Say again

How important are names?  Does it matter to you if people get your name right? I know people who get upset if someone says or spells their name wrong. Now its easy for me to remember faces and their prayer requests (since I’ve prayed for them) but names are harder for me.

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 of 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.

This morning turning to the minor prophet section I found my marker in Amos 1.  Noticing a repetition I quickly went through the 5 short chapters and was amazed that GOD’s covenant name of Yahwey (YHWH) was used 83 times, HIS name God (Elohim-which is the plural form of God) was used 11 times and HIS name for Lord over all (Adonai) 25 times.

When seeing GOD’s names repeated so often obviously I questioned, “Why?  Why is Amos so entranced with GOD’s names in this message given him as he was moved to write specific things by the HOLY SPIRIT (2 Peter 1:21). But why in the world did he see the need to use GOD’s names so often?

So of course, I went back to chapter 1 and began to slowly read. Amos 1:2 the LORD (YHWY) will roar from Zion.  In chapters 1 and 2 eight times YHWH mentions a country.  The LORD GOD begins each time: For thus says the LORD (YHWH) then HE names the country and states that BECAUSE of certain transgressions (sins) which HE gives specifics about, HE would not turn away from punishing them.

YHWH the self-existent ONE who is the source of all things uses here 1) the word BECAUSE showing that HE does nothing without a cause (Ezekiel 14:23) and being their Creator people are responsible to HIM. The LORD holds mankind to standards (Romans 3:23) that when broken must be punished.

Ecclesiastes 8:5Whoso keeps the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man’s heart discerns both time and judgment. 6)Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, 11) BECAUSE the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.

One of the many sins mentioned is abortion showing GOD cares for the unborn child (Amos 1:13).

Then I started in chapter 3 where the LORD is speaking to the Jews.  Amos 3:1 “Hear (shema) the word the LORD has spoken” Amos 3:2 “I will punish you for all your iniquities” Amos 3:3 “for how can two walk together unless they be agreed.” GOD wants to walk with HIS people so must discipline us so we can see things correctly for only then HE can walk with us (Hebrews 12:11). 

Then Amos 3:4-6 show cause and effect and Amos 3:7 takes up that concept with,  “Surely the LORD GOD will do nothing but HE reveals the secret to HIS servants the prophets.”  Amos 3:8 “The lion has roared and who will not fear?  The LORD has spoken who can but prophesy?”

You know the LORD has revealed what is coming in HIS word written by prophets and apostles as they were moved by the HOLY SPIRIT.  We must pay close attention to their words in these evil days, these days of deception.  The only way we can know what is true is to check it out with GOD as we go to HIS word (Isaiah 8:20). 

It is exciting to know that we who have received JESUS as LORD and Savior by calling on HIS name (Romans 10:9-10, 13, John 3:16) are awaiting JESUS to catch us away before that terrible 7-year period of time when GOD’s wrath falls on the earth punishing the evil that has been done. 

But those who have rejected JESUS will have to go through that time.  Therefore, we who know JESUS have been commissioned by JESUS (Acts 1:8) to tell people about JESUS and HIS forgiveness, giving them a chance to receive JESUS and escape the wrath that is coming.

Scary, maybe.  But what the unsaved face is much, much worse.

Hugs

Sharon

Should we not pray for Israel?

Most of our misconceptions are described by one truth that JESUS referred to: You do err not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of GOD” (Matthew 22:29).

At 1^st glance it jolted me when I found out that some are changing/ editing and deleting parts of history at will.  They do it in order to get people to think the way they want them to think.  Pondering their actions, I am not altogether surprised at unbelievers in JESUS altering truth in order to manipulate others. We are told in Romans 1:25 that they deliberately choose to exchange the truth for a lie. They have altered the younger generations’ way of thinking by changing the historic records and adding their own ideas/inventions (Ecclesiastes 7:29, Psalm 99:8, Psalm 106:29, 39).

These (like we believers before accepting JESUS as LORD (ruler and Savior) live in an ‘I am god/ it is all about me’ society ruled by the devil.

