Former things

Here it is snowing, was it just days ago I wore a short-sleeved blouse?

As I think about earth’s seasons, the water cycle, amazing variety and beauty, the sometimes-funny qualities and hidden secrets (like the star in center of each apple and rose) in GOD’s creation of this earth, I can’t help but wonder what hidden surprises await me in the eternal realm where the FORMER THINGS will be no more.

The things of this earth, it’s joys, relationships, achievements, and delights are the very things that bring us sorrow and pain and tears.  GOD promises that in the new world these FORMER THINGS will be no more.

Revelation 21:⁴ And GOD shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the FORMER THINGS are passed away.”

I have heard people adding words in JESUS mouth when HE simply said that in heaven we would be like the angels in heaven.  The bible tells us that the angels in heaven are FOCUSED on the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, full of joy in the Presence of the LORD and with jobs to do.  They are fully satisfied.

It was the angels who left heaven and their assigned place and came to earth who broke boundaries and then married human women.  Mankind followed suit in crossing boundaries GOD made and became more and more wicked in that it is written that the thoughts of their hearts were only evil continually (Genesis 6).  GOD grieved and had to destroy the increasing wickedness and did so with the worldwide flood.

JESUS said the world would become as in the days of Noah and today the wickedness is definitely beyond imagination.  GOD’s wrath must again be poured out and we read about it in Revelation 6 and following.

But we await JESUS who delivers us from the wrath to come (I Thessalonians 1:10) and we rejoice greatly in the further promise of Nahum 1:9 What do ye imagine against the Lord? HE will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time.

As Revelation 21:4 says .. there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the FORMER THINGS are passed away.”  JESUS declares after the resurrection we will be as the angels of GOD in heaven (Matthew 22:30). The angels who always behold the face of GOD, worship the ALMIGHTY, have work to do and are totally satisfied.

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard neither has entered into the heart of man, the things which GOD has prepared for them that love HIM” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

But we do know things will be different, our focus for one and we know it will be FAR BETTER (Philippians 1:23).

Hugs

Sharon

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

Make it happen

Once upon a time there was a popular secular song my teenager loved to sing.  It had a very catchy tune, but being hearing impaired, I really never caught what the words said- except for one line: it went, “Jeremiah was a bullfrog, a very good friend of mine.” 

Well, today I want to talk about another Jeremiah, a very good friend of GOD.  I say that because, GOD does nothing without revealing HIS plan to HIS servants the prophets first (Amos 3:7) and HE chose to reveal to Jeremiah what would happen in the future.

From advertisements, to politics, to even the church we hear a lot of people, claiming a lot of different things will happen.  It is just plain hard to tell who is telling the truth.  That is, unless you have a way to check out their claims.

We have also a more sure word of prophecy (what is going to happen), “as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as, as a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.  Above all you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things.  For (bible) prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from GOD as they were carried along by the HOLY SPIRIT” (2 Peter 1:19-21 NIV).

And Paul words backed up the apostles Peter’s words in 2 Timothy 3:16 when he wrote, “All Scripture is written by the inspiration of GOD…”.

Who prompted the prophets that wrote the Bible to say what they said?  That’s right, GOD HIMSELF. (Philippians 2:13)

How can we be sure that Jeremiah was one of GOD’s prophets, there were a lot of false prophets in that day (Jeremiah 23) and today as well (1 Peter 2:1)?  The Word of GOD says that by two or three witnesses shall everything be established (John 8:17).

The prophet Daniel recognized that Jeremiah heard from GOD (Daniel 9:2), and three different times on three separate issues, Matthew acknowledged Jeremiah as being a true prophet whose words were fulfilled (Matthew 2:17, 16:14, 27:9).

GOD met with Jeremiah and spoke many things to him while he was still young.  Among them, the LORD, said, “I have put MY words in your mouth”, and “I (the LORD) will hasten MY word to perform it’ (I will make it happen) (Jeremiah 1:9,12).  The LORD ALMIGHTY can do that for GOD is Sovereign, what HE determines, will occur, regardless of anything.

Jeremiah was a true prophet of the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, Maker of heaven and earth.  That determined, let’s look at one of HIS prophecies (Jeremiah 38:17-23).

