A bummer lamb

Ever feel rejected, unwanted or unaccepted? 

With a profound hearing loss, I often could not understand what was being said and if I misunderstood and spoke I was naturally laughed at, mocked and felt rejected.  Praise the LORD! HE met with me in my isolation and there is where I really got to know HIM in a special way.  Then when I was stronger HE opened the door for me to work at a Christian camp and their acceptance of me was just the beginning of GOD opening doors for me to reach out in love and accept others as JESUS had accepted me.  The short article that follows came in my email spoke to me of my experience.   

hugs, Sharon

Every once in a while, an ewe will give birth to a lamb and reject it. There are lots of reasons she may do this. If the shepherd tries to return the lamb, the mother might even kick the baby away. Once an ewe rejects one of her lambs, she will never change her mind.

These little lambs will hang their heads so low that it looks like something is wrong with their little necks. Their spirits are broken.

These lambs are called “bummer lambs.”

Unless the shepherd intervenes, that little lamb will die – rejected and alone.

Do you know what the shepherd usually does?

The shepherd will take that rejected little lamb into their home, hand-feed it and keep it warm. They will wrap it up with blankets and hold it to their chest so the little lamb can hear their heartbeat. Once the lamb is strong enough, the shepherd will place it back in the field with the rest of the flock.

That sheep never forgets the shepherd’s love and care when their mother rejected them. When the shepherd calls for the flock, guess which sheep runs first? That sheep knows the shepherd’s voice.

The bummer lamb isn’t loved more, it just knows intimately the one who loves it. It trusts the shepherd because it has experienced love from the shepherd.

Many of us are bummer lambs. Rejected and broken. But JESUS is the good Shepherd. HE cares for our every need and holds us close to HIS heart so we can hear HIS heartbeat.

We may be broken but we are deeply loved by the Shepherd who will never leave us. ~ Author Unknown

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

Awakened by a thought

Have you ever been awakened in the middle of the night with a questionable thought? 

I was so awakened a little while ago. But I didn’t want to go there so I asked the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY to turn my thoughts where HE wanted them.  My thoughts began to swirl.  Because of the drastic change of the direction of my thoughts, I am now up writing.  I was just going to jot down the simple concept and handle it in the morning, but as I began to jot down the thoughts I knew, or I should say realized that was not what the LORD wanted of me.

Only through the HOLY SPIRIT can people understand what GOD means (1 Corinthians 2:10-12).

The HOLY SPIRIT only relays to us humans that which HE has heard the FATHER tell HIM to say (John 16:13).

It is Our Heavenly FATHER from whom all blessings flow who told the HOLY SPIRIT what to place in the hearts and minds of holy men moving them to write the scriptures according to their own personalities (2 Peter 1:20-21).  And all of the holy scripture that they wrote points to JESUS and tells about HIM (Revelation 19:10, John 5:39, 46).

The Gospel of JESUS states that JESUS is GOD the Son who was given a human body and came to earth as a baby born of a virgin, grew up, lived, taught, healed sicknesses, was crucified on a cross where all the sins of mankind was placed on HIM.  JESUS died and on the 3^rd day HIS body was resurrected guaranteeing that all who believe in HIM will be resurrected to new, eternal life.

Being JESUS had never sinned, although tempted in all ways as we humans are (Hebrews 4:14-15), JESUS was the perfect substitutional sacrifice without spot (a sin nature passed on by a human father) or blemish (sin) and all who believe on JESUS are cleansed from all sin and are born again into the family of GOD through the power of the HOLY SPIRIT (John 3:3-6, 1:12-13).

When one believes in JESUS, GOD the FATHER sends the HOLY SPIRIT to come live within that one (John 7:38-39).  JESUS said it was better that HE/ JESUS go away so that the HOLY SPIRIT might come to each individual believer to comfort, lead, teach, remind of all that JESUS said as well as help the believer witness of JESUS and strengthen the believer in all ways (John 14:26, Philippians 2:13, Acts 1:8). 

When the HOLY SPIRIT comes, HE places us in JESUS CHRIST (1 Corinthians 12:13, 27) for it is in JESUS CHRIST alone where GOD’s love is found (Romans 8:39). The HOLY SPIRIT seals each believer to GOD.  Like pickles are sealed from spoilage until opened.  The HOLY SPRIT gives the believer new life and becomes the down payment assuring the believer that JESUS will come for him/her and take the believer with HIM to heaven on the day of redemption (otherwise spoken of as the Rapture Ephesians 1:13-14, 2:1, 4:30, 1 Thessalonians 1:17).

