What do you call HIM?

Some people can talk about anything but many of us are best when conversing on topics we can relate to.  Here is a whimsical list according to that concept on how people initially might identify with JESUS according to what they are familiar with.

1.  Administrators call HIM: “The Governor” (Mathew 2: 6)

2.  Animal Scientist call HIM: “The Good Shepherd” (1 Peter 5: 4)

3.  Archeologist call HIM: ” The Beginning” (John 1: 1)

4.  Architects call HIM: “The Chief Cornerstone” (Ephesians 2: 20)

5.  Astrologists call HIM “MORNING STAR” (Revelation 22:16)

6.  Biologist call HIM: “The Life” (John 14: 6)

7.  Botanist call HIM: ” The Tree of life” (Revelation 2:7)

8.  Carpenters Call HIM: “The Door” (John 10: 7)

9.  Cooks call HIM “BREAD OF LIFE” (John 6:35)

10. Doctors call HIM “the ONE who heals” (Psalm 103:3)

11. Electricians call HIM: ” The Light of the World” (John 8: 12)

12. Engineers call HIM “STRONG TOWER” (proverbs 18:10)

13. Evangelists call HIM: “The Soul Winner” (John 4: 7- 21)

14. Football fans call HIM: “The Captain” (Hebrew 2: 10)

15. Gardeners call HIM; “The Rose of Sharon” (Song of Solomon 2: 1)

16. Geologists call HIM “Rock of Ages” (Psalm 18:2)

17. Government officials call HIM “The Supreme Authority” (Matthew 28:18)

18. Horticulturists call HIM: “The First Fruit” (1 Corinthians 15: 12)

19. Industrialists call HIM: “The Great Supplier” (Philippians 4: 19)

20. Journalist call HIM: “The Truth” (John 14: 6)

21. Judges call Him: “HIM Righteous Judge” (Isaiah 11: 4)

22. Lawyers call Him: “HIM Mediator/ Advocate” (1 Timothy 2: 5)

23. Mathematicians call HIM “ALPHA and OMEGA” (Revelation 1:8)

24. Medical Doctors call HIM: “The great physician” (Luke 8:4)

25. Morticians call HIM: “The Risen One” (Luke 24:6)

26. Oceanographers call HIM: “The River of Living waters” (John 4: 10)

27. Photographers call HIM: “The Image of God” (John 14: 9)

28. Politicians call HIM “KING of Kings and LORD of Lords” (Revelation 17:14)

29. Professors call HIM: “The Wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24)

30. Publishers call HIM: “The Author” (Hebrew 12: 2)

31. Sailors call HIM “HE that CALMS the storm” (Matthew 8:27)

32. Sociologists call HIM: “The Love of GOD” (John 3: 16)

33. Sportsmen call HIM: “The Strength and Energizer” (Nehemiah 8: 10)

34. Theologians call HIM: “The WORD made flesh” (John 1: 1-4, 14)

35. Transporters call HIM: “The Way” (John 14: 6)

36. Zoologist Call HIM: “The Lion of the tribe of Judah” (Revelation 5: 5)

But as for me, I call HIM “My LORD and my Savior!” (Romans 10:13)

hugs

Sharon

On down the road

Way back in my thirties, after complications from surgery, my doctor advised me to begin walking to regain my strength. From the get-go those daily walks became times of refreshing, joyful discovery of the gifts of color and design seen in the wildflowers along the side of the dusty dirt road on which I went. Seeing such beauty naturally overflowed to times of praise and song to our LORD, the great Creator. Praise in turn led to prayer concerning all kinds of things. So, my walks became prayer times for I walked and talked with GOD.

One day I received a prayer request concerning a friend of a friend just before setting off on my walk. Although I had never met this lady, over a period of time several of her prayer needs had filtered to me for prayer. Brazenly, I asked the LORD, “Hasn’t she had enough?”

The gentle words with which HE answered me (impressed upon my heart) I will never forget. “Sharon, would you steal from her?”

GOD had recently illuminated 2 Corinthians 4:15-18 to comfort me as HE walked through a deep valley of many troubles with me, therefore, I knew that the LORD meant that HE was achieving for her wonderful things through these troubles she was enduring.

