Any problems?

Is anyone among you troubled?  Is anyone struggling, hurting, or grieving?

Many of us are suffering in problems and sickness even though we pray. It helps me to know that when I don’t get the answer I want there is a reason intended for our good.  GOD declares that our struggles are producing things in us (James 1:2-4) and that our temporary troubles benefit us and are achieving things for us that will last forever (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

We who believe in and have called on the name of the LORD JESUS CHRIST, the eternal Word (John 1:1-3, 14), the SON of GOD (John 3:16) who took on a human body, was born of a virgin, died on the cross for man’s sins and was raised again for our justification believe the written word of GOD referenced as the Bible.  The Bible speaks to us today.  Do we pay attention to GOD’s word?

If we believe in JESUS we are born again and become children of GOD (John 1:12-13, John 3:5-7).

 JESUS in bringing many sons (believers) to glory -HE the ONE through whom GOD the FATHER created all things (Hebrews 1:1-3) that JESUS had to suffer in all ways that men suffer (Hebrews 2:10-11,18, 4:15), JESUS suffered not just to save us from punishment but also to prepare HIMSELF as our high priest. (Hebrews 2:17).

Therefore HE (JESUS CHRIST) had to be made like HIS brothers in every respect, so that HE might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of GOD, to make propitiation (atonement) for the sins of the people (Hebrews 2:17).

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love GOD, to those who are the called according to HIS purpose.  For whom HE foreknew (would believe in JESUS), HE also predestined to be conformed to the image of HIS SON, that HE (JESUS) might be the firstborn among many brethren (Romans 8:28-29).

The LORD JESUS CHRIST was prepared to be our Savior and High Priest through the things that HE suffered, and we also are prepared to be what GOD has called us individually to be through the things that we suffer.

Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of CHRIST’s sufferings, that when HIS glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy (1 Peter 4:12-13).

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of JESUS CHRIST (1 Peter 1:6-7),

Therefore, since CHRIST suffered in HIS body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin (1 Peter 4:1).

Whatever you are suffering, or a loved one is suffering it is for your and their good and will achieve great things for both of you.

Hugs Sharon

All things

Because of the mesmerizing Friday study on GOD’s nature, I have really gotten behind on preparing lessons for Tuesday and new homework is needed to be handed out Tuesday.  So, I was determined and after working for hours writing lessons I hit print. Strange sounds came to my ears. The printer would not feed the paper and was growling as it tried repeatedly to do so.  My printed had died.  Nothing I tried would bring it back to life.

Irritating yes, but nothing compared to one of my students being in bed with extreme pain, or another dear sister quite out of the blue having a seemingly impossible scenario dumped on her, or another friend’s mother is in the hospital and her stepfather left the world last week, or a new acquaintance telling of physical problems causing friction in the home and on new requests.

When troubles big or small come to me or to my attention, the gracious HOLY SPIRIT is faithful to remind me (John 14:26) by pouring phrases into my mind.  Phrases like:

“MY ways are not your ways, and MY thoughts are not like your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9),

“Give thanks in all things for this is the will of GOD concerning you” (I Thessalonians 5:18, Ephesians 4:20)

“all things are for your benefit” (2 Corinthians 4:15),

“works all things after the counsel of HIS own will” (Ephesians 1:11),

“I do nothing without a cause” (Ezekiel 14:23),  

“you meant it for evil, but GOD meant it for good to save many alive” (Genesis 50:20),

“all things work together for good to those who love GOD” (Romans 8:28),

“the lot is cast in the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD” (Proverbs 16:33),

“HE has preset the times and places’ (Acts 17:26). 

As these Bible truths tumbled into my mind they stirred me up to look to GOD to know how to pray, 1 Timothy 1:17 came to mind and began singing it: “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible the only WISE GOD be glory and honor for ever and ever AMEN, AMEN, be glory and honor for ever and ever AMEN. 

