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

HE has a name

The word Allah is the Arabic word for GOD. Therefore, the Islamic GOD does not have a name.

Unlike the GOD of Islam, our GOD gave HIS people a covenant name by which to speak of HIM and call upon HIM as well as explain HIS nature. The name of our GOD is YAHWEY(sometimes pronounced Jehovah, written in the Old testament as the LORD-all caps).  By this name YAHWEY, GOD announced HIMSELF as the great I AM- the One Who IS, and it is because HE IS that everything else is.

YAHWEY is the reality behind all reality, the underlying cause of all.  HIS name proclaims HIM as self-existent, sovereign and wholly free from constraint by or dependent on anything outside of HIMSELF.

Yet the GODHEAD (YAHWEY) exists in 3 persons.

John 1:¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with GOD, and the Word was GOD ² The same was in the beginning with GOD. ³ All things were made by HIM (JESUS); and without HIM was not anything made that was made (see also Hebrews 1:1-2). ¹⁴ And the Word was made flesh (JESUS), and dwelt among us, (and we beheld HIS glory, the glory as of the only Begotten of the FATHER,) full of grace and truth.

From John 1:1-3, 14 we clearly see that JESUS is equally GOD with the FATHER.  Colossians 2:9 tells us “that in HIM (CHRIST) dwells the fullness of the GODHEAD bodily.” For of the 3 persons of the GODHEAD only JESUS has a body (Philippians 2:7), HE took that on HIMSELF through the virgin Mary so HE could come and in all ways be made like us (Hebrews 2:17-18) to live among us to show us what GOD is really like, and then die to save us that we might be forgiven and become the children of GOD (Colossians 2:13-14, John 1:12-13, 1 John 3:1-2).

 In JESUS’ command to the disciples in Matthew 28:19 we see the HOLY SPIRIT is also equally GOD. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the NAME (singular) of the FATHER, and of the SON, and of the Holy GHOST (SPIRIT).

YAHWEY is unchanging (Malachi 3:6) therefore HE is consistent in everything HE does.  But we can’t always know what HE is doing for YAHWEY tells us in Isaiah 55:^{8 “}For MY thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways MY ways, saith the Lord. ⁹ For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are MY ways higher than your ways, and MY thoughts than your thoughts.”

In other words, GOD thinks differently than we do.  But when we cannot understand what HE is doing or allowing we can hold on to what we do know is true about HIM.  That is why we need to search the scripture to find out what HE is like. 

Some of the things that help me trust GOD when everything seems wrong are: GOD knows all things (including what everyone will do before they do it Psalm 139). GOD is merciful (Lamentations 3:22-23). GOD forgives believers in JESUS when we confess our sin (1 John 1:9). GOD is sovereign and does nothing without a good reason (Lamentations 3:37, Ezekiel 14:23). GOD has preset the exact times and places for specific purposes (Acts 17:26-27). GOD is fair (Genesis 18:25). HE will not leave me nor forsake me (Hebrews 13:5). GOD is unchanging (Malachi 3:6). GOD works all things together for an end result of good for those who love HIM (Romans 8:28). What GOD says, HE will do (Numbers 23:19). Both my troubles and HIS discipline of me are achieving awesome things for me (2 Corinthians 4:15-18, James 1:2-4, Hebrews 12:11).  GOD has an eternal plan.

Isaiah 46:⁹ Remember the former things of old: for I am GOD, and there is none else; I am GOD, and there is none like ME, ¹⁰ Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, MY counsel shall stand, and I will do all MY pleasure: ¹¹ Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executes MY counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.

We can trust our GOD, HIS name is YAHWEY!

hugs

Sharon

Have you?

Sometimes when people are struggling with this or that, they get really annoyed with me when, trying to help, I ask, “Have you asked the LORD?”

Have you ever wondered WHY when GOD told someone HE will do something, many- like Moses (Exodus 33:14-15) and King David (2 Samuel 7:16, 25-29), turn right around and then pray to GOD and ask GOD to do that very thing HE had just promised to do?

