Cling

With the evil escalating these days we don’t know what might happen or when.  But it sure seems like we are in the last of the last days before that ominous 7-year Tribulation begins.  Yet some are like the little guy in the picture.

This little guy is holding on for dear life, are you, am I clinging to anything on this earth like that?

“Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs” Jonah 2:8

KJV reads “They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy”

Another translation, “They who keep their focus on empty delights turn their backs on all the mercies waiting for them from the LORD”

What are you, what am I clinging to today? If our desires and delight is in the things of this world that is what we will think about. But if our desire and delight is in GOD, we will think of things GOD wants us to think about and we yield to those nudges and insight flowing from the HOLY SPIRIT.  Yes, we will be quick to obey the promptings HE gives. (Romans 8:5 and Philippians 3:13)

I’m not talking about being holier than thou but being practically led in even the little things like making a phone call, praying when someone comes to mind, or bringing JESUS into the conversation.

As that day approaches, I sure am glad I belong to JESUS, and wish everyone did.   JESUS promises to gather HIS own to HIMSELF and take us to where HE is in heaven (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17) before that great and terrible time begins.  JESUS has promised to deliver us from the wrath to come for GOD has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our LORD JESUS CHRIST (1 Thessalonians 5:9). 

GOD wrath, the means of pure justice, must fall since the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY is the upholder of righteousness.  Unless recompense comes and sin is dealt will completely, sin will reign and continue to destroy.  It must be stopped.  GOD in HIS longsuffering has waited in order to give men more time to turn to HIM.  HE will not always strive with men.

GOD has made a way of escape. JESUS came from heaven to die to save us from our sins.  Not just to forgive and cleanse us, but also to change our hearts so we want what is right and good. 

Therefore, in these last days I am more than ever focused on telling others of JESUS so they too may escape the wrath of GOD on evil.  If it does come on them, it will because they chose it by refusing GOD and the deliverance HE offers.

Hugs

Sharon

Can you connect the dots?

Can you connect the dots?

The concept “Connect the dots” is a motivational tool used to teach young children. For when the dots are correctly connected, the child gets to see what the picture is. Often numbers are used by each dot in a -connect the dot picture- to teach the child his numbers.  

Now in adult discourse the phrase “connect the dots” can be used as a metaphor to illustrate an ability (or inability) to associate one idea with another and to find the “big picture”, or significant feature, in a mass of data. It is that adult concept, I believe the Biblical term “rightly dividing the Word of truth” is talking about (2 Timothy 2:15 KJ).  We need to correctly connect the dots of truths in the Bible to understand what is being said.

As we study the Bible, if we don’t connect the dots, dangerous false doctrine can sneak in for the devil is constantly maligning GOD and twisting what HE said.  As you remember, it began way back in the garden of Eden when he said, “Did GOD really say?”.  

When studying the Bible, we need to connect the dots of ideas by comparing Bible verse with Bible verse just has the HOLY SPIRIT teaches by comparing spiritual things with spiritual (1 Corinthians 2:13).

One horrendous lie being spread is that JESUS is appeasing GOD the FATHER’s fierce anger toward believers by answering the devil’s felonious accusations.  That slandering concept simply is not found in Scripture. What the Bible does say, is that JESUS, who is the exact representation of GOD (Hebrews 1:3), is hates SIN (Hebrews 1:9) for sin destroys (John 10:10, 1 John 3:8). It is because of GOD’s love for mankind that the plan of salvation, namely JESUS would die for the sins of all mankind, came into being. 

Sin had to be paid for and eradicated.  JESUS paid for it on the cross and it will be completely eradicated once the devil and his followers are thrown into the eternal lake of fire.

When a person believes in JESUS finished work on the cross to bear his punishment for his sins he is forgiven, saved from the wrath of GOD on sin and becomes a child of GOD.  That plan was GOD the FATHER’s idea (John 3:16) prompted by HIS love. Part of that magnificent plan was everyone who believes in JESUS would be born into GOD’s family, becoming HIS children (John 1:12,1 John 3:1-2).

