Check it out

One summer in the early 70’s was a terrible time of difficulties and confusion for me. Although I lived 50 miles away I decided to go to the Quincy fair to see if I could see any of my friends from high school.  Walking around at the fair, a stranger at the Gospel trailer introduced herself to me and said, “You look troubled. If you ever want to talk here is my address, write me.” And with that she handed me a slip of paper with her name and address. While doing laundry the following week I found that slip of paper and wanting to vent I wrote her.  She challenged me to take 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and give thanks to GOD every time I felt hurt or got mad at my situation, even if it meant doing it dozens of times each day. She told me to disregard my feelings and do just want it said- to give thanks.

I took her challenge and being I had to change my focus off the problem and on to GOD each time I thanked HIM for something negative, things began changing in me. For being with GOD changes us. After a few letters back and forth (we lived over 100 miles apart) she invited me to go with their little church up a mountain for a few days of camping with preaching,  She dismissed my excuses by saying just to bring my 2 young daughters and everything from a tent to food would be provided. I accepted.  During a break in the preaching we were told to go alone and read the Bible. GOD met with me as I sat under a tall Ponderosa Pine reading in Isaiah 50.  Through HIS word the LORD told me what HE was calling me to do (Isaiah 50:4-5) and gave me a strong warning to wait for HIS instructions for if I plotted my own way I would only get myself into trouble (Isaiah 50:10-11).  I believed HIM as HE spoke through HIS Word and the HOLY SPIRIT made it clear in my heart.

As you probably have noticed, GOD called me to share with others that which HE speaks to me through HIS word. Check out what I say by GOD’s Holy Word.

Never in scripture do you find the words, “figure it out yourself.” But repeatedly GOD’s Word urges us to “ask GOD” (James 1:5-7), or “acknowledge GOD” (talk to GOD about it-Proverbs 3:5-7). That is because the LORD has already figured out and knows what I need to do. HE declares that HE has even prepared the way ahead for me and you (Ephesians 2:10).  When GOD nudges me or tugs at me to do something, I know that I need to do it.

Still there are times I must force myself to not to be like a stubborn mule and just trust HIM when I don’t understand. The HOLY SPIRIT reminds me (John 14:26) that HE warned me not to scheme my way ahead but wait for HIS to leading (Isaiah 50:10-11).

There were times that even the 12 disciples questioned our LORD’s leading. “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing, nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” The disciples chose to obey JESUS’ nudge when it made no human sense to them. Because they did, they caught so many fish they had to call for another boat to help them pull them in the catch (Luke 5:5-7).

We need to be open minded and eager to hear GOD’s instructions, willing to do whatever HE wants. JESUS said if we are willing to do what GOD wants we will know if something is really from GOD or not (John 7:17).

A good way to learn to discern GOD’s voice is to be like the Bereans and daily search the scriptures (Acts 17:11). That way we will recognize the LORD’s voice when we hear it and know if the nudge or tug we are feeling is really from GOD.

hugs

Sharon

Examples

When we read our Bibles sometimes something will strike us.  When that happens to me, I will write it out and think about it before going on.  For the HOLY SPIRIT takes GOD’s word and explains it to us (1 Corinthians 2:10-13).  HE knows the will of GOD for our lives so knows what we need to hear (Romans 8:27).

“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning” (Romans 15:4).  “These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us” I Corinthians 10:11).

Within the Bible are many truths and the truth that GOD never changes (Malachi 3:6, James 1:17) shows us that within the history we read of in the Bible we learn eternal principles of how GOD works. 

When reading the Bible and a verse or section seems to jump off the page it is speaking to you.  If it doesn’t seem to fit exactly a situation you or another are in, look for the principle shown in the text and you will find some understanding.  It may be just to calm your own spirit, or it may be for another. 

I have found that if I see something and understand it but don’t know where to apply.  I write it down and something will come up later where I will need that verse or principle.

Even though I have read through the bible many times, every day I open the Word of GOD with expectancy and GOD speaks to me through HIS word.  Sometimes it is something I had not seen before, sometimes confirmation where there have been questions, sometimes comfort but every time HE meets with me there through the HOLY SPIRIT and gets me ready for the day.  

The LORD wants to meet with you too, so open HIS word and ask HIM to come meet you there.

