Make it happen

Once upon a time there was a popular secular song my teenager loved to sing.  It had a very catchy tune, but being hearing impaired, I really never caught what the words said- except for one line: it went, “Jeremiah was a bullfrog, a very good friend of mine.” 

Well, today I want to talk about another Jeremiah, a very good friend of GOD.  I say that because, GOD does nothing without revealing HIS plan to HIS servants the prophets first (Amos 3:7) and HE chose to reveal to Jeremiah what would happen in the future.

From advertisements, to politics, to even the church we hear a lot of people, claiming a lot of different things will happen.  It is just plain hard to tell who is telling the truth.  That is, unless you have a way to check out their claims.

We have also a more sure word of prophecy (what is going to happen), “as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as, as a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.  Above all you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things.  For (bible) prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from GOD as they were carried along by the HOLY SPIRIT” (2 Peter 1:19-21 NIV).

And Paul words backed up the apostles Peter’s words in 2 Timothy 3:16 when he wrote, “All Scripture is written by the inspiration of GOD…”.

Who prompted the prophets that wrote the Bible to say what they said?  That’s right, GOD HIMSELF. (Philippians 2:13)

How can we be sure that Jeremiah was one of GOD’s prophets, there were a lot of false prophets in that day (Jeremiah 23) and today as well (1 Peter 2:1)?  The Word of GOD says that by two or three witnesses shall everything be established (John 8:17).

The prophet Daniel recognized that Jeremiah heard from GOD (Daniel 9:2), and three different times on three separate issues, Matthew acknowledged Jeremiah as being a true prophet whose words were fulfilled (Matthew 2:17, 16:14, 27:9).

GOD met with Jeremiah and spoke many things to him while he was still young.  Among them, the LORD, said, “I have put MY words in your mouth”, and “I (the LORD) will hasten MY word to perform it’ (I will make it happen) (Jeremiah 1:9,12).  The LORD ALMIGHTY can do that for GOD is Sovereign, what HE determines, will occur, regardless of anything.

Jeremiah was a true prophet of the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, Maker of heaven and earth.  That determined, let’s look at one of HIS prophecies (Jeremiah 38:17-23).

In verse 17 Jeremiah is talking to the king of Judah, King Zedekiah, when the Babylonians were coming against the city.  He tells the king IF he surrenders, the king’s life would be spared, and Jerusalem would not be burned down. (notice the IF- those words are conditional on the king’s actions)

In verse 18-23 But IF the king decides not to surrender then, Jerusalem would be burned down, the king would not escape and his wives and children and all the women in the palace would be given to the officials to be ravished.  In the KJ version in verse 23 we read Jeremiah telling the king: “You will cause Jerusalem to be burned”.

According to GOD’s word, who caused Jerusalem to be burned? 

GOD is Sovereign and powerful. HE has a plan that no one can change. It was through HIS purpose, great wisdom, and knowledge of all things past, present, and future (like GOD’s foreknowledge of what the king of Jerusalem would choose) that HE formed HIS plan that would fulfill HIS purposes. 

One of which is to teach the principalities and powers of heaven (good and bad angels) HIS superior wisdom (Ephesians 3:10).

Since GOD cannot lie (Numbers 23:19) and in HIS faithfulness HE keeps every promise HE makes, we know the king had a real choice to make. The king alone would be responsible for his choice. In his GOD-given position of authority, the king’s choice actually determined something to occur.  King Zedekiah caused Jerusalem to be burned. 

He could have stopped it.  So, you see our choices are really important.

Now GOD is in absolute control, and has determined the times and places, yet within HIS plan HE chose to give mankind the attribute of choice.  We are not mere puppets, but GOD sets us in situations and specific time schedules (Acts 17:26-27) where we are given choices that have effects. 

A truth I know, although it is completely beyond my ability to understand, is that while GOD maintains absolute control, HE does so without infringing on the gift HE gave me of choice.

