Please pass the butter

Sometimes two people can hear the same thing and get totally different meanings about what is being said because they attach different meanings to the words used.  When we eat corn on the cob you are sure to hear, “Please, pass the butter.”  Now that sentence, “Pass the butter” is clear in its meaning with the setting of having corn on the cob at dinner time.

But, in one of the first Women’s Bible studies I ever attended we were studying in Philippians in the King James Bible.  As I read “the peace of GOD which passeth all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). I thought it meant that GOD’s peace would give me understanding and thus keep me from error.

I thought, GOD’s peace passes all understanding meant it handed understanding to me, like when you say, “pass the butter.” Was I ever shocked when I learned the Greek word translated pass here did not mean hand to me but meant it would throw mindset beyond having to understand, for it surpasses all understanding.

The meaning of that word in that setting changes everything and explains so much.  Instead of GOD’s peace giving me understanding, GOD’s peace guarded my heart and mind to keep me from doubts and fears when I didn’t understand as it throws me beyond having to understand. It calms me and helps me cope when things just don’t make sense.

Many times, I don’t understand, even though I pray, and I search for answers. At those times I have learned to do as GOD instructs us. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge HIM (talk to HIM about them) and HE will direct your path (not necessarily your mind). Be not wise (having to know) in your own eyes, fear the LORD and depart from evil (Proverbs 3:5-7NKJ).

“The peace that CHRIST gives is to guide you in the decisions you make; for it is to this peace that GOD has called you together in the one body. And be thankful” (Colossians 3:15 GNT)

Hugs,

Sharon

Where do I find it?

I read a quote I want to share with you. “In a time where the world seems to have collectively lost its mind, our hearts and minds are protected with a peace that surpasses all understanding” / Amir Tsarfati.

The Word of GOD tell us to: “Be careful for (worry about) nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto GOD.  And the peace of GOD, which passes (throws you beyond) all understanding, shall keep (guard) your hearts and minds through CHRIST JESUS” (Philippians 4:6-7).

It is nothing new and may seem insignificant to many, but beginning with the awareness that the word begotten means comes from (John 1:14, 3:16), over and over this morning I began seeing everything good comes from GOD our FATHER (James 1:17) including all insight, all understanding, even all opposition.

Then someone asked what I meant that all opposition came from GOD.  Bible verses flooded my mind to answer her.  I am not saying that GOD devises bad for us, but rather everything must be allowed by GOD so must come through HIM to get to us.  HIS (GOD’s) intent is always for good.

Just look at Job chapters 1, 2, 42 and notice GOD sets boundaries of what can come our way.

Then there is the truth, “What you meant for evil, GOD meant for good to accomplish” (Genesis 50:20).  That truth is also seen in 2 Corinthians 4:15-17.

“GOD works all things for the end result of good to those who love HIM and are the called according to HIS purpose … (for) them HE also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of HIS SON that HE (JESUS) would be the 1^st among many brethren” (Romans 8:28-29).

Pressure applied to a person exposes problems that need to be dealt with, reveals character and gives opportunity for growth and/ or service.

The tremendous opposition the Apostle Paul endured even got him thrown into jail. Which opened opportunities to witness to kings and guards and write scriptures that are still teaching us today.  Plus, Paul’s physical ailment kept him from becoming too proud (2 Corinthians 12:7).

As we are told, GOD’s ways and thoughts are not like ours but vastly higher and better and always accomplish what HE wants done (Isaiah 55:8-9, 11).

Knowing nothing can touch me without GOD’s permission helps me accept hard things that come, because I know GOD loves me and has good, wise plans for me (Jeremiah 29:11).  Knowing that GOD does nothing without a good reason (Ezekiel 14:23) also enables me to walk in peace during the storms and struggles we are told we will face for GOD promises never to leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

Where can I get knowledge?  The Bible tells me so.

Hugs

Sharon

Peace

During these days of worldwide upheavals and turmoil, are you experiencing PEACE, or do you experience confusion and fear?  The only way I can walk in PEACE is if I seek the LORD early each day (Isaiah 26:9).

JESUS said, “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” (John 16:33).

“HE will keep in perfect PEACE the mind who stays (focused) on HIM because he trusts in GOD” (Isaiah 26:3). 

When Peter saw JESUS walking on the water, he asked JESUS to let him walk on water too.  It worked as long as Peter looked at JESUS.  The moment he looked around at the storm he sunk. (Matthew 14:28-31).  We must keep our eyes on JESUS (Hebrews 12:2).

Without the LORD “we can do nothing” (of any real value) (John 15:5). HE gives us all things, even the air we breathe. “LORD, YOU will ordain PEACE for us for YOU also have wrought (done) all our works in us” (Isaiah 26:12). 

