What is the difference?

There are different kinds of joys on earth and different kinds of joys in heaven. But to be IN heaven is far better (Philippians 1:23).

We are in the faith chapter, Hebrews 11 and in class we discussed the vast difference between the faith GOD requires (Hebrews 11:6) and the believing of the demons (James 2:19).

Hebrews 11:⁶ But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he, that cometh to GOD must believe that HE is, and that HE is a rewarder of them that diligently seek HIM.

That one verse shows us 3 things GOD equates as FAITH that allows us to go to HIM.

1-We must believe that HE is

2-We must diligently seek HIM

3-We must believe that GOD rewards those who diligently (continually, earnestly) seek HIM

James 2:¹⁹ You believe that there is one GOD; you do well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

The vast difference between the devil’s BELIEF (mental acknowledgement) that GOD is, and FAITH (trust in JESUS saving work on the cross) is that they do not diligently seek HIM (they oppose HIM), and they do not believe that GOD will reward their seeking.

That discussion lead to another issue we find in Genesis 6:1-5, Jude 1:6, 2 Peter 2:4-5. Remember in the bible, context is a big factor.

Notice that the Genesis account and the 2 Peter account both connect angels with the wickedness of mankind and the birth of giants.

The big question comes from something JESUS said. Mark 12:²⁵ For when they (you and me) shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given IN marriage; but are as the angels which are IN heaven.

People have taken that to mean that angels are sexless. But that is not what it says.

I want to share something that came to mind as I talked with the LORD that may help us understand how angels could become sexually active on earth and how it applies to you and me.

IN heaven angels are IN the Presence of GOD and fully satisfied. It is when they crossed over GOD’s boundaries for them (Jude 1:6) and left their place with GOD to follow Lucifer (Satan) to take over earth that earthly desires invaded them. Then when they saw beautiful human girls they chose and married them and from their unions there were giants in the world, men of great wisdom and skill and many had extra toes and fingers (2 Samuel 21:20). This crossover of two kinds of beings not just created super humans, it resulted it horrible wickedness to the extent that the thoughts of the imagination of their hearts were only evil continually and GOD had to destroy all who refused to look to HIM.

That relates to us because when we are IN the Presence of GOD (when seeking HIM) earthly lusts fade but when surrounded in the world with temptations, lusts escalate unless we run to GOD for help (Hebrews 4:16). If we allow ourselves to give in to the temptations, sin escalates in our lives until do not see sin as sin anymore. Actually, that is what has happened here in America as we have shoved GOD out of our schools and lives.

Back to JESUS’ statement, IN heaven there will be no marriage because like the angels IN heaven (focused on GOD) we will be totally satisfied being with JESUS and have other things to think about.

Hugs

Sharon

Faith trusts

Just as lifting weights builds muscles little by little, so we exercise our spiritual muscles to grow in being able to distinguish what is of GOD by using the truths GOD shows us through HIS word. Our obedience builds us up spiritually so we grow in maturity.  We learn and grow in grace and virtue, a step at a time, little by little, line upon line, here a little and there a little.  That is how we grow in all of the godly attributes, even TRUST. 

A week after our move to Colorado Springs, I had a baby girl. Soon after my oldest daughter didn’t come home from school. I had no way to go hunting for her and had no clue where to look anyway. I anxiously waited and waited, still she didn’t show up.  My thoughts went crazy with questions: Where could Jeri be? Was she alright? Jeri was a beauty and had just turned 15.  There was nothing I could do, but I couldn’t just sit there for the scenarios that came to my mind had me in a stew. 

To redirect my thoughts, I drug myself down the stairs to the basement and started a load of laundry.  As I threw some of Jeri’s clothes into the washer, I dissolved in tears again.  I went back upstairs, sat at the kitchen table and after crying out to GOD, I opened my Bible and began to read.

“he shall not be afraid of bad news; his heart is fixed (set in cement) TRUSTING in the LORD” (Psalm 112:7).

As I read those words, GOD spoke/ impressing in my spirit the words, “Sharon, TRUST ME!”  As I heard those words (rhema) from GOD, FAITH blossomed (Romans 10:17) and I remembered that GOD was with her, just as HE was with me. GOD knew where Jeri was and knowing that kept me sane.

GOD didn’t say, there will be no evil tidings, HE just said TRUST ME and that was enough.  Peace flooded over me at those word and the joy of hope was renewed within me.

