Pointing a finger

Pointing the finger

We often will point to an item or person to identify them to another.  The term pointing the finger is an idiom meaning to blame one and identify him.

Has the LORD ever spoken to you from HIS word, then instantly you are being tested in that very area? 

It is as clear as if it happened yesterday, but it was years and years ago when I was a young believer in JESUS. I had been reading the Word of GOD and the LORD was speaking to me about judging others.

Isaiah 58:9    take away the yoke (my demands and expectations of others)

stop pointing the finger (judging others)

stop speaking emptiness (you don’t know all the details)

feed the hungry and clothe the naked (do what you can to help)

then (if you do this) you will call to the LORD and HE will answer

Isaiah 58:11 then the LORD will guide you continually…

Then I went to where I was reading in the New Testament and

Ephesians 4:31-32 let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice. be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another even as GOD for CHRIST’s sake forgave you.

It was a Sunday morning and as I was leaving for church, someone did something that really upset me and I filled up with anger, Looking back I found that in that situation

I had (unmet and probably unreasonable) expectations of the person

I did point my finger at him as being wrong

I spoke as if I knew why he did what he did (when I knew only in part)

I allowed anger to control me so I

I spoke out of turn.

In other words, I totally blew it. I completely failed the test.  I knew it, the moment I got in the car and left for church.  So confessed all the way there. 

Then the sermon hit me square between the eyes.  The pastor began by saying, “When we feel angry, it is because we’ve gotten our eyes off of JESUS and tried to take control of the situation or person.  

His words described me that morning.  I had been angry and pointed a finger at someone’s actions, even though I just read how I must stop that.  And now, three fingers were pointing back at me.  I was guilty.

You therefore have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things, (Romans 2:1).

The shame I felt through that conviction was awful and what I learned that morning has stayed with me down through the years.  Now when I feel the anger rising I do what the word tells me.  I run to the throne of grace for help in my time of need.  Cause I need help to release my anger to GOD (Hebrews 4:16).  And when I find myself wanting to point my finger at other, the HOLY SPIRIT (John 14:26) reminds me of Romans 2:1 which makes me stop and ask where am I guilty, LORD?

Funny thing is that when I choose to do things GOD’s way, that which HE tells us to do in HIS word, peace comes over me and I start thinking about and praising the LORD from whom all blessings flow (James 1:17).

Looking unto JESUS, the Author and Perfector of my faith,

Hugs

Sharon

Crop the picture

Crop the picture:

It had been a very long time since I’d seen my friend and was excited about getting together with her. She came down from Denver and I went up from Pueblo to meet for a meal in Colorado Springs.  Seemed like we couldn’t quit talking and as we waited for our food we got caught up on each other’s lives.

Needing a picture to capture our moment together for the FRIENDS frame I was giving her, and wanting a copy for my own album, I asked a server at the restaurant if he would take our picture with my phone. He graciously agreed. Thinking I needed a landscape view, since the outer writing on the frame I had bought my friend was for a landscape shot, I ask the server to hold my phone sideways in taking the picture.  Bless his independent heart, he took the picture his way, ignoring my specifications. It was a portrait shaped snapshot. O well, I got a picture, and I sent it to my email.

The picture came to me looking like it was on its side. It just needed to be turned 90 degrees and cropped and sized to fit the frame. But with the computer that really wasn’t a problem.

In the same manner, GOD takes what the devil throws at us- things meant for evil- and turns them around 90 degrees and crops them to use for our good to accomplish what HE wants done (Genesis 50:20, Romans 8:28).  Let me give you a personal example from when I was in my 30’s.

After a crazy, fun, non-stop weekend as a counselor with a cabin full of whacky, giggling middle school girls at a Christian snowball camp I was exhausted as I headed home down the mountain in a snowstorm.  My weariness along with the blackness of night as I rounded the curves on icy roads with very little visibility made driving slow and strenuous.  

To top it off I was none too excited about confronting what I would find once I was off the mountain. Arrows of negative thoughts bombarded me shoving the fun thoughts of the weekend with campers away and focusing me only on negative aspects of the situation I knew I was about to face.

I didn’t turn to the LORD with a cry for help (Hebrews 4:16), nor was I focusing on JESUS and what HE did (Hebrews 12:2), nor on GOD’s promise that all things were for my benefit (2 Corinthians 4:15), let alone calculating that HE was actively at work achieving wonderful things through that very situation I so dreaded (2 Corinthians 4:15-18, Romans 8:28).

