Just ask

Now GOD made the ostrich.  HE created her in such a marvelous way that she could easily outrun a horse (clocked at over 40 mph) her kick can kill a lion and the male ostrich warns its flock of danger by making a “boo-booo-boooo” call that sounds like a lion’s roar.  But GOD did not give her the wisdom nor the understanding to hide her eggs… she just leaves them on top of the ground where anyone can step on them.

She is not to blame for her treatment of her eggs (which by the way are the biggest eggs in the world, weighing 3 pounds and measuring 6 inches in diameter.  One ostrich egg is the equivalent of 2 dozen chicken eggs) She doesn’t have a choice in caring better for her young for she doesn’t have the wisdom to do a better job. (Job 39:13-18.)

Now GOD has specific jobs for each of us to do (Ephesians 2:10) and HE calls each one of us by name and places within us the desire to do the job HE want us to do (Philippians 2:13) and HE has promises power to do what HE wants done (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

On our own we are like the ostrich and don’t have the wisdom to do it right.

Unlike the ostrich, even though we may lack wisdom, we have been given the right to ask GOD for wisdom and the promise that if we ask GOD HE will give us the wisdom we need without any criticism of us or any of our past efforts. (James 1:5). Isn’t that wild?  I think that is the most amazing thing. But we must realize that is not a given.  You have to ask and when you ask you must be willing to do whatever GOD directs you to do (John 7:17).

Right now, is there something you know you need to do but feel you lack the know how to get it done right?  GOD says, “you have not because you ask not (James 4:2).  GOD promises that if you ask, you will receive (Luke 11:9-10).  So ask! 

Hugs

Sharon

Everything good

GOD is amazing, the author of creativity and I love HIS designs.  Crazy as it seems, what appears here as a bird is actually a flower.

Have you ever been delighted when catching a glimpse of a vibrantly colored dazzling rainbow, filled with joy at seeing the beauty of a sunrise or sunset, or set to dancing when you hear lively strains of music?  Those are just crumbs of the glory/majesty of GOD’s astounding power. “For every good and perfect gift is from above and comes down from the FATHER of lights” (James 1:17).

Across the spectrum, when you have been troubled, confused, or hurting have you opened the Bible and prayed and been met and filled with peace?  That is just a tidbit of being aware of the Presence of our ALMIGHTY loving GOD.

As believers in JESUS, we are guaranteed to both experience the awesome wonder of GOD’s amazing Presence and every thing good which is the glory of HIS majestic power. We get to experience them both intimately throughout all eternity.

But not so for the ones who refuse JESUS and turn from the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10).  These want nothing to do with GOD on earth and suppress or push from themselves every thought of the LORD (Romans 1:18-23). So GOD gives them what they have chosen for all eternity.  It is written, “These shall be punished with everlasting destruction shut out from the Presence of GOD and the glory of HIS power (everything good)” (2 Thessalonians 1:9).

For this reason, we who know JESUS tell others about JESUS. And like GOD our Heavenly FATHER, we do not want others to suffer (Ezekiel 18:30-32).

The LORD is merciful and kind, HE is good and anyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved! (Romans 10:9-10, 13).

Hugs

Sharon

A cloud in the sky

I awoke one morning with my husband handing me my infant son and saying, “Moma, the baby is dead!” We moved within days and in our grief failed to examine the back yard carefully and our 2 year old daughter fell and had a full leg cast, then I had a miscarriage and when the coroner said Little Mac had an infection around his lungs that was contagious I felt I was coming apart.

My family was all in California and we had recently moved to Colorado where my husband’s family were strangers, so I had no support group.  So when I started having crazy thoughts I knew I had to get back to the LORD I had accepted at 12 when I had lived with my grandmother.

So, I went down the street to the little church I had seen there.  But no one was around an then I felt raindrops and looked up and in the sky was a cloud shaped like a lion with a laughing baby on its back holding on to the lion’s mane.  I heard the words, weather with my ears or in my heart I couldn’t tell you.  But I heard the words, “Don’t weep for him, he is having the time of his life!”

I was enveloped in peace.  From that point on I sought to walk as closely as I could with the LORD and was active in church. 

But one day on my way to work the struggles of single parenting with my husband in construction and living away most of the time seemed more to me that I could bear. As I talked with the LORD concerning the shenanigans of my children and my feeling overwhelmed, the LORD whispered.  “Sharon, who is the Lion of Judah?”  “Why YOU are LORD.” I responded.

HE came back with “And Little Mac was riding on my back that day.”  Peace enveloped me and I knew I could trust my LORD to get me through step by step what lay ahead.