Yes the LORD GOD places in us the desire and ability to do all that HE has assigned us to do (Philippians 2:13). “Faithful is HE that calleth you, who also will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

Therefore, “Trust in the LORD forever, for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength” (Isaiah 26:4).  

“Trust in the LORD will ALL your heart and DO NOT LEAN on your own understanding, In all your ways acknowledge (talk them over with) HIM and HE will direct your path (not necessarily your minds-you will not always understand). DO NOT BE WISE in your own eyes, fear the LORD and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:5-7).

Then my friends you will experience an unreal PEACE.  “HE will keep in perfect PEACE the mind who stays (focused) on HIM because he trusts in GOD” (Isaiah 26:3). 

Hugs

Sharon

Are you hungry?

Most of us really enjoy our mealtimes and snacks, not necessarily in that order.  We enjoy the taste of food yet know food is not only to enjoy or survive but to give us the energy to move and do.  But do we go against this reasoning and starve our spirits? 

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

GOD is so kind and again I must bless HIM this morning for giving us HIS Word to speak to us and show us the way when things seem so dark.  Rather than scream out “WHY?” I find peace by going to the Word of GOD.

My family just had another upheaval added to the ongoing ones and are part the increasing number of friends who are experiencing one life shattering event on top of another in their personal families, not to mention the wars, unprecedented disasters, plus supply shortages throughout the world. 

Then peace flooded me as I read this morning:

“Though HE cause grief, HE will have compassion according to the abundance of HIS steadfast love; for HE does not afflict from HIS heart (doesn’t want to afflict) or grieve the children of men” (Lamentations 3:32-33 ESV).

“For whom the LORD loves HE chastens and scourges every son whom HE receives” (Hebrews 12:6).

“Now no chastening 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).

What peace it brings to know GOD is in control in this apparent chaos and that HE is at work. “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 purpose GOD is achieving is to cause people to reach out to HIM (Acts 17:27) and to conform every believer into the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4) of HIS SON JESUS (Romans 8:29).  So although it hurts at times, I can trust HIS love since HE gave HIS only begotten SON to save us from our sins and reconcile us to HIMSELF.

It brings me such peace to know GOD is in control and will achieve HIS purpose/ a good result for us though all we go through.

Hugs

Sharon

Peace is fruit of the SPIRIT

To calm one of my girls after our hearing devastating news, I shared why I have peace in the midst of this new critical crisis even though it is on top of several hard, even life-threatening situations within our family right now.

She rebuffed me by saying, “Not everybody has as much faith as you, Mom.”

Let the truth be known, is it’s not me.  It is the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY. 

It is only that I have learned truths about our ALMIGHTY wise GOD and some of HIS baffling but amazing ways through reading and study of HIS Word, the Bible. By knowing who GOD is and some of what HE is like that brings me confidence in HIM (2 Peter 1:1-4). Which is the overflowing fruit of the HOLY SPIRIT, who was placed in me (and everyone when they believe in JESUS John 7:38-39, Ephesians 1:13), that springs up within me flooding me with quiet peace and confidence that my loving LORD is at work even in this for an end result of good to us who love HIM (Romans 8:28-29).

The sword of the SPIRIT which is the Word of GOD (Ephesians 6:17) and the filling of the SPIRIT are tied inevitably together.  That is why Colossians 3:16 urges us to let GOD’s word dwell in us richly which will lead to such joy (a fruit of the SPIRIT) that we sing. 

When we prayerfully read the Word of GOD it is the HOLY SPIRIT who works in us explaining the Word of GOD to us (1 Corinthians 2:10-12, 1 John 2:27), convicting us of wrong (John 16:8), changing us to be more like JESUS as HE show us more of JESUS (2 Corinthians 3:18) and both showing us and enabling us to do what GOD is assigning us to do (Philippians 2:13, John 14:26, 16:13) in any and all situations.

To allow the HOLY SPIRIT to control our actions by obeying the insights, nudges and checks HE puts in our spirit, is to allow the Word of GOD to show us what to do (Psalm 25:12).  It brings to us self-control from being out of control and ruled by our passions.

“No one acquires a quiet heart without a determined yielding to the SPIRIT.  A quieted soul is neither resigned nor apathetic.  It is a self-controlled one who has learned his LORD can be trusted when human logic fails.” Jack Hibbs.

Therefore, peace can be had in difficulty for it is a given when obeying GOD’s instructions.  Peace is found in turning your eyes from the temporary situation to the unseen but eternal wonderful things that our loving, wise and all powerful GOD says HE is achieving for us through our troubles (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

So, I urge you my friends to “Trust in the LORD with ALL your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In ALL your ways acknowledge (talk to) HIM and HE will direct your path.  Be not wise in your own eyes, fear the LORD and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:5-7).

