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

Chasing the Wind

I felt rushed and a bit frustrated because I’d gotten behind on writing the homework and had to prepare the lessons for my classes.  Just then someone stopped over and needed to talk. Oh no! After a quick arrow prayer (Hebrews 4:16) to realign my attitude, I remembered that if GOD was giving me that work/classes HE would supply what was needed.  (I Thessalonians 5:24).  Only then did I really see the one who’d stopped by and I really wanted to hear what was on his heart.  It was a special time, I’m so glad I didn’t miss it!

I almost missed out on those precious moments I had been given with my friend.  So, silently I thanked and praised the HOLY SPIRIT for poking me and reminding me of what is really important (John 14:26).

Our lives are made up of moments, we can use them to the fullest, or waste them through selfishness and grumbling.  

Although there is a time and season for all things (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 17), it is as the Preacher (King Solomon) said that our personal desires and attempts to achieve are mere vanity and grasping for the wind (NKJV or vexation of spirit KJV). 

The word vanity can be translated pride, emptiness, or absurdity but the Hebrew word vanity actually means breath or vapor. The word vapor reminds me of how as a young child I thought seeing my breath in the cold winter air looked like I had been smoking.  We see it for a moment but then it evaporates.

The use of that word vanity (literally vapor) indicates that whatever we do is fleeting and will soon just vanish away. Therefore, everything on our TO DO list should be prioritized and gauged on it’s eternal value.  Is it just for now (on earth and GOD gives us good things to enjoy) or for eternity value (things for others as led by the HOLY SPIRIT).

I prefer the term chasing after or grasping for the wind as used in the NKJV to vexation of spirit KJV because it draws such a picture in my mind of running and grabbing after something but just can’t get it.  The Hebrew word is used only in the Hebrew Bible in the book of Ecclesiastes. (See Ecclesiastes 1:14, 17,  2:11, 17, 26,  4:4, 6, 16,  6:9 NKJV) but it speaks graphically of what man’s attempts to achieve are.

For we cannot even see the wind, therefore how in the world can we grasp a hold on it?

Our moments, all of our daily grind and even our achievements are a mere vapor unless JESUS is directing them.  More clearly than ever I see what JESUS meant when HE said, “Without ME you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Do your words seem to vanish just a vapor, disappearing into the air? Do your efforts seem as if you are chasing after or grasping for the wind the goal just out of your reach?  If so stop and “Trust in the LORD with all YOUR heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge GOD (consult with the LORD) and HE will direct your path” Proverbs 3:5-6. And that is a promise from our faithful GOD who cannot lie! (Titus 1:2).

Hugs

Sharon

PS I got the lessons written in record time.  Praise the LORD!

A branch

Who is behind what you say and are enabled to do?

JESUS said, “I am the vine, you are the branches…he who abides in ME…bears fruit, for without ME you can do nothing” (John 15:5).  That is nothing that counts in GOD’s eyes.

Draw a grape vine and from it draw branches.  Label the vine JESUS and place your name on one branch and names of other Christians you know on other branches.

As long as a branch is connected to the vine it draws life and vitality from the vine.  That is how it gets the strength to do what it needs to/ produce grapes.  JESUS said we are the same.

To abide means to stay connected/ to draw everything from the vine.  We know we get the air we breathe from JESUS, do we listen to HIM through reading HIS Word or seek HIS direction in all things (Proverbs 3:5-7).  Do we pour out our hearts to HIM and expect HIM to speak to us and lead us or are we wise in our own eyes and do what is right in our own eyes?     

Only if we abide in JESUS and HIS words abide in us can we achieve that for which we were created for.

Are you abiding in JESUS so you can be confident and not ashamed at HIS coming? (1 John 2:28)  Sure does look like HE’s coming soon!

Hugs

Sharon

Are you ready?

When I carried my babies, I got incredibly large. Way, way before the time for the births of my babies, I was more than ready to have them. Many, many times throughout the last days of my pregnancies I would think. “This is the day!” But, it wasn’t.

In each case, somehow there was a lull, I gave up, or other things caught my attention. Crazy as it sounds, after all that false labor, each time I went into real labor (with my five children), it came on so suddenly it surprised everyone.

Doctors tried to induce my 2nd daughter-Kari, over and over but nothing happened. But, when the appointed time came, she was ready. It even surprised me. She came so quickly, the doctor barely got into position after pulling on his gloves when Kari landed in his hands.

I think that is what the Scripture means when it says, the day will come as a thief in the night (Revelation 16:15).

We know the signs of CHRIST’s coming, as recorded in the Bible are seen everywhere. They have been around for awhile. But boy are they intensifying as we see war in the Ukraine but now Israel is getting shelled.