Like King Zedekiah, we believers are told that IF we choose to do something, one thing will happen.  The Word of GOD says, IF we choose to live godly (demonstrating the character of GOD by walking in the power of the HOLY SPIRIT by going with HIS nudging and leading) we can hasten that day when HE will come (that means speed its coming) when all evil is eradicated (2 Peter 3:11-12).  The choice is ours, what will it be?

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

Hugs

Sharon

How to escape

Some think that the GOD of the Old Testament changed and is different than the GOD of the New Testament. BUT GOD does not change. James 1:¹⁷ tells us, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the FATHER of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” Over and over we see that the GOD of the Old Testament is the same as the GOD of the New Testament.  A prime example of this is found in 2 Chronicles 33:^12-13 check it out.

Job 33:²⁴ “GOD is gracious…to deliver man from going down to the pit (HE says) I have found a RANSOM.”

Due to details given in the book of Job many believe the man Job was a contemporary of Abraham. Therefore, the book of Job precedes Genesis by over 500 years.  How could GOD have found a RANSOM at that time to keep men from the pit (hell)?  Is not JESUS the only way?

JESUS declared, “I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the FATHER but by ME” (John 14:6).

What ransom did GOD find?

Hebrews 9:22 “and almost all things by the law are purged (cleansed) by blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no remission (forgiveness of sin).

Hebrews 10:4 “For it is not possible that the blood of bull and of goats should take away sins.”

John 1:29 “the next day John (the Baptist) saw JESUS coming to him and said, ‘Behold the LAMB of GOD who takes away the sin of the world.”

Revelation 13:8 “…the book of life of the LAMB slain from the foundation of the world.”

GOD who knows all things past, present, and future, knew before Creation that people would sin, and a Savior would be needed for the LORD GOD to have an eternal people of HIS own.  JESUS’ sacrifice was pre-determined, agreed on, and accepted by the GODHEAD before the Creation of the world. JESUS taking on the form of man, living, dying for our sins and being raised again for our justification was not a provision added to GOD’s original plan and purpose, but the very plan A itself. GOD’s plan was not Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden, but JESUS in the garden (John 18:1-3).

Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, that GOD who cannot lie, promised before the world began but in due time manifested HIS Word through preaching (the plan was in place and promised but not explained until JESUS).

JESUS was the RANSOM GOD found in Job 33:24.

I love the clarity of the explanation of how a person obtained that RANSOM in the Old Testament given in Job.

Job 33:¹⁴ “Why do you strive against GOD for HE gives not an account of any of HIS matters.  ¹⁶ GOD opens the ears of men (HE speaks to them), and seals (describes) their instructions… ¹⁷ So HE may withdraw man from his purpose (own way) and to hide pride from man.  Job 36:⁹ GOD shows man his transgressions, where they have exceeded (gone beyond the boundaries GOD has set for them). ¹⁰ GOD opens their ear through discipline and commands that they turn from iniquity ¹¹ if they obey (choice) and serve HIM (good will happen) ¹² but if they do not obey, they will perish, and they shall die without knowledge.”

Warning, GOD shows men the truth and their transgressions (sins) but if they refuse to accept the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:¹⁰) or suppress the truth (saying it is not true or doesn’t apply to me Romans 1:^18ff) they lose the knowledge of what GOD has shown them (Luke 8:18).

Job 33:²⁷ “GOD looks upon men and if any say, ‘I have sinned (agree with GOD that they are wrong) and perverted that which was right and it profited me not’ ²⁸ GOD will deliver his soul from going to the pit (lowest hell) and his life shall see the light. ²⁹ all these things GOD often times works with man. ³⁰ to bring him back from the pit (lowest hell) and to be enlightened with the light of the living.”

Therefore, in the Old Testament faith in and obedience to GOD’s word spoken in their hearts was the way they found forgiveness.  “Even as Abraham believed GOD and it was accounted unto him as righteousness” (Galatians 3:6).

As Job 34:⁴ says, “let us choose judgement (GOD’s words).” Accept the RANSOM.

John 3:¹⁶ “for GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believes in HIM shall not perish but have eternal life”.

