Rejoice in hope

Moments ago, I came across an old, old picture of my 1^st son and I smiled as I saw his laughing face and remembered what the LORD showed me concerning Little Mac.  Then I stopped to thank the LORD.  That day GOD became more real to me, and HE continues to show me more and more of HIS excellence and wisdom.  It began with deep, deep sorrow but GOD meant it and used the momentary affliction for eternal good.

As we began the book of James in class today we were confronted with the words, “COUNT it all joy when you fall into all kinds of struggles.” 

Knowing that the word COUNT is an accounting term helps us understand what is really being said.  It does not say FEEL all joy when hard things happen, what it says is COUNT it all joy. 

Imagine a ledger one column is for the bad (money owed) and one side is good (assets held). The verse is saying, when hard things or troubles happen put it on the assets held side marked as good.

A well know biblical example of what GOD is doing behind the scenes when HE allows troubles to afflict us is when Joseph was sold as a slave by his brothers no one knew what GOD was doing.  It looked bad but it was the 1^st step in getting Joseph ready for a high and glorious position that saved many alive. During the years in prison after being falsely accused it written that GOD’s word to Joseph (through the dreams HE had given Joseph) tried and tested and matured Joseph until the promise was fulfilled (Psalms 105:19). Many years later Joseph as 2^nd in command over the world power of Egypt, told his brothers, “You meant it for evil, but GOD intended it for good to save many alive as is today” (Genesis 50:20).

In class we also looked at 2 Corinthians 2:17-18 “For (in comparison) our affliction is light and lasts but a moment, but it ACHIEVES for us a far more excellent eternal weight of glory (reward).  So don’t look at what is seen (the situation) but look at what is unseen (what GOD is achieving for us through the situation) for what we see is temporary but what is unseen (what is being achieved for us) will last forever.”

It is said of JESUS, “For the joy set before HIM (expectation of what HE was accomplishing) HE endured the cross though HE despised the shame and is (now) set down at the right hand of the throne of GOD.” Hebrews 12:2.  For JESUS the joy of gaining forgiveness for us enabled HIM to endure.

One of the main takeaways of the Woman’s conference last weekend was the challenge to live out Romans 12:12 “Rejoice in hope (expectation of receiving what is promised), be patient in affliction, continuing instant in (ready to jump into) prayer”

Will you accept the challenge?

Hugs

Sharon

Do you

Do you Qualify?   Anybody out there got troubles? 

Just an annual check up with my cardiologist found me in the hospital to get a stent.  Well, once in 3 doctors not only placed 2 new stents one on the left and one on the right of my heart but they found something else that called for radiation to stop disease that was beginning in another area. My doc didn’t know, I sure didn’t know but GOD knew and set us up. (as is HIS way lol).  A few complications but I’m trusting they are for a reason.  

We can trust GOD even when all goes wrong since it is GOD who has preset our times and locations (Acts 17:26-27) and always has a good reason (Ezekiel 14:23).

I’m not being super spiritual, it’s just life is so much easier when I choose (and at times it is a definite, deliberate choice) to believe GOD’s Words and see GOD’s hand in otherwise hard things (Ephesians 1:11). Just as we see GOD the FATHER’s hand in JESUS being on the cross (Acts 2:23, Isaiah 53:6) so that whosoever chooses may believe in JESUS and have everlasting life. 

GOD proclaims, and shows us in HIS word, that HE works all things together for an end (and eternal) result of good for those who love HIM (Romans 8:28).  We are told not to keep our eyes focused on our situation but on what GOD is achieving for us through our troubles, for our troubles are temporary but what GOD is achieving (things we can’t yet see) are eternal (see 2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

Do you Qualify?

LORD, we are grabbing on to YOUR word that YOU are never late (2 Peter 3:9).  Thank You for reminding me of Joseph. He didn’t know what YOU were doing from the time his brothers sold him as a slave, was lied about when he did the right thing, and put in prison. YOUR promising word to him that YOU gave him through those dreams tried and tested him as he sat in prison until YOU brought him out and made him 2nd over the land of Egypt (Psalm 105:19).

LORD so many, me included, are being sorely tested but like Joseph we trust in You. Please encourage them as YOU do me I ask in JESUS name.

