD GOD ALMIGHTY is waiting until the appointed time to send JESUS to catch away HIS believers, just as HE waited in the days of Noah before unleashing flood waters. 

Until that appointed time, GOD in HIS long-suffering is waiting to unleash HIS wrath on the sinful world just as HE waited for Noah to complete his assignment of preaching to the wicked.  As Noah preached righteousness so we who believe and have come to GOD through JESUS are called witness of JESUS (Acts 1:8) and call people to repentance.

We need to tell others John 3:¹⁶ For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that WHOSOEVER BELIEVES in HIM (JESUS) should not perish but have everlasting life. ³⁶ 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 (is already) abiding on him.

Romans 10:⁹ That if you will confess with your mouth the LORD JESUS and will believe in your heart that GOD has raised HIM from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. ¹³ For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved.

Only GOD knows who will choose to believe, so let’s tell everyone we can.

Hugs

Sharon

Examine

With all the scams and contradictory news stories out there do you ever speculate on what is true? Have you ever questioned where people come up with some of the crazy ideas that are prevalent these days? Doesn’t it seem like the ideas keep getting wilder by the moment? Have you considered that you are being programmed just like a computer?

The masses, including you and I have been and are being bombarded with information by the media, advertisements, schools and through our peers. That info is programming us, whether we realize it or not just like a computer is programmed by what it takes in. We are being indoctrinated day in and day out without being aware of it.

There are so many voices out there and they often contradict each other so how can we know the truth?

Since our beliefs are the basis for making daily decisions, we might say they are our compass. A compass shows us the way we should go therefore it is radically important that our compass is accurate for us to make the right decisions.

As a man thinks (true) in his heart (places value, estimates as true, reasons), so is he (so he responds in life). Proverbs 23:7

With all diligence, keep your heart (protected), for out of it (its reasoning, values) issue (comes forth) actions. Proverbs 4:23

For truth we must look to GOD and HIS word for it is written “let GOD be true, but every man a liar” (Romans 3:4) GOD, cannot lie, (Titus 1:2).

JESUS highlighted this when while talking to GOD the FATHER HE said, “YOUR word is truth” (John 7:17).  Furthermore, JESUS told us, “Man cannot live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of GOD” (Matthew 4:4).

For that reason, it is essential that the Bible is our compass. In these days of deception, we need to prayerfully EXAMINE what we believe and everything that is being said against the light of the truth, that is, how it lines up with the WORD of GOD which is the truth.

As GOD said in Isaiah 8:20, “To the law and to the testimony (the Bible): if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

Hugs

Sharon Manning

A water hose

A moment ago, I heard sirens and looked up to see a fire truck speeding down 29^th Street.

To put out a fire you need water.  But water will do no good until it is connected to the fire hose. Only when water is directed to where it’s needed can it do any good.  That is a no brainer.

If you belong to JESUS, you and I are like that water hose, just a conduit.

The prophets in the Old Testament were men who had the HOLY SPIRIT come upon them to give GOD’s messages to the people. They were like a water hose connected to the water facet.  Through them GOD’s words flowed to ones who needed it.

But in the New Testament it is different.  JESUS promised that everyone who believed in HIM would have rivers of water springing up within him.  It is explained that is was the HOLY SPIRIT who is given to every believer (John 7:37-39).  The HOLY SPIRIT lives within believers (John 14:16-17) but more than that HE comes upon us with special power when HE gives special assignments.

Like a water hose, we believers are connected to the source of water (GOD).  When HE has something for us to do or say HE turns the water on, and it flows through us to others. 

HE is the source of the water, and the ONE who holds the hose, and directs the flow of HIS water where HE wants it to go. Since we are not the source there is no room for pride in ourselves.  HIS water (Word) will accomplish what HE wants done (Isaiah 55:10-11).

Any old water hose will do. It is the water from GOD that matters. Therefore, it is special when HE chooses to use you or me to instruct, comfort or encourage others.

It can be as simple as a smile or making a phone call.  It may take us out of our comfort zone. But don’t stop the flow of HIS living water, by refusing to do or say whatever HE urges you to do or say.  HE is our Master, let us listen for HIS instructions.  HE places them within us (Philippians 2:13) and we know what we should do. So, we need to work out what HE places within us (Philippians 2:12) by doing what we know we should do.  It will refresh others as much as water from a hose can put out a fire.

