I will do it

Psalm 119:¹⁶⁰ Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endures forever.  

Yes, GOD’s word is true (2 Samuel 7:28) and GOD’s word is magnified even above HIS holy name (Psalm 138:2).  As JESUS told us, we cannot live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD (Matthew 4:4). Therefore, we know we can trust it.

Therefore, we need to go to GOD’s word, not man, to understand what GOD means (Isaiah 8:20).  The Word of GOD written and explained by the HOLY SPIRIT (2 Peter 1:20-21, 1 Corinthians 2:10-13) is its own best interpreter. So, let’s prayerfully look at a promise the Word of GOD gives us.

Hebrews 9:²⁸ So CHRIST was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto THEM that look for HIM shall HE APPEAR the second time without sin unto salvation.

JESUS will APPEAR in the clouds for believers only. That is commonly called the Rapture a word from the Latin translation which means= to catch away.

The bible also refers to the Rapture as being made perfect.

Hebrews 11:⁴⁰ GOD having provided some better thing for us (who are alive and remain until HIS coming), that they (who died believing) should not be made perfect without us (before us).

The Rapture is also called the redemption of the body.

Ephesians 1:¹² That we should be to the praise of HIS (GOD’s) glory, who first trusted in CHRIST (JESUS). ¹³ In whom (JESUS) you also trusted, after that you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom (JESUS) also after that you believed, you were sealed with that HOLY SPIRIT of promise, ¹⁴ Which is the earnest (down payment) of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of HIS (GOD’s) glory.

Ephesians 4:³⁰ And grieve not the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD, whereby you are sealed unto the day of redemption.

2 Corinthians 4:¹⁴ Knowing that HE (GOD) which raised up (the body of) the LORD JESUS shall raise up (the bodies of) us also by JESUS and shall present us with you.

1 Corinthians 15:⁴² So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: ⁴³ It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: ⁴⁴ It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

1 Corinthians 15:⁵² In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed (see the two groups?). ⁵³ For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

1 Thessalonians 4:¹⁴ For if we believe that JESUS died and rose again, even so them also which sleep (have died believing) in JESUS will GOD bring with HIM (JESUS). ¹⁵ For this we say unto you by the word of the LORD, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the LORD shall not prevent (precede) them which are asleep. ¹⁶ For the LORD HIMSELF shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of GOD: and the (bodies of the) dead in CHRIST shall rise first: ¹⁷ Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up (with new bodies) together with them in the clouds, (then together we will go) to meet the LORD in the air: and so shall we ever be with the LORD.

Therefore, when the LORD JESUS CHRIST comes back 7 years later to fight as seen in Revelation 19:11- 20:3, we will be with the LORD. 

Then, when JESUS judges those alive after Tribulation and sets up HIS 1,000-year reign (Revelation 20:4, Matthew 25:31-45) we will be with HIM.  

1,000 years later after the devil is released and gathers an army against JESUS and GOD sends fire down from heaven and the elements of heaven and earth dissolve being melted with a fervent heat and flee from the face of GOD (2 Peter 3:10-12, Revelation 20:11) leaving only a great White Throne, we will still be at JESUS’ side. 

For you see only the dead in trespasses and sins will be judged that day (Ephesians 2:1, Revelation 20:12-13).  Since none of them have believed in JESUS their names will not be written in the book of life therefore they will be cast into the eternal lake of fire with the Antichrist, the false prophet (already there 1,000 years Revelations 20:10) and the devil and his hordes (Revelation 20:15).

GOD’s word, especially prophesy, is not intended to scare you but to prepare you.

If you believe in JESUS and trust HIM to save and lead you, you will be at JESUS side (John 3:16).  If you choose you want to call the shots by yourself and refuse to look to JESUS you will be among the dead standing before that Great White Throne (John 3:36). So where will you be?

Looking to JESUS

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

Attack from within

Busy here, but as my days so is my strength just like GOD promises HIS children (Deuteronomy 33:25).  Yes, GOD promises that HE will not let us have to face anything (assignment, trouble or temptation) more than we can handle with HIM (1 Corinthians 10:13, Philippians 4:13).