Trusting and applying GOD’s word is what keeps me sane is this topsy turvy world.

hugs

Sharon

There is a plan

When times are hard hold on and cry out to GOD. Trust that GOD is with you and will bring you through and again bring laughter into your life. GOD cannot lie and HE says to those who believe in JESUS, “I know the plans I have for you. Plans to bless you not hurt you to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 20:11).

Hugs

Sharon

Are you hungry?

Most of us really enjoy our mealtimes and snacks, not necessarily in that order.  We enjoy the taste of food yet know food is not only to enjoy or survive but to give us the energy to move and do.  But do we go against this reasoning and starve our spirits? 

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

GOD is so kind and again I must bless HIM this morning for giving us HIS Word to speak to us and show us the way when things seem so dark.  Rather than scream out “WHY?” I find peace by going to the Word of GOD.

My family just had another upheaval added to the ongoing ones and are part the increasing number of friends who are experiencing one life shattering event on top of another in their personal families, not to mention the wars, unprecedented disasters, plus supply shortages throughout the world. 

Then peace flooded me as I read this morning:

“Though HE cause grief, HE will have compassion according to the abundance of HIS steadfast love; for HE does not afflict from HIS heart (doesn’t want to afflict) or grieve the children of men” (Lamentations 3:32-33 ESV).

“For whom the LORD loves HE chastens and scourges every son whom HE receives” (Hebrews 12:6).

“Now no chastening for the present seems to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby” (Hebrews 12:11).

What peace it brings to know GOD is in control in this apparent chaos and that HE is at work. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love GOD, to them who are the called according to HIS purpose” (Romans 8:28).

The purpose GOD is achieving is to cause people to reach out to HIM (Acts 17:27) and to conform every believer into the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4) of HIS SON JESUS (Romans 8:29).  So although it hurts at times, I can trust HIS love since HE gave HIS only begotten SON to save us from our sins and reconcile us to HIMSELF.

It brings me such peace to know GOD is in control and will achieve HIS purpose/ a good result for us though all we go through.

Hugs

Sharon

It gives hope in the hard things

Some of my students and several family members have had one hard thing after another, after another.  It seems nonstop.  “For this our heart is faint; for these things our eyes are dim” (Lamentation 5:17).  Some are trusting GOD through it all but others are pulling back.  What do you do when what appears bad happens to you?

Lamentations is a book of hardship and distress.  It only has 5 chapters but right smack in the middle of it– in the middle of chapter 3 you will find a goldmine of precious truth that encourage and gives us HOPE during continual trouble.

“This I recall to my mind; therefore I have HOPE. It is of the Lord’s MERCIES that we are not consumed (HE is with us in it), because HIS COMPASSIONS fail not. They are new every morning: great is THY faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore, will I HOPE in HIM.  The Lord is good to them that WAIT for HIM, to the soul that seeks HIM.  It is good that a man should both HOPE and quietly WAIT for the salvation of the LORD “ (Lamentations 3:21-26).

^“For the Lord will not cast off for ever:  But though HE causes grief, yet will HE have COMPASSION according to the multitude of HIS MERCIES. For HE does not want to afflict nor does HE desire to grieve the children of men to crush under HIS feet… “ (Lamentations 3:31-34).

Did you notice HOPE is said 3 times in those verses, COMPASSIONS and MERCIES plus WAIT are each stated twice?  Great emphasis is implied.

But, each of us have areas where we need to learn and grow, even perfect Job (Job 1:1) had to learn more about GOD (Job 42:5).  One of GOD’s unfathomable ways to teach us, as HE did our JESUS is through suffering (Hebrews 2:10, 18).  With each struggle GOD says, “You are ready to learn more.”

^“All this is for your BENEFIT, (HUH?) so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of GOD. Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.For our light and momentary troubles are ACHIEVING for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen (our situation) is temporary, but what is unseen (what GOD is achieving for us through these situations) is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

Through our struggles we are given the opportunity to cause others to give thanks and glorify GOD.  Our comparative momentary troubles are actively ACHIEVING for us awesome eternal things that far outweigh (exceeds) all our troubles.  So, we are told to look at what cannot be seen, to look at what GOD is achieving for us through our temporary struggles.  That takes FAITH and TRUST in GOD and HIS wisdom and LOVE.

“you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to children, My son, despise not the discipline (child training) of the LORD, nor faint when you are rebuked by HIM:  For whom the LORD LOVES HE disciplines, and scourges every son whom HE receives.” (Hebrews 12:5-6)  Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection to the FATHER of spirits, and live?  For they verily for a few days discipline us after their own pleasure; but HE for our PROFIT, that we might be partakers of HIS holiness.  Now no discipline for the present seems to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby” (Hebrews 12:9-11).