2 Corinthians 4:¹⁵ For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of GOD.¹⁶ For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our (comparative) light affliction (troubles), which is but for a moment, is working (achieving) for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.; ¹⁸ While we look not at the things which are seen (the problems), but at the things (eternal wonders GOD is producing in us) which are not seen: for the things which we can now see are temporary; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

As you can guess, the LORD’s words shut my mouth as I realized in shame that I had overstepped my bounds and spoken of things I did not understand.

Just yesterday I got another glimpse of what GOD was achieving for that precious lady as I listened to a message on “Getting in GOD’s way.”

The text was James 1:² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance (endurance). ⁴ Let perseverance (endurance) finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (to do what you need to do).

The urge to fix the problems of our children or others can be great, especially if you have the gift of mercy. Yet there is a subtle danger. The summary of the message was, GOD in HIS amazing foreknowledge with love and wisdom allows struggles/ troubles to buffet us to strengthen and prepare us (our children/ friends) to meet what HE knows we will face down the road, those struggles in turn will strengthen us further thus preparing us for what is to come afterwards and enable us to become and do what GOD has assigned to us (Ephesians 2:10).

That lady, I’ve heard had many more struggles of even harder nature to face down her road. GOD’s allowing the earlier physical struggles had strengthened her and taught her to depend on GOD to a degree that she was enabled to meet what GOD in HIS wisdom and purpose was to allow further down the road for her.  I can hardly wait to see what PHANTASTIC, Eternal rewards GOD has prepared for her through it all.

In the same respect, our troubles and even our children’s struggles, GOD is using to strengthen and prepare them and us for what we are to meet down the road, and those very troubles also are achieving for them and us eternal rewards that far surpass the pain of today.  GOD’s ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9) but isn’t our GOD AMAZING!

Be blessed, hugs.

Sharon

Not knowing where to start?

Have you ever felt overwhelmed with all that needed to be done?  Did you not even know where to start?

That was me and my friend yesterday when tackling a huge job and a mess others had created.

But then I thought of GOD and HIS promise, “commit you work unto the LORD and your thoughts will be established” Proverbs 16:3.  and said, “LORD, what should I do.”

No big outline came to mind but I knew a step I should take and when that was done I knew another step. The best part was I no longer felt confused or overwhelmed but a joyous peace.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed and not know what to do? Acknowledge GOD (talk to HIM about it) and trust those nudges and HE will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-7). 

hugs

Sharon

It baffled me

A statement JESUS made when HE was explaining prayer baffled me for the longest time since it did not seem to fit with other truths HE spoke. 

The baffling statement came as JESUS encouraged believers to pray and related that FATHER GOD would not give something bad when HIS child asked for something good.

“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)

Everyone who believes in JESUS and calls on the name of the LORD receives the HOLY SPIRIT (John 7:38-39, Romans 10:13) therefore what is meant that GOD the FATHER gives the HOLY SPIRIT to those praying to HIM for something?

Not long ago as I was studying John 16 and was awakened to what JESUS said about who to pray to, my question concerning GOD giving the HOLY SPIRIT was also answered.

JESUS said the HOLY SPIRIT is the ONE who takes the truth given to JESUS by GOD the FATHER and gives it to us who HE indwells (John 16:13-15).  As JESUS never acted or spoke unless told to by the FATHER, likewise the HOLY SPIRIT never acts or speaks on HIS own (John 12:49-50, 16:13).

“Howbeit when HE, the SPIRIT of truth (the HOLY SPIRIT), is come, HE will guide you into all truth: for HE shall not speak of HIMSELF; but whatsoever HE shall hear, that shall HE speak: and HE will shew you things to come” (John 16:13).

So, as I pray to GOD my Heavenly FATHER in the name of JESUS my Savior (John 16:26-27) concerning a struggle that is occurring, GOD the FATHER tells the HOLY SPIRIT what to tell me. And in that way gives the HOLY SPIRIT to me. For the HOLY SPIRIT never speaks on HIS own even though HE knows the will of GOD the FATHER for every situation (Romans 8:27). Besides, it is the HOLY SPIRIT who interprets GOD’s words to us.

“But GOD has revealed them unto us by HIS SPIRIT: for the SPIRIT searches all things, yes, the deep things of GOD” (1 Corinthians 2:10).