Hugs

Sharon

Attitude

We’ve all heard and may have even used the expression, “You’ve got an ATTITUDE!.”  It is always a reference to a not so nice attitude.  But the fact is everyone has an attitude.  Each of us choose what our attitude is.  Our attitude determines how we respond or react to our environment.  Every day can hold events we will have no warning of, nor control over. But we do have control over 1 thing- our ATTITUDE. It will determine whether we are full of joy or anger, smile or pout.

So, I’ve decided this new year to have as my goal an ATTITUDE pleasing to GOD.  The pattern I’ve chosen to follow is JESUS.

Philippians 2:5 Let this ATTITUDE that was in CHRIST JESUS be in you.

Philippians 2:6 who didn’t grasp at HIS rights

Philippians 2:7 but laid aside HIS power and glory, HE took the very nature of a servant

Philippians 2:8 humbled HIMSELF and became obedient unto death even the death of the cross.

1-The words  “Let this attitude be in you” says it isn’t automatic. It won’t just happen. I must deliberately choose to adopt JESUS’ attitude over any snide innuendoes from the enemy. And believe me the liar can sound more like me than me when stating that I have a right to have an ATTITUDE!

2-How can I say, “it isn’t fair,” for what in JESUS life on earth was fair?  Nor will I demand my rights but will deny putting myself 1^st  but rather choose to consider others needs and feelings 1^st (Matthew 16:24) just as JESUS did.

3-Though tempted to have a pity party and balk at cleaning up a mess someone else made, I need to look to JESUS who never sinned, even became sin for us that we might be made righteous of GOD in HIM (I Corinthians 5:21).  HE cleaned up our messes because we couldn’t.

4-Carefully I need to stop, listen and consider the suggestions of someone less experienced, less educated, and less trained than me.  JESUS- ONE of the eternal triune GODhead, Creator of the heavens and earth- was raised by poor uneducated Joseph and Mary.  Yet our LORD JESUS CHRIS the eternal GOD, the LORD of hosts submitted to them and did what they told HIM to do (Luke 2:51).

5- JESUS never said or did anything without first consulting GOD our heavenly FATHER and said over and over that HE could do nothing on HIS own (John 5:19,30). The TRINITY works as a team. Therefore, I am determined to acknowledge GOD in all things (Proverbs 3:5-7) for JESUS says that without HIM I can do nothing (of any eternal value) (John 15:5). Just as the head directs the toe to move, I need to get my directions before I speak and act.

6-I need always to be ready to obey the clear directives GOD gives both in HIS word and through HIS nudges. For it is GOD who places HIS desires (knowing what I should do) within me and gives me the power to do what HE wants me to do. (Philippians 2:13).  I simply need to obey those nudges and do what I know I should do at all times.  That is working out into my daily life that which GOD has placed within me (Philippians 2:12).. 

7-It is written that JESUS had to suffer in order to lead many to salvation (Hebrews 2:10).  Notice that word lead?  One can only lead if some are following HIM.  I find it helpful to thank HIM for my challenges (Ephesians 5:20) as a gift to serve and allow my suffering to be a means to help another (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Somehow that really changes my attitude.

I have not attained it yet, but this one thing I know, as I take one step at a time, calling on the LORD to help me (Hebrews 4:16) I will make progress for “Faithful is HE who calls you who will also do it” 1 Thessalonians 5:24.

Looking unto JESUS the Author and Perfecter of my faith

Hugs

Sharon

Does GOD always get what HE wants?

THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY can do anything and nothing is impossible to HIM (Luke 1:37) but does GOD get everything HE wants?

GOD tells us to pray for ALL men for HIS desire is that ALL men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1, 4). So we see that GOD wants ALL men to be saved.

GOD the FATHER sent HIS SON JESUS to the world because HE loved mankind and wanted to save them from their sins so they could live with HIM forever (John 3:16).  JESUS is GOD (John 1:1, 14) and is equal with GOD the FATHER yet HE took on a human body so HE could die on the cross and pay for the sins of ALL mankind (past, present and future) (Philippians 2:5-8) and by HIS blood JESUS was a ransom for ALL (1 Timothy 2:6).  But only those who believe in the LORD JESUS CHRIST’s work on man’s behalf and come to GOD through HIM (John 14:6, Hebrews 7:25, 1 Timothy 2:5) get the benefit and are saved. 

