Choices

My son got 2 very young kittens a few weeks back. Knowing that after they ate they would have to do their business somewhere, we got two litter boxes.  We did not know what we know now. The kittens did not know what litter boxes were and became frightened when we would place them in one.  To cut down on the mess, I asked the LORD what to do. Then thought to put down cardboard with liter on it in the spots the kittens favored going (which is in my bedroom, under my bed). They are getting better on doing their business on the litter, but I still don’t know how to graduate them to the litter boxes.   

One of so many things I love about the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY is that HE knows all things (John 16:30), not just things past and present but also future. That simple mind-boggling fact helps me accept so much I cannot grasp.

GOD in three persons makes up the GODHEAD (Matthew 28:19) and in the counsels of heaven HE chose to make mankind to fellowship with HIM.  HE chose to make them in HIS image (Genesis 1:26).  Part of that image is the ability to make choices. Yet GOD did not make man to be in control.

Many scripture texts show that GOD allows men to do wrong to show us what is in us and why we need a Savior. Each person is always responsible for their own choices and choices have consequences. Often the MOST HIGH allows wicked men to do wrong.  But as Genesis 50:20 (and many other texts) show when GOD allows men to do wrong with evil intent, GOD has pre-planned to use their actions for an end result of good to those who love HIM (Romans 8:28).  There is always a plan in place (see 2 Corinthians 4:15-18) and GOD is always in control (Ephesians 1:11).

In making man with the ability to choose that meant they could either accept and love HIM or reject HIM.  HE knew before creation which would do what.  Yet for GOD to give the ability to choose meant HE had to 1st choose to allow HIMSELF to selectively suffer certain things because of mankind’s choices while GOD HIMSELF maintained complete Sovereign control. GOD is never at man’s mercy.

GOD the HOLY SPIRIT is said to grieve at times because of our actions (Ephesians 4:30). HE is holy and anything unholy grieves HIM. GOD the SON, our LORD JESUS, consented and chose to suffer much on earth from humiliation to carrying all the punishment for the sins of mankind in torture on the cross of Calvary.  GOD the FATHER suffered as HE laid HIS wrath for sin on HIS beloved SON.  HE did it out of HIS love for mankind.  But our triune GOD chose to do that because HE wanted us. 

“GOD devised means, that HIS banished be not expelled from HIM” (2 Samuel 14:14).

Interestingly, we find that GOD preset (past tense) the times and places (Acts 17:26) thereby set the stage where we make our choices.  In HIS astounding foreknowledge HE knew what choices would be made and synchronized it all.  It’s beyond amazing, just blows my mind thinking of it.

Hugs

Sharon

HIS Purpose

Immutable is a big word we seldom use that means unchanging. Sometimes the word immutable is used by preachers to speak of GOD.   In connection with GOD, immutable does NOT mean that GOD is rigid for HE is far from that. GOD’s unchangeableness speaks of HIS faithfulness to HIS own nature/character and purposes.  For instance, the LORD cannot get better for HE is already the best.  HE cannot lie for HE is the truth.  HE cannot learn anything for HE knows all things.

When the bible speaks about GOD never changing it tells us that we can rely on HIM to do what HE says HE will do. HIS promises speak of HIS eternal purposes.  All of GOD’s ways spring from HIS character and purposes. 

One of GOD’s ways is to hate sin and to punish it, while HE loves it when people do right, and HE will reward that.

“With the pure, YOU (GOD) show YOURSELF pure. With the sinful YOU show YOURSELF to be against them” (Psalm 18:26 NLV).

Christians face discipline when they do wrong (1 Corinthians 11:31-32, Hebrews 12:4-7, 10-11) just as the Jews have and do to this day.

Malachi 3:6 “For I am the LORD, I do not change.  Therefore, you are not consumed O sons of Jacob.”

The context is the Jews have sinned, but since GOD made a promise HE does not wipe them out. For HE always keeps HIS word.  Instead, the LORD in HIS longsuffering disciplines them until they change their attitude and actions, just like HE does with a Christian. 