Hugs

Sharon

Search it out

If you lost something you need, how hard would you look for it?  Back in the day, one morning I could not find one of my hearing aids.  Without my hearing devises I don’t hear a thing, therefore I cannot understand what is happening around me.  So, I really need them. Needless to say, I searched franticly for my hearing aid.

“Search the Scriptures” (John 5:39).

The Greek word in John 5:30 rendered “search” signifies a strict, close, diligent, thorough search–such as men make when they are seeking gold. We must not rest content with having given a superficial reading to a chapter or two, but with the candle of the (HOLY) SPIRIT, we must deliberately seek out the spiritual essence of the Word. Holy Scripture requires searching–much of it can only be learned by careful study. There is milk for babes, but also meat for strong men (1 Peter 2:2, Hebrews 5:14).

“My son, if you accept My words and store up My commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure–then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of GOD” (Proverbs 2:1-5).

“To them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of GOD our FATHER and our Savior JESUS CHRIST: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of GOD our FATHER, and of JESUS our LORD, According as HIS divine power has given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of HIM who has called us to glory and virtue:  Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by (using) these you might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2 Peter 1:1-4).

Many year ago during a very low period in my life, I read, Psalm 73:25 “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.” When I read that I told GOD, “YOU know that is not true for me.  But LORD, I want it to be.”  Then came a day when I realized it was true.  GOD had heard my cry and answered me.

Now my desire is to know GOD our FATHER and our LORD JESUS CHRIST more. I find that when I spend time in HIS word, talk to HIM and simply do what I know HE wants me to do the LORD shows me more. 

Hugs

Sharon

What time is it?

So much is happening all around the world, yet we know what time period we are in, for GOD the FATHER tells us in Hebrews 1:1 that previously HE spoke to people through prophets but now in these last days HE speaks to us through HIS SON (JESUS CHRIST our LORD).

Now the (HOLY) SPIRIT speaks expressly that in the latter time (this time we are now in) will be a time of seducing spirits and the doctrines of devils (1 Timothy 4:1).

Have you ever pondered the truth JESUS proclaimed when HE rebuked Peter declaring man’s thinking comes from Satan (Matthew 16:23)? Ephesians 2:2 also states the world’s way of thinking, its wisdom is from the prince of the power of the air working within them. The world’s thinking comes from and is what the devil thinks!

JESUS emphatically declared, “Why do you not understand MY words? Even because you cannot hear MY word.  You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you will do” (John 43-44)

2 Corinthians 4:³ But, if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:  ⁴ In whom the god of this world (the devil) has blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of CHRIST, who is the image of GOD, should shine unto them.

We become blind when we turn away from what GOD says to what Satan says. Satan’s deception of Eve, which caused her blindness, was simply telling her what he himself thought. “I will be like the Most HIGH” (Isaiah 14:14).  The devil told her, “you shall be like GOD” (Genesis 3:5).  You see HE gives men his very own thoughts, but he does not reveal his aim for he is a deceiver and a liar.

In the New Testament the Greek word, daimonia, refers to the gods of the world. It’s not surprising that this Greek word for gods in the New Testament is actually the same word translated as “demons.” There is a very important revelation here and one to be taken very seriously.

The gods of the world are embodiments and representatives of demonic beings. That doesn’t just go for ancient religions; the modern world has its gods, too. Doors are opened to the demonic in the form of materialism, alcoholism, sensuality, lust, pornography, love of money, greed, position (jealousy) and control (anger and manipulation). When you indulge in these things, you are actually worshipping and serving demons (1 Corinthians 10:21, Revelation 9:20)

That is a horrible thing! You should have nothing to do with it. Any idol is a god, and any god except for the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY of the Bible is a demon. The very thought that you are serving the demonic should be enough to make you get any unclean, unholy thing or thought out of your life once and for all! There is only One True and Living God who is the source of everything good (James 1:17). Every other source is just demonic.

The natural mind, the worldly mind, is under the influence of Satan and thinks GOD’s words are foolishness (1 Corinthians 1:18-23). It cannot understand GOD’s words without the HOLY SPIRIT’s conviction explaining sin, what is right, and the coming judgment to them (John 16:8).  