Hugs

Sharon

Do you

Do you Qualify?   Anybody out there got troubles? 

Just an annual check up with my cardiologist found me in the hospital to get a stent.  Well, once in 3 doctors not only placed 2 new stents one on the left and one on the right of my heart but they found something else that called for radiation to stop disease that was beginning in another area. My doc didn’t know, I sure didn’t know but GOD knew and set us up. (as is HIS way lol).  A few complications but I’m trusting they are for a reason.  

We can trust GOD even when all goes wrong since it is GOD who has preset our times and locations (Acts 17:26-27) and always has a good reason (Ezekiel 14:23).

I’m not being super spiritual, it’s just life is so much easier when I choose (and at times it is a definite, deliberate choice) to believe GOD’s Words and see GOD’s hand in otherwise hard things (Ephesians 1:11). Just as we see GOD the FATHER’s hand in JESUS being on the cross (Acts 2:23, Isaiah 53:6) so that whosoever chooses may believe in JESUS and have everlasting life. 

GOD proclaims, and shows us in HIS word, that HE works all things together for an end (and eternal) result of good for those who love HIM (Romans 8:28).  We are told not to keep our eyes focused on our situation but on what GOD is achieving for us through our troubles, for our troubles are temporary but what GOD is achieving (things we can’t yet see) are eternal (see 2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

Do you Qualify?

LORD, we are grabbing on to YOUR word that YOU are never late (2 Peter 3:9).  Thank You for reminding me of Joseph. He didn’t know what YOU were doing from the time his brothers sold him as a slave, was lied about when he did the right thing, and put in prison. YOUR promising word to him that YOU gave him through those dreams tried and tested him as he sat in prison until YOU brought him out and made him 2nd over the land of Egypt (Psalm 105:19).

LORD so many, me included, are being sorely tested but like Joseph we trust in You. Please encourage them as YOU do me I ask in JESUS name.

Trusting and applying GOD’s word is what keeps me sane is this topsy turvy world.

hugs

Sharon

A wall of water coming at me

Back in the day, over 57 years ago, we had this crazy little car- a BMW where the steering wheel opened out when you opened the door from the front of the car.  Pregnant with my 2nd daughter and incredibly huge I had trouble closing the car’s door because the steering wheel came in across my tummy. I felt rather cramped, but being I had a doctor’s appointment, I headed into town from the Black Forest anyway.  In town and nearing the doctor’s office, suddenly, the sky seemed to open up and torrential rain crashed down as sheets of water.  Glancing up I saw a wall of water was coming down the mountain towards my tiny car just as I was started down a steep hill.

Crying out to GOD, the words of Isaiah 59:19 flooded over me, “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the SPIRIT of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.”

I believed GOD was speaking to me and I received HIS words.  Relieved and excited I supposed GOD was going to divert that wall of water I saw heading my way.  So, I was caught by complete surprise, and filled with horror when the flood caught up my car, swirling us (my 3 year old daughter and me) around and around and down that hill. I was terrified, Jeri was screaming.  But as quick as it came, it was over.  We were fine, there was no damage to us or the car.

It took a moment to catch my breath then I rushed to the doctor’s appointment.  After seeing the doctor, I questioned GOD concerning HIS word to me.  HE brought (Proverbs 21:1) those words back into my mind. “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the SPIRIT of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.” 

It was as if the LORD said: “Wasn’t that what I did?  I never said that the flood would not come but that WHEN it came I would rise up a standard against it.

I had misinterpreted the LORD’s words.  I’d leaned on my own understanding, presuming I knew what GOD was going to do.  And HE didn’t do it my way.

The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY actually fulfilled HIS word with exactness. HE had raised up a standard against the enemy by protecting me from harm.

GOD used my trouble for my good (Romans 8:28) for through the ordeal I saw HIM working on my behalf.  The whole episode taught me a lesson to let GOD be GOD, HE strengthened me in my faith and left me knowing I could trust HIM when things got out of control.

Not only that, but HE gave me great story to tell.  A story illustrating how the LORD will delivered those who call out to HIM.  And If I read 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 correctly GOD was preparing me to comfort others in their struggles with the very same comfort HE gave me in my trouble.

