GOD is over all

Thinking of the all the struggles so many of us are having and how people can react to troubles in such opposite ways. Why the difference?

Now I’m not trying to play down anxiety for it is no laughing matter. Times are tough, and the stresses of life can make you feel trapped and totally helpless.

But GOD who is over all tells us to look away from those problems that are causing you such stress and look to HIM (2 Corinthians 4:18). HE says that HE is achieving through them eternal wonders for the one enduring them (2 Corinthians 4:15-17).

JESUS said, “Man cannot live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of GOD (Matthew 4:4) and GOD’s word says, “Cast all your anxiety on HIM because HE cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7.)

GOD says HE will not allow anything to hit us that we can’t handle with HIM.

“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

“No testing has come upon you, but such as is common to man: but GOD is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tested above what you are able; but will with the testing also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Praying concerning the ongoing struggles of dear friends and family members, the LORD reminded me of JESUS being tempted by the devil for 40 days straight and how JESUS overcame through quoting the Word of GOD.  HIS testing was really ongoing, but HE was victorious. 

Then as I talked to the LORD concerning the many family members and dear friends very different reactions to ongoing struggles, my mind flew to the old illustration of what happens when a potato and an egg are boiled. The egg gets hard, the potato gets soft. Both have hot water boiling them, but the result is vastly different. In the same way, I see one person being angry and bitter while others continue to cry out to GOD in trust and are becoming more understanding and more patient. 

The astounding instructions/ illustrations GOD gives us through HIS creation are stunning.  JESUS told us we will have problems in this world, but this world is not our home and JESUS has made a way for us to go and be with HIM in a wonderful place where there will be no more sorrow or pain.  Therefore, let us look unto JESUS the Author and Perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2-4) and go to the throne for the grace to help us during our struggles (Hebrews 4:16).

“But the GOD of all grace, who has called us unto HIS eternal glory by CHRIST JESUS, after that you have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you” (1 Peter 5:10).

Hugs

Sharon

Faith comes by hearing

Like Precious Faith

Have you even woke up with a thought vibrating within you? This morning at 4 am I was wide awake with the KJ term like precious faith ringing in my thoughts.  I got up and proceeded to pray for specific ones who one by one came to mind.  I prayed simply that they would gain/ receive a precious faith like mine.

The NASB translates it: faith of the same kind / the NIV translates it faith as precious as ours

In other words, I was praying for the LORD to speak to them, for faith comes from hearing and hearing from the rhema (that inner spoken confirming word) of JESUS (Romans 10:17).

Since I was awakened and urged to pray, I had faith to pray. I have faith that this was the SPIRIT nudging me to join with HIM and stand the gap for them. 

So now as Colossians 1:12 AMPC says, I am, Giving thanks to the FATHER, Who qualifies and makes us fit to share (have a part) in the portion (the assignments) which is the inheritance of the saints (GOD’s holy people) in the Light.

Hugs

Sharon

Dropping things

Usually, dropping things is accidental and frustrating. But I want to tell you about two who believe in dropping things, good things on purpose and why they did and do. 

Boaz was a rich owner of some fields that were being harvested. Now a young woman named Ruth needed food so went behind the harvesters in the field as the law allowed. She was picking up whatever she could find in order to gather enough grain for her mother-in-law and herself to eat and stay alive. Now Boaz took notice of her and was pleased with her so 1st her told her to stay in his field and follow his harvesters. Then he told his harvesters to drop hands full of grain on purpose so that could gather much grain (Ruth 2:15-16).

We learn from the word of GOD that the infinite LORD GOD ALMIGHTY’s thoughts and ways are not our thoughts and ways but are far above ours and that they always achieve what GOD wants done (Isaiah 55:8-9, 11).  So, it stands to reason HIS paths often go in a different direction than our limited understanding can perceive. 

Once HE made a way through the sea, and a path in the mighty waters (Isaiah 23:16) a path no one could see or ever would have known was there unless they followed the directions of the LORD. But because they followed the LORD’s instructions, they found HIS path and escaped their enemies (Exodus 14:15-30).

