Think

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

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

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

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

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

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

Two of the reasons are:

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

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

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

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

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

Hugs Sharon

Blame GOD

Ever heard someone blame GOD for evil? 

GOD made everything good, but man sought out many inventions (Ecclesiastes 7:29).

When people blame GOD for evil, they are really blaming GOD for giving man the ability to choose.  Now they expect and even demand to have the right to choose but become furious with GOD when others utilize the same privilege in a way they don’t agree with.  Especially, when the choices made hurt others.

In the meantime, GOD waits to punish evil doers.  Why?

2 Peter 3:9-10 explains it like this: The LORD is not slack (slow) concerning HIS promise as some count slackness (slowness), but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.  But the day of the LORD will come.

Romans 2:4 puts it this way: (do you) despise the riches of HIS goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of GOD leads (even) you to repentance?

Because of HIS great love GOD sent HIS only SON to earth that whosoever believed in HIM (JESUS) would not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). 

Presently, GOD is waiting to allow time for everyone who will choose to believe and turn and call on the name of the LORD JESUS and be saved and forgiven to do just that (Romans 10:13).

As GOD waits, we Christians have a job to do in this world. GOD the FATHER calls us to stand the gap for unbelievers in prayer (Ezekiel 22:30), JESUS commissioned us to witness of HIM, and sent the HOLY SPIRIT to enable us do just that (Acts 1:8).

Again, we see the Trinity at work to bless people.

Hugs

Sharon

GOD doesn’t change

Where do you get your direction?  Do you go with your own ideas, the suggestions of others, or do you seek direction from the only ONE who knows what tomorrow holds?

GOD is good and every good and perfect gift comes down from above from the FATHER of lights (GOD) who doesn’t change.  With the Sovereign Maker of heaven and earth there is no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning (James 1:17). But because of the rebellious sins of men, there is evil and because of evil people blame GOD. They doubt HIS goodness, reject HIS wisdom and rebel against HIS authority.

We live in an age where everyone seems to have an opinion about everything and openly vocalize their thoughts as though their viewpoint is the end word on whatever subject is being discussed.  They turn away and stop their ears from hearing anything other than their perspective.  They deem their angle as the only reality. They believe only they can decide what is true for them.  Yet the LORD JESUS said there are absolutes.  GOD’s standard is the one truth there is.  HIS absolutes are GOD’s nature and HE set them in place to protect HIS creation. Truth is found in the Word of GOD- the Bible.  What GOD says ends all discussion.

GOD’s ways are not our ways, HIS thoughts are not like our thoughts, but we find HIS ways always work and achieve what needs to be done (See Isaiah 55:8-11).

Throughout the Bible GOD talks about HIS ways and often tells us the dangers of going our own way. Yet, we want our own way, don’t we?

Isaiah 65:² I have spread out MY hands to a rebellious people who walk in a way this is not good, after their own thoughts.

Isaiah 66:³ “they have chosen their own ways… therefore I also will choose their delusions and will bring their fears upon then; because when I called none did answer; when I spoke, they did not listen, but they did evil before MY eyes and chose that in which I delight not.

Isaiah 58:¹³ “if you honor GOD, don’t go your own way or seek/ or find your own pleasure, neither speak your own [idle] words, ¹⁴ Then will you delight yourself in the LORD.”  Doing right bring delight!

GOD gives wonderful promises for those who will turn from their own ways to listen and follow HIM. With those promises HE also gives a graphic description of ones who refuse HIS way and go their own way.

Psalm 32:⁸ GOD says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go. I will guide you…⁹ don’t be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding whose mouth must be held in with a bit and bridle” (the mule is known for being stubborn and wanting to go his own way).

I must confess there have been times that I’ve acted like the horse and the mule determined to go my own way.  Have you?

May you be blessed as you seek to learn GOD’s ways so you can walk in them.  You can find GOD’s ways in the Bible.  Once you accept JESUS who died for you, that is.  For when a person turns to JESUS CHRIST, he is given the HOLY SPIRIT who will explain the bible to him and give him direction.  (John 16:13, Ephesians 1:13, 1 Corinthians 2:10-12, 2 Corinthians 3:16-18).

hugs

Sharon

Did GOD do it?

Did GOD cause this war?