Only GOD knows what HE is thinking.  No one, not even believers in JESUS can understand GOD’s thoughts without GOD the HOLY SPIRIT explaining them to us (1 Corinthians 2:10-14).  If you question that statement, check out Acts 1:2.

The 1^st time I really saw what Acts 1:2 said, it blew me away.  JESUS, GOD the SON, was giving the apostles, one HE had personally chosen, commandments. But only as the HOLY SPIRIT explained JESUS meaning to them, did they know what JESUS meant.  Wow!

Satan is included in that no one can understand the words of GOD (even though he knows and misquotes the bible) without GOD the HOLY SPIRIT explaining GOD’s word to him. For the devil is a created being and not GOD (1 Corinthians 2:11,14).

Although Satan is very intelligent and has thousands of years of experience, and knows man well, the devil cannot understand GOD’s plans or GOD’s Word. That is clearly shown in 1 Corinthians 2:8 “Which none of the princes (demons) of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the LORD of glory.”

I encourage you, every morning go to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16) and ask GOD  in JESUS name to keep you from all deception.  For we are commanded to: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

Hugs

Sharon

It is written

We are in the last days (which began when JESUS was sent to the earth in human form by GOD the FATHER (Hebrews 1:1-3).  We are told that in these last days there will be much demonic activity and deception.  This is obvious in the craziness of irrational thinking widely accepted and has deluded many of our youth.

“Now the Spirit speaks expressly (specifically and clearly), that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils (1 Timothy 4:1).

The head devil, Satan, tempted JESUS.  We can learn from how our Savior handled the lies of Satan, so we know how to act when the enemy attacks our thinking with snide suggestions. 

JESUS suffered being tempted in all ways as what we suffer so HE could lead us in how to handle our temptations and trials (Hebrews 2:10, 4:14-15). We see HIM being tempted in Matthew 4:1-11. To be victorious when tempted we need to follow our LORD JESUS’ example of how to fight against the demonic lies.  Each time JESUS was tempted HE answered the devil with the Word of GOD in a personalized form beginning with ‘It is written…’ 

JESUS could do that because HE knew the Word of GOD and believed in its power.  We too need to know the Word of GOD and choose to believe it even when it makes no sense to us.  We, like JESUS, may personalize scripture showing that we believe it is true and applies to us when we declare its truth during temptation.  The verses given below are an example of personalized verses we can audibly answer the tempter with.

In answering the devil, JESUS said “It is written that man cannot live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of GOD” (Matthew 4:4). 

It is written: the sword of the Spirit is the Word of GOD (Ephesians 6:17).

It is written GOD is not a man that HE should lie nor the son of man that HE should repent.  HE has said and HE will do.  HE has spoken and it will come to pass! (Numbers 23:19).

I will give thanks in and for all things for it is written that this is GOD’s will for me and that HIS plan for me is good (Ephesians 4:20, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Jeremiah 29:11).

It is written: That GOD will plead my cause against ungodly lies (Psalm 43:1).

It is written GOD defends me from them that rise up against me (Psalm 59:1).

It is written that no weapon formed against me shall prosper but that I can condemn it with my words (Isaiah 54:17).

It is written: All things GOD works together for good to us who love GOD and are (individually) called according to HIS purpose (Romans 8:28).

It is written: all things are for my sake (and the sake of my children and grandchildren) and will redound to the glory of GOD.  So, I will not faint or be depressed; but though my outward man perishes, yet my inward man is being renewed day by day.GOD says this situation is a light affliction, which will last but for a moment, and through it GOD is working to achieve for me more exceeding and eternal weight of glory that far surpasses the pain of today.  I believe HIM. So, I will obey and not look at the things which are seen (the situation), but at the things which are not seen (that which GOD is achieving for me through the situation): for the things which are seen are temporary; but the things which are not seen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

It is written I will not be cast down, nor depressed or troubled within me.   My hope is in GOD: I shall yet praise HIM, who is the health of my countenance (gives me peace and joy), and my GOD (Psalm 43:5)

It is written I put my trust in GOD and rejoice I will shout for joy, because GOD defends me (Psalm 5:11).

It is written that GOD gives repentance to the acknowledgment of the truth, and I choose to receive it (2 Timothy 2:25).

