in 2023

How many of you remember this song?  All praise to LORD JESUS, begotten of GOD.  The GREAT I AM is HE.  Creator, Sustainer but wonder of all the Lamb of Calvary.

As we celebrate the eternal Word of GOD (JESUS) made flesh (John 1:1-4, 14), GOD taking on a human body and coming into our world to show us the magnificence of the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY (John 14:9), to die and pay for all of the sins (Isaiah 53:6) of mankind (for all have sinned Romans 3:23, Hebrews 9:28) that whoever would choose to believe in the gospel and received JESUS might obtain eternal life with GOD  (John 3:16, 36).

Well within the written Word of GOD the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY had HIS prophets relate (2 Peter 1:21) many, many prophecies of things that would take place in the future.  The 1^st being in Genesis 3:16. These prophecies are promises GOD has made to man. 

Lots of them were fulfilled when JESUS came as a baby born of a virgin, more were fulfilled when JESUS bore our sins on the cross (Isaiah 53:6) and disarmed the demons (Colossians 2:13-15).  And more in these last days are being fulfilled.  More and more all the time.  Not since the time of JESUS has so many prophesies begun to line up.

Many prophesies found in the Bible have been fulfilled or has elements of fulfillment, throughout the year 2023. We’re in a countdown to the close of the Church Age. Of the many things happening, here are Jan Markell’s top ten selections for this year. Many selections have ties to “black Sabbath”–October 7, 2023.

1)  The world decided that Israel became the international burdensome stone (Zech. 12:3). Whoever expected this new malady, Israel Derangement Syndrome, in their lifetime? We know that “the Time of Jacob’s Trouble” will be a time of Jew-hatred, but in the Church Age? And this is a hatred of a people based only on identity. A people group that has been a blessing to the world!

2)  Israel now longs for peace like never before. She will fall for Mr. Fix-Its peace plan of Daniel 9:27. She just wants to get along with her neighbors, the Arab world, the Muslim world, and all her enemies. She has had 75 years of conflict, preceded by the Holocaust. But with centuries of demonic hatred thrown at her, the Antichrist will be stunning in his deceit of a nation longing for peace and security. He will overwhelm them in his efforts.

3)  For a segment of society, love has grown cold. This is a Tribulation reference in Matthew 24, but we’re in a run-up to that. We’re watching large segments of society favor barbarians. Millions have sided with the butchers of Hamas! There are Facebook groups praising Hamas. College campuses know no shame. Jewish students are hiding in secluded areas. And much of the world, and parts of the church, shrug in indifference and seem to enjoy cursing Israel.

4)  Gog & Magog further align as they unite against Israel. One periodical reports that “Turkey’s President Recep Erdogan wants to lead the Muslim world against Israel so his country can become a great power.” Russia has pledged to come to Iran’s rescue if Israel attacks. The three power players of Ezekiel 38-39 are Russia, Turkey, and Iran. Enemies for years, they are aligning more every day and particularly in 2023.

5)  The church is slipping further into apostasy. Many churches revealed theology that has encouraged them to remain silent during Israel’s greatest crisis since the Holocaust. Many openly sided with the so-called Palestinians. The silence of the shepherds has been staggering and devastating to many church members (Jeremiah 23). Too many won’t deal with prophecy, current events, or Israel and won’t take a stand. It’s time to call out evil and to love what and who God loves. Too many churches refuse, and this year exposed them.

6)  The Jews are coming home in greater numbers and are more open to the gospel. Since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, there has been a 149% increase in interest to return to Israel from Jewish French citizens and an 81% increase from North American Jews. The trauma of October 7 will leave deep scars on the nation and people forever. The crisis is driving the Jews to seek God like never before in history. Many are leaving secularism, mysticism, and more to call out to the God of the Bible.

7)  Strong delusion (II Thessalonians 2) intensifies and abounds! The Biden Administration continues to give Iran billions. The White House expresses deep concern about Islamophobia, not anti-Semitism! Biden gives hundreds of thousands of dollars to mosques. We have seen young people praise Osama bin Laden in spite of the reality of radical Islam. The solution in the Middle East is a Palestinian state! Everywhere, evil is called good (Is. 5:20) and facts are irrelevant due to the delusions of our day. Only the righteous can see straight for all others have been blinded by turning away from GOD’s Word!