If you notice in Psalm 112:7 that the heart is fixed.  I liken that to being set solid and unmovable in cement.  In putting up a clothesline, we had to dig holes for the poles and then pour cement around the poles.  But we couldn’t string the lines or hang clothes yet. We had to wait until the cement was set/ hardened.  Once that happened, the poles were fixed into place and would hold the weight of clothes hung on the line. 

Learning to TRUST the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, Maker of heaven and earth is a process. we learn progressively as we step out and say, I will TRUST YOU here and now in this situation.

The Bible calls the fundamental truths of the Bible, the 1^st principles of GOD’s truth.  Such 1st principles are seen in: GOD the FATHER sent JESUS, GOD the SON to earth giving HIM a human body, to die for the sins of everyone who believed in JESUS.  By believing in JESUS a person will be forgiven of their sins, be born into GOD’s family and have eternal life. But if one rejects JESUS and HIS offer of forgiveness, the wrath of GOD remains on him.  For all have sinned and the wages of sin is death, but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD (John 3:16, 36, Romans 3:23, 6:23).

Once someone believes in JESUS and becomes a child of GOD, he is a newborn baby.  If he keeps having to be told the same truths over and over, he is said not to grow but to continue a baby and only able to drink milk (Hebrews 5:12). 

But when one takes what he hears/ reads in the Word of GOD and does what it says to do, that one is said to be exercised/ strengthened and ready to learn more (Hebrews 5:14).  Therefore, the more we choose to look to the LORD during troubles/ struggles that come our way the stronger our TRUST in GOD becomes.

I had gone through many struggles where over and over HE had proven HIMSELF to me. So, I had learned to go to the LORD when I needed help and to do what HE told me. Therefore, when HE said for me to TRUST HIM, I did.

P.S. Oh, in case you are wondering about what happened when my 15-year-old didn’t come home, I will fill you in. She had run away. The time schedule is hazy these 45 years later.  After a couple of days, we got a call. The parents of her friend called us. Jeri was safe with them.  She had somehow managed to get back out to Ellicott (the rural town we had recently moved away from). We turned their offer down to let her stay with them and go to school there. We went and brought Jeri home. It wasn’t long before she adapted to high school in a big city and made new friends.

Hugs

Sharon

Faith comes by hearing

Like Precious Faith

Have you even woke up with a thought vibrating within you? This morning at 4 am I was wide awake with the KJ term like precious faith ringing in my thoughts.  I got up and proceeded to pray for specific ones who one by one came to mind.  I prayed simply that they would gain/ receive a precious faith like mine.

The NASB translates it: faith of the same kind / the NIV translates it faith as precious as ours

In other words, I was praying for the LORD to speak to them, for faith comes from hearing and hearing from the rhema (that inner spoken confirming word) of JESUS (Romans 10:17).

Since I was awakened and urged to pray, I had faith to pray. I have faith that this was the SPIRIT nudging me to join with HIM and stand the gap for them. 

So now as Colossians 1:12 AMPC says, I am, Giving thanks to the FATHER, Who qualifies and makes us fit to share (have a part) in the portion (the assignments) which is the inheritance of the saints (GOD’s holy people) in the Light.

Hugs

Sharon

Details

Sometimes we think we know best, and we rush ahead with our own ideas.  But like these little guys, we can sure mess up things with our limited knowledge.  How much better to go to GOD the only One who has all the facts for directions.

After a major surgery in the early 80s, I lost a lot of blood.  It was the 1^st of two surgeries they had to quickly return me to the OR to stop the bleeding. Though terribly weak and out of it, my doctor wouldn’t give me a blood transfusion but stayed by my side overnight.  At 1^st it didn’t make sense to my family, but little did they know.

At that time safeguards had not been put in place and there was a rash of incidences from tainted blood.  It was discovered that people with Aids had been donating blood and people getting that blood were getting Aids. Praise the LORD for my doctor’s wisdom, and that safeguards are now in place!

With the great loss of blood, I was extremely weak and having a hard time regaining my strength just to function.  The doctor told me to start walking.  That didn’t make much sense to me, but it surely couldn’t hurt, I slowly began walking.  Each day I would walk a little further and would go at a little faster pace.  It got me outside and the fresh air was good. 