Just like when I went into the hospital with signs of labor, time and time again, many have “thought this is the day!”.. But it wasn’t.

As the LORD JESUS said, “It is not for us to know the time” (Acts 1:7). “Watch for you don’t know the hour when your LORD will come” (Matthew 24:42).

The thing is, one day JESUS is coming back to take those who believe in HIM to be with HIM forever (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17).

Unless you believe in JESUS (John 3:16-18), you will be left behind. JESUS said, when HE comes, we will be busy with our everyday life (Matthew 24:33-39). So, we need to make sure NOW, that we are ready.

All have sinned and the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through JESUS Christ.  Believe John 3:16 and 36. Romans 10:9-10 and call on the Lord Jesus Christ Romans 10:13 and you will be saved.

One day when we don’t expect Him Jesus will come

Are you, am I, ready? What about our kids, the neighbors, the people we work with, are they ready? Have you told them about JESUS? If you don’t tell them, who will?

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

Hugs

Sharon

Are you flowing?

Are you experiencing joy and peace from day to day?  That is something GOD promises if we will meet the conditions.

Peace I leave with you, MY peace I give to you: not as the world give, give I unto you. Let not (don’t allow) your heart be troubled, neither let (allow) it be afraid (John 14:27).

For you shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace…” (Isaiah 55:12)

This speaks of being led forth by GOD.  The Hebrew word there for “led forth” is Yabal. Yabal also means to flow.

Listen to how JESUS likened the HOLY SPIRIT.

He that believes on ME (JESUS), as the scripture says, out of his belly shall FLOW rivers of living water. (But this HE (JESUS) spoke of the SPIRIT, which they that believe on HIM (JESUS) should receive: for the HOLY SPIRIT was not yet given; because that JESUS was not yet glorified.)” (John 7:38-39).

When we do what we inwardly know we should do (Philippians 2:13) we are being led forth by the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD, and it is going to FLOW and we will have an inner peace.  For love flows, faith flows, mercy flows, kindness flows, joy flows.

That doesn’t mean there will not be problems, but the peace of GOD will FLOW directing you (Colossians 3:15) and throwing you beyond having to understand (Philippians 4:6-7). 

Are you feeling pressured, driven, angry, frustrated, jealous, fearful or depressed?  Those are  clear signals that you have taken the controls away from the HOLY SPIRIT and are leaning on your own understanding.  In other words, you have stopped letting the HOLY SPIRIT lead you. 

When that happens confess and ask for direction.  You may feel nudged to do this or that, a Bible verse may come to mind but by some means you will be told what you need to do.

When you’re led by the SPIRIT you shall go out with joy and be led forth (FLOW) with peace.

Hugs

Sharon

Blindman sat by the road

Camp Elim has been on my mind, probably because I get to go there in a couple of weeksl

Years past I worked up there and at grade school camps at Camp Elim we would sing a lot of fun songs that told of bible stories.  One began, “Blindman sat by the road and he cried.”

Today as I read another blindman’s story in Mark 10:46-52.  Stopping, I sang that old song I learned at camp.  But continuing to read, I also pondered the clear doctrine that it teaches. 

In Mark 10:46, the name of the Blindman is given, Bartimaeus.  Which shows that ALMIGHTY GOD knows us by name and relates to us individually.

Bartimaeus must have heard about JESUS to call HIM the Son of David and know that JESUS had power to heal.  The blindman had to believe the word he’d been told that JESUS was walking his way with many people following HIM.  For when the blindman  heard the noise of the crowd getting closer the blindman cried out, “JESUS, Son of David, have mercy on me” (Mark 10:47). 

To the Jews that title-Son of David belonged only of ONE, the promised coming Messiah.   

Although JESUS knew, JESUS asked Bartimaeus, “What do you want ME to do for you?”  That gave the blindman an opportunity to ask. 

The blindman said, “That I may see.” JESUS said to him, “Your faith has made you well.” (Mark 10:52 NKJV). 

How did the blindman get faith and how did it work for him? 

1st the blindman heard the word of CHRIST (Romans 10:17). Faith can only come if you hear.

2nd if you believe what you hear and receive the truth you obtain faith (2 Peter 1:1).

3rd to have faith you must 1) believe GOD is and 2) believe that HE rewards those who diligently seek HIM (Hebrews 11:6).  The blindman had kept crying out to JESUS until JESUS came to him.

4th true faith produces action (Galatians 5:6).  The blindman didn’t just sit there feeling sorry for himself, he cried out to the one who could help.

5th GOD says “ask and you will receive” (the blindman had to ask in order to be healed) (Matthew 7:8).

All who call on the name (of the LORD JESUS CHRIST) shall be saved (Romans 10:13).   