Yes, the LORD truly LOVES us, “O Lord, thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul; YOU hast redeemed my life” (Lamentation 3:58).  “Wherefore HE (JESUS CHRIST) is able also to save them to the uttermost (those of us) that come to GOD by HIM, seeing HE lives forever to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25).

Note the discipline and prayers are only for those who come to GOD through believing in JESUS CHRIST and they are for our benefit and earn eternal rewards for us.

Hugs

Sharon

Nobody knows

There is a line of an old hymn…”Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen”  Isn’t that the truth? Every day we hear of more wrong and troubles and death.  Personally, I and many I know have faced one struggle after another the past couple of years.  Some are asking, “Why?”

GOD called Job the perfect man and yet the LORD allowed Job to go through some horrible times.  HE could have stopped it.  The question of “Why?” continually rose and ate at Job but his faith in GOD never failed.

Job declared, “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that HE shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:  And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see GOD” (Job 19:25-26).

Then GOD spoke to Job and mentioned details about several things HE had created. The LORD exposed Job’s limited understanding by asking Job if he had been there at creation or if he knew certain things about different creatures.  Job caught a glimpse of the infinite greatness, power, and wisdom of GOD in what HE had created, and Job replied to the Lord:

“I know that YOU can do all things; no purpose of YOURS can be thwarted (stopped). YOU asked, ‘Who is this that obscures (misunderstands/ for it is hidden) MY plans without knowledge (in ignorance)’  Surely I (Job) spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know…My ears had heard of YOU (LORD GOD ALMIGHTY) but now my eyes have seen YOU “ (Job 42:1-3, 5).

GOD says that HE will use all things… the evil of man included, for an end result of good for those who choose to love HIM (Romans 8:28).  If you read the last chapter of Job you will see GOD greatly did that very thing for Job and blessed him beyond measure.

In deciding to make man in HIS image, GOD gave man the ability to choose.  Although the LORD knew the evil men would do, HE still chose to give mankind the ability to choose. Perhaps part of that is so we could choose to love HIM.

Why GOD allows evil men to do what they do is totally beyond my comprehension but this I do know, GOD is good, and GOD is love, HE knows all things from the beginning to the end and everything in between.  GOD declares that the day is coming when all wrong will be done away with and affliction will not rise up a second time (Nahum 1:9).

Meanwhile, in Acts 17:26-27 GOD tells us that HE has preset the times and places for a specific purpose…that men would reach out to HIM.

During these dark and difficult days of war and inflation and of wickedness and pestilence, the rewriting of history and killing of babies we see something amazing as we look at the reports on a global website. Every single day thousands upon thousands are turning to CHRIST from all over the world-from every nation and tongue.  We see Covid 19 pandemic has been an opportunity not just for the globalists to gain ground for their agenda but for GOD to harvest many souls for eternity.

We don’t know the time or place, but unless the Rapture comes 1^st, a certain time and place has been appointed that each of us will die and after this the judgment (Hebrews 9:27).  Death is not an option since that 1^st sin in the garden.  It is a given.  But what happens after is definitely an option that is determined by a choice each of us, here and now while we live in this life on planet earth, make. 

GOD promises eternal life to whosoever will believe on HIS Son.  Believe that JESUS, the eternal SON of GOD took on a body and came as a baby, lived a sinless life and died for the sins of the world and then was raised by GOD back to life three days later and is coming back as LORD for those who believe in HIM (John 3 :16).  Call on the name of the LORD and you will be saved from the consequences of your sins (Romans 3:23, 6:23, 10:13).

But those who refuse to believe on JESUS and suppress the truth in unrighteousness, the wrath of GOD abides on them and they will eventually be thrown in the eternal lake of fire (John 3:36, Romans 1:18-21, Revelation 20:15). 

GOD is freely offering eternal life, but you must be willing to receive it. If you are willing to admit you have done wrong and believe JESUS paid the price for your forgiveness and call upon the LORD JESUS you are saved (Romans 10:9-10, 13) and GOD forgives you and covers you with HIS righteousness (Romans 3:20-23).

In CHRIST’s stead I entreat you, look to JESUS and be saved.