Before believing in JESUS, every one of us was: Ephesians 2:¹… dead in trespasses and sins; ² Wherein in time past you walked according to the course of this world, (the devil) the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience: ³ Among whom also we all lived our lives in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Therefore, it is not surprising that they feel free to change history to suit their purposes.  Their present opposition to Israel is no surprise either for GOD foretold it thousands of years ago.  HE spoke openly that this would occur in Psalm 83:¹ Keep not silence, O GOD: hold not YOUR peace, and be not still, O GOD. ² For YOUR enemies make a tumult: and they that hate YOU have lifted up the head. ³ They have taken crafty counsel against YOUR people and consulted against YOUR hidden ones. ⁴ They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. ⁵ For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against YOU:

You see the hatred of Israel is demonic for Satan hates GOD and wants to destroy those GOD loves.

But what blows me away is when someone who says he knows the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY chooses to edit, delete and change the Bible/ the HOLY WORD of GOD to suit what they think instead of accepting what GOD says in HIS word.  The LORD had recorded in Isaiah 8:20 that if one speaks things against what the scriptures say, ‘they have no light in them’. In other words, they are in darkness.

JESUS said that man cannot live (eternally, abundantly) by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD (Matthew 4:4).

The LORD (ruler) GOD (source) Almighty (all powerful) the triune GODHEAD cannot lie it is against HIS divine nature (Titus 1:2).  If HE could lie, HE could not be trusted to do what HE says HE will do. Christians would then have NO basis whatsoever to believe or hope on HIS promises.

Many within the church at large are saying that GOD is fed up with the Jews for their many sins and that the church (despite her many sins) has hence taken its place and is now spiritual Israel.  that is called Replacement Theology. But what does GOD’s word say?

GOD has promised, declaring by two immutable things, 1) in which it is impossible for GOD to lie, (Titus 1:2, Hebrews 6:18) and 2) by taking an oath (Jeremiah 32 and several other texts) certain things for the nation of Israel (the natural physical descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob/ Israel and David) that have not been fulfilled.

First look in one text where the LORD GOD Most High declares in an oath to bless Israel everlastingly.  Notice in this text the Sovereign LORD declares/ promises 11 times I will do something.

Jeremiah 32:³⁷ Behold, I will gather them (Israel Jeremiah 32:30) out of all countries, whither I have driven them in MINE anger, and in MY fury, and in great wrath; and I will bring them again unto this place (Jerusalem/ Israel- Jeremiah 32:31-32), and I will cause them to dwell safely: ³⁸ And they shall be MY people, and  I will be their GOD ³⁹ And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear ME forever, (cause up to now they haven’t) for the good of them, and of their children after them: ⁴⁰ And  I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that  I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but  I will put MY fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from ME. ⁴¹ Yes, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and  I will plant them in this land assuredly with MY whole heart and with MY whole soul. ⁴² For thus says the LORD; Like I have brought all this great evil upon this people, so I will bring upon them all the good that I have promised them.

Jeremiah 31:³¹ Behold, the days come, says the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: ³² Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which MY covenant they broke, although I was an husband unto them, says the Lord: ³³ But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, says the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and I will be their GOD, and they shall be MY people.

Jeremiah 31:³⁵ Thus says the Lord, which gives the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divides the sea when the waves thereof roar; the LORD of hosts (armies) is HIS name: ³⁶ If those ordinances depart from before ME, says the Lord, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before ME forever.

Well, as far as I can see the sun, moon and stars are still there and will be until the new heaven and earth spoken about in the last two chapters of Revelation.  Therefore, Israel is still a nation before the LORD.

Jeremiah 31:³⁷ Thus says the Lord; If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, says the Lord.

The heavens cannot be measured, nor the foundations of the earth searched out so it looks like the LORD will NOT cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done.

But through the nation of Israel, we learn of the faithfulness of GOD and that the steadfast love of the LORD never ceases nor do HIS mercies ever come to an end (Lamentations 3:22-23).

As is often the case in scripture, there is a time element for the promises to be completed: It will be completed in segments.  The nation of Israel came back into being in one day in 1948 (Isaiah 66:8) yet to this day an influx of Jews continue to come back to Israel from the nations that have turned against them.  Israel has had opposition ever since it became a nation, but we see here that GOD is working even the opposition for good to fulfill HIS purposes (Genesis 50:20).

During the 7-year tribulation/ Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7) / Daniel’s 70^th week of years (Daniel 9:24, 26-27) GOD is working with the Jews and the unbelieving wicked world.