What would we do without GOD’s word and HIS promises? In them we find direction for living (Proverbs 3:5-7), help in times of need (Hebrews 4:16) comfort and correction (2 Timothy 3:15-16)?

Now we know that since the beginning of time, GOD’s word has been under attack (Genesis 3:1-5) and so down through the years it has been attacked.  The attack is now coming from within! By negating the need for the Bible as the standard to check against falsehood they suppress the truth. Now the Bible is being attacked by a false doctrine (of devils) propagated by woke Christians when they say the Bible is not to be followed, JESUS is.

Now the SPIRIT speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; (I Timothy 4:1).

“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly CONTEND for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3).

“For the time will come when they will not endure SOUND DOCTRINE; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears” (2 Timothy 4:3).

“>>>the Holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in CHRIST JESUS,  ALL scripture is given by inspiration of GOD, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:15-16).

Holding fast the FAITHFUL WORD as he hath been taught, that he may be able by SOUND DOCTRINE both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers (Titus 1:7).

Have you heard of the new claim emerging via woke Christians?  (Woke being ones who have left the foundational Biblical truths {doctrine} to be people friendly and socially correct). This concept states an adherence to the Bible as GOD’s declared standard, “bibliolatry” (Bible idolatry) and they say we are not to do that.  They declare if we hold Scripture to be Truth and the pattern for our living that is worship / idolatry!

Such sentiments, I think  is part of the apostasy that is prophesied in 2 Thessalonians 2:3.  It makes me  so sad.  They claim that we need to look to JESUS not the Bible.  But how can we look to JESUS without the Bible which shows us HIM? 

“JESUS said that if you have MY word and do it you love ME” (John 14:21).

JESUS also said, “Man cannot live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD” (Matthew 4:4, Luke 4:4).

The Bible is the foundation of our faith.  For the Church was built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF being the chief corner stone (Ephesians 2:20). Without GOD’s WORD written by the HOLY SPIRIT through men (2 Peter 1:21) and the interpretation of such by the HOLY SPIRIT (1 Corinthians 2:10-13) we can’t know what GOD is like nor what HE desires for us.

“For MY thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways MY ways, says the LORD.For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are MY ways higher than your ways, and MY thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9).

If that isn’t enough, the Bible contains great and precious promises that if we use enable us to grow in the likeness of JESUS and cope in our crazy world (2 Peter 1:1-4). 

To keep my balance, I need to have GOD’s promises found in GOD’s Word to hold on to when everything else falls apart.

In the beginning was the WORD (JESUS) and the WORD was with GOD and the WORD was GOD” (John 1:1). “The WORD (JESUS) was made flesh and dwelt among us, (and we beheld HIS glory, the glory as the only begotten of the FATHER,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

“For the WORD of GOD is living, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). In other words, the Bible shows us things about ourselves we don’t know it meets us where we are and gives us direction and hope.

We are commanded to study to show ourselves approved of GOD rightly dividing the WORD of truth and then told to share GOD’s word with others” (2 Timothy 2:15, 2).

Daily from every direction it seems as though we are being bombarded with this world’s corrupted values/standards (that calls good bad and bad good).  How can we renew our minds and cleanse our thinking without daily being in the Word of GOD? 

…even as CHRIST also loved the church, and gave HIMSELF for it;That HE might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, (Ephesians 5:25-26)

Why is that cleansing even necessary?

For all have sinned and come short of the glory (standards) of GOD (Romans 3:23) and the WAGES of SIN is DEATH (but GOD loved the world and so sent HIS SON that who would believe would gain eternal life) the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD (Romans 6:23)

GOD is faithful, HE gave us JESUS the eternal Son of GOD to show us what the GODHEAD (FATHER, SON and HOLY SPIRIT) and to die for the sins of the world that if any who believe in HIM they should not perish under the wrath of GOD against sin but have eternal life.  GOD spoke in the Old Testament through prophets but in these last days HE speaks through JESUS (Hebrews 1:1-2) who commissioned HIS disciples to witness of HIM and then teach those who believe the things HE taught (hence the New Testament).

