Check it out

One summer in the early 70’s was a terrible time of difficulties and confusion for me. Although I lived 50 miles away I decided to go to the Quincy fair to see if I could see any of my friends from high school.  Walking around at the fair, a stranger at the Gospel trailer introduced herself to me and said, “You look troubled. If you ever want to talk here is my address, write me.” And with that she handed me a slip of paper with her name and address. While doing laundry the following week I found that slip of paper and wanting to vent I wrote her.  She challenged me to take 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and give thanks to GOD every time I felt hurt or got mad at my situation, even if it meant doing it dozens of times each day. She told me to disregard my feelings and do just want it said- to give thanks.

I took her challenge and being I had to change my focus off the problem and on to GOD each time I thanked HIM for something negative, things began changing in me. For being with GOD changes us. After a few letters back and forth (we lived over 100 miles apart) she invited me to go with their little church up a mountain for a few days of camping with preaching,  She dismissed my excuses by saying just to bring my 2 young daughters and everything from a tent to food would be provided. I accepted.  During a break in the preaching we were told to go alone and read the Bible. GOD met with me as I sat under a tall Ponderosa Pine reading in Isaiah 50.  Through HIS word the LORD told me what HE was calling me to do (Isaiah 50:4-5) and gave me a strong warning to wait for HIS instructions for if I plotted my own way I would only get myself into trouble (Isaiah 50:10-11).  I believed HIM as HE spoke through HIS Word and the HOLY SPIRIT made it clear in my heart.

As you probably have noticed, GOD called me to share with others that which HE speaks to me through HIS word. Check out what I say by GOD’s Holy Word.

Never in scripture do you find the words, “figure it out yourself.” But repeatedly GOD’s Word urges us to “ask GOD” (James 1:5-7), or “acknowledge GOD” (talk to GOD about it-Proverbs 3:5-7). That is because the LORD has already figured out and knows what I need to do. HE declares that HE has even prepared the way ahead for me and you (Ephesians 2:10).  When GOD nudges me or tugs at me to do something, I know that I need to do it.

Still there are times I must force myself to not to be like a stubborn mule and just trust HIM when I don’t understand. The HOLY SPIRIT reminds me (John 14:26) that HE warned me not to scheme my way ahead but wait for HIS to leading (Isaiah 50:10-11).

There were times that even the 12 disciples questioned our LORD’s leading. “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing, nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” The disciples chose to obey JESUS’ nudge when it made no human sense to them. Because they did, they caught so many fish they had to call for another boat to help them pull them in the catch (Luke 5:5-7).

We need to be open minded and eager to hear GOD’s instructions, willing to do whatever HE wants. JESUS said if we are willing to do what GOD wants we will know if something is really from GOD or not (John 7:17).

A good way to learn to discern GOD’s voice is to be like the Bereans and daily search the scriptures (Acts 17:11). That way we will recognize the LORD’s voice when we hear it and know if the nudge or tug we are feeling is really from GOD.

hugs

Sharon

It works

I lived in the small mountain town of Quincy in northern California when I was 15 and got my driver’s permit. Back then there was this twisting, bumpy stretch of narrow road amidst tall pines that went from the outskirts of town to the little Quincy hospital. Two girl friends and I would speed through that stretch as fast as we could laughing hysterically as it felt similar to a wild roller coaster ride. I love roller coasters. We hated it when they straightened out the road.

Sometimes life feels like a wild roller coaster ride, but we aren’t laughing now are we? 

Yet smiles and even peace will come when we look at life through GOD’s lense as recorded in HIS Holy Word.

“But I want you to understand, brethren, that the things which have happened unto me have turned out unto the furtherance of the Gospel” (Philippians 1:12). That last phrase for the furtherance of the Gospel means others have a chance to reach out for the LORD (Acts 17:26-27), to find eternal life through believing in JESUS (John 3:16).

But does does that principle that trouble works out for our, we who believe in JESUS, good as well? 

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love GOD, to them who are the called according to HIS purpose” (Romans 8:28).

The hardest things in my life, yes, even the death of my 1st son, brought about good for me and others.