In speaking of the Jews and the land of Israel, the prophet, a scribe for the LORD GOD said in Zechariah 13:⁸ And it shall come to pass, that in all the land (speaking of Israel), says the Lord, two parts therein shall be cut off and die (during the 7-year-Tribulation); but the third shall be left therein. ⁹ And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on MY name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is MY people: and they shall say, The Lord is MY GOD.”  That is why this period is called Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7). As is written, “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I have kept YOUR word” (Psalm 119:67).

JESUS said that the Jews will not see HIM again until they say blessed is HE who comes in the name of the LORD (Matthew 23:39).  That will happen when they see JESUS coming at the end of the 7-year-tribulation (Revelation 19). Zechariah 12:⁹ And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. ¹⁰ And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon ME whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn…

Isaiah 10:²⁰ And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him (the Antichrist) that smote them; but shall stay upon the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. ²¹ The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty GOD.

Romans 11:²⁶ And so all Israel (the 1/3^rd that made it through the 7-year-Tribulation) shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer (JESUS) and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: ²⁷ For this is MY covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.

In the meantime, we are told to pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6), should we not obey the LORD our GOD?

Hugs

Sharon

We are waiting

Right now, we who believe in JESUS are” WAITING for HIS (GOD the FATHER’s) SON from heaven, whom HE raised from the dead, even JESUS, which delivered us from the WRATH to come (1 Thessalonians 1:10).  For GOD has not appointed us to WRATH, but to obtain salvation by our LORD JESUS CHRIST (1 Thessalonians 5:9).

Now there are 2 kinds of WRATH: the WRATH of GOD and the WRATH of man. 

The WRATH of man can be with or without reason.  The unprovoked WRATH of man was poured out on Israel on October 7^th by men, and a provoked WRATH of man now is being being poured out today by Israel. 

GOD’s WRATH is against sin.  GOD sent HIS SON JESUS to bear all the sin of mankind.  But only those who receive JESUS get placed into JESUS and are forgiven.  If you believe in JESUS GOD has removed your sin so HIS WRATH will not ever touch you.

GOD’s WRATH however is reserved for a specific time period we call the 7-year-Tribulation or Jacob’s trouble and will also include being placed into the everlasting lake of fire (2 Peter 3:7, Revelation 6:16-17, 20:14-15).  But like the burning bush Moses saw, those in the lake of fire will never burn up for their worm (soul) dies not (Mark 9:43-44).

John 3:16 For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believes in HIM should not perish but have eternal 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 remains on him.

Romans 2:5 But after your hardness and impenitent heart treasure up unto yourself WRATH against the day of WRATH and revelation of the righteous judgment of GOD; 

2 Thessalonians 2:10 ^And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

Yes, the WRATH of GOD is coming, but cannot occur until believers in JESUS are removed from the earth for the WRATH of GOD will come on those on the earth (Revelation 3:10).  Therefore, JESUS who has delivered us from the WRATH to come (1 Thessalonians 1:10) must come and take us from the earth that we may be where HE is.

As JESUS said in John 14:3, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto MYSELF; that where I am, there you may be also.”

For the LORD HIMSELF shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of GOD: and the dead in CHRIST shall rise first:Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the LORD in the air: and so, shall we ever be with the LORD (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

But why will JESUS meet HIS bride the church (we who believe in HIM) in the clouds rather than coming all the way to the earth to get us and take us with HIM to where HE is?

Acts 3:18-21 But those things, which GOD before had shewed by the mouth of all HIS prophets, that CHRIST should suffer, HE (JESUS) has so fulfilled.  Repent therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the Presence of the LORD.  And HE shall send JESUS CHRIST, which before was preached unto you: Whom (JESUS) the heaven must receive until the times of RESTORATION OF ALL THINGS, which GOD has spoken by the mouth of all HIS holy prophets since the world began.

GOD the FATHER said to JESUS. “Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool” (Hebrews 1:13, Psalm 110:1, Mark 12:36).

A time which even earth’s creatures are waiting for (Romans 8:19-22).

It has been decreed by GOD that JESUS must remain in heaven until all HIS enemies are made a footstool (until JESUS is over them).  Until after the 7-year-Tribulation when JESUS will come down from heaven and end the battle of Armageddon and then set up a 1,000-year reign and RESTORE ALL THINGS as before the fall in the Garden which restoration was promised to the Israelites.  After that 1,000 years much more is coming but that is another story.