As I acknowledged and honored GOD in the midst of all the concerns, HIS peace through me beyond having to understand enveloped me (Philippians 4:6-7).  I began praying for each of these situations and others by lifting them up to my all-WISE GOD being ever so grateful that JESUS opened the way for me to go directly to GOD the FATHER from whom all blessing flow (Hebrews 7:25, James 1:17) and that the HOLY SPIRIT will edit my prayers according to the will of GOD when I am off base in what I ask (Romans 8:26-27) being confident of this very thing that the LORD GOD AMIGHTY, the entire Trinity is at work on our behalf.

Amazing peace comes with awareness that my LORD is the only WISE GOD who loves those who love HIM (John 14:23, 16:27) and HE knows what is best!

Do you or someone you know/ love have a struggle?  I recommend that you hand the situation to the only WISE GOD.  But remember, you must come in the name of JESUS, (John 16:23-24) for there is no other way to get to the Majesty on High where is the throne of Grace (John 14:6, Hebrews 7:25, Hebrews 4:16).

Hugs

Sharon

Go together

A line in the 1955 Frank Sinatra song ‘Love and marriage’ was Love and marriage, Love and marriage go together like a horse and carriage, another line stated: this I tell you brother, you can’t have one without the other.

Psalm 37:5 shows two other things that must go together for a good result.

(1) Commit your way unto the LORD, (2) trust also in HIM and (then)HE will bring it to pass Psalm 37:5

Psalm 37 continues to say, “And HE shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Psalm 37:6

Committing or rolling a problem, a goal, a situation to GOD without trusting that the LORD knows what HE is doing, and HE will oversee it to the best end, nullifies and cancels out your commitment. 

As in James 1:5-7, the only way you are going to get GOD to bring something to pass is to trust HIM and let HIM do it HIS way. We need to trust HIS wisdom in what to do, trust HIS knowledge of when to do it, and to trust HIS ability and faithfulness to do what HE says HE will do.

When you are willing to depend on GOD and roll the ball to GOD in trust HE promises not just to work what needs to be done but also HE promises that HE will bring forth your righteousness (by giving you the light to see how to do right) and your judgment will be clear (for there are no shadows at noon) Psalm 37:6.

What is holding us back? I think for me it happens when I feel it is all up to me so don’t claim what GOD is promises.  Therefore, I have memorized Psalm 37:5-6 to remind me to claim GOD’s promise.

Hugs

Sharon

Why Purim?

Lately not just personally but globally events seem out of hand, troubles that we cannot control. So, what should we do? The 1^st thing I do, is run to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16) and there I am reminded that GOD works all things for an end result of good to those who will call on the name of the LORD (Romans 8:28+ 1 Corinthians 1:2).

On Monday and Tuesday, March 6-7, Jews around the world will celebrate Purim. This holiday is a memorial of GOD’s deliverance of the Jews from annihilation.  Although the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY’s name never appears in the little book of Esther, we see the LORD GOD sovereignly at working behind the scenes to control the outcome.

The queen refused to come when the king called her to come show herself to his guests. The king became enraged, and his advisors suggested that he dispose the queen for her actions. They said that if her actions were allowed, since they were done before many guests, women everywhere would despise their husbands.  The king quite drunk agreed, and she was permanently removed from being queen.

Later, the king missed his queen, his advisors suggested a beauty contest to select a new queen and the king thought it was a great idea.  So, messengers were sent throughout the 127 providences of his kingdom from India even unto Ethiopia, to gather the most beautiful young girls to be brought into his harem and considered for the title of queen. The one the king favored would become queen.

Meanwhile a proud man in a high position of the kingdom, an antisemitic, Haman by name, had conceived plans to kill all the Jews throughout the vast kingdom ruled by the king just because one Jew refused to bow before him.

Purim is an annual reminder and celebration of GOD’s omniscience (GOD knows all things, past, present and future) and HIS love and provision for HIS people the Jews.

Even before Haman and his plot, GOD knew it was coming for HE knows our thoughts before we think them. The LORD set the stage and nudged/whispered suggestions for people to act in certain ways. So, by the time this villain had gotten the king to sign off on his scheme, GOD had already provided for the rescue of the Jews by giving a beautiful young Jewish girl named Esther great favor and she was selected as queen.

