Rejoice in hope

Moments ago, I came across an old, old picture of my 1^st son and I smiled as I saw his laughing face and remembered what the LORD showed me concerning Little Mac.  Then I stopped to thank the LORD.  That day GOD became more real to me, and HE continues to show me more and more of HIS excellence and wisdom.  It began with deep, deep sorrow but GOD meant it and used the momentary affliction for eternal good.

As we began the book of James in class today we were confronted with the words, “COUNT it all joy when you fall into all kinds of struggles.” 

Knowing that the word COUNT is an accounting term helps us understand what is really being said.  It does not say FEEL all joy when hard things happen, what it says is COUNT it all joy. 

Imagine a ledger one column is for the bad (money owed) and one side is good (assets held). The verse is saying, when hard things or troubles happen put it on the assets held side marked as good.

A well know biblical example of what GOD is doing behind the scenes when HE allows troubles to afflict us is when Joseph was sold as a slave by his brothers no one knew what GOD was doing.  It looked bad but it was the 1^st step in getting Joseph ready for a high and glorious position that saved many alive. During the years in prison after being falsely accused it written that GOD’s word to Joseph (through the dreams HE had given Joseph) tried and tested and matured Joseph until the promise was fulfilled (Psalms 105:19). Many years later Joseph as 2^nd in command over the world power of Egypt, told his brothers, “You meant it for evil, but GOD intended it for good to save many alive as is today” (Genesis 50:20).

In class we also looked at 2 Corinthians 2:17-18 “For (in comparison) our affliction is light and lasts but a moment, but it ACHIEVES for us a far more excellent eternal weight of glory (reward).  So don’t look at what is seen (the situation) but look at what is unseen (what GOD is achieving for us through the situation) for what we see is temporary but what is unseen (what is being achieved for us) will last forever.”

It is said of JESUS, “For the joy set before HIM (expectation of what HE was accomplishing) HE endured the cross though HE despised the shame and is (now) set down at the right hand of the throne of GOD.” Hebrews 12:2.  For JESUS the joy of gaining forgiveness for us enabled HIM to endure.

One of the main takeaways of the Woman’s conference last weekend was the challenge to live out Romans 12:12 “Rejoice in hope (expectation of receiving what is promised), be patient in affliction, continuing instant in (ready to jump into) prayer”

Will you accept the challenge?

Hugs

Sharon

Whatever comes

Just before the 4th of July 12 years ago, we took a week and went to California to see my mom who was on a heart monitor and oxygen.  By the time we got there, she was much better and off the heart monitor, to our great relief.  The doctor found that her taking 1 low dose aspirin a day was sufficient to keep her heart valve from sticking.  That is what they claim, but we know it really was GOD answering our prayers for healing (2 Corinthians 1:9-11).  Praise HIS glorious name.  

Being Mom was so much better but still needed rest, we took the opportunity to go camping with a lifelong friend and his family.  It was really fun even though we had to cut short our trip due to a phone call advising us of a crisis situation with oldest daughter in Montana.  Our leaving early made us miss the bar-b-que chicken, homemade Ice cream and that watermelon we had kept cold in the snow.  (yep. snow in July). But what a blessing those days under the tall green pines of Northern California had been.

As soon as I unloaded the car, I hurriedly unpacked, threw the dirty clothes in the washer thinking we’d have to take off to Montana soon.  But when I took my favorite pair of pedal pushers out of the dryer, I saw a couple gaping holes.  One too many washes.  The material was too thin to warrant mending, so I just pitched them. 

Weary both physically and emotionally I sat down, picked up my Bible and opened it and began reading Psalm 102.  As I read the tension eased away and a smile came to my lips. 

Psalm 102:²⁵ In the beginning YOU made the earth, and YOUR hands made the skies. ²⁶ They will be destroyed, but YOU will remain. They will all wear out like clothes. And, like clothes, YOU will change them and throw them away.   (Just like I had just thrown away my capris). ²⁷ But YOU never change, and YOUR life will never end. ²⁸ Our children will live in YOUR presence, and their children will remain with YOU.”

As faith comes from hearing and hearing by the Word of GOD (Romans 10:17), so those words stirred up faith within me to a bright flame, they lifted my weary spirit and flooded me with peace, joy and hope (Romans 15:13).  Those words declared GOD’s unchanging nature, HIS tremendous power and spoke promise.  The fear over the potential situation of throat cancer of my daughter, discouragement of the temporary losses faded as I saw GOD in control. GOD’s word had reminded me that though the LORD’s ways are not mine, HE knows what HE is doing and does all things well.