Living out in the country, I walked down a dirt road lined with weeds and wildflowers.  From time to time, I would stop and pick a wildflower or a weed that caught my attention.  Then, as I continued on my walk, I’d closely examine it.  No matter if it was big or small, the intricate tiny details of each design and the mixture of colors always amazed me. GOD sure knew what HE was doing! 

Apparently so did the doc, for I slowly regained my strength.

Since I like to read in the Bible until something speaks to me, I read 15 long chapters of detail, after detail, after detail (from how the tabernacle was made to specifics on different kinds of sacrifices), those details didn’t seem to apply to me at all. So, I asked the Lord, “What am I to learn here?” (Exodus 35:4-Numbers 10:20 2).

The word DETAIL came to mind, as did the word commanded (which is repeated 48 times throughout those chapters). GOD was definitely interested in the DETAILS. HE had given clear cut directions in how to do each project. It was just as HE took precise care, down to the smallest DETAIL of each of the vast array of brilliantly colored wildflowers HE had made, and the astounding capabilities (that scientists are not able to reproduce) that HE built into the minute mosquito.

Therefore, it is easy to detect, GOD is always concerned with the DETAILS.

In those chapters, GOD had commanded things to be done in a specific way and HE made sure it was recorded, that the ones doing the work, did everything just as HE commanded. That is, until we get to that last chapter.  In that chapter, two men chose to one up GOD (to do something more than GOD had said to do).  And GOD was thrilled, right? NO!

Nadab and Abisha were like Cain.  Although Cain had the example/ the pattern, of how GOD wanted things done, he thought his idea was better, so did things his own way (Genesis 3:21, 4:3-7). GOD did not accept Nadab and Abisha’s sacrifice, just as he had not accepted Cain’s.  The fact is, their action was so offensive to GOD, HE immediately killed them.

Extreme?  It might seem so on the surface, but throughout scripture we find that when GOD is beginning a new work, HE sets standards and consequences so that the ones following after will know the right way to do things (Acts 5:1-11).

But how does this apply to you and me?

JESUS was perfect and never sinned, and we are told to fix our eyes on JESUS the Author (leader- HE leads us in the way we should go), and Perfecter (the ONE making us perfect or complete) of our faith. (Hebrews 12:2-3, 7:25). 

JESUS was, and is, very GOD; the ONE who threw the stars into space, that ONE who said “Let there be light and there was light” (Genesis 1:3).  JESUS is the brightness of GOD’s glory, the express image of HIS person and HE upholds all things in the universes by the word of HIS power (Hebrews 1:2,3).  By seeing HIM, we see FATHER GOD (John 14:9-10).  Yet, while on earth, in HIS human body, JESUS our all-powerful, all wise Creator, said not one thing HE had not first heard GOD the FATHER say; nor did JESUS do anything that HE had not seen the FATHER do (John 5:30, 6:38, 8:16, 14:10).

That is what HE asks of us (Romans 12:1).  Huh? I have to check out everything? That is a bitter pill.  It goes against our culture, against the way we think here in the USA. Our motto seems to be, “I will do it my way!”

Yet, are we greater than our Master? (Matthew 10:24,25a, Luke 6:40).

What about you? What about me?  Do we go to GOD with our own ideas, expecting for GOD to act, calling it faith?  The word says, “Faith comes by hearing a hearing by the word (rhema- that inner word spoken in our hearts) of GOD” (Romans 10:17).  We actually need to hear what GOD says on the subject before we can have faith.

 Isaiah 45:11 “Thus says the LORD…ask of me concerning…and (then) you can command the work of MY hands.”

The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY says, “I know the plans I have for you (Jeremiah 29:11), those plans go down to the DETAILS.  Step by step HE will lead 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 direct your path. Be not wise in your own eyes…” (Proverbs 3:5-7a).

Looking unto JESUS, the Author and Perfecter of my faith.

Hugs

Sharon

Did GOD really say?

Our enemy whispered the taunt, ‘Did GOD really say?’ So, I asked the LORD, open HIS word and in Matthew 10 was confronted with the truth that a bird cannot land on the ground without GOD permission.  The cross references were amazing and now I ask you

How big is your GOD?

The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY called to Abraham (an idol worshipper) and told him to leave where he was and go where GOD would lead him and GOD promised to give Abraham an inheritance and children but didn’t tell him where he was going.

