Are you listening?

Do you, do I, listen to hear GOD speak and direct us?

JESUS said “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD” (Matthew 4:4). 

It is recorded that GOD said, “I change not” (Malachi 3:6). Therefore, if the LORD ever did speak to people (and we know HE did), then HE still does.

HE can speak to us in any fashion that He desires: from a whisper in our innermost being where we know what we need to know, do, or say.  The LORD speaks often through a verse that stands out as we read the Bible, or a piece of a verse coming to mind that shows us what we need to do or know. Perhaps GOD will move on another (a preacher or a friend) to speak an audible word that resounds within you.

Remember, GOD even had a donkey speak once (Numbers 22:28).

So, the question isn’t, “Does GOD speak to us or not?” The question should be, “Are we listening and obeying when GOD speaks?”

And my friends, today in our world full of deception and increasing chaos this is the time we really need to study GOD’s word and listen for GOD’s voice as never before.

“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, fear the LORD and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:5-7)

But beware, GOD is not the only one who speaks to us.  Therefore, if the message seems strange, ask GOD about it (Proverbs 3:5-7) for if you are willing to do what GOD says you will know if something is from GOD or not (John 7:17).

Now if a word contradicts scripture, toss it out altogether (Isaiah 8:20).

But don’t write off that inner awareness, check it out with GOD for HE may very well be directing your steps not just to lead you in the way you should choose but also to protect you from harm.

hugs,

Sharon

The sprinklers came on

A little incident can so change one’s perspective that time can seem to fade away.  Recently, when I was walking across our lawn with the sun beating down on me and the temperature soaring above 100 degrees all of a sudden, the sprinklers came on and I ran through them laughing and feeling just like a kid again.

The nature of water is soft, the nature of stone is hard; but if a bottle is hung above a stone, allowing the water to fall drop by drop, it wears away the stone. So, it is with the WORD of GOD on those reading it wanting to hear from GOD.

The WORD of GOD is soft, and our heart is hard, but the one who willing hears the WORD of GOD often, opens his heart to the fear of GOD. / Abba Poemen

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10).

The WORD of GOD is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, it is a discerner of the thoughts and the intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).

Take time regularly to read the WORD of GOD. Expect GOD to use it to speak to you personally where you are at as well as to teach, refresh and energize you as it redirects and encourages you. For even if you are not aware of the fact, GOD HIMSELF meets you in HIS WORD and you will be changed.

Have you read the WORD of GOD today?

hugs

Sharon

Massive flooding

We are hearing and seeing videos of massive flooding in countries all around the world. It reminds me of Noah.

Noah lived in troubled times where there was much wickedness.  He knew GOD and obeyed GOD by preaching as well as building the arc according to the directions GOD gave him.   GOD wanted the people warned that HE was going to punish the evil world but if they would believe and get in the arc they could be saved from the coming flood.  Noah preached for over 120 years but only his family chose to believe.  They believed and got in the arc along with the animals so were ready when the rains came. 

We too live in troubled times and wickedness and violence is increasing.  Times that makes us think our LORD will surely come soon.  But as we look around, we realize that many do not know our JESUS.  They are like those in the days of Noah who didn’t believe and therefore didn’t get in the arc.  The ones who do not believe in JESUS are not ready for HIM to come and will have to face the 7-year Tribulation.

John 3:¹⁶ GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believes in HIM should not perish but have everlasting life … ³⁶ He that believeth on the SON has everlasting life: and he that believeth not the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abides (stays) on him.

Some wonder what is the hang up that keeps the LORD from coming for HIS own.

The LORD is not slack or tardy concerning HIS promise (to rescue us from the evil), as some count slackness, but is LONGSUFFERING.  Not willing (wanting Ezekiel 18:23, 32) any to perish, but that all (who will believe) should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

You see GOD is waiting for everyone who will believe in JESUS to come to HIM.  HE knows precisely who they are.