8)  Worldwide there is an intensified longing for a world leader as American leadership is weak and non-existent in the Executive Branch. Soon, world leaders will line up in Pied Piper-like fashion, behind a man-with-a-plan, who will guarantee peace and stability. He will exude global leadership. The world is ready due to America’s absence.

9)  The intensification of perilous times (II Timothy 3), violence, and spirit of the Antichrist. We are warned of October 7 “copycat attacks” around the world! America’s southern border invites chaos. Rogue nations are threatening with nukes. World war seems inevitable. And the Tribulation has not even begun!

10) There is an explosion of global reprobate minds (Romans 1). Things have taken a dark turn unlike anything seen in modern times. The world has become unhinged on a greater level than WWII. People clearly have been “given over.” Up is down; black is white. Men can be women and vice versa. Israel is apartheid; Hamas are freedom fighters. Normal or Godly thinking does not come to these conclusions!

We need to be aware of what is happening, but JESUS is implicit that we are not to be troubled (John 14:1) but rather we must believe that GOD is in control (Hebrews 11:6) and that JESUS will coming for us who believe in HIM to catch us away before the unleashing of Jacob’s trouble and judgment on those who refuse JESUS.  So, comfort one another with these words (1 Thessalonians 4:18).

Hugs

Sharon

Make it happen

Once upon a time there was a popular secular song my teenager loved to sing.  It had a very catchy tune, but being hearing impaired, I really never caught what the words said- except for one line: it went, “Jeremiah was a bullfrog, a very good friend of mine.” 

Well, today I want to talk about another Jeremiah, a very good friend of GOD.  I say that because, GOD does nothing without revealing HIS plan to HIS servants the prophets first (Amos 3:7) and HE chose to reveal to Jeremiah what would happen in the future.

From advertisements, to politics, to even the church we hear a lot of people, claiming a lot of different things will happen.  It is just plain hard to tell who is telling the truth.  That is, unless you have a way to check out their claims.

We have also a more sure word of prophecy (what is going to happen), “as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as, as a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.  Above all you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things.  For (bible) prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from GOD as they were carried along by the HOLY SPIRIT” (2 Peter 1:19-21 NIV).

And Paul words backed up the apostles Peter’s words in 2 Timothy 3:16 when he wrote, “All Scripture is written by the inspiration of GOD…”.

Who prompted the prophets that wrote the Bible to say what they said?  That’s right, GOD HIMSELF. (Philippians 2:13)

How can we be sure that Jeremiah was one of GOD’s prophets, there were a lot of false prophets in that day (Jeremiah 23) and today as well (1 Peter 2:1)?  The Word of GOD says that by two or three witnesses shall everything be established (John 8:17).

The prophet Daniel recognized that Jeremiah heard from GOD (Daniel 9:2), and three different times on three separate issues, Matthew acknowledged Jeremiah as being a true prophet whose words were fulfilled (Matthew 2:17, 16:14, 27:9).

GOD met with Jeremiah and spoke many things to him while he was still young.  Among them, the LORD, said, “I have put MY words in your mouth”, and “I (the LORD) will hasten MY word to perform it’ (I will make it happen) (Jeremiah 1:9,12).  The LORD ALMIGHTY can do that for GOD is Sovereign, what HE determines, will occur, regardless of anything.

Jeremiah was a true prophet of the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, Maker of heaven and earth.  That determined, let’s look at one of HIS prophecies (Jeremiah 38:17-23).

In verse 17 Jeremiah is talking to the king of Judah, King Zedekiah, when the Babylonians were coming against the city.  He tells the king IF he surrenders, the king’s life would be spared, and Jerusalem would not be burned down. (notice the IF- those words are conditional on the king’s actions)

In verse 18-23 But IF the king decides not to surrender then, Jerusalem would be burned down, the king would not escape and his wives and children and all the women in the palace would be given to the officials to be ravished.  In the KJ version in verse 23 we read Jeremiah telling the king: “You will cause Jerusalem to be burned”.

According to GOD’s word, who caused Jerusalem to be burned? 

GOD is Sovereign and powerful. HE has a plan that no one can change. It was through HIS purpose, great wisdom, and knowledge of all things past, present, and future (like GOD’s foreknowledge of what the king of Jerusalem would choose) that HE formed HIS plan that would fulfill HIS purposes. 

One of which is to teach the principalities and powers of heaven (good and bad angels) HIS superior wisdom (Ephesians 3:10).

