Something I overlooked

This morning reading about the last hours of JESUS before and during HIS crucifixion, I noticed something I had not picked up on yet, although I have read the account in John countless times.  There are several references that I knew well stating this was to fulfill scripture.  But in John 18:32 I saw something that I had totally overlooked.

John 18:³¹ Then said Pilate unto them, Take HIM, and judge HIM according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death: ³² That the saying of JESUS might be fulfilled, which HE spoke, signifying what death HE should die.

Now I knew the Jews could not crucify people, they stoned them to death. But I never saw that the crucifixion was JESUS’ (NOT Old Testament) prophesy being fulfilled.  So, I went to check where JESUS prophesied HIS manner of death.

What I found were verses I knew, could quote to you and had even taught from but I had never seen them as JESUS prophesying how HE would die.  I also saw truth in them I hadn’t been able to grasp.

John 12:³² And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto ME.³³ This HE said, signifying what death HE should die.

I thought instantly of John 3 when early in JESUS ministry HE talked with a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews who came to JESUS by night wanting to know more but not wanting others to know he was seeking.  JESUS told Nicodemus a story he knew well.

Numbers 21:⁹ And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man (because he had sinned), when that man beheld (looked up to) the serpent of brass, he lived.

JESUS said to Nicodemus:

John 3:¹⁴ And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the SON of man be lifted up: ¹⁵ That whosoever believeth in HIM should not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁶ For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believeth in HIM (JESUS) should not perish but have everlasting life.

JESUS explained in those few verses to the noted Jewish teacher who HE (the SON of man) was, how to be born again, the reason one needed to born again and now I know JESUS also spoke of the manner of HIS death and not just HIS death.

Only those Jews in the wilderness who choose to believe the inconceivable word of GOD spoken by Moses that just looking at a brass snake would heal them and they would live and not die chose to look and were healed.  Any who thought it was crazy and didn’t look died because they refused to believe GOD and accept HIS offer to heal them.

It is the same with JESUS.  Those who will look to HIM receive everlasting life but those who refuse the wrath of GOD remains on them (John 3:36).

Remember IF you are a believer in the LORD JESUS CHRIST and have called on HIS name to save you (Romans 10:9-10, 13) you are saved and are a KING for GOD tells us in Revelation 1:5 from JESUS CHRIST, Who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the Prince of the kings of the earth. Unto HIM that loved us and washed us from our sins in HIS own blood, ⁶ And has made us kings and priests unto GOD and HIS FATHER; to HIM be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

As a KING you can choose to search and find the delights of truth hidden in the Word of GOD for Proverbs 25:2 “It is the glory of GOD to conceal a thing: but the honor of KINGS (you) is to search out a matter.”

Hugs

Sharon

What do you seek?

What do you go expecting when you pick up the Bible and read?  Are you looking for information, facts to answer your questions, for a good story, or do you go to meet with GOD HIMSELF and get to know HIM better?

We are told that grace and peace will be multiplied to us, along with all things for life and godliness plus great and precious promises enabling us to participate in the divine nature all come to us through our KNOWLEDGE of GOD the FATHER and our LORD JESUS CHRIST (see 2 Peter 1:2-4).

So, we see that getting to KNOW THEM is immensely important.  How do we get to KNOW THEM?

JESUS said, “Have I been so long time with you, and yet have you not known ME, Philip? he that has seen ME has seen the FATHER; and how can you say then, ‘Show us the FATHER’?” (John 14:9).  Since that is true, what we see is true of the nature of GOD the FATHER we can KNOW is also true of JESUS CHRIST our LORD and visa versa.

In the Bible we see how both GOD the FATHER and our LORD JESUS CHRIST act in different situations and under different conditions.  We see THEM in THEIR relationships with people, angels, animals, and the atmosphere.  Since GOD is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8) we can KNOW how HE will act toward us in similar circumstances.