JESUS has left us (who believe in HIM) here to witness of the LORD JESUS CHRIST our Savior so that others have a chance to believe and be saved from HIS wrath that must come against evil in order to stop evil.  If we want JESUS to hurry up and come get us out of this growing evil, we better get busy doing our job of telling others all about our amazing Savior JESUS.

For all who call on the name of the LORD will be saved (Romans 10:13).

Hugs

Sharon

Do you want to hear?

Many years ago, my sister Carol sent me this picture saying, “This picture looks just like you did when you were a young girl.  I especially like that she is listening to the seashell.  It reminds me of you listening to GOD.” 

Her take of me blew me away for it humbled and challenged me. Wanting to live up to her assessment of me, I keep that picture on my dresser to remind me to always stop and listen to GOD.  When I see it, it reminds me of my little sister Carol as well.

It is so easy to just go lay our requests at GOD’s feet and then get busy doing other things.  GOD wants more.  HE wants me to not just acknowledge HIM in everything but also to listen/ be alert waiting to hear HIS take on the issue.  That way I can do what HE leads me/ impresses on me to do (Philippians 2:13). 

There are so many things we don’t know, but GOD knows all things.  Isaiah 28 speaks of GOD as teaching the farmer.  Isaiah 28:26 the farmer knows what to do, for GOD has made him see and understand what he should do…Isaiah 28:28 speaks of how different things need to be handled in different ways and Isaiah 28:29 sums it up with “The LORD of Hosts is a wonderful teacher and gives wisdom.”

Do you have a problem and are you not sure what to do?  Ask of GOD, who gives to all generously, without scolding or bringing up the past, and it shall be given to you. But be sure you ask expecting GOD to answer and willing to do as HE says otherwise, you’ll be greatly disappointed. James 1:5-6

It is GOD who is nudging me by putting that knowledge that I should do something in me (Philippians 2:13). I have learned that if I don’t do what I know I should do, GOD will not give me anymore direction until I do what HE has already shown me to do.

But why wait for a problem?  GOD instructs us ALWAYS/ or in ALL our ways to (Proverbs 3:5-7), “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and don’t lean on your own understanding.  In ALL your ways acknowledge (talk to HIM) and HE will direct your path.  Don’t be wise in your own eyes, fear the LORD and depart from evil.”

hugs

Sharon

How do you know?

Ever wonder what you should do?

What did JESUS mean when HE said, “Man (and women) can not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD” Matthew 4:4?

GOD’s Words are our instructions to empower us to successfully move through the maze of this life, just as food energizes our bodies.

As Hebrews 4:12 tells us that “the Word of GOD is living and powerful.”  It shows us ourselves and directs us to GOD’s way for 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 make your paths straight. Be not wise in your own eyes fear (humbly reverence) the LORD and depart from evil. Proverbs 3:5-7.

Notice it does not say direct your understanding. That means the LORD leads the way but like with Abraham HE does not always explain Hebrews 11:8). Being GOD is more powerful than the devil or you, it is guaranteed HE will be the one directing you if you humbly ask.

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go I will counsel you with MY eyes upon you.” Psalm 32:8

When GOD tells us to talk to HIM about everything. HE means it for only HE knows what lies ahead. To comply with HIS word and nudges is what is meant to walk in the SPIRIT. GOD promises that if we just acknowledge HIM in a situation, HE will instruct and teach us in the way we should go.

Isaiah 30:19b-21 “How gracious HE (the LORD) will be when you cry for help! As soon as HE hears you, HE will answer you. Although the LORD gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, … whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you (impressed within you), saying, ‘This is the way walk in it’.”

You might ask, “But can’t the devil talk to us too and trick us? And what about my own desires couldn’t they override GOD’s leading and make me think it is GOD?” 

If you had not brought it before the LORD with a humble willingness to do whatever HIS will is, I would have to say yes on both counts. But once we admit our need in a situation, acknowledge HIM (come to HIM with a willingness to listen and obey) The LORD promises to direct your steps, and remember GOD cannot lie Titus 1:2).