“For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of GOD. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a MOMENT (compared to eternity), works for us a far more exceeding ETERNAL weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen (our situation), but at the things which are not seen (what GOD is achieving through our situation): for the things which are seen (the circumstances) are temporary; but the things which are not seen (things GOD is using the temporary situation to do) are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

Hard and confusing things will hit for JESUS said: (John 16:33) “These things I have spoken unto you, that in ME you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

When problems come remember that GOD promises that HE will use whatever it is for your benefit and HIS glory.  JESUS said, “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid, you believe in GOD believe in ME” (John 14:1) 

In other words, TRUST HIM.

Hugs

Sharon

Learning

Whether a baby is learning to swallow food, sit up or walk, or a preschooler is learning to identify different colors and letters, learning is a process that takes time. Each skill has to be practiced. The progression goes forward when one skill has been mastered. Rushing it only leads to frustration and the wise parent/ teacher takes into consideration where the little one is and when they are ready to move forward. A preschooler just learning her numbers would never be expected to do algebra.

For new and old believers in JESUS the same principle is true.  Every morning as I read the Bible I ask GOD to highlight something me that HE wants me to see. Sometimes it’s something I had never seen before- although I have read through the Bible multiple times.  Whatever HE highlights it is HIM talking to me explaining to me what I need to see. Either HE teaches me something new, convicts me of something, expands my understanding, points out a verse to use in a lesson, or shows me something HE wants me to do.

I love it that JESUS was made like us in all ways (Hebrews 2:17), even to being tempted in all points like us (but without sin) so we know that HE understands us thoroughly and can sympathize with our weaknesses and know exactly what help we need to get through (Hebrews 4:15-16, 7:25).

Since that is true, the LORD knows where we are at in knowing HIM and what HE wants of us (our spiritual growth in becoming like JESUS Romans 8:29).  HE never expects more than we can handle with HIM! (Philippians 2:13, 4:13).  That being true we cannot compare ourselves with others for each of us are different in gifting, jobs, and our level of maturity.

The ALMIGHTY gave us HIS word and teachers, so we can learn the whole counsel of GOD and partake of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:1-4).  By Bible study and prayer we get to understand what GOD wants us to do. But we need to read the whole Bible; both the Old and New testaments.

Things we find in the last book of the Bible will help us understand the 1st book of the Bible.  One example is that in Genesis, the 1st book of the Bible we read about a serpent but it is in the last book of the Bible- in Revelation 20:2 where we are told who that serpent is. 

You cannot just take one portion of the Bible by itself and claim that is all GOD is or wants.  The Word of GOD is like a zig saw puzzle with many, many pieces.  Each piece may tell a part of the story but the whole picture is only seen when the pieces of the puzzle are put together.

That is why Paul earnestly sought to teach all the counsel of GOD (Acts 20:27).  That is why I give references to what I share with you and why they come from all over the Bible.  But look up those verses and check if what I am saying is true for we live in a day when many false teachers and deceivers twist Scripture to get you to do or think what they want.

Praise the LORD, when we accepted JESUS as our Savior by believing that HE died for our sins, was raised to life again and called on HIM to save us (Romans 10:9-10, 13) we were born into GOD’s family (John 1:13-14) and GOD our heavenly FATHER gave us the HOLY SPIRIT to live within us to teach us, lead us in the way we should go and empower us to do what GOD wants us to do (John 7:38-39, 14:26, 16:13, Acts 1:8).  The HOLY SPIRIT helps us understand the Bible (1 Corinthians 2:10-13) and will let us know when something is not right.  In that way the HOLY SPIRIT warns us about false teaching, so it is important to pay attention to those little checks of uneasiness HE gives us and check out what is being said by searching the scriptures to see if what is being said is true (Acts 17:11).

Hugs

Sharon

Every thought

It’s not just that I am getting older, just 10 years ago things were way different.  Words have changed their meanings and even history is being erased.  Have you ever wondered how everything has gotten so crazy? I believe it is that spiritual warfare has been upped a level or two.

In today’s world with one saying this and another saying that how can we know what is true?  No matter where we look there seems to be another reason to fear or get angry.  So how can we obey JESUS who tells us not to let (allow) our hearts be troubled but to simply believe in GOD the FATHER and to believe in HIM (John 14:1).