This week we were in 1 Samuel 25.  In verse 39 David blessed the LORD whom he served for 3 things.

1-The LORD pleaded his cause (GOD was a lawyer for HIM).

2-The LORD kept David from doing wrong (by sending one to show him he was wrong).

3-The LORD made things right (took vengeance on wrong),

How does that apply to us?

1-The LORD will defend us who serve HIM against those who come against us.

2-If we are headed in the wrong way, the LORD will show us we are wrong to keep us from doing wrong. (Then it will be up to us to listen.)

3-The LORD will make things right in the end.

As a young teen going into Jr High School (today’s middle school) there was a popular song, its chorus describes a truth I have found in my relationship with my Heavenly FATHER and my LORD JESUS CHRIST. 

To know, know, know YOU is to love, love, love YOU.  Just to (sense) YOUR smile makes my life worthwhile.  To know, know, know YOU is to love, love, love YOU and I do, I do, I do.

Do you KNOW my JESUS?  Are you growing in your knowledge of HIM?

Hugs

Sharon

How can we know?

Today people say all kinds of things so how in the world can we know what is right what is true?

I believe that our Creator and Savior knows the right way for the stars are perfectly synchronized and spring follows winter and then comes summer and then come fall year after year.

So seek answers from GOD in GOD’s love letter the Bible.

As JESUS said to Peter, the values and thoughts of the world come straight from the devil.

Matthew 16:23 AMP But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on things of GOD, but on things of man.”

Man can not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD (the Bible) Matthew 4:4.

Who do you listen to?

hugs

Sharon L Manning

Seek and you shall find

Being 5 years older, my husband retired 5 years before me so I gave him the job to do the grocery shopping.  Although I have been retired for years, Mac will NOT relinquish the job. But at times he gets irritated when the store changes where they put things.  This week he could not find an item he thought should be in a certain place but wasn’t.  He hunted and hunted but couldn’t find it so finally asked a clerk who was stocking where the item might be.  The clerk told him, and Mac went right to it but later he related to me that he had passed that spot several times as he had looked for it, but never saw it there on a lower shelf by the rice because it had never been by the rice before.

In the same way we miss a lot in the Bible when we speed read or rush through our quiet times with GOD.

If I lost a diamond ring, I wouldn’t casually glance around, but I would search for it high and low until I found it.  As a young teen bride cleaning a company house before moving in, I found an expensive wedding ring. It was good for the owners that we knew who had just moved out so we could return the ring.  But it always baffled me why they hadn’t searched for it.

Treasures are waiting to be found in GOD’s Word if we look for the clues.  Much can be learned if we simply pay special attention to the details and ask questions as we read the Bible. Things like the context or the setting in which things are done and notice the specific words.  Words can have various meanings. If we notice the setting they are used in, often our questions will be answered.

For instance, this week as we were talking about suffering for JESUS, one of my students asked concerning a verse she had heard: “So then what does it mean to suffer little children to come to ME (JESUS)?”

When I explained the setting of that verse was when some were bringing children to JESUS to touch and bless them. JESUS disciples had rebuked them and said not to bother the Master with children.  But JESUS said, “Suffer (let/ allow) little children to come unto ME, and forbid them not, for such is the Kingdom of GOD” (Mark 10:13-14). Seeing the setting where those words were said, my student immediately understood what was meant.

In a program to show parents what the children had learned, the teacher spontaneously asked the children about JESUS’ miracles. One little boy said, “JESUS raised Lazarus from the dead!” When the teacher urged him to tell more about what happened. The boy responded, “Well, JESUS told them to open the tomb, and then HE said, ‘Lazarus, come out!’ And it’s a good thing HE didn’t just say ‘Come out!’ because there would have been a stampede of dead guys.”

Besides being funny, that little guy has the right idea.  HE noticed the details.  Do you?

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

What do you look at?