The blindman called on the name of the LORD.  Have you? 

Just asking,

Hugs

Sharonbelieve

Does she pass sin on?

A gal asked a question: “Are our sins passed down from us to our children?”

I know of 3 aspects to that question, but the most pertinent/ relevant one is the last so read to the end.

1-The sin nature is passed down through the man for he was not deceived but fully aware that he sinned.  Adam was not created with a sin nature but chose to sin and from that point on not only had a sin nature but passed it on to his children (1 Timothy 2:14, 1 Corinthians 15:22, Genesis 5:3). This is an important point for having no human father it shows that our LORD JESUS did not have a sin nature and furthermore although tempted in all ways HE never sinned (Hebrews 4:15).

2-We humans generally (for there are a few exceptions) can only see things visible.  Yet the Bible tells of a spirit realm where angels and demons are around us.  Angels are for our protection and act on the orders of GOD.  But demons generally interact with us as whispers just as their boss did with Eve in the garden of Eden.  They come to destroy  They lie (John 8:44). They suggest actions to us (tempt us), they accuse others and us to us and they know us very well. Some even believe that since every child has a guardian angel assigned to them by GOD, so each of us has a demon assigned to us by the devil.

The term “familiar spirits” is used nine times in the King James Version of the New Testament in reference to demons. The idea literally refers to demons that are close or familiar to a person.  Now if a parent or ancestor has allowed an evil spirit to lead or control him, after the death of the ancestor, that familiar spirit may go after an offspring to attach themselves to harass or tempt him/her.

That is one of the reasons why in Nehemiah the people confessed not only their sins but the sins of their parents (Nehemiah 9:2).  For if you are a believer and you confess your sins GOD is faithful to forgive sin because JESUS paid for them (1 John 1:9).  Where there is not sin, the demons are disarmed (have no power).

“When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, GOD made you alive with CHRIST. HE forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; HE has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.  And having disarmed the powers and authorities (demons), HE made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross” (Colossians 2:13-15 NIV).

3-The most practical or apropos reason children follow in the steps of their parents is that children learn by observation.  What a child sees they try to duplicate.  That is how they learn to walk and talk and why even little children have similar mannerisms of their parents.  Even when they don’t like something they see, later on in life it may show up in their lives.  So, since a woman must suffer pain in childbirth she does not pass down her sin nature in her genes, but she can pass it down through her actions (1 Timothy 2:15).

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

Through JESUS

We must learn what numbers are before we can add, and we must know how to add and subtract before we can do algebra and on and one it goes.  We are told that like any good teacher, GOD teaches line upon line, here a little and there a little (Isaiah 28:9-10). 

As JESUS said, “Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old” (Matthew 13:52). Therefore, it is important to study the full counsel of GOD (both the Old and New Testaments).  For the Bible with the illumination of the HOLY SPRIT explains itself.

When Eve listened to and believed (Genesis 3) that old serpent (the devil Revelation 20:2) instead of GOD and then ate of the forbidden fruit and had her husband join her death began.  Since that time all mankind have a date with death (Romans 5:12) and live in fear of death (Hebrews 2:15) being separated from GOD.

But GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten Son that whosoever believes in HIM will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

The only way to get rid of sin is the shedding of blood (Hebrews 9:22). Therefore JESUS, the infinite ONE through whom GOD the FATHER created all things (Hebrews 1:1-3) agreed with GOD the FATHER to be clothed with a human body for the suffering of death and was born of a human woman (Philippians 2:5-8).  JESUS suffered in all ways so that we could know HE fully understands our needs and thoughts and thereby able to give us help in our times of need (Hebrews 4:14-16, 7:25).

“He that commits sin is (listening to) the devil; for the devil sins from the beginning.  For this purpose the Son of GOD (JESUS) was manifested, that HE might destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8).

But you see, JESUS carried the sins of the world when HE died on the cross and nailed the law (which showed us our sinfulness Romans 3:20) to the cross (Colossians 2;13-15) and having fulfilled all the law JESUS established and initiated a new covenant with HIS blood (1 Corinthians 11:25, Hebrews 10:16-17). 

Now all who believe in JESUS’ finished work on our behalf and call on HIS name (Romans 10:13) enter into the New Covenant fully forgiven and now as children of GOD through faith in JESUS (John 1:12),  GOD the FATHER is transforming us often through HIS truth and discipline (John 17:17, Romans 8:29, Philippians 1:6, Hebrews 12:6, 11), JESUS, GOD the SON saves us to the uttermost by 1^st dying for our sin and now praying for us and getting what we need from the FATHER (Hebrews 2:17-18, 7:25) and HOLY SPIRIT changes us step by step as HE shows us more and more of JESUS (John 14:26,Romans 14:16, 2 Corinthians 3:18), HE  too prays for us according to the will of GOD the FATHER (Romans 8:26). All three Persons of the GODHEAD are working on us and for us. 