It wasn’t so baffling after all. However, it does shows how important it is to listen to the prompting of the HOLY SPIRIT and connect the dots that reveal GOD’s truth given us in HIS word.

Hugs Sharon

What happens when we become a child of GOD?

I live across the street from a park.  In the afternoons kids gather with their coaches and practice football.  Their coaches direct them, training them to be ready when they play against teams. The practice is repetitive and often grueling but it is necessary for the strengthening their bodies and minds to automatically respond to whatever the situation demands.  

It is much the same for believers in JESUS CHRIST.  When we believe in JESUS we are born again in GOD’s family by the HOLY SPIRIT (John 3:3-7).  And the HOLY SPIRIT actually comes to live in us (John 7:38-39). Then each of the GODHEAD (GOD the FATHER, JESUS and the HOLY SPIRIT) work in our lives to purify, strengthen and develop skills in us, training us for the assignments HE has for us (Ephesians 2:10).

The book of 1^st John was written to believers.  It contains much truth to show us (believers in JESUS) how to act and speak as a child of GOD.  

GOD the FATHER promises that after we have struggled awhile, that HE, HIMSELF will make us strong, firm and steadfast (1 Peter 5:10) but if we are stubborn, HE will have to discipline us. HE disciplines all HIS children.  If HE does not discipline you it means you do not belong to HIM. does it will produce righteousness in us and keeps us from being condemned with the world (Hebrews 12:4-11,  1 Corinthians 11:31-32).  There is a promise connected to being disciplined by GOD.  It is written that said discipline will produce righteousness us (Hebrews 12:11).

“But when we are judged (because we won’t submit when corrected), we are disciplined by the LORD so that we will not be condemned along with the world” (1 Corinthians 11:31-32).

JESUS CHRIST died for our sins and now lives in heaven interceding for believers to save us to the uttermost and bring us to maturity (Hebrews 7:25).  I believe one factor of it is so we who believe in JESUS’ finished work will not have to face the LORD ashamed (1 John 2:28) like a little boy caught stealing an apple from the neighbor’s tree.

The HOLY SPIRIT lives within every true believer in JESUS, sealing (the down payment for us ensuring to GOD until the day of Redemption (Ephesians 1:13-14, 4:30 til JESUS calls us home in the Rapture or before).  From the moment we believe in JESUS and call on HIS name the HOLY SPIRIT is busy; baptizing us into the body of JESUS (1 Corinthians 12:13, 27) to teaching and interpreting the Word of GOD to us, leading us in the way to go and putting a check/ doubt in us to alert us against wrong plus empowering and energizing us for whatever GOD has prepared for us to do.

Like little children we learn one thing at a time  with each step getting us ready to take the next step.  In this way we become equipped to learn and do more.

The awesome truth that believers in JESUS become children of the Living GOD is just one of many things we obtained when we called on the name of our LORD JESUS to save us (Romans 10:13).

“Yet to all who did receive HIM (JESUS), to those who believed in HIS name (divine nature and character) HE (JESUS) gave the right to become children of GOD” (John 1:12).

We become GOD’s children when we believe in JESUS and call on the name of the LORD (Romans 10:9, 10, 13).  But as a little child must learn what numbers represent before they can learn to add numbers together, so a new believer in JESUS must as a child learn things true one step at a time.

“Whom shall GOD (FATHER, SON, and HOLY SPIRIT) teach knowledge? and whom shall HE make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk (of elementary truths),” (Isaiah 28:9).

Hebrews 5:11-14 “Concerning JESUS we have much to say, and it is difficult to explain, since you have become poor listeners.  For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the actual words of GOD, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unacquainted with the word of righteousness, for he is an infant.  But solid food is for the mature, who because of practicing what they have learned have their senses trained to distinguish between good and evil.”

In other words you grow in CHRIST’s likeness when you practice the things you have learned. Like any skill it takes time and perhaps some falls along the way before it becoming a way of life.

The HOLY SPIRIT nudges and leads you and even warns you.  HE is like a school teacher showing us truth by explaining what GOD means (1 Corinthians 2:10). The HOLY SPIRIT reminds us (and we all need to be reminded at one time or another) of that which we have come to understand through HIS teaching. Little by little as we are ready to grasp it HE reveals more truth and sometimes what lies ahead. (John 14:26, 16:13).”

