The Wheelbarrow

This beautiful sunshine makes me want to get the flower beds cleaned up and ready for spring flowers.  It reminds me of Dad and how he would get things ready.  Though quite small when we moved to June Lake, I remember Dad building a rock border so he could level the yard.  He used a wheelbarrow to haul the rocks and also to mix up the cement to fix them into place.  Other times when the wheelbarrow was empty and clean he’d give my sister and me wild rides tipping the wheelbarrow to the right and left as he’d move it forward.

That old wheelbarrow and how Dad used it reminds me of what the LORD has emphasized to me lately about JESUS the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Let me lay the foundation of what I am seeing in hopes that you can see it too.

JESUS-then called the WORD- totally equal with GOD the FATHER both in form and nature (John 1:1-4), laid aside HIS visible glory and rights and riches and took on the form of man and became obedient unto death because the GODHEAD (all THREE) desired a relationship with mankind whom they had made (Philippians 2:4-8)

Leaving the glory of heaven the Light of the World came down into the darkness of this world of sin saying, “I come to do THY will, O GOD” (Hebrews 10:9).  In doing so HE determined to not speak HIS own words (John 3:34-35, 12:49) nor use HIS own powers (Luke 4:14, Acts 1:2). 

Totally aware of what HIS choice would mean (John 21:17, Acts 15:18 KJ) JESUS humbly chose to suffer for HE knew it was necessary for HIM to be made like unto HIS brethren (humans) in all ways, that HE might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to GOD, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people (Hebrews 2:17). That was the only way people could be saved and live eternally with HIM.

Now how does this connect with Dad’s old wheelbarrow?  He could not mix the cement in the wheelbarrow when it was full of rocks, it had to be empty, nor could Dad give his 3 girls rides while the wet cement was in the wheelbarrow.  Dad had to empty and wash it out before we got our rides.

In order for JESUS to be made like us (Humans) HE emptied HIMSELF out.  That only means HE chose not to go HIS own way, nor find HIS own pleasure, nor speak HIS own words but only do GOD’s will.  Did you know that Isaiah 58:13b states that doing those very things enables you and me to delight in the LORD?

When the Creator, JESUS took on a human body inside of Mary and became a baby, dependent on ones HE had made and even submitting to them was beyond huge.  But what the LORD has been impressing on me was the beginning of HIS ministry up to HIS ascension back into heaven as how I am to daily follow HIS lead (Hebrews 2:10). “Looking unto JESUS the Author and finisher of our faith” Hebrews 12:2.

Hebrews 10:9 “I come to do YOUR will O GOD” John 3:34 For HE (JESUS) whom GOD has sent speaks the words of GOD: for GOD gives not the SPIRIT by measure unto HIM (JESUS).

Luke 4:1 And JESUS being full of the HOLY SPIRIT returned from Jordan, and was led by the SPIRIT into the wilderness, Luke 4:14  And JESUS returned in the power of the SPIRIT into Galilee… 15  And HE taught in their synagogues… Acts 1:2 Until the day in which HE (JESUS) was taken up, after that HE (JESUS) through the HOLY SPIRIT had given commandments unto the apostles whom HE had chosen. 

I see JESUS does only what GOD wants HIM to do.  HE does not speak HIS own words but speaks only what HE hears the FATHER say.  HE goes not in HIS own power and ideas but is filled by the HOLY SPIRIT.  Being FILLED HE is led and goes by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT.  Notice, the HOLY SPIRIT teaches through HIM, so JESUS doesn’t convict people JESUS just speaks the words the FATHER give HIM, and the HOLY SPIRIT gives the people understanding (1 Corinthians 2:10-13).

Hebrews 8:14 blows me away, “… CHRIST, who through the eternal SPIRIT offered HIMSELF without spot to GOD…” 

On earth while in a human body, JESUS depended on GOD the FATHER and GOD the HOLY SPIRIT and did nothing on HIS own.

