Mesmerizes

Recently we were given 2 kittens, and their frolicking antics mesmerize us so that we just sit and watch them scamper about.

In our Friday study we have been doing a special 7-week study on GOD’s names and nature.  We’ve been focusing in on one thing true of GOD each day by answering questions from Bible verses about GOD doing that very quality.  It’s not that what I am seeing is in any way new, but like those kittens antics each quality is captivating, and it mesmerizes me getting me to think about GOD using that quality throughout my day.  

The 1^st thing we studied was that GOD is Triune in essence: GOD the FATHER, JESUS-GOD the SON and GOD the HOLY SPIRIT.

The LORD GOD ALMIGHTY Maker of heaven and earth called HIMSELF YHWH and said I AM WHO I AM, tell the children of Israel that I AM has sent me to you (Exodus 3:14). In Revelation HE says I AM the ALPHA and the OMEGA, the beginning and the end (Revelation 1:8) I AM the ALPHA and the OMEGA the first and the last (Revelation 1:11), I AM ALPHA and OMEGA, the beginning and the end, the first and the last (Revelation 22:13)

Who was in the beginning?

John 1:¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with GOD, and the Word was GOD. ² The same was in the beginning with GOD. ¹⁴ And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld HIS glory, the glory as of the Only begotten of the FATHER,) full of grace and truth.

We see both GOD the FATHER and JESUS were in the beginning, but it wasn’t just them.

Hebrews 9:14 tells us that the HOLY SPIRIT is eternal, so HE too was in the beginning. Genesis 1:2 verifies this when it shows the HOLY SPIRIT brooding (like a hen over her young) over the waters on the 1^st day of time.  

The GODHEAD is one GOD in 3 persons.  Each person was in the beginning and has the same nature.  But we see in scripture that at least in their connection and interaction with mankind on earth at the present time they have different roles while always working jointly and in complete unity in everything they do.  It was fun outlining from Bible verse how each of the three worked jointly together in Creation, the Bible, JESUS getting a body, JESUS baptism, a person getting to become a child of GOD, developing believers into godliness, in prayer, in the crucifixion, and in witnessing to the lost.

In Genesis 1:26 GOD says let us (Plural) make man in our image (a singular image).  This states that each person in the GODHEAD has the same exact image.  Then we are told that JESUS (the eternal Word who took on flesh) “In HIM (JESUS) all the fullness of Deity (the GODHEAD) dwells in bodily form [completely expressing the divine essence of GOD] (Colossians 2:9 AMP).

Speaking of the GODHEAD, JESUS alone has a physical body taken on so HE could be make like us and die for our sins (Philippians 2:5-8, Hebrews 2:17) and become our faithful High Priest. 

JESUS related to HIS disciples, “…he that has seen ME (JESUS) has seen the FATHER;” (John 14:9) and since the HOLY SPIRIT has the same image (essence) we know that by looking at JESUS we have also seen what GOD the HOLY SPIRIT is like.

Therefore, that which is true of the SPIRIT is true also of JESUS and of GOD the FATHER.  For instance, the fruit of the SPIRIT (Galatians 5:22-23) is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, kindness, goodness, faith, self-control and meekness are part of each of the GODHEAD.

GOD the FATHER sent JESUS to die for our sins that we might be forgiven and have eternal life (John 3:16).  GOD the FATHER sent forth the HOLY SPIRIT in JESUS name to convict all men and to teach and reveal truth to believers (John 14:26, 16:8, 13).

FATHER GOD speaks but the HOLY SPIRIT must explain to us what the FATHER is saying in order for us to understand what GOD means (1 Corinthians 2:10-13).  JESUS taught only that which FATHER GOD wanted the disciples to know (John 12:49) but it is the HOLY SPIRIT who enabled the disciples to understand what JESUS meant (Acts 1:2).

