Say again

How important are names?  Does it matter to you if people get your name right? I know people who get upset if someone says or spells their name wrong. Now its easy for me to remember faces and their prayer requests (since I’ve prayed for them) but names are harder for me.

The Shema (shema means hear) is the oldest and most important prayer in Judaism. It forms an important part of Jewish evening and morning prayer and is used as a Jewish confession of faith.   Deuteronomy 6:4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord (YHWH) our God (Elohim -plural form of supreme over all) is one Lord (YHWH).”  By looking at the word forms of this confession of faith shows that YAHWEH (the LORD) is plural in existence although one in character, attributes and purpose.  You and I in effect speak of the Shema when we talk about the trinity.

This morning turning to the minor prophet section I found my marker in Amos 1.  Noticing a repetition I quickly went through the 5 short chapters and was amazed that GOD’s covenant name of Yahwey (YHWH) was used 83 times, HIS name God (Elohim-which is the plural form of God) was used 11 times and HIS name for Lord over all (Adonai) 25 times.

When seeing GOD’s names repeated so often obviously I questioned, “Why?  Why is Amos so entranced with GOD’s names in this message given him as he was moved to write specific things by the HOLY SPIRIT (2 Peter 1:21). But why in the world did he see the need to use GOD’s names so often?

So of course, I went back to chapter 1 and began to slowly read. Amos 1:2 the LORD (YHWY) will roar from Zion.  In chapters 1 and 2 eight times YHWH mentions a country.  The LORD GOD begins each time: For thus says the LORD (YHWH) then HE names the country and states that BECAUSE of certain transgressions (sins) which HE gives specifics about, HE would not turn away from punishing them.

YHWH the self-existent ONE who is the source of all things uses here 1) the word BECAUSE showing that HE does nothing without a cause (Ezekiel 14:23) and being their Creator people are responsible to HIM. The LORD holds mankind to standards (Romans 3:23) that when broken must be punished.

Ecclesiastes 8:5Whoso keeps the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man’s heart discerns both time and judgment. 6)Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, 11) BECAUSE the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.

One of the many sins mentioned is abortion showing GOD cares for the unborn child (Amos 1:13).

Then I started in chapter 3 where the LORD is speaking to the Jews.  Amos 3:1 “Hear (shema) the word the LORD has spoken” Amos 3:2 “I will punish you for all your iniquities” Amos 3:3 “for how can two walk together unless they be agreed.” GOD wants to walk with HIS people so must discipline us so we can see things correctly for only then HE can walk with us (Hebrews 12:11). 

Then Amos 3:4-6 show cause and effect and Amos 3:7 takes up that concept with,  “Surely the LORD GOD will do nothing but HE reveals the secret to HIS servants the prophets.”  Amos 3:8 “The lion has roared and who will not fear?  The LORD has spoken who can but prophesy?”

You know the LORD has revealed what is coming in HIS word written by prophets and apostles as they were moved by the HOLY SPIRIT.  We must pay close attention to their words in these evil days, these days of deception.  The only way we can know what is true is to check it out with GOD as we go to HIS word (Isaiah 8:20). 

It is exciting to know that we who have received JESUS as LORD and Savior by calling on HIS name (Romans 10:9-10, 13, John 3:16) are awaiting JESUS to catch us away before that terrible 7-year period of time when GOD’s wrath falls on the earth punishing the evil that has been done. 

But those who have rejected JESUS will have to go through that time.  Therefore, we who know JESUS have been commissioned by JESUS (Acts 1:8) to tell people about JESUS and HIS forgiveness, giving them a chance to receive JESUS and escape the wrath that is coming.

Scary, maybe.  But what the unsaved face is much, much worse.

Hugs

Sharon

Walking

It is so good to see the sun shining and I feel set free for I can get outside now and go walking.

Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning (1 Corinthians 14:10). Of the thousands upon thousands of languages and dialects, Wycliffe Bible Translators report that there are only about 1,900 languages left to be translated. Praise the LORD!

The process of writing down a language and then translating the Bible into that language is quite a huge job. But each language has hidden insights.  Take for instance the Zapotec Rincon language.  That language is amazing in its striking simplicity. Here are a few examples that include walking.

To go in your heart to the LORD, means to have faith.

To make the LORD big in your heart, indicates trust.

One who walks in his heart, is thinking.

One who makes his heart walk to someone, means showing favor/ giving grace to that person.

    GOD walks in HIS heart to people, when HE nudges us to witness to them.

