A faithful witness

Faithful witness

“It will be as eternal as the moon, MY faithful witness in the sky” Psalm 89:37

Why is the moon called GOD’s faithful witness?

The moon has no source of light from itself.  The reason we can see the moon at all is because the sun shines. The moon just reflects (witnesses to) the light of the sun.  To be a witness is to tell of something you see and the moon’s light is a reflection of the sun shining on it.

So, for us to witness of GOD the FATHER and the LORD JESUS is merely to tell others about GOD the FATHER and our LORD JESUS CHRIST.  So you see anyone who has come to GOD through JESUS (Hebrews 7:25), can be an effective and faithful witness.

Are you witnessing?

Hugs

Sharon

Why?

But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration (HOLY SPIRIT) of the ALMIGHTY gives them understanding (Job 32:8).

(JESUS) The true light, which gives light to everyone (John 1:9 ESV)

Deuteronomy 30:¹¹ For this commandment which I command you this day, it is not hidden from you, neither is it far off.  ¹⁴ But the word is very near you, in your mouth, and in your heart, that you may do it.

Romans 1:¹⁹ Because that which may be known of GOD is manifest in them; for GOD has shewed it to them. ²⁰ For the invisible things of HIM from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and GODHEAD; so that they are without excuse:

Now if all know, why are not all saved?

Romans 10:⁹ ESV IF you confess with your mouth that JESUS is LORD (Master/ Ruler) and believe in your heart that GOD raised HIM from the dead, you will be saved.

There seems to be 2 qualifying conditions.

1-Confessing that JESUS is LORD (Master or Ruler) over you and the worlds.

2-believing in your heart (not just head knowledge or assent)

In the bible the word believe often means more than just mental assent to a fact.  There are exceptions to that rule for the devils believe there is a GOD and tremble (James 2:17).

Belief that saves says aloud (confesses) JESUS YOU are my LORD (Master) alluding to a desire to follow JESUS’ directions. 

Believing that saves also comes out of the heart indicating love.  We love HIM because HE 1^st loved us (1 John 4:19).

Belief that equals faith is defined in Hebrews 11:⁶ But without faith it is impossible to please HIM (GOD): for he that comes to GOD must (1) believe that HE is, and (2) (believe) that HE (GOD) is a rewarder of them that diligently seek HIM.

Saving faith trusts GOD.  It trusts that GOD is good, in control, has an eternal plan and loves us.

Now, although every person who comes into this world has been given light (understanding), some refuse it. 

Romans 1:¹⁸ they choose not to accept GOD’s true message (EASY)/ suppressing (Pushing away/ holding down) the truth (ESV).   ²¹ Because that, when they knew GOD, they glorified HIM not as GOD, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

2 Thessalonians 2:¹⁰ them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

John 3:¹⁶ For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON (JESUS), that whosoever believes in HIM (trusts JESUS’ saving work on the cross when HE died for their sins) should not perish, but have everlasting life. ³⁶ He that believes on (trusts in the work of) the SON has everlasting life: and he that believes not (refuses to believe and turns away from) the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abides/ remains on him.

The choice is ours.  I choose JESUS. How about you?

Hugs Sharon

The salt of the earth

Salt and sugar are the two most addictive food flavors.  I love the taste of salt and have found using Sea salt on grapefruit eliminates a bitter taste. 

Salt is one of the oldest, most ubiquitous (it’s everywhere) food seasoning thattruly enhances the flavor of other foods. It can be found in most kitchens and is added to most canned foods.  That is why cutting back on salt is so hard once you have acquired the taste for it.

Salt is essential for health.  The taste of salt (saltiness) is one of the basic human tastes. Salting is also an important method of food preservation and is used in a vast many things from improving flavor, controlling the growth of bacteria in yeast and cheese to making steel and soap.

Therefore, when JESUS speaks of believers being the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13), HE is saying we should bring a distinct enhancing flavor to every conversation and our presence will have a preserving effect (against the rotting spiral of sin) on society.

Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

When Jesus is the source of your life you become both salt and light.  And we are told to “be blameless and harmless, the sons of GOD, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom shine as lights in the world (Philippians 2:15).

Believers in JESUS, indwelt by the HOLY SPIRIT, are commissioned by JESUS to witness of the truth of the Gospel that GOD the FATHER sent JESUS was sent to earth, gave HIM a human body and JESUS died for the sins of the world and rose from the dead so that whoever believes in HIM might have everlasting life (John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10,13). 

