What are you thinking?

What are you thinking?

Having trouble with your thoughts? Well, GOD explains the problem and gives us the solution in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.  The LORD does know what HE is talking about, and all HIS ways are right and they work (Isaiah 55:8-9, 11).  So, when GOD tells us how to combat our thoughts, just do it even though it may not make sense to you. 

Don’t be seduced from the simplicity that is in CHRIST JESUS! Yes, we are in spiritual warfare, but GOD says that HIS weapons are more powerful even to the pulling down of strongholds of wrong thinking and every deceptive argument that rises up against GOD’s knowledge.  The whole battle begins in our minds and what we think changes everything.

So, when GOD tells us to take all our thoughts to the obedience of CHRIST (2 Corinthians 10:3-5), but you don’t know how to get them under control, remember (Hebrews 4:16). “Run to the throne of grace to obtain (get) mercy and receive grace to help in time of need.”  Just take your thoughts to JESUS, tell HIM about them and HE will help you corral them.

To take my thoughts to JESUS who sits on the throne brings my thought into obedience for JESUS has a way of taking my thoughts and I begin to see whatever the situation is from an entirely different angle, and they become obedient to HIM.

JESUS said, “without ME you can do nothing” (John 15:5). In another place, 2 Corinthians 3:5 to be exact, it says, “we are not sufficient as of ourselves to think anything as from ourselves, our sufficiency comes from CHRIST.” So, when a thought is rebellious just take it to JESUS. HE tames them real quick. Believe me, I know!

So don’t struggle in your own strength (or lack of it) with the fiery darts of lying thoughts coming at you from the enemy, take those thoughts to JESUS and talk to HIM about it.

hugs
Sharon

A clothesline

Probably because I look back on the time I lived with my grandmother as being the best years of my childhood and two of my jobs were washing dishes and hanging out the laundry that both jobs bring good memories to me. They both are relaxing to me and to this day I don’t mind doing dishes by hand and I actually love hanging out clothes on a line.  Until we moved to Pueblo, we always had a clothesline, or I’d rig one up a line or two to hang clothes on.  If you look closely behind my two oldest girls and our blind dog sitting in the grass in front of the little picket fence of a ramshackle place we lived 53 summers ago, you will see clothes I hung up on a makeshift clothesline.

I glanced out my dining room window into the unkept back yard of my Pueblo neighbor and I saw something I wanted-a clothesline.

My thoughts took it even further: “they don’t even use it!” I said to myself.  Then the Holy SPIRIT nudged me, “you are lusting, Sharon.”

“Oh, LORD,” I cried out, “I’m sorry, Thank you for my dryer.”

Then the realization hit, and I had to smile at the humor of GOD in answering my arrow prayer for a lead-in to the devotion HE had just nudged me to write.

After the waves of the Red Sea came crashing down over their enemies- the Egyptian troops chasing them, “then the Hebrews believed GOD’s words, they sang HIS praise.  Not long after they forgot HIS works, they waited not for HIS counsel, but lusted exceedingly in the wilderness and tempted GOD in the desert (Psalm 106:12-14).

What happened?  The Jews got to thinking about the different kinds of food they had back in Egypt. The more they thought about it, the more they focused on it and forgot all about what GOD had and was doing for them. 

Scientists have discovered a way to see thoughts and have learned that each thought is like a small branch growing on a tree.  If I understand correctly, the more you think of something the stronger the branch becomes.  We really need to stop here and think about that for a moment.  Reliving hurts or desires will make them grow stronger and stronger.

Here in Pueblo, we have some old trees with huge branches.  As you think about wanting something over and over, it becomes a stronghold, like a huge branch (2 Corinthians 10:4) that keeps you captive and you revisit those thoughts. 

But just as the snow and heavy winds this past winter have broken huge branches from the trees, so GOD tells us to take captive our thoughts.  For me that means talking every thought over with JESUS.  When I do I begin seeing things differently.  For HE impresses my heart with HIS heart. The Bible speaks much about choosing to change our thoughts and being renewed in our minds.

John 14:1 Let not your heart (thoughts) be troubled, Believe in GOD, believe also in ME.”

Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding”.

