Worried?

Our nation and the world seems to be a swirl of confusion plus most of us have at least one thing touching our lives that we have no control over. Yes, there are major things to be concerned about. So, what do we do?  Many choose to worry, and anxiety is at an all-time high, paralyzing many.

JESUS clearly said, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled, believe in GOD and believe in ME” John 14:1.

What does this one little verse say that we are doing when we are troubled?  Clearly it is saying we don’t believe GOD is going to handle it.

To worry insults GOD like a slap on the face. It is saying, “GOD, I don’t believe YOU are in control or doing things right.”

Yet because man looks on outward appearance it is easier to indulge in our emotions that cause worry and wallow in them rather than to release our concerns to GOD in prayer (Philippians 4:6-7) and choose in faith to trust the LORD even when we don’t see HIM at work and everything seems so wrong.

Most believers in JESUS that I know avoid sin with a passion.  But these same ones seem to think nothing about worrying or being anxious although its direct disobedience to GOD.  One gal recently said, “I don’t think of worry in that way.” (meaning as sin.)

Only if we see and confess worry as SIN, will we turn from it and learn to trust the eternal GOD and lean on HIM and not our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-7). 

Seeing how the LORD has worked throughout time as recorded in scripture and claiming GOD’s promises in HIS word is what enables me to trust the only wise LORD GOD ALMIGHTY when things look dark and I can’t see what’s ahead.

JESUS asked, “Why call ME LORD (Master), LORD (Master) and don’t do the things that I say?” (Luke 6:46).

Hugs

Sharon

Easier said than done

Searching in my files this past week for needed information I came across an old study with a one-month calendar having verses about trusting GOD for each day.  Then I received an old message by Charles Stanley in the mail on trusting GOD.  Plus, several verses speaking of trust came up in my daily reading.

GOD is faithful, HE knew the various situations that were to come to me and those I love, and HE was reminding me that HE was there for us all I needed to do was to trust HIM.

Isaiah 26:³ YOU will keep in perfect peace, the mind that’s stayed on thee: because he trusts in thee.

⁴ Trust ye in the Lord forever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength. (That is one of my favorite trust text because it has been put to music and I can sing it aloud against any of the accusations the enemy might bring back to my mind).

The LORD says to come to HIM about everything (Proverbs 3:5-7).  We are commanded not to be anxious and worried.  So, to be anxious and worried is SIN.  But seriously we can’t handle it on our own.

In order to get rid of our anxiety the LORD instructs us to pour out everything that concerns us to HIM (not everybody else), thanking HIM that HE is there for us and can and will work on our behalf in the situation.  Our GOD who cannot lie (Titus 1:2) promises us that if we give our requests to HIM with thanksgiving in exchange HE will cover us with HIS peace that will throw us beyond having to understand (Philippians 4:6-7).

Have you ever obeyed those instructions and had peace for a moment but then all of a sudden all the concerns rush back into your mind making you more upset than before?

That is because we didn’t read far enough so didn’t follow the instructions fully.  For in Philippians 4:8 we are instructed that in order to walk in (keep) that peace we must redirect our thoughts to that which is positive (Philippians 4:8).

Philippians 4:⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, present your requests to GOD with thanksgiving. ⁷ And the peace of GOD, which surpasses/transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in CHRIST JESUS. ⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

I know, I know our enemy will feed those fears and frustrations back to us.  He does to me, and I don’t think I am unique.  When that happens we are to use the sword of the SPIRIT, which is the word of GOD (Ephesians 6:17) and say aloud to our enemy (just as JESUS did) It is written…GOD told me to give HIM this problem and said HE would take care of it.  So, I don’t need to worry about it. In doing that I am handing the problems back to GOD.

Warning:  The HOLY SPIRIT moved James (2 Peter 1:21) to warn us in James 1 that if we come to GOD and ask HIM we must come willing to believe HE knows best in how to handle it.  If we come only to have HIM do things our way we are not to expect anything from HIM (James 1:6-7).

It is so good to hand over all these surmounting problems to HIM who loves me and sent HIS only SON to die for my sin that I might be forgiven and become HIS child (John 3:16, 1:12-13).  Knowing that HE gave the best for me (Romans 8:32) assures me that now HE is working through the struggles I’m facing to achieve an end result of good for us who love HIM because HE 1^st loved us (2 Corinthians 4:15-18, Romans 8:28-29).