We also hold back the full release of sin by our very presence (2 Thessalonians 2:6-8).  So much so that we must be taken out of the world (raptured) before the unleashing of sin that occurs when the antichrist sets up his reign at the beginning of the 7-year tribulation. That is a time GOD’s wrath will be poured out on the CHRIST rejecting world and it is also a time of refining for the CHRIST rejecting Jews. It is also known as Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7) or the last week (of years) of the 70 weeks of Daniel (9:24).

Let your salt bring a delightful seasoning to every conversation that keeps evil at bay -and let your light shine by following JESUS’ example and speaking openly about HIM so people have a chance to believe and escape that horrible 7 years.

Hugs

Sharon

Light

We hear of many things happening here in our schools and government and around the world and we see darkness.  We hear lies, and many believe those lies.  Yet lies are from the evil one (John 8:44) who rules over the kingdom of darkness. 

In the beginning GOD said, “Let there be light,” and there was light (Genesis 1:1,3).

Light is a property that can be measured. But did you know that darkness cannot be measured? That is because darkness is but the absence of light. If you are in the darkness and just light a match, that speck of light pushes back the darkness. But if an electric light is on during the daytime, when night come and darkness descends, that darkness cannot not put the light out.

Light is the agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible- knowable.

JESUS is the true light and brings light to EVERY person (see John 1:10-14). Yes, every single man, woman and child that is born is given light (Roman1:18-21).  But when we don’t like the truth (light) we are given, we push it away and turn from it and go back into darkness.

GOD said that when people keep suppressing the truth (Romans 1:18) continually refusing to receive the love of the truth and exchange the truth of GOD for a lie (Romans 1:25) as they do not like to retain GOD in their knowledge, GOD will eventually give them what they want.  They don’t want the truth, so HE turns them over to a reprobate mind (Romans 1:28) and they can no longer know good from evil.  Our nation and other nations have refused the light and have pushed GOD out of their schools and governments and darkness has come.

But GOD says we can pray for those in darkness and open their hearts to hear the conviction of the HOLY SPIRIT through our gentle speaking the living word to them in love.  They still must choose, but they for a bit will see the light.

“Thanks be to GOD, who always leads us in triumph in CHRIST, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of HIM in every place” (2 Corinthians 2:14 NASB).

That is why when GOD states, “the path of the just is like a shining light that shines brighter and brighter until the perfect day” (Proverbs 4:18 KJ), HE is saying we take light with us wherever we go. 

But you might say, “It says the path of the just, and I’m not perfect.”  The Bible tells us that GOD has justified {made just-as-if-I’d-never-sinned} every believer in the LORD JESUS CHRIST, (Romans 8:30). Therefore, that means you and I are just.

When one turns to JESUS, that which kept him in the darkness is taken away and he again is flooded with light (see 2 Corinthians 3:13-16).

As JESUS said. “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14-16).  So, shine in the darkness. Let the world see JESUS in you. They desperately need that light. Although the world is in the kingdom of darkness, that darkness cannot put out our light.

Hugs

Sharon

Do you have your flashlight on?

One of the names of JESUS is the Word of GOD (John 1:1-3, 14).  Hebrews 12:4 tells us the Word is alive-meeting us where we are today, and it is active showing us our thoughts and the intents of our hearts.

John 3:19 says because people love their sin, they won’t come near to the light which reveals it. The light of the world is JESUS. By turning away from the light, they walk into the darkness and they can’t see where they are at or where they are going.

While counseling a cabin full of grade school girls at Camp Elim, one summer night when the girls were at their last activity I made a maze and turned off all the lights in our cabin. Then I had a volunteer lead the young girls into the cabin.

They stumbled around and bumped into things until I turned on my flashlight and handed it to the girl in front of the others. Then the girls could see where they were going.  No longer did they bump into things and stumble.

They understood what I was saying when they had changed and got into bed and I began the nightly devotion with :”YOUR words (O GOD) are a flashlight to light the path ahead of me, and keep me from stumbling.” Psalm 119:105 Living Bible

Do you have your flashlight on? Do you read the Bible everyday?

Hugs

Sharon

Light of the world

GOD wants us to have light (the ability to see clearly) and after years of things getting harder and harder to see as growing cataracts blocked out more and more light, I genuinely appreciate light and the clarity it brings since my cataract surgery.

GOD said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. GOD made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night…Genesis 1:14-16.