We received and were sealed with the indwelling of the HOLY SPIRIT when we were saved (John 7:38-39, Ephesians 1:13). But now we are commanded to be filled by the HOLY SPIRIT (Ephesians 5:18).  But what does that mean since we cannot not fill ourselves? I think Luke 11:13 holds the key when it say that GOD the FATHER will give the HOLY SPIRIT to those who ask.  We see in Acts 4:31 that the very disciples who on the Day of Pentecost were filled (Acts 2:4) with the HOLY SPIRIT with power yet on another day they prayed to GOD for boldness after being threatened and they are filled anew with the HOLY SPIRIT and speak with power. We are saved one time.  We get the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT one time and are sealed to GOD one time.  But the filling with power comes and goes.  I think we need to ask daily for the HOLY SPIRIT to fill us for whatever GOD has prepared for us to do.  Scripture says, “You have not because you ask not” (James 4:2).

Therefore, to follow JESUS how much more do I need to lay aside my personal opinions and ideas and seek to know and follow GOD’s leading (Proverbs 3:5-7) and be filled with the HOLY SPIRIT.  Only when we are filled by the HOLY SPIRIT can we be led by and walk with the HOLY SPIRIT. Daily I need to prepare my heart (Proverbs 16:1) by being in GOD’s word (Matthew 4:4), talking to GOD our FATHER and being willing to obey regardless so I can hear and understand the HOLY SPIRIT (1 Corinthians 2:10-13).  I need to listen carefully and do what I know I should do and say what I know I should say whether I agree with it or not.  For if I am willing to hear and obey, the HOLY SPIRIT will make my instructions clear to me and enable me to obey (John 7:17, Philippians 2:13) . 

But like that wheelbarrow full of dirt, if I am full of my own ideas I won’t be able to hear the HOLY SPIRIT.

Hebrews 8:14 How much more shall the blood of CHRIST, who through the eternal SPIRIT offered HIMSELF without spot to GOD, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living GOD?

Hugs

Sharon   PS-See the TRINITY in the crucifixion?

in 2023

How many of you remember this song?  All praise to LORD JESUS, begotten of GOD.  The GREAT I AM is HE.  Creator, Sustainer but wonder of all the Lamb of Calvary.

As we celebrate the eternal Word of GOD (JESUS) made flesh (John 1:1-4, 14), GOD taking on a human body and coming into our world to show us the magnificence of the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY (John 14:9), to die and pay for all of the sins (Isaiah 53:6) of mankind (for all have sinned Romans 3:23, Hebrews 9:28) that whoever would choose to believe in the gospel and received JESUS might obtain eternal life with GOD  (John 3:16, 36).

Well within the written Word of GOD the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY had HIS prophets relate (2 Peter 1:21) many, many prophecies of things that would take place in the future.  The 1^st being in Genesis 3:16. These prophecies are promises GOD has made to man. 

Lots of them were fulfilled when JESUS came as a baby born of a virgin, more were fulfilled when JESUS bore our sins on the cross (Isaiah 53:6) and disarmed the demons (Colossians 2:13-15).  And more in these last days are being fulfilled.  More and more all the time.  Not since the time of JESUS has so many prophesies begun to line up.

Many prophesies found in the Bible have been fulfilled or has elements of fulfillment, throughout the year 2023. We’re in a countdown to the close of the Church Age. Of the many things happening, here are Jan Markell’s top ten selections for this year. Many selections have ties to “black Sabbath”–October 7, 2023.

1)  The world decided that Israel became the international burdensome stone (Zech. 12:3). Whoever expected this new malady, Israel Derangement Syndrome, in their lifetime? We know that “the Time of Jacob’s Trouble” will be a time of Jew-hatred, but in the Church Age? And this is a hatred of a people based only on identity. A people group that has been a blessing to the world!

2)  Israel now longs for peace like never before. She will fall for Mr. Fix-Its peace plan of Daniel 9:27. She just wants to get along with her neighbors, the Arab world, the Muslim world, and all her enemies. She has had 75 years of conflict, preceded by the Holocaust. But with centuries of demonic hatred thrown at her, the Antichrist will be stunning in his deceit of a nation longing for peace and security. He will overwhelm them in his efforts.

3)  For a segment of society, love has grown cold. This is a Tribulation reference in Matthew 24, but we’re in a run-up to that. We’re watching large segments of society favor barbarians. Millions have sided with the butchers of Hamas! There are Facebook groups praising Hamas. College campuses know no shame. Jewish students are hiding in secluded areas. And much of the world, and parts of the church, shrug in indifference and seem to enjoy cursing Israel.