The HOLY SPIRIT lives within each believer, but only as we listen and yield to HIM can HE lead us.  What I mean by that is since we have been given the ability to choose, we sometimes choose not to do what we know we should do.  Part of the work of the HOLY SPIRIT is to write what GOD wants in our minds so we know what GOD wants (Hebrews 10: 16) and HE places within our hearts what GOD wants us to do so we will want it too (Philippians 2:13).

The Bible tells us that we are living in the last days and that these days are days of deception.  Therefore, we need to be able to hear the HOLY SPIRIT to know what to do and then obey without question.  If we have grieved HIM by sin or quenched HIM by refusing HIS guidance we have our backs to HIM and our fingers in our ears.

In order to hear and obey we must prepare our hearts beforehand, determining to listen and obey no matter how silly it may seem.  Then although the HOLY SPIRIT was given to us when we believed in JESUS and we are sealed until the day of Redemption (Ephesians 1:13, 4:39) since we are sinners we need to ask GOD our FATHER for a fresh anointing of the HOLY SPIRIT’s power (Luke 11:13) in all things acknowledging that we are not sufficient of ourselves to think we can do it on our own (2 Corinthians 3:5, Proverbs 3:5-7). As we Mind (think about) the things of the SPIRIT, HE will lead and empower us to do what we should. 

Then it is just a matter to do what we know we should do and to abstain from whatever HE says NO! to.

Like I said, it is nothing new but I for one need to be reminded (John 14:26) from time to time. It refreshes me and my amazement and appreciation of our AWESOME GOD grows.

Hugs

Sharon

Preconceived ideas

Burning the Box of Preconceived Ideas or Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth

GOD’s divine nature is so mind-boggling that although we cannot understand all HE is, the glimpses HE gives us are astounding. All that GOD is, is true for each of the Trinity (GOD the FATHER, GOD the SON (JESUS) and GOD the HOLY SPIRIT).

In the Bible we are given glimpses of the wonder of our GOD. The Bible is different than any other book. It was written, not by one man, but by many men as GOD the HOLY SPIRIT moved (inspired) them to write (2 Timothy 2:16, 2 Peter 1:21). Although we can enjoy its stories, and memorize its verses, we cannot understand the depths of its meaning on our own. We need an interpreter, so GOD gave every believer in JESUS, GOD the HOLY SPIRIT to explain what GOD the FATHER is saying to us (1 Corinthians 2:10-14). But the HOLY SPIRIT only tells us what GOD the FATHER tells HIM to say (John 16:13-15).

I dare say that I come to the Bible at times with preconceived notions, things people have said to me. But since JESUS promised that if we come to GOD’s word, we can know the truth IF we come willing to see and do whatever GOD wants (John 7:17).

The word of GOD is living and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword, it is a discerner of our thoughts and the intents of our hearts (Hebrews 4:12) but at times I must ask GOD, “What do you mean?”

The word foreknowledge was such a place where I asked GOD “What do you mean?”

The Greek Lexicon says foreknowledge is a combination of two words: to know + before. That word is only used two times in the Bible.

Acts 2:23 “HIM (JESUS), being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of GOD, you have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain.”

1 Peter 1:2 “Elect according to the foreknowledge of GOD the FATHER…”

Both texts beg the question. “What did GOD know before?“

Strong and Thayer’s Greek Lexicons referred me to another Greek word that was a combination of the same word to know + the word for heart. It is used just 2 times in the Bible as well.

Acts 1:24 THOU, LORD, who knows the hearts of all men, show which of these men…”

Acts 15:8 GOD who knows the hearts bare them witness, giving them the HOLY GHOST.

As we see, decisions were made in Acts 1:24 and 15:8 because GOD knew the hearts of men therefore knew beforehand what those men would do.

When it comes to the crucifixion of our LORD JESUS (Acts 2:23), the GODHEAD had determined/planned it for the salvation of whosoever would believe (John 3:16), before the beginning of the world (Revelation 13:8), yet GOD enacted it, by standing back and allowing wicked men to do what GOD foreknew would be in their hearts to do.