As the Psalmist said, “THY word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against THEE” Psalm 119:11.

Hugs

Sharon

In the year

As a young woman one morning my husband handed me our youngest child, our little baby boy and said, “Momma, the baby is dead.”  After my baby died, I found myself thinking irrationally and knew that the only thing that could keep me sane to raise my 2 little girls was to seek out the GOD I met when I was 12.  I ran down to a church, but no one was there!  Then I felt a splash of a raindrop on my cheek and looked up and saw a cloud shaped as a mighty lion with a baby on his back hanging on to the lion’s mane and laughing and I heard the words, “Don’t weep for him, he is having the time of his life.”  That turned me back to GOD and changed me and how I thought completely.

Just as Isaiah was changed, “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the LORD on HIS throne high and lifted up” (Isaiah 6:1).

I love my time with GOD and the way HE talks to me.  To direct me, encourage me or in leading me in how to pray GOD generally brings scripture to mind and often confirms HIS ways by making me aware of how it is working in others lives.

Anyone who has read Job knows that no one and nothing can touch us without GOD’s permission.  Job went from the mightiest man of the East, he had children, health, riches and honor then lost everything. We know that GOD rewarded Job greatly for every single thing he had to suffer, just as HE promises to achieve amazing things for us that far surpass the pain of today for every trouble that comes our way (Job 42, 2 Corinthians 4:16-17). After the struggles there was a new long-lasting season of blessing for Job.

We must lay the foundation of right thoughts of GOD if we are to cope in this life.  The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY is beyond anything we can imagine, for GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only (uniquely) begotten SON that whosoever believes in HIM should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). Creation shows the LORD’s power and wisdom that boggle our minds. Little by little the HOLY SPIRIT is revealing GOD’s ways to the ones who believe in JESUS (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Right now, since there are crisis issues (yes plural) in my world that seem impossible GOD has gently reminded me that with HIM nothing is impossible and that HE has a plan that HE is working out.

In praying for these issues and many other prayer requests that come my way where I am unsure in what GOD’s good plan for them is, I am lead to pray for the very best the LORD has for them (Jeremiah 29:11-13) and that they not lack any blessing they could have if only asked for (James 4:2).

Then there are times when I am talking to the LORD concerning a situation or problem that HE will show me how specifically to pray.

An adult child of mine and I had sweet fellowship, we would sing Christian songs together and talk of the wonders of GOD.  But life happened and foolish choices were made. At this time my child has been taken from me, not by death but by access to.

As I cried out to the LORD for him,  GOD turned my mind to Isaiah 6:1, “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the LORD on HIS throne high and lifted up” and I was impressed that I (the one my child looked to for answers and direction) must be taken from his life before he could be see clearly, set free and go on to a new and better season of his life.

It brought me sweet peace to see the why behind the turn of events that look so horrific.

Years back a dear friend and I met once a week for Bible Study and prayer for over a year and a half.  The time was so special, I believe we grew to know GOD better and we shared our hearts with each other, so our bond became quite strong.  But then came a day when I could no longer meet with her. GOD had other plans.  It was hard and I missed her greatly. But it was all according to GOD’s magnificent plan for her.  When I could no longer meet with her for Bible study, her husband started studying the Word of GOD with her and their relationship grew even greater as it lifted to a higher level.  As for me, GOD had other plans as well. HE opened a new season for me in sharing HIS Word.

That makes me think of Isaiah 6:1  “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the LORD sitting on HIS throne high and lifted up.”  As long as King Uzziah lived, Isaiah looked to the king for direction.  It was only after the king died that Isaiah look up and saw the LORD.  It changed his whole life.

As long as I was studying with my friend, we looked to each other, it blocked her husband from studying with her.  When I was out of the picture, the door opened and the next season in their marriage began .