According to the Bible, we have been in the last days for some time now (since our LORD JESUS was on the earth -Hebrews 1:1-2) and we are told the last days are days of deception.  There is a battle going on for our minds and though it may not seem that way our battle is NOT with flesh and blood people but with principalities and powers, rulers of darkness and spiritual wickedness in the heavenlies (Ephesians 6:10-13) against us and influencing people.

In this spiritual war GOD has weapons powerful enough to pull down the strongholds of wrong thinking and every deceptive argument that rises up against GOD’s knowledge (2 Corinthians 10:4-5) For really GOD is still in control, does know what HE is talking about, and all of HIS ways are right and do work.  We are instructed to take every thought captive, we cannot let them run wild.

JESUS said abide in ME (stay close to ME), without ME you can do nothing (John 15:5) and HE said if we let HIS words abide in us our prayers will be answered (John 15:7). Then in 2 Corinthians 3:5 we are told that we are not sufficient as of ourselves to think anything as coming from ourselves, our sufficiency comes from CHRIST. So, we need to abide in HIM- meet with HIM in HIS word and prayer.

Hebrews 4:16 tells us to run to the throne of grace for mercy and grace to help in time of need. So, I just take troublesome thoughts in prayer to the throne.  GOD has an amazing way of taking my thoughts and through the HOLY SPIRIT showing me HIS.  For when I am in HIS presence things become clear as I am reminded of Bible verses.

When fears, frustrations, anger or rebellious thoughts come, do what I have learned to do.  I arrest them by taking them to JESUS who sits on the right hand of GOD the FATHER’s throne in heaven for HE understands (Hebrews 4:14-16).  Why should you struggle in your own strength (or lack of it) with the thoughts that the enemy is shooting at you like fiery darts?  Just take those thoughts to throne and HE will show you the truth and give you strength to cope.

Hugs

Sharon

I looked up into the sky

One day in my past I became very upset and ran from my home.  Further circumstances of perceived danger caused me to climb through barbed wire fencing and run through an open field full of cactus.  Darkness descended and the stars became visible.  My tears had worn me out, so after a while I plopped down onto the ground careful to avoid the cactus and looked up into the sky.  

As I looked into the sky with its vastness and beauty I recognized some of GOD’s essence/ the glory of HIS immensity and wisdom and so I called out to GOD and GOD HIMSELF met with me as I sat on the ground.  A calm enveloped me, and I was impressed with words without an audible sound. “Sharon, I am with you. It’s time to go home.” 

My anger, frustration and fear drained out of me, for I knew the ALMIGHTY was right.  So, I got up and walk dodging the cactus straight across the field to my home.

The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY who was and is and is to come desires a relationship with each person.  The MOST HIGH chose to make people in HIS own image so we could relate to each other and to HIM.  HE also placed evidence before us in the heavens to cause us to reach out to HIM.

The heavens declare the glory (essence/ character) of GOD; and the firmament shows HIS handiwork. Psalm 19:1

The heavens declare YOUR righteousness (that YOU do all things right), and the people will see YOUR glory (essence/ nature/ character) Psalm 97:6.

We look up in the sky on a dark night and see the heavenly lights all with circuits of their own, synchronized so that they don’t interfere with each other and know there must be a Creator who designed all of it.  This Creator must be immense since the heavens are vast beyond our comprehension and to make all of it shows fantastic power.  Then when the sun comes up or goes down we see beautiful colors in the sunrises and sunsets and clouds that not only add beauty but also speak of the water cycle designed by our skillful Creator.

These are just mere fringes of the wonders of our Creator GOD seen in HIS Creation.  No wonder we are told that the heavens declare HE does everything right and that the heavens show us our invisible GOD.

Because that which may be know of GOD is manifest in them; for GOD has showed it to them.  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.  Because 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 (Romans 1:19-21).

Yet, to this day, if we seek HIM, HE will let us find HIM if we seek HIM with all our heart (Jeremiah 29:13).

Hugs

Sharon

A faithful witness

Faithful witness

“It will be as eternal as the moon, MY faithful witness in the sky” Psalm 89:37

Why is the moon called GOD’s faithful witness?

The moon has no source of light from itself.  The reason we can see the moon at all is because the sun shines. The moon just reflects (witnesses to) the light of the sun.  To be a witness is to tell of something you see and the moon’s light is a reflection of the sun shining on it.