GOD’s ways and thoughts are as far above ours as the furthest star is from the earth (Isaiah 55:8-9).  Consequently, we can only know things about HIM that HE chooses to reveal to us through HIS HOLY SPIRIT.  These truths are often impressed on us as we read or hear HIS written word or see HIM at work in the lives of people or are amazed by HIS creation (1 Corinthians 2:10). 

I have found a key to being sensitive to hearing GOD’s voice and being open to be taught by HIM as I study HIS word is to take note of the details that GOD reveals about HIMSELF and ponder them.  The more you know things true concerning GOD, the more you will be able to trust and obey HIM. As one put it, the most important thing about you is what you think about when you think of GOD.

Today in Bible study, one of the gals said she believed that GOD had moved men to do something that would be harming innocent people.  She went on the basis that GOD is in control.  In believing that GOD is Sovereignly in control, she was right.  She felt that since GOD could have stopped the fighting, that the fighting was HIS fault. 

Let’s look at one thing true about GOD.  “Let no man say when he is tempted (to do wrong), I am tempted of (by) GOD: for GOD cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempts HE any man. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. (James 1:13-4).

In other words, GOD cannot be enticed (lured or encouraged) to do anything wrong, nor will HE ever entice (lure or encourage) anyone to do wrong.

But since GOD gave mankind the ability to choose, men often choose to do wrong.  Now GOD knew us so completely before we were even born that HE saw how we would react in every situation we would encounter.  And yet HE still gave us the ability to choose for it was through our choices that we would see our own sins and either choose them or choose the LORD by going to HIM for help.

In Ephesians 3:10 and 1 Peter 1:2 we are given hints concerning the why GOD allows evil for a time and season. And our struggles show that GOD is just and the justifier of all who believe on the name (character and sacrificial work of JESUS on the cross) of JESUS.

Wars, like we are seeing between Russia and the Ukraine, and in Syria are caused by the lusts of men (James 4:1-2) not GOD moving us as chess pieces. Yet, what man means for evil, GOD uses for good to fulfill HIS purposes (Genesis 50:20). That is an amazing, mind-boggling concept.  HIS power, as well as HIS knowing all things beforehand, explains in part the wisdom of GOD’s eternal plans.

We are encouraged if we hold onto two truths when wrong seems to flourish,

1) every single trouble that comes upon a believer GOD is actively using to achieve eternal good for us that far surpasses the pain of today (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

2)“Vengeance is MINE says the LORD, I will repay” (Romans 12:19).  Every wrong will be made right and that truth is why there must be a 7-year Tribulation for the unbelieving Jews and the Gentiles who have rejected JESUS as their LORD. It also explains the everlasting lake of fire.

But we who are in CHRIST JESUS by believing in HIM (John 3:16, 36, 1 Corinthians 12:13, 27) are also in the love of GOD which is found in CHRIST JESUS our LORD (Romans 8:39). Through faith we have become the children of GOD (John 1:12) and are guaranteed an inheritance and are protected by GOD HIMSELF.  Praise the LORD!

Remember that old saying, “The devil made me do it?”  Well, that old devil may persuade and deceive us, but he doesn’t have the power to make us do anything. Although GOD does have the power to do anything, HE does not use it as a puppeteer.  For HE has freely given man choice.  They (the devil and GOD) both make their suggestions clear but, in every case, we choose what we do.

The choice is yours.

Hugs

Sharon

How and Why?

Have you ever doubted the goodness of GOD? or at least that HE really cared for you?

One gal who went to church for years and even taught children began reading the Bible and turned away from her beliefs as she read the Old Testament and saw GOD command the Jews to destroy cities and literally kill everyone in them.  She left her church and now declares she cannot believe in the GOD of the Bible.

As we are studying Joshua the same thought rises, “How could and why would a loving GOD command that all the people in a city be killed?”

There are other factors, but I would like to focus on one: sin.

The 1^st mention of sin in the Bible is when GOD is talking to Cain who is mad because GOD didn’t accept what Cain thought was good.

“If you do well, you will be accepted, but if you don’t do well, sin lies at the door. His desire is to rule you but you should rule over him” (Genesis 4:7 paraphrased).

In other words when you do wrong, sin is ruling you, but if you do right sin is pushed away.