Another dear friend, a mother I know has always been there for her daughter and grandchildren.  Though states apart during the many times of crisis the mom stopped what she was doing, delegated her work responsibilities and would fly out to help her daughter and grandchildren through sickness and struggles. But due to Covid this was stopped and now they are separated.  The mother aches to go see her daughter and misses her grandchildren terribly but she also is needed by others.  The stopping of one season of the mother’s life opened up the next season for now she is available, willing and able to go where she is needed. 

While the daughter, who always depended so on her mother, is in the place Isaiah found himself when King Uzziah died.  She can no longer look to her mother to fill her needs and give her direction. So we are praying that she will look up and see GOD high and lifted up and be drawn to walk with HIM.  HE would quickly become her strength.

… for GOD has preset the exact times and places for the purpose that men would reach out to HIM, though HE is not far from anyone… (Acts 17:26-27).

Many I know are in the place of looking to someone to show them the way.  They need something to wake them up.  Perhaps they need as Isaiah did “in the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the LORD sitting on HIS throne high and lifted up”

You can find as I have that if you face any and all situations (big and small) as coming from GOD and thank HIM for HIS actions in your behalf, you will find a peace that throws you beyond having to understand and guards and keeps your heart and mind (Philippians 4:6-7). 

Remember GOD is always with us if we believe in JESUS and nothing, absolutely nothing can touch us without GOD’s permission (see Job 1 and 2).

Hugs

Sharon

JESUS is the brightness

Through time my vision had become more and more obstructed so I was not able to see what I should.  My husband believes that it accounted for my being hit by a car.  He assumes that if I could have seen what was coming at me, I could have avoided it.  Therefore, I agreed to surgery. 

“Beloved (Ephesians 1:6 those in CHRIST) do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of GOD, but he who does evil has not seen GOD” (3 John 1:11).

Our sin is a direct result of a faulty view of GOD.

So how do we get the right view of GOD?  The Bible often urges us to look to JESUS and the following verses tell us why (Hebrews 12:2-3).

GOD… “has in these last days spoken to us by HIS SON (JESUS), whom HE has appointed heir of all things, through whom (JESUS) also HE (GOD) made the worlds;  who (JESUS) being the brightness of HIS (GOD’s) glory and the express image of HIS person, and upholding all things by the word of HIS power, when HE (JESUS) had by HIMSELF purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high” Hebrews 1:2-3).

“JESUS said to him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet have you not known ME, Philip? he that hath seen ME (JESUS CHRIST) has seen the FATHER” (John 14:9).

“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to CHRIST.  For in HIM (JESUS CHRIST) dwells all the fullness of the GODHEAD bodily; (in body form)” (Colossians 2:8-9).

I don’t know about you, but I don’t like to be cheated.  And if we know the facts, we can’t be tricked so study your Bible.

Hugs

Sharon

Look up!

Haiti earthquake 2021

We are told in Revelation 6-19 many things that will happen during the Tribulation.  JESUS told us that when we see these things happening we are to look up for our redemption is drawing near (Luke21:28 NIV).

So much is happening worldwide that point to the coming Tribulation that many wonder if the Great Tribulation spoken of in Revelation 6-19 has already begun.  Yet one thing has to occur before the Great Tribulation. 

The restrainer (the HOLY SPIRIT within each believer of JESUS) must be taken away/caught up before the Antichrist can be revealed and come to power (2 Thessalonians 2:3,6-7).  Then the lawless one makes a 7-year covenant with the Jews (that last week of Daniel called Jacob’s trouble).  That covenant isn’t made cause we (those belonging to JESUS and indwelt by the HOLY SPIRIT) are still here restraining complete lawlessness.

We have been told that GOD’s ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).  I for one have found that all too true.

The following 2 verses is an example of one of GOD’s ways. In the Bible GOD will prophesy an event; then there is at least one temporary fulfillment that POINTS to the final fulfillment of that prophesy.  Just as we are now feeling some of the similar things that will come in much greater intensity during the Great Tribulation.