It is easier to say, “Trust GOD” than to do it.  Like any skill it takes practice but trusting GOD sure pays dividends and pleases GOD!

Hugs

Sharon

Think

If you quickly glance around as you are driving you may not see that armadillo along the side of the road or what make of car just zoomed past you.  It is the same with the Word of GOD.

GOD has spoken to us through HIS prophets (moved by GOD the HOLY SPIRIT to write and speak 2 Peter 1:21), ^“whatsoever things were written (in Scripture) were written for our learning…” (Romans 15^:4⁾.

Although JESUS said “Man cannot live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD (Matthew 4:4), many Christians don’t see the need to read the Bible for themselves.  Others read the Bible because they think they are supposed to but, don’t really expect to hear from GOD personally and speed read as if by osmosis they will absorb the riches contained within the eternal word of GOD.  But they wonder why the word of GOD doesn’t really speak to them.

GOD says that HE rewards them that diligently SEEK HIM (Hebrews 11:6, Jeremiah 29:13).  To seek HIM with all of our hearts we must THINK.  Note the context of what you are reading, the principle being spoken of, how it is spoken of in other places of the Bible and zero in on what the words show us.  I sometimes call this connecting the dots.

“Then Jesus said to them, “So every ·teacher of the law [scribe] who has ·been taught about [become a disciple of] the kingdom of heaven is like the ·owner [head] of a house. He brings out both new things and old things ·he has saved [from his treasure/storeroom; knowledge of the Old Testament provides insight into JESUS’ “new” message of the kingdom of GOD]” (Matthew 13:52 EXB).

Let’s look at an example of having to simply THINK (ponder on what is said) to know what the Bible is talking about. “JESUS despising the shame” (Hebrews 12:2).  Where was HE?  JESUS was enduring as HE was crucified on the cross.  Why did JESUS feel shame? 

Two of the reasons are:

1-Matthew 27:25 Soldiers stripped off JESUS’ clothing.  THINK what does that tell us?  JESUS hung naked where all who passed by could see HIM.  I don’t want people seeing me naked, that would bring me shame. How about you?

2-Hebrews 1:9 JESUS HATED sin, Isaiah 53:6 ALL SIN from Adam and Eve in the garden to the last sin after the uprising after the 1,000 year reign, was laid on JESUS as HE hung on the cross and paid for our sin.  “For the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).

When I realize I have sinned, I feel SHAME.  JESUS felt the SHAME of all mankind, “for all have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD” (Romans 3:23).  The SHAME JESUS felt hanging there is beyond anything we can imagine.  The positive side of it is that HE understands how we feel after we have sinned, and HE cares. JESUS chose to suffer SHAME because HE loved us and wanted to save us and give us eternal life.

“For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believes in HIM will 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 3:36).

Do you seek to know GOD and HIS ways better?   Are you taking the time to zero in on words and asking GOD for answers?  I hope so for it make us stand in AWE of our Marvelous triune GOD.

Hugs Sharon

Treasure hunt

One year when my son John was little, I planned a treasure hunt for his birthday.  I made pirate hats for the kids. I hid a series of clues that led them to a little wooden box buried in sand. Some of the kids went for the treasure with gusto but others held back. In life the same thing happens.

The Word of GOD compares your heart to a treasure chest and says you determine what is in your heart by what you choose to put there. You alone decide the types of things you think about. Those are the treasures that you store up in your heart. You can fill your treasure chest with things of this world, or the treasures of GOD found in HIS word.

The choice is yours, but consequences will follow your choice and result in actions.

What kind of treasures are you and I stowing away?

Only what we have deposited can be drawn out, whether good or evil for, “… whatever is in the heart overflows (Luke 6:45).

“For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7).

Hide the Word of GOD in your heart that you might not sin against GOD (Psalm 119:11) and be ready to give an answer to any who ask about the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15).

hugs

Sharon

It changed

Are you guilty?

In Hebrews 7:12 we are told that when the priesthood changed the law had to change.  Under the law given to Moses if anyone did not do every single thing in the law they were cursed.  Under the new covenant GOD standards remain the same, for they are the divine nature of GOD, but the law changed.  Below describes the changes.

In the spiritual sense every person stands accused and is guilty for: “All have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD” (Romans 3:23).

“The wages of sin is death, but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD? (Romans 6:23).