Basically, sin begins by believing a lie.  That lie is I am in control and “my way” is better than GOD’s way. When we choose to sin or choose our own way we have fallen into a trap. That trap is ensnared our 1^st mother, Eve and it is called the snare of the devil.  Once we are in the snare the devil, he uses us to do his seditious will.  That does NOT mean we are possessed but rather that he influences us and often directs our steps.  The only way out of that trap is to admit that doing “my thing” is wrong and turning back to GOD and looking to HIM for direction (2 Timothy 2:25-26).

Many will say, “Come on is sin really that serious?”  To GOD it really is.

“For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).  GOD’s love demands the complete eradication of sin for sin destroys and grows increasingly worse and worse as time goes on.

“The LORD saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time” (Genesis 6:5). The punishment was the universal flood and everyone but Noah and his wife and his 3 sons and their wives were saved.  They were saved because they believed what GOD said about a flood (even though they had never seen one and followed the LORD’s instructions to build and furnish the arc.

Years later GOD promised Abraham land that today is called Israel. But HE told Abraham that it would be some 400 years before his descendants could take control of it.  The reason GOD gives explains something about sin.

“But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full” (Genesis 15:16)/ or as the ICB translation states it, “After your great-great-grandchildren are born, your people will come to this land again. It will take that long, because the Amorites are not yet evil enough to punish.” By this we see that sin increases in evilness.

In Abraham’s day some were already ripe for punishment.  “Then the LORD said, “The outcry against

Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous that I will go down and see if what they

have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know.” Genesis 18:20-21.  And we all know how GOD destroyed it.  Some were offered a way of escape but scoffed at the warning and only Lot and his 2 daughters escaped. They only escaped by believing the warning they were given and following the instructions.

GOD completely destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah and all that was in it.  Does that make GOD cruel?

“Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? says the LORD GOD: and not that he should

return from his ways, and live?”/ “For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dies, says the LORD GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye”/ “Say unto them, As I live, says the LORD GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die…?” (Ezekiel 18:23, 32, 33:11).

“The LORD is not slack concerning HIS promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not desiring that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

“Or do you despise the riches of HIS goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of GOD leadeth thee to repentance?” (Romans 2:4).

You see GOD is not cruel but merciful and longsuffering.  HIS mercy and long suffering is long but not indefinitely for sin corrupts and destroys so it must be stopped.  To be stopped it must be destroyed.

“And the LORD said, My SPIRIT shall not always strive with man,” (Genesis 6:3).

“The wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23).  Every sin must be punished and even though JESUS paid the full price for all sin on the cross (Hebrews 10:12) only those who come to GOD through JESUS are forgiven and freed from their sin.

“But this man, after HE had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of GOD” (Hebrews 10:12).  JESUS had finished HIS work of paying for sin when HE hung on the cross.

“Wherefore HE is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto GOD by HIM, seeing he ever lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25).

And for us who believe in JESUS and have come to GOD through HIM, JESUS now along with the HOLY SPIRIT and GOD the FATHER are working together to teach us and bring us to maturity where we will be transformed into the image Romans 8:29 (have the divine nature 2 Peter 1:4) like JESUS. For GOD’s plans for those who have become HIS children through faith in JESUS (John 1:12) no eye has seen, nor ear has heard the wonders GOD has prepared for us.  Sin cannot be a part of that.

That is why GOD had recorded in HIS Word, “What do you imagine against the LORD? HE will make an utter end (of sin): affliction shall not rise up the second time” (Nahum 1:9).

Astounding truth.  If GOD hadn’t said so, it would be absolutely unbelievable.  But HE did say so and so it will come to be.

Hugs

Sharon

Brings shame

One earthquake will trigger after-quakes that can be even greater that the original quake. Just look at Alaska and Indonesia. Another earthquake in Indonesia today with a brief tsunami following: that makes 4 earthquakes in the past 24 hours,17 earthquakes in Indonesia in the past 7 days, 56 earthquakes in Indonesia in the past 30 days and 702 earthquakes in the past 365 day (1 year).

It is the same with sin.