“And HE (JESUS) answered and told them, Elias (Elijah) really must come (FUTURE event) first (before JESUS returns to earth a 2^nd time and sets up a kingdom on earth), and restoreth all things” (Mark 9:12).

This speaks of Elijah coming in the FUTURE as 1 of the 2 witnesses (Revelation 11) once the church is raptured and her witness is gone.  At that time Elijah will be preparing the way for JESUS’ 2^nd coming to earth as a ruling King (Malachi 4, Revelation 20).

“and how it is written of the Son of man, that HE (JESUS) must suffer many things, and be set at naught (at HIS 1^st coming). But I say unto you, That Elias (Elijah) indeed has (already) come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they chose, as it is written of him” (Mark 9:12-13).

This speaks of John the Baptist who came in the spirit of Elijah (Luke 1:13-17) and prepared the way for JESUS 1^st coming as the Lamb of GOD who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

There are many times we do not understand why GOD gives previews like HE does.  But knowing HIS promises and that “HE knows all HIS works from the foundation of the world” (Acts 15:18) helps me accept what I cannot understand.  Hope it is a comfort to you as well.

Hugs

Sharon

Crushed

What do you think of when you hear the word CRUSHED?  My mind flies to pop cans and crushing them so they don’t take up as much room in the trash.  But what does it mean to feel crushed?

One gal told me GOD doesn’t hurt because HE is in control and knows all things.  Yes, the LORD is sovereignly in control of all things, yet HE gave mankind the right and ability to choose (Joshua 24:14-15).

Yes, GOD knows what tomorrow will bring and what we will say even before we do. I was told that my total knee replacement would be painful.  So, I knew beforehand that I would hurt.  But my knowing what would happen did not take the pain away after surgery.  In the same way, GOD’s knowledge that man will cheat on HIM/ betray HIM does not ease the pain when man does it.

Today I read in Ezekiel 6:9 GOD’s cry, “I was CRUSHED by their adulterous heart which has departed from ME”

Can’t you just feel the pain in GOD’s words?

Genesis tells the story of how GOD called the idol worshiping Abraham (Joshua 24:2) and through him formed a nation (Genesis 12:2) by placing them in isolation in Egypt (Genesis 46:3).  Then HE brought them out and through the wilderness and even after GOD defeated the nations in Canaan and gave the Jews the land that HE promised they grumbled and complained and even after seeing miracle upon miracle they went after the gods of the land.  But those gods were not gods but demons (1 Corinthians 4:20).

The Jews were GOD’s 1^st, people.  GOD referred to Israel (the Jews) as HIS wife and HE has loved them with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3).  Knowing what they did and would do the LORD still declares HIS love for them and says that after the 7- year Tribulation (that last week of years spoken of in Daniel 9:24) during which GOD will purify the Jewish remnant and bring the Jews as a nation to saving knowledge of JESUS and save them (Zechariah 13:8-9, Isaiah 48:8-12).  Then HIS promise to the Jews for peace and prosperity will be fulfilled during the 1,000-year reign on this earth.

Then comes more drama and the new heavens and earth (Revelation 21:1).

We, who have come to GOD through JESUS are now the children of GOD (John 1:12) and are under the new covenant (1 Corinthians 11:25, Hebrews 10:16-17).  We are the Church and have the nickname of “the last.” Several places it is said the 1^st shall be last and the last shall be first and seems to indicate in many of those references that the Church will experience SOME of the instructions, promises and warnings given the Jews. 

For instance, Christian’s part in the 1^st resurrection is prior to the 7-year tribulation, while the Jews won’t come to saving knowledge of JESUS nor have their new bodies until the end of the 7-year tribulation (their part in the 1^st resurrection).  

And also GOD’s promise that if in all our ways we will acknowledge HIM (talk things over with HIM) and not lean on our own understanding HE definitely will direct our path (Proverbs 3”5-6) belongs to us as well as the Jews.