You might ask, then why are the HOLY SPIRIT (Romans 8:26) and JESUS (Hebrews 7:25) interceding for believers?  Romans 8:29 says its because GOD the FATHER has decreed that each of us who are saved by calling on the name of the LORD (Romans 10:9-10, 13) will be changed into the image (have the same divine nature, characteristics) as JESUS so that JESUS might be the 1^st of many brethren in GOD’s holy family (Romans 8:29).

The HOLY SPIRIT and JESUS pray (converse within the GODHEAD) concerning our development and what is needed to transform each believer in JESUS into the image of JESUS, which GOD the FATHER decreed would take place.  JESUS and the HOLY SPIRIT are not answering to an angry GOD but do defeat any accusations from the devil against us.  All three of the Eternal GODHEAD, the Trinity, are at work together for us who have come to GOD through JESUS (Hebrews 7:25).

Our heavenly FATHER loves us, planned good for us (Ephesians 2:10), and sent HIS own precious SON that we might not perish but be reunited with HIM and have everlasting life (John 3:16).   JESUS came and died to show us what GOD is really like, to save us from our sins, and to set us free from the enemy and our sin nature (Matthew 1:21) and to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8).

The precious HOLY SPIRIT has come to live within us once we believe in JESUS. HE patiently comforts, teaches, empowers us, and directs us in the way we should go. As HE shows us more and more about JESUS, we are changed into that likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Therefore we can conclude- as we connect the dots-that the interceding of the HOLY SPIRIT and of JESUS  is not to convince an angry GOD- Abba FATHER- not to hurt us, but rather the three of them conversing as they constantly work together to bring about the believer’s transformation into the image of JESUS CHRIST decreed by Abba FATHER- HIMSELF (Romans 8:29).

Let us never forget that JESUS-Who loves us and died for us-is the express image and exact representation of GOD our FATHER in all HIS goodness and love and hatred of sin (Hebrews 1:1-3, 9).

Looking unto JESUS, the Author and Perfector of my faith
Hugs
Sharon

The FATHER’s part

Let’s consider the FATHER’s part which is often overlooked.

As I open to Matthew 22. In verse 2, I was struck with the words, “The kingdom of heaven is like a a king making a marriage for his son.”

The vividness of the multifaceted truth that GOD our heavenly FATHER picked out a bride for HIS SON (JESUS) and made all the arrangements for the wedding blew me away as verse after verse tumbled into my mind and I just have to share, I can’t keep quiet!

The Most HIGH chose the bride through HIS infinite foreknowledge of who would believe the gospel that HE, GOD the FATHER, sent HIS SON to save them by dying for their sins and being raise for our justification to be LORD over all (1 Peter 1:2, Romans 4:22-25).

“GOD the FATHER chose you because of what HE knew beforehand…” 1 Peter 1:2 CEB).

^“For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). “He that believes on the SON has everlasting life: and he that believes not the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abides (stays) on him” (John 36).

GOD the FATHER deeply loved mankind who were alienated from HIM because of sin.  So, GOD devised a way to be reconciled to mankind.  Now JESUS HIS SON was in full agreement (Philippians 2:5-11) but we will talk about the aspect of JESUS’ agreement later. 

“it was imputed (counted) to him for righteousness.Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;But for us also, to whom it (righteousness) shall be imputed (counted), if we believe on HIM that raised up JESUS our LORD from the dead. WHO (JESUS) was delivered for our offences and was raised again for our justification.” (Romans 4:22-25).

GOD (the FATHER) was in CHRIST, reconciling the world unto HIMSELF, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and has committed unto us (who believe the gospel) the word of reconciliation.  Now then we (who believe in JESUS) are ambassadors for CHRIST, as though GOD did beseech you by us: we pray you in CHRIST’s stead, be reconciled to GOD.  For HE (GOD the FATHER) has made HIM (JESUS) to be sin for us, WHO (JESUS) knew no sin (never sinned); that we (who believe in HIM) might be made the righteousness of GOD in HIM (JESUS)” (2 Corinthians 5:19-21).

