Whose way?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hugs

Sharon

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

A tree or an angel?

Living with my grandma I accepted JESUS as my LORD and Savior in Junior High. But after moving 600 miles away from my godly grandmother and church, as a teenager without supervision, I drifted away from the LORD and church and was doing my own thing.  Perhaps due to the prayers of my godly grandmother and her praying friends, and the faithful goodness of GOD to discipline HIS child (Hebrews 12:11) to turn me back around and lead me to repentance (Romans 2:4) GOD definitely protected me and my children on a snowy day.  

It is written: “For HE will command HIS angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”

(Psalm 91:11) and, “Are the angels not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14). I believe they are and that is what happened that day.

Living in a tiny rural community 8 miles from Quincy, a small town in northeastern California. I was 22, had 3 small children, 5, 2 and 5 months plus a big fluffy, blind dog with a huge black fluffy mane.

My husband had left with his older brother, looking for work and had ended up back in Colorado.  The propane ran out in the cabin we were in, and I had no money for more.  It was snowing and it was getting colder and colder.  So, I called around but couldn’t get a hold of mom (this was in the days before cell phones). But I managed to get a hold of a friend.  She couldn’t come because she had to get to work but said she would try to reach her husband.

I waited and waited, and it got colder and colder, so I bundled up the 3 little ones and loaded them and our blind dog into the car and took off.  I was terrified since I had never driven in snow before.  Never had needed to with Mac around and when he gone there was no vehicle to drive being we were a one car family.  I drove slowly, very slowly and there was no traffic on the twisting narrow mountain road with the blinding snow.  I went to turn on a curve the car didn’t turn.  We went straight off the road heading over a cliff and would have plunged down the mountain side and into the creek far below had not a tiny pine tree stopped us. 

The front wheels were off the road and the car teetered back and forth.  Talk about being petrified.  Being in the days before seat belts or air bags the kids often rode in the front seat.  As calmly as I could I told the girls to get in the back seat, then handed the baby back to my 5-year-old.  As carefully as I could I maneuvered over the seat myself, grabbed my baby then cautiously opened the back door, the dog bounded out and I gently shoved the girls out 1^st, following quickly behind them clutching the baby to my side.

What a relief it was to get on solid ground!  We were safe!  But what now?

I wasn’t sure just how far I had come so began walking with the girls back toward Meadow Valley.  It was cold, the snow was hitting us in our faces and the girls started crying and I didn’t know what to do. Then a jeep approached.  After a few questions his wife helped the kids crawl in and went to where my car was teetering.  Praise the LORD the man had a wench, hooked it to my car and easily pulled the car back onto the road. 

I thanked him, but sure didn’t want to get back into that car and drive with the kids in it.  Amazingly just then Butch, Mona’s husband, got there.  He loaded the kids into his car and had me drive my car slowly ahead of him the rest of the way to town.

After the storm, I headed back out to Meadow Valley to get some clothes and stuff.   On my way out to Meadow Valley I looked for the tree that had kept the car from dropping off the mountain side and plunging down, down into the little creek below. But there were no trees around that curve, not one.  I wonder to this day if it was not an angel sent from my heavenly father to protect and woo back his rebellious daughter to HIMSELF.

Without a doubt, I knew we had been protected but I was still too stubborn to look to GOD.  As a good FATHER, GOD was faithful and what HE allowed next turned me back around just a few months later. But oh, what the cost!

GOD says, I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go, I will counsel you and watch over you (Psalm 32:8 NIV).

Don’t be like I was,

“Don’t be like the horse and the mule (stubborn) which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.”  (Psalm 32:9). 

Hugs

Sharon

Training sessions

Revealed truth from GOD comes like an explosion in our reality, for the Word of GOD is “dynamite” in the hands of the HOLY SPIRIT (1 Corinthians 2:10-12). When the HOLY SPIRIT brings to our mind a verse that fits our circumstance (John 14:26), the verse seems to explode in vivid colors and startling clarity like firecrackers on the 4th of July.  It gives insight and direction.