GOD used the choices that those wicked men would make, choices which originated in their own wicked hearts and which they were totally responsible and answerable for to bring about what GOD determined to happen.  It is like what Joseph told his brothers in Genesis 50:20, “But as for you, you thought evil against me, but GOD meant it for good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save many people alive.”

In 1 Peter 1:2 GOD who knows the hearts of all men, foreknew those who would choose to believe in JESUS and according to that foreknowledge GOD elected them for many wonderful things.

As GOD says in Proverbs 8:17, “I love them, who love ME…” but we only love HIM because HE 1^st loved us (1 John 4:19).

Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of CHRIST (Romans 10:17)  Are you and am I telling people about JESUS?

Hugs

Sharon

Awakened by a thought

Have you ever been awakened in the middle of the night with a questionable thought? 

I was so awakened a little while ago. But I didn’t want to go there so I asked the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY to turn my thoughts where HE wanted them.  My thoughts began to swirl.  Because of the drastic change of the direction of my thoughts, I am now up writing.  I was just going to jot down the simple concept and handle it in the morning, but as I began to jot down the thoughts I knew, or I should say realized that was not what the LORD wanted of me.

Only through the HOLY SPIRIT can people understand what GOD means (1 Corinthians 2:10-12).

The HOLY SPIRIT only relays to us humans that which HE has heard the FATHER tell HIM to say (John 16:13).

It is Our Heavenly FATHER from whom all blessings flow who told the HOLY SPIRIT what to place in the hearts and minds of holy men moving them to write the scriptures according to their own personalities (2 Peter 1:20-21).  And all of the holy scripture that they wrote points to JESUS and tells about HIM (Revelation 19:10, John 5:39, 46).

The Gospel of JESUS states that JESUS is GOD the Son who was given a human body and came to earth as a baby born of a virgin, grew up, lived, taught, healed sicknesses, was crucified on a cross where all the sins of mankind was placed on HIM.  JESUS died and on the 3^rd day HIS body was resurrected guaranteeing that all who believe in HIM will be resurrected to new, eternal life.

Being JESUS had never sinned, although tempted in all ways as we humans are (Hebrews 4:14-15), JESUS was the perfect substitutional sacrifice without spot (a sin nature passed on by a human father) or blemish (sin) and all who believe on JESUS are cleansed from all sin and are born again into the family of GOD through the power of the HOLY SPIRIT (John 3:3-6, 1:12-13).

When one believes in JESUS, GOD the FATHER sends the HOLY SPIRIT to come live within that one (John 7:38-39).  JESUS said it was better that HE/ JESUS go away so that the HOLY SPIRIT might come to each individual believer to comfort, lead, teach, remind of all that JESUS said as well as help the believer witness of JESUS and strengthen the believer in all ways (John 14:26, Philippians 2:13, Acts 1:8). 

When the HOLY SPIRIT comes, HE places us in JESUS CHRIST (1 Corinthians 12:13, 27) for it is in JESUS CHRIST alone where GOD’s love is found (Romans 8:39). The HOLY SPIRIT seals each believer to GOD.  Like pickles are sealed from spoilage until opened.  The HOLY SPRIT gives the believer new life and becomes the down payment assuring the believer that JESUS will come for him/her and take the believer with HIM to heaven on the day of redemption (otherwise spoken of as the Rapture Ephesians 1:13-14, 2:1, 4:30, 1 Thessalonians 1:17).

Again, let me say that the HOLY SPIRIT only teaches us what GOD our Heavenly FATHER and JESUS tells HIM to say.  HE takes what belongs to JESUS (and all that belongs to GOD the FATHER belongs to JESUS) and shows it little by little to the believer (John 16:13-15, 2 Corinthians 3:18) and reminds the believer of verses to help the believer stand against temptation or direct the believer in what to say or do (John 14:26).