On the other hand the ones who suppress the truth (Romans 1:18-19) and thereby refuse to love the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10) and refuse to come to JESUS (John 3:19-20) they still carry their sins and so the wrath continues to be on them (John 3:36) and they perish/ die in their sins (2 Thessalonians 2:10, John 8:24). 

After JESUS rose from the grave and ascended into heaven, HE sent the HOLY SPIRIT to earth in HIS place. The HOLY SPIRIT convicts ALL people of sin (John 16:8).  If one listens to the HOLY SPIRIT he will turn and be saved.

Conviction is like the pointed sharp end of a goad which was used to turn oxen in the way they were to go and JESUS alluded to that when HE spoke to Saul who was on his way to imprison and kill more Christians. The voice of JESUS spoke to him out of heaven saying, “Isn’t it hard for you to kick against the pricks?” (Acts 26:14). JESUS spoke of the conviction of the HOLY SPIRIT that had hounded Saul when he did wrong.  Saul understood and believed in JESUS. Now Saul is the one called Paul who wrote many New Testament books that teach us what we need to know for finally Saul listened to the conviction and believed.

GOD the HOLY SPIRIT gives ONLY the believers in JESUS a 2nd birth/ new life into GOD’s family (John 3:3-6, John 1:12-13, Ephesians 2:1), The HOLY SPIRIT indwells believers becoming a well of water within them that will flow from them HIS fruit of love, joy and so much more.  The SPIRIT becomes their teacher (John 7:38-39, 14:26, 16:13) HE interprets GOD’s Words to them so they can understand what GOD means. An unbeliever may know the words but cannot learn and understand the truths of GOD for they have not the HOLY SPIRIT to explain it to them. (1 Corinthians 2:10-12), HE baptizes every believer in JESUS into the body of JESUS, gives them spiritual gifts, seals them to GOD unto the Day of Redemption (Ephesians 1:13-14, 4:30, 1 Corinthians 12:7, 13, 20) and much, much more.

Yet a believer in JESUS can quench the HOLY SPIRIT’s work in them when the believer refuses to listen and follow the HOLY SPIRIT’s nudges/ teaching (1 Thessalonians 5:19-20).  A Christian grieves the HOLY SPIRIT when he sins (Ephesians 4:30, 21-31).  If you quench the HOLY SPIRIT’s working through you or grieve HIM through sin the HOLY SPIRIT draws back and is not leading you.  For you are either letting the HOLY SPIRIT lead and empower you (that is called being in the SPIRIT/ being led by the SPIRIT/ walking with the SPIRIT) or you think you know better and do what is right in your own eyes, not consulting with or listening to and following the HOLY SPIRIT.  That is call being in the flesh.  Its when we let our old sin nature rule us.  

When the believer rules himself and refuses the conviction of the HOLY SPIRIT, GOD must discipline that one (1 Corinthians 11:31-32, Hebrews 12:5-7, 11). GOD only disciplines HIS own blood bought children. The purpose of discipline is for that one to learn certain things, to grow in righteousness. Discipline is not fun but GOD degrees HIS discipline will work (Hebrews 12:11) that what GOD says will accomplish what HE desires (Isaiah 55:11) and what HE purposes will come to be (Isaiah 14:24). That purpose is to transform every believer in JESUS to have the same nature that JESUS has (Romans 8:29) and participate in the divine nature of GOD our FATHER (2 Peter 1:4, Hebrews 1:1-3).

Discipline can be severe/ harsh! 

Peter was turned over to Satan to be sifted as wheat and it changed Peter into a humble servant GOD used to lead many to JESUS (Luke 22:31-32).

A Christian man sleeping with his father’s wife was turned over to Satan for the destruction of his flesh that his soul might be saved (1 Corinthians 5:5) and every indication is he turned back and did right.

Two Christian men were turned over to Satan to learn not to blaspheme (1 Timothy 1:20).  We know these are Christians for unbelievers 1) refuse the truth and 2) they have not the HOLY SPIRIT within them to explain the truths of GOD so they cannot learn the things of GOD.