GOD so loved the world that HE sent HIS eternal SON JESUS (who took on a human body so HE could die as an innocent sacrifice without spot or blemish for the sins of the world) that any who believe in HIM (JESUS) would not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

We who believe in JESUS are now Justified- declared not guilty (a legal, external, objective standing)It is instantaneous and complete.  Once we come to JESUS, we are righteous in GOD’s sight washed clean by the blood of JESUS.

Romans 3:²⁴ Being justified freely by HIS grace through the redemption that is in CHRIST JESUS:²⁵ Whom GOD has set forth to be a propitiation (to appease anger and give favor) through faith in HIS blood, to declare HIS righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of GOD.

But GOD does not stop at just declaring believers righteous in CHRIST. 

Before the creation of the world GOD knew everything that would ever happen.  For GOD can learn nothing since HE is omniscience (knows all things). Before the creation of the world GOD made a choice according to HIS foreknowledge (what HE knew before it happened).

1 Peter 1:² Elect (chosen) according to the foreknowledge of GOD the FATHER, through sanctification of the SPIRIT, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of JESUS CHRIST: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

What foreknowledge or what part of what GOD knew is 1 Peter 1:2 talking about? That verse speaks of those who would believe and accept JESUS HIS SON whom HE would send into the world. We know that is what GOD is referring to because of the context.  Believing in the saving work of the LORD JESUS and calling on HIS name is the only condition to be saved (Romans 10:9-10, 13).  And one must be saved to be sanctified.

GOD had decreed something more:  Romans 8:²⁹ For whom HE did foreknow, (would believe in JESUS) HE (GOD the FATHER) also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his SON, that HE (JESUS) might be the firstborn among many brethren.

I Thessalonian 5:23 says that the HOLY SPIRIT sanctifies (just like 1 Peter 1:2) believers through and through so we might become what GOD has declared to be.  So, although we are declared to be righteous, the HOLY SPIRIT must teach and enable us to live righteously.  Sanctification is a step-by-step process.  It is the work of GOD (experimental, internal, and subjective). 

Sanctification is a renovation of our nature by the HOLY SPIRIT.  HE shows us what to do, energizes us and enables (Philippians 2:13) with the view of conforming us to the image of JESUS CHRIST (who is the exact likeness of the GODHEAD in body form (Colossians 2:9).

The timing is subjective for we bring effort to sanctification by doing/walking out what the HOLY SPIRIT has written in our minds and placed in our hearts to do (Philippians 2:13, 12, Hebrews 10:16).  When we refuse to do what the HOLY SPIRIT shows us, GOD disciplines us and although discipline is never fun it does produce righteousness in the ones exercised thereby (Hebrews 12:11).

The law written on stone depended on man’s effort to keep it.  If they didn’t keep every point, they were cursed (Galatians 3:10).  But in the new covenant the HOLY SPIRIT writes GOD’s law in our minds so we will know what we should do, and HE places it in our hearts so we will want to please GOD (Hebrews 10:16, Philippians 2:13).  When we choose to follow the lead of the HOLY SPIRIT the process of growing CHRIST-like goes smoothly (2 Corinthians 3:18).

When we fail to listen, or refuse to obey the HOLY SPIRIT, we are not cursed.  But if after the HOLY SPIRIT convicts us of wrong and we refuse to confess (agree with GOD concerning our wrong) GOD the FATHER disciplines us (1 Corinthians 11:31-32) and no discipline is fun but grievous.  But HIS discipline will eventually yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness in those exercised thereby (Hebrews 12:11).  

Just like an old fashion spanking when we were little taught us to change our actions.

Philippians 1:⁶ Being confident of this very thing, that HE (GOD) which has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of JESUS CHRIST

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

So, we see that GOD the HOLY SPIRIT works to develop us into the image of JESUS CHRIST, so does GOD the FATHER and so does our LORD JESUS CHRIST.  It is just another example where GOD is ONE.  All of GOD does all that GOD does.  The Trinity-persons of the GODHEAD are never at odds with one another but work in conjunction with each other in everything they do.

GOD loves us so. 

Hugs

Sharon

Are you walking in the SPIRIT?

Are you walking with GOD?

In the beginning GOD walked in the garden and talked with Adam and Eve.  But when they chose to do what HE warned them would kill them, they sinned.  GOD being holy and good cannot agree with sin for it destroys. Therefore, sin came between GOD and those HE had made. 

“For your iniquities have separated between you and your GOD, and your sins have hidden HIS face from you, that HE will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2).