Now can’t you see just a glimpse of the trinity in our salvation?  GOD the FATHER is from whom all blessings flow.  HE along with JESUS and the HOLY SPIRIT devised a plan (Genesis 1:26).  HE as our Heavenly FATHER provides for us and disciplines us that we might grow in the divine nature (Hebrews 12:11). GOD the FATHER sent JESUS (who came willingly) to save us from our sin so we could come to the FATHER.

JESUS came, lived, suffered, died, rose again and now is interceding for us (Hebrews 7:25, Romans 8:34) and our growth in CHRIST-likeness (Romans 8:29) at the right hand of GOD the FATHER.  JESUS is awaiting the appointed time to come get HIS church (true believers in HIM).

Meanwhile the HOLY SPIRIT is on earth. The person of the HOLY SPIRIT convicts us showing us our sin and need of JESUS (John 16:8).  JESUS is the only way to GOD the FATHER (1 Timothy 2:5, John 14:6).  When we believe, the HOLY SPIRIT gives us new birth, indwells us, teaches us, reminds us, leads us, and strengthens us. Through believers in JESUS the HOLY SPIRIT is restraining complete wickedness that will be unleashed when believers are taken out of this world to be with JESUS at the Rapture (catching away).

Each member of the Trinity honors the other members.  Sometimes it may look like the HOLY SPIRIT is in service to the others of the Trinity.  But all of the Trinity, even the FATHER are humble.  The only unforgivable sin is to blaspheme the HOLY SPIRIT.  We grieve and quench the HOLY SPIRIT with sin and refusal to obey HIS nudges.  If we pray to the FATHER in JESUS name (John 16:23), we are forgiven (1 John 1:9) and GOD the FATHER tells the HOLY SPIRIT to speak again to us.  But to blaspheme the HOLY SPIRIT is to refuse HIS message: JESUS saves.  NOTE: the only reason a human is thrown into the everlasting lake of fire is because he has refused to believe in JESUS and thus get his name written in the Lamb’s book of life (Revelation 20:15).

Now it’s time to post this and get back into bed for I’ve appointments in the morning.

Hugs

Sharon

Blame GOD

Ever heard someone blame GOD for evil? 

GOD made everything good, but man sought out many inventions (Ecclesiastes 7:29).

When people blame GOD for evil, they are really blaming GOD for giving man the ability to choose.  Now they expect and even demand to have the right to choose but become furious with GOD when others utilize the same privilege in a way they don’t agree with.  Especially, when the choices made hurt others.

In the meantime, GOD waits to punish evil doers.  Why?

2 Peter 3:9-10 explains it like this: The LORD is not slack (slow) concerning HIS promise as some count slackness (slowness), but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.  But the day of the LORD will come.

Romans 2:4 puts it this way: (do you) despise the riches of HIS goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of GOD leads (even) you to repentance?

Because of HIS great love GOD sent HIS only SON to earth that whosoever believed in HIM (JESUS) would not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). 

Presently, GOD is waiting to allow time for everyone who will choose to believe and turn and call on the name of the LORD JESUS and be saved and forgiven to do just that (Romans 10:13).

As GOD waits, we Christians have a job to do in this world. GOD the FATHER calls us to stand the gap for unbelievers in prayer (Ezekiel 22:30), JESUS commissioned us to witness of HIM, and sent the HOLY SPIRIT to enable us do just that (Acts 1:8).

Again, we see the Trinity at work to bless people.

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

A mind of your own

Have you heard it said, “He has a mind of his own?”  Do you think that is a positive statement or a negative one?

Now we know that GOD the FATHER, GOD the SON (previously known as the WORD John 1:1-3, 14), and GOD the HOLY SPIRIT are equal and share the same glorious nature though we see them each in their different roles.  All things flow from GOD the FATHER, who made all things in Heaven and earth through the Word (GOD the SON) by the moving power of the GOD the HOLY SPIRIT.  Yet they are ONE GOD and share in the same nature- things like their goodness, eternity, wisdom, power, infinity, gentleness and patience just to mention a few. 