Again, let me say that the HOLY SPIRIT only teaches us what GOD our Heavenly FATHER and JESUS tells HIM to say.  HE takes what belongs to JESUS (and all that belongs to GOD the FATHER belongs to JESUS) and shows it little by little to the believer (John 16:13-15, 2 Corinthians 3:18) and reminds the believer of verses to help the believer stand against temptation or direct the believer in what to say or do (John 14:26).

Now can’t you see just a glimpse of the trinity in our salvation?  GOD the FATHER is from whom all blessings flow.  HE along with JESUS and the HOLY SPIRIT devised a plan (Genesis 1:26).  HE as our Heavenly FATHER provides for us and disciplines us that we might grow in the divine nature (Hebrews 12:11). GOD the FATHER sent JESUS (who came willingly) to save us from our sin so we could come to the FATHER.

JESUS came, lived, suffered, died, rose again and now is interceding for us (Hebrews 7:25, Romans 8:34) and our growth in CHRIST-likeness (Romans 8:29) at the right hand of GOD the FATHER.  JESUS is awaiting the appointed time to come get HIS church (true believers in HIM).

Meanwhile the HOLY SPIRIT is on earth. The person of the HOLY SPIRIT convicts us showing us our sin and need of JESUS (John 16:8).  JESUS is the only way to GOD the FATHER (1 Timothy 2:5, John 14:6).  When we believe, the HOLY SPIRIT gives us new birth, indwells us, teaches us, reminds us, leads us, and strengthens us. Through believers in JESUS the HOLY SPIRIT is restraining complete wickedness that will be unleashed when believers are taken out of this world to be with JESUS at the Rapture (catching away).

Each member of the Trinity honors the other members.  Sometimes it may look like the HOLY SPIRIT is in service to the others of the Trinity.  But all of the Trinity, even the FATHER are humble.  The only unforgivable sin is to blaspheme the HOLY SPIRIT.  We grieve and quench the HOLY SPIRIT with sin and refusal to obey HIS nudges.  If we pray to the FATHER in JESUS name (John 16:23), we are forgiven (1 John 1:9) and GOD the FATHER tells the HOLY SPIRIT to speak again to us.  But to blaspheme the HOLY SPIRIT is to refuse HIS message: JESUS saves.  NOTE: the only reason a human is thrown into the everlasting lake of fire is because he has refused to believe in JESUS and thus get his name written in the Lamb’s book of life (Revelation 20:15).

Now it’s time to post this and get back into bed for I’ve appointments in the morning.

Hugs

Sharon

Assignment

“… some have not the knowledge of GOD: I speak this to your shame” (1 Corinthians 15:34).

Every Christian is called to witness of JESUS (Acts 1:8) who GOD the FATHER sent because HE loved the world and wanted to restore a relationship with us and give us eternal life (John 3:16, 17:3).

After all JESUS suffered for us, witnessing of HIS love and telling all HE gives to anyone who will believe seems a reasonable assignment.

“CHRIST died for our sins according to the scriptures;  And that HE was buried, and that HE rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) to set all who will believe on HIM free from the sin that separates them from GOD (Isaiah 59:2).

JESUS said, “I said therefore unto you, that you shall die in your sins: for if you believe not that I am HE (the SON of GOD, the lamb of GOD that takes away the sins of the world), you shall die in your sins (John 8:24).

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD” (Romans 6:23).

Now if that isn’t a motivator to keep speaking out about JESUS, I don’t know what is.  It shouts at me. 

There are times I’d rather not give out the message GOD nudges me to share with you all.  But, I need to regardless of how I feel or how you respond.

What about you? Are you ever hesitant to speak out about our Savior?  Is there someone in your sphere of influence, or even general interaction that needs to hear of our marvelous GOD and HIS plan to save?

One of my grandsons has been duped by the lies of this world to think that there is no GOD.  He is really into computers and gaming, though young, he develops games on his own.  The other day he was telling me some the challenges about creating the opposing armies of turtles in it.  After telling some of the differences, such as color, he mentioned that they will destroy their enemy by merely opening their mouths. 