But, Praise the LORD! there is a quick fix.  “If you confess your sins GOD is faithful to forgive you your sins and cleanse you from all unrighteous (wrong that you are not aware of)” (1 John 1:9). 

So to answer my initial question,  Although, Our triune GOD, the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY is absolutely Sovereign and through HIS unfathomable foreknowledge (knowing before time began everything that will happen and every choice man will make before the outplay on earth Psalm 139, Acts 15:18 KJ) the LORD of all the earth brings about everything HE decrees to happen, still the answer is NO GOD does NOT get everything HE would prefer. 

One thing GOD says HE would like but cannot have is for ALL men to be saved. For in the counsel of the GODHEAD it was decided and recorded in Genesis 1:26 that GOD would make man in HIS own image.  That means in accordance to HIS own nature.  In order to give man HIS nature, HE made man with the ability to choose. In big things and little things you and I make choices everyday.  GOD may set the stage (Acts 17:26) but man chooses how to act within those perimeters.

The LORD GOD does not delight in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 18:23, 32, 33:11, 2 Peter 3:9, 1 Timothy 2:4) and does everything in HIS power (without infringing on man’s ability to choose) to woo ALL men to HIMSELF, by GOD’s goodness, forbearance and longsuffering (Romans 2:4) and sending the HOLY SPIRIT to convict men over and over. 

Yet the LORD said, “My Spirit shall not always strive with man” Genesis 6:3.  GOD is longsuffering, but that quality is exactly what it says.  GOD suffers the wrongs of man just so long (up to a set point) as is seen in Genesis 15:16.  HE is so patient.  But the time comes when that’s it.  And everyone not written in the Lambs book of life will be thrown into the everlasting lake of fire (Revelation 20:15).

I am so glad that I have called on the name of JESUS and I am saved eternally by the blood of JESUS, by believing in the LORD JESUS and that GOD the FATHER raised HIM from the dead. (John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10, 13). Knowing that I belong to JESUS and have the HOLY SPIRIT in me to teach and explain things to me, when trouble hits or I am having trouble understanding, I check first to see if I have grieved or quenched the HOLY SPIRIT. 

Do you?

Hugs

Sharon

The sun comes up

The sun comes up, it’s a new day dawning. As the warming but nearly blinding rays of the sun stream through my window it shouts of the glory of GOD’s power. For GOD made the sun and its warming rays are the glory of the sun.   

I awoke pondering the glory of GOD’s power. That could be connected to some verses I am teaching. Glory is the outshining…or how something is seen.  GOD’s power is seen by what HE does, especially what HE has created.  What has HE created?  Everything good and perfect.  They fall down from heaven (GOD), gifts to us (James 1:17).  They are small examples of the glory of GOD’s power.  Things like music, color, laughter are part of the outshining or glory of GOD’s power. 

But as I was speaking with thanksgiving to the LORD that throughout eternity future we will increasingly know the glory of HIS power as we enjoy GOD’s amazing Presence with us, I thought of verses I am teaching in 2 Thessalonians.

2 Thessalonians 1:⁶ It is a righteous thing with GOD to repay with tribulation those who trouble you.^8 “In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not GOD”

The words know not there with its mood and tense in the Greek means= continually, actively not regard with favor.

Let us look at what the Bible tells us about those people: 

Romans 1:¹⁸ For the wrath of GOD is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth/ suppress it (push it away from themselves) in unrighteousness; ¹⁹ Because that which may be known of GOD is manifest in them; for GOD has shown it unto them. ²⁰ For the invisible things of HIM from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even HIS eternal power and GODhead; so that they are without excuse: ²¹ Because that, when they knew GOD, they glorified HIM not as GOD, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations (speculations, reasonings), and their foolish heart was darkened. ²² Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, ²³ And changed the glory of the uncorruptible GOD into an image made like to corruptible…²⁴ Wherefore (for that reason) GOD also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts,(GOD gave them what they wanted)… ²⁸ And even as they did not like to retain GOD in their knowledge (they didn’t want to think about HIM), GOD gave them over to a reprobate mind (to what they chose). 