Once we see a truth, we get to choose.  We must decide whether or not we will accept that truth and the direction/ perhaps upheaval that it will produce in our lives or suppress it (Romans 1:18).

The SPIRIT of GOD works by nudging us, who believe in JESUS CHRIST.   HE does this by placing in our minds and writing in our hearts the way we should go (Philippians 2:13, Hebrews 10:16).

While the literal interpretation of a scripture may seem humdrum at first, when the SPIRIT of GOD gets involved and shines HIS light of revelation on our LORD’s words, revealing an application to our own affairs it is mind-blowing and challenges us.

GOD’s thoughts and ways are vastly different than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).  At times they even seem out of proportion when compared to our natural way of looking at things.  GOD issues astonishing directives which at times don’t make a whole lot of sense to us.

That is probably why the HOLY SPIRIT reveals how truth applies to us in our circumstances a step at a time (2 Corinthians 3:18) line upon line, here a little, there a little (Isaiah 28:9-10) as we are able to grasp it.  By doing this, HE gradually conforms our thinking and thus our actions and conversation to the very nature and characteristics of our LORD and Savior JESUS CHRIST just as GOD our Heavenly FATHER has decreed to happen (Romans 8:29) and JESUS our high priest intercedes for us (Hebrews 7:25).

(See the Trinity at work?)

Heads up: The whole process of growing in the likeness of JESUS goes much smoother and quicker when we allow the HOLY SPIRIT to have HIS unhindered way with us by getting in GOD’s word for ourselves and following the HOLY SPIRIT’s insights, nudges and directions.  We can confidently know that an insight comes from the HOLY SPIRIT when it agrees with the written Word of GOD that HE moved on holy men to write (2 Peter 1:21).

It is written that as we grab hold on these truths and live by them, we actually take on an aspect of the divine nature although never become GOD (2 Peter 1:4).

However, our speedy growth is not a given.  We can hinder the HOLY SPIRIT’s work through disobedience. Disobedience will always bring discipline from GOD our Heavenly FATHER.  And no discipline at the present is joyous but grievous. But, Praise the LORD! GOD’s discipline of us will produce righteousness in us and right action by us as we are trained by it (Hebrews 12:11).

Some painful training sessions have taught me to listen more carefully, obey those nudges more closely and quickly when the HOLY SPIRIT explodes a truth in my thoughts that demands action.

Hugs

Sharon

It changed

Are you guilty?

In Hebrews 7:12 we are told that when the priesthood changed the law had to change.  Under the law given to Moses if anyone did not do every single thing in the law they were cursed.  Under the new covenant GOD standards remain the same, for they are the divine nature of GOD, but the law changed.  Below describes the changes.

In the spiritual sense every person stands accused and is guilty for: “All have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD” (Romans 3:23).

“The wages of sin is death, but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD? (Romans 6:23).

GOD so loved the world that HE sent HIS eternal SON JESUS (who took on a human body so HE could die as an innocent sacrifice without spot or blemish for the sins of the world) that any who believe in HIM (JESUS) would not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

We who believe in JESUS are now Justified- declared not guilty (a legal, external, objective standing)It is instantaneous and complete.  Once we come to JESUS, we are righteous in GOD’s sight washed clean by the blood of JESUS.

Romans 3:²⁴ Being justified freely by HIS grace through the redemption that is in CHRIST JESUS:²⁵ Whom GOD has set forth to be a propitiation (to appease anger and give favor) through faith in HIS blood, to declare HIS righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of GOD.

But GOD does not stop at just declaring believers righteous in CHRIST. 

Before the creation of the world GOD knew everything that would ever happen.  For GOD can learn nothing since HE is omniscience (knows all things). Before the creation of the world GOD made a choice according to HIS foreknowledge (what HE knew before it happened).

1 Peter 1:² Elect (chosen) according to the foreknowledge of GOD the FATHER, through sanctification of the SPIRIT, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of JESUS CHRIST: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

What foreknowledge or what part of what GOD knew is 1 Peter 1:2 talking about? That verse speaks of those who would believe and accept JESUS HIS SON whom HE would send into the world. We know that is what GOD is referring to because of the context.  Believing in the saving work of the LORD JESUS and calling on HIS name is the only condition to be saved (Romans 10:9-10, 13).  And one must be saved to be sanctified.