Instead, feeling sorry for myself, I cried out for GOD to release me from the nightmare and take me home to heaven.

I know GOD heard me, for suddenly I lost all control of my car on the snowy icy roads. My car spun round, and around, and around in circles then stopped with a thud, heading in the right direction on the right-hand side of the road. Miraculously, there had not been any traffic. GOD had held me in HIS hands protecting me, and protecting others from me, during the whole episode.

Then within I heard HIS soft whisper, “Sharon, Do you really want to die?”

I realized that I didn’t.   GOD had shown me truth by putting me in a wild tailspin.  In those crazy moments I knew there was a reason to live. Our LORD had taken the twisted view I’d gotten from listening to the evil one’s sneering lying accusations and turned it around 90 degrees then cropped it so I could see things clearly.  HE had done with my thinking, just as I had done to that picture of my friend and me.

The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY had renewed my mind, showing me HIS glorious perspective. Only HE can do that!  That is why we are told to take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:5).

That experience sure taught me a lesson.  Now I know to arrest all my thoughts and examine them by talking them over with the LORD (Proverbs 3:5-7).  Aware of the deceptive power of the enemy’s taunting lies, I’ll often pray, standing the gap, for ones being mentally harassed by that liar, Satan. Regardless of their situation I pray that GOD bring them clarity in whatever way HE knows will work.  I ask that HE show them the purpose HE has for them for GOD does nothing without a cause (Ezekiel 14:23) and HE has made each of us for a reason.  HE is Sovereign and will only allow struggles that HE can use for our good and HIS purposes.

GOD alone knows what battles each of us are fighting, and the lies we are being fed. HE alone has the wisdom, power and ability to deliver us from the ones stronger than we are (Psalm 18:17) and show us the way we should choose. But HE never takes away our GOD given ability to choose.

So, if you are struggling, recognize the truth that we are not sufficient by ourselves to think we can handle things, but our sufficiency comes from the LORD (2 Corinthians 3:5).

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

Hugs

Sharon

The old and the new

Do you remember the song that began: “As a deer panteth for the water so my soul longeth after THEE?”

As I opened up to Psalms 42 that was the 1^st thing I saw and of course stopped and sang the song.  

Then I went on to read verse 2, “My soul thirsts for GOD for the living GOD: when shall I come and appear before GOD?”  The old testament believers couldn’t appear before HIM or hear directly from GOD but got it all 2^nd hand from Moses and later the prophets.  That reminded me of yesterday’s lesson in Hebrews and I just wanted to share the joy and excitement of it with you. 

In the giving of the law to the Jews after they left Egypt they got to Mt Sinai. GOD told Moses to tell the people not to touch the mountain for if they did they would die.  GOD was going to appear in the sight of the people on the mountain as fire, smoke and a cloud and speak to the people.  The LORD spoke the 10 commandments to the people and in words sounding like a trumpet blast.  The people begged that GOD speak no more to them for they couldn’t bear (carry or do) what was being commanded.  The sight was so terrible that even Moses said, I am trembling with fear (see Hebrews 12:18-21, Exodus 19:10-12).

1-They couldn’t touch the mountain or go close because they were sinful (Habakkuk 1:13) and GOD is HOLY.  Although 2-GOD appeared right on earth in the sight of the people 3-on the mountain they could actually touch and 4-GOD spoke audibly to them, 5-the people begged that GOD speak no more to them personally 6-they could not bear what was being commanded 7-GOD then wrote the law (10 commandments) on tablets of stone.

Then in Hebrews 12:22-23 speaks of us, those who have believed/ trusted in JESUS to save them :1-we can go directly to GOD (Hebrews 4:16) but cannot touch the location for HE is in Heaven and we are on earth (Hebrews 1:3).  Since JESUS paid for our sins we have been cleansed (Colossians 2:13-14, Hebrews 10:10, 14) and through faith in JESUS, GOD the GOD FATHER has given us HIS righteous standing (Romans 3:22).  When we come to GOD and read HIS word we hear HIM speak (in our hearts) to us personally and it brings us not just understanding and direction but peace and joy for there is joy in the Presence of the LORD (Psalm 16:11).

Let’s compare the Old covenant with the New covenant established on the cross through the blood of JESUS (1 Corinthians 11:25). 

1-Old covenant-they actually saw an appearance and could have physically touched the place where GOD was.

1-New Covenant-We live by faith not sight and cannot physically touch the place of GOD for HE is in heaven, and we are on earth.