In verse 17 Jeremiah is talking to the king of Judah, King Zedekiah, when the Babylonians were coming against the city.  He tells the king IF he surrenders, the king’s life would be spared, and Jerusalem would not be burned down. (notice the IF- those words are conditional on the king’s actions)

In verse 18-23 But IF the king decides not to surrender then, Jerusalem would be burned down, the king would not escape and his wives and children and all the women in the palace would be given to the officials to be ravished.  In the KJ version in verse 23 we read Jeremiah telling the king: “You will cause Jerusalem to be burned”.

According to GOD’s word, who caused Jerusalem to be burned? 

GOD is Sovereign and powerful. HE has a plan that no one can change. It was through HIS purpose, great wisdom, and knowledge of all things past, present, and future (like GOD’s foreknowledge of what the king of Jerusalem would choose) that HE formed HIS plan that would fulfill HIS purposes. 

One of which is to teach the principalities and powers of heaven (good and bad angels) HIS superior wisdom (Ephesians 3:10).

Since GOD cannot lie (Numbers 23:19) and in HIS faithfulness HE keeps every promise HE makes, we know the king had a real choice to make. The king alone would be responsible for his choice. In his GOD-given position of authority, the king’s choice actually determined something to occur.  King Zedekiah caused Jerusalem to be burned. 

He could have stopped it.  So, you see our choices are really important.

Now GOD is in absolute control, and has determined the times and places, yet within HIS plan HE chose to give mankind the attribute of choice.  We are not mere puppets, but GOD sets us in situations and specific time schedules (Acts 17:26-27) where we are given choices that have effects. 

A truth I know, although it is completely beyond my ability to understand, is that while GOD maintains absolute control, HE does so without infringing on the gift HE gave me of choice.

Like King Zedekiah, we believers are told that IF we choose to do something, one thing will happen.  The Word of GOD says, IF we choose to live godly (demonstrating the character of GOD by walking in the power of the HOLY SPIRIT by going with HIS nudging and leading) we can hasten that day when HE will come (that means speed its coming) when all evil is eradicated (2 Peter 3:11-12).  The choice is ours, what will it be?

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

Hugs

Sharon

GOD cares

Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. Psalm 103:13

GOD is light, and in HIM is no darkness at all. The very nature of light is to reveal, to show what is in the darkness. Our magnificent Almighty Creator’s very nature is to reveal. Throughout nature and HIS word, HE progressively reveals HIMSELF through HIS awesome wonders.

Sitting in my back yard, in the cool of the shade of early morning, enjoying and praising GOD for the beautiful and peaceful setting HE has given me. Suddenly my thoughts went back over my life, and I was amazed anew at how patient and compassionate the LORD has been with me.  At times I wanted this and that and chased after foolishness, looking this way and that to fill the longings within me. Slowly, one by one, the good LORD exposed that my seeking out people’s good opinion of me, acceptance, fun, or productivity, all that I chased after, was mere chasing after the wind. Through these disclosures, HE began to reveal HIMSELF to me, and to fulfill my longings.

But I know many, who also got caught up chasing after the empty, yet bedazzling enticements that this world offers.  As scripture says they have emptied themselves out (2 Kings 17:15). Now, they feel hopeless, and live in despair, while I have peace and joy.

What is the difference? We both sought after the things of this world.

The answer is simply JESUS. JESUS caught my attention and I came to believe in JESUS, and asked HIM to save me (Acts 2:21, Romans 10:13). Since then when I have a longing, I talk it over with JESUS…bringing to HIM those thoughts and as I do, I begin to see things from a different angle.

As GOD reveals HIMSELF, HE also, exposes what lies in the darkness. Since we have very comparative natures, when we look at what GOD shows us of HIMSELF, we see that we fall short of HIS glory (Romans 3:23). We are exposed as lacking. Those determined to keep doing what they know is wrong turn from the light and refuse to come to the light -which is JESUS- lest they be exposed and convicted (John 3:19-20).

The neat thing I have found is when I go to JESUS (the light) HE gives me peace and direction.  HE does not rail on me because I have not measured up, instead HE gives me grace that helps me do what HE and our heavenly FATHER wants done (Hebrews 4:16).

Taking every thought to JESUS

Hugs,

Sharon

GOD meant it for good

GOD has led me to pray a certain way concerning the Coronavirus, I even asked many of you to join me in that prayer in one of my posts. So, I am thrilled to see GOD’s leading confirmed.