How can we determine that GOD is speaking in a verse or in a nudge? GOD impresses in our hearts and minds and initially we know that is what we should do (see Hebrews 10:16, Philippians 2:13).

“… hearts are in the hand of the LORD, as one can direct the spray of water from a hose by moving it from one place to another, so the LORD directs the thoughts where HE wants them to go …” Proverbs 21:1

For it is GOD who is at work in you, both to want to do and to be able to do what HE wants done. Philippians 2:13

“Commit your work to the LORD and your thoughts will be established. Proverbs 16:9.

GOD is speaking to us. The question is, are we listening?

WARNING: If you still do not know the next step after asking, WAIT- GOD is saying, stay put until you do know what to do.  Do NOT plot your own plans! GOD says not to do that for it will only cause you trouble (Isaiah 50:10-11).

Hugs

Sharon

Listen

Claiming a promise

Writing a chapter lesson for my class in Hebrews about claiming a promise of GOD, I came across the same exact statement 4 times. According to translation rules that repetition brings emphasis it is clear this thought is important.

Since GOD declares that HE gives us great and precious promises that if we will use benefit us greatly (2 Peter 1:4), I thought it something I needed to share.

“Today if you hear HIS voice, Don’t harden your hearts (or be stubborn)…” (Hebrews 3:7-8, 15, 4:7, Psalm 95:7-8).

Notice the choice is to pay attention to what is said or to be stubborn and refuse to hear.

Now eight times in the Gospels and 8 times in Revelation, 16 times total another term is spoken of. “if you have ears to hear, listen and you will understand.” NLT (or if you want to hear, listen and you will understand).

In John 5:45 JESUS says that everyone IS taught by GOD (through the HOLY SPIRIT- 1 Corinthians 2:10-12) but its only those who listen and have learned that profit from what is taught.

As we know a teacher teaches all his students but not all the students learn.  Some refuse or choose not to listen.  Those students do not learn or benefit from what is being taught.

Romans 10:17 says faith comes from hearing and hearing by the Word of GOD.

But we know that everyone that hears the truth of GOD’s word does not choose to grab ahold of it and believe it simply because GOD said it.  The one who grabs hold of the word obtains faith (2 Peter 1:1), but those that refuse to receive the love of the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10), who ignore or suppress what they initially know is true (Romans 1:18-21) do not get faith in what they have heard.  Rather they deliberately choose unbelief and that is evil.

If you turn from doing what GOD says, Hebrews 3:12 tells us you have an evil heart of unbelief.

This shows that it is a choice not to accept what GOD says, it is not an inability to accept.

We live in evil times and 2 Timothy 4:3 speaks directly to our time. “For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.

So let us listen and as Hebrews 3:13 tells us “exhort one another daily while it is called TODAY (until the RAPTURE) lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”

Hugs

Sharon

Every word

We live in a day when it is hard to tell who is telling the truth.  The worst part is that is also true within the church.  The Holy Bible says that the end days will be marked by many false teachers. (2 Peter 2:1). As one man aptly put it, “The more truth mixed in, makes the little lie seem true.”  So as never before we must be Bereans.  Who were they?

“These (those in Berea) were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11).

Today I received an email about a false teacher and what she believed. Though I’d heard of that teacher, I was astounded at some of the points they claimed she taught.  Most were wild and clear error.  But one thing stated as false doesn’t jive with Scripture.  It said GOD doesn’t speak to us today.  But GOD never changes! (Malachi 3:6, James 1:17).

I believe the Scripture is complete, nothing should be added to it nor subtracted from it. The Scriptures were written as the HOLY SPIRIT moved on men of GOD to write what GOD wanted. (2 Peter 1:21).  They were written for our learning (Romans 15:4, 1 Corinthians 10:11). They show us what GOD is like, how GOD deals with people, and what is pleasing to GOD.  GOD the HOLY SPIRIT teaches us through these Scriptures and reminds us of Scripture when we need it. (John 14:26, 16:13).