Since GOD cannot lie (Numbers 23:19) and in HIS faithfulness HE keeps every promise HE makes, we know the king had a real choice to make. The king alone would be responsible for his choice. In his GOD-given position of authority, the king’s choice actually determined something to occur.  King Zedekiah caused Jerusalem to be burned. 

He could have stopped it.  So, you see our choices are really important.

Now GOD is in absolute control, and has determined the times and places, yet within HIS plan HE chose to give mankind the attribute of choice.  We are not mere puppets, but GOD sets us in situations and specific time schedules (Acts 17:26-27) where we are given choices that have effects. 

A truth I know, although it is completely beyond my ability to understand, is that while GOD maintains absolute control, HE does so without infringing on the gift HE gave me of choice.

Like King Zedekiah, we believers are told that IF we choose to do something, one thing will happen.  The Word of GOD says, IF we choose to live godly (demonstrating the character of GOD by walking in the power of the HOLY SPIRIT by going with HIS nudging and leading) we can hasten that day when HE will come (that means speed its coming) when all evil is eradicated (2 Peter 3:11-12).  The choice is ours, what will it be?

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

Hugs

Sharon

Anna and Simeon

I was sitting in my chair with my Bible open in my lap when the cat bounded from the top of my desk to my lap and then to the floor.  In the process the pages of my Bible turned back to what I’d been reading in Luke yesterday.  But as I reread the verses I’d underlined, an entirely different focus came in view and taking it as a nudge to share, here goes.

It was when, as an infant, JESUS was being presented to the LORD with a sacrifice.  Two specific people are mentioned, and I knew the story very well.  But as I read it again this morning the emphasis was on another, the HOLY SPIRIT and HIS interaction with those two very old people.

Simeon is described as just (he did what he knew was right to do), devout (he loved and worshipped the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY with all his heart and soul and strength, and Simeon was waiting (watching) for the promised Messiah to come.  All three we believers are also supposed to be doing.

It says that the HOLY SPIRIT was upon Simeon (like the HOLY SPIRIT comes on believers in JESUS to do a special assignment with power).  Simeon had work to do in prophesying concerning JESUS.

The HOLY SPIRIT had (in the past) revealed to Simeon that he would not die until he saw the Messiah.  Yes, the HOLY SPIRIT had given him a promise just as we sometimes are given promises.

Then it says that Simeon came into the temple, being led by the HOLY SPIRIT just as Mary and Joseph brought JESUS into the temple to be presented to the LORD.  Wow! We are also to allow the HOLY SPIRIT to lead and move us to do what we are assigned to do (See Luke 2:22-35).

The other person was Anna.  After being married according to custom as a teen, she lived 7 years with her husband and since he died, for 84 years she’d been serving the LORD in the temple night and day with fasting and prayers.  She is described as a prophet of GOD.  When she saw the baby JESUS, she began prophesying to all who looked for the redemption (Messiah) in Jerusalem. 

How does one prophecy from the LORD GOD? 2 Peter 1:21 (true) prophecy comes not at any time by the will of man but holy persons of GOD spoke as they were moved by the HOLY SPIRIT.  

Both Anna and Simeon loved and served the LORD GOD and listened to what the HOLY SPIRIT impressed on them to do and speak.  Today we call that walking in the SPIRIT or being led by the HOLY SPIRIT.  Each of us is commanded to do that very thing and are promised that if we walk in the SPIRIT, we will not sin (fulfill the lusts of the flesh) (Galatians 5:16).

But how do we walk in the SPIRIT?  Romans 8:5 tells us how and it is all about focus. 

For those who are living according to the flesh set their minds on (think about) the things of the flesh [which gratify the body/ the lust of the eyes-desires generated by what we see so want, and the pride of life], but those who are living (walking and being led by the SPIRIT) according to the SPIRIT, [set their minds on] the things of the SPIRIT [GOD’s will and purpose] (Romans 8:5 AMP).

What are you, what am I focused on?  Are we seeking 1^st the kingdom of GOD and HIS righteousness or things of the world?

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

GOD does not change

My husband loves to tell stories from his youth.  One is about how he would get bumps and bruises when going through the front room in the dark of night and stumbling over a piece of furniture that his mom had moved.  Dimps, short for Dolly Dimples and later changed to Icle LaVonne, loved change. So, naturally she often changed the furniture around. 