It is written that GOD’s paths drop fatness (Psalm 65:11).

The word fatness speaks of fruitfulness, of blessings, it speaks of good things.

So we see a picture here much like that which we saw in Ruth.  For we see our Lord walking down a path, and dropping good things as HE goes. If we are traveling down the same path behind HIM- by letting the Holy SPIRIT lead us and directed by HIS nudges (impressions on our heart and mind), then as we follow behind HIM, we will find good things along the path. Things meant to blessing us, things GOD has intentionally dropped specifically for us. 

Awesome thought, isn’t it?  What a mighty GOD we serve! 

Hugs,
Sharon

Are you resting?

We are finishing up Hebrews 4 where GOD offers a rest to any who will believe and come to HIM through calling on the name of JESUS to save them (Romans 10:9-10,13).  By the way, that rest is to not to cease from activity but to cease from trying to figure things out and do things on your own.  It is to let GOD lead the way (Proverbs 3:5-7) and to let GOD fight your battles (through you, 1 Thessalonians 5:24).

GOD’s rest is not achieved by being passive or lethargic, but rather by being alert to GOD’s voice.  It is listening to and doing what GOD tells & enables you to do. (I Thessalonians 5:24) We enter into that rest as we bring each care and situation, day in and day out, to HIM and just lay them at HIS feet asking what we should do.  As we do that, we not only get instructions, but we grow in discernment, becoming more in tune to GOD (like to a radio station) and quicker to pick up on HIS voice or nudge.  It is also called being led by or walking in the SPIRIT.

Why isn’t it enough for us to use our own intelligence in praying or doing for ourselves and others? 

During a Bible study a gal shared how she noticed (GOD drew her attention to (Proverbs 21:1) a single paper clip on the floor and she felt an urge to pick it up somehow knowing that she would need it.  Later, after having done some shopping as she was writing out a check for her purchases, she heard a gal waiting in line say, “LORD, if only I had a paper clip!”  So, she dug in her pocket and gave the woman the paper clip.

When the clerk said, “Here is your change, 32 cents.”   She thought ‘What? I thought I’d written the exact amount.”  She took her unexpected change and pocketed the 32 cents.  In another store, waiting in line, the customer ahead said, “LORD, if only I had 32 cents.”  So, my friend reached in her pocket and handed the 32 cents over.

Crazy as it sounds this really did happened.  Isn’t it so like our GOD? 

Her experience shows us the truth of Ephesians 2:10.  ^“For we are HIS workmanship, created in CHRIST JESUS unto good works, which GOD has before ordained (prepared) that we should walk in them.”

She had no idea how GOD was going to use her so there was no way she could prepare. GOD had a plan and knew what HE wanted done. GOD set the stage and the timing and provided what was needed. That is what HE does and why we can rest in HIM to use us to do what HE has appointed for us to do.

Hugs

Sharon

Without HIM

Someone text me concerning a difficult situation.  I cried out to GOD asking how to pray for that situation.  Going to the Word, I read, “I do not pray that YOU should take them out of the world, but that YOU would keep them from the evil one” (John 17:15) Wow, that was fast, now I had it, GOD had shown me how to pray for the situation. I was not to pray for the situation to change but that he would be kept from evil.  Peace settled over me.

One after another prayer requests come in.  Without knowing what GOD is doing in a situation, it is impossible for me to know how to pray unless I ask GOD what to pray for. 

Isaiah 45:11 states there is a sequence for effective prayer.  “(1st) Ask ME of things to come concerning my sons (a situation), (Then you can) command ME concerning the works of MY hands.” 

Ephesians 1:11 tells us that GOD has a purpose for all things and that HE works all things according to the counsel of HIS own will.  Therefore, when the LORD directs me in how to pray, it is because HE has a good plan and intends to answer that prayer to fulfill HIS purposes in the situation I am praying about.

“So MY Word which goes from MY mouth will not return to ME empty. It will do what I want it to do, and will carry out MY plan well” (Isaiah 55:11 NLV).  And isn’t that what we want?