Upon learning of the plot, Esther knew she had a life-threatening choice to make. To go before the king without being called would mean instant death, unless the king held out his scepter to her.  Before going into his presence, Esther insisted all the Jews fast for 3 days for her. (Fasting is a form of humbling yourself before GOD, a form of prayer).

After the 3 days she was strengthen and stated, “If I perish, I perish,” and dressing in her royal robes she humbly went before the king and he held out his scepter to her.  Through her intercessory work the plan to destroy the Jews was thwarted and much more.  For the Jews gained great honor throughout the kingdom of 127 providences.

Other episodes within this short book, including the king not being able to sleep, show how GOD secretly put things in place, synchronizing them, and setting the stage so the people’s personal choices would accomplish HIS will.  If you have not yet read this short book, you are missing out.

Whatever you are facing today, GOD has known about it from eternity past. Just like with Esther, when we trust in the LORD with all our hearts (Proverbs 3:5-7), HE will carry us through all the trials that come against us in this life until the day HE calls us up and we see HIM face to face.

Take a moment today to thank GOD for HIS unending love and provision for you.

Hugs

Sharon

What in the world is going on?

Have you been wondering “What in the world is going on?

With all the catastrophes such as earthquakes all over, train wrecks, explosions, threats like those posed by the huge, suspected surveillance balloons in many places, the strange blue lights in the sky over Japan, plus so many health issues, one hardly knows who or what to pray for 1^st.  Yet my thoughts and prayers keep going back to Turkey.  Turkey that was highlighted in the Bible as having the 7 churches JESUS speaks directly to In Revelation 2 and 3.  Turkey I’m sure you know has had more than 90 aftershocks (both big and small) after the 1^st two huge earthquakes (7.6+) with the NY Post reporting on February 18, 2023 of over 46,000 casualties.  Geophysicists also say there is more coming.

I wonder if the LORD keeps turning my mind (Proverbs 21:1) to Turkey to remind me of GOD’s faithfulness to me personally when I was in Turkey.  For as I remember HIS faithfulness to me, I am not fearful but can trust HIM, the only great GOD, while the world is in such an upheaval.  For only as I look to HIM in trust am I able to walk by faith in my Sovereign good GOD and not by what I see  around me (Habakkuk 2:4, 1 Corinthians 5:7).

I thank GOD for the 30+% of the Bible that is prophesy (telling of things to come before they happened).  So many of those prophesies have already come true which assures us that the rest will materialize as well.  The prophesy fulfilled gives credence to the Bible and is never meant to scare people but to prepare them for what is coming.  JESUS also said, “And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe” (John 14:29).

In October of 1995 a team us traveled to the Muslim country of Turkey, on what was called a prayer journey.  We went to pray for the people of Turkey, to confess the horrible sins of Christians during the Crusades and to pray at the locations of the 7 churches of Revelation 2 and 3. What we saw in those 7 locations was mostly ruins.  The picture shows some of my teammates going down in the ruins of the amphitheater in Ephesus. 

We arrived in Istanbul and experienced a mild earthquake, just a tremor- a shaking more than anything.  During our travels, one late afternoon before dusk, we were headed up a winding mountain road.  It seemed like one lane to me, but vehicles traveled both ways on it. Occasionally a car would be coming down from the opposite direction and we would pull closely to the edge of the road and stop.  Suddenly, we saw a bus headed straight toward us and there was nowhere to pull over to, but we stopped.  I was sure we would go over the ledge so took a deep breath and prayed.  The bus barely missed us.  Though shaken we continued to the high place we had been heading for.

Once back in the States, I visited a Bible study of ladies who had promised to pray for me on the journey to give a report detailing highlights of the trip.  Before I began to speak, one gal said tearfully, “I promised to pray for you, but I kept forgetting.  Then early one morning while still dark, on the way to work, I just had to stop and pray for you. I prayed and prayed until the burden lifted.”