A few Jews are accepting JESUS now and are saved. But for the most part the Jews are blinded and will not come to believe in JESUS until the end of the 7-year Tribulation (Zechariah 13:8-9, 12:10, Daniel 9:24, and Hebrews 8:7-12).  Daniel 9:25-26 shows that the Messiah (JESUS CHRIST) must be cut off/ die and other things happen before the Jews come to believe in HIM.  The text in Hebrews 8:7-12 was written in future tense (something yet to occur) several years AFTER JESUS died, was resurrected and went to heaven. Both are yet future and Romans 11:25-27 states clearly that the Jews have been blinded but every one of those Jews (the 1/3 which are purified Zechariah 13:8-9) who are still alive at the end of the Tribulation will come to believe when they see JESUS at HIS return at the end of the 7-year tribulation.

But you may wonder at the few times the Bible says, GOD repented/ was sorry that HE did something (Genesis 6:5-6).  What is that talking about?  It means that for GOD to be faithful to HIS nature and purposes/ for HIM to act in character which is to punish sin and reward doing right, certain things had to be done. (see Ezekiel 33:17-20).

When GOD made mankind in HIS image HE gave us the ability to choose.  GOD does not change that and even though HE does not like many of our choices, HE does not make us robots that must obey HIM. 

GOD does not take back our ability to choose.  Yet the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY is Sovereign for HE always sets the stage (determines the times and places with specific intent -Acts 17:26-27) and has complete foreknowledge of what we will do ( Acts 2:23, 1 Peter 1:2).  We in turn determine how to act in those times and places.

Now it is written that GOD is love (1 John 4:7) and that GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only SON (JESUS) that whoever would believe in JESUS would have eternal life (John 3:16).  Then John 3:36 says, He who believes in the SON has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the SON shall not see life, but the wrath of GOD (continues) to abide on him.

You see GOD is love (1 John 4:7) and in HIS love HE sent HIS SON JESUS to offer forgiveness and life (John 3:16).  But GOD’s love is in HIS SON (JESUS) (Romans 8:39).  If you receive the SON you receive GOD’s love and the forgiveness JESUS earned for us on the cross.  But if you reject the SON you reject GOD’s love, and your sins remain on you and must be punished for the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).

Sinclair Lewis said that GOD’s throwing those who reject JESUS into the lake of fire was GOD’s last act of respect/ for HE ratifies their rejection of HIM. 

In other words, GOD honors the unbelievers right to choose.  GOD acts at that time according to HIS nature to rejects those who already have rejected HIM. 

As it is written: “For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you” (Matthew 7:2).

Eternal life means being with GOD (John 17:3) and they want no part of GOD. Therefore, GOD turns them over and gives them what they have chosen (Revelation 20:10, 15).

Hugs

Sharon

Wash the windows

LORD willing, I know what is on the top of my to do list when I get home from class!

I glanced up from writing and looked out my window, I was horrified.  The sunlight streaming accentuates how very dirty my windows are.  Though I wash them from time to time, somehow they keep getting dirty.

When a person calls on the name of the LORD JESUS to save him, he is forgiven and cleansed from all sin by the blood of JESUS and forever that one belongs to JESUS and is saved from the wrath of GOD (Hebrews 7:25, John 3:36). 

Even though we are saved we find ourselves turning around and sinning, for all men sin (2 Chronicles 6:36).  When that happens, we don’t need to be saved all over again for we are covered by the cleansing blood of JESUS have eternal life.  Yet to avoid GOD the FATHER taking us to the woodshed /being disciplined of the LORD (1 Corinthians 11:31-32, Hebrews 12:4-7, 10-11), we need to own up/ acknowledge we did wrong- that is confess our sin.  “If we confess our sin, GOD is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and cleanse us (anew) from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

But we are like my windows, by just being in this world we completely unintentionally get some of the dirt and grime of this world system on us.  It just attaches itself to us, like smoke from a campfire or white cat hair to a black pair of slacks.  And it shows to everyone but us.

One of the pieces of furniture in the Old Testament tabernacle was the bronze laver and it was filled with water.  The priests would often stop at the laver and perform ritualistic cleansing.  Like much of the Old Testament, this laver is a picture for us Christians. 

“How can a young man (anyone) cleanse his way?  By taking heed to YOUR word” (Psalm 119:9).

“as CHRIST also loved the church and gave HIMSELF for it; That HE might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word” (Ephesians 5:26).

Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of GOD is alive, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”  

The Word of GOD shows us the things hiding in our heart that should not be there.  When we see them we can take them to GOD and HE will wash them just as I intend to wash my windows.