When we acknowledge HIM, by talking a situation over with GOD, HE really will direct us in what to do or pray IF we are willing accept HIS what HE says (James 1:5-8).  And HE who knows all things, knows how we will respond to HIS words even before we do.

Proverbs 3:5-7 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding (of what is needed), in all your ways acknowledge HIM and HE will direct your path. Don’t be wise in your own eyes, fear the LORD and depart from evil.

Proverbs 16:1 the preparations of the heart belong to us. but the answer of the tongue comes from the LORD.

Proverbs 21:1 personalized:  As water is turned into irrigation ditches, so the LORD can turn your thoughts withersoever HE wants them to go.

One problem has lingered for long time.  A friend finally went to the doctor and was prescribed meds.  As I began to pray for her, I knew she was not supposed to put her trust in the meds for I knew I needed to pray that GOD activate the meds to bring her the healing, only HE can bring. 

As I followed HIS lead in prayer, the light came on when John 15:5 popped into mind. “You can do nothing without ME.” 

And then a second witness/ confirmation to HIS leading came, “Unless the LORD builds the house they labor in vain that build it. Unless the LORD guards the city that watchman stays awake in vain” (Psalm 127:1).  So, I knew that unless the LORD activated the meds and worked in that situation the healing would not come.

As I asked the LORD, GOD directed my thoughts in how to pray HE made it clear that HE had to be the ONE keeping the situation under control. By HIS reminding me that without HIM nothing works, I was filled with overflowing joy, peace and the assurance that GOD was already at work doing what was necessary!

I know these are simple truths, but I love them. I needed to be reminded of them and thought maybe, one of you might need the reminder too.

Love you, Hugs

Sharon

Do you want direction?

Being profoundly hearing impaired, my cochlear processor and my compatible resound hearing aid are my lifeline concerning communications with people.  So, to realize that my resound was gone freaked me out until I turned to GOD and I cried out to HIM for help in my time of need (Hebrews 4:16).  

Peace descended and I calmly started looking everywhere I had been at home and search the car several times as well.  I couldn’t find it anywhere. A thought came to go to my daughters for I had taken her daughter to the doctor and had to lift the knee scooter in and out of the trunk of the car which took some maneuvering. But I pushed the thought aside as my husband and son joined in the search.  After about an hour both of them were becoming frantic.  I felt calm but knowing GOD doesn’t always answer the way we want, I stopped and said, “LORD you know I can’t afford another one, and YOU know precisely where my hearing aid is please show me. But not my will but YOURs be done.  I do believe YOU know what YOU are doing and know best. I trust YOU LORD.”.

The thought to go check at my daughter’s came again (Proverbs 21:1), but just then my husband told me to search the car again.  While searching for the hearing aid I located a glass case with new glasses in it and since my daughter had borrowed the car I knew they must be the new pair of glasses my great-grandson had lost.  I knew I had to go to my daughter’s and guess what I found on her floor?  Yes, my resound hearing aid had fallen in the doorway!

GOD was directing me all along but even though I had rested in peace, I still had to obey that still small voice to do what I needed to do.

Even though this is a minor matter in these troublesome times of riots around the world and wars, food and utility shortages, train wrecks with toxic chemical spills and nuclear leaks, not to speak of so much sicknesses, still how GOD  directed me reveals how willing HE is to direct our steps in the way we should go (Proverbs 3:5-7).    

Are you stressed out, anxious about the global and nation troubles and what lies ahead or what you are facing today?

Anxiety isn’t a condition – it is a CHOICE. When we choose not to pray and trust GOD with our lives, we have chosen to be anxious. The formula is very simple, you are either going to pray or you are going to worry. /Jimmy Evans

The Word of GOD confirms that statement for it says that if we make our requests known to GOD with THANKSGIVING (that HE is listening, HE really cares and is actually at work through our situation (2 Corinthians 4:15-18) and HE has a plan that will bless you IF you belong to JESUS.  IF we hand GOD our concerns with thanksgiving, the LORD will give us HIS peace that will throw us beyond  having to understand the details and will shield our minds and emotions against stress, worry, demonic spirits of fear and even anxiety attacks. (Philippians 4:6-7).