GOD had decreed something more:  Romans 8:²⁹ For whom HE did foreknow, (would believe in JESUS) HE (GOD the FATHER) also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his SON, that HE (JESUS) might be the firstborn among many brethren.

I Thessalonian 5:23 says that the HOLY SPIRIT sanctifies (just like 1 Peter 1:2) believers through and through so we might become what GOD has declared to be.  So, although we are declared to be righteous, the HOLY SPIRIT must teach and enable us to live righteously.  Sanctification is a step-by-step process.  It is the work of GOD (experimental, internal, and subjective). 

Sanctification is a renovation of our nature by the HOLY SPIRIT.  HE shows us what to do, energizes us and enables (Philippians 2:13) with the view of conforming us to the image of JESUS CHRIST (who is the exact likeness of the GODHEAD in body form (Colossians 2:9).

The timing is subjective for we bring effort to sanctification by doing/walking out what the HOLY SPIRIT has written in our minds and placed in our hearts to do (Philippians 2:13, 12, Hebrews 10:16).  When we refuse to do what the HOLY SPIRIT shows us, GOD disciplines us and although discipline is never fun it does produce righteousness in the ones exercised thereby (Hebrews 12:11).

The law written on stone depended on man’s effort to keep it.  If they didn’t keep every point, they were cursed (Galatians 3:10).  But in the new covenant the HOLY SPIRIT writes GOD’s law in our minds so we will know what we should do, and HE places it in our hearts so we will want to please GOD (Hebrews 10:16, Philippians 2:13).  When we choose to follow the lead of the HOLY SPIRIT the process of growing CHRIST-like goes smoothly (2 Corinthians 3:18).

When we fail to listen, or refuse to obey the HOLY SPIRIT, we are not cursed.  But if after the HOLY SPIRIT convicts us of wrong and we refuse to confess (agree with GOD concerning our wrong) GOD the FATHER disciplines us (1 Corinthians 11:31-32) and no discipline is fun but grievous.  But HIS discipline will eventually yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness in those exercised thereby (Hebrews 12:11).  

Just like an old fashion spanking when we were little taught us to change our actions.

Philippians 1:⁶ Being confident of this very thing, that HE (GOD) which has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of JESUS CHRIST

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

So, we see that GOD the HOLY SPIRIT works to develop us into the image of JESUS CHRIST, so does GOD the FATHER and so does our LORD JESUS CHRIST.  It is just another example where GOD is ONE.  All of GOD does all that GOD does.  The Trinity-persons of the GODHEAD are never at odds with one another but work in conjunction with each other in everything they do.

GOD loves us so. 

Hugs

Sharon

It gives hope in the hard things

Some of my students and several family members have had one hard thing after another, after another.  It seems nonstop.  “For this our heart is faint; for these things our eyes are dim” (Lamentation 5:17).  Some are trusting GOD through it all but others are pulling back.  What do you do when what appears bad happens to you?

Lamentations is a book of hardship and distress.  It only has 5 chapters but right smack in the middle of it– in the middle of chapter 3 you will find a goldmine of precious truth that encourage and gives us HOPE during continual trouble.

“This I recall to my mind; therefore I have HOPE. It is of the Lord’s MERCIES that we are not consumed (HE is with us in it), because HIS COMPASSIONS fail not. They are new every morning: great is THY faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore, will I HOPE in HIM.  The Lord is good to them that WAIT for HIM, to the soul that seeks HIM.  It is good that a man should both HOPE and quietly WAIT for the salvation of the LORD “ (Lamentations 3:21-26).

^“For the Lord will not cast off for ever:  But though HE causes grief, yet will HE have COMPASSION according to the multitude of HIS MERCIES. For HE does not want to afflict nor does HE desire to grieve the children of men to crush under HIS feet… “ (Lamentations 3:31-34).

Did you notice HOPE is said 3 times in those verses, COMPASSIONS and MERCIES plus WAIT are each stated twice?  Great emphasis is implied.

