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

Do you?

A friend was struggling in a situation. But, although he and others were praying he didn’t get any comfort or help from GOD.  Then he remembered something. Once he finally chose to obey the HOLY SPIRIT’s conviction to forgive someone in a totally different situation, that was when he received comfort, encouragement and help in his present situation.   

That emphasizes to me the truth that we must take one step at a time.

When we turn our back on GOD in any issue, refusing to do what HE asks, it shuts the door in other areas of our life as well.  For when we have pulled our shoulders away and while our backs are to HIM, we are unable hear HIS voice clearly, or receive the good things (even the answers to prayers) GOD so longs to give us.

That makes I John 1:9 (the Christians bar of soap) so encouraging. 

“If we confess our sins (sins we are aware of) then HE will forgive us our sins (plus) cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (sins we are not aware of).

GOD asks and expects us to confess when we know we have done wrong. HE is the one who will convict us by showing us we are wrong (John 16:8). 

The LORD also requires us to do what we know we should do. GOD through the HOLY SPIRIT, places within us the awareness of what GOD wants us to do (Philippians 2:13). It is then up to us to do what we know we should do by utilizing GOD’s help (Philippians 2:12, Hebrews 4:16).

Are you, am I doing what we KNOW we should do?

hugs,

Sharon

New Emphasis

Before I explain what became so clear to me this morning, let me interject here that what I am relating to you does NOT mean that GOD is done with the Jews.  HE has made them promises that HE will keep.  For what HE says HE will do. But it will take the Jews going through the 7-year Tribulation (Jacob’s trouble, also called the 70^th week of Daniel) for Jews to come to believe in JESUS and be saved (Daniel 9:24, Zechariah 14:9, 12:10, Romans 11:1, 26).  Then GOD, during the 1,000-year reign, will keep HIS promises to Jews.  After that, there will be a new heaven and new earth with no need for the sun and moon and there will be no Jews for all nations and tribes will be one in CHRIST, children of the Living GOD (Jeremiah 31;35-36, Revelation 20:23).

But meanwhile, now during the age of Grace I saw something emphasized as I read GOD’s Word.

After reading the Bible time and time again you would think I would understand more than I do. But each day the Word of GOD proves to be living and powerful as I see more of what it means. Though I have studied the book of Hebrews many times and have written homework lessons on each chapter in the past, still this morning I had an awakening to an emphasis that had escaped me.

Out of the 12 tribes of Israel, only the tribe (family) of Levi were made priests of the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY.  People of the other 11 tribes of Israel had to go through the priests to offer sacrifices to GOD. Only the priests could approach GOD or work in the temple under the law given by Moses.

But under the New Covenant, established by the blood of JESUS on the cross (I Corinthians 11:25, Hebrews 10:16-17) of necessity there was a change in the priesthood as well (Hebrews 7:12). Under the New Covenant the tribe of Levi are no longer the priests, instead those who believe in and received JESUS as LORD and have been born of the SPIRIT into the family of GOD (John 1:12-13, 3:5-8) have been placed into JESUS’ kingdom and made kings/ royalty (given authority) and holy priests unto GOD to show (declare) the praises of GOD and to offer up spiritual sacrifices such as praise and thanksgiving to GOD by JESUS (1 Peter 2:5, 9, Revelation 1:6, 5:10, 20:6).

I have known those verses but it wasn’t until I was pondering how to write the homework lessons for Hebrews that tell of JESUS role of being our High Priest that I saw more of the weight of our role and responsibility of being a priest unto GOD by JESUS.

JESUS our High Priest, shows us parts of our role as a priest to GOD by JESUS.  JESUS, as does the HOLY SPIRIT,  prays for us (Romans 8:26-27, 34, Hebrews 7:25) in our weaknesses and BOTH JESUS and the HOLY SPIRIT work for our complete sanctification (to save us to the uttermost from our old sin nature/flesh that is still within us fighting with GOD until we receive our new bodies at the Rapture).  JESUS also completely understands how we feel (sympathizes with us- that is what the word mercy means in Hebrews 4:16) and HE knows what it will take to resist each temptation for HE was in all ways tempted as we are but without sin and has the power to supply what we need to overcome (Hebrews 2:17-18, 4:14-16).  