Hugs,

Sharon

A wall of water coming at me

Back in the day, over 57 years ago, we had this crazy little car- a BMW where the steering wheel opened out when you opened the door from the front of the car.  Pregnant with my 2nd daughter and incredibly huge I had trouble closing the car’s door because the steering wheel came in across my tummy. I felt rather cramped, but being I had a doctor’s appointment, I headed into town from the Black Forest anyway.  In town and nearing the doctor’s office, suddenly, the sky seemed to open up and torrential rain crashed down as sheets of water.  Glancing up I saw a wall of water was coming down the mountain towards my tiny car just as I was started down a steep hill.

Crying out to GOD, the words of Isaiah 59:19 flooded over me, “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the SPIRIT of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.”

I believed GOD was speaking to me and I received HIS words.  Relieved and excited I supposed GOD was going to divert that wall of water I saw heading my way.  So, I was caught by complete surprise, and filled with horror when the flood caught up my car, swirling us (my 3 year old daughter and me) around and around and down that hill. I was terrified, Jeri was screaming.  But as quick as it came, it was over.  We were fine, there was no damage to us or the car.

It took a moment to catch my breath then I rushed to the doctor’s appointment.  After seeing the doctor, I questioned GOD concerning HIS word to me.  HE brought (Proverbs 21:1) those words back into my mind. “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the SPIRIT of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.” 

It was as if the LORD said: “Wasn’t that what I did?  I never said that the flood would not come but that WHEN it came I would rise up a standard against it.

I had misinterpreted the LORD’s words.  I’d leaned on my own understanding, presuming I knew what GOD was going to do.  And HE didn’t do it my way.

The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY actually fulfilled HIS word with exactness. HE had raised up a standard against the enemy by protecting me from harm.

GOD used my trouble for my good (Romans 8:28) for through the ordeal I saw HIM working on my behalf.  The whole episode taught me a lesson to let GOD be GOD, HE strengthened me in my faith and left me knowing I could trust HIM when things got out of control.

Not only that, but HE gave me great story to tell.  A story illustrating how the LORD will delivered those who call out to HIM.  And If I read 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 correctly GOD was preparing me to comfort others in their struggles with the very same comfort HE gave me in my trouble.

When the enemy is coming in against you remember, GOD is there to raise up a standard against him.  Call out to the LORD for HELP and HE will answer.  You don’t need to tell HIM what to do or how to do it but expect HIM to act in whatever way HE chooses because that invites HIM to come in as HE knows is best.

hugs

Sharon

A lady and a basket

I was sent this delightful story and just had to share it.

            The Lady And The Basket    by Loreen   

A funny story tells about an old lady who was living in the village. She had never owned nor even been in a car before.  One day, she was returning home from the market carrying a big heavy basket on her head, when a rich man riding his car passed by.  Kindly, he offered to drive the lady to her home.  She thanked him and got into the car with her basket.

On the way, the man glanced at the lady in the mirror, still holding her basket over her head.  

Astonished, he asked her to lay the basket down in the car and rest.

The old lady naively replied, “Oh my son, your car is carrying me; this is enough, I should not burden it carrying my basket too!”

What an innocently funny response!  We sometimes do the same with GOD.  Every day, GOD carries us during the day. Still, we insist on carrying our heavy baskets of worries and fear of
 the future, for family, kids, spouse, money, job, etc…

We are carried by Almighty Hands, watched over by Sleepless Eyes and GOD plans our future.  Let us then relax and lay down everything in GOD’s Hands.  The old lady, if she agreed to lay down the basket, would have to carry it again when she got back home. But the beautiful thing about GOD is that once we cast our heavy basket in HIS Hands, we do not need to worry about it anymore.

PS-Just a thought from Sharon, Though the burden is lifted, GOD at times will give us instructions for action on our part concerning the basket.  If HE does, follow HIS instructions exactly. “For it is GOD who works (places in us) in us both (the the knowledge and desire) to will (determination) and (enables us) to do of HIS good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). The burden must remain on GOD not us.  for “faithful is HE who calls us who will also do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

Hugs,

Sharon

GOD keeps HIS promises

Jude1:²⁵ To the ONLY wise GOD our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

GOD tells us in Isaiah 55:⁸ For MY thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways MY ways, says the Lord. ⁹ For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are MY ways higher than your ways, and MY thoughts than your thoughts.

Deuteronomy 29:²⁹ The secret things belong unto the Lord our GOD: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law (all the HE has assigned for us to do).