It took Mac quite a while to get used to having things stay put.  For a bit he changed the furniture around because he was so used to change. You see I never moved furniture around because my whole life I’d been constantly moving. Growing up there were over 9 moves and then over 60, yes, I am not exaggerating, over 60 moves after I married a guy who worked construction.  The moves stopped, except for 1 move, 33 years ago.  Praise the LORD!

Because of all those moves I don’t like change and even find comfort in having the furniture in the same place.  (Silly as that may sound.)

Many people are given to change, they say one thing but do another.  To be fair I must admit it isn’t always totally their fault because sometimes things are just not under their control.  That’s why we are urged to say, “If the LORD wills, we will live and do this or that” (James 4:15).  We are told in  Hebrews1:12  that every person and everything but GOD will be changed.  

But GOD has not, does not, nor will HE ever change.

What GOD says HE will do (Numbers 23:19).  Every prophecy written in the Bible and every promise that HE gives will come to pass. GOD’s love is steadfast, HIS mercies are new every morning and HIS faithfulness never fails (Lamentation 3:22-23).  Because GOD is unchangeable (Malachi 3:6) not one who has been placed in CHRIST by believing in JESUS (1 Corinthians 12:13, 27, Colossians 1:13) can be separated from the love of GOD that is in CHRIST JESUS (Romans 8:39).  Nor will one of HIS promises fail (Joshua 23:13).

The reality that our GOD is constantly the same without variableness or even a shadow of turning (James 1:17)) is why we can trust HIM. There is so much about GOD we do not know but what we do know assures us that HIS constant love, unfathomable wisdom, infinite power and sovereign control is enough. 

GOD is always with us, HE will never leave nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5) so that we may boldly say the LORD is my helper I will not fear…(Hebrews 13:6). Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord your GOD, HE it is that does go with you; HE will not fail you, nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6)

Hugs

Sharon

Search it out

Remember the fire drills we had at school when we were kids? They were not to scare us but to prepare us to know how to act in case of a fire. The same is true for the warnings and prophesy given in the Bible.  They are to prepare us.

Yesterday in Bible study I mentioned how criticism was very helpful when writing my book.  Little did I know that criticism would find me when I got home and send me to searching the Word of GOD.  A comment on a recent post seemed way off base. The writer seemed to buy into a false doctrine that is circulating within the church at large today.  But I needed to check out what was said and not just dismiss the comment.

For GOD teaches line by line, here a little and there a little as we can grasp truth (Isaiah 28:9-10).  Knowing GOD delights to have us search out a matter (Proverbs 25:2), I sought all the counsel of GOD” (Acts 20;27) on this issue by going to HIS Word with a prayer asking HIM to lead me.

Just before JESUS ascended into the heavens HIS disciples asked HIM if HE was going to restore the kingdom at that time. The LORD responded that GOD has determined the times and the seasons and the timing was not for us to know (Acts 1:6-7).

Searching both old and new testament books, consulting the original languages and the tenses of the verbs (if things are past, present or future) I found some clear answers. Although I won’t be on earth to see it play out, it was exciting to see the future unfold as I learned more about what restoring the kingdom means and to see the part the 2 witnesses play in what JESUS said in Matthew 17:11.  Those were things I’d missed even in teaching Revelation and Daniel.

Although we don’t have privy to the exact times, there are a lot of details GOD has revealed, tucking them away in several different books within HIS book the Bible. If we prayerfully search the Bible for answers we can learn much. 

As you know today we are living in crazy times, times that would really scare us if we didn’t know that the Bible says these things must take place (Matthew 24:6-8) and that JESUS tells us we are not to be afraid (John 14:1-3).

JESUS comes in the air for the church (those who believe in HIM) before wrath of GOD is poured out on the earth’s unbelief and wickedness.  But JESUS will not touch down on earth when HE gathers believers to HIMSELF at that time (1 Thessalonians 4:14-18).  No, it will be 7 more years, a wedding feast of the Lamb to HIS bride the church before JESUS returns and places HIS feet on the Mount of Olives.  Then a few more things must happen (a battle and throwing the antichrist and false prophet into the eternal lake of fire and then having Satan and the demons locked up for 1,000 years before JESUS sets up HIS kingdom on the earth (check out Revelation 19:1-20:1 to begin with).