“Behold, what manner of love the FATHER hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of GOD: therefore, the world knows us not, because it knew HIM (GOD) not.

Beloved, now are we are the sons of GOD, and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when HE (JESUS) shall appear, we shall be like HIM; for we shall see HIM as he is (1 John 3:1-2).

GOD promises us in Romans 8:29 that each believer will be conformed into the image of JESUS so that JESUS would be the 1^st of many brothers and sisters of GOD.

In 2 Peter1:4 GOD promises that if we will use the great and precious promises GOD has given that we will participate in the very nature of GOD.

NO! we do not become GOD, but Our LORD JESUS’ godly attributes (which are the same as GOD the FATHER’s and the HOLY SPIRIT’s) will flow through us by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT.  Attributes such as Love, Joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

I am a child of GOD. Are you?

Hugs

Sharon

For such a time as this

Today as I slowly began to wake up after surgery, I was astounded at the flood of overwhelming joy rising within me. Songs of praise tumbled into my mind so I couldn’t help singing out.  THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY was revealing HIMSELF to me and those in Recovery without being seen.

I felt amazed by GOD and HIS delight in opposites as was bringing joy out of pain. HE confounds the worldly wise (1 Corinthians 1:20-21).  For the Bible was written by men moved by the HOLY SPIRIT to document what GOD wanted told as HE revealed HIMSELF and truth to those who would look and listen (2 Peter 1:20-21).

This evening I couldn’t sleep so I opened up GOD’s Word to my bookmark.  It was time to begin reading Esther.  It is a book where GOD is not mentioned even one time, we see HIM everywhere as the events take place in this little book but GOD is not named.

It is written that GOD formed the DNA of each person down to the color of his eyes and how tall he would be (Psalm 139:13) GOD places us where HE wants us to be and has, before Creation HE synchronized events to bring about what HE wants done. For instance, the LORD designed Esther to be beautiful inside and out so that she would stick out when the edict came to gather beautiful girls so the King of Babylon could select a new Queen.  For GOD had a plan for her life.  We see her interaction with authority figures as content and obedient.  She knew from WHOM her help would come from as we will see from her actions.

Meanwhile, when a plot was forming to kill all the Jews, GOD placed in her cousin’s heart to express the horror of what was going to take place in such a way and in such a place the Esther would learn of it.  Then GOD placed in Esther’s heart a plan that would strengthen her to do what could easily lead to her instant death.  She just knew what she should do (because she knew WHO was where help came from.

Later her cousin, who raised her would say, “Who knows if you have been placed in this position (she had become queen) for such a time as this.” We see also she was wise as she had her cousin gather the Jews for fasting and prayer, while she gathered those who served her to do the same.

That night GOD wouldn’t allow the King to sleep so the king called for someone to read the events of his kingdom.  When he heard of Esther’s cousin overhearing a death plot against himself and of it being told to the king.  But nothing had been rewarded for such devotion.  This troubled the king and just. Just then (remember GOD pre-set the times and places Acts 17:26)  a proud, highly respected official *but the enemy of the Jews* came before the King. 

Now the king asked what should be done for one the King would honor.  That enemy thought the king meant him so told the king what he would like. This enemy was the one who planned the extinction of the Jews and had just come to get permission to hang Esther’s cousin.  But as it turns out the wicked official was hung on the very gallows he had make to hang Ester’s cousin on (you really need to read Esther for all the details).

Can you see, as I do, GOD’s work in times and places, in creating beauty and judging the wicked?  Yet no mention is made in Esther of the Creator of heaven and earth who works all things after the counsel of HIS own will (Ephesians 1:11).

Are we, you and me taking in the wonders of a sunrise or sunset, and the feeling of joy that is makes us sing only to ignore our Maker.  Or do we acknowledging those gifts as from coming down from the GOD the FATHER (James 1:17) giving thanks and praising HIM from whom all blessings flow?

Hugs

Sharon

We win!

If things look dark and foreboding, just turn to the end of the book and read the end of the story!  We win for GOD is on our side!

After the Rapture of the Church of JESUS when the witness of the Church leaves the earth, 2 Jewish witnesses appear in Jerusalem and have a 3 ½ year ministry ( Revelation 11:3) that reaches the furthest corners of the earth (easily achieved with our technology today) They have great power and all those on earth feared them. After they complete their assignment comes the next OVERCOMING.