I asked Monica about what time that happened.  As far as we could figure with the time difference between the countries, GOD made her stop and pray just as that bus headed our way. To me that shouted GOD’s word is true.

“Faithful is HE who calls you who will also do it.” GOD was faithful to protect us and faithful to enable Monica to do what HE had assigned for her to do at the right time, which enabled her to be faithful to her promise.

“So that we may boldly say, The LORD is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” (Hebrews 13:6).  That adventure speaks loudly of the faithfulness of GOD, and enable me to trust in GOD’s goodness and control in what I don’t like or understand.

To us who belong to JESUS, HE said, “Let not your heart be troubled neither let it be afraid believe…” (John 14:1) and we are also told to, “examine yourself to see if you are in the faith…”  (2 Corinthians 13:5).

To the church of Ephesus JESUS said, “You have left you 1^st love… repent… or I will remove your lampstand” (Revelation 2:4-5).  There is no lampstand/ church (Revelation 1:20) in Ephesus.  What does that tell you? It tells me that GOD keeps HIS word.

For GOD declares HE is going to punish sin, since sin destroys.  On the other hand, there is forgiveness if one believes in the LORD JESUS CHRIST and GOD is faithful to all believers in JESUS who have become HIS children by believing the Gospel which is the good news that GOD loves mankind and sent HIS only SON to earth (John 3:16) to reveal the nature of GOD to us (John 14:7) and then to die for the sins of mankind that we might be forgiven and reconciled to GOD. and that JESUS was raised again to life to be declared the Son of GOD with power- (Romans 1:4). GOD promises to work all things (good and bad) together for an end result of good for those who love HIM (Romans 8:28).

If you who do not know JESUS, I urge you in the name of the LORD JESUS CHRIST, call upon the name of the LORD and be saved (Romans 10:9-10, 13).

Hugs

Sharon

A New Year

Today we end 2022 and head into 2023.  As we enter into a new year let’s remember that if we walk with GOD each day can be a new beginning for HE is faithful and HIS mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23).

Thinking along those lines, my thoughts flew back to when we 1st moved to Pueblo.  There was a single tree in our back yard.  It looked like it had been struck with lightning.  It was sorry thing, a burned stub with some long branches all on one side.  Mac cut the branches brutally.  I love trees and I mourned it for there was hardly anything left.  Amazingly, come Spring, new little branches sprouted and grew and behold I had a peach tree.  The burnt tree, lopsided as it was, after a few years began producing luscious peaches.  It was the pruning back of the old that gave the tree a new beginning and enabled the tree to produce good fruit.

GOD does the same thing with us.

(JESUS said) John 15:1-2 “I am the true grapevine, and MY FATHER is the gardener.  HE cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and HE prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. 

Well, lately it seems like many Christians, besides me, are being brutally pruned.

I encourage myself to believe GOD’s unchanging Word- that GOD has a reason, a purpose in allowing this pruning and that is to make us more fruitful.  It is NOT pleasant to be pruned.  In fact, it really hurts, but later it yields an increase of fruit which produces great joy and rewards for us. 

GOD declares that HE does nothing without a cause (Ezekiel 14:23) and what seems like evil GOD will use for an end result of good for those who love HIM (Romans 8:28).

So, if you, like me, are going through one struggle after another claim the unchanging word of GOD that HE is achieving for you through these problems. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.   

Our infinitely all-wise GOD allows or instigates our pruning with an end in view. As is written, “I know the plans I have for you says the LORD, plans of peace not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11).  Believe HIM and thank HIM for what HE is doing (Ephesians 5:20, 1 Thessalonians 5:18) that is called faith and we are told to walk by faith not sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

Hugs

Sharon

The Potter

A potter applies pressure in one area then another on the clay as he spins it on his wheel.  He does it to form what he has designed. In a like manner GOD’s hands are molding us through the struggles and problems we face day in and day out (Isaiah 64:8, 2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

As humans we become mature/ grown-up, by facing, and overcoming trials, adversities, temptations and difficulties. I do not know why it is this way, it just is. The truth of the matter is pride stands DIRECTLY in the way of both accepting truth and maturing.

