Roller coaster

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 like 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 we can experience peace and even joy when our focus is on JESUS and GOD’s great and precious promises, that we find 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” (People got saved) (Philippians 1:12).

“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 1st son, brought about good for me and others and my little one was with GOD in heaven having the time of his life. 

“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

A star in the East

The picture is of my granddaughter Chloe from years ago.  She was married 11/11/22 so is in her own home this year making her own cookies instead of helping Grandma.

My grandkids have always loved to help make cookies, ginger bears and all kinds of goodies for the holidays. Our times of cooking together were fun and with much laughter, But, with the abundance of goodies around wherever I turned I sampled too much, put on extra pounds, and my clothes got snug.

Whenever I decided I needed to go on a diet, what do you think the 1st thoughts that came into my head were?  Yep, you are right.  I’d think of food.  Why do you think that was and is to this day? 

After years of living in bondage to my old sin nature serving the prince of the power of the air, the devil (Ephesians 2:2), like everyone else before coming to JESUS, I had bought in to the lie it is all about me and what I want and wanting it now.  Those little whispers in my ear, that sound more like me than me, those suggestions, “Oh a little won’t hurt” so often is too hard to push away. 

The trouble is it often I don’t stop with just a little, for a little cause cravings for more. Like, one addicted to drugs, what began as pleasure has become a task master that enslaves and controls him.  But it’s not hopeless for there is a GOD of hope who has sent a Deliverer.

“And she shall bring forth a son and you shall call HIS name JESUS for HE shall save HIS people from THEIR sins” (Matthew 1:21).

Laying HIS glory aside, JESUS, truly GOD, through whom all things were made that were made (Hebrews 1:2) took on the very nature of a servant, was given a human body and born a babe in Bethlehem. This same ONE became obedient even to death on the cross after HE’d suffered and overcome every temptation there is (Hebrews 4:15) and HE did it all for you and for me. So, JESUS knows how to help us when we are tempted.

When JESUS carried sin on the cross, HE broke the power of sin over us.  That’s right we don’t have to sin.  That does NOT mean we will not be tempted to sin.

Once we believe in JESUS, we immediately are sealed with the HOLY SPIRIT (Ephesians 1:13) and then have power to say NO to sin.  For GOD is within us to help us.

Hebrews 4:16 says that if we come boldly to the throne of grace (pray) that we will receive mercy (favor instead of anger) and get the grace to help us in times of our need (when we are tempted, need strength, wisdom, or whatever).

I really have to call out for help during Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years for the seasons demand goodies to be available for guests.  So, although GOD tells us to make no provision for the flesh (Romans 13:14), there are times it’s just not feasible.

Praise the LORD that our GOD uses all things, stirring them together to get an end result of good for us who love HIM and have answered HIS call (Romans 8:28).  For the more I choose to go to GOD for help, and it is a definite choice, the easier it becomes as I grow in discernment.  For the more time I spend with JESUS in HIS word and prayer and living out what HE shows me in HIS word and through nudges to do (Hebrews 5:14), the more I think and act like HIM (2 Corinthians 3:18,) and the more peace and joy I have (Galatians 5:22-23).

Like GOD the FATHER decreed, I am being changed into the image of HIS SON’s divine nature (Romans 8:29) as I claim HIS great and precious promises found in the Word of GOD (2 Peter 1:4). They are HIS promises and HIS power, I just believe HIM.

That very thought is surreal. Even though I must choose to say no to what is not good, (even an extra cookie or piece of pie, telling a little white lie, or speeding) the power to choose is mine.

Consider these things and may the good LORD give you wisdom and understanding (James 1:5, 1 Corinthians 2:10) as HE guides you with HIS peace (Colossians 3:15), strengthens you with HIS joy (Nehemiah 8:10), and enables you with HIS grace (Hebrews 4:16). Now may the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT” (Romans 15:13) Keep looking unto JESUS (Hebrews 12:2) and talk over your thoughts with HIM (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Hugs
Sharon

Faith or works which is it?

Faith or Works which is it? 

Some think we start with faith and then keep ourselves saved through works.  But GOD says:

“Wherefore HE (JESUS) is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto GOD by HIM, seeing HE lives forever to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25)

“This only would I learn of you, Received ye the SPIRIT by the works of the law, or by the hearing of FAITH? Are you so foolish? having begun in the SPIRIT, are ye now made perfect by the flesh (works)?” (Galatians 3:2-3).