Why am I telling you this?  Someone very dear just died yesterday after a long struggle with cancer.  And just as I saw the baby on the back of the lion in a cloud, in my mind I can see my loved one dancing and singing before the LORD fully healed and free.

Death came on man because of sin but GOD prepared a way where we can be reconciled and forgiven and spend eternity with HIM.  GOD so loved the world that HE sent HIS only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in HIM shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

That if thou shalt confess with your mouth the LORD JESUS, and believe in your heart that GOD has raised HIM from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation… For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:9-0, 13).

Hugs

Sharon

If you want to know more about the whys men die and what can be done see my short overview stuffed full with scriptures on my blog at

https://wordpress.com/post/wakemyear.wordpress.com/2547

Its working for you

I lived in the small mountain town of Quincy, California when I got my driver’s license.  Back in the day before roadwork, there was this windy, bumpy stretch amidst tall pines that went from the outskirts of town to the little Quincy hospital.  Two girl friends and I would speed through that stretch as fast as we could laughing hysterically as it felt similar to a wild roller coaster ride.  I love roller coasters.  We hated it when they straightened out the road.

Sometimes life feels like a wild roller coaster ride but now we aren’t laughing are we?

Yet smiles and even peace will come when we look at it through GOD’s eyes as recorded in HIS holy Word.

“But I want you to understand, brethren, that the things which have happened unto me have turned out unto the furtherance of the Gospel” (Philippians 1:12).

That means others have a chance to find eternal life through believing in JESUS (John 3:16).

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love GOD, to them who are the called according to HIS purpose” (Romans 8:28).

The hardest things in my life, even the death of my 1^st son, brought about good for me and  others.  Could I ever tell you some stories!

“For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of GOD. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.  For our light affliction, which is but for a MOMENT (compared to eternity), works for us a far more exceeding ETERNAL weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen (our situation), but at the things which are not seen (what GOD is achieving through our situation): for the things which are seen (the circumstances) are temporary; but the things which are not seen (things GOD is using the temporary situation to do)  are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

Hard and confusing things will hit for JESUS said: John 16:33- “These things I have spoken unto you, that in ME you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

When problems come remember that GOD promises that HE will use whatever it is for your benefit and HIS glory.

Hugs

Sharon

How can I ?

Do you really want to be more like JESUS?

HE said, “I have come to do YOUR will O GOD” Hebrews 10:9

“One primary reason why so many of us are still troubled, still making little forward progress is because we haven’t yet come to the end of ourselves. We’re still trying to give orders, and thus interfering with GOD’s work within us.” AW Tozer

Romans 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of GOD, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to GOD, which is your spiritual service of worship.

Romans 12:1 is telling us to SURRENDER our determined confidence in our own ideas- in our own way. We say, “I’ll do or won’t do this”- and suddenly the voice of GOD speaks in a way that overwhelms us with its authority.  GOD will nudge us (with an awareness we must do this or that) or a Bible verse will pop into our mind with clear instructions.  But do we listen?

…you will be told what you must do  Acts 9:6

“The LORD spoke thus to me with a strong hand…” (Isaiah 8:11). There is no escaping when our LORD speaks. HE always comes using HIS authority and taking hold of our understanding. Has the voice of GOD come to you directly? If it has, you cannot mistake the intimate insistence with which it has spoken to you. GOD speaks in the language you know best— not through your ears, but (in your heart and mind and) through your circumstances/ Oswald Chambers

Initially we know what GOD says, but if we choose not to accept that instruction all kinds of doubts and questions will arise.  We can be eagerly determined to serve GOD, but adamantly/stubbornly determined to do it in our own way. 

Cain second guessed GOD and brought an offering he thought was better than what GOD had required.  GOD did not accept it -Genesis 4:5. 

The High Priest Aaron’s 2 older sons when intoxicated, brought an unauthorized fire before the LORD, instead of doing just what GOD asked, and they were killed- Numbers 3:4.

King Saul, against clear instructions from GOD, kept the best animals after the battle with Amalek to offer in sacrifice to GOD.  It cost him his right to be king-2 Samuel 15.

1 Samuel 15:23 For rebellion is as the sin of WITCHCRAFT, and stubbornness is as INIQUITY and IDOLATRY. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, HE hath also rejected you from being king.

That is serious stuff!

Often, we get stuck and not obey because we do not understand what GOD is up to and say to ourselves I must have misunderstood.  But, Isaiah 55:8-9 declares, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the LORD.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are MY ways higher than your ways, and MY thoughts than your thoughts.”

Abraham is known as the father of faith and the father of all who believe (Romans 4:16) because his faith in the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY prepared him to do anything GOD asked even though several times it made no logical sense at all.  Abraham did not lean on his own understanding, he trusted GOD/

Are you, am I, willing to move when GOD nudges us ahead, even when it makes no sense or we think our way is better?