Ephesians 2:8 “By grace you are saved, through faith” translates: Because GOD made HIS heart walk to you, by sending GOD the SON to earth to die for mankind and pay for their sins so they could have eternal life.  GOD saves you when you go to HIM in your hearts.

GOD walked in HIS heart to you when HE sent JESUS from heaven. HE is walking in HIS heart to others, when HE nudges us to speak to them of JESUS or to meet their needs.

Since our GOD changes not (Malachi 3:6). GOD does the same thing today. GOD walks in HIS heart to us even in the bad, for HE is using it for good (Romans 8:28-29).

One example: GOD is walking in HIS heart to prisoners, for it gives them time to walk in their hearts (think) and perhaps reach out to HIM and be saved. 

“…(GOD) preset the exact times and places so that they should seek the LORD (go in your heart to HIM) and trust in HIM (Make the LORD big in your heart). Acts 17:26c-27).

Walk in your heart (think about this).  Go in your heart to the LORD (have faith) and make the LORD big in your heart (trust HIM and don’t lean on your own understanding or be wise in your own eyes Proverbs 3:5-7).

Looking unto JESUS the Author and Perfecter of my faith,

Hugs

Sharon

Shout it out!

The reason you hear from me so often is because I read my bible and believe JESUS word, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD” (Matthew 4:4).

A favorite verse that changed my life is Hebrews 4:12 paraphrased it says, “The Word of GOD is alive (meeting me here and now where I am at) and active… (it separates and clarifies for me right from wrong and puts things in perspective) it detects/discerns my thoughts and exposes the intents of my heart.”  But more than anything else it is GOD talking to me, preparing me for my day.

Waking up with the song THY WORD in my heart, I began to sing it. I wondered how long before my LORD would come to snatch me away along with all other believers in JESUS. When I opened the Word and turned to the promise verse for the day, I had to laugh. Matthew 24:35-36 “Heaven and earth will pass away but MY Words remain forever.”  No one knows the date and the hour when JESUS will come and call believers up and away from what is coming. Not even the angels. No, nor even GOD’s Son, Only GOD the FATHER knows (Mark 13:32).

As you can see the Word of GOD spoke to my thoughts.

Perhaps that is why GOD tells us to share what HE says to us in HIS Word. The LORD has a word for you today.  Matthew 10:27 “What I tell you now in the gloom, shout abroad when the daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ears, proclaim from the rooftops.”

Did you get in the Word today? Did something, a word, a phrase touch your heart? That was GOD talking. What did GOD tell you today? I want to hear it!

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

Are you ready?

Are you ready?  How you start your day makes all the difference?

Moses would say, “LORD, if You don’t go with us or before us, we are not going anywhere.”  (Exodus 33:15 ) 

Abraham would say, “The LORD will provide.” (Genesis 22:14)

Jacob would say, “I won’t let go of YOU unless YOU bless me.” (Genesis 32:26)

Joshua would say, “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Genesis 24:15)

Samuel would say, “Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening.” (Samuel 3:10)

Nehemiah would say, “The joy of the LORD is my strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)

David would say, “The LORD is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1) and “This is the day that the LORD has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)

Solomon would say, “Trust in the LORD, oh my soul, and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Isaiah would say, “Arise and shine for my GLORY has come.” (Isaiah 60:1) and “No weapon formed against me shall prosper.” (Isaiah 54:17)

Jeremiah would say, “The LORD has plans to prosper me and not to harm or fail me.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Jabez would say, “Oh, that YOU may bless me and enlarge my territory and give me the wisdom not to hurt anyone.” (1 Chronicles 4:10)

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego would say, “We will not bow down to any image but will serve the LORD.” (Daniel 3:18)

Ezekiel would say, “Any dry bones  (lost hope or discouragement) in my life, Live (hope in GOD) again.” (Ezekiel 37:4)

Peter would say, “I will cast my cares upon the LORD for He cares.” (Psalm 55:22)

Paul would say, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13) and “My God will supply all my needs” (Philippians 4:19)

How do you get ready?  Believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST and call on HIS name (John 3:16, Romans 10:13). Then talk with the LORD about everything and go with the nudges HE gives (Proverbs 3:5-7), Read and meditate on GOD’s Word listening for instructions! Look for JESUS return (John 14:3)

What do you tell yourself every morning as you start your day?