There was just one tiny glitch: Abraham and his wife were old and couldn’t have children.  For when GOD called Abraham, he was 75 years old and his beautiful wife was 65 years old and barren.

But even with that “impossibility,” Abraham believed GOD and obeyed anyway. Somehow, some way, at some time, he knew that GOD would follow through and do something that made no earthly sense whatsoever.

The years went by one after another until 25 years later when Abraham was 100 and Sarah was 90 that promised child was born. 

Now that is a lot of waiting!  Waiting is hard! It would have been easy to give in to the tempter’s accusations of “Did GOD really say?” (From experience I can tell you that the devil throws that jab at people frequently)  But Abraham believed GOD.

Romans 10:17 says that faith comes by hearing and hearing from a “rhema” word (spoken word within your spirit) of CHRIST.  When you hear that word you either receive it or refuse it.  But once received that kind of faith is permanent.  Oh doubts may come (through the tempter) but HE who is in us who believe (the HOLY SPIRIT) is stronger than he (the tempter) who is in the world and GOD the SPIRIT reassures us that GOD really said.

Because Abraham believed GOD, his faith in GOD prompted him to do what GOD told him to do so Abraham is called the “Father of faith” of all who believe (Romans 4:16).

Has GOD has made you a promise?  If HE has you know it.  Don’t listen if others mock, or if the liar whispers taunts that sound more like you than you. Trust in the LORD like Abraham.  Do not lean on your own understanding or be wise in your own eyes (Proverbs 3:5-7) just trust.

“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of GOD! How unsearchable (you can’t figure it out) HIS judgments, and HIS paths beyond tracing out!” (Roman 11:33 NIV). Many of HIS workings are hidden like the path HE had for the Jews to go through the sea on dry land.

“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For you have need of patience, that, after you have done the will of GOD, you might receive the promise” (Hebrews 10:35-36).

“GOD is not a man, that HE would lie, Nor a son of man, that HE would change HIS mind; Has HE said, and will HE not do it? Or has HE spoken, and will HE not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19).

Remember everything GOD put in the Bible and every promise HE has spoken to individuals will come to be.  For the LORD who cannot lie says, “I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it” (Isaiah 46:11).

Be encouraged, I am.

Hugs

Sharon

The shield of faith

Recently I heard several gals through tears relate how they struggled with wondering if they had made the right choice.  Each of them, at the time of their choice wanted to do what was right and earnestly sought answers before they made their choices.

Do you ever struggle with wondering if you should have done something differently?  I am not talking about deliberate sin, though that can be forgiven when we turn to JESUS (Ephesians 1:7, 1 John 1:9).  Then we are encouraged to forget those things that past and reach ahead for what GOD wants for us (Philippians 3:13-14).

What I am asking is: “Do you ever struggle with wondering if you had made the right choice when you were trying to make the right choice?

If we belong to JESUS through calling on the name of the LORD (Romans 10:13), we have the HOLY SPIRIT within us to guide us in our actions (John 7:38-39). HE speaks to us through Scripture (John 14:26, Hebrews 10:16)), impressions in our hearts/nudges (when you know you should do something Philippians 2:13), and peace (Colossians 3:15).  In those ways HE leads us according to GOD’s will and purpose for us (Romans 8:26-27).

It is GOD (the HOLY SPIRIT) who places within us the wanting to do what HE wants us to do and gives us power to live it out (Philippians 2:13, Hebrews 10:16). You see the LORD can direct our thoughts like we can move the garden hose to water different plants (Proverbs 21:1).  If we desire to do right, are seeking HIS will and asking HIM, HE promises to direct our path (Proverbs 3:5-7).  The LORD promises to direct us if we ask, so it is a given that GOD will lead us.  For HE is not a man that HE should lie, HE said it and HE will do it (Numbers 23:19).  HE is stronger than our enemy who would confuse us, so if we consult with GOD ready to do whatever GOD says, HE will block the lies of the evil one.

GOD works together all things for a result of good to those who love HIM (Romans 8:28) and have called on the name of the LORD (1 Corinthians 1:2, Romans 10:13).  That good is described in Romans 8:29, that we, now GOD’s children (John 1:12) will be transformed into the likeness of JESUS and participate in the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4) by using what we learn about GOD in the Bible.