HE the HOLY SPIRIT who was given to each and every believer when they believe in the LORD JESUS CHRIST (Ephesians 1:13-14, John 7:38-39) also interprets GOD’s word to us (1 Corinthians 2:10-11).  That is necessary so we can understand it, for GOD’s ways and thoughts are different than the human perspective vastly higher and beyond our understanding (Isaiah 55:8-9).

The HOLY SPIRIT also individually leads us, and comforts us directly in personal situations. (2 Corinthians 1:3-5).   Part of the purpose of HIS individual speaking to me is so through the comfort HE gives me I am enabled to comfort others with the same comfort HE gives me.

As the Old Testament prophet Joel prophesied in the “last days” visions and dreams will be part of the HOLY SPIRIT’s work after HE is poured out. (Joel 2:28-29). This BEGAN (for it was not completely fulfilled at that time) on Pentecost when the church was born. (Acts 2:14-18). JESUS tells us that when the HOLY SPIRIT comes (which HE did on Pentecost over 2,000 years ago) HE would convict the world of sin (John 16:8) of righteousness and of judgment and HE is still doing it.

An example of this is seen in Iran were 1,000s unable to hear the gospel by people, have and are having visions that have brought them to saving faith in JESUS just as Paul had on the road to Demarcus. (Acts 9:1-8). 

When GOD impresses instructions on me, they are not scripture. They are not words for others. But GOD is speaking to me/ impressing on me (Philippians 2:13, Hebrews 10:16) with GOD’s words of comfort or direction and HIS words are to lead me as HE walks with me through life.  (Proverbs 21-1).   Just as HE promises.

(Proverbs 3:5-6)  Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.In all thy ways acknowledge him, and HE shall direct thy paths.

As I submit myself to HIS instructions in HIS word and directions through the nudges of the HOLY SPIRIT (hearing a word in my ear to turn to the left hand or to the right Isaiah 30:21) HE leads me.  Sometimes it is simply to call a person which I then learn needed a word of encouragement. 

JESUS said in Matthew 4:4, It has been written, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD.”  The Greek word translated for word in this verse is not logos (the Greek word for Scripture, and even used of JESUS) but it is the Greek word Rhema (which means a spoken word for a specific situation).  Both are needed and the spoken word will ALWAYS agree with the written word.  The Rhema is just personal directions for specific situations, like when GOD wouldn’t let Paul go into Turkey on his second missionary journey (Acts 16:17), but later on Paul’s 3^rd missionary journey Paul did go into Turkey (that is where the 7 churches of Revelation 2-3 are). That showed it wasn’t GOD’s timing on the 2^nd journey but was GOD’s timing on the 3^rd.

Check all that is said by the written Word of GOD (the Scripture/ the Bible) for many false teachings are out there.  But at the same time despise not that still small voice nor GOD’s nudges.

Hugs

Sharon

Seek and you will find

Have you ever been in the place when you are sharing something important, something you are excited about and the person you are speaking with looks bored or turn to look at something, or someone else?  To me that says, “I don’t care about what you are saying”.

Body language has power and speaks loudly. For by how we hold our body we give clues as to what we are feeling and thinking.  When you like someone, you want to get closer to him/her, it’s just that simple.  When someone is telling you about something you think is valuable you want to catch every word.  The closer you get to the speaker, the more interest you show. Hence, leaning forward, especially when combined with nodding and smiling, is the most noticeable way to silently say, “ Yes, I care and I’m listening to you.”

The great I AM-YAHWEH is our GOD.  Isaiah 55:8-9 tells is that GOD is so high above us in position, and power, and knowledge that by ourselves it is impossible to know what HE is like.  HE is infinite/ unlimited and HIS thoughts and ways are said to be as high above ours as the heaven is above the earth.  Simple mathematics tells us if we started running at the moment we are born at the rate of 1 mile every 4 minutes (no breaks) we would be 700 years old before we reached our sun;  we would be 182 million years old before we reached the nearest star… and that is just the beginning of the heavens.  So, you see, understanding GOD is nigh on impossible to the human mind. 