Since GOD cannot lie, HE must keep HIS word and JESUS must remain in heaven so cannot come to the earth but will call us up to HIMSELF into the clouds and we will go with HIM to the place HE has prepared for us.

In hope of eternal life, which GOD, that cannot lie, promised before the world began Titus 1:2

Hugs

Sharon

GOD is fair

GOD is just. HE does what is right.

The war in Israel is being talked about everywhere along with videos the horror of it’s beginning, plus Israel’s retaliatory actions necessary in order to stop further attacks of like nature not only from the south but also from the north.

Israel WARNED Gaza’s residents to leave before they bombed.  That was Mercy to the unmerciful. Just as our great GOD and Savior the LORD JESUS taught us (Micah 6:8, Matthew 5:7).

I pondered on that WARNING given to Gaza before Israeli active retaliation against the terrorists. It gave the citizens time to leave, which is something Israel is known to do before civilians are affected.  That WARNING makes me think about how Israel’s need to strongly retaliate in order to stop further such attacks is like GOD’s need to stop sin but cause it only increases.

GOD’s WARNING is what we believers are to give out to the unbelievers.  It says “GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believes in HIM shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). “He who believes on the SON has everlasting life, and he that believes not on the SON shall not see life, but the wrath of GOD abides on him still” (John 3:36.

Just as the Jews must stop these attacks for they will only get worse, so GOD must stop sin. HE must utterly wipe it out. Yet GOD does not delight in the death of the wicked but that the wicked turn and live (Ezekiel 18:23, 32). 

In the ALMIGHTY’s longsuffering HE sends out the WARNING both through HIS word and HIS believers longing for people to reach out to HIM and be saved (Acts 17:27).  But the day of reckoning, that day of the attack has been set (2 Peter 3:7) we call it the 7-year Tribulation or Jacob’s Trouble.  No one knows when it will happen, but when it comes it will come suddenly unsuspecting.

Have you fled to safety by believing in the LORD JESUS CHRIST’s blood that saves from the coming wrath of GOD?

As I thought of these things I recognized that this is a picture of what is coming. Israel is giving us a view of GOD’s wrath.  

We have a hard time watching, but seeing the escalation of sin we know it is necessary.

Surprisingly, many nations who usually condemn Israel’s defense of themselves are now in support of Israel.  By that very action we know this isn’t yet the time of the  Ezekiel 38 and 39 war. For the Bible is clear that at that time, though many nations will say to the aggressors why are you attacking Israel, no nation will help Israel.

Be ready for we know not the day.

Hugs

Sharon

How much longer?

How much longer?

Waiting can seem hard when we focus on getting something or getting some place.  But when we get busy doing something, time goes so much faster.

On long road trips, young children often repeatedly ask, “Are we almost there?” or “How much longer?” When they repeated ask over and over, It can be frustrating.  Therefore, it is handy to divert their attention to something they can do. Starting an alphabet word game with signs or license plates can help.

Like those little ones, JESUS disciples were focused on getting ‘there’. ‘There’ being when JESUS would assume HIS power and become political ruler over the entire world as Scripture declares HE will. They had tunnel vision and focused solely on that time JESUS would rule and when they would be ruling with HIM. Therefore, they asked JESUS when that would happen.  Instead of answering their question, JESUS, (like a good parent whose child is asking question, whose answer they could understand), redirected their focus from when HE would do something to themselves and to what their present assignment and responsibility was.

JESUS answered, “It is not for you to know the times and the seasons, which the Father has placed in HIS own power. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be witnesses to ME both in Jerusalem and in all of Judea and in Samaria and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:7-8)

Today, many are focused on when JESUS will come for HIS own (believers in JESUS) to deliver them from earth before the onset of the 7-year-Tribulation.  I believe that JESUS would redirect our focus just as HE did the disciples around 2,000 years ago.

We are commissioned to witness of JESUS wherever we find ourselves. Are you, am I doing what has been assigned for us to do?

2 Peter 3:12 says we can hasten that day when JESUS will return by how we live and what we say.  If we really want JESUS to come, then we need to do our part.

In Acts 1:7 we are clearly told, “It is not for you to know the times and the seasons, which the FATHER has placed in HIS own power.”