Knowing all things past, present and future from before time began, the GODHEAD (GOD the FATHER, the Word (JESUS) and the HOLY SPIRIT) before they made the world determined how to reclaim mankind for HIMSELF (Revelation 13:8) since humans were going to sin and turned in allegiance from GOD their maker to Satan the fallen angel.

GOD is right (just).  Mankind’s sin had to be paid for because the justice of GOD had to be satisfied (Romans 3:26).  JESUS volunteered to lay aside HIS rights and privileges as eternal GOD the Word Who was to speak and create the universes (Colossians 1:15-16, Hebrews 1:2).  It was determined that at the appointed time (Galatians 4:4, Acts 17:26-27) JESUS would take on a human body and go to earth to reveal GOD to mankind and then carry man’s sin on the cross so man could be forgiven if he would believe in JESUS (Philippians 2:5-11, Revelation 5:9, John 3:16).

GOD lives in a perpetual now. Therefore, those in the Old Testament who believed in and sought after GOD to Worship and obey HIM GOD accepted on the basis of what JESUS was going to do (pay for their sins).  We learn of Enoch who walked with GOD for 300 years (Genesis 5:22) and GOD took him to heaven.  Then there was Noah who walked with GOD (Genesis 6:9).

“How can two walk together unless they agree” (Amos 3:3).

There are 2 basic worldviews or kinds of wisdom, and they are diametrically opposed one to another. #1-There is the earthly wisdom which is demonic (worldly thinking is under the control of the evil one Ephesians 2:2, 1 John 5:19).  You may think that sounds a bit strong but that is how GOD defines it.

#2 Then there is Godly wisdom (it is from GOD which comes down to man through the HOLY SPIRIT John 16:13, 1 Corinthians 2:10).

“the wisdom that is from above is 1^st pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17).

“If you have bitter envying and strife in your hearts glory not and lie not against the truth.  That wisdom descends NOT from above (it’s NOT from GOD) but is earthly, sensual, demonic for where envying and strife (selfishness) is, there is confusion (disorder) and every evil work” (James 3:14-16, Ephesians 2:2).

Because on his own Man cannot direct his own steps rightly (Jeremiah 10:23), GOD throughout the Old Testament sent HIS HOLY SPIRIT to come upon men HE chose for special assignments and through them HE led HIS people. 

In Genesis 24:27-29 Abraham’s servant said, “GOD led me straight to my master’s niece to be his son’s wife.” (That is quite a story so check it out).

Isaiah 63 tells us how GOD sent HIS SPIRIT to Moses and thus led HIS people through the wilderness in a powerful way. It is interesting to note that Moses asked for GOD to go with him and the Jews (Exodus 33:15) Just as we are urged to ask GOD for the power and wisdom of the HOLY SPIRIT for our daily assignments although the HOLY SPIRIT already lives within us to teach and instruct us (Luke 11:13).

Yes, over and over in the Old Testament (which pictures New Testament truth) you will read how GOD would send HIS SPIRIT to an individual to empower and lead HIS people in the way they should go. 

But then once JESUS came to earth and died for mankind, things changed.  Now, not just a few but everyone who believes in JESUS is given the HOLY SPIRIT to lead and teach them individually.  Yet we are encouraged to ask (like Moses did) for the HOLY SPIRIT’s power to do our assignments (Luke 11:13).

JESUS said, “He that believes on ME, as the scripture says, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.(But this HE spoke of the (HOLY) SPIRIT, which they that believe on HIM (JESUS) should receive: for the HOLY SPIRIT was not yet given; because that JESUS was not yet glorified)” (John 7:38-39).

That river of living water is speaking of the fruit of the SPIRIT: love, joy, peace, long suffering/ patience, gentleness/ kindness, goodness, faith, humility and self-control and more (Galatians 5:22-23).  They are all part of the divine nature and we get to partake of it as we use GOD’s precious promises and follow the lead of the HOLY SPIRIT (2 Peter 1:4).

Now as a believer in JESUS we have the HOLY SPIRIT within us but we also have choice. “If you are led of the SPIRIT, you are not under the law (Galatians 5:18) for the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us who walk not after (led by) the flesh but after (led by) the SPIRIT.  For they that are after (led by) the flesh mind (think about) the things of the flesh but they that are after (led by) the SPIRIT (think about) the things of the SPIRIT (Romans 8:4-5).