Through HIS amazing creation (the stars, and flowers, and seasons of the year, through light and darkness, thunder and lightning, colors and sounds, mosquitos and bees and on and on) we can catch glimpses of things true about GOD (Romans 1:19-20).  Things like GOD’s power, imagination, wisdom, humor, organization and love of color and sounds… I could go on and on.  

Then to the ones who believe in JESUS CHRIST and call on the name of the LORD (Romans 10:13) is given a tremendous gift-GOD the HOLY SPIRIT is sent to live within us (John 7:38-39).  HE is our teacher, our helper, HE interprets GOD’s heart and mind to us, reminds us and explains how the WORD of GOD applies to us, convicts us when we do wrong, and nudges us to do what GOD wants us to do.  To help us to grasp things too wonderful for us to know/understand, The HOLY SPIRIT uses illustrations we can understand.

Therefore, HE who hears prayers is a name assigned to our GOD (Psalm 65:2).  If you go to the Hebrew word for that verse you will find it means: one who in reality is continually leaning forward in order to intensely and attentively listen to what we have to say. So, when GOD calls HIMSELF, HE who hears prayers we can know HE cares about us and is interested in what we have to say.   

We know GOD the Father and our LORD JESUS CHRIST already know all things (John 6:30) but GOD desires for us come to HIM about EVERYTHING so HE can show us HIS perspective and get HIS directions (Proverbs 3:5-7, 2 Corinthians 10:5).  HIS attention to us opens us up to lean in and listen to HIS voice.  It also puts us in the place where HE can give us assignments so we can co-labor with HIM in achieving HIS purposes.

GOD intently listens to those who seek HIM in truth (Proverbs 8:17), do we follow HIS example and listen to those GOD places in our path?

Hugs

Sharon

GOD confirms

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Don’t try to be more holy than GOD”? Meaning, don’t go further than GOD does.

I think of that quip when I hear such things as “it is wrong to ask GOD for confirmation.”  This concept is probably taken out of context from when the Pharisees came to dispute with and test JESUS. It is written JESUS groaned in HIS spirit and said, “No sign will be given to this generation.”

Well, no sign was needed for that generation because JESUS was there performing miracles right and left.

However, GOD delights in confirming HIS words.  GOD worked with the Apostles as they went out and preached everywhere, confirming HIS words spoken through them with accompanying signs.  This was brand new theology and had to be confirmed to be believed.

Now we are told to walk in the SPIRIT and to do so we must be able to grasp what we are to do.  We know the absolutes from the Bible but in little things we are to stop and listen to the HOLY SPIRIT’s still small voice.

The fearful idol worshipping Gideon asked for 2 opposite signs to know that GOD was really speaking to him and GOD gave them to him.  But then notice although Gideon didn’t ask for more, GOD said to him if you are still fearful (because GOD knew Gideon’s heart, as HE knows ours, and the LORD knows what it will take for us to be strengthened) do this and it will convince you (see Judges 7:10-11).

GOD wants us to be strengthen and to know what HE wants us to say and do.  It is written that JESUS only said and did what GOD told HIM to say and do (John 8:28).  Should we not do the same?

There is one other aspect of JESUS giving signs I want to briefly touch on.

The disciples asked JESUS what to look for /what signs will indicate the end times.  JESUS didn’t rebuke them or hesitate but proceeded to lay out specifics concerning the end days as it pertains to the Jewish people and the world in general in Luke 21:7-28. 

Then JESUS gives 2 hints.  The 1st hint pertains to the timetable of the beginning 70^th week of Daniel 9:24 when HE spoke a parable of the fig tree.  The fig tree is a symbol of Israel and from Luke 21:29-to 32 JESUS tells that when Israel is budding (comes back to life which it did in 1948) you know that the time is near.

The 2^nd hint is found in Luke 21:32-33, 36.  The generation that sees Israel bloom will not all pass away before all the things HE spoke about came to pass.  Therefore, those who see and understand are to look up for their redemption (to escape the 7 years of Jacob’s terrible trouble) draws near.  In other words (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) the rapture when JESUS comes for HIS bride before HE breaks the seals of the wrath of GOD on the earth.