4)  Gog & Magog further align as they unite against Israel. One periodical reports that “Turkey’s President Recep Erdogan wants to lead the Muslim world against Israel so his country can become a great power.” Russia has pledged to come to Iran’s rescue if Israel attacks. The three power players of Ezekiel 38-39 are Russia, Turkey, and Iran. Enemies for years, they are aligning more every day and particularly in 2023.

5)  The church is slipping further into apostasy. Many churches revealed theology that has encouraged them to remain silent during Israel’s greatest crisis since the Holocaust. Many openly sided with the so-called Palestinians. The silence of the shepherds has been staggering and devastating to many church members (Jeremiah 23). Too many won’t deal with prophecy, current events, or Israel and won’t take a stand. It’s time to call out evil and to love what and who God loves. Too many churches refuse, and this year exposed them.

6)  The Jews are coming home in greater numbers and are more open to the gospel. Since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, there has been a 149% increase in interest to return to Israel from Jewish French citizens and an 81% increase from North American Jews. The trauma of October 7 will leave deep scars on the nation and people forever. The crisis is driving the Jews to seek God like never before in history. Many are leaving secularism, mysticism, and more to call out to the God of the Bible.

7)  Strong delusion (II Thessalonians 2) intensifies and abounds! The Biden Administration continues to give Iran billions. The White House expresses deep concern about Islamophobia, not anti-Semitism! Biden gives hundreds of thousands of dollars to mosques. We have seen young people praise Osama bin Laden in spite of the reality of radical Islam. The solution in the Middle East is a Palestinian state! Everywhere, evil is called good (Is. 5:20) and facts are irrelevant due to the delusions of our day. Only the righteous can see straight for all others have been blinded by turning away from GOD’s Word!

8)  Worldwide there is an intensified longing for a world leader as American leadership is weak and non-existent in the Executive Branch. Soon, world leaders will line up in Pied Piper-like fashion, behind a man-with-a-plan, who will guarantee peace and stability. He will exude global leadership. The world is ready due to America’s absence.

9)  The intensification of perilous times (II Timothy 3), violence, and spirit of the Antichrist. We are warned of October 7 “copycat attacks” around the world! America’s southern border invites chaos. Rogue nations are threatening with nukes. World war seems inevitable. And the Tribulation has not even begun!

10) There is an explosion of global reprobate minds (Romans 1). Things have taken a dark turn unlike anything seen in modern times. The world has become unhinged on a greater level than WWII. People clearly have been “given over.” Up is down; black is white. Men can be women and vice versa. Israel is apartheid; Hamas are freedom fighters. Normal or Godly thinking does not come to these conclusions!

We need to be aware of what is happening, but JESUS is implicit that we are not to be troubled (John 14:1) but rather we must believe that GOD is in control (Hebrews 11:6) and that JESUS will coming for us who believe in HIM to catch us away before the unleashing of Jacob’s trouble and judgment on those who refuse JESUS.  So, comfort one another with these words (1 Thessalonians 4:18).

Hugs

Sharon

Check it out

We are in the Christmas season, and it should be a happy time as we reflect on GOD giving us the greatest gift of all. “For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believed in HIM (JESUS’ saving work on the cross for them) would not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

It is such a busy time of year with festivities, holiday food and as many, like our GOD, want to give the perfect gifts to those they love.  Some have been endowed with more material things to give than others, but most yearn to give something to a loved one and when they are not able become depressed.  We must pray for them that GOD encourage the depressed and give them ways to brighten their loved ones days or even bring a smile to a stranger for in giving those little things much joy is experienced.

Yet in what should be a joyful time, the entire world seems thrown into confusion and delusion where right is said to be wrong and wrong is said to be right, good is said to be bad and bad is said to be good.  The opposing views have contradicting yet convincing testimonies, although much not backed up by fact.  

Hitler said that if you tell a lie loud enough and often enough people will believe it.  Sadly, many well-meaning people accept anything they hear about injustice and jump on the bandwagon without checking out the facts.  Others wonder who should we believe?  One must carefully check out whether what is declared is true. Note your source.