The lesser light is the moon.  But the moon does not have light of its own.  It only reflects the light of the sun.  GOD calls the moon HIS faithful witness (Psalm 89:37).

Years ago out in Ellicott I had run from physical danger, climbed through a barbed wire fence and ran some more.  Exhausted, I dropped to the cactus infested field as the last rays of the sun diminished.  After a bit of just being still, I looked up into the black sky to the moon and stars and as, “The heavens declare the glory of GOD; and the firmament shows HIS handiwork… and night unto night shows knowledge” (Psalm 19:1-2) GOD whispered to me.  “It is OK Sharon, I am still in control, it is time to go home”.

GOD used the moon, HIS faithful witness, to calm my spirit as it reminded me of GOD’s faithfulness, power and control.

It is written that JESUS, the Light of the world, gives light (understanding) to everyone who enters the world (John 1:8-9).  The witness to that light (JESUS) was John the Baptist.  But before JESUS ascended into heaven after HE was raised from the dead, HE said that believers (you and me) were to be HIS witnesses.  So, I want to witness of GOD and HIS goodness.

One morning as I met with GOD I asked the LORD, “Why do all these hard things have to happen to us, one right after another?” Then I picked up my Bible, turned to where I had left off reading the day before in Lamentations. As I read, the LORD answered that question by connecting what I was reading with verses from both the Old and New Testaments.

In Lamentations I read of all kinds of hard even horrible things happening to Israel (GOD’s people).  Then in verse 17, “The LORD has done what HE purposed; HE has fulfilled HIS word which HE commanded in days of old. HE has thrown down and has not pitied…”

My 1^st reaction was, “What? Is that my loving GOD who sent HIS only begotten Son to die that I might be forgiven? (John 3:16).

The HOLY SPIRIT immediately reminded me (John 14:26) how GOD offered blessing and curses for HIS people depending on if HIS people listened to HIS word and followed HIS instructions given for their protection and good or refused HIS words. Then Daniel 9:24 came to mind and with it came understanding. 

The angel Gabriel was sent to answer Daniel’s prayer concerning Israel who had so often and blatantly turned from GOD over and over again.  Daniel was told that seventy weeks (of years) with a gap of unknown duration between the 69th and the 70^th week of years were determined for the Jews to put an end to sin, to set things in order and prepare the people to finally accept their Messiah, JESUS. (that gap is also called the times of the Gentiles and has already been in effect for over 2,000 years).  But any day, that could end and the last 7 years will begin.

The hard things they were facing during the 70 weeks of years had to come to teach them, put an end to sin and prepare them for what was coming and ultimately to recognize their Savior and call on the name of the LORD (Zechariah 12:10). 

“Whom shall HE (GOD) teach knowledge? and whom shall HE make to understand doctrine? … For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little” (Isaiah 28:9-10).  “Now no chastening (discipline) for the present seems to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby” (Hebrews 12:11).

Everyone has to learn and some of us are slow learners.  Hebrews 5:12-14 says if one chooses to pay attention to what he hears and applies what GOD shows, that one will grow faster.

“Though HE were a SON (who never sinned), yet HE (JESUS) learned (experienced the cost of) obedience by the things which HE suffered (Hebrews 5:8).

So how in the world did that comfort me? 

2 Corinthians 4:15-17 says all things are for my benefit and that GOD through the troubles and pain is achieving awesome things that far outweigh the pain of today. 

Meanwhile, GOD instructs us in 2 Corinthians 4:18 not to focus on the problems for they are temporary, and HE promises to walk us through them and they will pass.  Instead, HE urges us to believe in HIM and HIS goodness and to focus on the reality that GOD is achieving for us eternal awesome things through our struggles. That truth shouts out about GOD’s unfathomable wisdom and purpose.

Again, I am reminded to give thanks for all things (even these hard situations my offspring and I are enduring) for this is the will of GOD in CHRIST JESUS for us (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

What it comes down to is do I, and do you, really believe what we say we believe– that GOD loves us and that HIS plans for us is good?

Faith is the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1) and the just shall live by faith (Galatians 3:11).

Hugs

Sharon

Do you shine?

I heard a mind-blowing statistic from a reliable source last night that I can’t get out of my mind. Twenty years ago, one specific Bible absolute was accepted as truth by over 96% of the people (both secular and religious), today less than 12% from those 2 groups think that same absolute is truth.

What happened?