Arrested development occurs when we refuse to go through our struggles, trying to find a way to avoid reality. There are many common options used to escape: alcohol, drugs, going to people who agree with us, blaming others, denying there is a problem, keeping busy or just turning our back and walking away.

I’ve heard it said that whatever age a person is when they started using the escape methods (could be substance abuse, could be blaming, or making excuses, whatever) that is the emotional age they stay at, until they begin to learn how to “deal” with challenges. Could be why some grown-ups behave as little children.

ALMIGHTY GOD YOU know all things and look on our hearts.  I can think of some whom seem to avoid reality.   But I must admit that at times I do too.  Although I say I believe in YOUR love and purposes and quote all those verses that YOUR plans and ways are for my good, sometimes when trouble hits, I can lose my focus. I try to find a way out or around the problem, so I don’t have to go through it. Forgive me for despising or rejecting the very means YOU have graciously granted for my development.

I thank YOU LORD that I can find peace and help to cope by coming to YOU at the throne of grace for mercy and grace to help and to get the wisdom, understanding and strength I need to deal with each situation.  Lead me LORD.

Thank YOU for meeting me when I run to YOU LORD and I thank YOU for YOUR great and precious promises to go with me each step of the way/ that YOU will never leave me nor forsake me (Hebrews 13:5). Thank YOU for YOUR constant faithfulness and unending love, my eyes are on YOU, LORD.  I am just waiting to see what YOU are doing.  In JESUS name I rejoice and pray.  AMEN

hugs

Sharon

In us and through us

As never before our world seems filled with the darkness of seemingly impossible problems, fears and pain. Yet, you and I as believers in the LORD JESUS CHRIST are called to be the light of the world (Philippians 2:15).

“I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.  For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live sincere and blameless lives until the day of CHRIST’s return” (Philippians 1:9-10). 

The Greek word translated “sincere” here means pure or unmixed while the English word “sincere” comes from a Latin word which means “without wax.” In ancient times, fine, expensive porcelain pottery often developed tiny cracks when it was fired in the kiln. Dishonest merchants would smear pearly white wax over the cracks until they disappeared, they would then claim the pottery was unblemished. But when the pottery was held up to the sun, the light would reveal the cracks filled in with wax. So honest merchants marked their porcelain with the words “sine cera” —without wax.

So how can I live a sincere and blameless life?  I must have no hidden cracks, no ulterior motives, no hidden agendas, no twisting of the truth for my advantage.  Seems impossible but when I am yielded to GOD I can be upfront and open as I allow the HOLY SPIRIT fill me (Ephesians 5:18), lead me and use me.

^“For GOD, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, shines in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of GOD in the face of JESUS CHRIST.But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of GOD, and not of us” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7).

I am but an earthen vessel, just a little pot of clay

without contents I am worthless, unused, inane I lay

Til the tender Master Potter fills HIS vessel from above

with the living flowing water of HIS great eternal love

No longer am I worthless, nor unused, inane do lie

Now there is water for the thirsty.  Their needs HE does supply.

Are you yielding to GOD’s nudges so HE can flow HIS love through you to those around you? (John 7:38-39). They need it!

hugs

Sharon

Opportunities

Who doesn’t want opportunities?

Before JESUS ascended into heaven, he told the disciples that they were to be witnesses for HIM and would have the power to do it.  That was their and our main job until HE comes back for us (Acts 1:8).

When there are struggles and problems coming at us like flaming arrows (Ephesians 6:16), “It will result in (lead to) an opportunity to witness” (Luke 21:13). “For I will give you words and wisdom…” (Luke 21:15).

Just yesterday, I had an email conversation with a gal I have never met.  She is struggling with fears.  Since, I have been there and done that, through many troubles, and have experienced the deliverance of GOD each time, I was equipped to witness to, comfort, and instruct her with the very comfort and instruction I had received from the LORD HIMSELF (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

Problems result in having something to share, and Luke 21:13, 15 promises you will have that audience (opportunity) to witness and be given to what to say.