But where do you check out the facts?  History is a good place to start but some are changing even that.

“May GOD be true and every man a liar” (Romans 3:4) in other words GOD has never lied but everyone of us has at one time or another.  Therefore, the only truly trustworthy source is GOD.  HE has given us HIS word… speaking to us through the prophets moved by the HOLY SPIRIT (2 Peter 1:21).

I urge you to get in the word of GOD, let GOD speak to you through it and the HOLY SPIRIT will lead you. If you are like me, you will still have questions, but we must remember “the secret things belong to GOD, but the things revealed belong to us and our children that we may be able to do (what we need to do) Deuteronomy 29:29.

“Therefore, judge nothing before the time, until the LORD come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: (I Corinthians 4:5).

If we just obeyed that last verse both in our personal lives and the happenings in the world obeying JESUS instructions not to be troubled (John 14:1) will become a lot easier.

Hugs Sharon

Contradiction of truth and reality

Crazy contradiction

The Lord despises those who say that bad is good and good is bad. Proverbs 17:15 TLB

In our world today we see mass adherence to plum craziness saying good is bad and bad is good and in doing so CONTRADICT truth and reality.

That craziness really fits in to the place we are studying today in class.

We are in Hebrews 12 and will cover the 1st 3 verses which tells us to CONSIDER the total CONTRADICTION of truth and reality.  We are told to CONSIDER our perfect LORD JESUS in WHOM is all the fullness of the GODHEAD in a body (Colossians 2:9), without WHOM nothing was made that was made (John 1:1-3, Hebrews 1:1-3), WHO went around doing good and healing the sick, this JESUS who never sinned YET sinners called HIM a lawbreaker, a criminal worthy of death and had HIM crucified.  On the cross HE bore and paid for all sins even those of the very sinners accusing HIM.

If that is not saying good is bad and bad is good, I don’t know what is.  Their act is a contradiction of truth and reality. 

Note the words of this old song (1917); Living for JESUS written by T.O. Chisholm that we are singing in class today.  I’m having them sing the 2nd verse 1st for a reason.

#2        Living for JESUS who died in my place, bearing on Calvary my sin and disgrace Such love constrains me to answer HIS call, follow HIS leading and give HIM my all

C          O JESUS LORD and Savior I give myself to THEE for THOU in THINE atonement didst give THYSELF for me; I own no other master, my heart shall be THY throne, My life I give henseforth to live, O CHRIST for THEE alone.

#1        Living for JESUS a life that is true, striving to please HIM in all that I do.  Yeilding allegiance, gladhearted and free, This is the pathway of blessing for me.

C          O JESUS LORD and Savior I give myself to THEE for THOU in THINE atonement didst give THYSELF for me; I own no other master, my heart shall be THY throne, My life I give henseforth to live, O CHRIST for THEE alone.

When I consider this contradiction against JESUS it shows me how to endure my struggles.

hugs,

Sharon

Are you ready?

Are you ready?

John 3:16 GOD (the FATHER) so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten (unique) SON (JESUS) that whosoever believes in HIM shall not perish but have everlasting life. 

Why was that necessary?

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned…Romans 6:23 the wages of sin is death, but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD.

1 Peter 1:¹⁸ Forasmuch as you know that you were not redeemed (bought out of the slave market of sin) with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your empty lifestyle (of selfishness and sin) received by tradition from your fathers;

We were slaves to sin and lived empty lives of selfishness and sin but when we call on the name of the LORD to save us (forgive and lead us) Romans 10:13 set free from the control of sin in our lives.

1 Peter 1:¹⁹ But with the precious blood of CHRIST (JESUS), as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

It took the blood of JESUS CHRIST when HE died for our sins to forgive and cleanse us/

1 Peter 1:²⁰ WHO (JESUS) verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest (revealed) in these last times for you,

Before GOD through JESUS (Hebrews 1:2) made all things the plan for JESUS to take on a human body (Colossians 2:9) come to earth as a baby, to live and die for us was determined.  You see, GOD the FATHER, the LORD JESUS and the HOLY SPIRIT have always known all things past present and future.  The GODHEAD knew man would sin, but they wanted man to have a relationship with them.  The LORD (JESUS) GOD (the FATHER) ALMIGHTY (the HOLY SPIRIT’s) delight (Proverbs 8:31) was in man (even before GOD made man).  At the right JESUS came to earth.