In Malachi 3:6 we are told, “For I am the LORD, I change not;” Therefore, we can learn about HIM by looking at how HE has acted in the past.

One of GOD’s ways is to work all things together for good to those who love HIM (Romans 8:28). We see that vividly in the life of Joseph, a Jewish teen sold by his brothers as a slave but through many troubles at 30 became 2^nd in command to Pharaoh. Listen to Joseph’s description of GOD.

“But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but GOD meant it for good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive” (Genesis 50:20).

In a coronavirus update, J D Farag spoke of GOD using the evil of the coronavirus to cause many across the globe to reach out to the LORD of heaven and earth to obtain eternal life.  In other words, to save much people alive.

Yes, reports tell that many who would have nothing to do with GOD before are now coming to JESUS.

Let’s praise HIS holy name for the harvest is getting ripe! But don’t stop praying yet for as long as we are here the last one to accept JESUS has not yet done so (2 Peter 3:9).

Hugs

Sharon

What is on GOD’s mind?

GOD’s way of doing things shows wisdom, power and foreknowledge but to us in the middle of a situation things can be baffling. Though we wonder- “Why does GOD allow the bad?” , we know from seeing the change of seasons, the stars and the flowers that GOD knows what HE is doing.

The Almighty prepared in advance a large fish to go to just the right spot to swallow HIS rebellious prophet Jonah when the sailors threw him overboard. 3 days later the fish listened and obeyed when GOD told it to spit Jonah out on dry land. After Jonah did what GOD asked, he went to sit and see the results. GOD had (prepared in advance) a vine miraculously to grow up over Jonah to give him shade and comfort him. But in the morning GOD had prepared a worm to kill the plant that gave Jonah shade, and did it ever make Jonah mad. Yet, since we have the book of Jonah, I am pretty sure Jonah learned what GOD was teaching him for who but someone humble would tell such things about himself? (Jonah 1:17, 2:10, 4:5-11).

Then Elijah had just done a difficult task and gave warning to a people and had to be hidden or would be killed. So, the Prophet (who obeyed GOD implicitly and would never eat anything unclean), was told to go to a stream and have a raven (an unclean bird) deliver his meals and although delivered by an unclean bird Elijah ate them. Now the raven faithfully did what GOD told him and brought Elijah bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening (1 Kings 17:2-4).

Crazy as they sound these stories are true and one thing they show us is GOD knows what is coming and plans in advance for all the details to fall into place..

It also shows us that animals and birds listen to and obey GOD. Would that we would be as quick to listen to, trust and serve our King who died for us.

Another thing it shows is GOD protects and provides for HIS people.

During this present Coronavirus crisis, have we put GOD into the equation? Are you, am I as quick as that fish and bird to listen to and trust our LORD the Creator of Heaven and Earth to direct, protect and provide for us?

Hugs

Sharon

The answer

Over and over in the Bible we read, “Don’t be afraid” that is because by human standards there are reasons to fear. That’s because the world does not put GOD in the equation.

This morning one on going situation came to mind. It seemed so discouraging, even hopeless. Then I read the word “hope” and my thoughts flew/were directed to (Proverbs 21:1) an old chorus…”all of my hope is in YOU.”

As I was reminded that my hope wasn’t in an answer but in GOD HIMSELF, I was surrounded in peace. Knowing that my GOD is good and wise and everything HE does is right enables to let go of problems for I know that HE never will. By that I mean, HE finishes what HE starts.

Just to be in YOUR Presence, just to walk by YOUR side;

Just to know YOU are with me whatever betides.

Though people are near me, I’m seen as alone.

Yet YOU always are with me wherever I roam.

Just to be in YOUR Presence, just to know YOU are near;

To have YOUR constant attention, YOU quiet my fears.

YOU answer my questions, YOU counsel and guide.

YOU give me direction and stay by my side.

Just to be in YOUR Presence, just to walk by YOUR side

Just to know YOU are with me I’m satisfied. / Sharon

hugs

Sharon

Assignment

Do you take on too much?

Although with GOD all things are possible, I must listen to know what GOD has actually assigned me to do.

It’s too easy to get into someone else’s territory but GOD only gives me grace for what HE has assigned me to do.

My nature is such I often rush ahead and overdo and then suffer for it. Since surgery I am getting stronger but far from where I want to be so I am asking for grace and wisdom. I am so glad that I can do all things through Christ but recognize that anything too hard for me shows it’s just not been assigned to me yet.