But In class yesterday an interesting topic came up concerning the individual personhood of each of the Trinity. I’ll just share a peek into that topic and then you can do your homework.

GOD the FATHER, who searches the hearts, knows the mind of GOD the HOLY SPIRIT (Romans 8:28).

GOD the HOLY SPIRIT searches the things (mind) of GOD the FATHER (1 Corinthians 2:10) and understands GOD the FATHER’s will (Romans 8:27).

GOD the SON, JESUS, had a will (mind) of HIS own but submitted HIS will (thoughts of HIS mind) to GOD the FATHER’s will (thoughts of the FATHER’s mind) (Luke 22:42).

So we see each person of the Trinity has a mind of HIS own and they graciously honor and submit one to another.

When GOD created man, HE did so in HIS likeness, literally “in Our likeness”(Genesis 1:26).  The pronoun in that verse points to the oft seen triune nature of our ONE GOD. GOD made man as a person.  To be a person one must have a mind (the Bible often refers to this as the heart). The thoughts of one’s mind (what is in his heart) determine his choices.

You may say, of course, so what are you getting at?

For those who are living according (yielding to the desires of) to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh which gratify their wants, but those who are living according to the SPIRIT (follow HIS instructions and nudges), set their minds on the things of the SPIRIT (HIS will and purpose seen in HIS teaching and nudges). Romans 8:5.

Though he may be influenced, each person has a mind of his own which is also called the will.

Calling on the name of the LORD (Romans 10:13) when we have understood and accepted that JESUS died for sin and all we need do is go to HIM for forgiveness and eternal life, brings us salvation and makes us children of GOD (John 1:12, 3:16, 36).  We also are placed into JESUS kingdom (that means HE is our king/ our ruler).  To help us know how to act as GOD’s child in JESUS’s kingdom we were given the HOLY SPIRIT to teach and lead us (John 14:26, 16:13-15).

Bear in mind that although we may hear and understand and even feel drawn to do what the LORD says, we have minds of our own and have the ability to refuse to comply.  Wrong actions are never because GOD the HOLY SPIRIT wasn’t directing us, but because we chose not to do what we knew we should do. 

GOD’s ways are not our ways, nor are HIS thoughts our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9) so don’t expect that which the HOLY SPIRIT impresses on our hearts to do (Philippians 2:13) will always make sense to us.  Nonetheless, in any given situation only GOD knows what is really needed and what will work the best.

If we allow the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD to lead us, nudging us ahead we are walking in the SPIRIT and doing GOD’s will.

Once we are saved, GOD the FATHER is now our heavenly FATHER. When we choose to do wrong HE disciplines us (Hebrews 12:4-8) because HE loves us.  No discipline is fun while it lasts, but it seems painful at the time. Later, however, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness for those who have been trained by it (Hebrews 12:11).

Hugs

Sharon

Snatched out of the fire

Do you have a rebel who once came to JESUS, or are you struggling in some area?

Remember GOD has snatched us from the fire (Zechariah 3:1-4).

When we 1st believe in JESUS and have come to GOD by HIM GOD always instructs us. When we believe we are sealed with the HOLY SPIRIT unto the day of Redemption and taken out of the power of darkness and placed in the kingdom of GOD’s dear SON (Ephesians 1:13,14, 4:30, Colossians 1:13)  Now the HOLY SPIRIT is writing in our minds and placing in our hearts that which GOD wants of us (Colossians 1:13, Hebrews 10:16-18,Philippians 2:13).

GOD always instructs us down to the last detail. Am I willing to listen so that my ear sensitive enough to hear even the softest whisper of the Spirit, so that I know what I should do?