Romans 12:2 “…do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Philippians 4:6-7 “Be anxious about nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to GOD. And the peace of GOD will throw you beyond having to understand and will guard and keep you heart and mind.”

2 Corinthians 4:15 “For all things are for your sakes…16 …therefore, we do not lose heart…17 for our momentary and light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison (the pain of today) 18 while we look not at the things we seen (our situation with its struggles), but at what is not seen (that which GOD is achieving and producing for us through our situation with its struggles).  For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

We lust when we focus on what we think we want- it makes us dissatisfied with what we have, and we lose proper perspective. That lust and our dissatisfaction will grow in intensity as we think on it.  But, we have the power of GOD to run to JESUS for mercy and grace to help in our times of need (Hebrews 4:16).  When my thoughts go where they should not, I run to JESUS pour out what I am feeling and HE enables me by showing me HIS perspective (2 Corinthians 10:5). I don’t know how HE does it, but it really works for me.

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

Hugs

Sharon

Have you read the instructions?

Why don’t things come with instructions anymore? 

I can follow instructions but am at a loss in areas that I have not learned.  Being in my mid-70s I am not technologically savvy like my grand or even great grandchildren. When I needed a new phone with enough space for my cochlear app it took my grandchildren to set it up for me.  And when I run into a problem on my computer or phone who do I run to? my grandchildren, of course.

But praise the LORD! Unlike man, GOD has given us an instruction book-HIS word, the Bible. 2 Timothy 3:16 says “All scripture is given by inspiration of GOD (is GOD breathed), and is profitable for doctrine (to teach us), for reproof (show us right from wrong), for correction, for instruction in righteousness (in how to do what is right.)”  But instructions are only good if you follow them.  JESUS said, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD” Matthew 4:4.

A group of us gals heard of a deep need and in obedience to GOD’s instructions we were going to pray concerning it (Luke 18:1).  One gal had a thought flash through her mind and shared it with us.  It sounded reasonable, even attractive but… there was a bit of hesitancy.  As we learned in Genesis, not every thought that comes into our minds is from GOD.  That the old serpent (the Devil) loves to transform himself into an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14) and whisper in our ears.  That is why the Bible tells us to take every thought captive to JESUS (2 Corinthians 10:5). Talk it over with HIM.

Hebrews 1:1 tells us we are in the last days, that they began with JESUS coming to earth.  1 Timothy 4:1 says that in the latter times some are tricked and depart from truth paying attention to deceiving spirits and suggestions/ teachings of devils. So especially now we must be careful to do things according to GOD’s instructions. How do you get them those instructions? Read the bible and pray.

JESUS said: that the one who had HIS commands/instructions (which are available to all of us) and follows them that one loves JESUS  (John 14:21) and HE said, “If you love ME do what I say” (John 14:15) and furthermore “Why call me LORD, LORD and do not do the things I say?” (Luke 6:46)

We are told not to quench the SPIRIT’s instructions or despise prophesy (that flash of insight could have very well been a word straight from GOD for the situation) but then we are instructed to test all things (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22).  So how do you test them?  Isaiah 8:20 tells us to check what the Bible says on the issue and if the words don’t agree with HIS word then there is no truth in it.

Following GOD’s written instructions, one asked the LORD to show her what to pray. An actual Bible episode came to mind exposing that flash of light suggestion was not of GOD.  Then promises of GOD from the word of GOD flooded her mind directing  her in how to pray (that was the HOLY SPIRIT leading the way as HE always does (Philippians 2:13, Hebrews 10:16).  Isn’t GOD good to us?

I am so grateful that not only has GOD given us instructions but has also given to every believer in JESUS HIS HOLY SPIRIT (John 7:38-39) to teach us how to apply and live out what the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY wants done!

Have you read the instruction book? Are you following what it says?

Hugs

Sharon

Doing it on your own?

In these days many face struggles and temptations.  Are you facing something hard?

When struggles come where I can’t see my way out or I’m tempted to fear, act up, or think I must jump in to fix things for others, I run to the LORD 1st.