It is written that if I trust GOD and acknowledge HIM in all things, HE will direct my path. It is written that I will overcome because greater is HE (GOD the HOLY SPIRIT) that is in me than he (demons) that is in the world. Therefore, if GOD is leading me, you devils can’t deceive me (Proverbs 3:5-6, 1 John 4:4).

It is written that my troubles are developing patience in me and preparing me for my assignments (James 1:2-4).

Are you reading and memorizing the Word of GOD?  These verses are some you should know.

Hugs

Sharon

Dropping things

Usually, dropping things is accidental and frustrating. But I want to tell you about two who believe in dropping things, good things on purpose and why they did and do. 

Boaz was a rich owner of some fields that were being harvested. Now a young woman named Ruth needed food so went behind the harvesters in the field as the law allowed. She was picking up whatever she could find in order to gather enough grain for her mother-in-law and herself to eat and stay alive. Now Boaz took notice of her and was pleased with her so 1st her told her to stay in his field and follow his harvesters. Then he told his harvesters to drop hands full of grain on purpose so that could gather much grain (Ruth 2:15-16).

We learn from the word of GOD that the infinite LORD GOD ALMIGHTY’s thoughts and ways are not our thoughts and ways but are far above ours and that they always achieve what GOD wants done (Isaiah 55:8-9, 11).  So, it stands to reason HIS paths often go in a different direction than our limited understanding can perceive. 

Once HE made a way through the sea, and a path in the mighty waters (Isaiah 23:16) a path no one could see or ever would have known was there unless they followed the directions of the LORD. But because they followed the LORD’s instructions, they found HIS path and escaped their enemies (Exodus 14:15-30).

It is written that GOD’s paths drop fatness (Psalm 65:11).

The word fatness speaks of fruitfulness, of blessings, it speaks of good things.

So we see a picture here much like that which we saw in Ruth.  For we see our Lord walking down a path, and dropping good things as HE goes. If we are traveling down the same path behind HIM- by letting the Holy SPIRIT lead us and directed by HIS nudges (impressions on our heart and mind), then as we follow behind HIM, we will find good things along the path. Things meant to blessing us, things GOD has intentionally dropped specifically for us. 

Awesome thought, isn’t it?  What a mighty GOD we serve! 

Hugs,
Sharon

5-6 pick up sticks

Five- six pick-up sticks

Have you ever played pick-up sticks?  Even in that child’s game there are rules that must be followed, or you will be disqualified. 

Reading in Numbers 15:32-36 about a guy who was sentenced to death because he was picking up sticks on the Sabbath, I thought, “Isn’t that a little much for just picking up sticks!”

Immediately my eyes (were directed Proverbs 21:1) glanced back up the page to verses 30-31, which I had read a moment before. The HOLY SPIRIT was correcting me for my presumptuous judgment and showing me what this story is really saying.

Numbers 15: 30 But anyone who sins defiantly… blasphemes (brings reproach on NKJV) the LORD…31 because he has despised the Word of the LORD.

The problem here (and whenever we deliberately go against that which GOD has said) wasn’t the outward act of picking up sticks, but his inward attitude of despising the Word of the LORD (which was seen by his actions) and thus saying I know better.

Our actions tell others what we deem is true and important.  That man’s actions said loud and clear: “It doesn’t matter what GOD says, I will do what I want to do, when I want to do it.”

Quick foundational note: I am not saying that a believer in JESUS is required to abstain from picking up sticks from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown.  What I am saying is that the whole Bible is a mirror to show us ourselves and a phone where GOD tells us what HE is doing and what HE wants us to do. As GOD’s children we should desire HIS presence and listen carefully to HIS voice. we can find them both in a special way as we read HIS Word and pray.

The Word of GOD is not just a book. It is living and powerful and as you are reading the Word of GOD it can poke you and show you areas about yourself, you didn’t realize (Hebrews 4:12). Talk to GOD about what HE wants to say to you when what the Bible says pokes you, then the HOLY SPIRIT will help you understand (1 Corinthians 2:10).

Hugs

Sharon

Shout it out!

The reason you hear from me so often is because I read my bible and believe JESUS word, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD” (Matthew 4:4).

A favorite verse that changed my life is Hebrews 4:12 paraphrased it says, “The Word of GOD is alive (meeting me here and now where I am at) and active… (it separates and clarifies for me right from wrong and puts things in perspective) it detects/discerns my thoughts and exposes the intents of my heart.”  But more than anything else it is GOD talking to me, preparing me for my day.