So, for us to witness of GOD the FATHER and the LORD JESUS is merely to tell others about GOD the FATHER and our LORD JESUS CHRIST.  So you see anyone who has come to GOD through JESUS (Hebrews 7:25), can be an effective and faithful witness.

Are you witnessing?

Hugs

Sharon

HIS Purpose

Immutable is a big word we seldom use that means unchanging. Sometimes the word immutable is used by preachers to speak of GOD.   In connection with GOD, immutable does NOT mean that GOD is rigid for HE is far from that. GOD’s unchangeableness speaks of HIS faithfulness to HIS own nature/character and purposes.  For instance, the LORD cannot get better for HE is already the best.  HE cannot lie for HE is the truth.  HE cannot learn anything for HE knows all things.

When the bible speaks about GOD never changing it tells us that we can rely on HIM to do what HE says HE will do. HIS promises speak of HIS eternal purposes.  All of GOD’s ways spring from HIS character and purposes. 

One of GOD’s ways is to hate sin and to punish it, while HE loves it when people do right, and HE will reward that.

“With the pure, YOU (GOD) show YOURSELF pure. With the sinful YOU show YOURSELF to be against them” (Psalm 18:26 NLV).

Christians face discipline when they do wrong (1 Corinthians 11:31-32, Hebrews 12:4-7, 10-11) just as the Jews have and do to this day.

Malachi 3:6 “For I am the LORD, I do not change.  Therefore, you are not consumed O sons of Jacob.”

The context is the Jews have sinned, but since GOD made a promise HE does not wipe them out. For HE always keeps HIS word.  Instead, the LORD in HIS longsuffering disciplines them until they change their attitude and actions, just like HE does with a Christian. 

A few Jews are accepting JESUS now and are saved. But for the most part the Jews are blinded and will not come to believe in JESUS until the end of the 7-year Tribulation (Zechariah 13:8-9, 12:10, Daniel 9:24, and Hebrews 8:7-12).  Daniel 9:25-26 shows that the Messiah (JESUS CHRIST) must be cut off/ die and other things happen before the Jews come to believe in HIM.  The text in Hebrews 8:7-12 was written in future tense (something yet to occur) several years AFTER JESUS died, was resurrected and went to heaven. Both are yet future and Romans 11:25-27 states clearly that the Jews have been blinded but every one of those Jews (the 1/3 which are purified Zechariah 13:8-9) who are still alive at the end of the Tribulation will come to believe when they see JESUS at HIS return at the end of the 7-year tribulation.

But you may wonder at the few times the Bible says, GOD repented/ was sorry that HE did something (Genesis 6:5-6).  What is that talking about?  It means that for GOD to be faithful to HIS nature and purposes/ for HIM to act in character which is to punish sin and reward doing right, certain things had to be done. (see Ezekiel 33:17-20).

When GOD made mankind in HIS image HE gave us the ability to choose.  GOD does not change that and even though HE does not like many of our choices, HE does not make us robots that must obey HIM. 

GOD does not take back our ability to choose.  Yet the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY is Sovereign for HE always sets the stage (determines the times and places with specific intent -Acts 17:26-27) and has complete foreknowledge of what we will do ( Acts 2:23, 1 Peter 1:2).  We in turn determine how to act in those times and places.

Now it is written that GOD is love (1 John 4:7) and that GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only SON (JESUS) that whoever would believe in JESUS would have eternal life (John 3:16).  Then John 3:36 says, He who believes in the SON has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the SON shall not see life, but the wrath of GOD (continues) to abide on him.

You see GOD is love (1 John 4:7) and in HIS love HE sent HIS SON JESUS to offer forgiveness and life (John 3:16).  But GOD’s love is in HIS SON (JESUS) (Romans 8:39).  If you receive the SON you receive GOD’s love and the forgiveness JESUS earned for us on the cross.  But if you reject the SON you reject GOD’s love, and your sins remain on you and must be punished for the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).

Sinclair Lewis said that GOD’s throwing those who reject JESUS into the lake of fire was GOD’s last act of respect/ for HE ratifies their rejection of HIM. 

In other words, GOD honors the unbelievers right to choose.  GOD acts at that time according to HIS nature to rejects those who already have rejected HIM. 

As it is written: “For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you” (Matthew 7:2).