GOD may not fix all the troubles in our lives here on earth, but HE does promise to walk with us every step of the way (Hebrews 13:5) and strengthen us for anything we must face (1 Peter 5:10-11) and then one day HE promises to make all things new (Revelation 21:1).

I hope you have come to GOD through JESUS (Hebrews 7:27, John 3:36), so you too can find peace and joy in the GOD of all hope (Romans 15:13).  And in times of trouble that you open GOD’s word for it is living and powerful and sharper than any two edged sword (Hebrews 4:12).

Hugs

Sharon

At midnight

When the clock struck midnight, beautiful fireworks went off all over Pueblo.  We entered into the New Year of 2023. I have a hunch all the excitement was evidence of hope that this year will bring in better things than the last.

What will 2023 bring?  One thing I do know is that earnest hope can only be materialized when one is trusting GOD, having come to HIM through the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

We know GOD has preset all times and places for things to happen (Acts 17:26b, Acts1:7) and we know that HE did it for a reason.  Acts 17:27 tells us that reason was so that people would reach out to HIM.  With that in mind, why do you suppose HE chose the particular time HE did for JESUS to be born?

When the fullness of the time had come, GOD sent forth HIS SON.  Galatians 4:4

What could be the reason the timing of JESUS’ birth is referred to as the fullness of time by GOD?

History shows us that centuries before JESUS CHRIST was born, Alexander the Great conquered most of the known world, bringing with him the Greek culture and trade language.  When he died, the Roman Empire picked up where Alexander left off and expanded the territory under the unifying influence of culture and the trade language of the Greeks plus made roads to connect the empire. It was under the rule of Rome that conditions were made ready for the spread of the gospel across 3 continents through good roads, territorial boundaries free of “passport” restrictions and the use of the unifying trade language-(Kione Greek which is the most precise language ever).  It was under this Roman rule, at the perfect time when GOD had put all the pieces in place for the spreading of the Gospel of JESUS, that HE sent HIS SON for the intent that people could reach out to JESUS, find HIM and be saved (Acts 17:26-27).

At that time JESUS came into the world, lived, loved and was crucified.  There the blood of CHRIST was shed for all men. But only those who call on the name of the LORD are saved (Romans 10:9-10, 13).

Today, like back then. GOD has synchronized everything and has prepared in advance good works for us believers in JESUS to walk in (Ephesians 2:10). Anyone who sees or hears the news knows, we live not just in a time of quickly expanding knowledge, but also an unstable and turbulent time with mobs and rioting, food and gas shortages, wars and a distrust of governments worldwide besides the trashing of GOD’s moral values and ensuing unrestrained degrading self-indulgence and foolishness. 

Like many other believers in JESUS, I long for the Rapture when JESUS will come and take us who have chosen HIM out of all this evil.  Yet until then, there is a reason for us to be here and I want to do all GOD has for me to do.

GOD has chosen you and me to live in this time and place.  HE has done it for a reason.  I know that for a fact, because HE has said that HE does nothing without a cause (Ezekiel 14:23).  I wonder as we enter into the New Year of 2023 to what specific assignments HE brought us to where we are at for such a time as this?

I don’t know the details, but I do know without a doubt it is to give lost (unbelieving) people more opportunities to reach out to HIM and be eternally saved before it is too late.  I know that without a doubt for the GOD who cannot lie (Titus 1:2), has declared that HE has preset all times and places for that very purpose (Acts 17:27).

I rejoice in the privilege to serve GOD here and now yet as I see the growing evil and apostasy I yearningly cry out, “Even so come LORD JESUS!”

Hugs

Sharon

A New Year

Today we end 2022 and head into 2023.  As we enter into a new year let’s remember that if we walk with GOD each day can be a new beginning for HE is faithful and HIS mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).

Thinking along those lines, my thoughts flew back to when we 1st moved to Pueblo.  There was a single tree in our back yard.  It looked like it had been struck with lightning.  It was sorry thing, a burned stub with some long branches all on one side.  Mac cut the branches brutally.  I love trees and I mourned it for there was hardly anything left.  Amazingly, come Spring, new little branches sprouted and grew and behold I had a peach tree.  The burnt tree, lopsided as it was, after a few years began producing luscious peaches.  It was the pruning back of the old that gave the tree a new beginning and enabled the tree to produce good fruit.