If not something else happens. Something so awesome it blows my mind is so exciting to consider

1. how JESUS saves all who come to YHWH by HIM to the uttermost (or as some translations say completely forever) because HE continues to intercede for them (Hebrews 7:25) and what is being achieved from that
2. along with the HOLY SPIRIT petitions on our behalf according to the will of GOD for us (to be conformed to the image of JESUS -Romans 8:26-29) and
3. Our Heavenly FATHER’s discipline Hebrews 12:6

will result in the peaceable fruit of righteousness in all of us who have called on the name of the LORD and become the children of GOD (John 3:16, John 1:12, Hebrews 12:11).

Pondering those truths/ all that they promise brings such peace for me concerning my struggles and some rebels whom I love with all my heart.  So, I am praising the LORD for HIS amazing love and ways.  

But it is easier on us if we just listen and obey! For your own comfort do not grieve the HOLY SPIRIT of GOD…” (Ephesians 4:30). HE does not speak with a voice like thunder— HIS voice is so gentle that it is easy for us to ignore. Note: When you begin to debate with the HOLY SPIRIT, stop immediately. Don’t ask, “Why can’t I do this?” Ask instead, “Help me do what is right.”

I am so glad I belong to JESUS and blown away that the entire Trinity is continuously working on my behalf to conform me to the image of my LORD and Savior JESUS CHRIST (Romans 8:29).

Hugs

Sharon

Who was he?

Today is St Patrick’s Day and people wear green.  But who was this St Patrick?

Patrick was born in Britain, just before Patrick turned 16 years old, he and his family were attacked by Irish pirates. Although Patrick’s family escaped, Patrick and many of the family’s workers did not. The captives were taken to Ireland, where Patrick was sold as a slave was forced to work as a herdsman.

Though raised in a Christian home, Patrick didn’t come to faith in Christ until he was kidnapped and made a slave. As he herded sheep his devotion to GOD grew and did not go unnoticed. He was nicknamed “Holy Boy” among his fellow slaves.

One night Patrick in a dream heard a voice telling him, “Soon you will be returning to your own country.” At age 22, Patrick escaped and traveled 200 miles to the coast of Ireland. He later wrote, “I turned on my heel and ran away, leaving behind the man to whom I had been bound for six years. Yet I came away from him in the power of GOD, for it was HE who guided my every step, so I felt not the least anxiety until I reached the ship.”

When Patrick approached one of the men on the ship and asked to board, the seaman scowled at him. As Patrick started to leave, the man called back to him, saying the other passengers wanted him on board. 

After running out of food, the captain turned to Patrick and challenged him to ask his GOD for more. Glad to oblige, Patrick turned trustingly to the LORD who was his GOD and said, “Put your faith in HIM with all your heart, because nothing is impossible to HIM. On this day, HE will send us food sufficient for our journey, because for HIM there is abundance everywhere.”

According to Patrick’s autobiography, when the men turned around, a herd of pigs was standing before them. They feasted for days and gave thanks to God.

Patrick finally made it to his beloved Britain and into the arms of his mother and father, who pleaded with him never to leave them again. But one night Patrick had a dream and he seemed to hear the voice of the same men he worked with as if they were shouting, “Holy broth of a boy, we beg you, come back and walk once more among us.”

But church leaders and Patrick’s parents fiercely opposed his plans to return to Ireland. Patrick had to sell his title of nobility to become the “slave of Christ serving the barbaric nation.”

While in Ireland, Patrick shared the gospel with his former slave owner, Miliuc the Druid. But instead of turning his back on his pagan gods, Miliuc locked himself in his house and set it on fire while Patrick stood outside and pleaded with him to turn to Christ. It is said that Miliuc drowned out Patrick’s pleas by crying out to his false gods.

Miliuc’s refusal to hear the gospel was just the beginning of Patrick’s challenges with the Druids as he spread the Good News across Ireland and taught its people how to read and write. While some Druids believed, others tried to kill him.