When the enemy is coming in against you remember, GOD is there to raise up a standard against him.  Call out to the LORD for HELP and HE will answer.  You don’t need to tell HIM what to do or how to do it but expect HIM to act in whatever way HE chooses because that invites HIM to come in as HE knows is best.

hugs

Sharon

Hold Fast

I love the way that GOD gives HIS messengers the same message. These men who don’t know each other giving the same message verifies it’s truth. For in the mouth of 2 or 3 witnesses are things established. This past weekend I heard 4 pastors one on the East Coast- in the Washington DC area, one from Cleavland, one from here in Colorado, and one in Southern California on the West Coast.  From coast to coast these men of GOD each spoke on the need to HOLD FAST to our faith in GOD and the truths of the Bible.  The messages used different verses (John 8:51, John 15:7, Hebrews 10:23, 2 Timothy 1:13), but basically they all 4 said the same thing.

There are many reasons to read and think about the truths of the bible.

The 1^st and foremost is that through study of the Bible we grow in our knowledge of GOD and our LORD JESUS CHRIST.  “Eternal life is to know the only true GOD and JESUS CHRIST” (John 17:3). Plus, through our knowledge GOD the FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST we get faith, grace, peace and everything we need to live a godly life (2 Peter 1:1-3).

Within the bible are many great and precious promises that if we use GOD says will transform us so that we partake of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4).  We will never will we be gods but will display aspects of GOD’s glorious nature such as love, patience and discernment (for we are being transformed into the image of JESUS by GOD HIMSELF -Romans 8:29, 2 Corinthians 3:18).

As I sat talking with the LORD this morning HE took me back (directed my thoughts) to two of those promises.  Both state clearly that we must GRAB a HOLD on and HOLD on TIGHT to the Word of GOD as our compass. That is the truth I heard from the 4 pastors over the weekend.

In John 8:51 JESUS said, “IF a man would KEEP MY Words he will never see death.”  

JESUS is not speaking of physical death here but the death of trespasses and sin (Ephesian 2:1).

For when we turn from following the truth of GOD’s word to listen to the world’s ideas we fall into sin.

For it is very easy to get our focus off CHRIST and HIS word when life happens. We must beware of being like the Apostle Peter to whom JESUS said in Matthew 16:²³ JESUS turned and said to Peter, “Get behind ME, Satan! You are a stumbling block to ME; you do not have in mind the concerns of GOD, but merely human concerns.”

In John 15:7 JESUS said, IF you remain in ME and MY Words REMAIN in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

IF we are walking close to JESUS, talking everything over with HIM so HE can guide us (Proverbs 3:5-7) and we compare what others say with HIS Word (John 7:17) we will desire what GOD wants and HE will be able to give it to us for it will be HIS will.

But so easily our focus turn from the things of GOD, to the cares and things of this world.  Then our desires will be human concerns and when that is the case we have no reason to expect GOD to answer those requests.

Both John 8:51 and 15:7 are awesome promises but their condition of HOLDING on  to the teachings of the Word of GOD are a key to why some prayers are not being answered or why we slip into sin.

So, HOLD FAST the form of sound words (2 Timothy 1:13) found in the Bible and keep talking to the LORD for the days of deception are on us just as the Bible said were coming. (1 Timothy 4:1).

Hugs

Sharon

The old and the new

Do you remember the song that began: “As a deer panteth for the water so my soul longeth after THEE?”

As I opened up to Psalms 42 that was the 1^st thing I saw and of course stopped and sang the song.  

Then I went on to read verse 2, “My soul thirsts for GOD for the living GOD: when shall I come and appear before GOD?”  The old testament believers couldn’t appear before HIM or hear directly from GOD but got it all 2^nd hand from Moses and later the prophets.  That reminded me of yesterday’s lesson in Hebrews and I just wanted to share the joy and excitement of it with you. 

In the giving of the law to the Jews after they left Egypt they got to Mt Sinai. GOD told Moses to tell the people not to touch the mountain for if they did they would die.  GOD was going to appear in the sight of the people on the mountain as fire, smoke and a cloud and speak to the people.  The LORD spoke the 10 commandments to the people and in words sounding like a trumpet blast.  The people begged that GOD speak no more to them for they couldn’t bear (carry or do) what was being commanded.  The sight was so terrible that even Moses said, I am trembling with fear (see Hebrews 12:18-21, Exodus 19:10-12).

1-They couldn’t touch the mountain or go close because they were sinful (Habakkuk 1:13) and GOD is HOLY.  Although 2-GOD appeared right on earth in the sight of the people 3-on the mountain they could actually touch and 4-GOD spoke audibly to them, 5-the people begged that GOD speak no more to them personally 6-they could not bear what was being commanded 7-GOD then wrote the law (10 commandments) on tablets of stone.