Waking up with the song THY WORD in my heart, I began to sing it. I wondered how long before my LORD would come to snatch me away along with all other believers in JESUS. When I opened the Word and turned to the promise verse for the day, I had to laugh. Matthew 24:35-36 “Heaven and earth will pass away but MY Words remain forever.”  No one knows the date and the hour when JESUS will come and call believers up and away from what is coming. Not even the angels. No, nor even GOD’s Son, Only GOD the FATHER knows (Mark 13:32).

As you can see the Word of GOD spoke to my thoughts.

Perhaps that is why GOD tells us to share what HE says to us in HIS Word. The LORD has a word for you today.  Matthew 10:27 “What I tell you now in the gloom, shout abroad when the daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ears, proclaim from the rooftops.”

Did you get in the Word today? Did something, a word, a phrase touch your heart? That was GOD talking. What did GOD tell you today? I want to hear it!

Hugs,

Sharon

Drifting

Writing the homework lesson for our study in Hebrews 2 I came to the word DRIFT.  My thoughts flew back to a sunny afternoon in Meadow Valley, California when I was but a teen.  It was hot, so I went down the hill above the sawmill, where I lived, crossed over to the creek that had been dammed as a swimming hole.  I’d been busy and I just wanted to relax in the cool water.  Once in I began floating on my back, eyes closed and my thoughts a million miles away.  Something startled me and my eyes flew open. I realized I was far away from the point where I’d gotten into the water, so turned and swam back to shore.  Nothing dangerous or mysterious, I’d just drifted with the slight tugging the soft current of the creek. I didn’t mean to drift, but I had.

“For this very reason we must pay more careful attention to what we have heard lest we drift away” (Hebrews 2:1)

The reason we need to pay attention is found in the description of JESUS in Hebrews 1,  JESUS is better than the angels, the Creator of heaven and earth, GOD the FATHER calls JESUS HIS only SON, calls JESUS both GOD and LORD and GOD the FATHER says HE speaks to us today through JESUS. So we better pay attention.

Living in our sin-filled world that has rejected the absolutes of GOD or even GOD HIMSELF,  is like me floating on my back, with my eyes closed and my thoughts elsewhere.  I did not resist the slight tug of the current, so drifted faraway.  Well, the pull of the world is getting stronger and stronger and many have drifted from the eternal standards and values we once declared.  It breaks my heart to see some who once acknowledged JESUS to have turned from the truth back to the lies of the world.

“Wherein in time past you walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air (the devil), the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience” (Ephesians 2:2)

When in heart therapy I was aghast to hear the nurse show me a chart that said I was obese.  I didn’t have a clue.  The realization of how I had DRIFTED after my retirement from my diligence to watch what I ate and to exercise (that had been a lifelong habit with me) hit me hard.  Now in my 70s its not so easy to get back in shape.  But that is just temporary…the things concerning GOD are eternal.

GOD encourages us in 2 Peter 1:1-4 to exert every effort to know GOD better and better and to use the promises we find in HIS word.   If we do that we will be changed and will be productive (2 Peter 1:8-10).

Romans 12:2 tells us not to be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds so that we can know what is the good, acceptable, and perfect (complete) will of GOD.

That takes us back to Hebrews 2:1 ‘…we must pay more careful attention to what we have heard lest we DRIFT away.”

Only if we abide in CHRIST daily can GOD bless us and bless through us.  That means daily reading the word of GOD, praying, and paying attention to what GOD speaks to us through HIS word then acting on it.  Only then are we safe from DRIFTING away, as so many have, from the truth.

Hugs

Sharon

What do you mean?

What do you mean?

The words we choose to use can convey things other than what we want to relate.  They can even confuse issues rather than illuminate truth. Could that be why GOD urges us not to just blurt out our own words, but consult HIM before we speak?

“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 KJ).

“The preparations of the heart in (belongs to) man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord. Commit your works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established” (Proverbs 16:1,3 KJ).

For GOD promises that the word HE sends forth from HIS mouth (through ours) will achieve all that HE sends it out to do. Isaiah 55:10-11

Looking unto JESUS the Author and Finisher of my faith.

Hugs,

Sharon