Ezekiel explains it this way, Ezekiel 36:³⁶…For I, the Lord, have promised it, and I will do it. ³⁷ The Lord God says: “I am ready to hear Israel’s prayers for these blessings and to grant them their requests. Let them but ask…” (Living Bible).

Take for example the Promise GOD gives in Psalm 121:8 “The LORD shall preserve your going out and coming in (traveling around).

That Hebrew word translated preserve means to keep, tend, watch over, guard, protect and take care of.

That promise in Psalm 121:8 is why we pray for traveling mercies.

Have you asked the LORD something according to HIS word?  Then wait and look to see how HE will answer you.

Psalm 123:2 “…Our eyes wait upon the LORD our GOD, until HE has mercy on us.

So, call unto the LORD!

Hugs

Sharon

Fear not

What do you think of when you hear the word submit?

In our culture submitting, or putting ourselves under another, is not seen in a positive light.  But I saw something about submitting that is new to me.

Sometimes stating a truth in different words makes it easier to understand.  As I listened to one speak of 2 types of fear, the word submit jumped into my mind.  With crystal clarity I saw that fear was submitting to what we focus on. Whatever we submit to, we allow to control us.

When we are stressed/ fear, we are focusing on a situation and depending on ourselves to find a way out.  By allowing the situation to control our thoughts, we are submitting to our fears.

The only way to get out of that bondage is to turn our thoughts to the problem solver-the LORD and submit to HIM and HIS ways by trusting GOD with the situation.

When we trust GOD in a situation, we are submitting to HIM.  When we submit to GOD, it shows that we fear HIM, and the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7).  Therefore, GOD is more able to lead us.

When we fear the LORD and submit to HIS ways we can claim HIS promises.  One of those promises says, GOD is working all things together for an end result of good for those who love HIM and are the called according to HIS purposes. (Romans 8:28).

1 Corinthians 1:2 says, “… to them that are sanctified in CHRIST JESUS, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of JESUS CHRIST our LORD, both their’s and our’s:

So you see that all who call upon the name of JESUS CHRIST our LORD are the called, so qualify for that promise in Romans 8:28.

And “whosoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).

Just knowing that when I fear something, I am submitting to it makes it easier for me to take my eyes off that problem and refocus by turning to GOD by taking that thought to JESUS (2 Corinthians 10:5, Hebrews 4:16).

I’d not seen fear as submitting before… hmmm, there is so much to learn.

Hugs

Sharon

How do you know?

Ever wonder what you should do?

What did JESUS mean when HE said, “Man (and women) can not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD” Matthew 4:4?

GOD’s Words are our instructions to empower us to successfully move through the maze of this life, just as food energizes our bodies.

As Hebrews 4:12 tells us that “the Word of GOD is living and powerful.”  It shows us ourselves and directs us to GOD’s way for us.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and LEAN not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge HIM and HE will make your paths straight. Be not wise in your own eyes fear (humbly reverence) the LORD and depart from evil. Proverbs 3:5-7.

Notice it does not say direct your understanding. That means the LORD leads the way but like with Abraham HE does not always explain Hebrews 11:8). Being GOD is more powerful than the devil or you, it is guaranteed HE will be the one directing you if you humbly ask.

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go I will counsel you with MY eyes upon you.” Psalm 32:8

When GOD tells us to talk to HIM about everything. HE means it for only HE knows what lies ahead. To comply with HIS word and nudges is what is meant to walk in the SPIRIT. GOD promises that if we just acknowledge HIM in a situation, HE will instruct and teach us in the way we should go.

Isaiah 30:19b-21 “How gracious HE (the LORD) will be when you cry for help! As soon as HE hears you, HE will answer you. Although the LORD gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, … whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you (impressed within you), saying, ‘This is the way walk in it’.”

You might ask, “But can’t the devil talk to us too and trick us? And what about my own desires couldn’t they override GOD’s leading and make me think it is GOD?” 