As Patrick journeyed across Ireland he preached at racetracks and other places of worldly indulgence, seeing many come to Christ. However, this was not without opposition. The Druids often tried to poison him. Once, a barbarian warrior speared Patrick’s chariot driver to death in an attempt to kill Patrick. He was often ambushed at his evangelistic events and was enslaved again for a short time and had to purchase safe passage through a hostile warlord’s land to continue on his journey.

Patrick wrote, “As every day arrives, I expect either sudden death or deception, or being taken back as a slave or some such other misfortune. But I fear none of these, since I look to the promise of heaven and have flung myself into the hands of the all-powerful God, who rules as Lord everywhere.”

Patrick journeyed throughout Ireland, sharing Christ until his death on March 17, around the year A.D. 461. Later, the creatures of Irish mythology known as leprechauns crept into the holiday celebrations, as did the symbol of the shamrock, believed to have been used by Patrick to illustrate the Trinity as he preached and taught.

Some legends say that Patrick drove all the snakes out of Ireland. But since there are no snakes in Ireland and snakes often symbolize the devil and evil, many believe the “snakes” were a metaphor representing his work of driving the idol-worshiping Druid cult out of the country.

Patrick took what he learned through a deep trial to testify of JESUS.  Our struggles can also be turned into a testimony.  Do you, do I have a heart like Patrick’s set on fire for the lost and a boldness willing to speak of our Savior JESUS to those we come in contact with?

Hugs

Sharon

Connect the dots

“Connect the dots” is a tool created for young children’s learning. When the dots are correctly connected, the child sees what the picture is. Often numbers are used by each dot in a -connect the dot picture- to teach the child how to count.

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, 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” conveys (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. As you remember, it began way back in the garden of Eden when he said, “Did GOD really say?”.

When I feel compelled to share with others that which GOD has taught me. I try to show them how to connect the dots of ideas by comparing verse with verse.

One horrendous lie being spread is that JESUS is appeasing GOD the FATHER’s anger toward believers by answering the devil’s felonious accusations. That slandering concept simply is not found in Scripture. Let’s see what the Bible does say.

There are three instances recorded where the devil accuses people. In each case GOD the FATHER answers the accusations HIMSELF (Job 1,2, Zechariah 3:1-5) where JESUS is standing by as FATHER GOD rebukes Satan}, and Jude 1:9).

In Romans 8:33 it is written that when one believes in JESUS, GOD justifies us (just as if I’d never sinned) (Romans 8:32-34.) GOD gives us HIS very own righteousness when we believe in JESUS (Romans 3:22-24). If GOD is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31).

You might ask, then why are the HOLY SPIRIT and JESUS interceding for believers?

The HOLY SPIRIT intercedes to help us pray, for we don’t know how to pray as we ought. In other words, we don’t know what to ask for because we don’t know what is needed. HE knows our needs and GOD’s will for each of us, therefore HE asks for provision according to GOD’s specific plans for us (Romans 8:26-27).

Now it is said that JESUS intercedes for us and thus saves us to the uttermost/ completely (Hebrews 7:25, Romans 8:34). Let’s look at what HE intercedes for. When praying for Peter, JESUS asked for a specific need Peter was totally unaware that he had. JESUS prayed that Peter’s faith would not fail-( Luke 22:32). As JESUS prayed for everyone who would ever believe-HE prayed for our character development (Hebrews 7:25), and for the believer’s protection from the evil one (John 17:11-15), that GOD the FATHER would sanctified us by the truth of the WORD (John 17:18), and HE prayed for unity between believers (John 17:21-23). These are all things concerning our development and being transformed into the image of JESUS (Romans 8:29), which GOD the FATHER decreed. They are not answering accusations against us.

So, you see all three of the Eternal Trinity are at work together for us.

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).  It is the FATHER who justifies us (Just as if I’d never sinned).

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 (Matthew 1:21) and HE ever lives to intercede for us.

The precious HOLY SPIRIT has come to live within us. 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, Romans 8:29).

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 persons of the GODHEAD are conversing as they constantly work together to develop GOD’s children and 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 (Hebrews 1:1-3).

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