“And when they (the 2 witnesses) shall have finished their testimony, the beast (demonic) that ascends out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall OVERCOME them, and kill them” (Revelation 11:7).

But that victory doesn’t last long for after 3 ½ days the 2 witnesses (who had been left lying in the street of Jerusalem since their murder while earth’s inhabitants rejoiced) were raised to life and stood on their feet.  People all over the earth are terrified.  Then a loud voice said, “come up here” and they ascended into heaven in a cloud while their enemies all over the world watched (Revelation 11:11-12).

Now we read of  the Antichrist OVERCOMING the saints.  It is after the Rapture and now it is the time referred to as Jacob’s trouble (Jeremiah 30:7 a 7 year Tribulation or the last week of judgment on the Jews ) The Jewish prophet  Daniel learned from Scripture that GOD intended to restore HIS people and as Daniel prays concerning it GOD sends Gabriel, who explains that GOD has decreed 70 sevens (for the Jews and the holy city (Daniel 9:20-23) the purpose is:                                                              

To finish transgression                                                                  

To make an end of sin                                                                

To make atonement for iniquity                                                                                

To bring in everlasting righteousness                                         

To seal up (fulfill) the vision and prophecy

To anoint the most holy place                                                                                  

At the end of 69 sevens there is a gap of an untold time period that begins when the Messiah is cut off (JESUS CHRIST died on the cross) Then after the time of grace- or the church age followed by the Rapture, the clock begins on the 70^th seven or the 7 year Tribulation. It is at that time GOD will complete HIS plan for the world (Daniel 9:24).  Gabriel explains to Daniel when to begin the counting, and how the time period is divided, focusing on the 70^th week, which is separated from the other 69 by the cutting off of the Messiah (Daniel 9:25-27) which is JESUS’ death on the cross. The Jews rejection of their Messiah opened up the (pre-planned) door for the salvation of the Gentiles (Romans 11:11). When the age of grace ends at the Rapture of the church by JESUS calling HIS Church from the air- at that time the 70^th seven begins.      

Therefore, the saints spoken of in Revelation 13:7 is a reference to Jewish believers in GOD

“And it was given unto him (the Antichrist) to make war with the saints, and to OVERCOME them: and power was given him (Antichrist) over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations” (Revelation 13:7)

The next OVERCOMING

In the last half of Tribulation after the 2 witnesses have ascended into heaven, a statue of the Antichrist is put in Jewish temple and those who refused to worship the Antichrist or take the mark of the beast OVERCAME the Antichrist by refusing his demands and were beheaded.

And they OVERCAME him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony (they refused to take the mark of the beast or worship the statue); and they loved not their lives unto the death” (Revelation 12:11).

“…And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about JESUS and because of the word of GOD. They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with CHRIST a thousand years. (Revelation 20:4)

The next reference to OVERCOMERS concerns what happens at what is called the Battle of Armageddon which comes at the end of the 7 years of tribulation when JESUS returns with the armies of heaven.

“These shall make war with the LAMB, and the LAMB shall OVERCOME them: for HE is LORD of lords, and KING of kings: and they that are with HIM are called, and chosen, and faithful” (Revelation 17:14)

“He that OVERCOMES shall inherit all things; and I will be his GOD, and he shall be my son” (Revelation 21:7).

We have come to the end of our exhaustive study and I hope you’re not exhausted but have enjoyed this word study on OVERCOMERS, I have thoroughly enjoyed the research and learned so much as I searched all the references.

Hugs

Sharon

Eyes to see

This smoke from the Colorado fires is so bad in the air it burns my nose but worse than that it causes me vision problems. JESUS said that the Laodicean church had vision problems too.

We are told we can only see spiritual things as the HOLY SPIRIT shows us the things of GOD. Back in the Old Testament is a story that illustrates this truth. “And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray THEE, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha” (2 Kings 6:17).

To the church of Laodicea JESUS describes HIMSELF as the AMEN (so be it- referring to the Sovereignty of GOD), the faithful and true witness (what HE says happens) and the Ruler of GOD’s creation. HIS introduction is to prepare them to listen to HIS strong rebuke for JESUS had nothing good to say about this church.