Whenever I become aware that a fruit of the SPIRIT is lacking in my attitude or actions, I know without a doubt that I am not walking in the SPIRIT and not letting HIM lead me. That grieves (Ephesians 4:30) and quenches (1 Thessalonians 5:19) the HOLY SPIRIT so I can no longer hear HIM.  So, I must confess anything I know is wrong or ask what I did so I can confess (1 John 1:9) and then GOD the HOLY SPIRIT will again make HIMSELF and the Word known to me.

Are you letting the HOLY SPIRIT lead you? 

Hugs Sharon

I am with you

The longer I live the more aware I am, and the more I treasure the characteristic of GOD called longsuffering. Many prefer the word patient, but to me the word longsuffering gives a clearer description of GOD putting up with me as I learn and grow and HIS waiting until I’ve grown to where I need to be (Isaiah 30:18). I yearn to show HIS longsuffering to others.

Opening my Bible, the 1^st words that caught my attention this morning were, “the LORD his GOD was with him.”  Instantly I knew I was being nudged to put aside my reading until I’d shared with you.  As Pastor Dave preached on Psalm 73 a phrase from verse 23, “I am continually with YOU” flooded me with memories and awakened my understanding that I needed to share this with you.

There was a very worldly person who over and over did much that hurt me deeply.  But forgiveness and prayer came easy for this one did not know the LORD.  But 41 years ago through a dark time in his life he reached out to JESUS and was saved. I was so happy!

I expected his ways to change in relation to me and for him to at least say I am sorry.  But it didn’t happen and I became angry and complained to the LORD about it.  GOD said, “reread what you were reading.”

I had been in Luke 15 but being angry and unforgiving the story I’d heard and read countless times didn’t speak to me.  But I went back in obedience to the HOLY SPIRIT’s leading.  The story is often called the Prodigal Son.

It tells of a man having 2 sons and the younger asked for his inheritance and when his father gave it, the young man took off to a far country and lived recklessly and sinfully until all his money was gone and a terrible famine hit and he was forced to go feed pigs for a man yet he was constantly hungry. One day he came to his senses and realized that his dad’s servants always had more than enough and determined to go back to his dad and ask to be his servant. The younger son humbly went back and when his father saw him from afar off and ran to meet his son.  Rejoicing to have his son back, he hugged and kissed his son.  The younger son said, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight and am no longer worthy to be called your son.”  But the dad told a servant to clothe his boy with the best robe, put a ring on his finger and shoes on his feet and prepare a party for him. “For this my son was dead (in sin and trespasses) and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.” So they began to be merry.

What an awesome picture of GOD our FATHER’s heart to a repentant sinner coming to GOD through believing in JESUS (Hebrews 7:25).

The older brother came in from working in the fields and heard the music and dancing. So he asked a servant what was going on.  Being told, he refused to go in.  His father came out and encouraged the older brother to come in.  But angrily his son declared, “Your son took your money and went and blew it on riotous, sinful living and now he comes back and you give him a party?  I have been faithful to work for you day in and day out and yet you never even gave me a calf to have a party with my friends!  The father said, “It is right that we should be merry for your brother was dead and is alive again and was lost, and is found” (Luke 15:32).

Wow, its an amazing picture of GOD our FATHER’s heart for one who comes to HIM by seeing his sin and need of Savior and believing and calling on the name of the LORD JESUS CHRIST to save him (Romans 10:9-10, 13).

But that is not what I need to share.  What hit me that day the LORD told me to reread Luke 15 is the next to the last verse when the father said, “Son, you are always with ME, and all that I have is yours.” (Luke 15:31).

Then I understood what the LORD was telling me.  I was the older brother.  While GOD had always walked with me, comforting, encouraging, leading and providing for me each step of the way, even though I was far from perfect.  But the one who had often hurt me had struggled, always seeking some fulfillment but never really finding it had been without GOD to help.  Now he had GOD on his side, but he was still just a baby in the things of GOD and needed time to grow which meant when he learned to walk there would be falls.

To you who know JESUS remember HE says, “I have always been with you…” (Luke 15:31) and HE promises, “…I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).

Hugs

Sharon

Are you washed?

There is nothing as mind-blowing nor as important as knowing GOD for it is through growing to know GOD better and better that we grow in HIS likeness and are given all things we need for life (2 Peter 1:1-4, 2 Corinthians 3:18).  Let’s look at some things true of GOD.   