We don’t have all the answers, but we do know JESUS promises to come gather those who believe in JESUS to HIMSELF and return to heaven before GOD’s wrath is poured out on the unbelieving earth.

I am grateful for that critic’s words because they sent me searching. Now I understand a little bit more about the meaning of the term restoring.

Search things out for yourself and you will be blessed,

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 ready?

In these unsettling days, days of troubles, days of deception, it is more important than ever that we are Bereans.  What are Bereans? “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11).

Why go to the Bible?  Because GOD tells us to. “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20) and “All YOUR words (GOD) are true…” (Psalm 119:160) and “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) and ““But HE (JESUS) answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of GOD (Matthew 4:4).

In other words, we go to the Bible because GOD tells us to, because it is true and it gives us understanding and direction.

But although nearly 1/3 of the Bible is prophetic in nature (speaking specifically telling what will occur at a future time), many, if not most Christians who say they believe the Bible, let alone unbelievers hedge those portions of scriptures or even refuse to believe that those things foretold really will come to pass.

The very 1^st prophesy is found in Genesis 3:15 when GOD said that the seed of the woman would crush the head of that old serpent (the devil Revelation 12:9). Note it says the seed of the woman, not the seed of man for JESUS had no human dad because HE is GOD the eternal WORD (John 1:1,14) who clothed HIMSELF with humanity within the womb of Mary).

While beyond the scope of our ability to understand/grasp or comprehend, most Christians do accept this prophesy but scoff at others.  They ask How can GOD tell us what is going to happen or what a man will do since “GOD has made man upright but they have sought out many schemes? (Ecclesiastes 7:20). Since GOD gave men choices how can GOD know?

How did JESUS know that Peter would deny HIM 3 times before the rooster crowed 2 times? (Mark 14:30).

(GOD) Declares the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, (Isaiah 46:10).

In Isaiah 44-45 GOD lists specifically what a king, whom HE called by name- Cyrus, would do 200 hundred years before Cyrus was even born and before the empires spoken of existed.

Our GOD the Great I AM is the source of all.  HE is Eternal, HE had no beginning and has no end in fact HE calls HIMSELF the Beginning and the End. “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the LORD, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty (Revelation 1:8).

GOD is not just eternal HE is infinite and lives outside of time and boundaries therefore HE knows what men will do and has actually seen it happen.  When the Word of GOD says, “it must take place” you can be sure HE already saw it happen.

The reason many have such a problem with prophesy and often even refuse to believe it although it is clearly stated in the Word of GOD is because they attempt to understand our infinite GOD with their finite minds so fail to grasp GOD’s limitlessness, HIS unsearchable wisdom and amazing power and glorious nature. HE tells us “MY ways are not your ways” (Isaiah 55:8-9).

The secret things belong to GOD but the things revealed belong to us belong to us and our children so we can do what we need to do (Deuteronomy 29:29).  The reason for prophesy/ GOD revealing beforehand what is going to happen is so that we will be prepared to do what we are supposed to do (John 14:29).  Doesn’t that make it important?

In other words GOD is saying “If I (GOD) tell you something you must believe that what I say is true.  If I declare something will happen you can be sure it must happen because I already saw it happen.  You cannot understand this and many other things I say and do for your ways are not MY ways nor your thoughts MY thoughts for I am eternal and infinite.  I am not limited by time or space or anything else.  You on the other hand are finite and limited in many ways.  So why not just trust what I your Creator and Sustainer tell you?

In order to enable you, I have given everyone who believes that JESUS died for their sins and that I raised HIM back to life (Romans 10:9-10) and have called on the name of the LORD (Romans 10:13) the HOLY SPIRIT who will be their teacher and interpreter (1 Corinthians 2:10) of what I say to them. That way they will understand what I want them to know and do and be empowered to do it (Philippians 2:13).

The Revelation of JESUS CHRIST, which GOD (the FATHER) gave unto HIM, to shew unto HIS (JESUS’) servants the things which must shortly come to pass (Revelation 1:1).  GOD wants you and me to know what is about to take place. Heads up- Prophesy is important. Do not despise it but test it according to the Word of GOD (I Thessalonians 5:20-21) and ask for the insight you need (Hebrews 4:16).  If you are willing to listen, you will understand.

The LORD is near, even so come LORD JESUS.

Hugs

Sharon

Do you believe in JESUS?