Hugs

Sharon

Getting my orders

After singing (off key) to the LORD, I asked GOD how I should pray for those on my list- especially those new seemingly hopeless problems. If I don’t know how to pray for myself as I ought I know I need help in praying for others (Romans 8:26-27)..

I was reminded of my old driver’s training days back at Quincy High School with the coach seated by my right side.  In the driver’s training the car there was a 2nd steering wheel and 2nd brake so that the instructor could gain control over the car should the student lose control.

It made me think of the HOLY SPIRIT who leads me in the way I should go if I pay attention to HIS nudges.  But when I act independently of HIS counsel there are times, HE must take control of the situation and it is not always to my liking.

Again, I asked, LORD, how should I pray?  Acts 17:26-27 flooded my mind…GOD has preset the exact times and places for the purpose that men should reach out to HIM.  Regardless of their situation, no matter how hard it looked GOD had placed them there (or allowed the situation) at this time so some would reach out to HIM.  Even if it was from the enemy GOD intends it for good (Genesis 50:20, Romans 8:28-29)

For we are in the last days…

Over 40 years ago through a horrid time of an onslaught of troubles from several directions the LORD spoke to me when I didn’t know what to do. As I sat in a dentist office waiting for my daughter to come out, I was reading in 2 Corinthians 4 when verses 15-18 jumped off the page. 

It said everything was for my benefit. (yea, sure!)  That although outwardly I seemed to be wasting away inwardly, I was being renewed and my momentary troubles where achieving for me eternal things that far surpassed the pain of today.  Then it urged me to look not at what I can see (the situations) but to look to what I could not see (what GOD was achieving through the situations.

Now I had my marching orders.  I was to pray for each that they would reach out to GOD themselves and find peace and direction for the Wonderful Counselor.  That is called walking by faith, trusting that GOD means what HE says.   

Our situations provide opportunities to reach out to JESUS and get direction others need to reach out and be saved.

For we are clearly in the end days and only those who reach out and call on the name of the LORD (Romans 10:9-10, 13) will enter into heaven and spend eternity with JESUS and GOD the FATHER. The other option is the everlasting lake of fire (Revelation 20:15).

He that believes on the SON (JESUS) has everlasting life: and he that does not believe the SON shall not see life; but the wrath of GOD abides on him (John 3:36).

Have you reached out to JESUS?  It is in HIM we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:27)?

Hugs Sharon

Plans

When plans change abruptly, hopes are dashed, and answers to prayers are delayed over and over and over again, how do you react?

Friends of mine had saved up and planned a dream trip.  They had made all the arrangements, taken leave from work, bought the airline tickets, made reservations at hotels, and at places where they wanted to go.  The night before they were to leave everything changed. One of them tested positive for Covid and the trip had to be cancelled. Instead of enjoying the time away together they were separated as the husband fought off Covid in the ICU and she was not even allowed to be with him.  It was hard for them not to question GOD as to “WHY?”

At times we are severely tested. When we become angry about it, it shows that we have a faulty view of GOD and HIS ways (3 John 1:11). During hard times we need to remember GOD’s word, believe and claim HIS promises.  For HE says HE has a plan for you that is good (Jeremiah 29:11); HE has even scheduled each day of your life before you began to breathe (Psalm 139:16) plus HE has special things for you to do (Ephesians 2:10).   

You might react, “What do you mean GOD scheduled my days. I am just a puppet?”  The answer is a resounding NO!  The Word of GOD tells us that our Creator, the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, who by the way knows all things past, present and future determined all things according to HIS purposes (Ephesians 1:11) and HIS astounding unfathomable foreknowledge includes knowing how each of us will act in any and all situations (1 Peter 1:2).  GOD sets the stage by determining the exact times and places and HE does it for a reason (Acts 17:26-27).  Then we get to choose how to act within those boundaries, so we are definitely not puppets.

Our faithful LORD will keep every one of HIS promises for HE alone has the power, will and knowledge to do just that. You see GOD cares deeply for each of us and was in CHRIST reconciling the world to HIMSELF (2 Corinthians 5:19) In the same way HE designed the exact minute details of let’s say a mosquito or a flower, every nuance of each of our stories is important to HIM.