Because GOD made man in HIS image and therefore gave man the privilege and ability to choose not all things are from GOD, nor are all things good. So GOD is mixing good with bad.  

The meaning of the Greek word WORKS in Ephesians 1:11 is to energize.  Think for a moment what happens when you put baking soda in apple cider vinegar.  It bubbles up.  Mixing the two energizes them and creates a different substance.

But amazingly in GOD’s astounding wisdom and eternal power GOD energizes (works), yes, GOD energizes all things to produce a result according to the counsel of HIS own purpose and will.  GOD knows what is in man.  HE made each of us and knows what we will say before we say it (Psalm 139:6), what we will do and what will motivate us.  According to that amazing foreknowledge of us, the LORD made certain choices (1 Peter 1:2).

This is clearly seen in Acts 2:23: Where GOD accomplished HIS eternal purpose for our salvation according to HIS foreknowledge of what certain Jews would do.  “Him (JESUS), being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of GOD, you have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain”

GOD knew beforehand what they would do and used it to provide salvation for anyone who would believe in JESUS.

The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY is love and all HE does is right (Daniel 9:14)  GOD’s ways and thoughts are not our ways and thoughts but are as high above our thoughts and ways as the furthest point in the heavens is above the earth (Isaiah 55:8-9).  But  GOD’s ways always work (Isaiah 55:11).  We humans look on the appearance of things (1 Samuel 16:7) the now/ our situation, but GOD looks at man’s heart and what HE is achieving for each person (2 Corinthians 4:15-18)- the eternal purpose and plan.

GOD is right in all HE does (Daniel 9:14) and GOD is good (Matthew 19:17).  He tests believers in JESUS to produce in us what we need to prepare us for what HE has for us to do (James 1:2-4, Ephesians 2:10).  Tests also show us what we need to learn.

As a good teacher the LORD only holds us responsible for the things we know (Luke 12:47-48). HE does not expect us to do Algebra before we understand what numbers are.  HE teaches us line upon line and precept upon precept, here a little and there a little (Isaiah 28:9) Its kinda like learning when we were little.  1^st we learned what numbers were, then how to add, then how to subtract.  The teacher didn’t make us subtract until we knew what a 1 was and what a 5 means.

In the same way when GOD places us or allows us to be in difficult situations (Acts 17:26).  HE does not expect us to act with wisdom and understanding beyond what HE has already shown us.  HE knows exactly what HE wants to accomplish, and the very problems are part of the solution (1 Corinthians 4:16-17). GOD promises to give us (equip us) with what we need to able us to achieve what needs to be done (1 Thessalonians 5:24) IF we ask (Proverbs 3:5-7). 

We are limited in knowing what GOD is doing and that is where faith comes in.  Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen GOD, But without faith it is impossible to please GOD for you must 1) believe that HE is and 2) believe that HE rewards those who diligently seek HIM (Hebrews 11:1, 6).   The just must live by FAITH-not sight (Habukkuk 2:4). We must simply trust GOD to do what HE says and know what HE is doing.

So, trust GOD’s leading for GOD is a loving FATHER and an amazing teacher: “This also cometh forth from the LORD of hosts (armies), which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working (Isaiah 28:29).  HE will lead us if we ask or else HE is a liar, and we know GOD cannot lie (Titus 1:2).

So, if something is making you wonder if you did right, when all you wanted to do was do right, you can be sure those thoughts are not from GOD.  That kind of thinking are fiery darts from the evil one to discourage and defeat you.  Therefore, pick up your Shield of faith… faith in GOD and in HIS promises to lead you if you ask and are willing to do what HE shows you to do (John 7:17).  The shield of faith will quench the fiery darts of the evil one (Ephesians 6:16) then speak the Word of GOD which is the sword of the SPIRIT.

Hugs

Sharon

Is not

During the summer birds also waited, but now in the cold of winter only the squirrels run back and forth on the fence looking for my daughter to appear.  For Jeri faithfully finds something, whether it be bread, popcorn, leftover pancakes or veggies, anything she can find to toss out to them to feast on. And feast they do.

Like them, each morning I go hungry and open the word of GOD and pray, waiting to be fed.  JESUS said, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of GOD” (Matthew 4:4).

Each day GOD meets with me there and prepares me for the day.

“Faith comes from hearing (and accepting as truth) and hearing from the Word of GOD” (Romans 10:17).