How does that apply to our role as a priest to GOD? Well, the truths that follow I knew as verses but had not connected them as part of the privilege and responsibility of being a priest to GOD. Somehow the weight of it seems much stronger now.

1 Timothy 2:8 tells us we are to pray for everyone’s salvation.

1 John 5:16 tells us to confess the sins we see in others, to open the door for GOD to speak to them in that area.  The light GOD will then give them they will have to choose to accept or reject but our prayers will break off their blindness to the truth we share with them until they make their choice 2 Timothy 2:24-26

Ephesians 6:18-19 tells us to pray for each other challenges and the work each has been given to do.

James 5:16 tells us to pray for the faults our fellow believers confess to us.

James 5:15 tells us to pray for the sick.

In all these ways we join with JESUS and the HOLY SPIRIT in sympathizing and giving help to others in need. As JESUS had to be made like HIS brethren to be a merciful and faithful High priest to make reconciliation for the sins of the people, so it is written that if we suffer we are being prepared to help those who suffer with the same comfort GOD gives us in our struggles. (Hebrews 2:17-18, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4).                                                                            

Hugs

Sharon

GOD made man upright

 “… I found, that GOD made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions/ schemes” (Ecclesiastes 7:29).

Ever heard, or felt or even said, “I want to do it my way?” Starting with Eve, yes, from the beginning of time the Bible records that people consistently choose to “do what is right in their own eyes” (Judges 17:6).  And that is what gets them and us into trouble.  To do what was right in our own eyes we must turn away from what was right in GOD’s eyes. 

Some may think it narrow, but since all wisdom and knowledge come from GOD, HE really does know what is best and what will bring each of us the greatest satisfaction and fulfillment.  According to Romans 3:23 to do less than GOD’s standard is sin.

Are there any reading this like me and many I know who have loved ones and friends who are making poor choices-doing what is right in their own eyes? And they won’t listen to reason?

The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23) and each person must make their own choices.  Yet GOD loves people who HE has made in HIS own image with, among other qualities, the abilities to reason and choose.  GOD says there is something we can and really should do as HE seeks to turn them around!

^“Like as a father pities HIS children, so the Lord pities them that fear HIM.  For HE knows our frame; HE remembers that we are dust” (Psalm 103:13-14).  GOD wants us to stand the gap before HIM for those who are doing their own thing (Ezekiel 22:30).  For their sins separates them from GOD (Isaiah 59:2) so they cannot hear HIM.

How can we stand the gap?  As Moses stood before the LORD to turn away HIS anger (Psalm 106:23) from the Jews, so we can intercede for our loved ones and friends going their own way and doing their own thing through confession of the sin and by appealing to GOD’s mercy and grace.

1 John 5:16 “If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and HE shall give him life for them that sin not unto death”

You might ask well how do I know if it is a sin unto death?  “Now it is appointed unto ALL men to die once” (Hebrews 9:27) so it is quite clear 1 John 5:16 must be speaking of the 2^nd death.  According to Revelation 20:14-15 the only sin that leads to the 2^nd death is refusing to believe in JESUS and get written into the Lamb’s book of life.  So, any other sin we can ask the FATHER to forgive our loved one so they can see the truth.

Sin separates us from GOD (Isaiah 59:2) and from understanding truth, since we have turned our back on GOD when we turn from HIS truth.  Only GOD can open eyes to truth (1 Corinthians 2:10-12) so they can choose to escape the lies that have blinded them to truth (2 Timothy 2:25-26).

“If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly FATHER give the HOLY SPIRIT to them that ask him? Luke 11:13.

It works this way. As we confess the sins of our loved ones, GOD our FATHER sends the HOLY SPIRIT to explain truth to them.  Yes, they can reject the truth.  So, what do we do?  We keep praying and praying and over and over they will be shown the truth in hopes that eventually they will receive the love of the truth.  This is one of GOD’s amazing ways (Isaiah 55:8-11) that brings results!  For HIS Word that goes forth from HIS mouth shall not return to HIM empty but it shall accomplish that which HE wants and it will prosper in the thing HE sends it to do.

Is there someone that comes to mind that you should join with GOD in seeking by standing the gap before HIM in confession and prayer for them?