2 Thessalonians 2:¹⁰  those who perish because they did not receive/ refused the love of the truth.

Was the truth offered to them?  Well, you cannot receive or refuse something unless it has been 1^st been offered to you.

Now back to where we started:

2 Thessalonians 1:^8 “In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not GOD and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ”

The Greek word with its mood and tenses for obey not there is to: continually actively refusing to listen to, comply with, submit to.  What are they refusing to listen to, comply with and submit to?

The Gospel of our LORD JESUS CHRIST.

2 Thessalonians 1:⁹ Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the Presence of the LORD, and from the glory of his power;

As we have seen these people want nothing to do with GOD on earth so by shutting them out from HIS Presence GOD is just giving them what they chose and wanted. We have also seen they chose to refuse to acknowledge GOD was the Creator and so again by shutting them away from the glory of HIS power (everything good, those things that HE made: for instance, music, color, aromas, relationships) is again only giving them what they themselves have chosen.

GOD is good and loving and kind.  When HE chose to give man the ability to choose, HE allowed them to determine not just what they were going to eat but their eternal destiny.

But GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten SON that whosoever believes in HIM will not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16) and to us who have become GOD’s children through believing in JESUS (John 1:12) GOD has sent us out as ambassadors.

Now then we are ambassadors for CHRIST, as though GOD did beseech you by us: we urge you in CHRIST’s stead (place), be reconciled to GOD (2 Corinthians 5:20). Come to GOD through JESUS (Hebrews 7:25) by believing JESUS is LORD and GOD raised HIM from the dead and call on the name of the LORD (Romans 10:9-10, 13) and be saved.

Hugs

Sharon

Prophecy and prayer

We hear a lot about prophesy these days. Yet the Bible tells us that in there is a lot of false prophets in the world stating what they think or want to happen.  They dare to conjure up things themselves then say,  “GOD said”.  It seems as though they think by proclaiming something they think, GOD will have to make it happen.

GOD HIMSELF said, “they dream up their own prophesies” (Jeremiah 23:25-26, 28-32) and “tell lies to the people.”

How can we tell true prophecy from false prophecy? Isaiah 8:20   Go check it against the Word of GOD.  True prophecy is when GOD says something will happen.  If you go to GOD’s word you will find many prophecies… many have already been fulfilled to the letter and others are waiting to be fulfilled.

Prophecy is the telling the future before it happens.  But is prophesy more than GOD making things happen?

GOD knows all things past, present and future (the things that have not yet happened.)  I love how Psalm 139 AMP states HE knows what we will say before the thoughts are formed in our minds and how HE has scheduled every day of our lives before we began to breathe.

A king sent a messenger to a man of GOD (Elisha) to ask him a question.  While speaking to the messenger, Elisha looked intently at him and began to weep. The messenger asked why Elisha was weeping.  Elisha replied, “Because I know the evil that you will do…” The messenger then asked how could I do such awful things? Elisha said, “The Lord has shown me” (for more details read 2 Kings 8:7-14).

Just as Elisha saw what the messenger would do, so GOD sees what we will do before we do it.  Now Elisha did nothing to make that messenger later do those awful things, he just saw them before they happened.  In the same way, although GOD presets the exact times and places, HE does not make people act (like puppets). 

GOD does set the stage up (Acts 17:26) but people themselves decide what they choose to do in the place they find themselves in. 

As Elisha could not be blamed for what the messenger would later do, neither can GOD be blamed for that which HE foresees will occur.

However, GOD’s ability to see ahead/ foreknowledge is that characteristic of our all powerful, knowing GOD whereby HE can devise a plan where all things work together to achieve HIS end purpose (Ephesians 1:11) and still allow people their choices.

GOD is not limited by time as we are.  Being above time, HE knows and sees all things past, present, and future.  Prophesy is GOD telling us what HE has seen will occur before it takes place.  HE relates what will occur in the future in great detail in the books of Revelation and Daniel for HE has a plan and is setting the stage and has already seen how it will play out.