Eternal life means being with GOD (John 17:3) and they want no part of GOD. Therefore, GOD turns them over and gives them what they have chosen (Revelation 20:10, 15).

Hugs

Sharon

Wash the windows

LORD willing, I know what is on the top of my to do list when I get home from class!

I glanced up from writing and looked out my window, I was horrified.  The sunlight streaming accentuates how very dirty my windows are.  Though I wash them from time to time, somehow they keep getting dirty.

When a person calls on the name of the LORD JESUS to save him, he is forgiven and cleansed from all sin by the blood of JESUS and forever that one belongs to JESUS and is saved from the wrath of GOD (Hebrews 7:25, John 3:36). 

Even though we are saved we find ourselves turning around and sinning, for all men sin (2 Chronicles 6:36).  When that happens, we don’t need to be saved all over again for we are covered by the cleansing blood of JESUS have eternal life.  Yet to avoid GOD the FATHER taking us to the woodshed /being disciplined of the LORD (1 Corinthians 11:31-32, Hebrews 12:4-7, 10-11), we need to own up/ acknowledge we did wrong- that is confess our sin.  “If we confess our sin, GOD is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and cleanse us (anew) from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

But we are like my windows, by just being in this world we completely unintentionally get some of the dirt and grime of this world system on us.  It just attaches itself to us, like smoke from a campfire or white cat hair to a black pair of slacks.  And it shows to everyone but us.

One of the pieces of furniture in the Old Testament tabernacle was the bronze laver and it was filled with water.  The priests would often stop at the laver and perform ritualistic cleansing.  Like much of the Old Testament, this laver is a picture for us Christians. 

“How can a young man (anyone) cleanse his way?  By taking heed to YOUR word” (Psalm 119:9).

“as CHRIST also loved the church and gave HIMSELF for it; That HE might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word” (Ephesians 5:26).

Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of GOD is alive, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”  

The Word of GOD shows us the things hiding in our heart that should not be there.  When we see them we can take them to GOD and HE will wash them just as I intend to wash my windows.

Hugs,

Sharon

Working together

I love the chorus of KING of KINGS by Hillsong:  Praise the FATHER, Praise the SON, Praise the SPIRIT, 3 in ONE.  GOD of glory, Majesty, Praise forever to the King of kings.

Today let’s look one specific thing true about GOD.  HE is one GOD, yet there are 3 persons in the GODHEAD. That is what we call the trinity.  Elsewhere it is called the GODHEAD.

The Shema (shema means hear) is the oldest and most important prayer in Judaism. It forms an important part of Jewish evening and morning prayer and is used as a Jewish confession of faith.

Deuteronomy 6:4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord (YHWH) our God (Elohim -plural form- that means supreme over all) is one Lord (YHWH).

By looking at the word forms of this confession of faith shows that YAHWEH (the LORD) is plural in existence although one in character, attributes and purpose.  You and I in effect speak of the Shema when we talk about the trinity.

It is exciting to see the THREE in ONE in action working together for the THREE in ONE do all things together, working in conjunction/ unity with one another. We see glimpses of this in many places because the persons of the GODHEAD do not work independently but as a unity in joint effort.

Ever thought about who is being spoken of during Creation when GOD said, “Let US make man in OUR image” in Genesis 1:26. Who are the US and the OUR?   Looking at the details we notice the number of persons seen by the pronouns is plural, but the image is singular.  That is because each of the 3 persons of the GODHEAD possess the exact same divine nature (such as love, joy, peace, gentleness, kindness, goodness, patience and so on.)

Here are a few glimpses into how the 3 persons of the GODHEAD work in unity and are ONE.

ln Creation (Genesis 1)

1-GOD the FATHER designed creation for HE works all things after the counsel of HIS own will (Ephesians 1:11) All comes from GOD the FATHER (James 1:17)

2-JESUS the WORD-GOD created all things through JESUS the Word, nothing was made without JESUS (John 1:1-3, Hebrews 1:2, 10).