The LORD Is your life! Press on, stay strong! Keep believing GOD has great things ahead for you! Love the LORD your GOD with all your heart, listen to and obey HIS still small voice that nudges you to act (Philippians 2:13), and hold fast to Him. For the LORD is your life. (Deuteronomy 30:20). 

JESUS is coming back for those who believe in HIM to take them to where HE is that we may always be with the LORD (John 14:3).

hugs

Sharon

What are you thinking about?

What are you thinking about? All of our minds are set/ focused on something. What we choose to think about determines or governs how we act.

Those who live according to the flesh (natural self) have their minds set on what the flesh (self) desires (the things of this world); but those who live in accordance with the SPIRIT (listening to HIM and going with HIS nudges) have their minds set on what the SPIRIT desires (the things of GOD). The mind governed by the flesh is death (spiritual death), but the mind governed by the SPIRIT is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is HOSTILE to GOD; it does not submit to what GOD wants, nor can it do so (Romans 8:5-7).

Set your mind on the things above (things of GOD), not on the things that are on earth (Colossians 3:2).

We choose our mindset. What are you thinking about?

Hugs

Sharon

Moon

With all the fires on the West coast there are mornings where I see a red sun rising in the east.  My friend Donna Aliff got a snapshot of a red sun rising the other morning. With our human eyes on these mornings the sun looks entirely red but her camera and mine detect the brilliant fiery bursts of yellow flames.

Because of the tilt of the earth this time of year we also can see huge brilliant orange harvest moons and they are beautiful.

Have you considered that the Moon has no light of its own- it merely reflects the light of the sun.  Yet its prominence in the sky and its regular cycle of phases have, since ancient times, made the Moon an important cultural influence on language, calendars, art and mythology.  In reality the Moon’s gravitational influence produces the ocean tides and the minute lengthening of the day.  So that although it has no light of its own it gives off reflected light in increasing measure and has a great influence.

You and I are like the Moon, we have no light of our own (though sometimes man, like the devil before him, we foolishly think we do.)  But although we do not generate light, we can reflect the light of our GOD and Savior (who is the Light of the world) by telling others of JESUS and letting HIM shine through us by our obedience to HIM.  As we stand in HIS light, we can have a great gravitational influence on things surrounding us.  So, lets look to the SON and reflect HIS glory…

Have you noticed that it will not hurt you to look directly at the moon no matter how brightly it shines; whereas to look directly at the sun will blind you?  Hmmm, I wonder could it be that perhaps that is one reason why GOD has chosen HIS children (those who believe in JESUS -John 1:12) to be HIS witnesses by their lives as well as their words.  For the scripture says that GOD’s brilliance is such that no human man shall see GOD and live (Exodus 33:20).

Hugs,

Sharon

Do you always remember?

Fact or fiction?  Elephants never forget. Scientists report that although elephant’s eyesight may not be as strong as some other animals, elephants have remarkable recall power.  They have to depend on their memories for the lives that they live.

Just before our LORD ascended into heaven, JESUS told the believers that they were to be HIS witnesses (Acts 1:8).  Earlier JESUS had said, “All of us must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the ONE who sent ME, because there is little time left…” John 9:4 NLT.

That tells us we need to tell others about JESUS. But sometimes we might wonder how to start or fear we will not remember verses to explain the Gospel of JESUS correctly.  I rejoice in the fact they we don’t have to depend on our own memories. GOD’s promises that if we will acknowledge HIM HE will direct our path (and words) (Proverbs 3:5-7).  Does that mean we don’t have to study the Bible?  NO.  We are told to study to show ourselves approved unto GOD a workman that needs not be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).  But what it means is GOD the HOLY SPIRIT will work with us and even help us by bringing verses to our minds, so we can share just what the person needs to hear (John 14:26).

How does GOD do that?  Proverbs 21:1 tells us that HE can redirect our thoughts just as we can change the direction of the spray of the garden hose to water flowers we choose.  The key in witnessing is pray 1^st and acknowledge HIM.  We are warned against leaning on our own understanding but to look to GOD and then go with what comes to mind (Proverbs 3:5-7).

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

Hugs

Sharon

Bring the LORD joy

Bring joy to the Lord. Talk about Him with others.  Just meeting with a friend or two to study 📖 God’s word and pray brings God’s presence in a special way and brings Him joy Malachi 3:16-17 Then they who 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 thought on His name. And they shall be Mine says the Lord of hosts, in the day I make up My jewels and I will spare them as a man spares his own son that serves him.