But that just applies to those who have come to GOD through JESUS (Hebrews 7:25).

Do you know JESUS? Do you trust HIM?  Do you believe that:

1) You have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD?  (Romans 3:23)

2) The wages of sin is death? (Romans 6:23)

3) But the gift of GOD is eternal life through believing in JESUS CHRIST? (Romans 6:23, John 3:16)

4) GOD sent JESUS to die for your sin because HE loves you? (John 3:16)

5) If you confess with your mouth JESUS is LORD (Master) and believe in your heart that GOD raised HIM from the dead that you will be saved? (Romans 10:9)

6) With your heart you believe and thus justified (just as if I’d never sinned), and with your mouth you confess and are saved? (Romans 10:10)

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

Direction or destruction the choice is yours.

Hugs

Sharon

5-6 pick up sticks

Five- six pick-up sticks

Have you ever played pick-up sticks?  Even in that child’s game there are rules that must be followed, or you will be disqualified. 

Reading in Numbers 15:32-36 about a guy who was sentenced to death because he was picking up sticks on the Sabbath, I thought, “Isn’t that a little much for just picking up sticks!”

Immediately my eyes (were directed Proverbs 21:1) glanced back up the page to verses 30-31, which I had read a moment before. The HOLY SPIRIT was correcting me for my presumptuous judgment and showing me what this story is really saying.

Numbers 15: 30 But anyone who sins defiantly… blasphemes (brings reproach on NKJV) the LORD…31 because he has despised the Word of the LORD.

The problem here (and whenever we deliberately go against that which GOD has said) wasn’t the outward act of picking up sticks, but his inward attitude of despising the Word of the LORD (which was seen by his actions) and thus saying I know better.

Our actions tell others what we deem is true and important.  That man’s actions said loud and clear: “It doesn’t matter what GOD says, I will do what I want to do, when I want to do it.”

Quick foundational note: I am not saying that a believer in JESUS is required to abstain from picking up sticks from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown.  What I am saying is that the whole Bible is a mirror to show us ourselves and a phone where GOD tells us what HE is doing and what HE wants us to do. As GOD’s children we should desire HIS presence and listen carefully to HIS voice. we can find them both in a special way as we read HIS Word and pray.

The Word of GOD is not just a book. It is living and powerful and as you are reading the Word of GOD it can poke you and show you areas about yourself, you didn’t realize (Hebrews 4:12). Talk to GOD about what HE wants to say to you when what the Bible says pokes you, then the HOLY SPIRIT will help you understand (1 Corinthians 2:10).

Hugs

Sharon

Are you a copy cat?

Before computers, I would write out by hand the things GOD encouraged me with in HIS word in a letter. Then I would make several handwritten copies and send them to ones I thought might be encouraged by them. Making copies took time and was work! Today with my computer and printer making copies is so much faster and easier.

GOD tells us to copy HIS ways (but like the cat in the picture, we don’t do it perfectly yet).

GOD tells us to bless our enemies, not curse them (Matthew 5:43-45). When JESUS’ disciples wanted to call fire down on a village, JESUS turned and rebuked them saying, “You don’t know what manner of Spirit you are of” (Luke 9:54-55 KJ).

To copy GOD’s ways, we must 1^st learn them and that takes time and can be work. But it is our LORD and Savior’s desire and HE promises to help us do it (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

In John 8:42-44 JESUS explains why we are to copy GOD’s ways. Our actions show who is controlling us (who is that one we are copying). If we have the fruit of the SPIRIT flowing from us, others can see we belong to GOD, and the SPIRIT of GOD is leading us. But, if we use the enemy’s tactics, if we do what the world does, the origin is demonic (James 3:15, Ephesians 2:2).

As C.S. Lewis alluded to in his 1942 satire novel, Screwtape Letters, when we use the enemy’s tactics (lying, manipulation, anger and such) it’s because we are listening to the whispered advice of demons and unaware of their deceptive control of us.