“The just (those who do right) shall live by faith (not sight)” (Habakkuk 2:4).

Faith is not for getting what we want.  Faith is just believing what GOD says and living accordingly. 

“For without faith you cannot please GOD.  For to come to GOD you must 1^st believe that HE is and 2^nd believe that HE will reward those who diligently seek HIM” (Hebrews 11:6).

When GOD speaks to our inner man, it will produce faith if we choose to believe HIM, and that faith acts.

Has GOD spoken a promise to you that produced faith that GOD would do something?  Hold on to that promise and do whatever HE nudges you to do.

Hugs

Sharon

Faith comes

Ever share the Word of GOD, but the listener just didn’t get it?  In all areas of my life, but especially as a mother, the Word of GOD brought me great encouragement this morning on that issue.

Regardless of where I am in the Word of GOD, GOD will speak to me about where I am at in my concerns.  It may seem way out of context, but HE will always link it to verses that are in context so I can trust what is impressed upon my heart.  This morning was such a time.

“… we gave birth … only to wind. We could not accomplish deliverance for the earth…” (Isaiah 26:18).

Has anybody reading this who taught their children of our amazing GOD and Savior JESUS and their kids still don’t get it?

Why don’t they get it? Faith comes from hearing and hearing from the Word (rhema) of CHRIST (Romans 10:17).

The words translated Word in the New Testament are Logos and Rhema.  The logos is the Word of GOD-the Bible and is also a name for JESUS in John 1:1, 14.  But rhema means a specific spoken word for a particular situation.  As we hear or read the Logos the HOLY SPIRIT (who interprets GOD’s meaning to us-1 Corinthians 2:10) HE speaks to us where it applies to us- that is the Rhema.  Therefore, faith comes as the HOLY SPIRIT convicts (John 16:8) us as we hear the truth of GOD.  It is not just for salvation, but also for us saved ones when there is something GOD wants to show us. Now we must remember we must accept the truth the HOLY SPIRIT shows us and receive it into our hearts for it to become faith.  Otherwise, it is just seed that falls on concrete.

I love the verifying verses GOD gave me this morning when HE impressed on me those words from Isaiah.

…we gave birth … only to wind. We could not accomplish deliverance for the earth…(Isaiah 26:18), 

That said to me that I can speak truth but cannot bring anyone to believe the truth.  It takes more than my speaking; it takes the conviction of the HOLY SPIRIT.  That is why JESUS told the disciples to wait until the HOLY SPIRIT was given to them before they were to go out and witness (Acts 1:8).

John 10:3 says that we like porters (doorkeepers) open the door for the Good Shepherd to speak to the sheep.  But notice that the sheep only hear the Good Shepherd’s voice, not the porter’s voice.  We cannot convict anyone of sin or of their need of a savior it takes GOD to do that.  HE convicts us in our inner being both of right and wrong.

We all have heard that old saying, ‘A man convinced against his will, is not convinced at all.”

John 16:8 clearly states that the HOLY SPIRIT is the one who convicts a person of sin.

2 Timothy 2:23-26 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes (arguments). And the servant of the LORD must not strive (try to prove your point); but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach (the truth), patient,  In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves (by holding on to their own ideas); if GOD peradventure will give them repentance (show them the truth) to the acknowledging of the truth; (but they themselves must choose to accept or refuse it) And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who have been taken captive by him to do his will.

GOD alone can convict them of sin, but they must accept HIS truth when they see it. For GOD has given each one of us the responsibility to choose.  So, they can refuse the love of the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10), just a we believers can turn from the nudges of the HOLY SPIRIT when HE shows us something.

That explains why, while we might persuade someone to think a truth is right but when adverse circumstances come, they fall away.  They didn’t have real faith to believe, they just thought it sounded good.  For real faith only comes as GOD speaks to their hearts and they accept HIS words.  Only then do they really believe what they say they believe.  Faith must be tested to see if it is real and to strengthen it (James 1:2-4) for that is one of the ways of GOD.  We also are told to examine ourselves to see if our faith is real (2 Corinthians 13:5) that is if we live according to what we think we believe.

Though the verse this morning said to me that my words were not going to change the one I was praying for, it did tell me that my loving gentle words I prayerfully write can open the door for our loving good Shepherd to speak in his heart.  But I must not bombard him for it will shut his ears to the HOLY SPIRIT.