Well, I am part of that generation that saw Israel bloom in 1948 for I was born in 1945.  Many of my generation have already passed away, and today I was notified of 3 more of my generation getting their go to heaven pass.  But as scripture tells us they will come back for their new bodies and go up with the rest of us who believe in JESUS to meet HIM in the air before the wild ruckus explodes here on earth. 

So don’t hesitate to ask GOD to show you what to do, or say for we are told that we have not because we ask not.  But remember unless we are willing to stop and listen we will never hear/ get our instructions.

Hugs

Sharon

Are you good enough?

This morning as I talked to the LORD a verse came to mind along with the name of a person.  From past experiences I knew instantly I was to share that Bible verse with her.  When I obeyed that prompting, she said it was a timely word, a word she needed to hear.  That illustrates the outworking of the New Covenant that JESUS established through HIS blood on the cross (1 Corinthians 11:25). 

Some inadvertently seek to teach the law or rule keeping.  The Bible says that they neither understand what they are saying or what they affirm (1 Timothy 1:7).  For, “The law is good if one uses it lawfully, knowing this that the law is not made for a righteous person (a believer in JESUS covered with the righteousness of GOD), but for the lawless and insubordinate …” (1 Timothy 1:8-9).

Isaiah speaks of righteousness 51 times but a key to understanding it is seen in Isaiah 64:6. It states that only a sinless person can do right.  “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags”

The purpose of the law is to show what sin is to those who are sinning, that they might know they are guilty before GOD (Romans 3:19-20).  Whereas: a person is not considered by GOD righteous by their actions for our righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6) in GOD’s eyes for all of us have sinned (Romans 3:23). 

“The righteousness (required by) of GOD is through faith in JESUS CHRIST to all and (placed by GOD) on all who believe (in JESUS)” (Romans 3:22).

You see once we in sincere faith call upon the name of the LORD we are saved (Romans 10:9-10, 13) our sins are washed away, and we get the HOLY SPIRIT (John 7:38-39). The HOLY SPIRIT seals us to GOD and as a down payment guaranteeing we belong to GOD until HE comes gets us (Ephesians 1:13-14, 4:30).  The HOLY SPIRIT then teaches us/ leads us in the way we should go and explains what GOD means and wants us to do and reminds us of the Word of GOD when we need to use it as a sword against the enemy (1 Corinthians 2:10, John 14:26, Ephesians 6:17). 

This is the New Covenant established by JESUS on the cross (1 Corinthians 11:25).  This New Covenant is defined in Hebrews 10:16-17: “…I will put my laws in their hearts (so they want what I want) and write them on their minds (so they know what they are supposed to do) and their sins and iniquities I will remember no more.”

In Philippians 2:13 GOD states this New Covenant as: “It is GOD who works in you both to will (to want to do) and (be enabled/ strengthened) to do HIS (GOD’s) good pleasure (what HE wants done.).  That’s GOD’s part and now comes ours. Philippians 2:12- work out (do) what GOD has put within you (nudged you) to do. Or as I often say, obey the nudges.

No longer is it attempting to keep a set of rules to gain GOD’s favor, but rather it is listening to and letting GOD lead us step by step.  We do what HE says because we believe HE is right and knows what to do.  We don’t throw out our Bibles, but we go meet with GOD in HIS word and there learn more about HIM who loves us.  While there we learn HIS ways and standards, we hear HIM speak personally to us in our own situations and instruct us in what HE wants us to do.

We are given a new heart when we believe in JESUS and enter the New Covenant (Ezekiel 36:26) but we are told to then renew our minds daily (Romans 12:1-2, Ephesians 4:23). That means we need to get in GOD’s word and to talk with HIM.

Are you striving to obey rules or are you taking time with GOD, then doing what you know HE wants you to do in the strength HE gives you when you ask (Hebrews 4:16)?

Hugs

Sharon