If you had not brought it before the LORD with a humble willingness to do whatever HIS will is, I would have to say yes on both counts. But once we admit our need in a situation, acknowledge HIM (come to HIM with a willingness to listen and obey) The LORD promises to direct your steps, and remember GOD cannot lie Titus 1:2).

How can we determine that GOD is speaking in a verse or in a nudge? GOD impresses in our hearts and minds and initially we know that is what we should do (see Hebrews 10:16, Philippians 2:13).

“… hearts are in the hand of the LORD, as one can direct the spray of water from a hose by moving it from one place to another, so the LORD directs the thoughts where HE wants them to go …” Proverbs 21:1

For it is GOD who is at work in you, both to want to do and to be able to do what HE wants done. Philippians 2:13

“Commit your work to the LORD and your thoughts will be established. Proverbs 16:9.

GOD is speaking to us. The question is, are we listening?

WARNING: If you still do not know the next step after asking, WAIT- GOD is saying, stay put until you do know what to do.  Do NOT plot your own plans! GOD says not to do that for it will only cause you trouble (Isaiah 50:10-11).

Hugs

Sharon

Why Purim?

Lately not just personally but globally events seem out of hand, troubles that we cannot control. So, what should we do? The 1^st thing I do, is run to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16) and there I am reminded that GOD works all things for an end result of good to those who will call on the name of the LORD (Romans 8:28+ 1 Corinthians 1:2).

On Monday and Tuesday, March 6-7, Jews around the world will celebrate Purim. This holiday is a memorial of GOD’s deliverance of the Jews from annihilation.  Although the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY’s name never appears in the little book of Esther, we see the LORD GOD sovereignly at working behind the scenes to control the outcome.

The queen refused to come when the king called her to come show herself to his guests. The king became enraged, and his advisors suggested that he dispose the queen for her actions. They said that if her actions were allowed, since they were done before many guests, women everywhere would despise their husbands.  The king quite drunk agreed, and she was permanently removed from being queen.

Later, the king missed his queen, his advisors suggested a beauty contest to select a new queen and the king thought it was a great idea.  So, messengers were sent throughout the 127 providences of his kingdom from India even unto Ethiopia, to gather the most beautiful young girls to be brought into his harem and considered for the title of queen. The one the king favored would become queen.

Meanwhile a proud man in a high position of the kingdom, an antisemitic, Haman by name, had conceived plans to kill all the Jews throughout the vast kingdom ruled by the king just because one Jew refused to bow before him.

Purim is an annual reminder and celebration of GOD’s omniscience (GOD knows all things, past, present and future) and HIS love and provision for HIS people the Jews.

Even before Haman and his plot, GOD knew it was coming for HE knows our thoughts before we think them. The LORD set the stage and nudged/whispered suggestions for people to act in certain ways. So, by the time this villain had gotten the king to sign off on his scheme, GOD had already provided for the rescue of the Jews by giving a beautiful young Jewish girl named Esther great favor and she was selected as queen.

Upon learning of the plot, Esther knew she had a life-threatening choice to make. To go before the king without being called would mean instant death, unless the king held out his scepter to her.  Before going into his presence, Esther insisted all the Jews fast for 3 days for her. (Fasting is a form of humbling yourself before GOD, a form of prayer).

After the 3 days she was strengthen and stated, “If I perish, I perish,” and dressing in her royal robes she humbly went before the king and he held out his scepter to her.  Through her intercessory work the plan to destroy the Jews was thwarted and much more.  For the Jews gained great honor throughout the kingdom of 127 providences.

Other episodes within this short book, including the king not being able to sleep, show how GOD secretly put things in place, synchronizing them, and setting the stage so the people’s personal choices would accomplish HIS will.  If you have not yet read this short book, you are missing out.

Whatever you are facing today, GOD has known about it from eternity past. Just like with Esther, when we trust in the LORD with all our hearts (Proverbs 3:5-7), HE will carry us through all the trials that come against us in this life until the day HE calls us up and we see HIM face to face.

Take a moment today to thank GOD for HIS unending love and provision for you.