This past week I got angry when after praying for GOD to have HIS way in a serious situation, it looked like HE did nothing as if I’d not even prayed.  So, I told the LORD and just by turning my attention to GOD and telling HIM how I felt, HE calmed me by my just being in HIS presence.  Then HE impressed on my heart the truth I know so well, “Sharon, I know what I am doing.” And HE flooded me with HIS peace and joy.  Nothing had changed in the real world but my focus.

For in that HE HIMSELF (JESUS) has suffered being tempted, HE is able to succor/help them that are tempted (Hebrews 2:18).

For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities (weaknesses and struggles); but (JESUS) was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy (GOD’s favor when we are wrong), and find grace (GOD’s Riches At CHRIST’s Expense) to HELP in time of need (Hebrews 4:15-16).

Are you struggling in some area?  Are you tempted?  Run to the throne of grace (pray and tell the LORD how you feel) and HE promises to give you all the help you need for the situation.

Hugs,

Sharon

Figure out who is talking

My son John really didn’t like to play football but for me he did play one season when in Jr. High. 

In the park across the street kids of various ages from preschoolers to high school meet to practice football.  These different teams have many exercises and practices that are the same and they go over and over them until it becomes 2^nd nature.  In the same way we are to read the Bible and put in to practice the things GOD shows us.

Professional football teams also study videos of the team they are going to play against to learn about the other team. They begin to recognize certain plays so that they can anticipate and outmaneuver their opponent.

 “Lest Satan get an advantage over us, we are not ignorant of his the devil’s schemes.” 2 Corinthians 2:11.

Just like a football team we Christians need to know things about our opponent.   For if we don’t recognize him/ if we are ignorant of his schemes, he can and will take advantage of us.  That word advantage in this verse means to step beyond the boundary.   So you see that it is even more important for us to know our enemy’s tactics than for a football team to know their opponents  plays.  They are just playing a game, but we are in a war.

I remember a time, when I was 1st learning about spiritual warfare, when I was tempted to do something wrong.  Now I thought the temptation came from myself and so I wasn’t fighting against it much because I figured I couldn’t fight myself.  But, GOD took pity on me and I heard in my spirit the words, “It’s the battle, Sharon!”  Only then did I recognize that the temptation came from the devil not me.  When I saw that I fought against it and won. 

I was losing the battle until I knew I was dealing besides myself.  Laugh if you will but that is what happened.  After that I came to realize how very important it is to recognize the enemy.

Here are some our enemy’s ways: 

1-Satan pretends to be us so his suggestions sound like our thoughts.

2-The devil tempts us as he did JESUS and twists GOD’s word. Luke 4:1-13

3-He calls GOD a liar and says GOD is unfair, not caring or trying to keep good things back from us. Genesis 3:4,5

4-He tempt our old sin nature to love this world for the whole world lies in his arms. I John 5:19 

 a-He entices with the desires of our flesh.. food, sex, pleasures, drugs and so on suggesting that we need to live for the moment.

 b-He dangles the desire for things we see like a new car, a fancy this or that… anything that looks good to us.

 c-He stirs up our pride… or me 1st, my way, power, position and the like   

I John 2:15-16

5-He lies, actually, he is the father of lies. John 8:44

6-He whispers doubts and accusations about others and even ourselves, (and remember his words sound just like us) for he is the accuser. Revelation 12:10

7-He tries to cause division and stir up anger.

8-If we refuse to obey GOD and forgive others he takes advantage and gets a foothold in our lives.  2 Corinthians 2:10,11 Ephesians 4:26,27.

9-But the scheme of the devil I want most want to bring to light today is found in  2 Corinthians 11:3. 

“But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, so your minds (thoughts) may be corrupted (seduced/led astray) from the simplicity and purity that is in Christ” 2 Corinthians 11:3. 

We know that JESUS is pure and holy and our focus should be on HIM.  Hebrews 12:1-3  The enemy attempts to distract us and get us to focus on other things rather than JESUS.  He tries to corrupt our thinking from the simplicity that is in Christ we find happiness and strength for whatever comes our way.

For instance he gets people to feel that believing in JESUS isn’t able/strong enough to keep them saved.  He points out that there is a whole bunch of other things they must do.