Ostriches are amazing flightless birds that have been clocked as running 43 MPH. They have some quirks, one leading to the idiom bury your head in the sand (which means to ignore or hide from obvious signs of danger). It alludes to an ostrich, which is believed (incorrectly) to hide it’s head in a hole in the ground when it sees danger. Actually, when lying down and hiding from predators, the birds lay their heads and necks flat on the ground, making them appear like a mound of earth from a distance, aided by the heat haze in their hot, dry habitat. This defensive behavior of lying low makes them appear from a distance to have their head buried.

As I soaked in the tub, I was reading a fiction historical novel, by a Christian author, about the times just before, and during JESUS CHRIST’s life. I love to read, and the author had a neat style but graphic details triggered thoughts that were not good. So, I gave those thoughts to GOD, shut the book and later took it back to the library.  It is too easy to think about what we should not think of.

I opened an email from a dear, dear friend and it contained slurs about people, that although may be true, at least in part, it directed my thoughts to judging.  Thoughts I should not have.  Judging with only partial facts is just too easy to do but totally forbidden and must be guarded against. So, I deleted the email.

The Bible is jam packed with injunctions I might want to ignore.  But although GOD’s thoughts and ways are not ours (Isaiah 55:8-9) they work because HE is always right.  Therefore, if I want to do right I need to pay attention to what the Word of GOD says and act accordingly.

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

Some call me closed minded, saying I bury my head in the sand and don’t know the times because I choose to use the Bible as my standard. It is not always easy, it is not always comfortable, but I’ve learned through the years of falling on my face by doing things my own way, that the LORD’s way is best.  HE made the world and everything in it, therefore HE knows how things work plus HE knows all things past, present and even future so know what I need to look for.  That makes HIM the only ONE qualified to give me instructions.

GOD honored my shutting that book, and deleting that email, by confirming my choices as I opened the Bible and read HIS words.

“The light of the body is the eye: if therefore your eye be single (looking at the right things), your whole body shall be full of light (and you will understand what to do).  But if your eye be evil (you look at and think about wrong), your whole body shall be full of darkness (and you will stumble and fall). If therefore the light that is in you (that which you think is right) be darkness, how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:22-23).

“And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of GOD” (Romans 12:2).

Why is that so important?

Wherein in time past, (before you were saved and knew better) you walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the (evil) spirit (the devil) that now works in the children of disobedience” (Ephesians 2:2).

There is a way which seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12).  Remember, Eve in the garden.

Just a little bit of human standard defilement brings in darkness.  It clouds things so much that it can throw off my perspective to the degree that I don’t know the right way to go. That is what has happened in our country for now right is called wrong and wrong is called right.

It is so important what we focus on is.  Where do you find the answers?

Looking unto JESUS the Author and Perfecter of my faith

Hugs

Sharon L Manning

Washing up

Since I got my Cochlear implant, my brain is being taught to distinguish words in an entirely different way. I was told I needed to daily practice by listening to different speakers and it was suggested that I listen to audio books. But since I can now stream videos on my phone, I chose to do something I have never had an ability to do. I decided to listen to video preaching by men known to be sound in Bible doctrine. Praise the LORD my discernment of what sounds mean is growing!

Now I regularly listen to different Bible teachers when I do dishes the old fashion way, do laundry, fold clothes, soak in the tub, all those little things one must do but where you don’t have to concentrate. I even do exercises while I listen.

Well, one teacher I listen to frequently and usually agree with whatever he says. He is speaks simply, clearly, and I have found his teaching to be quite sound in doctrine in that it agrees with Scripture. But when he said, “It was what people decided and not GOD’s personal choice (putting whom GOD chose in positions (Daniel 4:17) that determined who would win the elections a red flag went up.

“The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the MOST HIGH is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone HE wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people (Daniel 4:17 NIV).

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which GOD has established. The authorities that exist have been established by GOD (Romans 13:1 NIV).