Hugs

Sharon

How do I know?

Have you ever wondered what GOD wants you to do?

While meeting with the LORD in HIS word this morning, in a story that I have read many times before, a certain truth caught my eye.  I’ve known that truth and shared it in my own words but here it was in precise words in the BIBLE where the prophet Samuel, moved by the HOLY SPIRIT (2 Peter 1:21), spoke it to Saul. Now I could show it to anyone who asked chapter and verse (where do you find it in the Bible). I copied it into my journal (because that helps me remember) and went on reading.

As GOD always prepares the way ahead (Ephesians 2:10) for what HE has for you to do, it wasn’t long before someone asked me, “How can I know what GOD wants me to do?  How can I hear HIS voice?”

I said when you know you should do something that is GOD showing you what HE wants you to do and then turned to 1 Samuel 10:7 and had him read, “do as the occasion demands.  GOD is with you.”

Learning how to hear from GOD started for me in little practical things. This truth of ‘doing what the occasion demands’ began by feeling another should be doing a chore. Then a knowing I should do it. While doing it I was filled with joy for I knew I had heard and answered my Master’s Instructions.

The more I listened to those little proddings the more words jumped off the page as I read the Bible and the more I obeyed the nudges and applied those words the more I understood what GOD was like and what HE wanted me to do.  As I listen and obey HIS voice becomes clearer and clearer.

Mark 4:23-25 If any man have ears to hear (willing to listen and apply), let him hear.  And HE (JESUS) said unto them, Take heed what you hear: with what measure you mete (how carefully you pay attention), it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.  For he that has (received truth), to him shall be given (more truth): and he that hath not (received the truth offered), from him shall be taken even that which he (thinks he) has.

John 7:17 If any man will do HIS (GOD’s) will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of GOD, or whether I speak of MYSELF.

Just like you can begin seeing things true about GOD by looking closely at HIS creation, so you learn how to discern GOD’s voice by obeying those little nudges where you just know you should do something. 

Hugs

Sharon

Called

Every believer in JESUS has been called and equipped to witness (tell others) of JESUS. 

GOD, who at many times and in many ways spoke to our ancestors through the prophets. Has in these last days spoken unto us by HIS Son (JESUS), whom HE hath appointed heir of all things, by whom (JESUS) also HE (GOD the FATHER) made the worlds; JESUS being the brightness of GOD’s glory, and the express image of HIS person, and upholding all things by the word of GOD’s power, when HE (JESUS) had by HIMSELF purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high (Hebrews 1:1-3)

For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in HIM (JESUS) should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

In whom (JESUS) you also trusted, after that you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that you believed, you were sealed with that HOLY SPIRIT of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of HIS glory (Ephesians 1:13-14).

(Just before JESUS ascended into heaven, HE said) But you shall receive power, after that the HOLY GHOST (SPIRIT) is come upon you: and you shall be WITNESSES unto ME both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8)

And HE (JESUS) said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15).

(tell them) “If you will confess with your mouth the LORD JESUS and believe in your heart that GOD raised HIM from the dead, you will be saved.  For with the heart man believes and is given righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made to salvation.  For whosoever calls upon the name of the LORD will be saved” (Romans 10:9-10,13).

Are you am I doing what JESUS called us to do?

Hugs

Sharon

Many are struggling with fear

A special friend asked for a post to combat fear so I wrote one and since so many are struggling with fear I decided to share it with you.

The riotous scenes in Washington DC reminded me that we don’t know what lies ahead other than what is clearly foretold in the Bible. The word of God says that the last days will be filled with violence causing the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, Maker of Heaven and earth to: “.. punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible” (Isaiah 13:11).

But until GOD takes believers in JESUS out of here in the Rapture just before the antichrist comes to power (2 Thessalonians 2:7-9), what are we to do?

For the Lord spoke to me with a strong hand and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, … neither fear nor be afraid. Sanctify (Focus on) the LORD of hosts HIMSELF; and let HIM be your fear (fear displeasing HIM), and let HIM be your dread (dread the discipline of the LORD not man). And HE (the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY) shall be for you a sanctuary (a place of safety)…(Isaiah 8:11-14).

Have not I commanded you? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be dismayed: for the LORD thy GOD is with you where ever you go (Joshua 1:9).

For GOD has not given us the Spirit of fear but of power of love and of a sound (self-controlled) mind (2 Timothy 1:7).

GOD loves the people who sit at HIS feet and receive HIS word and HE holds them in HIS hand (Deuteronomy 33:3).

If you sanctify (devote yourselves to) the LORD and make (displeasing) HIM what you fear then HE will be a sanctuary (place of safety) for you (Isaiah 8:12-13).