2-Old Covenant-they could not approach GOD because of their sin

2-New Covenant-We have been cleansed by the blood of CHRIST and come personally and directly to GOD through JESUS (Hebrews 7:25)

3-Old Covenant-They were filled with fear and trembling and did not want to hear GOD directly

3-New Covenant-we are to come into HIS presence confidently because HE tells us to (Hebrews 4:16)

4-Old Covenant-GOD spoke to the people through Prophets (Hebrews 1:1).

4-New Covenant-although GOD uses HIS written word, the HOLY SPIRIT given to us when we believe explains GOD’s word to us and directs us individually according to the will of GOD for us by placing within us the desire and ability to do HIS will (John 14:26,16:13, 1 Corinthians 2:10-13, Philippians 2:13).

5-Old Covenant-GOD wrote with HIS finger the 10 commandments on stone

5-New Covenant-The HOLY SPIRIT writes in our hearts and minds the law (desires) of GOD (HE often uses our reading the Word of GOD to do that as HE places the desire to be like our FATHER in heaven in us.

Let me note that our unchanging GOD’s standard of right and wrong is still the same.  The difference is that when we belong to JESUS, the HOLY SPIRIT stirs up the desire in our hearts to do right (Philippians 2:13, Hebrews 10:16 and if boldly run to the throne for help we are given everything we need to do right. 

In the Old Covenant the people followed rules set in stone in fear of the wrath of GOD.

In the New Covenant because we have JESUS and have been born into  GOD’s family (John 1:12-13) the HOLY SPIRIT places GOD’s desires within us and we act in order to please our loving FATHER not to get or keep ourselves saved from the wrath of GOD.

2 Corinthians 3:3 “Forasmuch as you are manifestly declared to be the epistle of CHRIST ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the SPIRIT of the living GOD; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.

What a privilege we have, our hearts do not have to pant after GOD we can go directly to HIM at any time, and HE will meet directly with us!   Praise the LORD!!!

Hugs

Sharon

Who do we ask?

When there is a need, where do we go? Who do we ask? To whom do we pray?

John 3:¹⁶ For GOD so loved the world that HE sent HIS only begotten SON (from heaven to earth) that whosoever believes in HIM (JESUS) should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 16:⁵ But now I (JESUS) go my way to HIM (GOD the FATHER of lights from whom all blessings flowJames 1:17) that sent ME.

John 16:²³ And in that day (when I go back to heaven) you shall ask ME (JESUS) NOTHING (not one thing). Verily, verily, I (JESUS) say to you, Whatsoever you shall ask the FATHER in MY name, HE will give it to you.

If the LORD JESUS CHRIST tells us NOT to pray to HIM asking anything but only go and ask of GOD the FATHER from whom all blessings flow, how much more should we NOT pray to anyone else. We have a direct line to the FATHER and HE wants us to come directly to HIM with our requests.

GOD the FATHER is the source of EVERY good and perfect gift (James 1:17), it is through the LORD JESUS CHRIST we have access to the throne of grace so we can ask (in MY name John 16:23) and it is the HOLY SPIRIT who leads is to pray (Galatians 3:18, Romans 8:14) helps us pray according to what is best, that is the will of GOD Romans 8:26-27).

Again, we see the Trinity at work- co laboring on our behalf. But we also see we are to go directly to our FATHER which is in heaven with our requests, just as JESUS taught HIS earthly disciples to do (Matthew 6:9).

Hugs

Sharon

Do you ever hold a grudge?

August of 1968, we moved to a cabin surrounded by tall pines off the beaten path in northern California. These pictures show my two girls 1^st drinking milk.

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby (1 Peter 2:2)

The 2^nd snap shot reveals a residue of milk above their top lips.

For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass (mirror)for he sees himself, but goes his way, and straightway forgets what manner of man he was (what he saw in the mirror) (James 1:23-24). 

This morning as I was reading the word of GOD and came to the words “grudge not against one another lest you be condemned” (James 5:9)  I felt a prick in my spirit for I knew I held a grudge, I had not recognized my grudge as such, thinking it was just a momentary feeling I got when certain things occurred. But the Word of GOD, showed me where I was at.

I was caught with milk on my upper lip and I wasn’t about to leave it there.

 Going to the Greek to examine the passage more closely to see what the words actually meant.  The Greek word for grudge means to groan, sigh, or complain/ grumble or give vent to censorious feelings against another. 