Hugs

Sharon

Footholds are for climbing

Climbing up and over some rocks to get to Gold Lake I had to find grooves in the rock, FOOTHOLDS, in order to ascend and take my next step. Without FOOTHOLDS, I could not have made it to the top and gone down to the crater lake.

GOD sent JESUS to die for us so that HE could forgive us and make us part of HIS forever family if we will simply believe in HIM and trust HIM (John 3:16).  Although HE freely gives forgiveness to any who believes in JESUS.  The purchase of forgiveness for the human race cost both GOD the FATHER and JESUS- GOD the SON a bundle.

Being bought with a price we now belong to HIM (1 Corinthians 6:20). 

GOD tells us to forgive even when those who have wronged us aren’t sorry, just like HE sent JESUS for us when we were yet sinners and forgave us for CHRIST’s sake (Ephesians 4:32).

We are warned (Ephesians 4:26-27) that when we are angry and refuse to forgive, when hold a grudge or onto a hurt, we give the devil a foothold so he can control us.

Although believers in JESUS belong to GOD when we refuse to forgive as GOD forgave us through JESUS we in effect have turned away from GOD. That happens whenever we deliberately do ANYTHING we know we should not do. 

With our back to GOD, we are in the dark so don’t see things clearly.  That allows Satan access to us and he is ready to take an advantage over us that he has no right to (2 Corinthians 2:1-11).  He catches us in his snare so we will do his will ( 2 Timothy 2:26).

Praise the LORD when we become aware of displeasing GOD, through the prodding of the HOLY SPIRIT, and CHOOSE to acknowledge we were wrong and turn from our sin to GOD by confessing our wrong HE forgives us our sin and cleanses from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). 

At the moment we confess our sin the FOOTHOLD the evil one had in us crumbles and the chain that kept us captive is cut in two, and we escape the snare of the evil one (2 Timothy 2:25-26).

Is there someone or something you need to forgive?

Hugs

Sharon

Old Fashion Prayer Meeting

I am so glad I listened to the nudging of the HOLY SPIRIT to go. 

One week in 2017 woman visited our church and many others with signs saying PRAY for PUEBLO to set out in our yards.  I got one and it has been out in my front yard since.  Then just last week I got another postcard inviting me, since I had that sign in my yard, to a citywide prayer meeting for our city-Pueblo.  After some hesitation I put out a fleece. If the person who was due to stop by to pick up lessons for our Bible study came and left in time I would go. I was in no hurry as we visited and I learned about her recent trip. She left just moments before the meeting was to begin but I felt an inner urge to go anyway, so I did.  I arrived a few minutes late. 

After the preliminary introduction on how they were moved to start the prayer meeting, they instructed us to break up into small groups, turned our chairs in a circle and then pray as led. 

The group I was in had 7 people.  It was a bit awkward at 1^st, but then one began praying for our schools, another followed with the lies being presented in our schools, another begging the GOD would expose the lies of the evil one as such to the students and our government (John 16:8) and more. 

Then we really got to praying as we went into praising and thanking GOD for HIS goodness (Psalm 95:2) , confessing of the Church’s and our city’s sins (1 John 1:9, Nehemiah 9:2) and we cried out that GOD would stir our (believers) spirit’s within us according to HIS purposes and our personal assignments and to care for others as JESUS cares for us (Haggai 1:14, Ephesians 2:20) and it seemed to me as if I had be transported back to the early 90’s and the city wide prayer meetings  we had in Colorado Springs in different churches but hosted by Every Home for CHRIST and those we had for the 10/40 Window.  Then we began to stand the gap for the backslidden and lost (Ezekiel 22:30) many who were street people, addicted, in gangs and those in deep depression. 

I left the meeting feeling I’d really prayed, one with the strangers I had prayed with and confident that our ALMIGHTY GOD had heard our words and hearts and was pleased with our cries for revival within the Church, for boldness and for the lost being saved.

Malachi 3:16-17 Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord

hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before HIM for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon HIS name.  And they shall be MINE, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up MY jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.

Wow! The very thought being a jewel in the crown of the KING?

Do you hear GOD’s heart in those verses? I do!

Hugs

Sharon