Wow, when we think of Christmas and of our salvation, most often we just think of JESUS coming to save us and protect us from an angry GOD.  But as we have seen, GOD the FATHER, who cannot tolerate sin since it destroys, planned our salvation through JESUS substitutionary sacrifice on the cross before the beginning of the world (Revelation 13:8).

Let’s quickly review GOD the FATHER’s very active part in saving us.  GOD the FATHER wanted a bride for HIS SON.  HE chose JESUS’ bride through HIS (GOD the FATHER’s) amazing foreknowledge of who would believe.  HE loved us so much that while we were yet sinners. HE gave HIS only SON to save us when HE sent JESUS to die for our sins. HE put our sins on JESUS on the cross.  Then after 3 days GOD the FATHER raised JESUS from the dead and GOD the FATHER highly exalted JESUS to be LORD over all.

But lest you think GOD the FATHER was being dictatorially domineering over JESUS, lets briefly look at how JESUS was in full agreeance with the FATHER’s plan. HE too wanted a pure bride (Ephesians 5:25-27).

Let this mind be in you, which was also in CHRIST JESUS: WHO, being in the form of GOD, thought it not robbery to be equal with GOD (the FATHER):But made HIMSELF of no reputation, and took upon HIM the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, HE (JESUS) humbled HIMSELF, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.  Wherefore GOD (the FATHER) also hath highly exalted HIM (JESUS), and has given HIM (JESUS) a name which is above every name That at the name of JESUS every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that JESUS CHRIST is LORD, to the glory of GOD the FATHER” (Philippians 2:5-11).

Does this reality that GOD the FATHER and SON our Maker loves us this much excite you as it does me?

Hugs

Sharon

Cross over

Back in the day I worked on a secure Air Force base as a contractor under the Missile Air Defense. To gain access to base, I had to have a special badge. Before I could get that, there had to be security checks made on me. Once I had my badge, I could go through secure portals to the secure area freely by just swiping my badge. But without that badge, I could not enter in.

“For unto us a child is born (Mary’s 1st child, JESUS, formed from her DNA was fully human) unto us a SON is given” (GOD gave us HIS eternal SON who is fully GOD, who made the all things and was a willing and joyful participant)… (Isaiah 9:6). This is a great mystery. I cannot fully comprehend but let us talk about why it happened.

In Matthew 1:21 The angel told Joseph (who was to be JESUS stepfather) “you shall call HIS name JESUS for HE will save HIS people from their sins.”

Sin is a big issue for two reasons.

1-Sin is what separates us from GOD, (Isaiah 59:2) “But your iniquities have separated between you and your GOD, and your sins have hidden HIS face from you, that HE will not hear.

2-The consequence of sin is eternal, “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23)/

When JESUS CHRIST died on the cross all the sins of the world (past, present, and future) were placed on HIM and JESUS suffered the punishment for every one of them. But only those who call on the name of the LORD (Romans 10:13) and receive JESUS by believing on HIS finished work for them gain access to that forgiveness and eternal life. Just as my receiving a certain badge gave me access to Schriever AFB, so by receiving JESUS as my Savior gives me access to GOD and eternal live (John 3:16).

JESUS said clearly: “if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be, you will die in your sins” (John 8:24). JESUS also said: “I tell you the truth, whoever hears MY word and believes HIM who sent ME (GOD the FATHER), has eternal life, and will not be condemned: he has crossed over from death to life” (John 5:24).

Have you accessed the cleansing power of forgiveness by believing JESUS died for you?  Have you called on the name of the LORD to save you? If you have, you have crossed over from spiritual death to eternal life from condemnation to full acceptance by GOD the FATHER (plus so much more, but that must wait for other teachings).

Hugs
Sharon 

Turn around!

The visual is the hand sign for turn around… it is used in construction to tell a crane operator to do something with his load.

It’s also part of the sign language for the deaf. For the severely hearing impaired and the deaf, learning and using hand signs opens up a whole world of knowledge and communication before closed to them. When you hold up your index finger and circle it counter clock it means … turn around.

From the 1st time man turned away from GOD to do his own thing, GOD has been saying turn back around to ME.  The LORD loves people and desires the very best for each of us.  HE knows all things and one thing HE knows is that sin destroys that is why GOD cannot stand it.