As GOD always speaks to us in ways we can clearly understand so he spoke to this church. In the ancient world at feasts and sacrifices things were drank either hot or cold, never lukewarm. But the Laodiceans knew about lukewarm for their water had to be piped from another city a few miles north so was lukewarm when it got to the people.

Have you ever eaten anything that was so awful that you had to spit it out? Well that is what JESUS threatened the church at Laodicea. JESUS said you are not hot (on fire for GOD) nor cold (deny GOD) but are lukewarm and I will spit you out of MY mouth.

Furthermore, HE said, You think you are rich and don’t need anything but you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. So, buy of ME 3 things without money:

1-gold refined (made pure to glorify GOD instead of themselves) in the fire (suffering),

2-white clothes so you won’t be naked (Revelation 7:14 speaks of washing your clothes and making them white in the blood of the Lamb-that is believing in JESUS Ephesians 1:7, John 3:16).

3-eye save so you can see (Laodicea had a famous hospital that was known for an eye salve that cured the common eye disease of the area) and we are told in 2 Corinthians 3:14 and 16 that when someone turns to CHRIST for salvation they gain spiritual insight! (get eyes to see). For when we believe we get the HOLY SPIRIT and HE explains the things of GOD to us (1 Corinthians 2:10-12).

Once again we see what one needs to be an OVERCOMER is to know/ believe in JESUS.

To him that OVERCOMES will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also OVERCAME and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the SPIRIT saith unto the churches” (Revelation 3:21-22).

Hugs

Sharon L. Manning

GOD knows best

Ever feel like giving up?

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people” (Galatians 6:9-10).

Sometimes I wonder what I am doing wrong, although I do what I know I should do,  for what is visible looks to me like failure. 

Tonight, an issue came up and my reaction was initially negative but after a check in my spirit I stopped and sought the LORD asking HIM what HE wanted me to do.  It wasn’t long until I had a startling clear answer backed up by scripture.  The answer was not what I would have chosen but I knew it was what GOD wanted me to do. 

With the answer came the assurance that GOD knew what HE was doing so I could smile for my misgivings had fled.

The LORD is teaching me not to worry about visible measures of success. My job is just to be faithful to do what the LORD nudges me to do and leave the results to HIM.  HE alone knows what HE wants to accomplish and determines the times and the places (Acts 17:26-27) for that outcome.

Oh LORD YOU are my GOD I thank YOU for loving me and for YOUR word.  I am grateful and take great comfort that YOU have given me things to do (Philippians 2:13) and have given me a guarantee that YOU will fulfill YOUR purpose for me (Psalm 57:2) YOU are the one in charge of the results for YOU are the one at work in the lives of others and know what is needed. Help me just to do what YOU ask no matter what I think or how they respond and then to trust YOU with the outcome despite my disappointments.  I know what YOU have purposed YOU will bring to be.