GOD does the same thing with us.

(JESUS said) John 15:1-2 “I am the true grapevine, and MY FATHER is the gardener.  HE cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and HE prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 

Well, lately it seems like many Christians, besides me, are being brutally pruned.

I encourage myself to believe GOD’s unchanging Word- that GOD has a reason, a purpose in allowing this pruning and that is to make us more fruitful.  It is NOT pleasant to be pruned.  In fact, it really hurts, but later it yields an increase of fruit which produces great joy and rewards for us. 

GOD declares that HE does nothing without a cause (Ezekiel 14:23) and what seems like evil GOD will use for an end result of good for those who love HIM (Romans 8:28).

So, if you, like me, are going through one struggle after another claim the unchanging word of GOD that HE is achieving for you through these problems. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.   

Our infinitely all-wise GOD allows or instigates our pruning with an end in view. As is written, “I know the plans I have for you says the LORD, plans of peace not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11).  Believe HIM and thank HIM for what HE is doing (Ephesians 5:20, 1 Thessalonians 5:18) that is called faith and we are told to walk by faith not sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

Hugs

Sharon

What’s the difference?

What is the difference between happiness and joy?

Me and a friend looked up into the sky.  I was filled with joy at the beauty of the clouds, while my friend scowled in dread of a potential storm.  I believe this shows the difference between joy and happiness. 

Happiness depends on what happens.  But joy comes as a result of focus on GOD and HIS faithful promises. 

Notice in Romans 15:13 Joy and peace is given to us by GOD as we believe HIM (GOD is in control and knows what HE is doing) and as we focus on GOD the HOLY SPIRIT  makes us overflow with hope so that is spills over onto others.

Now the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may overflow in hope, through the power of the HOLY SPIRIT Romans 15:13.

We cannot control what happens to us so we cannot control our happiness.  But, our focus determines whether we are filled with joy therefore, it is a choice.

What are you choosing today?

Hugs

Sharon

The Blessed Hope

Through the decades of my life some words have changed in meaning.  When I was a child, the word COOL was the opposite of HOT, and it was a indicator or gage of temperature. I’ve seen those opposing words change to mean the same thing, and not as a meter of temperature at all. In the same way people from different backgrounds may understand the same word to mean different things.  That can and does lead to misunderstandings! 

That precept is often found in the way the world defines a word versus what GOD means by that word.  For instance, the dictionary defines HOPE as expectation of something desired.  But in the world HOPE in the world is an if-ish thing, subject or conditional on other factors.  It will only happen if the conditions are met.

Not so in the Bible.  HOPE when used in the Bible concerning the truths of GOD is a happy anticipation and confident expectation that what GOD says will happen.  When the Bible speaks of hope for a Christian it is an established fact that just is not seen or experienced yet (Romans 8:24-25).

As believers in JESUS the Bible declares we have several HOPEs that are based on GOD’s word/ HIS promises.  Some examples are the hope of eternal life (Titus 1:2) and the hope and resurrection of the dead (Acts 23:6), Since GOD is the TRUTH and cannot lie, they are established facts.  For what GOD says, HE will do (Numbers 14:35).

“GOD is not a man, that HE should lie; neither the son of man, that HE should repent: has HE said, and shall HE not do it? or has HE spoken, and shall HE not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19).

The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY said, “…yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it” (Isaiah 46:11).

“In HOPE of eternal life, which GOD, that cannot lie, promised before the world began (Titus 1:2).

The promises, the WORDs of GOD, are sure and will happen just as HE said.

Yesterday, I shared how I came to understand more about the HOPE of GLORY/ the decreed fact that every one who calls on the name of JESUS to be saved will be transformed (it’s a process- 2 Corinthians 3:18) in character so that we share/ participate in the divine nature (not godhood) Romans 8:29, 2 Peter 1:4.  The HOPE of GLORY  is the truth that the glorious divine nature of CHRIST/ HIS amazing character will be developed in us (Colossians 1:27).

Instead of hate we will love, instead of strife we will have inner peace and be gentle even to those who oppose us (2 Timothy 2:24).

Today I’d like to share briefly of another HOPE, the BLESSED HOPE.

“Looking for that blessed HOPE, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).

There are 2 days that are often confused.  There is the “day of JESUS CHRIST” and the “day of the LORD.”

“the day of JESUS CHRIST” marks a glad conclusion of waiting.