During group prayer, a gal once asked for something bad to happen to another, I stopped her mid-sentence to reminded her that we are not into witchcraft for that is the devil’s territory.  Calling bad down on someone is nothing short of a curse.  She was none too happy with me but I wasn’t going to take part in that.

JESUS said that if we use HIS name, GOD will give us what we ask for (John 16:33) if we ask according to HIS will and purposes (1 John 5:14-15).

When we pray, we are to use JESUS name, but not as a magic incantation to get what we want, or think is needed. The word name is used both in the Old and New Testaments to speak of the character of a person. When we pray, we are to ask according to JESUS’ character (Matthew 5:44-45, Philippians 2:5-8) the things HE wants, the plans of the FATHER.

That is why we are to follow JESUS’ example, and say, “Thy will be done” (Luke 22:42).

Every time you see the words the name of the LORD, or in JESUS name, think of the nature and character of our eternal loving GOD. When scripture says the name of the LORD is a high tower that we can run into, it means GOD is faithful to protect HIS children who run to HIM in times of need.

Using the name of the LORD, is not an incantation, or an invoking of a magic formula, but rather it is depending on the very nature and character of the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, who was and is and is to come. So, ask, but ask according to what HE wants done.  You find that in HIS word and HIS leading while in prayer.

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

Hugs

Sharon

Have you read the instructions?

Why don’t things come with instructions anymore? 

I can follow instructions but am at a loss in areas that I have not learned.  Being in my mid-70s I am not technologically savvy like my grand or even great grandchildren. When I needed a new phone with enough space for my cochlear app it took my grandchildren to set it up for me.  And when I run into a problem on my computer or phone who do I run to? my grandchildren, of course.

But praise the LORD! Unlike man, GOD has given us an instruction book-HIS word, the Bible. 2 Timothy 3:16 says “All scripture is given by inspiration of GOD (is GOD breathed), and is profitable for doctrine (to teach us), for reproof (show us right from wrong), for correction, for instruction in righteousness (in how to do what is right.)”  But instructions are only good if you follow them.  JESUS said, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD” Matthew 4:4.

A group of us gals heard of a deep need and in obedience to GOD’s instructions we were going to pray concerning it (Luke 18:1).  One gal had a thought flash through her mind and shared it with us.  It sounded reasonable, even attractive but… there was a bit of hesitancy.  As we learned in Genesis, not every thought that comes into our minds is from GOD.  That the old serpent (the Devil) loves to transform himself into an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14) and whisper in our ears.  That is why the Bible tells us to take every thought captive to JESUS (2 Corinthians 10:5). Talk it over with HIM.

Hebrews 1:1 tells us we are in the last days, that they began with JESUS coming to earth.  1 Timothy 4:1 says that in the latter times some are tricked and depart from truth paying attention to deceiving spirits and suggestions/ teachings of devils. So especially now we must be careful to do things according to GOD’s instructions. How do you get them those instructions? Read the bible and pray.

JESUS said: that the one who had HIS commands/instructions (which are available to all of us) and follows them that one loves JESUS  (John 14:21) and HE said, “If you love ME do what I say” (John 14:15) and furthermore “Why call me LORD, LORD and do not do the things I say?” (Luke 6:46)

We are told not to quench the SPIRIT’s instructions or despise prophesy (that flash of insight could have very well been a word straight from GOD for the situation) but then we are instructed to test all things (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22).  So how do you test them?  Isaiah 8:20 tells us to check what the Bible says on the issue and if the words don’t agree with HIS word then there is no truth in it.

Following GOD’s written instructions, one asked the LORD to show her what to pray. An actual Bible episode came to mind exposing that flash of light suggestion was not of GOD.  Then promises of GOD from the word of GOD flooded her mind directing  her in how to pray (that was the HOLY SPIRIT leading the way as HE always does (Philippians 2:13, Hebrews 10:16).  Isn’t GOD good to us?

I am so grateful that not only has GOD given us instructions but has also given to every believer in JESUS HIS HOLY SPIRIT (John 7:38-39) to teach us how to apply and live out what the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY wants done!

Have you read the instruction book? Are you following what it says?