But GOD’s word clearly states, “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”

What our triune GOD does is change us into the like of JESUS.  HE changes our thoughts and desires.  But it is a process often like a baby learning to walk.  And we know at first they fall more than they walk.  But they learn not only to walk but to run.

So look to JESUS for the direction and strength to do what you should.

In a practical way the simplicity of going to JESUS helps me.  Since our battle begins in the mind, we must battle wrong thoughts given us by the devil.  And then the devil mocks us for having the thoughts he placed there to begin with.  They can seem overpowering  but I have found that to win that battle and shut up the devil I don’t do the fighting.  I simply go to JESUS and say here are my thoughts.  As I take every thought to JESUS and talk to HIM about it as I am instructed (Proverbs 3:5-7; 2 Corinthians 10:5 ; Hebrews 4:16)   JESUS takes them captive and my whole perspective changes.   That battle is won.   Now the devil may give another sneak attack but all I have to do is go to JESUS.     

Don’t let the devil catch you in his snare.  Take every thought to JESUS.     

Hugs

Sharon

Who is JESUS?

Who is JESUS?

The most important thing about you is what you think of JESUS.  It is a life and death matter.

At JESUS trial Pontius Pilate the governor asked JESUS, “Are YOU king of the Jews? (John 18:33).

Earlier JESUS had asked HIS disciples, saying, Who do men say that I the Son of man am? 

Answering they said, Some say that YOU art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.

HE said to them, But, who do you say that I am?  Simon Peter answered and said, YOU are the CHRIST (Messiah), the SON of the living GOD.

JESUS answered and said unto him, Blessed are you, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood has not revealed it unto you, but my FATHER which is in heaven (Matthew 16:13-17).

JESUS saith unto him, I AM the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the FATHER, but by ME (John 14:6).

JESUS said: I AM the door: by ME if any man enter in, he shall be saved…(John 10:9).

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved (Romans 10:13).

JESUS said man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD (Matthew 4:4). JESUS said, “I AM the bread of life: he that comes to ME shall never hunger; and he that believes on ME shall never thirst” (John 6:35).

When HE appeared to John years after HIS resurrection JESUS said: I AM Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, says the LORD (JESUS), which is, and which was, and which is to come, the ALMIGHTY (Revelation 1:8). (4 times in the book of revelation JESUS tells of HIS eternal existence and equality with GOD the FATHER and GOD the HOLY SPIRIT by saying I AM the Alpha and Omega followed with the terms either the beginning and the ending or the first and the last).

JESUS said, I AM the resurrection, and the life: he that believes in ME, though he were dead, yet shall he live: (John 11:25).

JESUS said, I AM: and you shall see the SON of man sitting on the right hand of Power and coming in the clouds of heaven.

Are you ready?

For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believes in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16). The FATHER loves the SON and has given all things into HIS hand.  He that believes on the SON has everlasting life: and he that believes not the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abides (stays) on him (John 3:35-36).

Who do you say JESUS is?

Hugs

Sharon

Leads me

HE (JESUS) made HIS disciples get into the boat and go before HIM to the other side…(Mark 6:45)

When JESUS CHRIST (the HOLY SPIRIT) nudges us to do something, we feel that if we do it HE will lead us to success. What do you do when the opposite happens?

I have come to understand that the specific assignment is not the most important thing. Instead it is what I learn of HIM (2 Corinthians 3:18) along the way that is essential (2 Peter 1:1-4).  For the clearer I see HIM the more I”ll reflect HIM to others (2 Peter 1:8) and open their hearts to listen to the conviction of the HOLY SPIRIT (2 Timothy 2:24-26).

The disciples thought it was their responsibility to get to the other side of the lake.  But JESUS had another purpose in sending them.  HE was setting the stage to teach them amazing truth concerning HIMSELF they could learn no other way.  

The terrible storm had filled them with fear.  But then JESUS showed up calmly walking on the water.  When storms or problems attack me, JESUS wants me to look to HIM and when I do, HE calms me.

JESUS appeared to the disciples and taught them that HE was greater than anything they would face. HE walked on the water, enabled Peter to do the same and then HE calmed the storm (Mark 6:51).  By arriving when HE did, JESUS proved that HE kept watch over them and would meet them in every storm and never leave nor forsake them (Hebrews 13:5-6). You and I can count on the same things.