Hugs

Sharon

Draw near

Recently, I volunteered to work a weekend at Camp in the kitchen.  When it came time to dish up platters of food to be placed on each of the 26 tables for one meal, the boss stated he needed 2 to dish up one item and hands went up and 2 were chosen.  This was repeated for another item with the same response.  But when the boss named the last item to be dished up and called for volunteers, I raised my hand and when I was selected all other hands went down.  For a moment I felt rejected, like the little girl in the picture, but that changed to a smile when the boss quickly turned to me and said, “Then I guess you’re stuck with me.”

Life is all about relationships.  Each of us relates to each other person differently. Just as you might treat your mom different that someone you met for the 1^st time.  It is the same with GOD.  HE relates to each person on a one-to-one basis.  HE responds to us according to how we respond to HIM and HIS word although HE always stays true to HIS divine nature.

GOD’s relationship and interaction with believers in JESUS CHRIST is full of grace (unmerited favor). GOD says HE delights in and sings over us who believe in HIM and talk with one another about HIM (Zephaniah 3:17).  Doesn’t that just blow you away? GOD watches over us continually; GOD waters us and guards us night and day and at the appointed time will come and take us to be with HIM forever (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

As it is written, Romans 8:39 “…Nothing can separate us from the love of GOD that is in CHRIST JESUS our LORD.”

But how do we get into JESUS and into that love relationship with GOD the FATHER?

John 3:16-18 For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS one and only SON, that whoever believes in HIM shall not perish but have eternal life. For GOD did not send HIS SON into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through HIM. Whoever believes in HIM (JESUS) is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of GOD’s one and only SON.

But what are we to believe about JESUS name? (in the Bible the word name speaks about the character/ nature of that person). 

Matthew 1:21 “…you shall call HIS name JESUS, for HE will save HIS people from their sins.

Matthew 1:23 “Behold the virgin shall be with child, and bear a SON and they shall call HIS name Immanuel, which is translated is “GOD with us.”

Romans 10:9-10, 13 ESV  ^“because, if you confess with your mouth that JESUS is LORD (Master) and believe in your heart that GOD raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For with the heart one believes and is justified (just like I’d never sinned), and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. ¹³ For “everyone who calls on the name of the LORD (JESUS) will be saved.”

1st-We must believe that when JESUS died on the cross, HE paid for our sin and because of that GOD the FATHER made HIM LORD of all.

I John 1:7 “the blood of JESUS HIS (GOD’s) SON cleanses us from all sin.”  

Hebrews 1:2 (GOD) has in these last days spoken to us by HIS SON…through WHOM (JESUS) HE also made the worlds: 

Colossians 1:12 “For it pleased the FATHER that in HIM (JESUS) should all fulness dwell;”

Hebrews 1:8 “But to the SON HE (GOD) says “YOUR throne O GOD is forever and ever…” And GOD the FATHER continues speaking in Hebrews 1:10 “YOU LORD (JESUS) in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth.

2^nd-We must also believe that GOD raised HIS SON JESUS from the dead because the resurrection from the dead proved JESUS was GOD the SON.

Romans 1:4 “and declared to be the SON of GOD with power according to the SPIRIT by the resurrection of the dead.”

Now there are groups that believe in an historical man named JESUS, Muslims among them. They even believe HE was good. But they don’t believe JESUS is GOD’s eternal SON, nor do they believe in their hearts that GOD raised HIM from the dead.  Therefore, they are not saved.  Yet, GOD continues to call out to them.

2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow to fulfill HIS promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

Ezekiel 33:11 “Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die?” 

In CHRIST’s stead, I plead with you who do not know my LORD JESUS, the one who came to earth to bear our sin on the cross so we could be forgiven and saved to live with HIM forever. Turn to JESUS and be saved for HE died for you.

GOD relates to you according to how you relate to HIM.  “Draw near to HIM and HE will draw near to you” (James 4:8).

Looking unto JESUS the Author and Perfector of my faith

Hugs

Sharon