Hugs

Sharon

Doors

Driving home after a big disappointment I turned on 17^th and GOD directed my eyes to a door that got me laughing.  Isn’t that just like GOD delighting in cheering us up?  I went back by so I could take this picture.

Doors are important for each of us.  Car doors can keep us safe when we are barreling down the highway at 75 miles an hour or turning a corner a bit too sharply because we didn’t brake enough. House doors can allow us entry and exit or be shut and locked against unwanted intruders.  Today I came across a verse about doors and my thoughts were directed (Proverbs 21:1) to a few Bible passages concerning doors and what each represent or mean to you and me.

“For a day in Thy (GOD’s) courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my GOD, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness” Psalm 84:10 

Gathering with other believers in JESUS to worship the LORD is can be so special and greeting others coming in makes it even more special.

“To HIM (the Good Shepherd/ JESUS) the porter (doorkeeper) opens (the door); and the sheep hear HIS (GOD’s) voice:” John 10:3

In this verse, you and I or perhaps a preacher is the doorkeeper.  We open the door for the HOLY SPIRIT to speak to the hearts of the ones we talk to when we treat others with kindness and respect as we tell them about JESUS. Our attitude can open or shut their hearts to hearing GOD’s voice. But if you notice they hear GOD’s voice not ours.  That is because a conviction of the HOLY SPIRIT is needed for people to understand GOD’s message (1 Corinthians 2:10-11).

^“Behold, I (JESUS) stand at the door, and knock: if any man hears MY voice, and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with ME” Revelation 3:20

          Notice where JESUS is.  HE is outside the door and since when a person believes in JESUS the SPIRIT of JESUS indwells him (Ephesians 1:13), this means this person has not called on the name of the LORD and been saved (Romans 10:9-10, 13) by believing in JESUS (John 3:16).  Therefore, opening the door to JESUS means believing in HIM and receiving the love of the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10).

Then there is the parable of ten virgins found in Matthew 25:1-12 who are waiting for JESUS to come.  We are told 5 are wise and had oil (a symbol of the HOLY SPIRIT whom we receive when we believe in JESUS John 7:38-39) and 5 were foolish and had no oil / did not have the HOLY SPIRIT for they were not saved. The time was long and all 10 virgins slept but when the cry that JESUS was coming came, the wise virgins lit their lamps… the foolish had no oil so went to get some. ^“ while they went to buy, the bridegroom (JESUS) came; and they that were ready went in with HIM to the marriage: and the door was shut.  Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, LORD, LORD, open to us.  But HE answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I don’t know you”

          Today because of the times, with troubles and wars there is much talk and many books of the end days and of the coming Rapture followed by a 7-year tribulation. Although they don’t really believe in JESUS many think being in church will save them (maybe by osmosis although being in a garage won’t make you a car).  JESUS verified this in Matthew 13 when HE said that in HIS field (the Church) there are thorns (unbelievers) along with the wheat (believers) and HE tells us to let them grow together with believers and perhaps some will be ultimately saved by believing what is being said. 

“After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will show you things which must be hereafter” Revelation 4:1

          Many believe, and I am one of them, that Revelation 4:1 is a picture of the Rapture of the Church at the end of the Church age just before the 7-year Tribulation also called Jacob’s trouble.  Notice in Revelation 4:1 there is a door into heaven.  As we saw when JESUS comes for HIS bride and goes the door is shut. Those statements sure makes me want to tell people to believe in JESUS and call on HIS name to be saved. 

But while we await JESUS to call us to come up we are told to occupy until HE returns (Luke 19:13).  “These things says HE (JESUS) that is holy, HE that is true, HE that has the key of David, HE that opens, and no man shuts; and shuts, and no man opens;I know you works: behold, I have set before you an open door (opportunity), and no man can shut it: for (although) you have little strength, and have kept MY word, and have not denied MY name” Revelation 3:7-8

These verses don’t just tell us awesome things about JESUS, but also say that for the ones who do what JESUS says and tell others about HIM, that as we await HIM JESUS will open doors (opportunities) for us that no one can shut no matter how weak we may think we are.

Isn’t that amazing?

Hugs

Sharon