Man is not going to change that even through prayer. 

The point/ purpose of prayer is not to conform GOD’s actions to our will.  We pray and seek GOD’s face to ask for help and direction.  When HE meets with us and directs us, our prayers join with HIM to do HIS will.

If we pray only to get the answers we want, we will become irritated and angry with GOD.  And that is dangerous. 

A dear friend had a medical emergency, and a group of believers circled her declaring in prayer “believing” that the problem did not exist.  Well, when the problem escalated, she said to me, “GOD let me down.”

NO! I said, GOD did not let you down!, HE just has other plans for HIS loving thoughts and ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9) and they will accomplish what HE wants done (Isaiah 55:11).  It took awhile but she came to see GOD knows best.

Do we demand what we want from GOD or are we seeking HIM and HIS kingdom?  Do we check out prophesies with HIS Word or do we just embrace things we want to hear?

Hugs

Sharon

We choose

Everyday you and I make choices.  One choice every person that knows right from wrong made is to do something we knew was wrong.  GOD calls that sin.  “All have sinned…” (Romans 3:23) and “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).

“GOD… devises means that HIS banished be not expelled from HIM..”  2 Samuel 14:14 

One of my dictionary’s definitions for the word devise is to make secret plans for.. and scripture tells us that GOD’s secret plan to save us was devised before the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8).

The truth that “GOD… devises means that HIS banished be not expelled from HIM speaks of GOD’s love for me and for you.  We have each sinned and the wages of sin is death.  But our holy and just GOD, who cannot tolerate sin for it destroys all it touches, has devised the means that HE might do right (be just) and yet keep us from being expelled (thrown into the lake of fire)..from HIM  (Romans 3:26).

GOD is good.  All of HIS ways are right. Sin is a choice to rebel against what GOD says is right. Sin centers on me doing my thing; it is destructive and hurts others, it is progressive and gets worse and worse. (Romans 1:18ff) 

Why must there be judgment on sin? 

Without judgment there is no hope; for without judgment there would be no end to evil in the universe or in men’s hearts.  Sin is progressive and gets worse and worse.  Without judgment sin would go on and on and on continually rising it’s ugly head.

Since sin was our choice.  Therefore, the means GOD devised to save us involved our making another choice.

In John 3:14 JESUS reminded the Jews of a means GOD devised in the wilderness whereby those who had sinned and were bitten by poisonous snakes in judgment could be saved from death.  For if a snake bit a person that one would die. But GOD devised a plan to save them.  It involved a choice to believe GOD and follow HIS instructions. 

All they had to do was look at a bronze snake that GOD had Moses lift up on a pole for all to see.  If someone got bit by a snake and looked at the snake on the pole they lived, if they refused to look they died.  It was a simple choice.  It made no rational sense for it was a supernatural thing.  But it worked.

The means GOD devised that sinful people would not be expelled from HIM is amazing but makes no rational sense either for it also is supernatural.

“For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS only begotten Son that whosoever believes in HIM should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

For the Jews in the wilderness it took a choice to believe GOD and do what HE said.  It only took one look and they were healed.… Like them we must make a choice.  Do we believe GOD or the evil one?  Will we look to JESUS and believing that on the cross HE paid for our sins?  Only the Jews who believed GOD and looked at the bronze snake lived.  Only those who look to JESUS’s death on the cross as the only way will be saved.

On our part, it involves a simple choice.  But for GOD the means HE devised was very costly.  Both GOD the FATHER and GOD the SON suffered greatly that day that JESUS hung on the cross bearing the sins of the world.  Yet both GOD the FATHER and GOD the SON agreed on the means because of their love for us.

What do we do with THEIR love? I am reminded of Joshua’s words  Joshua 24:15 ‘choose you this day whom you will serve.’  It baffles me that some despise and refuse GOD’s gift of love just as the some refused to look at the snake in the wilderness and died. 

As for me, I choose to embrace GOD’s love by believing in JESUS. How about you?

Hugs

Sharon

Are you one of the chosen?

Are you one of the chosen?

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).