1 Peter 1:^21 (We) Who by HIM (JESUS) do believe in GOD (the FATHER), that raised (JESUS) up from the dead, and gave JESUS glory; that your faith and hope might be in GOD (the FATHER).

Amazing isn’t it that it took GOD the SON to come to earth in a body to reveal GOD to us so that we might be saved and be born again into GOD’s family (John 1:12-13) and transformed into the image of GOD the SON (Romans 8:29, 1 John 2:1-2).

John 14:6 JESUS said, I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to (GOD) the FATHER but by ME.

Have you chosen the way?  Have you called on the name of the LORD confessing that JESUS is LORD and that GOD the FATHER raised HIM from the dead? (Romans 10:9-10, 13).

Are you ready?  JESUS is coming back to catch HIS believers out of this sinful world.  Do you long for and love that appearing? (2 Timothy 4:8)

Hugs

Sharon

HE was made like us

I’ve been thinking of our great GOD and Savior JESUS CHRIST, Who gave HIMSELF for us… (Titus 2:13-14) the ONE who made all things (Hebrews 1:2).  I’ve been looking back at some of what HE endured for me and you before HE even went to the cross to bear our sin (Isaiah 53:4-6).

Let’s start with Hebrews 2:17: “Wherefore in ALL things it behoved (it was necessary for) HIM (JESUS) to be made like unto HIS brethren (those who would be born into the family of GOD through faith in JESUS John 1:9, Romans 8:29), that HE (JESUS) might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to GOD, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.”

JESUS was made like us so that we could be made like HIM (Romans 8:29).

I started a list of ways JESUS was made like us (it is not complete by a long shot) and want to share a few of those things.

We will notice in this list JESUS submits to GOD the FATHER and GOD the HOLY SPIRIT instead of doing HIS own thing (Isaiah 58:13-14) as we ought to submit to the eternal triune GODHEAD’s instructions and will for us.

1-JESUS, though equal with GOD the FATHER and being a SPIRIT by nature (John 4:24), didn’t grasp at HIS rights but took on a human body, a body like we have so HE could die for us since GOD cannot die (Hebrews 2:9, Philippians 2:7-8). It was a second birth: HE was a SPIRIT then born (took on a human body) by the working of the HOLY SPIRIT (Luke 1:35) as we are born again (2^nd birth) into GOD’s family and our spirit comes alive (we who were dead in spirit by our trespasses and sin are made alive through the work of the HOLY SPIRIT Ephesians 2:1, John 3:3, 5-6).

2-JESUS was led by the HOLY SPIRIT (Matthew 4:1, Luke 4:1) as we ought to allow the HOLY SPIRIT to lead us (Romans 8:1, Galatians 5:16-18).

3-JESUS was filled with and empowered to serve by the HOLY SPIRIT (John 3:34, Luke 4:1, 14) as we also are told to pray and ask to be filled with and empowered by the HOLY SPIRIT to serve GOD (Luke 11:13, Acts 1:8, 4:31, Ephesians 5:18).

4-GOD anointed JESUS of Nazareth with the HOLY SPIRIT and power (Acts 10:38), just as we the believers also are anointed with the HOLY SPIRIT (John 14:26, 1 John 2:20, 27).

5-JESUS was tempted in ALL ways just as we are, but HE was without sin (Hebrews 2:18, 4:15).

6-In order to bring us to glory (HIS assignment), JESUS was prepared through the things that HE suffered (Hebrews 2:10, 5:9).  We believers of JESUS are prepared for service (our assignments) through suffering (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, 7).

7-JESUS, the eternal Word (John 1:1-3, 14), could only teach HIS disciples through the work of the HOLY SPIRIT (Acts 1:2).  The inner witness of the HOLY SPIRIT was necessary for the disciples to understand even though it was JESUS do the teaching (1 Corinthians 2:10-12, Luke 4:18).  How much more do we need the power and witness of the HOLY SPIRIT when we teach and preach the Word of GOD? (Acts 1:8).