But let’s not get proud, for it is clear that we do NOT replace the Jews. GOD declares,  “Thus saith the LORD, who gives the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, who divides the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts (armies) is HIS name: If those ordinances depart from before ME, says the LORD, then the seed of Israel (the Jews) also shall cease from being a nation before ME forever.  Thus, saith the LORD; If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith the Lord (Jeremiah 31:35-37).  

The Jews were given the Word of GOD that revealed what GOD is like and we have that blessing in the Old Testament.  GOD does not change (Malachi 3:6) and as HE was CRUSHED when the Jews sought counsel and help from people or things (gods of their own making) so when we turn away from HIM to other people or things for direction and fulfillment, I believe HE is CRUSHED.

Sure, HE knows ahead if we will turn from HIM, but still when we actually turn it hurts GOD deeply.  I pray that GOD will keep me focused on HIM.

Hugs

Sharon  

What is your goal?

If you aim at nothing you are sure to hit it.

That is why it is so very important to have goals in life. For without a goal/ purpose, life is drab and meaningless.

As a believer in JESUS CHRIST and thus a child of GOD (John 1:12) we are urged to have one goal. It is stated over and over in the Bible..

“imitate CHRIST” (1 Corinthians 11:1).

“Look to JESUS” (Hebrews 12:2).

“become followers …of the LORD” (1 Thessalonians 1:6).

“GOD, who at many times and in different manners spoke in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Has in these last days spoken unto us by HIS SON, whom HE hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also HE made the worlds; Who (JESUS) being the brightness of HIS (GOD’s) glory, and the express image of HIS person, and upholding all things by the word of HIS power, when HE (JESUS) had by HIMSELF purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the MAJESTY on high” Hebrews 1:1-3).

“Therefore, be imitators of GOD as dear children” (Ephesians 5:1).

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the FATHER is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the FATHER, but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that does the will of GOD abides forever” (1 John 2:15-17).

Before you can hit a target you must set it up where you can see it. So every morning, before your day begins I urge you to read at least a verse or 2 out of the Bible. By doing so we learn what GOD and therefore what JESUS (who is the exact representation of GOD the FATHER) does and we then know how to follow HIM.

Hugs

Sharon L Manning

The thief who did it right

…spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another.  Hebrews 10:24-25

When JESUS was nailed to the cross bearing our sins, there were 2 thieves hanging on either side of HIM.  One mocked JESUS.  But the other answering rebuked him, saying, “Don’t you fear GOD…?

We are condemned justly; for we receive the due reward of our bad deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto JESUS, LORD, remember me when thou come into YOUR kingdom.

JESUS said unto him, “verily I say unto you, Today, shall you be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:40-5).

One thief recognized that JESUS was good, he believed the sign that said JESUS was the King of the Jews, and believed that JESUS’ kingdom was not of this world.  After he believed, he rebuked the other thief in an attempt to spur him on toward right action.  Then he cried out to JESUS to remember him.   

The LORD will always answer as here, a sincere cry and appeal.  HE has never turned a single one away who calls out to HIM with humility (Romans 10:13).

If one wants to know how to be saved all he needs to do is look at the example set by this dying thief.

1. The thief believed in JESUS goodness and authority and power.
2. The thief recognized his own sinfulness.
3. The thief called upon the LORD JESUS to be saved believing JESUS would listen to him.

If you are saved, do you do what the thief did:

    1-Do you believe in JESUS’ goodness and power and authority even when everything seems to cry out that it is not true? 

    2-Do you cry out to JESUS to help in times of need?

    3-Do you point others to JESUS and tell them about HIM? 

How can you, how can I, encourage another today by pointing him/her to JESUS?

Looking to JESUS and HIS coming Kingdom.

Hugs

Sharon

Rough day?

There seems to be many irritations creeping in and I for one must take steps to avoid the temptation to grumpiness. Getting in the Word and letting GOD talk to me helps me most, next to that is a friend texting a Bible verse or a image that makes me smile. Here is one such image that a friend sent.

hugs

Sharon