The Sovereign LORD GOD ALMIGHTY Maker of heaven and earth is over all. HE has given us HIS word and sent HIS SON JESUS in order that we could know what HE is like and could have a relationship with HIM through JESUS (Hebrews 7:25).

Colossians 2:⁹ For in HIM (JESUS CHRIST) dwells all the fulness of the GODHEAD bodily.

GOD’s Word, the Bible, relates many things true about GOD. HE is eternal, unlimited, powerful, all wise and has all knowledge -in that is HE knows all things past, present and future-even our thoughts before they are formed so HE knows who will eventually believe and who will not (Psalm 139:2). The LORD is loving, compassionate, gentle and longsuffering, HE is good and never makes a mistake, but HE also is fair and punishes wrong. There is so much more about our GOD that we learn as we seek HIM and study HIS love letter to us, the Bible listening to that still small voice of the HOLY SPIRIT (our teacher within us John 7:38-39, 14:26 who interprets the Bible to us 1 Corinthians 2:10-12).

But there are also things that are secret that we cannot know.

There is one fundamental aspect of our amazing triune GOD that I want to zoom in on for it must be fully grasped for us to know and trust HIM. GOD cannot lie or promise something HE cannot or will not perform.

Isaiah 45:¹⁸ For this is what the Lord says— HE who created the heavens, HE is GOD; HE who fashioned and made the earth, HE founded it; HE did not create it to be empty but formed it to be inhabited. HE says: “I am the Lord, and there is no other. ¹⁹ I have not spoken in secret, from somewhere in a land of darkness; I have not said to Jacob’s descendants, ‘Seek ME in vain.’ I, the Lord, speak the TRUTH; I declare what is right.

Titus 1:² In hope of eternal life, which GOD, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.

John 14:⁶ Jesus answered, “I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life. No one comes to the FATHER except through ME.

Can you trust someone who does not keep his promises?

Romans 3:⁴ GOD forbid: yes, let GOD be TRUE, but every man a liar.

In other words, every man has told at least one lie and with that potential man cannot be totally trusted. But GOD who always speaks the TRUTH can be trusted to do what HE says HE will do.

Numbers 23:¹⁹ GOD is not a man, that HE should lie; neither the son of man, that HE should repent: has HE said, and shall HE not do it? or has HE spoken, and shall HE not make it good?

Let us just look at something GOD has declared and, therefore, know is TRUE.

Jeremiah 31:³ The Lord appeared to us (the descendants of Jacob who today are known as the Jews) in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. ⁴ I will build you up again,

Jeremiah 31:¹⁰ Hear the word of the Lord, you nations; proclaim it in distant coastlands: ‘HE who scattered Israel will gather them and will watch over HIS flock like a shepherd. ¹¹ For the Lord will deliver Jacob and redeem them from the hand of those stronger than they. ¹² They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will rejoice in the bounty of the Lord—

Jeremiah 31:³¹ “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will (future) make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. ³² It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them,” declares the Lord. ³³ “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God,

Who is GOD talking to? To the offspring of those HE sent Moses to take out of Egypt and put them in the Promise land. In other words, the LORD is speaking to the Jews of today.

Jeremiah 31:³⁵ This is what the Lord says,

HE who appoints the sun to shine by day, who decrees the moon and stars to shine by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar- the Lord Almighty is his name: ³⁶ “Only if these decrees vanish from my sight,” declares the Lord, “will Israel ever cease being a nation before me.”

So as long as there is a sun, moon and stars the Jews are GOD’s people. Only after the Tribulation and 1,000 years reign on this earth, only after this earth is dissolved (Revelation 20:7-11, 2 Peter 3:12-13) do the sun, moon and stars disappear. So, until that time, the promises to the physical descendants of Isaac and Jacob remain in force.

Jeremiah 31:³⁷ This is what the Lord says: “Only if the heavens above can be measured and the foundations of the earth below be searched out will I reject all the descendants of Israel because of all they have done,” declares the Lord.

GOD is saying that since the heavens above cannot be measured, and the foundations of the earth below cannot be searched therefore GOD will not reject ALL the descendants of Israel because of all they have done. There will be the remnant saved.

Isaiah 10:²⁰ And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them (the Antichrist); but shall stay upon the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. ²¹ The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty GOD.