Then in Hebrews 12:22-23 speaks of us, those who have believed/ trusted in JESUS to save them :1-we can go directly to GOD (Hebrews 4:16) but cannot touch the location for HE is in Heaven and we are on earth (Hebrews 1:3).  Since JESUS paid for our sins we have been cleansed (Colossians 2:13-14, Hebrews 10:10, 14) and through faith in JESUS, GOD the GOD FATHER has given us HIS righteous standing (Romans 3:22).  When we come to GOD and read HIS word we hear HIM speak (in our hearts) to us personally and it brings us not just understanding and direction but peace and joy for there is joy in the Presence of the LORD (Psalm 16:11).

Let’s compare the Old covenant with the New covenant established on the cross through the blood of JESUS (1 Corinthians 11:25). 

1-Old covenant-they actually saw an appearance and could have physically touched the place where GOD was.

1-New Covenant-We live by faith not sight and cannot physically touch the place of GOD for HE is in heaven, and we are on earth.

2-Old Covenant-they could not approach GOD because of their sin

2-New Covenant-We have been cleansed by the blood of CHRIST and come personally and directly to GOD through JESUS (Hebrews 7:25)

3-Old Covenant-They were filled with fear and trembling and did not want to hear GOD directly

3-New Covenant-we are to come into HIS presence confidently because HE tells us to (Hebrews 4:16)

4-Old Covenant-GOD spoke to the people through Prophets (Hebrews 1:1).

4-New Covenant-although GOD uses HIS written word, the HOLY SPIRIT given to us when we believe explains GOD’s word to us and directs us individually according to the will of GOD for us by placing within us the desire and ability to do HIS will (John 14:26,16:13, 1 Corinthians 2:10-13, Philippians 2:13).

5-Old Covenant-GOD wrote with HIS finger the 10 commandments on stone

5-New Covenant-The HOLY SPIRIT writes in our hearts and minds the law (desires) of GOD (HE often uses our reading the Word of GOD to do that as HE places the desire to be like our FATHER in heaven in us.

Let me note that our unchanging GOD’s standard of right and wrong is still the same.  The difference is that when we belong to JESUS, the HOLY SPIRIT stirs up the desire in our hearts to do right (Philippians 2:13, Hebrews 10:16 and if boldly run to the throne for help we are given everything we need to do right. 

In the Old Covenant the people followed rules set in stone in fear of the wrath of GOD.

In the New Covenant because we have JESUS and have been born into  GOD’s family (John 1:12-13) the HOLY SPIRIT places GOD’s desires within us and we act in order to please our loving FATHER not to get or keep ourselves saved from the wrath of GOD.

2 Corinthians 3:3 “Forasmuch as you are manifestly declared to be the epistle of CHRIST ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the SPIRIT of the living GOD; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

What a privilege we have, our hearts do not have to pant after GOD we can go directly to HIM at any time, and HE will meet directly with us!   Praise the LORD!!!

Hugs

Sharon

Examples

When we read our Bibles sometimes something will strike us.  When that happens to me, I will write it out and think about it before going on.  For the HOLY SPIRIT takes GOD’s word and explains it to us (1 Corinthians 2:10-13).  HE knows the will of GOD for our lives so knows what we need to hear (Romans 8:27).

“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning” (Romans 15:4).  “These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us” I Corinthians 10:11).

Within the Bible are many truths and the truth that GOD never changes (Malachi 3:6, James 1:17) shows us that within the history we read of in the Bible we learn eternal principles of how GOD works. 

When reading the Bible and a verse or section seems to jump off the page it is speaking to you.  If it doesn’t seem to fit exactly a situation you or another are in, look for the principle shown in the text and you will find some understanding.  It may be just to calm your own spirit, or it may be for another. 

I have found that if I see something and understand it but don’t know where to apply.  I write it down and something will come up later where I will need that verse or principle.

Even though I have read through the bible many times, every day I open the Word of GOD with expectancy and GOD speaks to me through HIS word.  Sometimes it is something I had not seen before, sometimes confirmation where there have been questions, sometimes comfort but every time HE meets with me there through the HOLY SPIRIT and gets me ready for the day.  

The LORD wants to meet with you too, so open HIS word and ask HIM to come meet you there.

Hugs

Sharon