When we believed in JESUS, GOD the FATHER delivered us out of the power of darkness and placed us into the kingdom of HIS dear SON (Colossians 1:13). We have not attained perfection but as JESUS is praying for us (Hebrews 7:25, Romans 8:34) as is the HOLY SPIRIT who now lives within us (Romans 8:26-27, Ephesians 1:13-14) is teaching and leading us we are little by little being changed into the likeness of JESUS (2 Corinthians 3:18, Romans 8:29).

CHRIST JESUS called believers “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14) and declared we were not to cover up our light but to put it where everyone could see it.  GOD’s values, the fruit of the SPIRIT, should be flowing increasingly through our lives (Galatians 5:22-23).

I think as the prophet Haggai told the Jews, so we who have come to GOD though JESUS need to “consider our ways” (Haggai 1:5).   

We are to be a light in this dark world, a light guiding those wandering or lost not just by the things we say, but how we act day in and day out.

What can you, what can I do to lovingly shine our light brightly in our increasingly wicked world?  Are you and I ready, if need be, to suffer persecution as many of our brothers and sisters in CHRIST do around the world?

I’m considering my ways, and asking GOD to show me what I can do to lovingly shine my light in the darkness.

Hugs

Sharon

The light of the world

Hunting for the perfect gift? The greatest gift of all was when GOD sent HIS only begotten SON into the world that whosoever believes in JESUS (GOD the SON) will not perish but have everlasting life (see John 3:16).

Yesterday Mac and I put up the nativities. I did the ones inside, but Mac put up the one he made outside and rigged up a light to shine on the manger so the cars passing by would be attracted to the light and think of JESUS. 

This morning as I look around its feeling a lot like Christmas. Christmas is all about JESUS, who made the heavens and earth and came into the world to reconcile us to GOD (Matthew 1:21).  HE came as a baby and physically made like us in all ways, so we could know HE really understands whatever we are going through so is able to help us in any situation (Hebrews 4:14-16). 

We are not celebrating HIS birthday per se but that JESUS was born as a man and lived among us. Plus any opportunity to speak of Jesus is a time of celebration. Christmas is a time when many are more open to hear of Jesus. The beginning of our salvation was when He lay aside His glory and took on humanness. It was part of it all for without a human body Jesus could not have died on the cross for your sins and mine. I celebrate God’s love and His sacrifice at the beginning when He lay aside His glory He brought light into the world 🌎 and again 33 or so years later when on the cross He paid for our sins and disarmed the principalities and powers.

Light lit up the sky as HIS birth was announced by angels (Luke 2:8-10) and also was declared to others far away by a bright star which led seekers to find HIM (Matthew 2:2).

Now GOD is light in HIM is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5).JESUS is the light of the world and is the exact representation of GOD the FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT (Hebrews 1:2-3). JESUS brings light to everyone that is born into the world (John 1:7, 9) and all who choose to reach out and grasp that light by believing in JESUS are born into GOD’s family (John 1:12) and given eternal life (John 3:16).

If we say we have fellowship with HIM while we walk in the darkness (doing things the world’s way) we lie and do not practice the truth.  But if we walk in the light (the truth we have been shown) we have fellowship with GOD and each other (1 John 1:6-7).

It is extremely important for we who confess JESUS as our Savior to walk in the light. As long as JESUS was in the world, HE was the light of the world (John 9:5) as HE represented GOD the FATHER.  Now we represent GOD and unbelievers judge GOD by our actions.  Before JESUS went back up into heaven to sit at the right hand of GOD the FATHER, JESUS delegated the responsibility to be the light of the world to HIS followers (Acts 1:8,Matthew 5:14).

The world lies in darkness, behind its philosophy,attitudes and standards aren’t men but the one who influenced them, the prince of the power of the air.  We too were once controlled by his values (Ephesians 2:1-3, 1 John 5:19) but have been set free by coming to the light of the truth.

Are you, am I, doing what that child’s song says? “This little light of mine I’m going to let it shine, this little light of mine I’m going to let it shine let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.  Let it shine wherever I go, I’m going to let it shine…”

Now, may the LORD guide you with HIS peace(Colossians 3:15), strengthen you with HIS joy (Nehemiah 8:10) and enable you with HIS grace (Hebrews 4:16).  Keep looking unto JESUS (Hebrews 12:2) and talk over your thoughts with HIM (2 Corinthians 10:5) it really works.

Hugs

Sharon