My eyes were opened to how I was grudging=holding on to resentment and even some hostility toward one specific person.  I saw how wrong I was and knew immediately what I needed to do.  I confessed my sin of grudging and asked GOD for grace to release the resentment (Hebrews 4:16) even if the situation continues as it has for years.  Then thanking the LORD for 1 John 1:9, I told HIM I wanted to understand it all a bit more.

 ^“If we confess our sins, HE is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Wanting to check out the consequences of grudging, since they seemed so severe for the act itself, I went to my Greek.  That word translated judge there means to call into account/ judge.  My thoughts flew to another text, being that is often how GOD talks to me (Proverbs 21:1), I turn there.

“But if we judged (examined) ourselves truly (when we see we have done wrong and confess our sin-1 John 1:9), we would not be judged. But when we are judged by the LORD (because we have not accepted HIS words and continue in the sin), we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world” (1 Corinthians 11:31-32 ESV).

“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the LORD, nor be weary when reproved by HIM.  For the LORD disciplines the one HE loves, and chastises every son whom HE receives” (Hebrews 12:6 ESV)

“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11 ESV).

That whole picture is so beautiful.  GOD does not let HIS children get away with sin. Because sin damages.  1^st HE shows them they are wrong.  If they confess, they are forgiven but if they continue, HE disciplines them so that they will grow in righteousness. 

GOD’s long suffering with us is amazing and how HE loves those who believe in JESUS.

Hugs

Sharon

Roots under the surface

Tree roots broke my friend’s sprinkler line. Ugh! That shows that things under the surface, things we don’t see, can really be dangerous and cause big problems. 

Those tree roots in Barb’s yard made me think of what GOD said in Hebrews 12:15

Looking diligently lest any man fail of (fail to use) the grace of GOD; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled (Hebrews 12:15).

When we feel we can’t, or refuse to forgive, a root of bitterness will spring up and cause all kinds of problems and others will be hurt by it as well.

Notice the verse says we need to watch out against bitterness. That means that bitterness is a consequence of a deliberate choice.  We are told that we have to guard against it by using grace.

Grace undeserved favor.  It is only found in JESUS.

John 1:17- “The law (an eye for an eye) came by Moses, but grace (undeserved favor) and truth came by JESUS CHRIST.”

HE came and died for us when we were HIS enemies.  Now as GOD’s children (John 1:12) we are told to forgive as GOD forgave us.

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as GOD for CHRIST‘s sake has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32).

“But GOD, who is rich in mercy, for HIS great love wherewith HE loved us,  Even when we were dead in sins, has quickened us (made us alive) together with Christ, (by grace you are saved” (Ephesians 2:4-5).  “For by grace you have been saved through faith (believing in JESUS) it is the gift of GOD not of works lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

GOD forgave us when we were in sin, when we didn’t deserve it and when we were hostile to HIM when we believed in JESUS (John 3:16, 36).  That kind of forgiveness of an unrepentant offender can be so hard, even impossible on our own. 

But we are promised the grace to help us forgive.  That grace to help us in our times of need is found only at the throne of grace as we stop and ask GOD for help (Hebrews 4:16).

Isn’t GOD is amazing?  Whenever HE asks us to do something HE offers to supply everything we need to get it done!  But we need to ask.

Hugs

Sharon

Pulling weeds

Pull out the weeds.

Having taken a break for a few months from teaching 3 classes, I’ve had a chance to take a breath, leisurely look around as I go about my day.  Outside of hurriedly watering, feeding, and enjoying the abundance of roses in my yard I never really paid much attention.  Its been so hot I’ve stayed inside a lot.

After a walk I noticed an abundance of weeds taking over and crowding my rose bushes.  So, this morning I put on some decorative gardening gloves and got on my knees to begin pulling.  It wasn’t long before I realized I needed a tool to break up the ground for the roots of the weeds go way down and are extremely strong.  It’s going to take a while before I get the weeding done.

“Looking diligently lest any man fail (to use) of the grace of GOD (available to him Hebrews 4:16); lest any ROOT of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled” (Hebrews 12:15).

As I began weeding, I thought of how when sin is left alone how it takes root in a life and the longer it is left the stronger it becomes.  So, I’m asking the LORD to show me what is needed to be uprooted in my life.

LORD, I thank YOU for YOUR longsuffering and gentleness with me.  YOU tell me to be holy as YOU are holy and although I am not conscious of anything not confessed to YOU, YOU know all things.  YOU know things about me that I’ve hidden even from myself.  Please show me what I need to turn from and hand to YOU I ask in JESUS name.

Hugs

Sharon