“Being confident of this very thing, that HE (GOD) which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of JESUS CHRIST” (Philippians 1:6).

“…waiting for the coming of our LORD JESUS CHRIST: Who shall also confirm you (Hebrews 7:25) unto the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our LORD JESUS CHRIST” (1 Corinthians 1:7-8).

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious APPEARING of the great GOD and our Savior JESUS CHRIST” (Titus 2:13). 

On the day of JESUS CHRIST HE APPEARS to and for believers. HE comes with the clouds (as HE left Jerusalem – Acts 1:9-11) and meets believers not on earth but in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

Then where do we go? “In my FATHER’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also (John 14:2-3).

“Now (at this present time) then we (believers in JESUS) are ambassadors for CHRIST, as though GOD did beseech you (unbelievers) by us: we pray you in CHRIST’s stead, be reconciled to GOD. (2 Corinthians 5:20). 

As nation will call home its ambassadors before they attack in a war.  In the same manner JESUS calls believers home (the day of JESUS CHRIST / the Rapture or catching away) to heaven before sending HIS wrath on Israel (7 years of Jacob’s Trouble) and those who refused the truth and loved wickedness (the great Tribulation).

Why?  “For GOD hath not appointed us (who received JESUS by believing HE died for our sin) to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our LORD JESUS CHRIST” (1 Thessalonians 5:9).

Whereas throughout both the old and new testaments “the day of the LORD” is marked with sorrow and judgment.

“Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty…Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and HE shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it” (Isaiah 13:6, 9).

“For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the LORD so cometh as a thief in the night.  For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape” (1 Thessalonians 5:2-3).

If you belong to JESUS, you will be caught up to the clouds to meet the LORD in the air prior to the great Tribulation (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).  If you refuse to receive the love of the truth that JESUS died to cleanse you from your sins, you will suffer the wrath of GOD (2 Thessalonians 2:10).

“He that believes on the SON has everlasting life: and he that believes not the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abides (stays) on him” (John 3:36).

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

I am so glad I belong to JESUS and will escape the wrath of GOD on all who have refused the forgiveness bought with the blood of JESUS on the cross. 

Do you belong to JESUS?

Hugs

Sharon

On a hill

Last night I joined many others as we gathered at a cross on the hill that can be seen from Highway 25 between Pueblo and Colorado Springs, CO. The other years I walked the long way up but this time this old lady caught a ride on an ATV. 

We came to remember and celebrate our LORD JESUS CHRIST’s work for us on the cross.  (the picture was taken as we were beginning to gather there at the cross.

Outwardly I was a very obedient child (goody two-shoes you could say) but the day I heard the preacher say JESUS died for your guilt, I was convicted and knew without question that I too was a sinner and needed a Savior. I ran down the stairs and up to the altar to accept JESUS as my Savior.  (Though I know now I could have been saved right there in my seat by simply calling on the name of the LORD JESUS to save me Romans 10:13).

I was delighted when the 1^st song we sang was “The Old Rugged Cross” for it was my favorite as a new baby Christian.

Now not all are outwardly obedient children.  Many, especially in the wicked times we live in, are openly deviant rebels.  One of my siblings and some of my offspring could easily fall into that category.

“the sons of rebellion shall all be as thorns thrust away, Because, they cannot be taken into hands.  But the one that touches them must be armed…” (2 Samuel 23:6-7 NKJV).

But GOD has made a way, just as HE did through the Red Sea.   Praise the LORD there is hope for us and our rebellious children! 

It was for us JESUS was, “oppressed, and HE was afflicted… (Isaiah 53:7).  And because of HIS suffering all have an opportunity to be saved and cleansed from sin and bondage.

“They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine” (Isaiah 29:24).

Yet as King David learned we come to our senses often through troubles. “Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept YOUR (GOD’s) word” (Psalm 119:67).

(Take warning we who would spare others from seemingly hard things… pray for sure but remember GOD uses hard things to wake us up to reality).

A person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in JESUS CHRIST” (Galatians 2:16). “If righteousness could be gained through the law, CHRIST died for nothing!” (Galatians 2: 21).  

All mankind was dead in sin and trespasses (Ephesians 2:1-5) but when one believes in JESUS he is cleansed by the blood of JESUS CHRIST (Revelation1:5), the HOLY SPIRIT comes into that one (Ephesians 1:13), and the HOLY SPIRIT baptizes him into CHRIST JESUS (I Corinthians 12:13,27) and he is made alive (Ephesians 2:1-5) given the right to be a true son of GOD (John 1:12-13, 1 John 3:1-2).   