But, each of us have areas where we need to learn and grow, even perfect Job (Job 1:1) had to learn more about GOD (Job 42:5).  One of GOD’s unfathomable ways to teach us, as HE did our JESUS is through suffering (Hebrews 2:10, 18).  With each struggle GOD says, “You are ready to learn more.”

^“All this is for your BENEFIT, (HUH?) so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of GOD. Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.For our light and momentary troubles are ACHIEVING for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen (our situation) is temporary, but what is unseen (what GOD is achieving for us through these situations) is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

Through our struggles we are given the opportunity to cause others to give thanks and glorify GOD.  Our comparative momentary troubles are actively ACHIEVING for us awesome eternal things that far outweigh (exceeds) all our troubles.  So, we are told to look at what cannot be seen, to look at what GOD is achieving for us through our temporary struggles.  That takes FAITH and TRUST in GOD and HIS wisdom and LOVE.

“you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to children, My son, despise not the discipline (child training) of the LORD, nor faint when you are rebuked by HIM:  For whom the LORD LOVES HE disciplines, and scourges every son whom HE receives.” (Hebrews 12:5-6)  Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection to the FATHER of spirits, and live?  For they verily for a few days discipline us after their own pleasure; but HE for our PROFIT, that we might be partakers of HIS holiness.  Now no discipline for the present seems to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby” (Hebrews 12:9-11).

Yes, the LORD truly LOVES us, “O Lord, thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul; YOU hast redeemed my life” (Lamentation 3:58).  “Wherefore HE (JESUS CHRIST) is able also to save them to the uttermost (those of us) that come to GOD by HIM, seeing HE lives forever to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25).

Note the discipline and prayers are only for those who come to GOD through believing in JESUS CHRIST and they are for our benefit and earn eternal rewards for us.

Hugs

Sharon

What is a woe?

Since a believer’s sin is paid for (Acts 26:18), why not sin?  It is because of woes…What is a woe? … something very bad.

Isaiah 5:18 Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity (pride), and sin as it were with a cart rope:

If a believer still wants to play with sin let me remind/ warn you that GOD is faithful to discipline everyone HE accepts through JESUS and no discipline at the moment is fun but grievous/ it’s painful, yes it hurts.  But it will produce righteousness in those exercised thereby (Hebrews 12:5-6, 11).

You see SIN separates us from good, for it separates us from GOD (Isaiah 59:2) and only GOD is good (Mark 10:18) and the source of all good (James 1:17).

Job 28:28.. , the fear of the LORD, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding

From beginning to end GOD inspired men to write the Scriptures so we could know HIM, the only true GOD.  The Bible tells us about the wonder of JESUS, GOD the SON who chose to lay aside HIS glory and rights and come down to earth and took on a human body to do things for humans which they could not do (Philippians 2:5-8).  In a word, JESUS came to undo the works of the devil and free us from the devil’s control and snare (Ephesians 2:1-3, 2 Timothy 2:25-26).

1 John 3:8 He that commits sin is of the devil; for the devil sins from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of GOD was manifested, that HE might destroy the works of the devil.

The Bible tells us in Ezekiel 28:14-17 how sin began. Pride rose up in the covering angel-Lucifer because of his beauty and this created being thought he could take GOD’s place (Isaiah 14:12-14) and even convinced 1/3 of the angels to join forces with him.

That is how sin began with us humans as well.  Eve listened to that old serpent- the devil (Revelation 20:2) and believed his lies that GOD was keeping good from her and that she could be like GOD (Genesis 3:4-6). 

The whispers of the evil ones-those fiery darts of devil we are told about in Ephesians 6:10-18 ignite and stir up our old proud sin nature and cause us to sin if we are not careful.

We need to remember 1 Corinthians 4:7 that we are and have nothing (not one thing) except that which GOD has given us and since we were given it we have no reason for pride.

Sin, like its originator, comes not except to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10).  Don’t even listen to the enemy’s whispers *that seem like your own thoughts* but take those thoughts to JESUS and HE will give you the proper perspective (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). Although telling that little lie, looking at what you should not, or that flirtation that excites may seem innocent enough, it will lead to hurt.