3-HOLY SPIRIT-The HOLY SPIRIT moved over the waters (Hebrew: brooded as a bird over her young) (Genesis 1:2)

The Bible

1-GOD the FATHER-It is GOD the FATHER’s message to mankind (Revelation 1:1).  I have always found it amazing that GOD the SON, our LORD JESUS CHRIST never said or did anything on earth without first being told it by GOD the FATHER (John 12:49). When I learned that JESUS had to be made like HIS brethren/ those who would believe in HIM (Hebrews 2:17) it sure helped me understand that.  Also, the HOLY SPIRIT only tells people on earth that which HE hears from GOD the FATHER (John 16:13)

2-JESUS-The bible is about JESUS from Genesis where HE is called (the seed of the woman (Genesis 3:15), HE is the spirit of Prophesy (Revelation 19:10) And the Bible ends saying Come LORD JESUS (Revelation 22:20).

3-HOLY SPIRIT-The Bible was written as holy men of GOD were moved on by the HOLY SPIRIT to write down GOD’s words. (2 Peter 1:21)

JESUS the eternal Word takes on a body.

1-GOD the FATHER- It was FATHER’s plan (as they counseled together (Genesis 1:26) and GOD the FATHER sent HIS SON (John 3:16)

2-JESUS took on the form of man (Philippians 2:5-8)

3-HOLY SPIRIT-The HOLY SPIRIT came on Mary and the power of the Most High overshadowed her and the HOLY ONE born of Mary was called the SON of GOD (Luke 1:35)

JESUS baptism (John 3:13-17)

1-GOD the FATHER spoke aloud (Luke 3:22)

2-JESUS was baptized because it was the right thing to do- (Matthew 3:14-15) in obedience of being made like HIS brethren in all ways (Hebrews 2:17).

3-The HOLY SPIRIT descended to and remained on JESUS (Luke 3:22)

When JESUS was tempted

1-GOD the FATHER works all things after the counsel of HIS own will. GOD the FATHER is always in control (Ephesians 1:11) though HE may not engineer a struggle, not one trouble can happen to us without HIS permission (see Job chapters 1 and 2). Although the FATHER may allow trouble to come from an outside source, it is never allowed without a cause (Proverbs 26:2), that is MOST HIGH always has a plan and HIS intent for allowing something difficult is always to achieve a necessary good (Genesis 50:20).

2-JESUS after obediently following the lead of the HOLY SPIRIT into the wilderness, was tempted for forty days by the devil. (Luke 4:2). For HE had to be made like HIS brethren (those who would believe in HIM) in every way in order to become their High Priest (Hebrews 2:17).

3-HOLY SPIRIT-JESUS was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil (Matthew 4:1).

When a person becomes a child of GOD

1-GOD the FATHER-One becomes a child of GOD the FATHER (Hebrews 12:6-7, 9)

2-JESUS-When one believes in /trusts in JESUS blood to cleanse her from her sins and calls on the name of the LORD she is saved from the wrath of GOD and JESUS gives them the right to become a child of GOD (John 3:36, John 1:12-13).

3-HOLY SPIRIT-one is born again by the work of the HOLY SPIRIT (John 1:12-13, 3:5-8), and the HOLY SPIRIT gives her new life (Ephesians 2:5) placing her into the body of CHRIST which is the church (1 Corinthians 12:13, 27).

Developing us into godliness

1-FATHER GOD’s role in our childrearing is to discipline those HE accepts and loves and also to Provide whatever is necessary (Hebrews 12:6-7, 10-11).

2-JESUS nature is what we are being made like (Romans 8:29), HE intercedes and saves us to the uttermost (Hebrews 7:25)

3-HOLY SPIRIT-The HOLY SPIRIT teaches us (John 14:26, 16:13) prays for our needs that we do not know how to pray for (Romans 8:26-27), HE also convicts us of sin (John 16:8) and explains GOD’s word to us (1 Corinthians 2:10-13).

In Prayer

1-GOD the FATHER-Prayer is to GOD the FATHER and HE bends down to hear us (John 16:23)

2-JESUS CHRIST-We are to pray in the name of JESUS CHRIST (John 16:23) and JESUS as our high priest understands what our specific needs are because HE was tempted in all ways like we are but without sin (Hebrews 4:15-16).

3-HOLY SPIRIT- the HOLY SPIRIT moves us to pray and edits our prayers for us (Romans 8:26-27).