“as though GOD were pleading through me: I implore you on CHRIST’s behalf, be reconciled to GOD (2 Corinthians 5:20).”

“That if thou shalt confess with your mouth the LORD JESUS, and shalt believe in your heart that GOD has raised HIM from the dead, you shalt 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 10:9-10, 13).

Looking with wonder at the old rugged cross and what my LORD JESUS did there for me.

Hugs

Sharon

Trade in your fears for peace and joy

In these days of masks, social distancing and no school for the kids, do you feel a bit stressed or worried about what is coming?  GOD has a word for you.

‘I pray that GOD of all hope fill you with joy and peace as you believe in HIM so that you will overflow with hope by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT’ (Romans 15:13).

Worrying about what may happen, distress about your circumstances, and dread of what may come are the rewards for entertaining fear.

While joy and peace overflowing to into hope are the rewards of trusting in the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY.

Joy, peace and hope can be our reality, even during this pandemic with so many unknowns, as we believe in GOD’s Sovereign power, wisdom and love.

When we accepted JESUS as our Savior, we were given the ability to choose and we can choose to fear or choose to rest in GOD who knows the beginning from the end.  Resting in GOD is believing HE really is in control and working all things together for an end result of good for those who love HIM (Romans 8:28).  When we choose to trust GOD’s love and power, we will enjoy the rewards of peace, inner joy and hope.

PRAYER: LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, with YOUR help I will not live by fear, for YOU have NOT given me the spirit of fear but the spirit of power and love and a sound (controlled) mind (2 Timothy 1:7).  Therefore, I am able choose and I do choose to live believing YOU are in control and trusting YOUR wisdom, power and love. Fill me with YOUR peace and joy as I rest in YOUR Word, so that my life will overflow with hope (Romans 15:13) for the encouragement and strengthening of others just as YOU promise.  In JESUS name I pray, Amen.

hugs

Sharon

Reach out

It is such a temptation during holidays to eat until you are stuffed. 

The Bible is stuffed full of many wonderful truths.  One of them has been swirling around in my mind since I woke up.  This truth often brings me hope and peace when the world around me seems out of control. 

GOD who made all things has preset the exact times and places for all things to occur and the purpose HE did it was so that men (women and children) would reach out to HIM (Acts 17:26-27). 

Furthermore, GOD has promised that for those who do reach out to HIM, HE will work all things together (like stirring up the ingredients of a cake) for an end result of good (Romans 8:28).

This is ONLY true for those who will reach out to HIM, all others are still under the wrath of GOD (John 3:36).  Why would a good GOD, and GOD is good, be so good to some and harsh with others?

The answer is sin, and all have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD (Romans 3:23). You see the wages of sin is death, but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD (Romans 6:23). 

GOD’s love for the world prompted HIM to send JESUS (John 3:16) to save us from our sin (Matthew 1:21).  But GOD’s love remains and settles down only on those who reach out to JESUS (Romans 8:39).  To them HE gives them eternal life (John 3:36).

Have you reached out to JESUS?  If you have you can know without a shadow of a doubt that you are in the love of GOD which is in CHRIST JESUS and whatever comes to you (the good, the bad, and the ugly) GOD is behind the scene working on your behalf for an end result of good.

Reach out to the LORD every morning and when things surface throughout the day and HE will give you direction and be your strength (Proverbs 3:5-7).

Hugs

Sharon

Hope

Hope in GOD’s promises and goodness is not as the ifish 🌎 world’s hope but is certain for it stands on the power and faithfulness of our eternal GOD Who sent HIS only begotten Son to die for us because HE ❤️ loves us.

Today the LORD is speaking to me of patience/perseverance

HE has smoothed my ruffled feathers, stirred up my hope reminding me that hope that is seen is not hope and of Abraham who hoped against the impossible (and what I hope for seems impossible )

GOD said to me. Sharon you have need of patience for after you have done ✅ the will of GOD you might receive the promise Hebrews 10:36.

As you know we count as blessed those who have persevered You have heard of Job’s perseverance and see what the LORD finally brought about. The LORD is full of compassion and mercy James 5:11.

So I enter this day renewed in hope and pray that should you need to persevere that my sharing GOD’s word to me will encourage and strengthen you and fill you with peace, joy and hope through the power of the Holy Spirit as you believe.

Hugs 🤗 
Sharon