When trouble comes (and it will John 16:33), we can know GOD has not abandoned us nor forgotten about us for HE has promised to go with us through whatever is our lot (Isaiah 43:2, Hebrews 13:5). Hard seasons have their end dates set by GOD HIMSELF (Acts 17:26). Setbacks—for the Believer—are always setups preparing us for what lies ahead (James 1:2-4) and achieving for us amazing eternal things that far surpass the pain of today (2 Corinthians 4:15-18). Detours always have a hidden and divine purpose for the greater good of our stories and for the glory of GOD. Remember, we are only passing through; this world it is not our home.

Have you been holding your breath during an onslaught of struggles or hearing of worldwide pandemic, unrest and rioting, wars and rumors of wars, an onslaught of volcanos erupting and increasing earthquakes?  Have you been wondering what in the world is coming next? Stop! Be still and remember GOD is sovereign (Psalm 46:10) and HE told us this all was coming.  Exhale today, refocus by considering GOD’s control, HIS great promises and all the incredible blessings you are enjoying today. Then, offer up a sacrifice of thanksgiving and praise to GOD for HIS faithfulness to you. Remember HE is faithful who promised that all who call on the LORD shall be saved (Romans 10:13).

Hugs

Sharon

Can you smile?

Can you smile and mean it even in the tough times?

James, the half-brother of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, tells us to consider it all JOY when your life full of difficulties and temptationsfor when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.

GOD using our struggles to develop wonderful divine character qualities like HE said HE would (Romans 8:29).  What the devil means for harm GOD intends and uses for our good (Genesis 50:20).

JESUS warned us that in this world we would have troubles.  But we need something to hang on when times get rough. HE said that man cannot live on bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of GOD (Matthew 4:4).  

“test everything (by the Word of GOD), hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:2).

GOD’s word is alive and powerfully energized, therefore the truths of GOD’s word is what we need to grab ahold of it and not let go of when times get rough (Hebrews 4:12). 

In the midst of trouble Job said, “Shall we indeed accept good from GOD–and shall we not accept adversity?” Job 2:10.

Shall we trust our Heavenly Father only when our lives are filled with what we perceive as good things, but not trust HIM and HIS eternal love when struggles tumble into our lives? Do we think that God is good only when HE makes things go the way we want them to?

GOD calls us to trust HIM no matter the circumstance.  When troubles enter, GOD is by our side for HE has promised never to leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).  HE works in the midst of our pain and sorrow.  HE can achieve whatever needs to be done and often HE does HIS awesome work behind the scenes.

GOD says, …All things are for our benefit…Outwardly we are wasting away but inwardly we are being renewed day by day. Our troubles are actively achieving for us awesome things that far outweigh the pain of today. So, look not at what is seen, (our situation), but focus on what cannot be seen, (that which GOD is achieving for us through our situation) for what is seen in temporary but what is not seen is eternal! (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

“We know that GOD causes all things (good, bad and ugly) to work together for (an end result of) good to those who love GOD, to those who are called according to HIS purpose.” Romans 8:28

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge HIM, and HE will make your paths straight!  Be not wise in your own eyes…” Proverbs 3:5-7.

Remember too that the day is fast approaching, and it may be nearer than we imagine, when JESUS will come for we who believe in HIM and we will be air lifted to heaven (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) where there is no pain or sorrow and where GOD will wipe away every tear (Revelation 21:4).

hugs  

Sharon

Let it dwell in you

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…” Colossians 3:16

Walking early this morning, the sky was so magnificently painted with rich colors of pinks and purples, pale yellow and oranges with grey and white for an effect of a masterpiece.  Unable to help myself, I burst into a song of praise to HIS MAJESTY to thank my LORD for HIS “good morning” to me. (Good thing no one was around LoL.)

How mercurial I can be for a little while later some troublesome reflections about a personal irritation assaulted my thinking and I grumbled, then suddenly the Word of GOD rose up in me.

The LORD “…preset the exact times and places to the intent…” Acts 17:26b-27a

GOD sets the stage with an end in view, but we choose how to act in that setting.  Although HE sets the stage, we “ad lib”, yet in GOD’s magnificent all-knowing power HE Sovereignly controls the outcome (Romans 8:28).

Knowing there is an unseen element, a reason behind the upsetting situation, I confessed my selfish grumbling and let go of my irritation, asking GOD to guide and empower me to do what HE wanted (Philippians 2:13). 

In answer a verse popped into my mind, and it made me smile for GOD had just handed me an illustration for in a session of a life group I wrote last night and will facilitate in the book of Colossians.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…” Colossians 3:16.

GOD is so kind.

Hugs,

Sharon