Romans 11^:26 And so ALL (remaining) Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: ²⁷ Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the Israelites be like the sand by the sea, only the remnant will be saved.

Romans 11:²⁹ For the gifts and calling of GOD are without repentance (irrevocable).

GOD will not break HIS covenant promises.

The LORD must keep HIS promise to the Jews since HE cannot lie. Yet, GOD is fair. During the 7-year Tribulation/ Daniel’s 70^th week also called Jacob’s Trouble, 2/3^rd of the Jews will die (they are the secular Jews who do not believe in GOD) and the remaining 1/3 Jews who believe in GOD but not JESUS will be refined during that time and when they see JESUS coming down out of heaven (Revelation 19:11-16, Zechariah 12:9-10) ALL the remnant (those 1/3)will believe on JESUS and be saved (Zechariah 13:7-9. Isaiah 10:20-21).

What it boils down to is: if GOD can break HIS eternal promise to the descendants of Jacob, then we have no guarantee HE will keep HIS promise to us who believe in JESUS.

Aren’t you glad GOD does do what HE says HE will do? I sure am!

Hugs

Sharon

GOD is fair

GOD is just. HE does what is right.

The war in Israel is being talked about everywhere along with videos the horror of it’s beginning, plus Israel’s retaliatory actions necessary in order to stop further attacks of like nature not only from the south but also from the north.

Israel WARNED Gaza’s residents to leave before they bombed.  That was Mercy to the unmerciful. Just as our great GOD and Savior the LORD JESUS taught us (Micah 6:8, Matthew 5:7).

I pondered on that WARNING given to Gaza before Israeli active retaliation against the terrorists. It gave the citizens time to leave, which is something Israel is known to do before civilians are affected.  That WARNING makes me think about how Israel’s need to strongly retaliate in order to stop further such attacks is like GOD’s need to stop sin but cause it only increases.

GOD’s WARNING is what we believers are to give out to the unbelievers.  It says “GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believes in HIM shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). “He who believes on the SON has everlasting life, and he that believes not on the SON shall not see life, but the wrath of GOD abides on him still” (John 3:36.

Just as the Jews must stop these attacks for they will only get worse, so GOD must stop sin. HE must utterly wipe it out. Yet GOD does not delight in the death of the wicked but that the wicked turn and live (Ezekiel 18:23, 32). 

In the ALMIGHTY’s longsuffering HE sends out the WARNING both through HIS word and HIS believers longing for people to reach out to HIM and be saved (Acts 17:27).  But the day of reckoning, that day of the attack has been set (2 Peter 3:7) we call it the 7-year Tribulation or Jacob’s Trouble.  No one knows when it will happen, but when it comes it will come suddenly unsuspecting.

Have you fled to safety by believing in the LORD JESUS CHRIST’s blood that saves from the coming wrath of GOD?

As I thought of these things I recognized that this is a picture of what is coming. Israel is giving us a view of GOD’s wrath.  

We have a hard time watching, but seeing the escalation of sin we know it is necessary.

Surprisingly, many nations who usually condemn Israel’s defense of themselves are now in support of Israel.  By that very action we know this isn’t yet the time of the  Ezekiel 38 and 39 war. For the Bible is clear that at that time, though many nations will say to the aggressors why are you attacking Israel, no nation will help Israel.

Be ready for we know not the day.

Hugs

Sharon

GOD delivers

I couldn’t help but think of GOD’s watchful care when I read about and saw a photo of a little 4-month-old baby dug out of the rubble and alive more than a day after the destruction of the cyclone.  It was just a glimpse of GOD’s gentle love and goodness in delivering us from harm.

Have you ever felt or cried out, “It’s not fair!  It’s just not fair!”  I know that I have many times. 

Being we don’t see the whole picture of why things happen and what lies ahead, human standards cry out ‘life is not fair!’ 

Yet the bible tells us, “The swiftest person doesn’t always win the race or the strongest man the battle, and wise men are often poor and skillful men are not necessarily famous.” Ecclesiastes 9:11 

We could add to that list: the innocent suffer while the guilty get rich; you do right and get blamed for wrong (like Joseph the son of Jacob); you lovingly teach your child to do right and he goes deep into sin;  or you just work hard and everything falls apart.

Although life on earth is not fair, we must not despair but rather put GOD in the equation. Too often we forget to remember GOD’s thoughts and ways are not our thoughts and ways.  We are told they are as high as the heavens above (light years away from) our thought and ways.  In other words, we do not have the capacity, at this time, to understand. We are as a preschooler who knows her ABCs yet can in no way understand a Greek novel.  It is totally beyond the level of her comprehension.