Three times in we can see clearly that GOD takes no delight in punishing people. But, since sin destroys the LORD must put a stop to it. “Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign Lord. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?” Ezekiel 18:23.  “For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live!” Ezekiel 18:32.  ^“Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die?” Ezekiel 33:11. 

Verses in Zechariah caught my attention.  “Turn from your evil ways, turn back to ME, says the LORD of hosts, and I will turn to you. But they would not listen and they would not hear” Zechariah 1:3.  Then GOD said, “But MY words… took a hold of them and they returned (turned around)…” Zechariah 1:6.

The Word of GOD can grab us/ take a hold of us… show us the truth and turn us around. That picture is so clear and a very good reason to pick up a Bible and start reading.

“… the sword of the SPIRIT which is the Word of GOD…” Ephesians 6: 17 is another picture GOD gives us concerning HIS word: GOD’s word is a weapon and part of the armor GOD gives us for our spiritual battle against the evil one. GOD’s word cuts through the lies of the devil so we can see the truth and turn away from wrong.

Have you read your Bible today?  As one once said, “Either sin will keep you from the Bible or the Bible will keep you from sin.” I do not know the author.
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

Is GOD fair?

GOD is the Sovereign LORD who made the heavens and the earth and all that is therein certainly has the right and ability to do whatever HE wants.  GOD clearly chooses from among men to do certain tasks and equips them for their assignments.  Yet HE holds them accountable for how they do it.

Notwithstanding as I prayed this morning concerning ones confused about the impartial, mercy and fairness of GOD a verse came to mind and so I write.  There are those who take a verse of the Bible out of context to state that GOD arbitrarily picks some for salvation and eternal life and tosses others away even though GOD clearly states that HE does not delight in the death of the wicked but that they turn to HIM (Ezekiel 18:23, 32, 33:11, 2 Peter 3:9). 

One such verse some use is “Many are called few are chosen” Matthew 22:14. What does this verse talk about?

The context of that statement is found in Matthew 22:2-14

A wedding in JESUS’ day in Galilee is different than a wedding today in our culture.  In that day and that culture the date or time of a wedding was not known in advance.  It was announced at the last moment and people would drop everything and just come.

JESUS tells of a KING making a wedding for HIS SON and many are invited.  But when the servants told the invited ones to come for the wedding was ready, they all make excuses why they could not come. So, the King sent HIS servants out to the highways and byways to gather people to come to the wedding.  The wedding is full of guests.  But when the KING goes to talk with the guests, HE finds one without a wedding garment on.  When asked why he didn’t put on the wedding garment the man was speechless.  The King was furious and had the man thrown into outer darkness where there was gnashing of teeth (hell).  Then those famous words are stated: “Many are called but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14).

(Let it be said here that the wedding garment was supplied by the FATHER of the groom in that culture and by GOD in salvation -Revelation 6:11, they are robes washed in the blood of the Lamb Revelation 7:9).

Why was that man cast out? He was cast out because he chose not to put on the offered garment. It was his personal choice that determined the outcome.

How are people called?

“Whereunto HE called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our LORD JESUS CHRIST” (2 Thessalonians 2:14).

What is the gospel?

“For CHRIST sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of CHRIST should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross (JESUS the SON of GOD took on a body so HE could come to earth and died on the cross for the sins of mankind, died and was buried then rose from the dead 3 days later so that all who look to HIM might be saved) is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of GOD” (1 Corinthians 1:17-18).

Who gets the light so they may reach out for JESUS?

John 1:9 says JESUS gives everyone born on this earth enough light to seek HIM.  Romans 1:18-21 states GOD has given everyone enough knowledge to know that there is a GOD and to seek HIM.

^“GOD that made the world and all things therein, seeing that HE is LORD of heaven and earth…HE gives to all life, and breath, and all things;  And has made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;  (for the purpose) That they should seek the LORD, if haply (perhaps) they might feel after HIM, and find HIM, though HE be not far from every one of us” (Acts 17:26-27).