As it is written, “that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.” (Deuteronomy 19:15, Matthew 18:16).

Amazing, isn’t it that our Creator (Hebrews 1:2) would choose to be made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death… that HE by the grace of GOD should taste death for every man (Hebrews 2:9)?

Hugs

Sharon

Hold on to the promises

The barren tree branches sway in the wind knocking off the bits snow left from the recent storm; patches of dead grass are seen here and there as the snow melts and its not surprising that there is not a flower in sight.  Glancing around reminds me of verses I memorized years ago to earn a patch at Camp Elim.

“All flesh is like grass, and all the goodness thereof is like the flowers of the field, the grass withers and the flower fades but the Word of our GOD shall stand forever” (Isaiah 40:6, 8).

The pleasures and possessions of this world with all its goodness are fading in light of the individual and worldwide mounting problems and disasters crashing all around.  So many are filled with fear on every side.

But there is still a place to find freedom from fear and even gain peace, joy, and hope (Romans 15:13).  Something that will last no matter what else comes our way.  It is found in coming to JESUS and daily meeting with HIM in GOD’s word. 

JESUS urges us, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

JESUS also promises that anyone who comes to HIM will obtain eternal life (John 3:16) and that HE will never leave nor forsake those who believe in HIM (Hebrews 13:5). 

With all that is going on in our country and globally I especially love JESUS promise found in Revelation 3:10. “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.”

The first step is to make sure you know JESUS.  That is to know HE is eternal GOD and came to earth in a human body (John 1:1-3, 14), sent to earth by GOD the FATHER (John 3:16) to reveal the truth (John 18:37) and then to die for the sin of mankind (1 Corinthians 15:3) and disarm the powers of darkness while on the cross (Colossians 2:15).  GOD the FATHER through the HOLY SPIRIT raised JESUS from the dead and if you confess that JESUS is LORD, and call on HIS name believing JESUS lives today because GOD raised HIM from the dead you will be saved (Romans 10:9-10, 13). 

Does that seem like a lot to swallow?  Then let me suggest that you go to the book of John in the Bible and ask GOD to show you the truth.  For, “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of GOD” (Romans 10:17).

By prayerfully reading the Bible you get to grow in you knowledge of both GOD our FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST.  As that happens, you learn of the wonderful things HE promises to those who love HIM and do what HE says.  (2 Peter 1:2-4).

Your fears will flee and you will find peace, joy and hope even in the turmoil and troubles of this world when you continually run to JESUS (Hebrews 4:14-16). 

Let GOD speak to you through HIS word.  What you find there will last forever, for the Word of GOD shall stand forever (Isaiah 40:8).

Hugs

Sharon

How can I?

There are so many kinds of love and ways to love.  My Pastor has often referenced a book about love languages for married people.  Some things say love to one person but not another. And the icon or word love can conjure up many things in our minds.  We love different things differently.  I definitely don’t love Jeri’s cat like I love my daughters or son.

I have questioned how can I know if I love JESUS as I should?  HE loved me so much that HE set aside all HIS rights and privileges to take on a human body, suffer and die for me (Philippians 2:5-8).  On the cross JESUS paid for my sins and thus saved me from GOD’s wrath on sin (Romans 6:23, Colossians 2:13-14), since HE has given me eternal life (John 3:16) and is now at the right hand of GOD the Father interceding for me (Hebrews 7:25) I want to love JESUS like HE should be loved.  How can I love HIM the way HE deserves? 

There are songs about loving JESUS that are not the way I feel about JESUS. Am I lacking in my love for HIM? As that question came into my mind, HE answered them with scripture.

“HE that has MY words, and keeps them, he it is that loves ME: and he that loves ME shall be loved of MY FATHER , and I will love him, and will manifest (reveal) MYSELF to him” (John 14:21).

That verse says two things show JESUS that I love HIM, 1) having HIS word and 2) keeping it.  So, 1st we have to know what HE wants and 2nd we have to do what we know we should do.

The Bible tells us what GOD is like and what GOD wants. “YOUR word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against YOU” (Psalm 119:11).

We can ask GOD what HE wants us to do in specific situations. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge (ask) HIM, and HE shall direct your paths. Don’t be wise in your own eyes: fear the LORD and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:5-7).