GOD will keep in perfect peace the ones whose mind is focused on HIM because that one trusts in GOD (Isaiah 26:3).

GOD says..”let him take hold of MY strength, that he might make peace with ME and (then) he will make peace with ME” (Isaiah 27:5).

The joy of the LORD is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10)

“it shall come to pass that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered” (Joel 2:32). Doesn’t that sound like Romans 10:13?

“But the LORD shall be the hope of HIS people and the strength of the children” (Joel 3:16)

“But you who fear MY name the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in HIS wings” (Malachi 4:1).

What a marvelous loving GOD our Heavenly FATHER and JESUS CHRIST our Savior is! If you are in JESUS by believing in HIS birth, death for your sins and resurrection for you justification you have been placed in CHRIST (Ephesians 1:13-14, I Corinthians 12:13, 27) and nothing can separate you from GOD love and care for you (see Romans 8:39).

May you be blessed as you grab a firm hold on GOD’s word. As JESUS said, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD (Matthew 4:4).

Hugs

Sharon

A place of safety

“GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

As I drove home from work at the Space Center I’d often spot antelope traveling in herds.  Between Colorado Springs and where we lived in Ellicott is an antelope reserve.  It is a place of refuge, a safe place, no hunters allowed.  As the song goes, “where the deer and antelope play” Along that stretch of road I never saw one deer, but I saw many frisky young antelope frolicking with their graceful mothers sedately grazing nearby.  They could only do that because they felt safe.

We too can feel safe for GOD is our refuge, our safe place where we can run to when there is danger, or we are confused.  “Let us come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

“GOD is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

Hugs

Sharon

Who or what are you looking to for your provision?

Who or what are you looking to as your provider?

I’ve heard that fireworks were invented by China to ward off evil spirits and make the new year prosperous. I delight in watching fireworks yet know and rejoice that GOD alone in sovereignty controls our circumstances, not the evil spirits Ephesians 1:11).  Evil spirits exist and they do influence people with their suggestions, but GOD alone is in control.

We take our circumstances for granted, we may even say GOD is in control, but not really believe it. For if we truly believed GOD is in control, then why do we act as if the things that happen were completely manipulated and controlled by people?

GOD preset the exact times things happen and the exact locations they would occur.  HE does it for a reason- that reason is that people will reach out to HIM (Acts 17:26-27).  But although HE sets the stage, we choose how to respond to our circumstances and who we allow to influence us.

Joshua had just taken over as leader after Moses died and he was about to lead the Jews to take over the land promised them by GOD.  The previous 40 years they had struggled through the wilderness and now faced battles. GOD knew Joshua was fearful and unsure of what lay ahead so spoke to Joshua. Three times GOD commanded Joshua to be STRONG and courageous for I -the LORD your GOD- am with you wherever you go (Joshua 1).

Then HE told Joshua that the way he could be successful in tackling what lie ahead was to meditate (or think about) the Word of GOD (Joshua 1:8).  The same is true for us!  It is in the word of GOD that we get our marching orders.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for [c]instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

For whatsoever things were written in times past, were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. (Romans 15:4 KJV21).

We are entering a new year after enduring an especially rough, rough year and we don’t know what lies ahead.  But GOD is in control and has promised to be with us wherever we go.  GOD may cause our circumstances to suddenly fall apart, as they have over and over in 2020.  When that happens focus on GOD and HIS promises and remember that GOD has ordained our situation and will achieve for us through it (2 Corinthians 4:15-18)..

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and don’t lean your own understanding. In ALL your ways acknowledge HIM (talk everything over with GOD), and HE will direct your paths (not necessarily your mind-you may not understand HIS leading, but you will know the next step you are to take- wait until HE directs you.  Don’t rush ahead with your own solutions-Isaiah 50:10-11) Be not wise in your own eyes: fear the LORD and depart from evil (Proverbs 3:5-7).

Oswald Chambers once wrote: “The remarkable thing about fearing GOD is that when you fear GOD you fear nothing else, whereas if you don’t fear GOD you fear everything else.”

Isaiah said it this way, ““Do not call conspiracy everything this people calls a conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The LORD ALMIGHTY is the one you are to regard as holy, HE is the one you are to fear, HE is the one you are to dread. Then HE will be for you a sanctuary…” (Isaiah 8:12-14a).

Whatever may pass and whatever lies before us let us be singing praises to the LORD our GOD who is with us and will strengthen us with HIS power (2 Timothy 2:1, Hebrews 4:16).  For while we don’t know what tomorrow holds, we do know the One who holds tomorrow.

Happy New Year

Hugs

Sharon