hugs

Sharon

• 2 or 3 witnesses
• 7-year Tribulation
• a child of GOD
• a crazy idea
• a given
• a mess
• a right to be there
• a time and a place
• abide
• access
• accident
• Accuser
• acknowledge GOD in everything
• afraid
• alarm
• alert us to danger
• all over again
• am I willing?
• angel
• anger and strife
• answer
• answered prayer
• apply it to your life
• armor of GOD
• arrows of light
• ask
• assignments
• assume
• assuming
• attitude
• bad turns out good
• battle
• be filled with the Spirit
• be ready
• bearing fruit
• beelezub lord of flies and prince of demons
• behind the scenes
• believe
• believe in JESUS
• believe means trust
• benefits
• Bible
• Biblical example
• Biblr
• black attracts cat hair
• blame GOD
• blinded by sin
• book
• born again
• both GOD and the devil plant seed thoughts
• boundaries
• bring thought into captivity
• busy schedule
• busybody
• but I think
• butterflies and metamorphosis
• call on the name of the LORD
• call out to GOD
• called
• caught in a web
• caught in trap
• change
• children of GOD
• choice
• choices
• Christmas caroling
• church
• claim promises
• clouds
• co-labor with GOD
• collect
• come to GOD through JESUS
• coming back to JESUS
• compassion
• condemn
• conditions
• confess
• confront
• consider
• control
• Corona virus
• coronavirus
• could it be?
• counsel
• Covid-19
• creation
• Creator
• crisis
• cross
• cross reference
• dead works
• death
• deception
• decision
• delays
• delight in
• deliver
• demand
• demonic
• designs
• details
• develop
• devil
• discipline
• discouraged
• do right
• do what you know to do
• do what you say
• Does GOD care
• don't get caught
• donkey
• door
• earn
• earth shattering events
• empty
• encourage another
• envy
• equipped
• eternal life
• evil
• examine your heart before the LORD
• exercise
• expectations
• explain
• explain or confuse
• facts
• faith
• faithful
• faithfulness
• false prophets
• fear
• fellowship
• fiery darts of the devil or arrows of light
• find answers
• flesh and blood
• flowers
• focus
• food
• fool
• forgiveness
• from a manger to a cross
• gather
• gather together
• gentle
• get all excited
• gift
• give thanks
• give up rights
• go to JESUS
• GOD
• GOD ;laid the sin of mankind on JESUS
• GOD can fix anything
• GOD cannot lie
• GOD cares
• GOD changes not
• GOD has a plan
• GOD is at work
• God is faithful
• GOD is good
• GOD is love
• GOD is speaking
• GOD is still in control
• GOD is using it for good
• GOD keeps HIS word
• GOD kknows
• GOD knows
• GOD looks at intents of heart
• GOD made a way
• God makes the difference
• GOD of all comfort
• GOD of today
• GOD says
• GOD sings
• GOD the FATHER sent JESUS
• GOD uses all things
• GOD will make a way
• GOD with us
• GOD works behind the scene
• GOD's concerns
• GOD's decrees
• GOD's love is IN JESUS
• GOD's promise
• GOD's timing
• GOD's ways
• GOD's word works
• GODHEAD
• good
• grace
• grace of GOD
• grace of GOD is available for the asking
• gravity
• greater
• grey areas
• grow in grace
• grumbling
• guide
• hand
• HE understands
• hear
• helmet of salvation
• help
• help one caught
• hidden from the storm
• higher than ours
• hiss
• hold me
• hold on
• HOLY SPIRIT
• Holyground
• honor GOD
• hope
• hope of glory
• hopeless?
• horsemen
• how can I know
• how should I pray
• how to pray
• hurry up
• idols
• if HE be for us
• ignore
• image
• imposters
• in the name of JESUS
• in times of trouble
• independence
• infinity
• Israel the Jews
• it will happen
• it works
• its all in who you know
• JESUS
• Jesus Christ
• JESUS CHRIST come in the flesh
• JESUS endured looking ahead to what he was achieving
• JESUS is coming
• JESUS is worthy
• JESUS lead us
• JESUS saves
• JESUS the lamb of GOD
• joy
• judge
• judge of all the earth does right
• just a touch
• just follow directions
• just thinking
• Keep things fresh
• kind
• Kingdom of GOD
• kneel
• know
• know GOD by looking at JESUS
• lake of fire better known as hell
• lead
• learn
• led and empowered by the HOLY SPIRIT
• lesson
• letting go
• lie
• light in the darkness
• light of the world
• listen
• listen to the still small voice
• listening
• look to JESUS
• looking for JESUS' appearing
• looking to JESUS
• LORD
• LORD of hosts the LORD of heaven and earth
• love
• love gives
• love yourself more than love GOD
• loving
• lust
• Master
• matter
• measure distances
• mercy
• messages
• micro-manage
• milk
• mind of JESUS
• mindset
• minor issues
• misunderstand
• Motivation
• mud
• murmured and complained
• my part
• my way
• mypart
• names
• new beginning
• new creation
• New Year
• no time
• nudges
• obey
• offering
• oil
• one world government
• opinion
• opposite
• out of nothing
• out of the blue
• out of the heart
• overwhelmed
• paradox but truth
• pay attention
• peace and joy
• peace of GOD
• perfect peace
• plans
• pointing to what is coming
• pour out your heart like water
• power
• practicing
• praise GOD
• pray
• prayer
• pre-determined
• preaching
• prepare
• prepares in advance
• preserve
• preset
• preset times and places
• pride
• problems
• prodigal
• programing
• promise
• prophesy
• pull out the weeds
• purpose
• quote verses
• race set before us
• Rapture
• reach out to JESUS
• receive the truth
• refining
• refuse
• rejoice
• remind
• renewed in Spirit
• responsibility
• restrain evil
• resurrection
• right but wrong
• righteous
• riots
• river of life flowing out of me
• sacrifice
• salt
• sanctification is a process
• sanctified
• satan's device
• Save us from our sins
• savesus
• science fiction movie
• search the Bible
• seek
• seems not quite right
• sees things as they really are
• self-will ve self control
• set free
• set your mind
• shame
• sheep
• shelves are bare
• shoes
• show me the way
• signs
• simplicity
• sin
• sing to GOD
• sing unto the LORD
• slavery
• snakes
• snow
• sparklers
• speak
• speak life
• spending time with GOD
• stand the gap
• stir up your heart to move you
• storms
• strength
• strengthens me
• stress
• struggle with sin
• struggles
• study to show yourself approved
• submit to GOD
• suffering
• surrender
• synchronizes
• taking advantage
• talk about GOD and think on HIS name
• talk to JESUS
• teach
• teacher
• tell others what I say
• temptation
• testimony
• text
• the battle belongs to the LORD
• the father of lies
• the New covenant
• the Savior CHRIST the LORD
• the times we live in
• the Word of GOD
• things of GOD
• things of this world
• this of this world
• thoughts
• throw away
• transformation
• tried and tested
• trinity
• troubles
• troubles achieve for us
• trust
• truth
• Uncategorized
• understand
• unfair
• vapor
• variety
• wait
• walk in the light
• walk in the SPIRIT
• want
• warning
• wars and rumors of wars
• wash the cups and saucers
• washing with the water of the word
• we are GOD's workmanship created to specific things
• We choose
• weak
• weapon
• weary
• weeping may last for a night but joy comes in the morning
• what can we count on
• What GOD is like
• what should we do?
• whispers
• why?
• wicked men
• will be saved
• wind
• wisdom
• witness
• wonderful colors
• Word of GOD
• word of GOD is true
• work
• work in progress
• worldviews
• worry and fret
• worship
• wrath
• yes
• your way or GOD's