“(King) David said…I have sinned against the LORD… (the prophet)Nathan said, “the LORD has put away your sin, you shall not die” (2 Samuel 12:13). No matter how bad our sin there is forgiveness: If we confess our sin GOD is faithful and just to forgive us of our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

GOD looked ahead through the years to JESUS sacrifice. No matter how bad our sin there is forgiveness to those who by faith in HIM are in CHRIST: If we confess our sin GOD is faithful and just to forgive us of our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). For JESUS died on the cross for all the sins of the world past, present and future. Yes, HE paid the penalty for every sin and those who come to HIM believing and ask to be saved are washed in the blood of the Lamb.

But there can be severe consequences due to things we cannot see that go beyond our world.

“However, because by doing this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child born to you shall surely die (2 Samuel 12:14).

Who are these enemies of the LORD? They are created beings,specifically the prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:1-3) better known as the devil or Satan, and his followers called the principalities, the powers,the rulers of darkness of this world and spirits of wickedness in the heavenlies (Ephesians 6:12) more commonly called demons.

Although I don’t fully understand all this, it is obvious sin brings dishonor to(blasphemed) GOD in ways we can’t comprehend. So, let’s not sin.

Mighty is our GOD, mighty is our King, mighty is our LORD rulerof everything. Glory to our GOD, glory to our King, Glory to our LORD HE’s ruler of everything.

     HIS name is higher than any other name HIS name is greater for HE created everything,

Mighty is our GOD, mighty is our King, mighty is our LORD rulerof everything. Glory to our GOD, glory to our King, Glory to our LORD HE’s ruler of everything

Consider these things and may the LORD guide you with HIS peace (Colossians 3:15), strengthen you with HIS joy (Nehemiah 8:10) and enable you with HIS grace (Hebrews 4:16).  Keep looking unto JESUS (Hebrews 12:2) and talk over your thoughts with HIM (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Hugs

Sharon

I AM

What do you like to think about?

“The heavens declare the glory of GOD” (Psalm 19:1). “YOU(GOD) make the outgoing of the mornings and evenings (sunrise/ sunset) to rejoice” Psalm 65:8. Or as the NCV puts it, “YOU make the going out of the morning and evening (sunrise and sunset) shout for joy.”

After surgery to regain strength I was told to walk, but it wasn’t just the walking but being outside seeing the sunrise and sunset that strengthened me.  They definitely shout for joy.

Yesterday someone stated, “Either GOD doesn’t exist, or HE simply doesn’t care.”  It was her response to the bad things that happen in our world.  People hurt people due to the influence of evil and their personal choices.

“People didn’t think it was important to have a true knowledge of GOD.  So, GOD left them and allowed them to have their own worthless thinking (thinking determines actions).  And so those people do things that they should not do” (things that hurt themselves and others) (Romans 1:28 NCV).

Although GOD’s standards are HIS perfections that we are to reach for, HE allows us to choose if we do them or if we refuse.  That is why there is sin, why people hurt people.  But if GOD stopped choices of one,HE would be micro managing him and being GOD is fair and does what is right at all times, if HE took choice away from one, HE would need to take choice away from all.  Then we would be little more that robots and definitely micro-managed.

That very one who questions whether there is a GOD, hates to be told what to do.  Just an hour or so before describing GOD as not existent or non-caring described the giving of detailed instructions as being micro-managed. And I am sure she’s not alone, I don’t think anyone likes to be micro-managed.  Do you?

There will come a time of reckoning for every wrong not paid for by JESUS blood, and a reward for every suffering we have endured.  GOD promises and its going to happen for it is impossible for HIM to lie (Hebrews 6:18).

Please pray for these who blame GOD for what they cannot understand.  There is much I don’t understand but being GOD sent HIS only son to die that all who believe in JESUS would be reconciled to HIM and have eternal life, I know HE care and rest simply in that.

Rearranging my office, I came across my grown son’s 1^st Bible an NCV.  Glancing through it I came across awesome words. 

“Listen when I correct you, I will tell you what’s in MY heart.  I will tell you what I am thinking.”

Now, may the LORD guide you with HIS peace (Colossians 3:15), strengthen you with HIS joy (Nehemiah 8:10) and enable you with HIS grace (Hebrews 4:16).  Keep looking unto JESUS (Hebrews 12:2) and talk over your thoughts with HIM (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Hugs

Sharon