GOD’s word impressed on me, lifted the burden of the accusations that I had failed.  For as I accepted the LORD’s words, that only HE can convict a person of truth (1 Corinthians 2:10), the accusing whispers of the accuser were silenced.  I knew that, but I needed the reminder (John 14:26).  GOD is so good to me!

Hugs

Sharon

Assurance comes from understanding

When we listen to GOD by obeying HIS directions, HE’ll help us navigate even life’s most troubled waters.

Another crisis hit today quite out of the blue and yet understanding GOD is still in control kept me in control!  Scriptures came to mind and I knew how to pray.  There is peace but there will be a lot more praying until the situation is over.  The peace and assurance came from knowing GOD and understanding some of HIS ways and trusting HIS control.  

Come to think of it reminds me of last week’s lesson in Friday’s life group.  In our lesson last week in Colossians 2:2 one of the 4 things Paul desires for the Colossians is that they attain to the full assurance/confidence, deep conviction that comes from understanding/when all the dots connect.    You may not know all the facts but understand GOD does.  That is faith.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1 KJ)

“Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends/ understands as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses] (Hebrews 11:1 AMP).

Hearing from HOLY SPIRIT is the only way we can have that kind of faith with the assurance and deep conviction that knowing something is what GOD wills so is something HE will do.

And this is the confidence that we have in HIM, that, if we ask any thing according to HIS will, HE hears us (1 John 5:14).

That kind of faith only comes when GOD HIMSELF, through the HOLY SPIRIT, speaks to us (through confirmation within us often when reading HIS written Word the Bible).  It may come by just knowing what GOD wants or as a nudge telling us to do something.  The more time we spend with GOD in HIS word and prayer the quicker we recognize HIS still small voice when HE tells us to turn to the right hand or the left (Isaiah 30:21).

You see HE writes what HE wants in our minds-so we know, and places them in our hearts-so we can trust HIM for it (Philippians 2:13, Hebrews 10:16).  You can be certain that HE will never tell us to go against HIS written word.

“Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word (Rhema=spoken word for a specific situation) of CHRIST (Romans 10:17).

Please pray with me that truth come to light and expose all the lies.

Thank you and hugs

Sharon

Blindman sat by the road

Camp Elim has been on my mind, probably because I get to go there in a couple of weeksl

Years past I worked up there and at grade school camps at Camp Elim we would sing a lot of fun songs that told of bible stories.  One began, “Blindman sat by the road and he cried.”

Today as I read another blindman’s story in Mark 10:46-52.  Stopping, I sang that old song I learned at camp.  But continuing to read, I also pondered the clear doctrine that it teaches. 

In Mark 10:46, the name of the Blindman is given, Bartimaeus.  Which shows that ALMIGHTY GOD knows us by name and relates to us individually.

Bartimaeus must have heard about JESUS to call HIM the Son of David and know that JESUS had power to heal.  The blindman had to believe the word he’d been told that JESUS was walking his way with many people following HIM.  For when the blindman  heard the noise of the crowd getting closer the blindman cried out, “JESUS, Son of David, have mercy on me” (Mark 10:47). 

To the Jews that title-Son of David belonged only of ONE, the promised coming Messiah.   

Although JESUS knew, JESUS asked Bartimaeus, “What do you want ME to do for you?”  That gave the blindman an opportunity to ask. 

The blindman said, “That I may see.” JESUS said to him, “Your faith has made you well.” (Mark 10:52 NKJV). 

How did the blindman get faith and how did it work for him? 

1st the blindman heard the word of CHRIST (Romans 10:17). Faith can only come if you hear.

2nd if you believe what you hear and receive the truth you obtain faith (2 Peter 1:1).

3rd to have faith you must 1) believe GOD is and 2) believe that HE rewards those who diligently seek HIM (Hebrews 11:6).  The blindman had kept crying out to JESUS until JESUS came to him.

4th true faith produces action (Galatians 5:6).  The blindman didn’t just sit there feeling sorry for himself, he cried out to the one who could help.

5th GOD says “ask and you will receive” (the blindman had to ask in order to be healed) (Matthew 7:8).

All who call on the name (of the LORD JESUS CHRIST) shall be saved (Romans 10:13).   

The blindman called on the name of the LORD.  Have you? 

Just asking,

Hugs

Sharonbelieve