“to them that are sanctified (set apart) in CHRIST JESUS, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of JESUS CHRIST our LORD” (1 Corinthians 1:2). 

Everyone who calls upon the name of the LORD, is one of the called and is saved. 

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should shew forth the praises of HIM who hath called you out of darkness into HIS marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9)

If you have called upon the name of the LORD you are one of the called and you are chosen.

Chosen: that ye should shew forth the praises of HIM…  That is to witness of JESUS and to show others how great GOD is! (Acts 1:8).

Chosen: to walk in the HIS lightor walk as JESUS walked.  If you follow HIM (walk as HE walked) you won’t walk in darkness (John 8:12).  That is, you will know right from wrong. 

If you believe in JESUS and have called upon the name of the LORD, you are called and chosen to be saved and to walk as JESUS walked so the world can call upon the name of the LORD to JESUS and be saved.

Have you called upon the name of the LORD?  If not, why?

Hugs

Sharon

In these days

Some may think that to walk 🚶🏼 in the SPIRIT you must be super spiritual. But the truth is it is just not so. All that is required to walk 🚶🏼 in the Spirit is to decide to think about what GOD wants and pay attention to the whispers and inner nudges of the SPIRIT.

We have seen glimpses of it overseas for years but right now, right here in America with the Corona-virus and violence circumstances certainly look tremendously like how JESUS described the times just before the Day of the LORD (a 7 year period of great Tribulation that will be the end of the world as we know it). “For nation (Greek=ethnic group) will rise against nation (ethnic group), kingdom against kingdom, there will be famines and pestilence and earthquakes in divers places” (Matthew 24:7).

The result is much fear, stress, and uncertainty for those in the world who know not CHRIST. Although it should not be, unfortunately, even many Christians are experiencing those things for their eyes are on the things they trust in, things of the world.

Christians who are fearful concerning these events are not looking to GOD and trusting HIS control, plan (for all this is outlined in the prophesies of the Bible) and promises. They, perhaps unconsciously, are trusting in man or themselves to solve the problems. We must not leave GOD out of the picture. We are called to walk by faith, not sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

As Oswald Chambers said: Seeing is never believing, we interpret what we see in the light of what we believe. Faith is confidence in GOD before you see GOD emerging; therefore, the nature of faith is that it must be tried.

For those who walk in the flesh have their mind (thoughts) on the values of this world 🌎. But those who walk in the SPIRIT (by HIS direction and power) direct their thoughts to GOD’s values and choose to go by HIS nudges (Romans 8:5).

“This I say then, walk in the SPIRIT, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).

As we choose to submit to the inward nudges the HOLY SPIRIT we become aware of GOD’s Presence with us and promises to us and the SPIRIT calms us, giving us HIS peace and directions in our spirit saying “this is the way, walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21, Philippians 2:13).

It really is that simple. All we need to do is choose what we think about, and what thoughts to reject. Sometimes it means to call out to the LORD for help to do it (Hebrews 4:14-16).

But I urge you look unto Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).

Hugs
Sharon

GOD’s incredible infinite knowledge and power is mind-boggling.

Seeking the LORD in HIS Word this morning I asked to see more of HIM and was amazed again and am at a total loss to find words to describe the incredible infinite knowledge of GOD that HE pointed out to me.

GOD had the prophet Jeremiah offer a choice to the king and told the king precisely what would occur if he chooses obedience and what would occur if he refused.  What is even more amazing is that GOD knew before offering the king that choice what the king would do and synchronized events accordingly (see Jeremiah 38:15-23).

GOD always offers us a choice and our choice will determine, for that instance, if we are vessels of honor or dishonor (2 Timothy 2:20-21). Yet GOD’s purposes are never thwarted for HE always presets things according to what HE knows we will choose (foreknowledge).

“Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it” (Psalm 139:6).

But I can choose to acknowledge GOD in all things and do what HE prompts me to do while not leaning on my own understanding but trusting HIS (Proverbs 3:5-7).

THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY promises- “And the Lord will continually guide you, And satisfy your desire in scorched places, And give strength to your bones; And you will be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail (Isaiah 58:11).

Hugs

Sharon