I believe Scripture shows us that one (FAITH) saves and the other (WORKS) is a natural outflow of FAITH.

“For the grace of GOD that brings salvation has appeared to all men teaching us that denying ungodliness (not thinking of GOD) and worldly lusts (1 John 2:15-17), we should live soberly and righteously (do right), and godly (considering and acknowledging GOD Proverbs 3:5-7) in this present age (Titus 2:11-12).

Did you catch that?  The grace that saves us (via FAITH) TEACHES us to do good.

“When the kindness and the love of GOD our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to HIS mercy HE saved us, through the washing of regeneration (being born again by the Spirit-John 3:5-7) and the renewing of the HOLY SPIRIT (John 7:38-39), Whom HE (GOD the FATHER) poured out on us abundantly through JESUS CHRIST our Savior, that having been justified (Just as if I’d never sinned) by HIS grace (GOD’s Riches at CHRIST’s Expense) we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:4-7).

“Knowing this that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in JESUS CHRIST…for by the works of law no flesh shall be justified” (Galatians 2:16).

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of GOD” (Ephesians 2:8).

We are saved eternally by faith alone.  But it doesn’t stop there.  By believing in the saving work of JESUS and GOD the FATHER raising HIM from the dead we have become GOD’s own children (John 1:12). Now HE is teaching us, as any good FATHER should, to know right from wrong and how we should act as HIS child.

The Word says GOD has decreed to transform us into the likeness of JESUS CHRIST who is the exact representation of HIMSELF (Romans 8:28-29, Hebrews 1:1-3, 2 Corinthians 3:18).  That is not an ifish thing.  If GOD says it HE will do it (Numbers 23:19).  That means we will begin to act more and more like JESUS.

“For we are HIS (GOD the FATHER) workmanship, created in CHRIST JESUS to do good works, which GOD has before ordained (prepared) that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

As we acknowledge GOD in everything, the HOLY SPIRIT shows us what to do (Philippians 2:13).  Often it is a mere impression to do this or that (a nudge) but we will know what we should do.  The HOLY SPIRIT (who was the ONE who moved holy men to write the Scripture-2 Peter 1:21) will never nudge us to go against what the Bible says and HE is fully aware what GOD the FATHER’s personal plan for each of us is.   

“This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly that those who have believed in GOD should be careful to maintain good works.  These things are good and profitable to men” (Titus 3:8)

“And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they many not be unfruitful” (Titus 3:14).

Through FAITH alone (by believing GOD’s Word Romans 10:17) we are saved.  But now we are the children of GOD and are being changed back into the image of GOD.  We will never be GOD, but we will participate in HIS divine nature (2 Peter 1:4).  Since HE loves and meets the needs of other, therefor love for others and the desire to meet the urgent need of people are the works that will be a natural outflow of our salvation.

Hugs

Sharon

You must add…

My kids sometimes laugh at my cooking concoctions and often are surprised with how good something is. I like to add garlic and onions and spinach and a touch of sour cream to scrambled eggs.  What do you like to add to yours?

“For by grace (GOD’s Riches at CHRIST’s expense- JESUS death on the cross) are you saved through faith (believing in JESUS death and resurrection and return); and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of GOD: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

It all begins with faith (Romans 10:17).  Then we are told…”add to your faith virtue” (2 Peter 1:5).

Add is a command showing that we have to do something.

We must not forget that we cannot do what GOD does, and that GOD will not do what HE enables us to do. We cannot save nor sanctify (purify) ourselves. GOD alone does that.

On the other hand, good habits come from choosing to use what GOD has given us (2 Peter 1:2-4).  “According as HIS divine power has given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of HIM” (2 Peter 1:3). 

Just as we put away groceries in the pantry or refrigerator, GOD and FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings has stored those blessings in heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3).  Therefore, just as we must go to the frig to get the eggs out for breakfast, so we must go to the throne to get the grace (GOD’s Riches At CHRIST’s Expense) that already belongs to us to help us in times of need (Hebrews 4:16).

In other words when we know we should do something- but our attitude is bad, we need to go to GOD and ask for whatever is necessary (perhaps patience or gentleness) for a better attitude. If we desire to please HIM, GOD will enable us but GOD will not force us to walk correctly before HIM. We have to choose to do that ourselves.