GOD’s training is for now, not later. HIS purpose is for this very minute, and HE leads us step by step (Isaiah 30:20-21) to reveal HIMSELF and to fulfill HIS purposes. What we label “problems”, GOD uses for our benefit to achieve awesome results for us and through us (2 Corinthians 4:15-16).

I have come to see that moment-by-moment I am to walk with GOD and keep in step with HIM (Galatians 5:16,25), by listen and following HIS reminders and nudges.  When I consciously do that, each moment becomes precious and I’m learning to see and depend on the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY wherever I and my loved ones are placed, regardless of what going on around us.  Believe me, that pushes all fear away!  

Hugs

Sharon

Storms

more and more snow

We heard we would have snow flurries but the snow storm hit us by surprise.  As you can see the car and tree in the back yard really got it.

When Peter saw how strong the wind was, he was afraid and started sinking. “Save me, LORD!” he shouted.  And immediately JESUS stretched forth HIS hand, and caught him… (Matthew 14:30-31).

***Notice it was when Peter took his eyes off the storm and cried out to JESUS that the LORD lifted him up.

Many of us face hard problems and like a storm they hit us unaware.  But if we will cry out unto JESUS HE will lead the way ahead.  The storm will still be there but so will JESUS.

Hugs

Sharon

Are you willing?

JESUS said, “If you are willing to do GOD’s will, then you will know if the doctrine is of GOD or not (John 7:17).  So, if you feel something is not right (a check in your spirit– given by the Holy SPIRIT) back away from it and take it to JESUS (2 Corinthians 10:5).

GOD promises that if we:  

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all you ways acknowledge (ask) HIM, and HE shall direct your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:5-7).

Do not blindly step out on what sounds good or accept what someone says.  Stop and ask GOD to show you what to do and check it out in the Bible.

We are told GOD is not the author of confusion but of peace and order (I Corinthians 14:33)  The devil wants to deceive and confuse us so he twists the words of GOD and adds to them just as he did in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1) to deceive us and make things seem hard where its really simple (2 Corinthians 11:3).

All we need to do is what GOD tells us.  Stop and ask GOD about everything.  GOD is the Creator and much stronger than the devil or the demons.  HE promises that if we ask and are willing to do what HE tells us (you have to be willing to do what HE says-James 1:5-7) we will know what to do and the  devil will NOT be able to trick us.

Remember GOD’s word: Ask and you shall be given, seek and you shall find, knock and the door will be opened to you (Matthew 7:7).

Hugs

Sharon

HE knows

One had told me repeatedly that GOD was not answering him. Today I shared Psalm 22:1-2 “My GOD, my GOD, why have you forsaken me?  Why are you so far from helping me and from the words of my roaring?  Oh my GOD, I cry in the daytime, but you hear not and in the night season, and am not silent” with him.  Then I asked, “The one who said that knows how you feel doesn’t he?”

He nodded yes and then I asked, “Do you know who said that?” and he shook his head no.  So, I told him, “it was JESUS when he hung on the cross for your sins and mine.  JESUS totally understands how you are feeling, go to HIM.”

Excited about the positive response I shared the exchange and one hearing what I said replied, “But JESUS has no way of knowing how an addict feels!”

I could not keep quiet and therefore related what happened to me. At one point when I was having severe issues with my monthly cycle, I read in Hebrews 4:14-15. I didn’t believe it and told JESUS that HE wasn’t a woman so HE could not understand what I was going through. 

Immediately, a phrase from an episode in JESUS life bombarded my thoughts (Mark 5:25-34).  When the woman with the issue of blood merely touched the hem of JESUS’ garment JESUS felt power go out of HIS being to heal her (Mark 5:30). That says to me that JESUS felt what it takes every time HE healed someone, whatever the problem was. 

And drugs go way, way back in history for alcohol is a drug and Noah was the 1st recorded one drunk.

So if you are ever tempted by the evil one to think that JESUS does not know how you feel in your situation, thereby HE cannot help you, remember the Bible says HE does.

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.  For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:14-16)

Hugs

Sharon