We see all are called to come but how are some chosen?

“Elect (or chosen) according to the foreknowledge (to know before) of GOD the FATHER” (1 Peter 1:2).

What did GOD know before the beginning of the world that was the basis of HIS election or choice of some and planning of their lives (Ephesians 2:10)?

Why was the man thrown out of the wedding and into hell? (Matthew 22:11-13).

He was thrown out because of his choice not to put on the provided wedding garment.  Revelation clearly states that garment is one washed in the blood of the lamb. 

Why did JESUS instruct HIS disciples that when HE went back to heaven, they were not to ask JESUS anything but to go straight to GOD the FATHER from whom all blessings flow (James 1:17) and ask in HIS (JESUS) name when they prayed?

“And in that day you shall ask ME nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever you shall ask the FATHER in MY name, HE will give it you.” (John 16:23).  ^“At that day you shall ask in MY name: and I say not that I will pray to the FATHER for you:  For the FATHER HIMSELF loves you, BECAUSE you have loved ME, and have believed that I came out from GOD.” (John 16:26-27).

GOD’s love is based IN JESUS.  GOD so loved the world that HE sent JESUS.  When believing IN JESUS work on our behalf and calling on HIS name we are placed IN JESUS (Ephesians 1:13, 1 Corinthians 12:13) where GOD’s love abides.

How can you know if you are the called who are also the chosen?

“…in CHRIST JESUS, CALLED to be saints, with ALL that in every place CALL upon the name of JESUS CHRIST our LORD, both their’s and our’s” (1 Corinthians 1:2). If you CALL on the name of the LORD you are the CALLED.

”For whosoever shall CALL upon the name of the LORD shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).

“For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON (JESUS), that WHOSOEVER believes in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).  “He that believes on the SON (JESUS) has everlasting life: and he that believes not the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abides (stays) on him” (John 3:36).

The love of GOD is found and kept IN CHRIST JESUS: “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the LOVE of GOD, which is IN CHRIST JESUS our LORD” (Romans 8:38-39).

Are you IN CHRIST JESUS? Have you CALLED on the name of the LORD? The ones who perish, perish because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved” (2 Thessalonians 2:10).

Hugs

Sharon

What are you looking at?

Looking to see… We miss so much as we read the Bible by not looking to see GOD and JESUS and understand what HE wants us to know.

See the way that the little kitten is focusing in on that dragonfly? She isn’t noticing the grass below or the sky above for she has taken her eyes off everything else and is fixing her eyes on the dragonfly.

With everything happening in our world, like the Euphrates river drying up in Syria, the increase hatred and wars, inflation and food shortages plus in everyone doing what is right in their own eyes it is so easy to get distracted but like that little kitten we are instructed to focus in on JESUS.

The Greek word in the text translated LOOKING unto JESUS holds a twofold command-1-don’t look all around, but turn your eyes from everything else and 2- fix your eyes on JESUS.

The Old Testament Jews looked to the law and put their trust in the law and being sons of Abraham; but we are told to look to JESUS and put our trust in HIM for HE makes us sons of GOD when we believe in HIM. (John 1:12)

One morning I was especially rushed needing to be on my way to work but needing strength from GOD as well, so I cried out to GOD “Please give me word, just a word!” and turned to my Bible. Usually I am much more orderly, systematic even in my reading of the Word, but that morning I had no time so I just looked at it opened on my table.

Hebrews 12:1-3 … let us also throw off everything that hinders (distracts us) and the sin that so easily entangles us and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on JESUS (literally- looking/ focusing on JESUS) the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before HIM endured the cross, despising the shame and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of GOD. For consider HIM who has endured such hostility by sinners against HIMSELF, so that you do not grow weary and lose heart.

On my way to work, and when my actions didn’t require thought I obey those instructions. I looked at JESUS- considering HIM, pondering those circumstances mentioned.

JESUS is the Author of my faith…Yes, when HE spoke to my heart I received HIS word and believed. For faith comes from hearing and hearing by the (rhema- spoken in our hearts) word of Christ (Romans 10:17).