In the crucifixion

1-GOD the FATHER-was by the definite plan and foreknowledge of GOD the FATHER (Acts 2:23)

2-JESUS bore our sins and sorrows on the cross (Isaiah 53:4-6) and disarmed the principalities and powers at the same time (Colossians 2:15).

3-HOLY SPIRIT-Through the HOLY SPIRIT JESUS offered HIMSELF (Hebrews 9:14)

Witnessing to the Lost (1 John 5:7).

1-GOD the FATHER-The message we are to give when witnessing is that GOD the FATHER loves us and sent HIS only SON to save us (John 3:16) and that GOD the FATHER raised JESUS from the dead (Romans 10:9)

2-JESUS –The message is that JESUS is GOD/ the LORD and HE willingly came to die for our sin (Philippians 2:5-8) so we could be reconciled to GOD the FATHER (Romans 5:10, 2 Corinthians 5:18) JESUS’ resurrection proved HE was the SON of GOD (Romans 1:4) a necessary part of believing (Romans 10:9)

3-The HOLY SPIRIT convicts the hearts of the men and shows them their need of a Savior (John 16:8).

There is no way we finite beings can fully understand the infinite YAHWAH/ the Great I AM- the Great 3 in 1 who is our GOD.  But have you caught a glimpse of the Trinity working together in unity?

1-GOD our Heavenly FATHER plans, provides and disciplines…

2-JESUS came,taught, did miracles, died, was resurrected, saves and ever lives to intercede for those who come to the FATHER through HIM (Hebrews 7:25).

3-The HOLY SPIRIT teaches, comforts, leads, equips (using the supplies given by GOD the FATHER) and empowers us who believe.

Praise the FATHER, Praise the SON, Praise the SPIRIT, 3 in ONE.  GOD of glory, Majesty, Praise forever to the King of kings.

Show us more of YOURSELF LORD, show us more of YOURSELF.

Hugs

Sharon

Whose way?

It is written that the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY is always in control (Ephesians 1:11) though HE may not engineer a struggle, one cannot happen without HIS permission (see Job chapters 1 and 2). Although the LORD may allow trouble to come from an outside source it is never without a cause (Proverbs 26:2). The MOST HIGH always has a plan and HIS intent for allowing something difficult is always to achieve a necessary good (Genesis 50:20).

GOD’s ways are not our ways, HE does not think like we do, and HIS thoughts are light years beyond our capacity to comprehend (Isaiah 55:8-9). For that reason, we are told to live by faith, that is to trust the LORD’s wisdom, power and love.

I know that, yet I still find I must remind myself of that when things look bad!  The way I remind myself is by running to GOD and pouring out my heart to HIM.  Then HE whispers (impresses on me) a verse or reminds me of a time HE delivered out of trouble. Whatever HE says stills my soul and returns my peace.

“This I recall therefore I have hope, it is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed because HIS compassions fail not. They are new every morning: Great is YOUR faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:21-23).

“The LORD is good to them that wait for HIM (to work), to the soul that seeks HIM. It is good that one should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD…For the LORD will not cast off forever, though HE cause grief, yet HE will have compassion according to the multitude of HIS mercies.  For HE does not want to afflict or grieve” (Lamentations 3:25-26, 31-33).

But as a loving FATHER HE must discipline the one HE accepts (those who have come to HIM through JESUS Hebrews 7:25, John 1:12-13).  The LORD does it for their profit that they may be partakers of HIS holiness. We are urged not to despise the discipline of the LORD. No discipline at the time it happens is fun but hard and painful nevertheless afterwards it yields (produces) the peaceable fruit of righteousness to them who are exercised by GOD through their struggles (see Hebrews 12:5-7, 10-11).

It is through our struggles that GOD pleads for us redeeming us from our own sinful nature (Lamentations 3:58).

Disciple from GOD will continue until the child learns.  We as parents do the same with our children. If a child refuses to change though disciplined, harsher discipline must follow.  In that way they cause their own troubles.

“they ceased not from their own doings, nor from their stubborn way” (Judges 2:19).

“Therefore, shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices” (Proverbs 1:21).

We are told in Isaiah 58:13 that IF we stop going our own way, stop trying to find our own pleasures and stop speaking our own words it is then that we delight in the LORD. 

Delight yourself also in the Lord: and HE shall give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4).

Hugs

Sharon