Outside of the sacrifices and festivals which were pictures pointing to JESUS the CHRIST there are a bunch of rules in the Bible.  Now don’t get this backward, keeping those rules do NOT make you holy (Romans 3:20).  GOD alone sanctifies. But GOD gave us the rules in the Bible to show us how to let GOD work in our lives.  We are sanctified by faith in JESUS (Acts 26:18) sanctified through the truth-GOD’s word is truth (John 17:17).  The more we learn about GOD the FATHER and the LORD JESUS CHRIST the more we fall in love with HIM and grasp a hold on the promises that enable us victory.

Or as one evangelist once said, we go to the Bible to see our FATHER and BROTHER and learn how to walk as a child of GOD.

Yes, we are in the process of being transformed into the holy nature of JESUS who is the exact representation of GOD the FATHER’s glorious being (Hebrews 1:1-3).  This process won’t end until the day of redemption when we get our new bodies (I Thessalonians 4:13-18, I Corinthians 15:42-44) and see JESUS face to face (I John 2:1-2).

“Behold, what manner of love the FATHER has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of GOD: therefore, the world knows (understands) us not, because it knew (understood and received) HIM not. Beloved, now are we the sons of GOD, and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when HE (JESUS) shall appear (in the air), we shall be like HIM; for we shall see HIM as HE is” (1 John 3:1-2).

Even so, Come LORD JESUS!

Hugs

Sharon

To be like HIM

Today is Pentecost, a day 50 days after our LORD JESUS CHRIST was resurrected from the dead.  It is the Day the HOLY SPIRIT was sent to baptize believers into the body of CHRIST (1 Corinthians 12:13, 27). At that time, the HOLY SPIRIT came to live in each believer and was sealed to him/ her until the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30) when JESUS would rapture those who believed in HIM (catch them away into the air to be with HIMSELF forever-1 Thessalonians 4:14-17).

Pentecost is the day the Church was born.  Since that day people are added (baptized in) to the Church (the body of CHRIST) the moment they believe in JESUS and are sealed with the HOLY SPIRIT of promise.

Thinking about that this morning I got to thinking of JESUS.  Of all the names/ titles people called JESUS like: Son of GOD, Emmanuel (GOD with us), JESUS (GOD saves), CHRIST (the Messiah), Good Shepherd, Prince of Peace, the Light of the world and a slew of others JESUS is recorded to refer to HIMSELF predominately as “the son of man” (82 times in the gospels).

Why do you think of all the other descriptive titles and names JESUS chose to call HIMSELF “the son of man”?

We see in Philippians 2:5-8 “Let this mind be in you, which was also in CHRIST JESUS: Who, being in the form of GOD… equal with GOD: But made HIMSELF of no reputation, and took upon HIMSELF the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:  And being found in fashion as a man, HE humbled HIMSELF, and became obedient even to death, even the death of the cross.”

Yes, JESUS who threw the stars into space (John 1:1-2, Hebrews 1:1-2) laid aside HIS glory, position, power, authority, wealth humbled HIMSELF to have a human body formed around HIM in the womb of a young woman, submitted HIMSELF to his human mother and step-father (Luke 2:51) and HIS heavenly FATHER by never acting on HIS own but saying and doing only what GOD the FATHER told HIM (John 12:49-50) and obeyed GOD to even die on the cross and carry the sins of the world.  As Hebrews 2 says HE did it so that HE might lead many to become children of GOD, HE delights to identify with HIS brothers and sisters.

JESUS wanted you and me (mankind) and as many who would believe in HIM (John 1 :12) to become children of the living GOD.  HE gave up so much to become a man, to show us HE truly understands mankind and our struggles (Hebrews 4:14-16), to show us how very much HE loves us and that HIS purpose is for man.  I believe JESUS delighted in calling HIMSELF the “son of man” because HE delighted in mankind.  HE became a man to help man.

Pondering on this truth of JESUS, suddenly my mind flew to a situation I was refusing because of the cost to myself.  Having just meditated on JESUS selflessness, I realized my shallow selfishness and I confessed it asking for help to love as JESUS loves me.  GOD heard my cry, and my heart was opened to receive the situation to fill the needs of others. Joy burst in my heart as tears filled my eyes.

That is what happens when we see something about JESUS in Technicolor (vivid reality).  When we see HIM in an area like that it changes us to become like what we see in JESUS (2 Corinthians 3:18, 1 John 3:2).  I saw JESUS giving up HIS rights for me and it enabled me to give up my rights for another.

 Isn’t that wild?

Hugs

Sharon