Lord give me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change (and do) the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. (St Francis of Assisi)

Hugs
Sharon

Are You Qualified?

Do things seem out of control? Remember it is GOD who qualifies and makes us fit to do what HE has called us to do or endure (Colossians 1:12).

GOD promises us that HE is working (stirring) all things that come into our lives together for an end result of good to conform us to the likeness of JESUS CHRIST our LORD (Romans 8:28-29).

Remember our driving instructor (the HOLY SPIRIT) is right by our side (John 14:26) ready to give advice when necessary and JESUS promises: “I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). GOD is faithful to enable us do what HE asks us to do (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

So is JESUS is you Savior you are qualified and able.

hugs

Sharon

How come I’m different than you?

Where do we get our instinctive knowing and flashes of insight?

Why do salmon leave the cool fast-flowing fresh-water streams where they are born and make their way out to the salty sea when they are about two years old? After spending years in the ocean, growing considerably in size, what drives them on to battle against the powerful current, to swim up freshwater streams. Who taught them to climb water falls much higher than they can jump, by swimming and leaping upward, propelling themselves by using their powerful tails against the current? They do not feed on their journey upstream. This journey may be only a few hundred yards or over two thousand miles depending on the species and the stream. (The longest know journey is 2,400 miles).

Who designed them so that they could get energy from stored fat? When they arrive to where they were born, who instructed them to dig nests (known as ‘redds’), then spawn (lay eggs). Thus, continuing the salmon cycle.’ Who placed within them the drive to go back to where they were born? With no GPS, what guides them to their birthplace? It is their Creator, the only wise GOD.

We are all familiar with flocks of birds flying south, but what prompts birds to fly south for the winter, and then return come spring to where they hatched? Men have speculated this and that, but I know it is their Creator who has motivated and taught them what to do.

In the same way it is GOD who places within us desires to do one thing or another? (Philippians 2:13).

We are told that it is GOD who gives intelligence, instinct (understanding), and inspiration -HE is behind every good discovery and helpful invention (Job 32:8, 38:36 NLT).

It is stated specifically that GOD chose the man Bezalel for a special job, then filled him with the HOLY SPIRIT and gave him ability, understanding and intelligence to do what needed to be done, plus HE gave him the understanding needed to teach others how to do their jobs (Exodus 31:1,35:30-35).

Before people could read, and the subsequent ‘know how’ books were written, how did the farmer know just what to do? The Bible says that “GOD has given him understanding” (Isaiah 28:26).

“The LORD ALMIGHTY is a wonderful teacher, and HE gives the farmer great wisdom (understanding)” (Isaiah 28:29).

Though GOD gave the Ostrich great speed and so she can outrun a horse, and has quite a punch, able to kill a lion with a single kick, why does she not know to bury her eggs? Scripture says that GOD did not give her understanding in that area (Job 39:13-18). That is right, GOD did not teach her that.

One of my daughters was told, by a special ed educator, that her oldest son who, was in kindergarten at the time, could never learn. My daughter took him out of public school, and home schooled him. Bit by bit, he learned as she went over and over the basics. Still, he struggled in some areas, such as with reading, and reading comprehension. Meanwhile, he fell in love with computers. At age seven, he could connect and disconnect computer systems to do amazing things. But he wanted to know more and that desire placed within him to know more (Philippians 2:13) drove him to teach himself how to read so he could find out more. He went back for awhile to public high school and he helped some of his teachers with computer problems.

It is GOD who made my grandson, like the ostrich, with strengths and with weaknesses. HE gave the boy great understanding in some areas, while withholding from him the understanding of other things. I don’t know why, but it is all according to GOD purposes, for GOD works all things according to HIS purposes (Ephesians 1:11).

The same is true of you and me.  GOD made each of us with both strengths, and weaknesses according to the specific plan HE has for each of us (Ephesians 2:10).

“Who makes you differ from another? What do you have that you have not received? So if you have received it, why do you boast as though you were not given it?” (1 Corinthians 4:7).

Be like my grandson who went with (worked out Philippians 2:12) the desire to know more placed within him by the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY (Philippians 2:13). Go with the nudges GOD places within you, and use what you have been given, then you will be given more (Mark 4:23-24).

Looking unto JESUS, the Author and Perfecter of my faith (Hebrews 12:2).
Hugs
Sharon