2 Timothy 2:20-22 tells how we choose to be either vessels of honor or dishonor.  Either way we are GOD’s but the vessels of honor will meet JESUS with confidence, while the vessels of dishonor will be ashamed (1 John 2:28).  The vessels of honor will receive a reward, while the vessels of dishonor will be saved as if coming out of a fire smelling like smoke (1 Corinthians 3:13-15).

Philippians 1:12-13 declares it is our job to “work out” our “own salvation” (not our eternal salvation JESUS paid for that, but to doing what is pleasing to GOD) which GOD has worked in us so we know what HE wants us to do and has given us the power to do it.

JESUS says, “And why call ME, LORD, LORD (Master), and do not the things which I say? (Luke 6:46).

Add means that its our responsibility to get into the habit of choosing to do whatever GOD nudges us to do.  In the initial stages that can be difficult. After taking the initiative over and over even when we don’t feel like it, we teach ourselves to walk in the SPIRIT.  “This I say then, Walk in the SPIRIT, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).

Beware of the tendency to ask GOD what you should do when you know perfectly well what you should do. Just take the initiative, stop hesitating and take that first step. Be determined to act immediately in faith (believing that although GOD’s ways don’t always make sense to us HE really does know what is best) when GOD speaks (lays something on your heart).

When I hesitate or put off what GOD has impressed on me to do, HE becomes silent.  It is not until I do whatever it is HE told me that HIS peace returns.

I can’t just tell HIM, “I will write that blog,” or “I will send that text”; but I must stop whatever I’m doing and do it!

Develop the habit of carefully listening to GOD when HE nudges you, and also talking over everything with HIM.  GOD told us how to walk in the SPIRIT when HE said, “trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In ALL your ways acknowledge HIM (talk things over with GOD) and HE will direct your path.  Be not wise in your own eyes…(Proverbs 3:5-7a). For the HOLY SPIRIT is the ONE who explains to us what GOD is saying (1 Corinthians 2:10).

If we automatically turn to GOD when a struggle or crisis hits, we know that HE is our LORD and believe HE has the answers.

Hugs

Sharon

Receive?

Words draw pictures in our minds.  But there is a problem, sometimes words do not mean what we think they mean.  Therefore, we misunderstand what is being said.

According to the Strong’s concordance 18 different Greek words are translated RECEIVE in the New Testament and they mean different things. In 1st Corinthians Paul uses 1 word translated RECEIVE 5 times because he meant the same thing each time, but in 2 Corinthians eight different words are translated RECEIVE.  He used them because he meant different things in each context. In Corinthians 6:1 we have the phrase RECEIVE not the GRACE of GOD in vain. Unless you know the meaning of this word translated RECEIVE in its setting you cannot understand what is being said.

Receive= acquire the knowledge of

Grace of GOD= GOD’s riches at CHRIST’s expense

In vain= to no purpose

This states that a person can acquire the knowledge of GOD sending HIS only begotten Son to earth to die for the sins of the world and then raised JESUS CHRIST from the grave to justify all who would believe in HIM and give them eternal life (John 3:16, Romans 10:9).  And although acquiring this knowledge it does him no good for it is not mixed with faith by the hearer.

“For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did (the Jews); but the message they heard was of no value to them because those who heard it did not combine it with faith.” (Hebrews 4:2).

A glaring example of this is seen in a man I know who when using Meth developed sores that would not heal. He would pick at them for he said there was something in them.  He believed that they are contagious. He went to jail and the sores healed and left scars from being torn open so often.  He got out of jail and as long as he was clean of Meth there were no sores.  But as soon as he returned to using Meth the sores returned.  Even when lovingly and gently asked to consider these facts, that he is fully aware of, the man rejects the obvious conclusion that Meth causes the sores.

Romans 1:18-20 states that although people are aware of truth they can suppress/ push the facts away and are then blind to the truth.  2 Thessalonians 2:10 say they perish because they do not embrace the love of the truth (which is JESUS CHRIST)

JESUS said, “I AM the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the FATHER except through ME (John 14:6).

I join with 2 Corinthians 6:1 in urging you not to let truth go in one ear and out the other. For if you do it has NO VALUE for you.  It does you no good.  Rather when you read or hear the Word of GOD, ask GOD to show you what you need to see and embrace it.  I do.

Hugs,

Sharon