Romans 6:16 Don’t you know that to whom you yield yourselves servants to obey (whose voice you listen to), his servants you become to obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

BUT GOD!  For GOD so loved that world that HE gave HIS only begotten Son (the only one who just got a body for JESUS is as eternal as GOD the FATHER John 1:1-3,14) that whosoever believes in HIM (JESUS) will have eternal life (John 3:16).

JESUS paid for our sin and IF we come to GOD through HIM (Hebrews 7:25) we have the right to become the sons of GOD (John 1:12).  2 Peter 1:1-4 shows us the way we develop as children of GOD and becoming more like HIM is to learn about GOD the FATHER and our LORD JESUS CHRIST in HIS word and spending time talking with HIM. 

JESUS said in Matthew 4:4, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that precedes out of the mouth of GOD.”

Have you had breakfast today?

Hugs

Sharon

GOD always give a ‘heads up’

My last post may have raised questions in your mind so let me explain.

In “Some things just don’t make sense” I mentioned how the LORD GOD who made heaven and earth can place thoughts into our minds to get us to do HIS will (Philippians 2:13) and we have no clue that they were not our own original ideas.  But that does not make us puppets.  We alone choose whether to go with those thoughts we are given or reject them as invalid and turn our thoughts elsewhere.

2 Timothy 2:20-21 calls it choosing to be a vessel of honor or dishonor.

Today, I read in John 13:2 how Satan (the devil) put into Judas’s mind thoughts to do evil. The enemy plants suggestions based on lies in our thoughts to trap us and get us to do his seditious will (2 Timothy 2:26). Let me emphasis we are in no way under any obligation to submit to those suggestions (thoughts) placed in our minds.  We can refuse them and turn from them. 

Initially, each of us alone chooses/ selects what/who we believe and obey (Deuteronomy 30:19). In the beginning, the HOLY SPIRIT will give a believer in JESUS a ‘HEADS UP’/a check in his spirit when something is wrong to warn us.

It may be a simple knowing something is not right (whenever that happens we need to stop and check things out even when we don’t want to).  Or a verse might come to mind showing us the wrongness, and with me in one serious situation I was asked a question, and in another told, “It’s the battle, Sharon” which clued me into the seriousness of my choice. 

Initially, to choose the enemy’s suggestion is a deliberate act, since GOD always warns us up front.  But once we turn from what we know is right to the devil’s suggestion, it is as if we have turned our back on GOD.  We turned from the light to darkness and become blinded or as Hebrews 3:13 puts it “hardened by the deceitfulness of sin”.

But GOD is so merciful, kind, gracious, and so loving HE won’t leave us (who have chosen JESUS) nor forsake us but will discipline us until we turn back to HIM and see things as they really are (Hebrews 12:4-11).

For whom the LORD loves HE chastens (disciplines), and corrects every son whom he receives (Hebrews 12:6).

Now no chastening (discipline) for the present seems to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless, afterward it yields (produces) the peaceable fruit of righteousness in them which are exercised thereby (Hebrews 12:11).

Because GOD is faithful, we can know without a shadow of a double that when we who are saved by believing in the saving work of JESUS (John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10) and calling on the name of the LORD (Romans 10:13) choose to sin and do not confess that GOD will discipline us.  GOD’s discipline of believers is so that as.  1 Corinthians 11:31-32 states HIS discipline will keep us from being condemned with the world.

Praise the LORD!  I am saved and kept by my AWESOME GOD!

Hugs

Sharon

Why forgive

My hearing dulled during my recent sickness, the audio of last night’s service was garbled and try as I may I could not understand. But Praise the LORD, with your prayers I am so much improved  that when I tuned in to the service online this evening (with ear phones in place and the volumn on high) I was greatly blessed. The sermon of putting away anger in its different form shows it as part of our selfish old sin nature that feels we deserve better.  It was a wonderfully true challenging scriptural sermon, but one that can only be done by applying 2 Timothy 1:14 ‘…keep (or done through) by the HOLY SPIRIT who dwells in you.” The emphasis that anger in its different forms were all about selfishness and the only way to get rid of it is humbleness working through forgiveness.