Open Door

Do you need a door to open?

To the church of Philadelphia (brotherly love) JESUS said I am holy (separate from sin) and true and hold the key of David.  At the beginning of the revelation JESUS tells the Apostle John that HE holds the keys of Death and Hades indicating that HE alone determines who goes and stays in them. 

But the key (singular) of David enables HIM to open doors that none can shut and shut doors that none can open.  This symbol most likely refers back to Isaiah 22:22 where Elikim had access to all the kings wealth and power.

The reason JESUS can open a door for a believer in JESUS and none can shut it is because JESUS lives forever to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25) and fights for us (Zechariah 3:1-4).

There is no rebuke for this church though the LORD tells them I know you and you have little strength but you have kept MY word and not denied MY name.  HE promise them an open door that none can shut.  No matter how weak we are, CHIRST keeps a door open for us and we can be faithful for HE is our strength (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

JESUS mentions that their enemies are ruled by Satan and it is a must for us to remember that we are not fighting people but the evil spirits lying to them about the nature and character of the truth of GOD (Ephesians 6:11-12, 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, Ephesians 2:1-3).

GOD highly values patience and one of HIS qualities is long-suffering (patient endurance).  This is emphasized by James 1:2-4, 2 Corinthians 4:15-18 where we are told to actually give thanks for having to endure hard times for through them GOD is developing patience and maturity in us.  Revelation 3:10 assures us that we will be rewarded for every hard time we have had to face by being spared and kept from the  trial coming on the whole world (Jacob’s trouble, Daniel’s 7^th week, what many refer to as the 7-year tribulation).

Him that OVERCOMES will I make a pillar in the temple of MY GOD, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of MY GOD, and the name of the city of my GOD, which is new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from my GOD: and I will write upon him MY new name. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the SPIRIT says unto the churches” (Revelation 3:12-13).

Yes, JESUS promises that he that OVERCOMES will be a pillar in the temple of GOD (that is symbolic of having a permanent place with GOD (Revelation 21:22, 22:2-4).  Most likely this symbol refers to King Solomon’s great Temple of GOD where he made 2 pillars and named them Jakin (HE establishes) and Boas (in HIM is strength).  For it is JESUS who enables and establishes us.  Praise HIS holy name.

Hugs Sharon