It was the perfect opening, I couldn’t help myself.  I said, “that reminds me of the battle of Armageddon (Revelation 19), where JESUS gallops out of heaven riding a white horse with HIS armies (us) behind HIM on white horses.  At that time JESUS simply opens HIS mouth, in which is the two-edged sword, which we know is the Word of GOD (Hebrews 4:12, Ephesians 6:17).  By merely opening HIS mouth HE slays the nations and all the multitudes that oppose HIM.  HIS armies don’t have to do a thing, they just look on in wonder at their KING, and see the glory of the LORD and the power of HIS word (Revelation 19:11-15)., the very word that created the universes” (Genesis 1).

Then I told my grandson, “Boy, I want to be in those armies behind JESUS riding down out of heaven, and not the ones facing HIS coming to earth!  What about you?” 

My grandson shook his head affirmingly up and down.

So, you see, GOD will open up windows of opportunities to witness of our marvelously Awesome GOD.  Take those opportunities and then you will not need to be ashamed of neglecting your assignment.

Looking unto and awaiting JESUS, the Author and Perfecter of my faith.

Hugs

Sharon

Scapegoat

A scapegoat is someone you blame for your problems.  And isn’t it easy to POINT the FINGER of blame at another?

But the LORD puts an unusual condition on hearing prayer in Isaiah 58:9 “Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and HE will say: Here am I. “If you do away with the yoke of oppression (demanding people do things your way), with the POINTING of the FINGER (blaming others) and malicious talk.

That is because to grow up/ mature and change one must own up to their own failings instead of blaming others for them.  We can’t even say the devil made me do it.  He may have lured us by suggesting something, but it is the individual himself who chooses what he will do.

Ironically, before the foundation of the world GOD appointed a scapegoat (Revelation 13:8) to carry the sins of all people.

A picture of this was given 3,000 years ago when GOD told the Jews to observe the Day of Atonement, which involves symbolically placing sins on the scapegoat’s head, who then escapes carrying the iniquities of the nation away.

There were 2 goats.  Lots (or dice) were tossed to see which was the LORD’s goat that would be killed and whose blood would satisfy GOD and forgiveness could come.  The second was the scapegoat which carried the sins away.  The LORD JESUS CHRIST the Messiah is both. 

As the Lamb that was slain (Revelation 5:6, 9,10) JESUS redeemed men to GOD by HIS blood. However, only those written “in the book of life of the Lamb (JESUS) slain from the foundation of the world” get the benefit from it (Revelation 13:8).

Hands were laid on the head of the innocent scapegoat which symbolically transferred the sins of the people onto it (Leviticus 16:21-22). Just as the sins of the world were laid on JESUS (Isaiah 53:6). The scapegoat then was released into the wilderness which indicated that the sins were not just forgiven but removed from the people. “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath HE removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12)

The LORD JESUS CHRIST the Messiah is the scapegoat who took the sins of all mankind upon HIMSELF on the cross and carried them away. However, only those written “in the book of life of the Lamb (JESUS) slain from the foundation of the world” get the benefit from it (Revelation 13:8).

That is why it is so important to believe in JESUS whom GOD sent (John 3:16), who died for all sin of mankind (Colossians 1:14), to destroy the works and power of the devil (Colossians 2:12-15, 1 John 3:8) and was raised to life again by GOD the FATHER (Romans 10:9) and is seated with GOD the FATHER on HIS throne right now (Hebrews 1:2-3) awaiting for the set time to come for HIS church (rapture 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Revelation 4:1) and then pour HIS wrath out on the CHRIST rejecting world (the 7-year Tribulation also known as Daniel’s 70th week Daniel 9:24).

If you belong to JESUS, you too are called to be a little scapegoat. By that I mean you are called to bear the burdens, irritations and unjust treatment from others, and love them in return. The LORD, your Scapegoat, bore your burdens to bring you salvation, so as you follow HIM you are called to be a little scapegoat, to bear the burdens (take time to genuinely care about and put up with) those who need JESUS. Perhaps by seeing JESUS in you they may come to HIM (2 Corinthians 4:7).

I am convicted as I write I’m remembering times when I was not longsuffering, gentle or kind but acted in irritation.  It is quite an assignment for sure, but when GOD calls, HE equips (1 Thessalonians 5:24, Hebrews 13:21). 

“LORD, help me, in JESUS name I pray!”

Hugs

Sharon