1- GOD is in control of when things happen. (Acts 1:7, 17:26)

2- GOD knows when things will happen for they have an appointed time (Daniel 8:19)

3- GOD keeps secrets (Duet. 29:29)

4- GOD determines who knows what (Daniel 1:17)

5- GOD distributes or grants power/ or authority with whom HE chooses (Daniel 4:17)

Instead fuming about today’s problems or of trying to figure out when JESUS will come for us, let ‘s focus on what GOD has asked us to do and call more people into the kingdom?

hugs

Sharon

Massive flooding

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hugs

Sharon

The salt of the earth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hugs

Sharon

A heads up

Love does what it can to protect those they love. Sometimes children cannot understand our actions and often view our warnings as silly or mean.  That is even more true when we consider the warnings and choices of GOD, whose ways and thoughts are vastly higher and greater than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).

GOD did not make puppets, HE made man in HIS image and gave him the ability to choose.  GOD did not make evil but choosing against GOD is harmful, and it is where evil came from back in the garden of Eden. Even though GOD warned him/ gave him a heads up, Adam’s choice to rebel against wisdom brought death and struggles to all people who ever lived as well as all creation (Romans 8:19-22).

Something I recognized the day when my 14-year-old grandson Ronnie died, GOD reminded me of again today as I prayed and cried for all that is happening around the world.  On that day, I wept for his last days were so difficult as he struggled with liver cancer.  Yet, looking back I see they were needed to do the work Ronnie was commissioned to do and will be rewarded for.

Throughout that day in hospice, questions bombarded my mind and I silently dialogued with GOD.  In HIS grace HE reminded me of verses preparing me for what HE’d arranged for me to do (Ephesians 2:10).  For during that day GOD engineered opportunities for me to share the saving Gospel of JESUS CHRIST with 2 seekers who had come to see Ronnie.  One was a 69-year-old man, the other was a 15-year-old friend of Ronnie’s.  Looking at Ronnie in his last hours made them consider themselves and wondered if they were ready to meet their MAKER.

Also, that day I watched as extended family members saw each other with Ronnie, walls were broken down and relationships were healed within the family.

Though all things definitely are not good, it is beyond impressive to know that GOD uses all things together for an end result of good to those who love HIM (Romans 8:28). 

In HIS astounding foreknowledge, GOD preset the exact times and places so that people would reach out to HIM (Acts 17:26-27).  That is simply mindboggling when you consider the amount of people worldwide and that each constantly are making choices.  GOD’s infinitude is unfathomable.

So how does that speak to our crazy world that has seemed to go mad?

As JESUS told us in Matthew 24:8 these signs increasing nature upheavals, storms, earthquakes, food shortages, men’s choices of violence, lawlessness, and greed, creating wars and rumors of wars are just the beginning of sorrows (pre-birth pains that increase in intensity until a baby is born).

GOD in wisdom designed pre-birth pains to prepare a woman’s body to give birth. The LORD is in control of nature, but also, HE allows men choices and GOD is using what we now see to cause people see their need of a Savior and call on the name of the LORD JESUS and be saved from GOD’s wrath on sin.  We call it the 7 year Tribulation. Which will also save them from an eternity in the everlasting lake of fire (Revelation 20:10, 15).

So in CHRIST’s stead I plead with you be reconciled to GOD,  for HE does not delight in the death of the wicked but that they turn (Ezekiel 18:23, 32, 33:11) and come to JESUS to obtain eternal life (John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10, 13) For HE does not want any to perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

Hugs

Sharon

What can I do?

How can we help people open their hearts to GOD?

Just looking around we know the time is getting close for the 7 years of Tribulation to begin since the criteria mentioned as precursors spoken of in Matthew 24 are everywhere.  To name a few, the world in many places seems to have lost their minds.  Mass rioting and looting in Europe,  wars and rumors of wars, famines, A1 to rewrite Genesis using man’s concepts and rejecting GOD’s, identity confusion being encouraged in schools.  Many see all this and just blend in, others are naturally thoroughly confused and want answers but don’t know where to turn.

We Christians have the answer.  “Come to GOD through JESUS” (Hebrews 7:25) and JESUS will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5) and is coming to get us out of here before all hell breaks loose (2 Thessalonians 2:4-8a). We are called to witness of CHRIST JESUS and restrain wrong by our presence.  But often our attitudes, words and even actions turn people away from JESUS not to HIM.