^“But the Comforter, which is the HOLY SPIRIT, whom the FATHER will send in MY name, HE (the HOLY SPIRIT) shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26).

JESUS also said, “He that believeth on ME, as the scripture says, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water (the fruit of the SPIRIT).(But this HE spoke of the SPIRIT, which they that believe on HIM (JESUS) should receive: (John 7:38-39).

The needed words will issue forth, like a baby thrust forth out of the womb.  The struggles, the problems, and even the temptations, will give birth to a testimony.  Now, just think of newborn who makes a lot of noise at first!  Did you ever think, she is just giving her testimony concerning what just happened?

The next time you have a problem, remember this is GOD setting the stage for you to pass a message from HIM to others.  Praise the LORD in all things, we are more than conquerors through HIM who loved us and gave HIMSELF for us! (Romans 8:37).

Looking unto JESUS, the author and perfecter of my faith.

Hugs

Sharon

Craziness

Any thoughtful person looking around at the escalating problems in seemingly every area from violence to inflation not just in the USA but in all nations around the world, might wonder “What’s happening?  Can anything be done?”

This mess all started way, way back to the very beginning when the man and woman GOD created in HIS image chose to do what they thought would benefit them instead of believing GOD knew what HE was talking about.

Up to this day, in USA and around the world people have turned from the true eternal all wise and powerful GOD to the god of SELF.  “I know what is best for me.”  Be honest now, which of us have not questioned something by saying, “But, I think.”  Believing we know best and how others should do things is what has lead to all the craziness we see in our nation and around the world today.

It blows my mind that the eternal Sovereign Creator of heaven and earth still wants a personal loving relationship with each human HE made.  But there is a problem.  GOD is holy and cannot tolerate sin and beginning in the garden, man has chosen to sin.

Sin separates man from GOD (Isaiah 59:2).  “All have sinned and come short of the glory (goodness) of GOD (Romans 3:23) and the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). 

The wrath of GOD must come down against sin because GOD is holy and good.  Sin must be eradicated for it steals, kills and destroys.  That is why punishment for sin in required and wrath must fall.

But GOD loved man whom HE made in HIS image, so HE devised a plan according to HIS unlimited knowledge, wisdom and power.

GOD’s Word tells us that HE knows the end from the beginning and everything in between- all things past, present and future down to what our thoughts will be before we ever think them (Psalm 139:2).  The evidence of HIS amazing knowledge is found in the fulfillment of HIS prophetic word given hundreds of years before what HE said would happen, occurred.

One such prophecy given hundreds of years ago and mocked as an impossibility, even by many Christians, was fulfilled in May of 1948 when Israel became a nation for the second time in one day.

Before GOD laid the foundation of the world, HE knew man would sin and provided the solution (Revelation 13:8).  Therefore, in the counsels of heaven the GODHEAD (GOD the FATHER, JESUS-GOD the SON, the Eternal Word and the GOD the HOLY SPIRIT) devised a way to cleanse man from their sin so GOD could be friends with man and even adopt him into HIS family (Galatians 4:5).

GOD so loved the world that HE sent HIS only eternal SON to earth to die for the sins of man so man could be forgiven and cleansed from all unrighteousness (John 3:16, Colossians 1:14).

All who will call on the name of JESUS will be saved by what JESUS did on the cross Romans 10:9-10, 13) they will be forgiven and washed clean by the blood of JESUS (Revelation 1:5).  But the ones who refuse to receive the love of the truth that JESUS died for them, refuse HIS payment on their behalf.  Therefore, they must pay for their own sin and that means eternal death (Revelation 20:14-15) for the wrath on GOD remains on them (John 3:36).

Have you seen your need for cleansing and called on the name of the LORD JESUS? (Romans 10:13, John 3:16).

Today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2), believe HE has paid for YOUR sin and call on the name of the LORD JESUS and you will be saved.

Hugs

Sharon