In the Bible we are told there is Divine reason behind everything that happens.  Don’t ask me to explain that, but since GOD says it, I believe it as a matter of faith in the truth, power, love and wisdom of GOD who works all things after the counsel of HIS own will (Ephesians 1:11). 

Although I am unable to know or convey the ‘whys?’,  I can give an example that reminded me of GOD’s wisdom behind unfairness as I read again in the book of Daniel.

Now Daniel was taken captive as a young teenager. He chose to do things GOD’s way when doing what was expected of him would have been so much easier.  This story takes place after Daniel faithfully served several kings and he was a very old man.  Daniel was in a place of power because GOD put him there and gave him great wisdom. Daniel was faithful to serve his captives well.  His life was so devoted to GOD that his enemies (jealous because the new king planned to place Daniel over all the other rulers) could not find anything to criticize Daniel of. They knew the only way to get rid of him was trickery and it had to concern his GOD. 

Long story short, his enemies tricked the king into signing an unchangable law stating, ‘no one could ask anything from anyone (god or man) but the king for thirty days.  If someone broke that law he would be thrown into the lion’s den. When Daniel knew the law had been signed, he continued his practice to kneel and pray to GOD three times a day before his open window. He was caught by his enemies who demanded that the king throw Daniel to the lions because of the law he had signed.  The king tried to get out of it, but could find no way out and so threw Daniel to the lions.  In anguish, the king told Daniel that Daniel’s GOD, whom he served day and night, would keep him safe and GOD did.

Now on the surface we must conclude that what happen to Daniel was totally unfair. Bearing in mind that in the Old Testament the Jews primary responsibility (outside of worshipping and obeying GOD) was the same as ours as believers in JESUS today.  That is: we are to be HIS witnesses and are to tell others about our GOD and Savior. 

After spending a sleepless night, come morning, King Darius, rushed to the lion’s den and cried out to Daniel.  “Daniel, was your GOD able to save you?”  Daniel was safe and called back, ‘Yes!’

What was the outcome of all the unfairness Daniel endured?  “Afterwards King Darius wrote this message addressed to everyone in his vast empire in their own languages: “Greetings! I decree that everyone shall tremble and fear before the GOD of Daniel in every part of my kingdom.  For his GOD is the living, unchanging GOD whose kingdom shall never be destroyed and whose power shall never end.  HE delivers HIS people, preserving them from harm; HE does great miracles in heaven and earth; it is HE who delivered Daniel from the power of the lions. Daniel 6:25-27 TLB

So we see that Daniel’s witness was not just with the words he said but by how he lived his life to honor the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY.  Daniel’s words went far beyond anything he could imagine. Because of his suffering to do right, many people from many countries got to hear about GOD. 

Could GOD be doing something through your and my problems and struggles? The bible tells us that GOD has a reason for initiation or allowing of everything that comes our way (Ezekiel 14:23). HE did with Joseph, HE did with Job; HE did with Daniel and with JESUS and sob HE does with what touches you and me.  Are you willing to be like Daniel and trust GOD with all your heart and not lean on your own understanding? (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Hugs,
Sharon

In much or little

While I was in grade school, my neighbors were going on vacation and didn’t want their grass to die so asked me to water it every day. I agreed. But one day I forgot to turn off the water. I didn’t think it mattered that much until, my neighbors got home and found that their basement was flooded. Then I was ashamed, and learned the hard way I needed to be faithful to do all I was supposed to do.  And it was just as important to shut the water off as it was to turn it on.

JESUS told a parable about HIS coming Kingdom (Matthew 25:14-30). In the parable, the King was going to take a trip to a far country. HE gathered HIS servants and gave each of them some of HIS goods, each was given what they could handle, according to their own specific abilities, Then the King left on HIS journey. When HE returned, he gathered HIS servants again, this time for an accounting of what they had done with HIS goods while HE was away.

From the text we learned that

*GOD never asks of us more than we can do (verse 15).

*GOD expects us to use what we have been given to advance HIS Kingdom (verse 26-27).

*JESUS praises and rewards faithful service when HE is gone, with ruling positions in HIS Kingdom once HE returns (verse 23).