The Greek word for AUTHOR is also translated leader… If HE is our Leader, we need to follow HIM. (1 Peter 2:21, Hebrews 2:10) JESUS asked, “Why do you call ME LORD, LORD and do not the things that I say? (Luke 6:36)

Who for the JOY that was set before HIM (saving you and me) JESUS ENDURED the cross… By focusing on what HE was achieving HE was enabled to endure the horror, pain and shame of the cross.

JESUS took HIS eyes off the pain; off the SHAME and horror of bearing all sin of mankind on the cross; off the SHAME of HIS physical nakedness though HE DESPISED the SHAME (see it is ok not to like something when we are being obedient). JESUS deliberately FOCUSED on one thing .. HE purposely set before HIS eyes that by HIS suffering HE was reconciling man to GOD our FATHER.  That brought HIM great joy.

NOTE: JESUS despised the SHAME… hey it is ok not to like what’s going on… just follow JESUS example and don’t FOCUS on it.

Consider HIM who suffered such a contradiction of sinners against HIMSELF.

Knowing how HE suffered helps me grasp the truth that HE really understands and therefore knows what I need when I have struggles. (Hebrews 4:14-16)

Just for telling some Jews Bible stories they already knew well, those Jews tried to throw JESUS over a cliff (Luke 4:22-30).

JESUS healed a man who had suffered for 38 years, and that man turned HIM in to the Jewish leaders (John 5:5-15).

JESUS was innocent of any sin but died for all the sins done or will be done against HIMSELF. (Hebrews 10:10, 1 John 2:2)

The LORD JESUS CHRIST the Creator of heaven and earth and all that is within them (Colossians 1:14-17), was mocked and hated by the very ones HE was dying to save. Talk about unfair. You think things are unfair in your life? Consider JESUS and the unfairness lest you grow weary and become discouraged.

Looking unto JESUS… only 3 little words, but in doing them is the whole secret of life. Let us not be corrupted from the simplicity that is in CHRIST JESUS. (2 Corinthians 11:3).

Look at JESUS during times of trouble set your eyes on HIM and HIS Promises for what we see is temporary but what HE is achieving for us through our troubles is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

Look unto JESUS as you read the Bible and you will know the way to go. By looking at how JESUS did things you will know how to do things. (John 5:39)

Look unto JESUS when you feel alone for HE is with you, HE will never leave you nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)

Look unto JESUS when the burden is too heavy. HE will bear it for you. (Matthew 11:28)

Look to JESUS, HE understands your struggles (Hebrews 4:15).  So go boldly to HIM when you need mercy or help in your times of need (Hebrews 4:16 ).

Look unto JESUS and see what GOD the FATHER is like. (Hebrews 1:2-3).

Look unto JESUS and you will be changed little by little into HIS likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18).

What are you looking at?

Are you looking at your gifts? At your work? At your successes? JESUS said, without me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)

Are you looking at your weaknesses? You are being transformed into the image of JESUS by the HOLY SPIRIT (Romans 8:29, 2 Corinthians 3:18).

Are you looking at your struggles? They are temporary (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).               

Are you looking at the things and pleasures of this world, they will all pass away. (Matthew 24:35, 1 John 2:15-17)

Are you looking at what people will think? If you are, you will be hindered in pleasing GOD (John 5:44)

Are you looking at the enemy of your souls. Greater is HE who is in you than he that is in the world. (I John 4:4)

Look at JESUS, just as that kitten is looking at that dragonfly. One glorious day HE is coming to get you & me so that we will always be with HIM (John 14:3).

With the ways things are going, prophesies being fulfilled right and left, it won’t be long before HE calls us to come up.  So look up your redemption draws near. (Luke 21:28).

Hugs

Sharon

Happy Mother’s Day

Being a mom has many blessings but is also a lot of work and can bring struggles. The pain of having your child seriously rebel brings a sense of helplessness, hopelessness and incredible pain that seems unbearable.  But GOD.

That is where one of the mighty wonders of GOD comes in.  It is a staggering truth, but one seen throughout the Word of GOD.  That phenomenon confounds our understanding for it is infinite, totally beyond our finite reach.