GOD is great. “For the Lord your GOD is GOD of gods, and LORD of lords, a great GOD, a mighty, and a terrible, which regards not persons, nor takes reward” (Deuteronomy 10:17).  You can’t bribe GOD.

GOD is good and as it is written there is none good but GOD (Mark 10:18).  That by the way is one reason we who believe in JESUS are given GOD the HOLY SPIRIT to live within us and flow GOD’s goodness through us to meet the needs around us.  GOD does good to all (Matthew 5:45).  As HIS children we are to follow HIS lead (Matthew 5:48) but that is only possible as we yield to the promptings and warnings of GOD the HOLY SPIRIT who lives within us.  As we choose to yield to HIM, HE empowers us.

GOD is LOVE (1 John 4:8). “In this was manifested (revealed) the LOVE of GOD toward us, because that GOD sent HIS only begotten SON into the world, that we might live through HIM” (1 John 4:9). “For GOD so LOVED the world that HE gave us HIS only Begotten SON that whosoever believes in HIM should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

GOD’s LOVE is offered to whomsoever will.  But we only get GOD’s LOVE if we receive it by receiving JESUS , for GOD’s love is IN JESUS (Romans 8:29). “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 continues on him” (John 3:36).

Why? Sin destroys and separates us from GOD.  “But your iniquities have separated between you and your GOD, and your sins have hid HIS face from you, that HE will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2).  GOD cannot look on sin (Habakkuk 1:13).

But GOD made a way, just as HE made a way for Israel to pass through the sea and escape death at the hands of the Egyptians.

“The wages of sin is death, but the gift of GOD is eternal life through JESUS CHRIST our LORD” (Romans 6:23).

When we work on a job for an employer we earn wages.  Our Creator says that when we sin, we earn wages.  The paycheck is the 2^nd death also called eternity in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15).

“I (JESUS) said therefore unto you, that you shall die in your sins: for if you believe not that I am HE (GOD the Messiah), you shall die in your sins” (John 8:24).

“… 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 (if we believe in HIM) from our sins in HIS own blood,

Both GOD the FATHER’s love and JESUS’ love is shown by their personal sacrifice. GOD the FATHER gave HIS beloved SON, and JESUS gave HIS life. Their sacrifice is offered to all who choose to receive it.  All who receive JESUS receive GOD’s love for GOD’s love is IN JESUS (Romans 8:39).  All who refuse the love of the truth perish (2 Thessalonians 2:10) because they choose to love the world, and reject GOD’s love and provision for forgiveness and salvation.

But we must remember that is not GOD’s desire nor choice that men die in their sins (2 Peter 3:9).  “For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dies, say the LORD GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live” (Ezekiel 18:32).  GOD does not delight in the death of the sinner but delights when they turn to JESUS and gain eternal life. No one will be sent to the eternal lake of fire unless they choose to reject GOD’s love and life found in JESUS CHRIST.

Are you nestled in the love of GOD through believing in JESUS and have gained eternal life? Are your sins washed away by the blood of JESUS?  I sure hope so.

Hugs

Sharon

GOD made man upright

 “… I found, that GOD made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions/ schemes” (Ecclesiastes 7:29).

Ever heard, or felt or even said, “I want to do it my way?” Starting with Eve, yes, from the beginning of time the Bible records that people consistently choose to “do what is right in their own eyes” (Judges 17:6).  And that is what gets them and us into trouble.  To do what was right in our own eyes we must turn away from what was right in GOD’s eyes. 

Some may think it narrow, but since all wisdom and knowledge come from GOD, HE really does know what is best and what will bring each of us the greatest satisfaction and fulfillment.  According to Romans 3:23 to do less than GOD’s standard is sin.

Are there any reading this like me and many I know who have loved ones and friends who are making poor choices-doing what is right in their own eyes? And they won’t listen to reason?

The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23) and each person must make their own choices.  Yet GOD loves people who HE has made in HIS own image with, among other qualities, the abilities to reason and choose.  GOD says there is something we can and really should do as HE seeks to turn them around!

^“Like as a father pities HIS children, so the Lord pities them that fear HIM.  For HE knows our frame; HE remembers that we are dust” (Psalm 103:13-14).  GOD wants us to stand the gap before HIM for those who are doing their own thing (Ezekiel 22:30).  For their sins separates them from GOD (Isaiah 59:2) so they cannot hear HIM.