This preacher was urging people to vote. Which is good and I believe is our Christian duty. We do need to vote for those who stand for GOD’s values. But when he said man will determine who would take office, he inferred GOD is not really sovereign, nor does HE bring to pass HIS eternal purposes for individuals (Ephesians 2:10) or for nations on HIS precise preset time schedule of appointed times (Habakkuk 2:3).

I don’t understand the way our votes matter and yet GOD predetermined the outcome, nor can I explain how JESUS was delivered by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of GOD yet the Jews took HIM by wicked hands and slayed JESUS (Acts 2:23). GOD let man do what their wicked hearts determined to do and yet that accomplished what GOD determined. And as you see GOD’s perfect foreknowledge played a big part in it. The one who needs to be in office to do what GOD wants done, will be in office, just as JESUS needed to die to save us and GOD used the hands of others to do it.

GOD’s ways and thoughts are not mine they are as far as the heavens are above the earth higher than mine (Isaiah 55:8-9), therefore my lack of understanding doesn’t negate what GOD says is true. “What man says and it comes to be if the LORD has commanded it not?” (Lamentations 3:37).

“Do not quench the SPIRIT. Do not treat prophecies (speaking forth the Word of GOD) with contempt but test them all;(what is said) hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 NIV). That tells me I am to test what that man said.

“Let no man deceive you by any means…” (2 Thessalonians 2:3) How can I avoid being deceived?

“To the law and to the testimony (scripture): if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them (Isaiah 8:20). Reject whatever does not agree with GOD’s word.

GOD works (places within) us both to want what HE wants and to be enabled to do it (Philippians 2:13). HE urges us to pray in a certain way so we can co-labor with HIM and HE can reward us. For HE delights to give rewards to HIS children. But we are not puppets, we can reject what HE tells us and refuse to do it but since HE knows all things past, present and future our reactions were all figured in when HE scheduled the days of our lives before we began to breathe (Psalm 139:16).

I cannot take the credit for catching the error, in fact I did not really want to see it. The HOLY SPIRIT made me uneasy by putting a check in my spirit when I heard the speakers words. “GOD won’t override man’s choice.”

Then HE reminded me (John 14:26) of verses which declared our sovereign LORD GOD ALMIGHTY’s eternal purposes, power and preset timing. Since GOD’s thoughts and ways are not my thoughts and ways (Isaiah 55:8-9) I am dependent on the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT and that is why GOD poured our HIS SPIRIT on believers in JESUS and the Bible tells me to walk in the SPIRIT (Galatians 5:16) and be led by HIM (Galatians 5:18).

“That HE (JESUS) might sanctify and cleanse it (the Church-believers in JESUS) with the washing of water by the word” (Ephesians 5:26). See how the word of GOD was used by the HOLY SPIRIT to expose error and wash it from my mind with water of the word?

The washing of the water of the word, cleanses us so that we will not be conformed to this world but be transformed (metamorphosis — you know from a caterpillar to a butterfly) by the renewing of our minds. (Romans 12:2)

So jump in and read your Bible, the water is great!

Hugs
Sharon

Attack from within

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why is that cleansing even necessary?

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

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

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

Hugs

Sharon

Changing

At the FWC volunteer servant and little girl fashion show and brunch Saturday we were seated at round tables. At the end of the program, we had table discussions on how to develop our inner beauty.  Several of my students were at one of the tables and another seated there remarked that the others must be a clique for they knew so much about one another. The gals were including, not excluding her, but at times she felt a bit at a loss not knowing the others.

It is fun to gather together as women and get to know one another. That is part of the advantage of being in a small group.  For as we gather together to study GOD’s word we also learn and care about each other as well as what we are like in CHRIST so we know how we should act.  We learn more and more of GOD our FATHER, our LORD JESUS CHRIST and the promises they have given us to claim.  Then when we claim those promises, we actually grow in the likeness of our Savior (2 Peter 1:1-4, Romans 8:29).