GOD says in Deuteronomy 30:11-14 that HIS word of direction for us is not hidden from us, but that the word is very near to us, in our mouths, and in our heart, so we may do it (in other words we will know what we should do).

“For it is GOD which works (places) in you both (the desire) to will (know what to do) and to be able to do that which HE wants done” (Philippians 2:13).

In other words, seek to know what you should do by reading your Bible and asking HIM and then simply do what you know you should do.  When you do that you show JESUS that you love HIM and HE will manifest /reveal to you more about HIMSELF.

Isn’t that wild?

Hugs

Sharon

tree

I made our traditional pineapple upside down JESUS birthday cake But this year in a shape of a tree for I see so many Christmas trees posted on Facebook. Let us not forget the reason God the Son came.

Ring the bells, ring the bells, let the whole world know, Christ was born of Mary many years ago. Born to die so man could live, came to earth new life to give, born of Mary, born so low many years ago (an old song)  

Emptied of HIS majesty HE comes in human form Being’s source begins to be And God is born All our griefs HE’ll gladly share… All our sins HE’ll fully bear HE will cover our disgrace And suffered in our place. — Bob Kauflin, Sovereign Grace

Love and hugs.

Merry Christmas

Sharon L Manning

My sister Carol

My baby sister was born a few days before Christmas, and she was named Carol. Like the music she is named after she sang beautifully. I thinking of her a lot lately for she graduated to heaven this year and now gets to celebrate Christmas with JESUS HIMSELF. So many things get me thinking of my sister and Christmas caroling which I have always loved is one of them.

A CAROL is a ring dance. Being denied the opportunity to sing in the churches, the people used to sing outside. While the people were dancing (caroling) tunes and words were made up by one or more bystanders from the Nativity incidents. This accounts for occasional inaccuracies like the shepherds seeing the star.

Like folk songs, Christmas songs narrate, and they have come directly from the hearts of the people so that the authors of both words and music have been forgotten.

Tradition has it that Pope Telesphorus (Pope from 125-136) decreed that all should carol (dance and sing in the streets) Gloria in excelsis Deo on the birthday or our LORD. As the people sang and danced to Gloria in excelsis Deo, one or another added the lines of the verses and Angels we Have Heard on High) truly became the 1st Christmas song. This decree inaugurated the custom of celebrating the Nativity with singing of CAROLs.

Now, in France all Christmas songs are called NOELs. Some have associated this word with the Latin novella (news) but more likely it came from nadal an altered form of the Latin natialis (birthday). How fitting… the 1st NOEL (birthday!)

Wow! To think that our eternal GOD the Son, Creator of heaven and earth had a birthday (the mystery of HIS taking human form)! No wonder the people danced and sang in the streets.

I love to sing Christmas carols and make JESUS a birthday cake each year decorating it with a center of yellow tinted coconut (hay) and a toy child figure (JESUS) a little lamb and cow looking down on HIM.

But JESUS came not to be a baby, but to grow up experiencing all we experience so that we could know HE really understands (Hebrews 4:14-16) and to die on the cruel cross carrying every human sin (past, present and future) to defeat the devil and blot out the record of our sins (Colossians 2:14-15) so that whoever chooses to believe that WORD of GOD and will confess that JESUS is LORD of all and GOD the FATHER raised HIM from the dead will be saved eternally to live with JESUS (John 3:16, 36, Romans 10:9-10, 13).

I love the old, old carols, like Angels we have heard on high. But one of my favorite songs at Christmas is a relatively new one: “Mary did you know?” It shows that JESUS is GOD and put aside HIS glory to take on the form of man and die for our sin that we might be reconciled to GOD the FATHER. The line that always thrills me most is….”did you know that when you kissed your little baby, you kiss the face of GOD”.

Mary did you Know? (lyrics follow)

Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?

Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?

This child that you’ve delivered, will soon deliver you.

Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?

Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?

And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.

The blind will see, the deaf will hear and the dead will live again.

The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb.

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?

Did you know that your baby boy is heaven’s perfect Lamb?

This sleeping child you’re holding is the great I am.

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

Hugs

Sharon