As I look out my window all is calm but then I hear the news and I realize that chaos has exploded throughout the entire world from many sources and Biblical prophesies lining up one after another, I feel an urgency that I must offer a free gift to my readers before it is too late. 

As it is written: “Now then we are ambassadors for CHRIST, as though GOD did beseech you by us: we pray you in CHRIST’s stead, be reconciled to GOD” 2 Corinthians 5:20.

“For all have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD” Romans 3:23 and the wages of sin is death…Romans 6:23.

“As I live says the LORD GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked but that he turn from his (own) way and live.  Turn, turn from your (own) evil ways and live! For why should you die?” Ezekiel 33:11.

We are told to turn from our own ways, but what are we to turn to? 

“by the name of JESUS CHRIST of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom GOD raised from the dead, even by HIM does this man stand here before you whole…Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other NAME under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” Acts 4:10, 12.

“For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believes in HIM (JESUS) will not perish but have eternal life” John 3:16.

“How much more shall the blood of CHRIST, who through the eternal SPIRIT offered HIMSELF without spot to GOD, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living GOD” Hebrews 9:14.

“He who believes on the SON (JESUS) has eternal life; and he who does not believe the SON shall not see life, but the wrath of GOD abides on him.” John 3:36.

“For by one offering HE (JESUS) has perfected forever them that are (being) sanctified” Hebrews 10:14.

“Wherefore HE (JESUS) is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto GOD by HIM (JESUS), seeing HE lives forever to make intercession for them” Hebrews 7:25.

“All who call on the name of the LORD (JESUS) shall be saved” Romans 10:13.

Do you believe?  Have you called on JESUS to save you?

“Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen” Hebrews 11:1.  “By faith we understand…” Hebrews 11:3.  But without faith it is impossible to please GOD, For he who comes to GOD must believe (#1) that HE is and (#2) that HE is a REWARDER of those who diligently seek HIM” Hebrews 11:6.

Seeing is never believing.  We interpret what we see in the light of what we believe. Faith is confidence in GOD and HIS word before you see GOD at work.

Do you believe? Have you called on the name of the LORD? Romans 10:13

I believe in GOD the FATHER, I believe in GOD the SON (JESUS), I believe in the HOLY SPIRIT and that the 3 are 1.

Hugs

Sharon

Are you a Samaritan?

Have you ever been reading the Word of GOD and something just jumps off the page at you?  It really gets your attention?  That’s what happened to Lydia.  She had gathered with other women who feared GOD to pray. Then one came and began speaking the Word of GOD and all of a sudden it grabbed her.  Luke 16:14 tells us that the LORD opened her heart to pay attention to what was being said.

That is what happened to me when after my pastor had expounded on the parable of the “Good Samaritan” (Luke  10:25-37) and stressed the need for our having compassion like the Samaritan, he related the allegory the early church had for this parable.

The man beaten and robbed= Adam/ and all mankind

Road to Jericho =the dangers of walking in the way of the world (Psalm 1:1).

The thieves and robbers=the powers of darkness (the devil and demons) (John 10:10).

The priest=the law, while good it cannot save for none can be saved by the   law (Romans 3:20).

The Levite=the prophets- no mediator between man and GOD but JESUS (1 Timothy 2:5).

The good Samaritan=JESUS-HE came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10).

The oil=The HOLY SPIRIT (1 John 2:20, John 7:38-39).

The wine=JESUS CHRIST’s blood shed for the remission of sin, which instituted the New Covenant (Hebrews 9:14-15, 22, 1 Corinthians 11:25).

The inn=The church

When I come again=Christ is coming back (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Revelation 22:12).

“Now the testimony (the telling of) JESUS is the spirit of prophesy” (Revelation 19:10). When JESUS told this parable of the Good Samaritan HE was prophesying.  As you await HIS return are you going out and showing compassion to those in need around you?

Let us ask GOD to show us someone we can reach out to this week.

I urge you in CHRIST’s stead to consider these things and may the good LORD give you wisdom and understanding and keep you from deception (James 1:5, 1 Corinthians 2:10) as HE guides you with HIS peace (Colossians 3:15), strengthens you with HIS joy (Nehemiah 8:10), and enables you with HIS grace (Hebrews 4:16). Now may the GOD of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT.”(Romans 15:13) Keep looking unto JESUS (Hebrews 12:2) and talk over your thoughts with HIM (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Hugs

Sharon