As we gather and talk about GOD and what HE says in HIS Word it delights the heart of GOD.  How do I know?  Look what the Bible says.

”Then they that feared the Lord spoke often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before HIM for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon HIS name (character).  And they shall be MINE, says the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up MY jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spares his own son that serves him” (Malachi 3:16-17).

As we discuss Bible passages, they come alive to us so we see how the truth therein can be applied in our own lives and the HOLY SPIRIT changes us, enabling us to live out what we have learned (2 Corinthians 3:18). Which by itself is an excellent reason to be part of a Bible life group. 

If you are not in one you are missing out.

Hugs

Sharon

No favorites

Have you ever had a ‘Bestie’ (best friend)? Although I’ve many friends, not all do I share my heart with. How does one become that to you? For me it was by spending time with another, learning about each another and sharing interests that I get to trust enough to share my heart. I don’t do that easily.

Every single one who comes in faith and calls on the name of the LORD JESUS (Romans 10:13) is born into GOD’s family and becomes GOD’s beloved child (John 1:12).  Now GOD doesn’t have favorites, but HE definitely does have intimates (ones HE tells HIS secrets to- Psalm 25:14).  It is your choice which category you fit in. 

Just as GOD offers salvation to all and gives it to all who choose to believe in JESUS (John 3:16), all who have become HIS children obtain many things like salvation, eternal life, GOD the HOLY SPIRIT to live within us to teach and empower us, unlimited access to the throne of GOD the FATHER and so much more. But you and I individually are the ones who choose to either draw near to GOD or not.  It is the ones who seek GOD’s face daily in HIS Word and prayer that get to know HIM best.  To the others, those who spend time with GOD may seem to be GOD’s favorites, they often think GOD talks with them more. 

Actually, GOD speaks to all of HIS children, but the ones who spend time with GOD have come to quickly recognize HIS voice and know HIS heart. By daily listening to HIS voice in the Bible and doing what they know they should do.  Therefore, they listen expecting GOD to speak and understand what HE means when HE impresses verses or thoughts on their heart.

Hosea 6:6 TLB GOD says, “I don’t want your sacrifices- I want your love; I don’t want your offerings– I want you to know ME!”

Can’t you just hear GOD’s heart, longing for a relationship with you and me in that verse? 

Prayerfully read 2 Peter 1:1-4 and you will get a glimpse of some of the awesome things that await anyone who will spend time with GOD and grows to know GOD better.

So, how do we grow to love GOD more?

A line from my 1st favorite song as a 7th grader in the mid 50’s was, “to know, know, know you is to love, love, love you and I do, I do I do.”

That is true in my relationship with GOD, to know HIM and HIS ways causes me to love HIM more and more.  As I read GOD’s word and I see GOD’s love and HIS wisdom as HE relates to others, I get to know HIM better and love HIM more.

“JESUS said if you love ME you will do what I say” (John 14:15 NLV).  That is not legalism it is following the instructions of someone you trust to know best.

The fact is I have experienced GOD being there for me, through sadness and tears, times I have fallen on my face, times when I don’t know what to do or am afraid.  Through it all I have learned that GOD is there for me,  cares about me and what I go through.  GOD gave the best because HE loves me. 

“HE (GOD the FATHER) that spared not HIS own SON (JESUS), but delivered HIM up for us all, how shall HE not with HIM also freely give us all things” (Romans 8:32).

As I have seen GOD’s wisdom in HIS creation and in how HE has worked in my life and others, how HE has walked me through death and struggles and brought good out of what seemed horrendous situations and have learned to trust HIM no matter how things look.  Therefore, I don’t hesitate to do what HE nudges me to do.  I delight in doing what HE wants for I know it is the best thing to do and is for my benefit even if it makes no sense to me or even hurts.

How about you?  Are you getting to know the LORD?  Have you learned to trust HIM?

Hugs

Sharon