How can we stand the gap?  As Moses stood before the LORD to turn away HIS anger (Psalm 106:23) from the Jews, so we can intercede for our loved ones and friends going their own way and doing their own thing through confession of the sin and by appealing to GOD’s mercy and grace.

1 John 5:16 “If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and HE shall give him life for them that sin not unto death”

You might ask well how do I know if it is a sin unto death?  “Now it is appointed unto ALL men to die once” (Hebrews 9:27) so it is quite clear 1 John 5:16 must be speaking of the 2^nd death.  According to Revelation 20:14-15 the only sin that leads to the 2^nd death is refusing to believe in JESUS and get written into the Lamb’s book of life.  So, any other sin we can ask the FATHER to forgive our loved one so they can see the truth.

Sin separates us from GOD (Isaiah 59:2) and from understanding truth, since we have turned our back on GOD when we turn from HIS truth.  Only GOD can open eyes to truth (1 Corinthians 2:10-12) so they can choose to escape the lies that have blinded them to truth (2 Timothy 2:25-26).

“If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly FATHER give the HOLY SPIRIT to them that ask him? Luke 11:13.

It works this way. As we confess the sins of our loved ones, GOD our FATHER sends the HOLY SPIRIT to explain truth to them.  Yes, they can reject the truth.  So, what do we do?  We keep praying and praying and over and over they will be shown the truth in hopes that eventually they will receive the love of the truth.  This is one of GOD’s amazing ways (Isaiah 55:8-11) that brings results!  For HIS Word that goes forth from HIS mouth shall not return to HIM empty but it shall accomplish that which HE wants and it will prosper in the thing HE sends it to do.

Is there someone that comes to mind that you should join with GOD in seeking by standing the gap before HIM in confession and prayer for them?

Hugs

Sharon

Are you like the beaver?

Summer is here, time to go camping.  Years ago we camped near a beaver dam a few miles down the road from Cottonwood Lake. The kids were awed by the dam.  On one side there was a pool of water, but on the other side of the dam a small stream trickled out.  The kids wanted to see the beavers but with their exuberant noise it was no wonder the beavers kept themselves hidden.

Once that stream was a babbling brook with free-flowing water.  Now there was just a trickle.

JESUS promised that everyone who believed HIM would have rivers of living water flowing from inside of him. 

The Word of GOD clarifies that those rivers of living waters spoken of are the Holy SPIRIT.  Whom believers would get after JESUS sacrifice for our sins and HIS following glorification when HE was received with honor in heaven.

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

Now that JESUS has been glorified and is seated at the right hand of GOD the FATHER, the moment someone believes in JESUS he receives and is sealed by the Holy SPIRIT (Ephesians 1:13).  Henceforth, according to JESUS’ promise, rivers of water should flow from the SPIRIT within us. 

What can that possibly mean?

Actually, that means several different things. But let’s just look at one of them.  The Holy SPIRIT resides within each believer and bears HIS fruit (which are aspects of HIS divine nature- things like love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, kindness, and self-control) in us.  It, the fruit of the SPIRIT is healing and overflows through us to others like rivers of living water.

II Peter 1: 2-4 tells how we have been given everything (we lack not one thing) we need for life here on earth and for entrance into heaven and for godliness.  If we use, the great and precious promises HE gives us we will escape the corruption of the world.  Then verses 5-7 lists qualities we are to be using.  Notice they are all fruit of the SPIRIT. (see Galatians 5:22,23)  Therefore, we are being told to use the fruit of the SPIRIT.  How do we do that?

It is just a matter of asking for it.

When I feel frustrated and need peace, I simply acknowledge my need and HIS supply by running to the throne of grace and saying I need peace.  Immediately I am given the help I need (Hebrews 4:16). 

Sometimes I don’t get it.  When that happens, I’ll ask, “Why?” For something is blocking the Holy SPIRIT’s flow of living water in and through my life.  Just like those beavers blocked the flow of the stream. Sin grieves the HOLY SPIRIT and refusing to listen to HIS warnings or obey HIS nudges for me to act block the flow of living water.

If I ask, GOD is faithful to impress on me the truth so I realize what is wrong (Matthew 7:7).  If I confess, I am forgiven (1 John 1:9) and the rivers of living water begin flowing again.

So don’t be a beaver, let the rivers of water flow.

Looking unto JESUS the Author and Perfecter of my faith,

hugs

Sharon