When the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY chose to make man in HIS image and included the right and responsibility of choice in the package, GOD in HIS total, unfathomable, foreknowledge knew that we would use that gift of choice to sin.

Amazingly, the Maker of Heaven and earth and all that is within them choose to use the frailty of man to reveal truth about HIMSELF both to us and to the angelic beings (Ephesians 3:10).  Not only that, but at the same time to use our weaknesses as an opportunity to teach us and develop HIS qualities in us.

GOD is able by presetting times and places (Acts 17:26-27) to take even our bad choices and the sin of man and work it for an end result of good for those who call out to HIM (1 Corinthians 1:2, Romans 8:28) with a step by step end result of transforming them back into the image of GOD the Son (Romans 8:29, Hebrews 12:11) that we may participate in the very nature of GOD (2 Peter 1:4).  NOT to become gods, but to grow in godly qualities such as love, joy, peace, forgiveness, long-suffering patience, gentleness, kindness, goodness, understanding  and the like.

The LORD, our Creator is good. HE is not the author of evil, neither does HE tempt us to do bad (James 1:13). But HE is able according to the working whereby HE is able even to subdue all things to HIMSELF (Philippians 3:21) to take us or our children right where we are at and step by step transform us IF we call out to HIM (Acts 2:21).  It is written that HIS name was to be called JESUS for HE will save HIS people (those who believe on HIM) from their sins (Matthew 1:21).

Too often we leave the LORD out of the equation as we deal with challenges in our lives.  Yet, the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY wants to be an active part of any and every situation of our life and all HE is waiting for is an invitation (Proverbs 3:5-7).

“And call upon ME in the day of trouble: I will deliver you, and you will glorify ME (Psalm 50:15).

Hugs

Sharon

Have you ever?

Have you ever done anything wrong?  I have.

I can remember sitting in the front row of the small balcony of a small church and quietly passing notes to my Junior High girlfriend when I distinctly heard the pastor say, “JESUS came to take your guilt away.”  The notes no longer meant anything.  All I could think of was how this and that was my fault and JESUS would take my guilt away.  I believed and called on the name of the LORD and was saved from GOD’s wrath (Romans 10:13, John 3:36).

Well, if you ever did anything wrong, I must tell you “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Yet as I learned so many years ago, there is great news!  The gift of GOD is eternal life for all who will accept it.  GOD so loved the (people of the) world that HE sent HIS only begotten SON (JESUS) that whosoever believes in HIM shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

If you believe (your choice) that JESUS died to pay for your sins and call on the name of the LORD JESUS (your choice) you are part of the called (1 Corinthians 1:2) and saved from the wrath of GOD on sin (Romans 10:13, John 3:36). 

We love HIM for HE 1^st loved us (1 John 4:19).  Now the bible says that if we love HIM, we are called according to HIS purpose and predestined not to salvation, for that is a choice.  The destination of predestination is conformity to the image (divine nature) of CHRIST JESUS (Romans 8:28-30). 

That being conformed all happens through or according to the working of CHRIST JESUS in which HE is able to subdue all things to HIMSELF (Philippians 3:20-21).

We have the opportunity to co-labor with GOD (Mark 16:20) to speed up the process by listening to those inner nudges of our teacher (John 14:26) the HOLY SPIRIT and following HIS instructions in big and little things.  Those nudges are an inward knowing that is enhanced by reading the Word of GOD, prayer and progressively doing what you know you should do (Hebrews 5:12-14). If we do we save ourselves a lot of problems and discipline from GOD our FATHER (Hebrews 12:4-11).

Once we believe, “Now are we the sons of GOD (John 1:12), and it does not yet appear what we shall be (like): but we know that, when HE (JESUS) shall appear (2 Thessalonians 4:14-17), we shall be like HIM (JESUS); for we shall see HIM as HE is (1 John 3:2).

It is all so astoundingly amazing!

Have you believed? The way things are going it looks like what JESUS declared would occur just before HE comes get us who believe in HIM.  So don’t hesitate but look unto JESUS.

Hugs

Sharon