“Be careful about (worry over) nothing; but in everything by prayer (talking to GOD) and supplication (asking for help) with THANKSGIVING let your requests be made known unto GOD.  And the peace of GOD, which passeth all understanding (surpasses/ literally-throws you beyond having to understand), shall keep (guard) your hearts and minds (from fear) through CHRIST JESUS” (Philippians 4:6-7).

 As you do that peace and gentle joy will reign in your heart as you look at what you cannot see, what GOD has promised and will bring to pass.  Does not the Word of GOD tell us that we are to live by faith and not sight? (2 Corinthians 5:7).

Hugs

Sharon

What’s the difference?

What is the difference between happiness and joy?

Me and a friend looked up into the sky.  I was filled with joy at the beauty of the clouds, while my friend scowled in dread of a potential storm.  I believe this shows the difference between joy and happiness. 

Happiness depends on what happens.  But joy comes as a result of focus on GOD and HIS faithful promises. 

Notice in Romans 15:13 Joy and peace is given to us by GOD as we believe HIM (GOD is in control and knows what HE is doing) and as we focus on GOD the HOLY SPIRIT  makes us overflow with hope so that is spills over onto others.

Now the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may overflow in hope, through the power of the HOLY SPIRIT Romans 15:13.

We cannot control what happens to us so we cannot control our happiness.  But, our focus determines whether we are filled with joy therefore, it is a choice.

What are you choosing today?

Hugs

Sharon

The New Year

No matter where you are or what you face, turn and look to JESUS the author and finisher of our faith Hebrews 12:2.

“Now the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing (JESUS loves you and GOD is in control) so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT.” Romans 15:13  

hugs

Sharon

Happy New Year

No matter where you are or what you face, turn and look to JESUS the author and finisher of our faith Hebrews 12:2

Now the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing (JESUS loves you and GOD is in control) so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT. Romans 15:13  

hugs

Sharon

Nothing is impossible

Back in the 1993 I went to Albania on a prayer team to pray for Albania.  While walking down the street I saw many beggars sitting on the sides of the streets even as we do in our city. But they were dressed in ragged clothes and sat with their hands outstretched. My mind flew back to what I’d learned while researching for the 10/40 Window prayer group. In some 3^rd world countries, there are parents who actually broke an arm or leg of their very own child so the child can effectively beg and get money for the family.  That reality broke my heart.

In John 9 today I read about a man who had been born blind and sitting outside the temple begging. I got to wondering about him and other beggars who had spent their entire lives sitting at the entrance of the temple begging. 

After JESUS healed them what did they do?  They didn’t have a trade, nor could they continue to sit and beg.  What did they do?

Then my thoughts to the drug addicts and alcoholics begging on our streets.  Many of them have a record of several arrests on minor crimes (like standing in the median).  Many have no trade they have never worked. If they come to turn to JESUS and HE sets them free from their addictions, where would they go and what would they do? 

LORD, YOU are loving and kind and so merciful and nothing is too hard for YOU (Luke 1:37). So, I come boldly to YOU concerning these that are on my mind for I know YOU value them. Many have given up any hope for change, although desire freedom and meaning.  Others think that they cannot live without the substance that is being used to enslave them.  Open their eyes.  I don’t know if that means bring on a crisis, but whatever will open their eyes to the truth I ask for you to graciously grant to them.  It amazes me how YOU know each heart.  Speak to each one in their own personal situation. YOU have a plan for each believer for good plus it is written that YOU have preset the exact times and places for ALL men for the purpose that men would reach out to YOU (Acts 17:26-27). Thank YOU, LORD, thank YOU.

These are crazy days, and we can see worldwide events lining up for fulfillment of what YOU foretold the prophets would happen thousands of years ago.  Many, even believers in JESUS, are troubled and fearful for their eyes are on the troubles these days bring instead of looking to and trusting YOUR plan spoken of in YOUR word and YOUR power to bring it all to pass.  Please use this time LORD to bring many to saving faith in JESUS as well as to bring back the prodigals to YOU where they belong. Help them see which way to turn and hear in their ear ‘this is the way, walk in it’, just like you promise in YOUR word (Isaiah 30:21).  I rest in YOU for YOU promise LORD that, YOU will keep me in perfect peace, if my mind is stayed (fixed/ focused) on YOU: because I trust in YOU (Isaiah 26:3). I ask these things in the name of my Savior and LORD, JESUS.

 And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, This is the way, walk in it, when you turn to the right hand, and when you turn to the left (Isaiah 30:21).

If you are willing to do HIS (GOD’s) will, you shall know if a thought is of GOD or from another source (John 7:17). Isn’t that encouraging truth?

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