JESUS asks of GOD the FATHER, “That all of them (that believe in ME) may be one, FATHER, just as YOU are in ME and I am in YOU  (John 17:21). 

1-JESUS is speaking of many individuals so, what does HE mean that we may be ONE?  One in what way?

Peter shows that we are to be one in nature with GOD the FATHER and JESUS, united in purpose and attitude (2 Peter 1:4).

JESUS continues, “May they also be in US so that the world may believe that YOU have sent ME (John 17:21).   

”I in them and YOU in ME—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that YOU sent ME and have loved them even as YOU have loved ME” (John 17: 23).

2-What will play a big part in leading people to be open to listening to and believing GOD the FATHER sent JESUS to save sinners?

Unity can only come as we act like JESUS and consider others before ourselves for how we treat others is a good indicator of what fills our heart.  

We are told to, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others ABOVE yourselves,not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.  In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as CHRIST JESUS” Philippians 2:3-5

Look up the verses on this subject below to find the missing words for the crossword puzzle.  (all verses from the NIV)

Across

1-Search me. O GOD, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious ______________ Psalm 139:23

2-Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as _______________for the LORD, not for men. Colossians 3:23

3-You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the _________________ of the heart the mouth speaks. Matthew 12:34

4-A________________ look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. Proverbs 15:30

5-Create in me a pure heart, O GOD, and renew a right spirit _____________ me. Psalm 51:10

Down

1-You will seek ME and find ME when you _______________ ME with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

2-Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were ______________the LORD, not men. Ephesians 6:7

3-I will give you a_______________ heart and put a new spirit in you. Ezekiel 36:26

4-the secrets of his heart will be laid bare.  So, he will fall down and _________________ GOD 1 Corinthians 14:25

5-Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the _______________so that you have a sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply from the heart. 1 Peter 1:22

hugs

Sharon

Now is the day

Our GOD is a GOD of love.  HE works for the end result of good.  But being good HE can not allow evil to go on eternally and continue to hurt others. Therefore, HIS longsuffering will one day come to an end, HE then must eternally punish all who refuse to come to HIM for forgiveness. HE is doing all HE can to get people to come to HIM and be saved.

15 years ago today my 14 year old grandson Ronnie passed from this life into the glorious presence of our great GOD and Savior.  When Facebook brought up in memories what I posted that day I saw how it is the same truth as GOD spoke to me through HIS living word concerning the earthquakes in Turkey and the middle east as I poured out my heart to HIM with tears.

February 8, 2009 I wrote: Today my 14 year old grandson Ronnie passed from this life into the Presence of our glorious GOD.  The last few days since his liver quit working have been difficult for the rest of us but necessary (in GOD’s economy).  Throughout that time questions bombarded my mind and I silently dialogued with GOD and in HIS grace HE allowed me to see things I needed to understand to do what HE wanted me to do.  During that time GOD gave me the privilege to share the saving Gospel with 2 seekers who had come to see Ronnie.  One was 69 years old and one was 16.  Seeing their openness showed me that dealing with the situation with Ronnie  put things into perspective for many.  Even some broken relationships within the family were healed that day.

It is awesome to know GOD uses all things for an end result of good to those who love HIM (Romans 8:28).  Truly one day we shall understand that GOD does nothing without a good cause (Ezekiel 14:23).

Today February 8, 2023 The truth I saw 14 years ago today when my grandson Ronnie died, GOD reminded me of again today as I prayed and cried for all that is happening in Turkey and Syria and spreading throughout the Middle East with the disasters caused by the continuing earthquakes.

GOD says HE presets the exact times and places so that people would reach out to HIM (Acts 17:26-27).

As JESUS told us in Matthew 24:8 that these signs (one being increasing earthquakes in several places along with other signs) are the beginning of sorrows (pre-birth pains that increase in intensity until the baby is born). GOD uses pre-birth pains to prepare the body of a woman to give birth. HE is using what we now see to cause people see their need and to call upon HIM and be saved from the coming 7 year Tribulation of GOD’s wrath on sin.

So in CHRIST’s stead I plead with you be reconciled to GOD now,  for HE does not delight in the death of any but that they all come to JESUS and obtain eternal life (John 3:16, 2 Peter 3:9).

Hugs

Sharon