*GOD promises that to the one who has, more shall be given.

*But, let’s focus on that one servant who hid what he had been given, rather than use it (verses 24-29).

I personally believe that he was entrusted with the truth of the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST. For it is written that JESUS gave light to everyone that came into the world (John 1:9). Apparently the servant did not accept it, for he had no clue what the Master was like. He believed the lies of the enemy accusing GOD as being a hard and demanding Master. The servant’s attitude indicated that he actually despised and hated his Master. That is seen elsewhere in scripture describing those who suppress the truth because they don’t want the light of the truth to direct them. They want none of its demands made of them (John 3:17-20, Romans 1:18-21, 25, 28).

All the Master asked was for the servant to use what he had been given. Once you believe, you are given the HOLY SPIRIT and HE teaches you what JESUS is like (2 Corinthians 3:18). If you see JESUS you will know what GOD the FATHER is like (John 14:9). That is why I feel that servant did not believe the truth shown him, or walk in the light he had been given.

The prophet Daniel said, “The people who know their GOD, do exploits” (Daniel 11:32).

Why? Once you believe that GOD loves you and sent HIS SON to save you, you are given the HOLY SPIRIT to teach you. Therefore, you have the inside tract to what GOD wants you to do and the power to do it (Philippians 2:13).  Plus, the HOLY SPIRIT pours out HIS fruit into our lives beginning with the love of GOD (Galatians 5:22-23). If you abide in JESUS, you begin to desire what HE desires and will act on that motivation therefore you will bear much fruit and your fruit will remain (John 15:5).

We all have been given gifts according to our own particular abilities.  A dear friend has been given an assignment, his watchword for it is 2 Corinthians 13:5 “Examine yourselves to see if you are in the faith.” I think that is a good word for each of us.

Are you, am I using that which GOD has given us? Will the LORD be able to say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant?”

Our Master, the LORD JESUS CHRIST can come back any day, are we ready?  Are you, am I using what HE has given us and told us to use?

Hugs Sharon

Our GOD is greater!

Do you remember singing the songs, “Our GOD is greater” or “How great is our GOD”? How can people know about our marvelous and all HE has done unless we tell them? Do we let others know about our great GOD? Do we even tell HIM what we think of HIM?

LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, YOU are infinitely greater… beyond all we can imagine.

How great is YOUR faithfulness we see that it YOUR design both in the physical as seen in the seasons and in our lives, how YOU keep YOUR promises.  “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, HIS mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning, new every morning, great is THY faithfulness O LORD, great is THY faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23).

How great is YOUR love, compassion and mercy for while we were sinners YOU sent YOUR only Begotten Son, JESUS (John 3:16) to come pay for our sins so we could be adopted into YOUR family and live forever with YOU. 

How great is YOUR wisdom and understanding seen in YOUR plans for each of YOUR creation from the boundaries of the waves of the sea, to the heavenly bodies and even to mosquitos… big and small YOUR designs are according to YOUR great wisdom and understanding.  Plus, YOU tell us that YOU have specific plans for each of those who believe in JESUS (Ephesians 2:10).  It is so amazing.

How great is YOUR humor and creativity.  I look at the vast variety of colors and designs from graceful bird to the cartoon stick character of a Praying Mantis.  I am amazed and yet at times must laugh with YOU.

How great is YOUR joy and peace that YOU pour out on those who look to YOU.  And do we ever need it.  Thank YOU.

Yet these are only a tiny part of YOUR ways, Besides the amazing wonder of JESUS coming to save us, the things I’ve mentioned are but some of the minor things YOU do, “merely a whisper of YOUR glory and the outer fringe of YOUR workings; how faint the whisper we hear of YOU! Who then can understand?’ (Job 26:14).

YOUR greatness is unsearchable (Psalm 145:3) and I bow in wonder. Please show me more of YOU and my LORD JESUS CHRIST.

It thrills me that YOU take great delight in me, take time to quiet me with YOUR love and even sing over me (Zephaniah 3:37).  And it blows my mind that when we who love YOU think about YOUR name (character) and talk about it that YOU are so delighted that YOU have our words recorded and make an awesome vow concerning us (Malachi 3:16-17).

Thank YOU for loving me and giving me JESUS and the HOLY SPIRIT and YOUR promise never to leave me nor forsake me (Hebrews 13:5).  YOU are so good!

I love YOU, LORD.

Sharon