Yet, one verse Quin used troubled me. Not that it was not true, not that it didn’t fit, but because I have never fully understood that verse in connection with the gospel of JESUS CHRIST

So, I hastliy jotted a note to the HOLY SPIRIT, feeling a need of a reminder while hoping I’d not miss much of the sermon.

“Help me understand!”

“But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:15).  Isn’t our forgiveness based soley on JESUS shedding HIS blood on the cross? (Hebrews 9:22).

I went back to my note after the sermon and the HOLY SPIRIT said merely “1 Corinthians 11:31-32”.

Duh! I had my answer. It is speaking ‘in time on earth’. Let me explain. This passage speaks to Christians.

1 Corinthians 11:31 “For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.”

That is when the SPIRIT convicts us we are wrong and we agree with HIM and confess our sin, we are forgiven (1 John 1:9) and GOD need take no more action.

            but

1 Corinthians 11:32 “But when we are judged, we are chastened by the LORD, that we should not be condemned with the world.

But if we ignore the conviction of the HOLY SPIRIT (and refuse to judge ourselves and confess), GOD must take action.  This chastening is explained in more detain in Hebrews 12:4-11.  It is discipline and its purpose is beautifully explained in

Hebrews 12:11“Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous (its not fun), but grievous; nevertheless afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto those who are exercised thereby  

You see, when we will not yield to the conviction of the HOLY SPIRIT, GOD our Father must step in and discipline HIS child.  HIS discipline proves you are HIS child (Hebrews 12:5-8) and that HE is fulfilling HIS responsibility of HIS decree (Romans 8:29) to transform you into the likeness of JESUS (like from a catapillar to a butterfly).  The reason is transformation and outcome is so we will not be condemned with the world.

It is so much easier and less painful, to with HIS help (Hebrews 4:16), turn from our sins and obey than to resist the SPIRIT’s conviction and need to be taken to the woodshed (so to speak).

So let no root of bitterness grow in you (Hebrews 12:15)… forgive and be forgiven.

Hugs,

Sharon

Revealed truth is like an explosion

The Word of GOD is “dynamite” in the hands of the HOLY SPIRIT.  When the HOLY SPIRIT brings to our remembrance a verse that fits our circumstance, the verse seems to explode in vivid color with startling clarity like firecrackers on the 4^th of July. Then we get a choice, we must decide whether or not we will accept the direction and perhaps upheaval that will be produced in our circumstances if we choose to obey HIS nudge.

That is the way the SPIRIT of GOD works in us who believe in JESUS CHRIST.

The literal interpretation of the scripture may seem humdrum. But the interpretation by the SPIRIT of GOD as HE applies our LORD’s statements to our circumstances is mind-blowing and challenges us.

The truths of GOD are all out of proportion when compared to our natural way of looking at things (Isaiah 55:8-9), and they bring astonishing directives that at times don’t make a whole lot of sense to our way of thinking.

That is probably why the HOLY SPIRIT reveals how truth applies to us and our circumstances a step at a time (2 Corinthians 3:18) line upon line, here a little there a little, gradually conforming our walk and conversation to the very nature and characteristics of our LORD and Savior JESUS CHRIST as GOD our Heavenly FATHER decreed (Romans 8:29).

Heads up: The whole process goes much smoother and quicker when we allow the HOLY SPIRIT to have HIS unhindered way with us by following HIS nudges and directions (which all agree with the Word of GOD since HE is the ONE who moved men to write it- 2 Peter 1:21).  However, it is not a given, for we can hinder HIS work through disobedience.  Disobedience will bring discipline from GOD our Heavenly FATHER and no discipline at the present is joyous but grievous (Hebrews 12:4-11).  But Praise the LORD, it will produce right action in the ones trained by it (Hebrews 12:11). 

Some painful training sessions have taught me to listen carefully and obey quickly those nudges when the HOLY SPIRIT explodes a truth that demands action.

Hugs

Sharon